Lovin’ Lobs: 13 Celebs That’ll Inspire You to Chop It Off

Jun 24, 2014

Changing up your hair can be terrifying. We still have nightmares about an ombre gone wrong… not to mention that horrible mushroom cut incident circa age six… moving on! If you want to fearlessly shake things up this summer, opt for the hottest haircut in town: the long bob — also known as “the lob.” This chic style is made for the gal that wants to try shorter hair without the serious commitment to the drastic bob. The lob length ranges from right under your chin to just past your collarbone, which is determined by your face shape. To inspire you to make the cut, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite celebrity lobs. Just pin your favorite looks and take them straight to the salon. You can thank us later.

1. Vanessa Hudgens: This boho babe’s lob is perfect for ladies with texture in their hair. If you’re prone to frizz, tackle it with a quick DIY.

2. Kate Mara: Kate’s striking style is a modern spin on last summer’s hipster ombre look, except her version is a little less Coachella and a little more work appropriate. Don’t worry; you can still wear your flower crown on your way to work.

3. Alexa Chung: We couldn’t do a celebrity lob roundup without including “it” girl Alexa Chung. Her iconic hairdo basically started this whole lob craze, so we’re giving her major props.

4. Karlie Kloss: Karlie was one of the first to board the lob train, and we can totally see why. A cut like hers would look great on girls with angular jawlines or high cheekbones (jealous). But if you don’t have those standout features, you can always fool ’em with some bronzer contouring!

5. Kerry Washington: Our girl, Kerry, knows how to avoid a scandal — and sport a blunt bang! We are digging her lob, but don’t think we didn’t notice her killer purple eyeshadow.

6. Jennifer Aniston: For the leading lady who coined the classic “Rachel” haircut, the lob isn’t too far off. It looks fantastic on Jennifer because it gives us a good dose of nostalgia, reminding us of how badly we NEED that Friends reunion.

7. Olivia Palermo: NYC socialite and ultimate cool girl, Olivia Palermo, should be crowned queen of the lob. Her beautiful balayage coloring is also to dye for. Get it?

8. Jessica Alba: Jessica’s lob looks fantastic if you have petite features. The volume is gathered at the ends, giving your cheekbones the attention they deserve.

9. Jennifer Lawrence: Before she got her pixie, JLaw sported a perfectly feathered lob. This cut looks both effortless and sexy on an actress that prides herself on being a tomboy.

10. Elizabeth Olsen: Here’s proof that the lob can be versatile. We recommend investing in a two-inch curler to get these big beachy waves.

11. Beyoncé: She probably woke up like this. If Queen Bey is rocking a flawless and low-maintenance lob, you can pretty much guarantee that this cut is stayin’ in style!

12. Gwyneth Paltrow: This actress/lifestyle guru/entrepreneur/healthy eater/blogger/mommy — you get the picture — rocks one of our favorite lobs in Hollywood. Gwynie’s middle part and voluminous style may take a lot of upkeep, but it sure is spectacular.

13. Giuliana Rancic: Proving that brunettes might have more fun, Giuliana Rancic pulls off the ultimate shoulder length lob. If you have finer hair, skip the product and go right for the cut.

Which celebrity is inspiring you to make the cut? Comment below!

33 Of The Most Delicious Super Bowl Food Ideas, According To Pinterest

If you had to guess the Super Bowl food ideas that Pinterest peeps are pinning most this week, what would you say? Chips and dip, meatballs, sliders, chicken wings, and random clever football-shaped foodsfor sure. What about that actual *recipes* — wouldn't you love to get your hands on those? Well, you're in luck!

Turns out, tater tots in all shapes, forms, and flavors are driving everyone pin-happy, and that's not all. Keep scrolling for the actual recipes that Pinners across the globe will be making — and eating — this coming game day.

You'll want to add these Super Bowl recipes to your inspo boards ASAP!

What are the most popular Super Bowl foods?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Chicken Wings. They're super easy to snack on during the big game festivities and can be made in tons of flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Our mouths are watering just thinking about the delicious buffalo flavors we’ll devour.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Hey, at least there’s some veggies in there.
Pizza. This one obviously speaks for itself.
7-Layer Dip. It’s like the perfect deconstruction of our favorite taco recipe.

What is good food for a Super Bowl party?

Alena Shekhovtcova / PEXELS

The best food for a Super Bowl party is a dish that’s easy to snack on. We recommend setting out finger foods to enjoy throughout the day, in between refreshing drinks and cheering on your team!

What is the most popular Super Bowl snack?

Valeria Boltneva / PEXELS

Chicken wings are the most popular Super Bowl snack, likely due to how easy they are to prep and eat! They've always been a tailgate staple, so it makes sense that wings are around for the big game.

What can I cook for the Super Bowl?

RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

Look no further than these stellar recipes for Super Bowl Sunday. We’ve included something that everyone can enjoy, from delectable chicken wings to ultra-cheesy nachos. Plus, you’ll want to prep something sweet to end the day!

Lemongrass & Sriracha Chicken Kebabs

Brit + Co

Add some kick to your Super Bowl Sunday with a few of these spicy chicken kebabs! They're marinated in a delicious Sriracha lime sauce *and* there's even a sweet chili lime sauce for all your dipping needs. (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

Sarah Anderson

We could eat poke every day, but you can give it a Super Bowl upgrade by turning it into a tasty finger food. Salmon, avocado, and red onions work together seamlessly. Even the kids are going to love these bites! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Mini Baked Potatoes

Brit + Co

As far as we're concerned, baked potatoes are a football game staple, no matter which game we're watching. And the fact that these babies are bite-sized just makes them easier (and cuter) than ever. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, & Sun-Dried Tomato Egg “Pizza"

Not only are these pizzas the perfect finger food, but they're also healthier than your average pie. You can have your pals come over early to customize them before the game starts! (viaBrit + Co)

No-Bake Baileys Bonbons

Brittany Griffin

No-bake desserts are basically your Super Bowl BFF, because with all the other cooking you're doing, who has time for a super fancy dessert?! All you need is butter, heavy cream, Baileys, dark chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Voilà! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Stuffed Jalapeños

Sally's Baking Addiction

Our mouths are watering just looking at these bad boys. Cheese, garlic, and paprika make these stuffed peppers extra flavorful, and the fact that they take under an hour is just the cherry on top. Quick Super Bowl food ideas FTW! (via Sally's Baking Addiction for Brit + Co)

Cheesy Keto Tots

Ryan Shelley

This appetizer takes everyone's fave tater tots to a whole new level. This cauliflower rice version is so easy to make, and your guests will go absolutely nuts over them. Don't worry though, you can definitely still dunk them in ketchup. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet + Spicy Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

Always Order Dessert

If there's anything more crowd-pleasing on game day than a giant platter of piping hot, crispy chicken wings, we haven't seen it yet. This barbecue sauce in this Super Bowl food idea is sweet and spicy, thanks to the secret ingredient: cola. (via Always Order Dessert)

Super-Easy Bacon Cheddar Football Cheese Ball

Peas and Crayons

When it comes to game-day snackage, you can't go wrong with something cheesy. This football-shaped cheese ball is so adorable it serves as both food and table decor. And with bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar, everyone's going to love it.(via Peas and Crayons)

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Made With Happy

Tater tot skewers are one of the biggest Super Bowl food trends on Pinterest — and with good reason. They're crispy and crunchy delicious and *so* easy to eat while mingling with friends and cheering on your team. (via Made With Happy)

Buffalo Chicken Dip Sliders

Half Baked Harvest

Nothing screams 'Super Bowl' quite like sliders do. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Quinoa & Turkey Stuffed Mini Peppers

The Girl on Bloor

These bite-sized beauties are shockingly healthy, thanks to the whole grain quinoa and lean turkey. Yum! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Rainbow Veggie Dippers

Always Order Dessert

Sure, you could just lay out a tray of crudite and bowl of dipping sauce, but these single-serving shot glasses really class up your Super Bowl food act. Better make a bunch, because they'll disappear as quickly as you can bring them out. (via Always Order Dessert)

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Life Tastes Good

These spicy bites are meatless and dairy-free, but so full of buffalo-spice flavor. Prepare for the onslaught, because everyone will want the recipe. Don't forget the vegan ranch! (via Life Tastes Good)

Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Garlic Bread

Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Who doesn't love cheesy garlic bread?! It may be better to place a tray at each end of the table, to avoid a buffet line traffic jam when the fam stampedes. No matter who's pulling for which team, everyone will be united over this tasty Super Bowl dish. (via Crunchy Creamy Sweet)

Sweet Potato Tots

Sweet As Honey

From breakfast to snack time, everyone's digging the tater tots trend, and it's a miracle that they fit the bill for Super Bowl food ideas. These are extra healthy, thanks to the sweet potatoes, and there's SOOO much cheesy goodness in every bite. (via Sweet As Honey)

Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups

Averie Cooks

These hash browns could not be easier to make. The recipe calls for grating your own potatoes, but you could just as easily use a bag of your fave go-to frozen grated ones. Thanks to all the Parmesan cheese and Panko bread crumbs, they're guaranteed to be a crispy and crunchy delight. (via Averie Cooks)

French Onion Dip

Completely Delicious

This flavorful dip only calls for several simple ingredients, so you can get a dippable snack on the table quick. (via Completely Delicious)

Salt & Vinegar Zucchini Chips

Sugar-Free Mom

Prep these chips the night before, and spend the day watching the game with your family and friends. The recipe calls for a food dehydrator, but you can make them in a traditional oven or toaster oven and they'll be equally delicious — and healthy. (via Sugar-Free Mom)

Chicken Fajita Queso Dip

Inside BruCrew Life

This Super Bowl recipe starts with traditional queso, then takes it up a notch with chicken and fajita seasonings. Pro tip: you can jump-start yours using a store-bought rotisserie chicken and no one will be the wiser. (via Inside BruCrew Life)

Pizza Roll-Ups

Damn Delicious

These easy pizza-inspired appetizers call for just five ingredients. It's best to double up on Super Bowl food ideas as tasty as this one, because when the scent of fresh-baked pepperoni roll-ups hits the TV room, everyone's going to want one (or a few, TBH). (via Damn Delicious)

Carolina-Style BBQ Jackfruit Sliders with Avocado-Apple Slaw

Carrots and Flowers

Another jackfruit miracle, these vegan sliders are full of mustardy-spicy goodness. They're so lip-smacking, finger-licking good, even the carnivores in the house will gobble them up. (via Carrots and Flowers)

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Gimme Some Oven

Nothing beats a slow cooker recipe when you're feeding a crowd. Especially when it's buffalo chicken! This Super Bowl recipe will free you from spending time in the kitchen when you'd rather be watching for flags on the play. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Footballs

Life, Love and Sugar

Nothing's better than cookie dough bites — unless it's cookie dough bites shaped like little footballs! These are seriously yummy and they travel well in the cooler, making them the perfect Super Bowl food to bring to a tailgate. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Orange Chicken Meatballs

Bakers Royale

Instead of ordering Chinese takeout on game day, make these simple orange chicken meatballs. They're the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy that will keep your taste buds engaged throughout the whole game. (via Bakers Royale)

Memphis Honey Gold Wings

Pink Owl Kitchen

Just look at that sauce. Serve with plenty of ranch and celery sticks to complete this classic platter. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Individual 7-Layer Dips

Evolving Table

Our favorite thing about these single-serve dips is that every bite has all the different flavors in it. Make every Super Bowl watch party guest feel extra special by presenting them with their very own seven-layer dip! Just make sure to provide plenty of tortilla chips for dunking. (via Evolving Table)

Waffled Pizza Fries

Real Food by Dad

The best part about the Super Bowl is that you can finally make the snacks you've only ever let yourself dream about. Case in point are these waffled pizza fries, equal parts crispy, gooey, and oozing with flavor. (via Real Food by Dad)

Mini Chicken Tostadas

Pinch and Swirl

Imagine the most perfect bite of nachos. Each of these mini chicken tostadas reaches the ideal balance of flavors and textures so you never get a bite that you don't like! With beans, cheese, and avocado, everyone will be coming back for more of this Super Bowl food. (via Pinch and Swirl)

Crispy Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Yes to Yolks

Forget tortilla chips — Brussels sprouts can get just as crispy and satisfying! Top them with buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese, and plenty of parsley for a healthy snack your guests won't soon forget. This is one of our fave Super Bowl food ideas that packs a healthy(ish) punch. (via Yes to Yolks)

Mini Taco Bowls

Bakers Royale

Crispy, cheesy, and creamy, these taco bowls will be a hit at every Super Bowl function from here on out. They're particularly delish when you can pop a couple alongside a cold sip of beer. They're small enough that you can have one now and one later. (via Bakers Royale)

Chicken Skewer Nachos

Real Food by Dad

It can be hard to find indulgent low-carb party recipes, but this Super Bowl food certainly fits the bill. Chips are swapped with chicken skewers for a snack that's high-protein, fun, and most importantly, delicious. (via Real Food by Dad)

Bang Bang Shrimp

Takes Two Eggs

This saucy shrimp will quickly become a team fave since it's equal parts sweet and spicy. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Want to keep up with the latest, tastiest party food ideas? Follow us on Pinterest for more!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Chloe Williams, and Meredith Holser.

Um, A Major 'Emily In Paris' Character Isn't Coming Back For Season 5

Everybody raise your Kir Royale cocktails because Emily in Paris has been renewed for season 5! (And it looks like she might be trading some of her cocktails for espresso). The official Emily in Paris & Netflix Instagram accounts made the announcement on September 16 with a video of Lily Collins sipping some espresso on a rooftop.

"There's no place like Rome," Lily says with a wink. And, to be frank, we have to agree. I didn't think Emily in Parisseason 4 (or its fashion) could get any better after that Part 1 ending, but taking our favorite Parisians to Rome turned out to be a fantastic move — and not just because it introduced us to Marcello.

But sadly, we have to say au revoir to one of the most iconic Emily in Paris characters ahead of season 5. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Emily in Paris season 5 — including who is (and isn't) returning.

Who's in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?

Netflix

A more fitting question might be "Who isn't in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?" because Camille Razat won't be returning as Camille. "Characters can come in and out of a series, but you don’t necessarily have to see them," Darren Star told TVLine. "But again, [Camille's] part of the world of the series. I’m not sure how soon we’ll see her, but it doesn’t mean, again, that we won’t be seeing her."

But don't worry! We'll see all our other favorite cast members returning, including:

Lily Collins as Emily Cooper
Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello
Lucien Laviscount as Alfie
Lucas Bravo as Gabriel
Ashley Park as Mindy Chen
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie
Samuel Arnold as Julien
Bruno Gouery as Luc
William Abadie as Antoine Lambert

When is Emily in Paris season 5 coming out?

Carole Behtuel/Netflix

We don't have an official Emily in Paris season 5 release date yet, but Deadline confirms the show begins production in May and will release on Netflix in 2025!

What is Emily in Paris season 5 about?

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

The Emily in Paris season 4 finale changed everything when Emily decided to stay in Rome and head up an Italian office for Agence Grateau. But, don't worry French fans. Darren Star promises we'll see her in the City of Love again, telling The Wrap, "definitely we’re not leaving Paris behind.”

And after Gabriel realized how much he wants to be with Emily in the season 4 finale, it looks like season 5 will feature even more of the show's signature relationship drama. "I think [Gabriel] realized that he wasn’t even aware of the fact that [Emily] left and how disconnected they’d become," Star continues. "He’s met the guy; he realizes the circumstances under which they met, and I think he just didn’t understand how fast things had moved between them."

But as much as we love to see Emily and Gabriel together, Lily Collins is excited to explore a Emily and Marcello. “Marcello is a whole other adventure that we want for Emily because we ultimately want Emily to be able to have a better work/life balance,” she tells TUDUM. “We want to have Emily be able to smile without condition. We want to see her beyond her vacay mode. And he comes at that perfect time.”

Where is Emily in Paris season 5 filming?

Netflix

Emily in Paris season 5 will pick up the end of the season 4 storyline, which means we'll see them in both Rome and Paris this year!

Is there a season 5 for Emily in Paris?

Stéphanie Branchu/Netflix

Yes, Emily in Paris season 5 is coming to Netflix. "We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!" creator Darren Star tells TUDUM.

The renewal comes as no surprise considering season 4 held Netflix Global Top 10's top spot and received almost 20 million views in four days.

What do you want to see in Emily in Paris season 5? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

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18 Colorful Finds Bringing Me Joy On Pinterest Right Now

Pinterest has a way of capturing my dream aesthetic – the way I want to dress, decorate my home, feed my friends and family, and travel. It's not only creatively inspiring, but it's also introduced me to some cool smaller brands I might not otherwise have discovered. Lately, I've been in a Pinterest mood, and rediscovered the site not just as an inspo tool but also as a shopping one. Here are 18 decor items, fashion pieces, and one delightful recipe I'm coveting right now.

Round House

Grazie Mille Plate

Even if I had to forgo any European travel this summer, I can still entertain like I'm on the Amalfi Coast. These classic Italian word plates made in new bone china were designed by Sydney-based artist Daimon Downey and are dishwasher, microwave and food safe, with a small rim to keep sauces from spilling. Bella!

Nordstrom

Misette Jardin Stripe Linen Napkins, Set of 4

Along the theme of outdoor entertaining, these scalloped linen napkins are so sweet and charming and way better than disposable ones. I want them in all the colors!

Modern Munchkin

The Typeset Co. Magnetic Letters, 200 pcs

Fun for kids and adults, I want these 1-inch magnets for my fridge to share silly messages with my daughter.

Winters Moon

Winter's Moon Japanese Storage Box

Storage is not the most exciting thing to have to buy, but it's so essential so you might as well add a splash of color. These boxes, designed in Denmark and made in Japan, are made of a better quality plastic, built to have a long life, is food safe, touch and scratch resistant, and mould and sun resistant.

Coming Soon New York

Swell Wall Catchall

This wave-shaped piece by Anna Dawson is perfect for an entryway and is both functional and a work of art.

Urban Outfitters

UO Mono Portable Lamp

We have a couple portable lamps at home and I love them for reading or bringing outside. This sleek table lamp with a bubblegum-shaped shade rotates to illuminate every angle, and is rechargeable via USB.

Spoonflower

Spoonflower Floral Checkerboard Wallpaper

Love the idea of this removable wallpaper with a retro vibe, designed by Michelle Parascandolo, as an accent wall in my daughter's room too. Instant happy!

Society of Wanderers

Society of Wanderers Striped Sheets

Pinterest is very aware that I am into stripes right now. These 100% French Flax linen sheets become softer over time and require no ironing, win-win!

Etsy

Etsy Scalloped Stripy Matchstick Pot

These scalloped match stick holders would be so cute as wedding favors or gifts or just sprinkled around the home. They've been hand-cast using white marble Jesmonite, creating a luxe sparkly effect.

Half Baked Harvest

Strawberry Chamomile Naked Cake Recipe

I'm growing strawberries in my garden for the first time this summer so we'll see if they are up for the task of gracing this adorable cake from Half Baked Harvest come August (my birthday month!).

Studio Opal

Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks

I've been playing around with calf-length socks recently and I adore this brand, and these colors!

Mille Francoise

Mille Francoise Skirt in Monaco Stripe

I tried on a skirt similar to this and still regret not getting it. I love the Mille brand, such good quality, and this cotton skirt is a perfect summer staple.

Coming Soon New York

Thomas Fuchs Melamine Plates

Back to outdoor parties! These handmade melamine plates are dishwasher safe and make a colorful statement on your indoor or outdoor table.

Trouva

Glass Tealight Lanterns

Another addition to my outdoor space are these modern tea light lanterns – will be buying as soon as I finish this article.;)

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Sandira Waffle Dishcloths, Set of 6

Call me strange, but I have a fetish for fancy dish towels, cloth napkins, and washcloths. They're sort of an affordable luxury, right? These Sandira Waffle dishcloths are made in a waffle-textured fabric and the pom-poms are the cutest!

Magill Clothing

Magill Tres Bien Sweatshirt

I'll be watching plenty of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer so why not represent with this "very good" crewneck sweatshirt in vintage ivory.

Etsy

Etsy 6-Inch House Numbers

House numbers can make such a difference in your curb appeal for a minimal cost. I love these red and Deco-inspired numbers, so unique!

Otto Tiles

Otto Tile Blue Marine Stripes Zellige

These Moroccan handmade zellige tile are perfect for walls, floors, indoors and outdoors. I've been looking to someday tile my stair risers for a creative twist (plus, the white paint constantly gets dirty). These are on my list!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more design inspiration!

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

Lead image via Pinterest

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Reese’s Book Club Pick For May Is Perfect For Emily Henry & Taylor Swift Fans

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love what Reesehas chosen for readers!

Learn more about Reese Witherspoon's 2025 Book Club picks!

May 2025

Bookshop

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Reese's book club deserves a huge round of applause for choosing Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life as its May pick! We've covered it so much on-site, plus we even chatted with the author herself last year and learned more about her creative process. Just like in her novel Happy Place, Henry brings her same magical energy to a new mysterious storyline.

Readers will get to know writers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson as they compete for heiress Margaret Ives' approval. The stakes are high because only one of them will get the chance to write her biography, pitting Alice and Hayden on opposite sides of the playing field. But as sparks continue to fly between them and Margaret's omission of truths pile up, they'll discover there's more to the story than they initially thought.

April 2025

Amazon

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

Considered one of our most-anticipated new books in April, All That Life Can Afford grapples with one young woman's experience with a fast-paced life filled with classism. It begins with an introduction of Anna and her love for the "beautiful" London. Based on glossy images in Library books, she's convinced that's the place she needs to be. But she's sorely disappointed when she arrives to find a gloomy place that mirrors life in her hometown.

Before long, Anna's swept into the luxurious life of the Wilders as their daughter's tutors and begins experiencing the glitz she thought London would give her. From parties to two attractive pursuits, she's living a life that many dream of...until she begins to struggle under the crushing weight of portraying a "rich and famous" lifestyle" that doesn't match her background.

March 2025

Amazon

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Beth and Frank seem like they have it all on the surface of their marriage, but that's only because they've been avoiding a huge elephant in the room. Bliss seems like a wonderful place to stay, but Frank's brother commits a crime that stirs up the presence of Gabriel Wolfe. He's the man that used to make Beth's heart beat so long ago, but she swore him off after their romance ended in heartbreak. But now he's back with a son named Leo who feels familiar to Beth.

It doesn't take long for Beth and Gabriel to start interacting, but it comes with painful memories that threaten her marriage with Frank. There'll be a reckoning soon enough, forcing Beth to make peace with her past, present and future.

February 2025

Amazon

Isolaby Allegra Goodman

When readers are first introduced to Marguerite, she's an heiress who has a promising future ahead of her. With barely anything to worry about, she enjoys a sweet childhood until she becomes an orphan under the care of a reckless man. Not only does he seize the inheritance that was intended for her, he also behaves cruelly and leaves her stranded on an island.

Facing perilous weather and other unspeakable things, Marguerite learns how to survive with "faith the size of a mustard seed."

Reese Witherspoon says, "This is easily one of my favorite historical fiction reads yet," (via Instagram).

January 2025

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.

You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese Witherspoon says, "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists," (via Instagram).

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

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.

book club book recommendations reese witherspoon entertainment books

Yep, 'The Last Of Us' Just Killed Off THAT Character

MAJOR The Last of Us season 2 spoilers ahead!

If you thought The Last of Us season 2 couldn't get more dramatic than its premiere, then you'd be wrong. Season 2 primes us for some emotional drama by showing just how much Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) are at odds, and throwing Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who's seeking revenge on Joel for her own father's murder, into the mix shatters everything.

The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, "Through The Valley" is already being heralded by social media users as one of the best episodes in TV history. But it's definitely memorable for one specific reason: the episode killed off Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.

Let's talk about what the heck just happened with Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us season 2.

Does Joel die in episode 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal in the hit HBO show) dies in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. "People are going to be upset. That's sometimes how good drama goes," executive producer Craig Mazin tellsUSA Today. "This was something that was always meant to happen. So much of the first season was, in a weird way, leading to this moment. And it's upsetting."

The horrifying moment comes after a blizzard — and some infected — put Abby, Joel, and Dina (Isabela Merced) on a collision course. After they rescue her from the aforementioned infected, Abby brings the two Jackson residents back to the lodge in the mountains where her group is hiding. Meanwhile Jackson, dealing with its own infected attack, burns in the distance.

Joel's anxious to return to town, but he's got bigger problems: Abby recognizes him as the man who killed her father (and wiped out the Firefly hospital) and, after putting Dina to sleep, Abby takes out five years' worth of anger and devastation on him with a golf club. Yeah. I can't believe it either.

But even more horrifying is when Ellie finds the lodge and bursts into the room. When she begs Joel to get up, there's a moment when you can see a beaten Joel start to lift himself up from the ground before Abby uses the now-broken golf club to kill him. I hope Ellie holds onto this moment and knows Joel was willing and able to do whatever it took to keep her safe!! I will scream about them forever!!

As Abby's group leaves, Ellie swears she'll kill them, and "you can't help but believe it is absolutely true," Craig says. There's a truly devastating shot of Ellie lying over Joel's body in the empty room that parallels her nursing him back to health at the end of season 1, episode 7 and I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

Why was Joel killed off?

In addition to being literal retribution for the death of Abby's father, Joel's death is a catalyst for Ellie's journey throughout the rest of the season as she grapples with revenge, grief, and anger. "Loss is kind of how this story functions, so this was largely preordained," Craig continues.

And yes, Pedro was aware of this devastating scene when he signed up for the life-changing role. "When I talked to Pedro the first time, I said, 'This is how this will go,'" Craig says. "I wanted him to know that we're not going to do this for seven seasons with you in that spot. We're going to do a season, and if it goes well and there's a second season, this will happen."

What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The trailer for the rest of The Last of Us season 2 shows that Ellie and Dina aren't giving up until they enact their own revenge on Abby and her group. The two women are headed for Seattle and they're up against infected, the militia, and everything else this post-apocalyptic world has to throw at them.

But even though Joel's gone for good, Pedro isn't. We're in for plenty of flashbacks that fill in those five years between seasons 1 and 2!

Tune into new episodes of The Last of Us season 2 on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 PM ET to see what happens next.

The story's not over yet! Here's the last news on The Last Of Us Season 3.

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