Here's How I’m Planning My First Thanksgiving Dinner

Theresa Gonzalez
Nov 21, 2023
thanksgiving planning

Thanksgiving, and even more so Friendsgiving, is hands-down my favorite holiday. There’s no pressure to give gifts, there's an open invitation to whoever wants to come over, and it's all about gratitudeand gobbling up delicious food all day long. I love to take a hike in the morning before the big meal, which helps me make slightly healthier choices — or feel better about the indulgent ones.

As of 2020, I have a dining room to actually host guests and this year will be the first time I get to use it for Thanksgiving (last year I did an amazing home exchange a la "The Holiday" and skipped out on traditional TG). This year, I'm hosting eight people, including my daughter and my boyfriend's goddaughter (both 8), and going all-out. Here’s how I’m prepping for the day, days in advance.

Delegate

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

My boyfriend has been assigned to cook a turkey to take the pressure off of me having to cook the star of the show. He’s also going to make his late mom’s homemade biscuits, which is a beautiful tribute since his dad will be joining us too.

My mom has her favorite, the pumpkin pie, covered. She’ll also help keep the kids (it's truly a modern family event!) entertained with a coloring tablecloth.

We'll ask friends to bring booze and a side or dessert of their choice.

Tap Pinterest for Decor

I attended a local event recently and loved the natural centerpieces made of eucalyptus and other native greenery. I'll be putting together a simple nature-inspired centerpiece with candles and foliage. Here's my inspo:

Drinks

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Wine goes best with turkey, IMO. I live in Sonoma, CA, so that’s a given. Here are a few gems I’m saving for the big day: ; Meeker Viognier, and Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon.

Are you more of a cocktail/mocktail fan? Check out:

Delight Your Guests With These Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers

27 Thanksgiving Cocktails & Drink Recipes Full Of Boozy Fall Flavor

12 Fall Mocktails To Sip On This Season

Food

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Brit + Co recipes don’t disappoint. I made this galette over the spring and I'm going to modify it with sweet potatoes and kale for a pre-dinner appetizer. I also love a good charcuterie board and/or butter board for pre-dinner.

For the feast, I'm eyeing Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash With Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette,Roasted Cinnamon Little Potatoes and Pumpkin, and Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous from 50 Indulgent Thanksgiving Side Dishes as well as Half Baked Harvest's Make-Ahead Mashed Potato Recipe.

Dessert

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

I'm not much of a fan of pumpkin pie, so in addition to my mom's offering I'll be whipping up thisGluten-Free Lemon Olive Oil Cake to give my belly a rest, and for the kids these Oreo pops are pretty easy and cute (see below).

Dinnerware + Dressing

I also need some dessert plates, so I'm eyeing these beauts from Anthropologie that I can use year-round. I'm also thinking something like this & Other Stories dresswill allow me to go for seconds!

Games + Gratitude

We'll certainly have the parade and some football playing in the background, but we will also acknowledge what we're thankful for and celebrate in others ways with games and activities (Thanksgiving head gearanyone?).

Gratitude

Of course, this is what this holiday is all about and one of the many reasons I love it. I adore these gratitude cards (maybe try our gratitude journal prompts too?) for the table that could be stringed along the wall after the meal as a reminder or clothes-pinned onto a gratitude tree.

Well, there you have it -- my plan for my first Thanksgiving. What are your plans? Whether you'recelebrating solo or with friends and/or family, have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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20 Modern Passover Recipes For Your Seder Feast

The Passover Seder is steeped in tradition, but that doesn't mean your meal has to be completely conventional. Here are 20 modern takes on classic Passover dishes, like Manischewitz-spiked cocktails and matzo-based chocolate bars. (Don't let the word "modern" scare you; there's still plenty of smoked fish, matzo ball soup, and kugel in the mix.)

When is Passover this year in 2024?

Passover begins the evening of April 22, 2024, and lasts through the evening of Apr 30, 2024.

What is the traditional meal for Passover?

The traditional meal for Passover includes a mix of symbolic foods. Meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables, herbs, and saltwater all have a place on the Seder plate, though more modern passover meals make some variations on the ingredients included.

What are the 6 foods of Passover?

A lamb’s bone (Zeroah), roasted egg (Beitzah), fruit and nut paste (Haroset), bitter herbs like horseradish (Mar’or), green vegetables (Karpas), and a small bowl of salt water are the 6 main foods of Passover.

What food is forbidden on Passover?

Some traditions celebrate the jewish holiday with restrictions on leavened bread (chometz). Breads made from wheat, oat, spelt, rye or barley are not eaten on Passover.

The Best Foods To Make For Your Passover Meals

Smoked Salmon Platter

Now that everyone has a drink, get the party started with a show-stopping salmon platter, complete with cukes, tomatoes, red onion, and tons of shmear. Replace the bagels with matzo to hold all those toppings. (via How Sweet Eats)

Matzo Ball Soup

This Passover classic is traditionally made with chicken. Welcome your vegetarian friends to the table with a meat-free version. (via Foodal)

Salmon Instant Pot Dinner

If you're hosting a small Passover Seder, use your Instant Pot to create a full meal of steamed fish, potatoes, and veg. (via Brit + Co.)

Roasted Beef Tenderloin With French Onion Au Jus

Feeling fancier than brisket? This thyme-crusted tenderloin is simpler than it looks but is definitely main-course worthy. Just be sure to omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free substitute. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Matzo Schnitzel

With matzo meal and potato starch, crispy breaded chicken free of leavened ingredients can be yours for your Passover crowd to enjoy. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant-Pot Pot Roast

Embrace the modern-day craze for the Instant Pot (and the Whole30 diet) with this nourishing pot roast, which incorporates more veggies than the traditional version. (via Life Made Sweeter)

Kofta Kebabs

These kebabs have just six ingredients but are intensely flavorful from cozy cinnamon and aromatic basil. Swap out Passover Panko or matzo meal for the breadcrumbs. These have a tahini dressing, which can be left out depending on if your family consumes kitniyot during Passover or not. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

Celebrate the classic fried artichokes of the Roman Jewish Ghetto with this lighter version, which steams in 10 minutes in the Instant Pot. (via Cotter Crunch)

Beet and Carrot Fritters

Switch up the Passover table's very beige (yet delicious) color scheme with these bright and healthy beet fritters. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Creamy Vegan Risotto With Asparagus and Quinoa

Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain, so many people give it the seal of approval on Passover. Use it to concoct this risotto, which gets its creamy texture from a purée of roasted cauliflower, beans, and almond milk. However, if you are avoiding beans, just sub in more cauliflower. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

Dates add an unexpected sweetness to this comforting tray of matzo pieces, mushrooms, and aromatic veggies. (via Jamie Geller)

Roasted Eggplant Salad

Juicy pomegranate seeds can make any dish look festive, as proven by this bed of seasoned roasted eggplant and pine nuts. Dress it in lemon juice, sea salt, and olive oil if you are not consuming kitniyot like tahini sauce. (via Foraged Dish)

Make These Delicious Desserts And Sweets For Passover

Vanilla Noodle Kugel

Use Passover-friendly (usually matzo-based) egg noodles and wafer cookies for this kugel, which balances the sweet notes of vanilla and sugar with the tangier flavor of sour cream. (via Tori Avey)

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Cake

Butter, chocolate, eggs, and sugar make a shockingly fudgy cake — no flour necessary. You can always sub in vegan butter if you plan on eating the meal less than two hours after consuming meat. (via Baker by Nature)

Waffle-Iron Latkes 5 Ways

Modernize the traditional latke by cooking it in a waffle iron and adorning it with updated toppings, like crème fraîche and apple butter or Greek yogurt and pomegranate. (via Brit + Co.)

Dessert-Wine Poached Pears

A holiday without flour is an opportunity to get creative with fruit. These pears are poached in simple syrup, honey, and dessert wine until warm and tender. Serve them with non-dairy vanilla ice cream for a glorious temperature contrast. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Passover Apple Cake

Matzo cake meal is the secret ingredient in this nutty, apple-rich, and raisin-studded cake. (via Leite's Culinaria)

5-Ingredient Magic Matzo Chocolate Bars

Have the kids in the family make these crunchy-chewy chocolate bars. The recipe is a simple matter of layering, sprinkling, and drizzling, so it can't go too awry. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies

As long as you have matzo meal, you don't have to give up chocolate chip cookies during Passover. (via Tori Avey)

Classic Red Sangria

You could pass around standard glasses of Manischewitz, or you could use the red wine to make a fruity sangria. Since Manischewitz is already so sweet, you don't need to add any sugar to the mix. (via Kitchen Treaty)

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

Header image via How Sweet Eats

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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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This Cadbury Cocktail Recipe Is the Adult-Approved Treat You Need for Easter

Whether you’re planning to dye a few Easter eggs, create a basket full of goodies, or cook a mean Easter dinner, this cool-kid approved holiday requires a lot of prep work and leg work from the adults. Between buying candy, dye for the eggs, and ingredients for your egg and bacon carbonara (*prayer hands emoji*), it’s safe to say us adults deserve a little treat that is egg-tastic (and 21 and up!). This Cadbury cocktail is the perfect way to end the day (you know, when the kids are asleep). Made with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla vodka, cream de cacao, and Cadbury goodness, this sweet treat will seriously make your insides melt. Trust. Us.

Ingredients:

Makes one drink

  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa
  • 1 ounce vanilla vodka
  • 1 Cadbury egg (just the cream part)
  • 1/4 cup of milk (we used cashew, but any will do)

Instructions:

1. Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Let gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

3. For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

4. Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, 1 ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.)

5. Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

6. Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Pour the dark chocolate chips and a small amount of milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds or until you start to see the chocolate melting. Stir completely until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the chocolate on top of a level plate and carefully rim the martini. Have gravity do its thing by letting the chocolate drip on the edges of the glass. Place the glasses to the side.

For the cocktail, unwrap the Cadbury egg, cut it down the middle, and carefully scoop out the cream. Shake the cream into the shaker.

Next, measure 1 1/2 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 ounce of cream de cocoa, one ounce vanilla vodka, and 1/4 cup of milk, and place all the ingredients into the shaker. Just double these measurements if you want to create a drink for a friend. (Duh, of course you do.) Add a handful of ice, and carefully shake for about 10 seconds or until the Cadbury cream has broken apart and melted.

Pour the liquid into the martini glass and shave the rest of your dark chocolate over the cocktail. Serve immediately.

Who needs an Easter basket when this cocktail will do just fine.

Whats your favorite Easter recipe? Tweet us @BritandCo, and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious cocktail recipes!

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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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