The New "Magnolia Parks" TV Show Is "Gossip Girl" Meets "Bridgerton"

April 2025

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

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

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

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

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).

What is 'Survival of the Thickest' about?

What happens when you face the worst breakup ever? You cry and find a way to revamp your life, according to Mavis from Survival of the Thickest.

The series revolves around her getting acclimated with being single again while juggling her floundering stylist career. She's got a supportive village, but that doesn't mean she's not prone to making mistakes or facing situations worth cackling about outside of her group chat.

Where does filming take place?

The show is primarily filmed in New York, but parts of Season 2 take place in Italy (via IMDB)!

Who's a part of the cast?

Survival of the Thickest has a sprawling cast that features some new and familiar faces. According to Marie Claire, here are the main characters who've appeared in Seasons 1 and 2:

1. Michelle Buteau as Mavis Beaumont

Mavis Beaumont may have started off as a heartbroken stylist's assistant in Season 1 of Survival of the Thickest, but she's since gone on to build a name for herself in Season 2. She's also trying to figure out if she's going to stick with her new love interest Luca or go back to her familiar ex Jacque.

2. Taylor Selé as Jacque

3. Tasha Smith as Marley

Marley's one of Mavis' no-nonsense besties who applies the same tenacity to her career as a finance executive. Her inspirational quips may come across as 'funny,' but she doesn't lie when she encourages those around her to move in excellence.

4. Tone Bell as Khalil

Mavis is surrounded by even more love with the addition of the creative Khalil by her side. He has a softer approach than Marley, but he still wants the best for Mavis and has no problem helping redirect her when she's ready to throw pity parties. If only he could apply the same principles to his own love life...

5. Liza Treyger as Jade

6. Garcelle Beauvais as Natasha Karina

Garcelle Beauvais may have left The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but you can watch her break necks and hurt feelings in Season 2 of Survival of the Thickest. She plays former '90s supermodel Natasha Karina who becomes Mavis' client after an initial period of misunderstandings.

7. Anthony Michael Lopez as Bruce

8. Marouane Zotti as Luca

Luca's all about Mavis and that's the I like it. Not only is he eye candy, but he's got enough passion stored in his body that makes me feel he's the obvious choice for our love-worn protagonist. However, only time will tell if Mavis thinks she and him are endgame or not.

9. Peppermint as Herself 

Survival of the Thickest is all about making sure all voices, storylines and identities are championed. Having Peppermint as another close friend of Mavis rounds out her supportive village because she's big on bringing her fun-loving energy wherever she goes. And when Peppermint takes a brief break from performing to get married, Mavis is right there rooting for her.

10. Alecsys Proctor-Turner as Nala

My, how the tables have turned! In Season 2 of Survival of the Thickest, Mavis gets her own assistant in the form of the fashion-obsessed Nala. Though she has moments where her naive nature shines through, she helps provide even more comedic relief and moments of clarity.

How many seasons does 'Survival of the Thickest' have?

Right now, Survival of the Thickest has two hilarious seasons that are on my weekend binge-watch list.

Season 1's Episodes 

1. Keep Your Plants Watered, Bitch.
2. Be a Bad Boss Bitch, Bitch!
3. You Did What in Public, Bitch?
4. Are You Crying, Bitch?
5. It's Any Given Sunday, Bitch!
6. Do the Right Thang, Bitch.
7. Let it Out, Bitch!
8. For a Bigger Purpose, Bitch.

Season 2's Episodes

1. When in Rome, Bitch!
2. Dreams Do Come True at Afropunk, Bitch.
3. You Can Heaux Your Own Way, Bitch.
4. Mind Ya Business, Bitch!
5. A Change Gon' Come, Bitch?
6. The Category is Love, Bitch.
7. You Best Come Correct, Bitch.
8. It's Not a Mo'Ment, It's A Movement, Bitch!

Where can I watch it?

You can watch Seasons 1 and 2 of Survival of the Thickest on Netflix. Unlike shows like Severanceor Paradise, you don't have to wait a full week to see a new episode!

Watch The Season 2 Trailer For 'Survival Of The Thickest' 

The bottom line is that Survival of the Thickest is a relatable comedy that'll have you laughing, crying, punching the air, and kicking your feet in delight. So, get your charcuterie board and wine together because you won't want to budge once press play.

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

Another source, @zuncola, hinted that the totes could hit stores as early as April 8 or 9.

There are four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – they come in pastel hues that all look stunning.

From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

This year, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags sell for $2.99 each, per Trader Joe's.

The Mini Canvas Tote Bags are restocked on Trader Joe's shelves near you starting April 8. Run, don't walk!