Best of 2013: 13 Sweets That Knocked Our Socks Off

We’re no strangers to a sugar high followed by a serious food coma, and we have this baker’s dozen of sweets to thank for it! From double rainbows to the best pumpkin pie we’ve ever tasted, we’ll continue our Best of 2013 series with your favorite food group: dessert!

1. The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie: Right when you thought a classic pumpkin pie couldn’t get any better, we went and put sugared pecans in it.

2. Lemon Lavender Champagne Cake: Did you know that you can use champagne to bake just like you can use Sprite or Diet Coke? This springtime treat is definitely worth bookmarking for Mother’s Day, Easter, or a random Sunday in April when you feel like baking up a storm.

Jack and Coke Cakes

This twist on Texas sheet cake goes for the gold in the form of Jack Daniels. You know we love our spiked sweets.

4. The Movie Candy Cookie: Guess what? The basic chocolate chip recipe is one of the best base recipes ever, and is always fun to build upon. This hack adds things like Milk Duds, Buncha Crunch, and Junior Mints into the mix, inspired by the concessions stand at any movie theatre.

5. Blood-Splattered Petit Fours: Eek! How creepy are these? The key here is the shards of sugar glass and red food coloring.

6. Cereal Treats: Who says you need Rice Krispies to make melted marshmallow treats? Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams, Cocoa Puffs, and Fruity Pebbles are totally where it’s at in the treat department. Our favorite was definitely the Golden Graham s’more combo.

7. Party Popcorn: This is the perfect late night treat for New Year’s Eve, and is a great go-to for movie nights, award show viewing parties, and the like.

8. Healthy Donuts: Not all donuts have to make you feel guilty — try this hack on a healthier way to get your donut fix.

9. Candy Bar Cake: What more do you need to know besides Candy… Bar… Cake?

10. DIY Reese’s, Twix, and Almond Joy: Speaking of candy bars, did you know that it’s actually pretty easy to make these classic candies from scratch?

11. Whole Fruit Hand Pies: Take a whole pear, peach, plum or nectarine, and build a mini pie around it!

12. Hot Cocoa Cookies: These might be our favorite holiday creation. You use hot cocoa mix to add chocolatey flavor to regular old sugar cookie mix. Nom.

The Double Rainbow Cake

And finally, the best cake we’ve ever made: The Double Rainbow Cake! Inside, you’ve got a layer for each color in the rainbow. And on the outside, M&Ms in every color under the sun. So. Much. Color.

We've all had those cravings for our favorite neighborhood Indian food. Whether it's for curry, tikka masala, paneer, samosas, or tandoori naan, no other meal hits quite as hard as Indian food. The craving could even be for something sweet like ice cream, or a decadent mango lassi!

Sure, there are options in the frozen food aisle for Indian cuisine, but they're not the best options, and trying to bring to life Indian food recipes at home can be intimidating at first. Keep calm and curry on, because there are plenty of healthy Indian food recipes, including meatless meals!You can make these for lunch, dinner, snacks, or all of the above. Scroll down for some easy Indian food recipes that are great for beginners.

Instant No-Yeast Naan

Alanna Taylor-Tobin

This improvised meal shows how incorporating a few Indian ingredients into your meals can make them a little more exciting. Mango chutney and curry powder bring to life a simple dish of sautéed shrimp and rice in this Indian food recipe! (via Masala & Meatballs for Brit + Co)

Indian-Spiced Veggie Burgers

Brit + Co

Spice up dinner tonight with a twist on the classic veggie burger in this delicious Indian food recipe. The spice heats things up a bit, breaking up the monotony of flavors you may be rotating through during the week. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan “Cheesy” Bread with Chickpea Curry Dip

Brit + Co

These comforting, “cheesy” bread pockets will warm you right up, along with the spiced curry dip. This vegan Indian food recipe is perfect to bring to a party! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Chickpea Curry

Brit + Co

Loaded with protein, this vegan chickpea curry is mostly made with pantry staples. Throw in some fresh or frozen spinach for a pop of green, and you’ve got dinner done in an instant! (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Brit + Co

FromThe Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Archana Mundhe, this 30-minute butter chicken recipe is ideal when you want a low-effort, high-reward Indian meal. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chana Masala

Brit + Co

When it comes to easy Indian food recipes we love to make at home, this slow cooker chana masala is top of mind. Using the slow cooker takes a lot of extra cooking time out of the equation, letting all the spices soak in beautifully over time. (via Brit + Co)

Garlicky Smashed Potatoes with Harissa Yogurt

Two Spoons

Get your spud on with these Indian-inspired smashed potatoes. They're infused with curry spices, then made to dip into a creamy, punchy harissa yogurt sauce for the ultimate appetizer. (via Two Spoons)

Veggie-Loaded Butter Chicken Curry

Drizzle & Dip

This lightened-up butter chicken curry relies on yogurt instead of coconut cream to form a luscious sauce, and it’s loaded with extra veggies for added nutrients and fiber! Easy meals can also be super healthy, and this recipe proves it. (via Drizzle & Dip)

Jackfruit Butter Chicken

Chef Bai

Vegans, rejoice in this fully plant-based butter chicken recipe! Pair your creation with rice and fluffy naan for a rounded out weeknight meal. (via Chef Bai)

Coconut Dal

Allo Simone

This coconut dal dish gets us pretty close to heaven. It's filling, and overly aromatic to satisfy every craving. (via Allo Simone)

Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

Two Spoons

This Indian chickpea curry is like one big hug in a bowl. It's sweet, but spicy, and will always make you feel satisfied. (via Two Spoons)

Mouthwateringly Delicious Indian Food Recipes For Beginners

Healthy Indian Food with Carrot Chickpea Curry

Krumpli

Carrots lend an earthy sweetness to this simple vegan curry made with chickpeas. Serve this dish with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all of the yummy sauce. (via Krumpli)

Indian-Spiced Veggie Burgers

Crowded Kitchen

Sink your teeth into these tender burgers, filled with the sweet-spicy aromas of Indian food! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry

The Real Food Dietitians

Think of this Indian food recipe as a guide to help you make a cozy curry in your slow cooker, using whatever you have in the fridge. Add sweet potatoes, chicken, pork, or lamb, and some green veggies to your slow cooker, along with the other ingredients, then serve with a grain or flatbread once it’s done cooking. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Indian Meatball Curry

The Endless Meal

Enjoy these tender meatballs drenched in a spicy curry sauce as an appetizer, or a main course. No matter which way you choose to serve them, they're guaranteed to be delicious. (via The Endless Meal)

Instant Pot Dal

The Edgy Veg

Prepping this Indian food in the Instant Pot lets the rich flavors soak in all the way, forming a mouthwatering bite every single time. (via The Edgy Veg)

Vegan Curried Carrot Soup

Give It Some Thyme

Creamy and fragrant, with curry powder and coconut milk, this Indian aoup is one of the tastiest ways to use up that bunch of carrots that’s been languishing away in your produce bin. (via Give It Some Thyme)

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

The Girl on Bloor

The “slow and low” cooking time helps the spices in this dish (garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder) blossom. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Palak Paneer

No Eggs Or Ham

Form a creamy, greens-filled sauce for rice and tofu to soak up the Indian flavors you're crafting in the kitchen! This recipe is delicious and healthy for any day of the week. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

30-Minute Indian Pumpkin Butter Chickpeas

Half Baked Harvest

Pumpkin and chickpeas replace poultry in this butter chicken-inspired meal that's a cozy dinner for fall. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Dig In To These Easy Indian Food Recipes For Dinner

Butter Cauliflower Bowls

Damn Delicious

Swap chicken for cauliflower to make a meatless version of this classic Indian food recipe and savory dish. The switch will supply you with loads more nutrients that are super good for you! (via Damn Delicious)

Vegetable Biryani with Baked Tofu

Connoisseurus Veg

Biryani is a rice dish that’s spiced with cloves, ginger, and star anise, and usually filled with ingredients like cashews and raisins. Here, it gets turned into a complete meal, thanks to a hearty topping of marinated baked tofu. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

Indian Food Recipe with Coconut Butter Cauliflower

Half Baked Harvest

Coconut butter is a rich spread that’s made by puréeing coconut flesh until it forms a paste-like texture. Adding a dollop or two to your next vegetable dish thickens the sauce and makes it totally creamy without needing any dairy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Homemade Garlic Naan

Host the Toast

You’ll want to scoop up your curry, dal, and soup with a piece of buttery garlic naan. If you can keep yourself from eating it plain right off the skillet, that is. (via Host the Toast)

Savory Indian-Spiced Steel-Cut Oats

Crowded Kitchen

You've never had Indian food like this before. Steel-cut oats get the savory treatment with curry powder, chickpeas, avo, and fresh mint for garnish! (via Crowded Kitchen)

30-Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken

Half Baked Harvest

This easy-to-prep butter chicken recipe beats takeout any day! Top a grain bowl with this spicy bite, wrap it in a piece of naan, or just indulge in it by itself. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Indian Raita

My Food Story

Raita is an Indian condiment made of yogurt, chopped veggies, and herbs. It’s often served with spicy dishes, as the yogurt has cooling properties that can save your tastebuds from the fire of chilies. (via My Food Story)

Tandoori Chicken Patty Sandwiches

Host the Toast

Not authentic, but inspired by classic Indian tandoori chicken, these sandwiches are loaded with some of your favorite Indian food recipe flavors. (via Host the Toast)

Instant Pot Chana Masala

The Edgy Veg

Get ready to bite into this indulgent, fragrant bowl of chana masala. It's an easy Indian dinner that comes together with such ease, thanks to the Instant Pot. (via The Edgy Veg)

Indian Food Recipes To Keep You Full and Satisfied

Beef Kofta with Saag Aloo

Kitchen Sanctuary

Beef kofta (juicy spiced meatballs) are simmered in a creamy tandoori paste curry along with potatoes and spinach. This dinner will be like nothing you've ever tasted before. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)

Indian Style Baked Eggs with Green Harissa + Naan

Half Baked Harvest

Dippy dishes always have our heart. With this one, you get to dip soft naan bread into a bath of eggs and spice. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Chicken Shawarma Salad Bowls

Averie Cooks

Get a good balance of crunch in with this easy Indian-inspired salad recipe. (via Averie Cooks)

Mango Chicken Curry

Sweet Cayenne

Mango curries are all about balance, and this tasty Indian food recipe achieves it. Mango is popular in Indian food because its sweetness is balancing to all the rich spices. (via Sweet Cayenne)

Red Curry Lentils

Pinch of Yum

Red curry paste quickly transforms red lentils from lackluster legume to lick-the-plate-clean good. Plus, this dish gives you a beneficial serving of protein! (via Pinch of Yum)

Crunchy Tandoori Chickpea Wraps

Half Baked Harvest

These vegetarian wraps get a twist from kale slaw and a coconut-honey-lime drizzle. Talk about fresh! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Indian Curried Spinach and Chickpeas (Chana Saag)

Chef Bai

This plant-based Indian dinner will deliver one of the best, most warming meals of your week. Save the leftovers to let all the flavor soak in, for another rockin' meal. (via Chef Bai)

Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole

Fit Foodie Finds

Cook up a chicken tikka masala casserole, complete with meat, veggies, and rice, at home for the whole family. This recipe makes cooking Indian food easy for beginners who need to feed a crowd. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

Bharli Vangi

Signature Concoctions

If you're a fan of eggplant, this Indian dish will satisfy any time. Baby stuffed eggplants mix in with spices and lentils, among peanuts and sesame seeds, to create a bite so delicious, you'll still be thinking about it the next day. (via Signature Concoctions)

Chicken Madras Curry

A Communal Table

Technically a British invention, but inspired by the cuisine of southern India, this dish sees chicken cooked in a lightly spiced, slightly tangy tomato sauce. (via A Communal Table)

Kulfi Indian Ice Cream

A Spicy Perspective

Made with pistachios, cardamom, and saffron, this churn-free ice cream can be made using an electric mixer a whip attachment. Enjoy it in a bowl, on a cone, or frozen on a popsicle stick. (via A Spicy Perspective)

These Indian Food Recipes are The Best Warming Meals for Winter

Indian Shepherd's Pie

Vikalinka

This British comfort food meets vibrant Indian spices using this easy recipe! (via Vikalinka)

Indian Recipe with Cauliflower Korma

Simply Delicious Food

This dish boasts the most immaculate combo. Cashews are cooked with spices, butter, cream, and chicken stock, then puréed to create a luscious, velvety sauce to fold into roasted cauliflower. (via Simply Delicious Food)

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Cookie + Kate

Creamy, vegan cauliflower soup is always nourishing and comforting. It's best when paired with PJs and a rainy day. (via Cookie + Kate)

Super Simple Coconut Chicken Marsala

Half Baked Harvest

Ditch takeout for this lightened-up take on chicken tikka masala made with pantry staples. Make sure you have some naan on-hand to dip! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chicken Coconut Korma

Completely Delicious

Hearty amounts of chicken get drowned in a flavorful sauce that you'll be dreaming about past mealtime. (via Completely Delicious)

Loving these Indian food recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for some more delicious foods, and join our newsletter for more recipes to try this year!

This article has been updated from a previous post published in March 2019.

There is no better feeling than finding a character that you relate to or feel seen by. And thanks to the past and present lineup of incredible leading ladies in television, women everywhere have had that experience, and have been reminded they’re not alone.

We’ve cried and laughed alongside these characters, and let them into our home week after week, episode after episode, and season after season because they mean something to us. Keep reading to see if your favorite made the list!

​Brit + Co’s Best Leading Ladies

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Kate Bridgerton from Bridgerton

There’s a reason fans of Bridgerton have continued to express their desire for more Kate Bridgerton, formerly known as Kate Sharma, on their screen as the story moves forward. Her devotion to family is admirable and her heart is always in the right place.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls

You know how much we love the Gilmore girls, and it's no surprise. They're loyal, passionate, and will literally do anything from each other. That's true love, baby!

Netflix

Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo from Outer Banks

The Pogues prove that you can find your people no matter what. Where you come from doesn’t have to define you, which is presented perfectly through Sarah, Kiara, and Cleo.

ABC/Liliane Lathan

Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

Meredith Grey is a fierce survivor, never stopping regardless of what life throws at her. She constantly gives her all when it comes to her job and her patients, striving to advance medicine however she can.

Warner Bros. TV

Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl

These frenemies showed us what it meant to totally have your friends' backs — even if their methods are necessarily admirable.

Marvel Studios/Disney

Wanda Maximoff from WandaVision

We’ve seen Wanda grow for better (and worse) since her first appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but the deep emotion with which her grief is explored through WandaVision is all too relatable. We want to protect ourselves from the pain of loss, but we can’t stay in the safe space forever. We have to pull ourselves together and come out stronger on the other side.

FX/Hulu

Sydney Adamu from The Bear

In many ways, Sydney holds The Bear together. She is driven to succeed, never holding back her intelligence, and knows her craft inside and out. And she definitely makes everyone around her a better person.

Warner Bros. Television

Brooke, Peyton, + Haley from One Tree Hill

We see Brooke, Peyton, and Haley go from teenagers trying to find themselves to adults with families, making it feel as though we were going through life with them. Their loyalty to each other makes One Tree Hill feel like the home we could always go back to.

More TV Leading Ladies We Love

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, + Sophia from The Golden Girls

The Golden Girls brings the true joy of friendship to the screen in a totally timeless way. Audiences might come to laugh, but they leave with much more.

Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Olivia Benson has become a comforting force for all survivors, especially those dealing with some from of sexual assault or abuse. She shines like a beacon of hope, promising that you are so much more than what’s happened to you.

The CW

Veronica Lodge from Riverdale

Veronica’s character development is a true highlight of Riverdale. Seeing her evolve beyond the spoiled, rich girl label to someone who would do anything for those she loves — with the strength to do what was right, even at a personal cost — was powerful.

Archive Photos/Getty Images

Lucy Ricardo from I Love Lucy

Is there anyone more hilarious than Lucy? She wasn’t what audiences expected from a leading lady, especially in a comedy. She provided an unexpected edge to TV, and that’s exactly why we loved her.

Eric McCandless/Freeform

Aria, Hannah, Spencer, Emily, + Alison from Pretty Little Liars

Seeing a show with five different female leads is rare in and of itself, but Pretty Little Liars allows each character to be their own force of nature. As a friend group, they stuck together and fought for each other, showing the beauty and complexity of female friendships.

Disney+/Walt Disney Studios

Alex Russo from Wizards of Waverly Place

Alex gave young girls permission to mess up, which is so crucial to understand when growing up. Despite her mistakes, she never failed to show total confidence in herself and know exactly what she wanted out of life.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Read up on The Best Movie Leading Ladies to check out your favorite gals of the silver screen!

If you’re looking to incorporate more veggies in your diet post-holidays, go for the spaghetti… squash, that is. It may look like any ordinary squash from the outside, but once roasted, a simple scrape of a fork reveals beautiful little pasta-like strands. Low in calories and carbs but not in flavor, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to actual pasta. Still stumped on how to use it? Here are 20 ways to cook with this uber versatile squash.

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Garlic Lasagna Boats

This great make-ahead meal looks pretty darn cute when it’s finished. You’re guests will leave satisfied and impressed that you were able to whip up such a fancy meal. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Pad Thai

Now you can eat as much pad thai as you want and not feel bad about it. You won’t even notice the difference. Go on, try it and see for yourself. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

Brit + Co

“Pasta” and Sauce

Pick a sauce and dig in. Heck, you can even eat all three and no one would blame you. (via Brit + Co)

Julia's Album

Quinoa and Parmesan Fritters

Fry up full-sized fritters and serve alongside a garden salad for a full meal, or make smaller patties for totally poppable bite-sized appetizers. (via Julia’s Album)

Pineapple and Coconut

Skinny Baked Shrimp Scampi

Made with only two tablespoons of butter, this dish is both healthy and delish. It’s also easy to throw together during the week, but still decadent enough for a weekend dinner party served alongside a good bottle of white wine. (via Pineapple and Coconut)

A Family Feast

Gremolata

This bright and beautiful gremolata is chocked full of lemon zest, garlic and chopped herbs. Toss it with a few fresh tomatoes and you’re good to go. (via A Family Feast)

BS' in the Kitchen

Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese

When cut in half lengthwise, this squash makes two perfectly cute (and edible) bowls. Use it to your advantage and stuff that baby with spinach, tomatoes and creamy goat cheese. Top it all off with roasted seeds for extra crunch. (via BS’ in the Kitchen)

Love and Lemons

Roasted With Chickpeas and Kale

Slow-roasted spaghetti squash strands are tossed with olive oil, rosemary, garlic and lemon before colliding with sauteed kale and chickpeas for a meal packed with flavor and protein. (via Love and Lemons)

Tasty Kitchen

Asparagus Quiche

Use the squash in a totally unexpected way, like the crust for this asparagus quiche. It might just be better than the real thing. (via Tasty Kitchen)

iFoodreal

Avocado and Egg Boats

Baked egg and avocado take this already delicious squash to a whole other level. It might look fancy, but if you can crack an egg you can definitely handle this one. (via iFoodreal)

Pinch of Yum

Garlic and Herbs

Take a step back and go with simply classic flavors like toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. The point isn’t to cover up the taste of the squash, but to make it shine. (via Pinch of Yum)

Making Thyme for Health

Burrito Bowls

Okay, so it might not be Chipotle, but if you’re going to eat squash you might as well stuff it with beans and smother it in melty Mexican cheeses. (via Making Thyme for Health)

Taste and Tell

Spinach and Artichoke Alfredo

In the mood for something warm and comforting but still want to fit into your skinny jeans tomorrow? You’ll be able to have seconds with this easy-peasy recipe. (via Taste and Tell)

Vegetarian Times

Curried and Stuffed

If tofu isn’t your thing, substitute it out for boneless chicken breast. Either way you won’t be disappointed. (via Vegetarian Times)

Feel Good Foodie

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is one of my favorite Italian meals ever! Think of the flavor of lasagna in a low-carb, gluten-free, diet-friendly disposable hot bowl of cheesy goodness! There’s not much more to think about. If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti yet, this is a great way to start! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sweet Treats and More

Buffalo Chicken

The saying must be true. You can really put Frank’s Red Hot Sauce on everything. (via Sweet Treats and More)

Lexi's Glean Kitchen

Pasta Primavera

Make this pasta with shrimp, chicken or both if you’re feeling extra crazy. Just make sure there’s more than enough to go around. You’ll thank us later. (via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen)

The Pioneer Woman

Maple Syrup and Shallots

If there’s someone we trust when it comes to comfort food, it’s The Pioneer Woman. And if she says it’s good, then that’s the end of it. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Feasting at Home

Enchilada Stuffed

Guess what? Cutting this squash in half widthwise makes for a deeper bowl with room for MORE filling. This versatile recipe can be made vegan, vegetarian, or with chicken (or ground beef) for all you meat lovers. Be sure to make room in your weekly dinner rotations for this bad boy. (via Feasting at Home)

A Sweet Life

Twice Baked

This one takes a bit of time… but good things come to those who wait, right? It’s safe to say that this squash is twice as delicious. (via A Sweet Life)

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and winter dinner ideas, join our newsletter, and check out our B+C cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Half Baked Harvest

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days 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 and girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood.

To celebrate her 101th pick, Reese Witherspoon has chosen one of best debut dark academia books we've read this year. She said, "If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read! 👀 Visit our link in bio to get your copy now." (via Reese's Book Club).Alongside the other 35 titles I think are worth diving into, Secret Society of Lies is sucre to take our emotions on a ride!

After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 29 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 21 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

October: Society of Lies

Amazon

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

Maya's back in town for her reunion at Princetown and she's excited to celebrate with familiar faces. It also coincides with her sister Naomi's graduation. As she gets ready for the best weekend ever, she receives the tragic news of Naomi's death and it leaves her shaken to her core. Though everyone says it was an accident, Maya's gut is telling her otherwise.

The more Maya digs into the past, the more she realizes her sister wasn't telling her. Sadly, Naomi was a part of the Sterling Club and it crushes her because she never wanted her sister to join it. Maya's no stranger to the inner workings of the Serling Club because she used to be a member so she knows everything that went on behind the scenes.

As she works to understand what happened to her sister, Maya will come face to face with the memories and secrets that haunt her.

September: The Comfort of Crows

Amazon

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl

Over the course of 52 chapters, Margaret Renkl invites readers into the wonders of her backyard. For a year, she watched various animals and plants bloom during varying seasons that speak to the cycles of life. From the way our emotions ebb and flow to the periods where we're active or need rest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year is a beautiful read that will help us fall in love with every moment of life.

August 2024: Slow Dance

Amazon

Slow Danceby Rainbow Rowell

Best friends Shiloh and Cary thought they had everything figured out when they were in high school. They decided they'd both leave Omaha behind, start their careers, and maintain the tight-knit friendship they'd always had. But, life is known to thrown curveballs when we least expect it.
When Shiloh looks up one day, she realizes it's been over 10 years since she talked to her former best friend. She's also increasingly aware that she's now a single mom to two kids.

While she tries to put the pieces of her new life together, Shiloh receives an invitation that makes her heart thunder. The invitation itself is harmless, but she can't stop thinking about what will happen if she sees Cary.

Despite how many years have passed, Shiloh and Cary are pulled to each other's energy as if no time has passed. They've both missed each other, but now adulthood has given way to deeper feelings that may have been there all along.

July 2024: The Cliffs

Amazon

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

Amazon

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

Amazon

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

Amazon

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 

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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

Amazon

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 

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

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 

Amazon

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 

Amazon

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

Amazon

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 

Amazon

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

This post has been updated.

Taylor Swift and her amazing “date” to the VMAs (aka her Bad Blood co-stars) were a sight to remember. In fact, we remember them so well that we are bringing them back for Halloween. Whether you want to rock this as a group costume or dress as Tay and simply carry around your #squad as a party-hopping prop, this costume is sure to turn heads much like these ladies did on the red (or rather color blocked) carpet.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

This girl group look will always be one of our favorite moments from VMAs history.

How To Be Taylor Swift's Squad For Halloween:

Brit + Co

Materials + Tools:

  • photos of the #squad
  • 11 x 17-inch paper (needs to be this big to fit over your cute little face)
  • scissors
  • popsicle sticks
  • tape

Instructions:

  1. Print out your #squad faces.
  2. Cut them out.
  3. Tape a popsicle stick to the back and you’re done!

Brit + Co

Print out one or all of these famous faces. We recommend making lots of them so that you can hand them out all evening. Carefully cut out each face. These ladies don’t need plastic surgery, so stay in the lines!

Brit + Co

Finally, tape a popsicle stick to the back to turn them into masks. What, did that take you five minutes? Less? We thought so.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

And now on to the fashion show!

First up we’ve got T. Swift herself. Looking foxy in her crop top pant combo. Make sure to slick your hair and add those notable cat eyes.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

Next we’ve got Cara Delevingne played by our very own Kelly. For this look, find a short flowy black dress with silver details.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

Maddie is doing model Gigi Hadid right with her long-sleeve yellow dress.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

For Selena Gomez, Ashley wore an adorable wide-leg jumpsuit.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

DIY actress Serayah’s sexy white dress by cutting slits in a similar gown.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images/Brit + Co

A flowy coral dress and sandals work perfectly to play the part of Karlie Kloss.

Brit + Co

Much like the girls at the VMAs, our in-house crew was having a fabulous time behind the camera.

Brit + Co

Make Taylor Swift’s "Bad Blood" Group Costume for another Halloween party!

This post has been updated.