This Purple Food Trend Is Killing It on Instagram

Sally Jones
Aug 04, 2016

When it comes to trends, it seems that purple is the new black. From smokey lilac hair to orchid makeup to everyone’s fave accessory, the Starbucks Berry Hibiscus Refresher, the color purple is lighting up our Instagram feeds. Amid all of the gorgeous color, *the* purple trend that really stands out is ube. Standard fare for birthdays, holidays and other fiestas in the Philippines, the purple yam mixed with sweetened condensed milk and butter provides a base for so many treats, from cake and ice cream to sapin-sapin to halo-halo to ube hopia. So, why are we suddenly seeing it stateside in everything from donuts to cookies to waffles? Chalk it up to the purple power of the ube as a natural food dye coupled with its Instagram-worthy gorgeousness. Adding ube to batters and glazes doesn’t alter the flavor one bit but does give the foods a vibrant purple hue without using chemical additives. Both beautiful and healthy, this is one food trend you will want to get in on. Scroll down for 14 examples that the purple power of ube is *the* food trend to follow.

1. Rice Cakes: This is how tea time looks in the Philippines! Doesn’t the purple and green of ube and pandan look eye-catching against the backdrop of that sunburst plate? The light, sweet and nutty flavor of these steamed rice cakes is delicate and not overly filling.

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Finalllyyyyy came to eat halo halo! So yummmmm Philippines knows where it's at w desserts! 드디어! 할로할로를 먹으러 와쓰~ #halohalo #manila #ube #milkywaycafe #필리핀 #할로할로 #빙수 #존맛

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2. Halo Halo: When the weather gets hot, foodies in the know pop into a shop for some halo halo. This chilled scoop of purple ube ice cream is just the sweet treat to cool you down.

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This 12" round ube cake can satisfy at least 15 people! Thank you for bringing Indulge Patisserie to your celebrations! Have a great day! #cake #ube #flowers #yum #indulgepatisserieph

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3. Birthday Cake: Here’s a gorgeous ube birthday cake fit to melt the heart of any Filipino mama. That vibrant purple icing is *almost* too beautiful to slice into, but we’re up for the challenge.

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Start off your Sunday morning right with the smell of ube crinkles throughout the house. 😈

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4. Crinkle Cookies: Eating ube crinkles is like downing a spoonful of ube jam, only in cookie form. And the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking will certainly wet your appetite for that first crunch.

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My brekkie! #ube #purpleyam #macaron #sweetdaniellemacarons #frenchmacarons #homemade

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5. Macarons: These two-tone ube macarons are to die for — so sweet, dense and chewy! Coupled with that peony-pink mani, this whole tableau is utterly Insta-worthy.

6. Shaved Ice: This halo halo presentation is a culinary work of art. We’re looking at ube shaved ice with jackfruit and mung bean mixin’s and a delectable coconut leche drizzle — one taste and you’re in foodie heaven!

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Tomorrow is #nationalicecreamsandwichday! Give our friends @eatwanderlust some love by visiting them for some delicious treats! 🍧🍨🍧🍨🍧🍨🍧🍨🍧🍨🍧🍨🍧

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7. Ice Cream: What could be better than ube ice cream on a hot summer night? Ube ice cream in an ube sugar cone — it’s a double purple sensory explosion.

8. Breakfast Jam: Ube jam is beloved by Filipinos worldwide. Just try slathering some on a mound of steaming pancakes, and you’ve got breakfast Filipino-American style.

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Our signature macarons infused with Ube & Dulce De Leche will make its' debut on Aug. 6 at our Grand Opening of our booth at the Mississauga Flea Market. #Ube #taro #macarons #dulce selected #wholesaler #baker #birthday #wedding #glutenfree #custom #engagement #mississaugabaker #Scarborough #oakville #brampton #markham

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9. Dulce de Leche Macarons: There’s no sweeter combo on earth than taro and dulce de leche — and none more beautiful to look at. The densely chewy almond goodness of this macaron cookie base plays so well with the caramel flavors of the whipped cream. These bite-size sweets are perfect for the dessert table of an outdoor wedding or garden party.

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@Mahdz and I just made the most meta Ice Cream Sandwich ever. Two scoops of ice cream, sandwiched between two bars of cookies & cream freeze-dried ice cream as the buns in honor of #NationalIceCreamSandwichDay 📸: @mahdz & @davidwma

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10. Ice Cream Sandwich: Now here’s a purple sammy you can really sink your teeth into. Creamy ube ice cream sandwiched between two slices of vanilla brings the meaning of the term ice cream sandwich to a whole new level.

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Scenes from the test kitchen. "Oh Bae" Cookie Recipe - Take Seven. - - - - - I'll get there - just hoping I get there sooner than later. 😳 #notgivingup Hoping everyone's having a good day so far. 😄 #thebaldbakerph #ube #filipinofoodmovement #ubae22

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11. Cookies: Baking an ube cookie that’s balanced just right takes lots of trial and error, but — *bonus* — you get to eat the fails. This crinkle took lots of trials but has achieved the pinnacle of perfection — it’s light and crumbly with just the right amount of ube jam sweetness.

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My fave ube donuts in the making! 🍩💜 Spent the night with the dope owners of @manilasocialclub cooking up something special - follow me on snapchat to get a sneak peek: IndulgentEatsTV #IndulgentEatsFilipino

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12. Doughnut: If you love salted caramel, you are going to melt after one taste of this ube donut with salted ube frosting. It’s that salt-sweet combo that gets us every time.

13. Fried Ice Cream: Save room for dessert, because this one’s worth waiting for. A scoop of ube ice cream is sandwiched inside a fried bao, slathered with Nutella, then dusted in a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. It’s like the banana split of the Philippines.

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Bring on the Filipino flavours with a fun twist- Bok Bok Fried Chicken on an Ube waffle from @platitotoronto. I taste the love and soul behind this comfort food. #fooddiary #toronto #instafood #foodblogger #instagramers #foodpics #picoftheday #lifestyle #foodphotography #Foodgasm #foodporn #foodie #foodcoma #foodstagram #igerstoronto #igers #instayum #potd #noms #Instapic #foodstagram #friedchicken #foodlovers #torontoigers #foodspotting #torontolife #waffles #torontoigers #foodoftheday #summer #filipino #ube

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14. Chicken ‘n’ Waffles: If you thought you couldn’t get a more decadent breakfast than that Southern specialty chicken and waffles, think again. This waffle has been given the royal purple treatment, thanks to the addition of ube halaya in the batter. It’s *almost* too beautiful to eat.

If you’re really digging this food trend, follow us on Pinterest for more.

17 Unique Flavor Combos To Upgrade Your Avocado Toast Recipes

To us, the avocado toast craze is still in full swing. We'd happily take our Instagram feeds flooded with aesthetically-pleasing pics of avo toast! The crunchy-yet-creamy combo is delicious, nutritious, and easy to make, but let’s keep it real: the classic version of avocado toast (crispy bread + smashed avocado + sea salt + olive oil + lemon juice) has become a little — dare we say, basic?

With the help of a few tasty toppings, you can upgrade your avocado toast game and give this foodie favorite quite the gourmet flair. The results will make your followers jealous, but your taste buds oh-so happy. Check out this list of avocado toast recipes to keep your meals inspired!

Avocado Egg Salad

Made with four ingredients, this mayo-free avocado + egg salad is a game changer. It’s a fabulous make-ahead lunch that will give your work day some extra excitement! (via The Roasted Root)

Autumn Avocado Toast

We’re confident this toasted avocado toast treat can be enjoyed all year long, especially on chilly days or nights when you’re craving something that's both sweet and savory. (via How Sweet Eats)

Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast

Cottage cheese is a super easy way to give your avocado toast recipes a boost of protein! Its cheesy, creamy consistency blends exceptionally well with mashed or sliced avocado, and in this delicious case, fresh tomatoes. (via The Fast Recipe)

Roasted Chickpea Avocado Toast

Same goes for chickpeas! They're a nice, cheap source of vegan protein that can make your avocado toast recipes more fulfilling. This recipe calls for you to pan-roast them, so they get crispy and flavorful. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Avocado Toast with Roasted Asparagus on Multigrain

This loaded toast is good for meals beyond just breakfast. The hearty roasted asparagus will warm you up from the inside out, all while incorporating tons of vitamins and minerals in each bite. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Avocado Toast with Brown Butter Sesame Seeds

The brown butter sesame seeds that adorn the top of this toast add a much-needed note of umami, balancing out the creamy avo in no time. (via The Original Dish)

Grilled Corn, Feta, + Egg in a Hole Avocado Toast

Bet you've never seen an avocado toast recipe like this before! This pick gets topped with grilled corn, feta cheese, egg, and if you feel like going gourmet with it, some fresh peach slices. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Avocado + Heirloom Tomato Toast

We can all agree that avocado toast is what dreams are made of. But when you add fresh, ripened tomatoes and drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top, it takes your avocado toast dreams to a whole new level. (via Blissful Basil)

Open-Faced Lemon Pepper Artichoke and Arugula Sandwich

Better known as fancy toast, this gourmet knife-and-fork meal tastes as good as it looks. With a stellar combo of white bean hummus, artichokes, lemon juice, baby arugula, and sweet balsamic glaze, this savory-yet-subtly sweet avocado toast will likely become your new favorite food. (via Veggie and the Beast)

Avocado Toast With Charred Tomatoes, Garlic Shrimp and Fried Egg

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late night snack, this flavorful and nutritious version of avo toast will have you thanking the food gods! (via Domesticate Me)

Avocado and Crab Crostini

Top your avocado toast with fresh, buttery crab and toasted baguette slices, then be prepared for your life to change — it’s that good. Serve these slices as an appetizer when hosting your next soirée, and your guests will be begging for the recipe. (via Confessions of a Chocoholic)

Green Goddess Toast

Roasted spring vegetables, tahini sauce, and avocado. Do we even need to say more? (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Vegan Hummus on Avocado Toast

If you’re getting a little bored with your avocado toast, but don’t want to put in a ton of effort to renew the meal, this recipe is for you! Slow-roasted tomatoes, hemp hearts, avocado, and hummus make for a winning combination. This also makes for the perfect post-workout snack! (via Oh She Glows)

Avocado Toast With Crisped Prosciutto

This take on avocado toast will make you hungry just thinking about it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! (via Honest Cooking)

Spicy Steak and Avocado Toast

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box when it comes to your avocado toast recipes. Whether you’re headed to a summer potluck or making a meal for your boo, this filling steak dish will thrill even the pickiest eater. (via Heather Christo)

Smoked Salmon and Smashed Avocado Tartines

You’ll get a nutrient-rich dose of heart-healthy fats, vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids with these tasty avo-smothered tartines. (via Baker by Nature)

Spicy Maple Bacon and Scrambled Eggs on Avocado Toast

Are you just drooling reading the name of this dish? We are! Pair this crave-worthy comfort food with mimosas, and declare yourself the queen of brunch. (via Domesticate Me)

Which of these avocado toast recipes are you super excited to try? Let us know in the comments!

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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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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The 6 Best Frozen Pizza Brands To Keep In Your Fridge (And Eat Cold, Too)

Pizza is such a big part of our lives. It's the ultimate sharing meal, a great reheated lunch, and the perfect rat snack when eaten cold. TBH, we’re always looking for ways to get it in our mouths faster. Sure, you could make naan pizza, which swaps out homemade dough for pre-made Indian flatbread, or personal pizzas, which cook to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, but sometimes, the convenience of frozen pizzas just can’t be beat.

Considering that more Americans prefer frozen, ready-to-bake-at-home pizza (30%) than they do fresh pizza from a restaurant (26%) or even delivery pizza (16%), per OnePollon behalf of Amazon Fresh, frozen pizzas are unarguably the winning choice.

When your cheese cravings are through the roof and your motivation to cook is sorely lacking, there are tons of different options for frozen pizzas to choose from at the store. These are a handful of our favorites — a far cry from the rectangular cardboard slabs you grew up eating.

DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza

The average person can eat over half of an entire pizza by themselves in a single sitting, per OnePoll on behalf of Amazon Fresh. That's exactly how we feel about this frozen pizza that beats all other frozen pizzas.

DiGiorno may not seem like a totally high-end offering, but honestly, this freezer aisle mainstay knows what it’s doing. From the tender-yet-crispy crust to the tangy-sweet sauce and the gooey cheese that actually has flavor, there’s a reason why this brand ranks high in terms of the best frozen piizza, time and again. Additionally, the flavors stay so intact when you eat this baby cold.

Newman’s Own Uncured Pepperoni Thin & Crispy Pizza

This frozen pizza pie gets a big hit of smokey, meaty flavor thanks to the uncured pepperoni, which is made without any artificial nitrates and nitrites. The multigrain crust is reliably crisp, and the blend of melty mozzarella and flavorful Parmesan gives the pizza a nice balance. Eat it cold, too, and you'll think this is the best frozen pizza around.

The Screamin’ Sicilian Supreme Frozen Pizza

If you like loaded pizzas and have a hefty appetite, this is the frozen pizza for you! The pepperoni is roughly chopped, giving the pie a heartier texture. It's joined by Italian sausage, onions, and bell peppers that are fire-roasted to further deepen their flavor, and black olives to add a salty kick. It’s all held together with whole-milk mozzarella, which adds a richness that’s absent from a lot of other brands that use part-skim cheese.

California Pizza Kitchen Crispy Thin Crust Margherita Pizza

California Pizza Kitchen’s Margherita Pizza isn’t exactly traditional, but it does have a nice fresh tomato flavor that a lot of other frozen pizzas can’t seem to nail down. The basil reads as dried rather than fresh, but overall, this thin-crust pie satisfies on those nights when you’re looking for something a little lighter than a thick and hearty frozen pizza. Join the 18% of people that like to eat pizza cold, and give this delish pie a try after it's been in the fridge all night.

Amy’s Vegan Roasted Vegetable Pizza

If you’re eating dairy-free, it can be tempting to go for the next best frozen pizza made with a cheese substitute, like Daiya's offerings. But – don’t do it! Instead, opt for this pizza from Amy’s, which features a pleasantly crisp crust topped with caramelized onions, shiitake mushrooms, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of balsamic. Yum. It’s savory, just a tad sweet, and has a nice tang, thanks to the balsamic. If you’re on the market for a vegan frozen pizza that doesn’t include glue-like cheese, this is the pick for you.

Caulipower Pizza

Gluten-free folks will love Caulipower, a line of frozen pizzas that have a cauliflower-based crust, and less sodium, fat, and sugar than other leading brands. You can choose from four flavors — margherita, veggie, three cheese, and plain. With a couple of these best frozen pizza brands stashed away in your freezer, you won’t have to be disappointed by your last-minute dinner decisions ever again!

For more quick and easy dinner ideas, follow us on Pinterest!

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

Lead photo by Hanna Auramenka / PEXELS.

This post has been updated.

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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.

Header Image via Amazon

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