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There's always one kitchen gadget you can count on when you want your meal to be as easy as ordering takeout, yet way healthier: the slow cooker. With prep as easy as "toss in, and step away for the day," it's a fuss-free way to eat healthy on your busiest days. Spice up your soups, chicken, and veggies with these easy and healthy Crockpot recipes.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
The Real Food Dietitians
Healthy crockpot recipes that are loaded with hearty ingredients like sweet potato, diced green chiles, cumin, and ground bison. It's going to take some time to for this chili to cook, but you'll enjoy the slightly smoky and sweet flavors as they combine.
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Vikalinka
If you haven't gotten into Thai food yet, this chicken and wild rice soup will make you appreciate it! You'll need Thai red curry paste, wild rice, minced garlic, and chicken breasts to help fill out the base of this soup. It's the perfect cold-weather dish that'll accompany cozy nights by the fireplace.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chickpea Soup
Live Eat Learn
This chickpea soup is so good it'll melt in you and partner's mouth which may be your goal. It may be gorgeous to look at, but it's the soft chickpeas, potatoes, spicy vegan sausage, and Tuscan sauce that are the stars of the show. By the time you're done eating this soup, there won't be any evidence you had anything to eat at all.
Crockpot Corn On The Cob
Brit + Co
A homemade garlic butter mix gives our favorite cookout side dish a serious flavor upgrade. Using tin foil for this slow cooker recipe will let your corn cook and marinate at the same time.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Brit + Co
Full of a variety of veggies and herbs, everything about this soup is a good idea – including the white wine. Pour some in the soup, then pour yourself a glass to enjoy alongside dinner. This is the perfect dish to make when you want Italian but are looking for something that feels warm and healthy.
Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
Brit + Co
Give your favorite warm weather drink a healthy and easy upgrade by one, making it vegan, and two, making it in the slow cooker! Our favorite nondairy milk to use for this are soy and oat, but almond works great too. Bonus points if you throw on some vegan whipped cream and marshmallows!
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Brit + Co
Instead of sour cream or other heavy cream-based products, this recipe calls for Greek yogurt to make the sauce, which will make things a bit healthier without changing up the flavor too much. It remains the ultimate comfort food, while only requiring four-ingredients and being much healthier.
Supercharged Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Brit + Co
The best thing about making a drink like apple cider yourself is you know (and can control) exactly what's in it. Plus, the ACV gives it a little extra health boost! It can aid digestion, fight infections, and help you feel full.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Stuffed Mushrooms
Brit + Co
These mushrooms make for a great appetizer, and while the recipe is vegetarian, it's incredibly easy to swap regular cream cheese for an alternative one to make it vegan. The ingredient list seems lengthy but the recipe only takes 2 hours to cook after you've thrown it all into your Crock-Pot.
Chana Masala
Brit + Co
Chickpeas are great for strong bones and better digestion, and the mix of ginger, cumin, and turmeric work together so well.This meal is healthy and filling but doesn't weigh you down. Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top once it comes out of the Crock Pot for even more flavor!
Slow Cooker Keto Chicken
Brit + Co
Add some spice to your summer nights with this delicious shredded Mexican chicken recipe. If it's a bit too spicy for you, you can leave out the jalapeños and just add more avocados. The recipe is keto-friendly and can be further customized by putting it over cauliflower rice or wrapping it in romaine lettuce.
Chicken, Kale, and Sweet Potato Stew
Real Food Whole Life
There's always time to reset with a stew (or soup). This hearty recipe, starring clean ingredients (bonus because there's only 6 of them) like kale and sweet potato, leaves you full all day, and it freezes like a charm for leftovers.
Creamy Ranch Mashed Cauliflower
All Day I Dream About Food
Looking for a creamy side that'll soak up all manner of sauces? Your brain might immediately go to mashed potatoes but there are other great alternatives. Your search ends with this low-carb ranch cauliflower mash. It's rich and creamy and oh-so-flavorful!
Coconut Quinoa Curry Healthy Crockpot Idea
Simply Quinoa
There's a double dose of protein from chickpeas and quinoa in this curry recipe. It all simmers in a bath of sweet tomatoes and coconut milk for a recipe that's simply too delish for words.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Culinary Hill
You can use frozen green beans in this crock pot recipe to keep things simple, but still add a touch of homemade cooking in the dish by whipping up an easy mushroom sauce. Don't forget the best part – crispy fried onions!
Slow Cooker Lamb Chops
Where Is My Spoon?
When you're feeling fancy, but not 'spending three hours in the kitchen' fancy, leverage this easy lamp chops recipe that pairs well with pasta, rice, and veg. It only takes 3 steps and has less than 10 minutes of prep time!
Chicken Coconut Korma
Completely Delicious
This one will warm you up like no other. It is made with tomato paste, coconut milk, and lots of spices that combine to create a heavenly flavor profile. Make sure to prep it with some naan for the full dining experience!
Crockpot Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
Averie Cooks
When the clock strikes for something sweet, reach for this Crockpot snack mix recipe that yields a whole lot of yum. It's so easy to make and my favorite part is that it is so easy to customize and utilize whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Easy Crockpot Enchiladas
Clean Cuisine
These streamlined enchiladas make an excellent dish for sharing! They swap out certain ingredients for a cleaner choice but still manage to remain the delicious treat you know and love.
Lasagna Soup in the Crockpot
The Edgy Veg
Lasagna is always a no-fail dinner. Eat it in soup form for some real comfort! It takes 30 minutes to make and only uses one pot, which is definitely a win in my book. Plus, the noodles can be switched out for gluten-free ones to accommodate different diets!
Healthy Slow Cooker Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes
SweetPhi
Anti-inflammatory turmeric is so good for you, we've started adding it to pretty much everything. It gives a golden glow to chicken and potatoes in this recipe, with tender green beans adding just the right amount of green.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich with Apple Slaw
Salt & Lavender
Pork gets simmered in the slow cooker for about 10 hours to really tenderize the meat, and ensure all the flavors soak in. Then, the pulled pork sandwich is balanced with a fresh and crunchy apple slaw. Yum!
Low-Carb Lasagna
Well Plated
Pile your plate high with layers upon layers of zucchini and eggplant slices, substituting lasagna noodles. Bell peppers and onions form this recipe's sauce, and low-fat cottage cheese adds extra depth to each serving.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Damn Delicious
There's almost no prep work involved for this dish (besides chopping the potatoes), so you can just throw in all the ingredients and forget about it for the next eight hours. Remove the chicken right before it's time to eat, and broil for a quick three minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.
Crockpot Thai Broccoli Rabe Chicken Curry
Half-Baked Harvest
Red curry gets a healthy boost from broccoli rabe, but with chicken, this healthy slow cooker recipe still completely filling. It makes a comforting and cozy meal, perfect for the fall season and beyond.
Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Show Me the Yummy
We can hardly contain ourselves. Something about that sweet and spicy honey-sriracha combo, when it's slathered over yummy chicken and paired with fluffy quinoa, keeps us coming back for more. It doesn't hurt that there's such little prep time, and it's a healthy meal!
Low-Carb Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
My Life Cookbook
Monk fruit's the secret to keeping this barbecue sauce delightfully sweet while still low-carb. Use with with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Despite it being so flavorful, its surprisingly easy to make.
Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup
Damn Delicious
You're going to be in ecstasy after one spoonful of this chicken broth-based soup with tender beans, soft vegetables, and smoky andouille sausage. It's the perfect hearty, yet healthy meal and only requires 10 minutes of prep! Is anybody else thinking about NOLA?
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup
A Spicy Perspective
Enjoy all the same amazing flavors as buffalo chicken wings, without the heavy feelings. This slow-cooker soup is healthy and keeps things light. The bit of blue cheese dressing that gets blended in really adds to the flavor and makes you feel like you're eating wings at a tailgate!
Jackfruit Butter Chicken
Chef Bai
Who knew jackfruit could make for such a delicious meal? This vegan butter chicken recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner dish. It uses tons of fresh elements, including ginger, garbanzo beans, and coconut milk, to form an ultra-comforting bowl – all within the crock pot.
Prep Our Slow Cooker Recipes For An Easy Dinner
Skinny Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
The Recipe Critic
A sure way to stop ordering consistent takeout meals is to make this Kung Pao recipe at home. The key is to coat the chicken chunks with cornstarch so that it browns before you dump it in the sauce with plenty of veggies for an unbelievable home order.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
Gimme Some Oven
Packed with protein and naturally vegan and gluten-free, this soup can do no wrong. Garnish with thick slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips — or all three.
Slow Cooker Asian Meatballs
A Spicy Perspective
The guests at your next party will be inhaling these flavorful meatballs. Just prep a spicy-sweet sauce, and form the meatballs, then let cook in the crock pot for about four hours for a delicious snack.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Well Plated
Tomatoes always taste best after cooking low and slow all day. The richness of this easy slow cooker chicken dish is why it's a personal favorite and is perfect for dinner parties and beyond.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Pesto Vegetables Recipe
365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking
When your chicken and veggies are this well seasoned, you won't even miss pasta. If you are craving noodles, though, try tossing everything with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Parmesan White Bean Chicken Soup with Roasted Delicata Squash
Half-Baked Harvest
This slow cooker soup is absolutely chock full of veggies and your favorite noodles. HBH's Tieghan recommends orzo, and we are totally on board with that.
Crockpot Chickpea Curry
A Spicy Perspective
This vegetarian recipe is also gluten-free *and* can be made dairy-free! Whichever way you decide to fix it, the flavors of honey, ginger, and cumin will not disappoint.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Show Me the Yummy
Skip the heavy takeout, and recreate one of your favorite meals at home with a healthy twist. Whip up a quick orange sauce, and pour it over two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Serve with your choice of rice.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Tagine
Cooking Classy
Even if you don't have a real tagine, capture the flavors of Morocco in your slow cooker with a hearty, protein-filled stew. Serving it over rice or couscous elevates the meal even further and makes it one you'll crave again and again.
Easy Slow Cooker Chili
Barley & Sage
With this healthy crockpot recipe recipe, you'll get plenty of protein from the ground beef, nutrients from the veggies, and flavor from all the spices. Since it's so packed with beans and corn, removing the meat is totally viable and makes it vegetarian! Pro tip: it freezes and reheats really well!
Slow Cooker Healthier Beef Stew
Primavera Kitchen
Quickly brown the stew meat in a skillet before dumping it in your slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor you won't want to miss. Then, make beef stew lighter by adding more in-season veggies like parsnips and turnips, and by using low-sodium broth.
Enjoy Easy Soups, Chilis, Stews, and Curry Dishes Straight From The Crockpot
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup
SweetPhi
If you've ever been sick, you know that soup has superpowers. The lentils in this dish gently nourish you, while the warm salty broth will soothe your soul. The red lentils allow for the texture to be almost creamy, giving it the oomph you need to feel satisfied.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Salt & Lavender
When you cook carrots in any capacity, they're already nice and sweet, but adding a honey glaze really brings out that natural flavor even more. They're the perfect side dish for the holiday season or any family dinner. These are so good, you might not even want dessert.
Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Pozole
Half-Baked Harvest
Great for when corn and zucchini are in season, this salsa verde pozole is loaded with veggies and topped with avocado, cotija, toasted pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime. The textures and the flavors all come together so well to create a fiesta in your mouth.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Cooking Classy
Satisfy your Chinese food cravings without leaving the house. It requires a mere 10 minutes of prep time before being tossed into the slow cooker. The beef drips in flavor and is so tender, you'll never want to order takeout again.
Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
Half-Baked Harvest
Chili is always a good go-to dinner for utmost comfort. This healthy recipe loads up on all of the flavors without overdoing it. The ingredients are clean and good for you, including ground turkey, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and white beans.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
All Day I Dream About Food
Who knew that you didn't need to roast spaghetti squash in the oven? Just cut it in half, dig out the seeds, and place it in the slow cooker with a trusted tomato sauce. Needless to say, Italian night got a whole lot lighter.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Damn Delicious
Not only are these stuffed peppers healthy, but they're also completely customizable. You can switch out the ground beef for turkey (or leave it out altogether), and choose between white rice, brown rice, and even quinoa for an extra punch of protein in the filling. Make as many peppers as will fit in your slow cooker to prep lunch for the rest of the week.
Slow Cooker Summer Vegetable Soup
The Seasoned Mom
Add all of your favorite veggies to your slow cooker (plus beans for a boost of protein), and let them simmer away to create a compellingly complex soup. A little sprinkle of parmesan on top wouldn't hurt either.
Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Soup
Peas and Crayons
Combine cauliflower, sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of cream cheese for indulgence. Five hours later, you'll be devouring bowl after bowl of this scrumptious soup.
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup
Show Me The Yummy
A mix of creamy coconut milk and rich peanut butter make this one soup you won't be able to get off your mind. Loaded up with protein and veggies, this is the ultimate feel-good meal that is also good for you. Serve with an extra-large spoon for easy slurping.
Slow Cooker Whole Roasted Chicken
The Little Kitchen
Making a whole roast chicken in your slow cooker will give you enough tender, fall-off-the-bone meat to feed you like a queen for the week. Place your seasoned chicken on a bed of veggies, like onions, celery, and carrots, and let it cook for the next six hours. If you prefer crispier skin, carefully remove the chicken from your slow cooker and broil for a few minutes at the end.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato
The Real Food Dietitians
Buffalo chicken wings might not be the healthiest choice, but this dairy-free, dietitian-approved version means you can go there, minus the guilt. Tuck it into a lettuce wrap or into a baked sweet potato for an even more satisfying dish!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Seasoned Mom
Get that home-cooked fix without having to stand over the stove stirring a pot all day. Even though it's soup, this meal is bright and fresh thanks to the variety of veggies, and garnish of cilantro.
Smoked Bacon Veggie Soup
Cotter Crunch
Snuggle up with a bowl of this hearty soup on a frigid winter day, and you'll warm up from the inside out. The smoky bacon helps balance out the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts and mushrooms.
White Chicken Chili Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Simply Whisked
Sticking to your healthy eating resolution will be a breeze with meals as good as this one. An hour before dinner, shred the chicken and then distract yourself for the next 60 minutes while it keeps cooking. Top with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
A Spicy Perspective
With only two ingredients — chicken and salsa verde — this taco meat just needs tortillas and whatever toppings you want to have dinner on the table.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
Culinary Hill
Loaded with carrots, celery, and onion, this chicken soup gets a filling twist from cheese tortellini. It's a great choice for when you're under the weather or just want something that feels nourishing for your soul. Plus, it's super easy to whip up and can be frozen for leftovers!
Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more healthy crockpot recipes and eating inspiration or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes!
Additional reporting by Ashley Tyler, Chloe Williams, and Meredith Holser.
This post has been updated.
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!
While some people go absolutely bonkers for PSL season, I share the same fervor for Peppermint Mocha season and would argue that it beats out all things pumpkin (don't come for me, PSL nation). Once Starbucks starts serving up their winter menu, I know the holidays are on their way – and there's no better, cozier feeling than that! When I was a barista, I loved that time of year.
Though the coffee chain just dropped their fall menu, I'm already looking ahead to winter. If you're also one to anticipate Starbucks' new menu releases way before they're officially announced, you've come to the right place for the scoop on the upcoming winter lineup. Ahead, find everything you need to know about the 2024 Starbucks winter menu, including my personal predications for what tasty drinks and snacks could be available to order once the PSL hype has died down!
When does the 2024 Starbucks winter menu come out?
Starbucks
The Starbucks winter menu release date hasn't been officially announced yet. Last year, the winter lineup debuted on November 2. In 2022, it hit stores on November 3. Based on this timeline, we anticipate the Starbucks winter menu to be released sometime during the first week of November.
What drinks will be on the 2024 Starbucks winter menu?
Connor Surdi for Starbucks
Again, the exact items for this year's Starbucks winter menu have not been announced yet, though there are some seasonal favorites we definitely expect to return for 2024. The Peppermint Mocha has been a staple in the chain's winter menu since 2022, so we don't see it going anywhere. The Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brûlée Latte, and Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte have been featured for the past several years, so it's very possible they could return to menus, too.
Will Starbucks have holiday cups for 2024?
Meredith Holser
Starbucks is known to launch specially-designed holiday cups once their winter menu hits cafes, and we foresee them coming back again this year. In the past, the cups have featured red, green, and white motifs to usher in the holiday season. Over the past two years, the Starbucks holiday cup designs played with illustrations of stars, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. The holiday theme has touched both hot and cold cups to suit hot or iced beverages!
My Starbucks Winter Menu Predictions
Starbucks
Peppermint Mocha
This undeniably classic winter menu item blends Starbucks' espresso, mocha and peppermint syrups, and milk to create the perfect sippable start to the holiday season. Like I said before, it's likely not going anywhere! The chain has also served up White Peppermint Mochas before.
Starbucks
Chestnut Praline Latte
Starbucks has served up a ton of nutty flavors like hazelnut and pistachio over the years, but I fear nothing beats this chestnut-praline combo. I probably ordered this sweet drink 15 times last year because it's that yummy. I predict it will return for 2024, but I'll admit that's just be because I'm a huge fan.
Starbucks
Caramel Brûlée Latte
Caramel has been a mainstay in Starbucks' coffee bar for years now – customers seem to really love it! That's why I predict the Caramel Brûlée Latte will make an appearance on the 2024 winter menu. This latte is perfectly toasty and sweet to soothe any seasonal craving (that's not peppermint).
Starbucks
Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
This drink has historically been made with sugar cookie syrup and Starbucks' blonde espresso, which gives a sweeter effect than their regular blend. The most cheerful part of the bev is the red and green sprinkles that get added on top. I want it to return for that reason alone – it's too good!
More Menu Predictions
Starbucks
Since Starbucks debuted their non-dairy cold foam this year, I could definitely see them leveraging the new menu offering for one or two new winter drinks.
In previous years, they've featured flavors like Irish cream and gingerbread, but I'd love to see them venture out into even more wintery, holiday-esque flavors like red velvet, nutmeg, or even cranberry! It'd also be a massive holiday miracle if they decided to re-launch the Eggnog Latte!
Starbucks
As far as snacks go, the Cranberry Bliss Barbetter come back to menus this winter, or else I will riot. The sweet snack boasts a tasty baked layer, cranberries, cream cheese icing, and orange zest to evoke all the seasonal feels. The Snowman Cookie is also a must-have holiday item (and is totally pic-worthy), so I anticipate it to return as well.
Starbucks has surprised fans with a wide range of different snacks throughout the years, like the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, so I expect a few new never-before-seen bites to join the winter lineup for 2024. Of course, there's gotta be a cake pop in there, too!
Sign up for our newsletter for official updates on the Starbucks winter menu!
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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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:
- Print out your #squad faces.
- Cut them out.
- 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.
This post has been updated.