10+ Must-Know Design Tips for Your New Nursery

Lauren Goldman
Jun 17, 2014

After designing countless nurseries, it wasn’t until I became a mom that I realized the best layout was driven by routine. There is a changing routine, a sleeping routine and a playtime routine. All have specific needs and requirements, which can be solved by a thoughtful layout that will make your life easier. Whether you are starting with a clean slate and can dictate the layout or are working with an existing floor plan, using strategies initiated by routine is the key to a well-functioning nursery.

The Changing Routine

Here, safety is your priority. It’s ideal to have all your necessities in arm’s reach so you never have to step away and take a hand or eye off of the baby. Have the changing table pad over your dresser where you keep changes of clothes, diapers, wipes, and hand sanitizer in the drawers or baskets below. Next to the changing table, keep the diaper trash and make it hands free, sans any lids to open. Being in close proximity to the closet is ideal so you can pick up extra clothes from the closet before setting the baby down to change and also so you can drop the dirty clothes in the hamper after changing. An efficient layout makes for fast changes to prevent a fussy, squirming baby. It also ensures that you’ll never sacrifice safety. You’ll never have to leave your baby on the changing table while you have to walk across the room to grab something. It’s great to have the changing table near a window so the baby can look out, making for a great opportunity to get some natural light after naps or in the morning.

The Sleep Routine

Until becoming a mom, you might not fully appreciate the importance of a good sleep routine and the rituals that signal to the baby that it’s time for sleep. Getting your baby in the mood for sleep is critical. Sending the right cues will make this process much easier; not unlike the changing table proximities, having your sleep tools at your fingertips is essential. Invest in a glider, rocker or comfortable chair to read stories, rock your baby, and sing songs. It’s just as important to make this a comfortable place for you; you may be spending a lot of time in there. It’s ideal to put a pouf or ottoman under your feet for extra comfort. Within reach should be books, a music player for baby lullabies, sound machine, and a dimmer table lamp. If these items are not in arm’s distance, you may find yourself needing to get up and down and disrupting the mood.

When laying out a nursery, have the crib against a wall versus under or next to a window. For one, it’s safer, but also prevents draft. Steer clear of tall bookshelves that the baby could climb on when they get mobile, even if you have it secured to the wall. And, keeping even the shortest bookshelf away from the crib will prevent the temptation of your little one from climbing out of the crib and using the bookshelf as a jungle gym.

Blackout shades are highly recommended. Even with the shades, there is some light that filters out the sides. A dim room sets the mood, which is critical to getting your baby to sleep faster. If you have any shades, make sure all chords have a safety release or secured at a height which would make it impossible for a baby to reach.

The Playtime Routine

Even if you have a designated play space outside of the nursery, it’s nice to dedicate space in the baby’s room for playtime and not have it all be about sleep. Make just enough space to have a toy bin and comfortable rug or playmat. Make sure the toy bin isn’t too close to the crib so your baby isn’t helping themselves to toys when they should be sleeping. Being near a window for natural lighting is great as well.

While I’ve worked with a range of nursery sizes and layouts, it’s most important to provide a safe environment for the baby, while also giving yourself a comfortable layout that makes the changing, sleeping and playtime routines as easy as possible with frantic moments hopefully being avoided.

Are you putting together a nursery of your own? Let us know which tip is most useful to you by sharing with us on Facebook.

(Photo via Getty Images)

The Best Sites to Shop for Nursery Decor

After scouring the traditional stand-alone mass baby retailers, most design-conscious parents-to-be are typically left fretting over the lack of beautiful design in nursery furniture and decor. But fear not; there are so many gorgeous and well-curated online nursery design sites, and today we're sharing 10 of the best to shop for your nursery from the comfort of your own living room.

Minted

For fresh prints and nursery decor from independent designers look no further than Minted. This Once Upon a Blue Moon Print by Texas-based Maja Cunningham is a sweet addition to your bear's room.

2Modern

For the truly modern parent, 2Modern carries all of your favorite furniture brands — like Oeuf — adorable bedding sets and the most charming of lighting.

H&M Kids

For finds that are adorable and easy on your wallet, look to H&M, which has a whole kids line of bedding, blankets, rugs, accessories and more. These wooden storage boxes are a perfect way to keep books, toys, and all of your baby stuff organized in a stylish way.

Serena & Lily

Serena & Lily has everything you need to make a house a home and a nursery simply sweet. The founders, Serena and Lily, get that although life is messy, it still deserves a beautiful backdrop. Take this cozy Kalahari Mini Quilt ($128). It's as stylish as it is practical.

Anthropologie Kids

If your style is boho-chic, look no further than Anthropologie Kids, which has color furniture, lighting, rugs, and wall art like this Brownstone Bookshelf ($498). You'll be tempted to move it from the nursery to your own bedroom.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn makes the most classically designed and well-made furniture we've seen, and with showrooms around the country, if you need to see the pieces in person, this is a great place to start. Shopping tip: Keep an eye out for their big furniture sales, when you can get everything from cribs to knitted baby blankets at major discounts!

Maisonette

With their mid-century furniture design and gorgeous signature fabrics, DwellStudio is the modern nursery brand you see popping up all over your nursery Pinterest boards. Prepare to fall in love with pieces like this musical llama from Manhattan Toy ($50).

Fawn + Forest

Fawn + Forest does an amazing job of collecting some of the most stunning modern nursery and decor designs by the latest up-and-coming brands, so this site is not to be missed. Might we suggest the Oeuf Rhea Crib in Walnut ($670)?

Crate&kids

The rest of your house is furnished with Crate & Barrel decor, so might as well make the nursery math. Crate&kids has all of the classic furniture and room accents you love, but in adorable versions that are fit for a kid’s room, such as this shaggy pouf ($69).

AllModern

Carrying a huge range of modern furniture, decor, bedding, baby gear, and toys, AllModern really is a design-forward one-stop shop, where you can pick up all-modern lookers like the babyletto Hudson 3-in-2 convertible crib ($750) or Swivel Glider ($703).

Project Nursery

Project Nursery has a nicely curated collection of design-forward furniture and decor; there are enough options to find what you want but not too many for you to be overwhelmed. This adorable pom pom rug by Pehr Designs ($280) will make a bright statement in your baby's room.

RH Baby + Child

Restoration Hardware has the vintage-meets-modern thing down pat, and their baby and child lines are no exception. Their rustic pieces, like the Landry Panel Crib are almost regal, and the furniture is perfectly mix-and-matchable.

Modern Nursery

Modern Nursery offers a huge selection of sleek nursery furniture, wall decals and wallpaper, mobiles, rugs, like this Lorena Canals Ocean Shore Washable Rug ($229), and so much more. Be sure to sign up for Modern Rewards to earn as you buy.

What are your favorite nursery shops? Share with us @BritandCo!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more nursery decor ideas.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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"A Family Affair" Is The Hilarious Summer Rom-Com You Can't Miss

I love sappy, sweet-as-candy rom-coms. You know, the ones where two leads spend the entire movie pursuing other people only to realize they were in love with each other the whole time. The movie usually takes place in a big city or a small town (and sometimes both), there's a quirky best friend, and there's always a big declaration of love before the credits roll. And while these straightforward movies are always on my watchlist, I also love the wacky movies that involve hilarious misunderstandings, ridiculous fight scenes, and gravity-defying Dirty Dancing movies (yes, I'm talking about Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling'sCrazy Stupid Love here). Humor always makes a movie even more enjoyable to watch, and A Family Affair is as wacky as they come. The movie reunites Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, who played opposite each other ten years ago, and this time, Joey King's added into the mix. Here's everything you need to know about the new summer movie.

What is the movie A Family Affair about?

Image via Netflix

Like any good rom com, A Family Affair is all about a surprising romance — just not the kind Zara might be hoping for. When her mother (Nicole Kidman) and her famous actor boss (Zac Efron) fall for each other, their newfound relationship complicates everyone's ideas of sex and identity, and Zara's entire life. And, just like you might expect when your boss and mother hook up, chaotic hilarity ensues.

When does A Family Affair come out?

You can watch A Family Affair on Netflix starting June 28.

Who's in the A Family Affair movie cast?

Image via Netflix

Joey King, Zac Efron, and Nicole Kidman lead this new rom-com, and they're joined by a few of our other favorite actors! A Family Affair also stars Liza Koshy and Kathy Bates.

What does A Family Affair mean?

Image via Netflix

A family affair refers to a situation that's connected to someone's family in one way or another. For me, being an adult has been all about establishing work-life balance, and I'm sure the same is true for Zara. I can't wait to see how this movie's unexpected romance turns everything upside down.

What else did Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron star in?

Image via Netflix

Before they were cast in A Family Affair, Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman played lovers in The Paperboy in 2012. Familiarity and comfort are two super important things in any romantic role, and I can already tell from these first look images that Zac and Nicole not only have awesome chemistry, but they're comfortable enough around each other to just have fun. And that's all we can ask for from a good movie!

What would YOU do if your boss and one of your parents hooked up? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!

Lead image via Netflix

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30 Ways to Buy or DIY a Dreamy Nursery

When you saw the first sonogram, your heart melted. Everything changed when you became a parent, including a newfound love for everything baby and a to-do list that would take longer than nine months to complete. Now that you've shared the big news, nailed the perfect name and filled baby's closet with gorgeous goodies, it's time to talk about the nursery. Lucky for all overwhelmed parents-to-be out there, we're here to help with some sweet nursery ideas that sent us into adorable overload. And the best part? They're all DIY-able. Get ready to welcome your little one into the world with the dreamiest baby digs ever.

1. Wall Art: There are so many ways to personalize your nursery walls with photos and prints. Play with washi tape for creating patterns and framing prints, everything from inspiring messages and graphic art to cute forest and wild animals like this baby leopard! (via Minted)

2. Bedside Pom-Pom Rug: Everything baby touches should be impossibly soft and fluffy. Bring on the pom-pom rug. (via Say Yes)

3. Wall Mural: Design your own statement wall with tape and paint or take the easier and just-as-pretty route with removable murals in colorful prints, like this Looking Far West by artist Sue Prue. (via Minted)

4. Pom-Pom Wall Art: We can never have enough pom-poms! We love this texturally rich wall hanging and we think your bb will too. (via Brit + Co)

5. Dipped Tree Trunk Table: Okay, is it weird that we want to put this in our room instead of the nursery? This tree trunk table gives baby's room a bit of rustic yet modern charm. It will only cost you a few bucks to make this gorgeously rustic piece. (via Couture and Turbulences)

6. Fabric Storage Baskets: Babies come with a ton of stuff. Loads and loads of stuff. Prepare the storage. Make some for your room or buy ones in fresh and modern prints. (via Minted)

7. Crib Skirt: Short on space? Under baby's crib is the perfect hideaway for extra storage… as long as it's cleverly concealed with a cute crib skirt like this one. (via DIY Decor Mom)

8. Paper Mache Alphabet Wall: Baby’s got things to learn, people. Give her a jump-start on the alphabet with this wall art. (via Fawn Over Baby)

9. Mixed Material Tassel Garland: Mixing yarn and nonfrayed fabric to DIY this garland makes for a cozy backdrop to your crib. (via Brit + Co)

10. Nursery Pinboard: Your new life will require a memory-holding pinboard that you can customize or DIY for all the cards (especially those perfectly written ones you'll want to keep) and reminders to pick up more diapers, wipes, etc. (via Minted)

11. Moon Cradle from Pallets: If you've managed to salvage some wood pallets you can pull off this stunning upcycle. How can a baby not enjoy sweet dreams when lulled to sleep in a moon cradle? (via 1001 Pallets)

12. Corkboard Gallery Wall: Create a nostalgic wall space so your little one will already feel like he or she is part of the crew! Add more baby photos as you take them — trust us, there will lots! (via Brit + Co) 

13. Thumbtack Wall Art: Pick your message and then tack away! (via Brit + Co)

14. Elephant Doorstop: Drop everything. It's an elephant doorstop and you know you need it now. This little guy is absolutely irresistible. (via Create Studio)

15. Coffee Filter Angel Wings: You'll never guess what common household item these pretty wings are crafted from — cereal boxes and coffee filters! (via Alice Wingerden)

16. Felt Hot Air Balloon Mobile Tutorial: Here's what baby's bedtime should look like: a few pages of Goodnight Moon and visions of pretty little hot air balloons. Make it happen. (via How Joyful)

17.Decoupage Outlet Covers: Is it weird that we want to stare at our light switches? These covers are so pretty we can't take our eyes off them. (via 36th Avenue)

18. Nursery Shelf: Some moms may tell you to throw out all organization goals after baby's arrival. But we think it's okay to have high aspirations. Get off to a great start and show all your friends you're clearly super-mom with this Little Artist Shelf for hanging shower cards and other mementos from the built-in art clips. (via Minted)

19.Wall Garlands: Craft some wall garlands like these and you'll be the queen of Pinterest-perfect nurseries. We love how these pretties are draped, curtain-style. (via Design Love Fest)

20. Pom-Pom Mobile: Ok, yes — we know! But TBH, there's *always* room for another pom-pom DIY. Intro your tiny tot to the wonderful (and V. colorful) world of pom-pom-ery via a DIY mobile. (via Brit + Co)

22.Personalized Pillow: Kids love their name on *everything* - how sweet would it be on a pillow as cute as this personalized Safari Cats pillow? (via Minted)

23. Rope Shelving: Okay, we know you're getting an “I need that" gleam in your eye already. You've probably already planned out the perfect spot in your home for this rope shelf. It'd even be okay if it's not in your nursery. (via Simply Grove)

24.Lampshade: The cutest baby in the world needs to have the cutest lamp in the world, obviously. (via Minted)

25. Cloud Mobile: It doesn't get much dreamier than a dozen fluffy little clouds, blissfully strung mobile-style to grace the space over baby's crib. Haven't you heard? Counting clouds is the new best way to lull baby to sleep. (via Fresh Mommy Blog)

26. Clear Shelves: Where else would you keep baby's favorite bedtime storybooks? (via This Little Street)

27. Poster from a Photograph: Channel your inner artist and follow this tutorial to paint your baby's portrait. It's easier than it looks, and you'll feel like Picasso when it's complete. (via Patent Pending Projects)

28. Wooden Baby Gym Tutorial: We spoke with your babe, and he totally needs this wooden baby gym. (via Empty Handed)

29. Birth Stat Chalkboard Wall Art: Preserve all the precious details of your little one's birthday on a piece of art you can proudly display. (via The DIY Village)

30. Personalized Chair: This one will last them (and you) through the years. (Paper Cut by Alethea and Ruth for Minted)

What are you DIY-ing to create dreamy digs for your baby? Share with us @BritandCo!

This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted to find more nursery decor ideas.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Hey Mamas! Enter To Win A Diaper Genie + A Refill Bundle

From running on 3 hours of sleep to constant diaper changes, mamas do so much. We've teamed up with @diapergenieofficial for a special Mother’s Day gift to make things easier for new moms: receive a FREE Diaper Genie Select Pail with square refill technology, plus enough refills to get you off to a great start! The giveaway will consist of one Select Pail + four Jumbo Refills for an associated value of up to $118. Say goodbye to diaper odors in style with this sleek, easy-to-use pail. The winner will also receive a $500 Amazon gift card to shop for all their baby and household needs. Check the deets below!

Enter to win a new Diaper Genie Select Pail and four Jumbo Refills here. Giveaway ends on May 31. One lucky winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 5.

Good luck mamas! #DiaperGenie #MothersDayMagic

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Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Just Announced Its Rom-Com Pick For May!

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading books in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP.

Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center, girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood. To date, her book club list has amassed over 90 titles of romantic beach reads, thrillers, and more.

Since it's a new year and we're sure you not ready to tackle that many titles, I went through the list to pick the top 26 books worth diving into. Buckle up because they're sure to take our emotions on a ride! After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 24 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 16 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.
Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.
Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.
Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.
Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last 

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon 

Image via Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Image via Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld 

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens 

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes 

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed 

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng 

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović 

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd 

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont 

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley 

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo 

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón 

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller 

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams 

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave 

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse 

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord 

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia 

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

Other Stories On Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List

  • "Yellowface" by R.F. Kuang
  • "Cassandra in Reverse" by Holly Smale
  • "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?" by Crystal Smith Paul
  • "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
  • "The Marriage Portrait" by Maggie O'Farrell
  • "Our Missing Hearts" by Celeste Ng
  • "On The Rooftop" by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
  • "Honey & Spice" by Bolu Babalola
  • "Counterfeit" by Kirstin Chen
  • "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams
  • "Anatomy" by Dana Schwartz
  • "Honor" by Thrity Umrigar
  • "The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak
  • "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood
  • "We Were Never Here" by Andrea Bartz
  • "The Downstairs Girl" by Stacey Lee
  • "Tokyo Ever After" by Emiko Jean
  • "Northern Spy" by Flynn Berry
  • "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley
  • "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel
  • "Outlawed" by Anna North
  • "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
  • "A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow" by Laura Taylor Namey
  • "Group" by Christie Tate
  • "Fable" by Adrienne Young
  • "His Only Wife" by Peace Medie Adzo
  • "Furia" by Yamile Saied Mendez
  • "The Last Story of Mina Lee" by Nancy Jooyoun Kim
  • "You Should See Me in a Crown" by Leah Johnson
  • "Everything Inside" by Edwidge Danticat
  • "I'm Still Here" by Austin Channing Brown
  • "The Guest List" by Lisa Foley
  • "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi
  • "UNTAMED" by Glennon Doyle
  • "The Jetsetters" by Amanda Eyre Ward
  • "The Scent Keeper" by Erica Bauermeister
  • "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
  • "Conviction" by Denise Mina
  • "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moye
  • "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
  • "The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott
  • "The Last House Guest" by Megan Miranda
  • "Whisper Network" by Chandler Baker
  • "The Cactus" by Sarah Haywood
  • "From Scratch" by Tembi Locke
  • "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo
  • "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory
  • "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean
  • "One Day in December" by Josie Silver
  • "The Other Woman" by Sandie Jones
  • "This Is How It Always Is" by Laurie Frankel
  • "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel
  • "Next Year in Havana" by Chanel Cleeton
  • "Something in the Water" by Catherine Steadman
  • "You Think It, I'll Say It" by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • "Happiness" by Heather Harpham
  • "Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows" by Balli Kaur Jaswal
  • "The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo
  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown
  • "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine
  • "The Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" by Ann Patchett
  • “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman
  • "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware
  • "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn
  • "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

Whether you want to challenge yourself to read a book every couple of days like Reese or choose a few books to get you through the summer, I'm sure you'll find titles to add to your growing library. I already have my eyes on Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Club by Ellery Lloyd!

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This post has been updated.

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