You're About To Become a Morning Person With These Breakfast Pastry Recipes

Heirloom Tomato Goat Cheese Galette breakfast pastry recipesHeirloom Tomato Goat Cheese Galette breakfast pastry recipes

Pastrieshold a special place in the morning routine, and for many, they're the catalyst for embracing the beauty of breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked pastries has the power to transform even the staunchest night owls into early birds. I can attest to the magic of these morning delights. A warm, flaky croissant or a sweet pastry filled with fruits or cheese has the uncanny ability to turn breakfast into a cherished meal rather than just a necessity. Each bite is a compelling experience, promising a day that begins on the most delicious note. Let's celebrate the diverse world of breakfast pastry recipes and share our love for these morning treasures that can make any day brighter.

Easy Cheese and Prosciutto Croissants

Easy Cheese and Prosciutto Croissants

Jumpstart your day with these cheese and prosciutto croissants featuring flaky puff pastry, crispy prosciutto, and a cheesy egg filling. Perfect for a leisurely morning or as a delightful appetizer to brighten your day! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Breakfast Pastry

Make your mornings memorable with this vegan breakfast pastry recipe. You'll create flaky pastries filled with plant-based eggs, vegan cheese, veggie bacon, and tomato, all wrapped in vegan puff pastry. Enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free start to your day! (The Edgy Veg)

Turkish Pogaca

Savor these delightful Turkish Pogacas, perfect for a family breakfast. These fluffy, cheese-filled mini buns are a traditional Turkish morning treat, offering a delicious start to your day. Fill them with cheese, olives, or potatoes for a delightful breakfast. (via Give Recipe)

Apple Turnovers

In the realm of delightful breakfast pastries, these turnovers offer a sweet and comforting start to your day. With a flaky, buttery puff pastry shell and a luscious cinnamon apple filling, they embody the essence of fall and can be enjoyed either warm or cold. (via Averie Cooks)

Earl Grey Scones

Elevate your breakfast routine with the exquisite flavors of Earl Grey scones. These scones are uniquely infused with the aromatic essence of brewed Earl Grey tea, resulting in a light and fluffy morning pastry. What's more, they're a breeze to make, requiring less than 30 minutes. (via Earthly Provisions)

Brown Sugar Peach Puff Pastry Pop Tarts

Filled with fresh peaches, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla, these tarts are encased in flaky puff pastry and topped with a mouthwatering brown butter and cinnamon glaze. Perfect for a delightful breakfast or any time you crave a sweet treat. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Braid

This irresistible pastry is like a sweet embrace from the kitchen, filled with the love of raspberry cream cheese goodness. Just to let you in on a little secret, even though it's primarily a breakfast pastry, I would eat it for any meal of the day. (via Two Peas And Their Pod)

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs and Feta

Enjoy a morning indulgence with a delightful combination of tender asparagus, runny egg yolks, crumbled feta, and zesty lemon zest, all nestled within a flaky, golden pastry. What could possibly ruin my day after starting it so scrumptiously?(via Forks and Foliage)

Heirloom Tomato Goat Cheese Galette

This savory galette offers a twist on traditional breakfast options, perfect for a unique morning meal. Top individual slices with a fried egg, or prepare your eggs in your preferred way to take this breakfast experience to the next level. (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)

Cheese Scones With Scallions

These scones are a perfect treat to complement your morning or serve as a delightful side dish. Whether enjoyed during breakfast or as a standalone snack, the combination of cheddar cheese and scallions adds a savory kick that will elevate your day. (via Woman Scribbles)

Strawberry Ginger Hand Pies

Celebrate love or any special morning with these adorable pies! Perfect for a breakfast that's both sweet and wholesome. These little pies feature a flaky crust filled with a delightful blend of chopped strawberries and zesty fresh ginger, making them a lovely way to start the day. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Cheese Puff Pastry Twists

Delight your taste buds with these quick and addictive Cheese Puff Pastry Twists. With a crispy, cheesy, and buttery flavor, these straws are a delightful addition to any breakfast spread. (via Where is my Spoon)

Easy Sourdough Biscuits

Quick to whip up and freezer-friendly, these easy sourdough biscuits are a must-try breakfast treat. Buttery, light, and fluffy, they add a delightful twist to the morning table. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Puff Pastry Breakfast Egg Tarts

These tarts are the perfect weekend breakfast or Sunday brunch treat. Flaky puff pastry, jammy eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese create a delightful combination, with an optional everything bagel seasoning crust for that extra flavor. (via Cozy Cravings)

Cranberry Orange Sourdough Scones

Savor the delightful flavors of these scones for a perfect breakfast pastry. They combine tenderness with a touch of crispiness, showcasing the rich taste of sourdough discard, making them an ideal choice for high tea or a leisurely brunch. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Pastry Wrapped Baked Brie with Thyme Butter Roasted Plums.

Kickstart your morning with a delightful and savory treat with this pastry-wrapped baked Brie featuring thyme-butter-roasted plums. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie, and sweet maple-roasted plums is just mouthwatering bliss. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Whip up the quickest cinnamon rolls with these rolls – a sweet pastry treat with just six ingredients. Enjoy these dreamy cinnamon rolls in no time, making them the perfect addition to your breakfast pastry lineup. (via Vikalinka)

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits are a true Southern delight with extra buttery, flaky layers. Enjoy them with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a smear of jam for the day ahead to be at least half a sweet. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Pumpkin Scones With Candied Ginger And Maple Glaze

These pumpkin scones are a perfect fall addition to your morning coffee or brunch, combining rich pumpkin flavors, candied ginger, and a luscious maple glaze for a comforting treat. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are a delightful combination of tender, moist muffins filled with fresh blueberries, creamy ricotta cheese, and zesty lemon. They strike a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, making them an ideal addition to your breakfast or brunch lineup. (via Cozy Cravings)

Spring mornings undeniably call for easy breakfasts filled with bright, fresh flavors, so we’ve gathered up 13 delicious recipes worthy of adding to your meal rotation. Whether you’re craving something sweet or something savory, there are plenty of ways to get your day started on the right foot. These 13 easy spring breakfasts will definitely bring a little extra sunshine to your mornings – no complicated steps required!

Scroll on for 13 easy spring breakfasts to make all season long.

Brittany Griffin

Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Gruyere Sous Vide Egg Bites

Babe, wake up! We have Starbucks at home! This egg bites recipe is super quick to prep for the week, plus you can easily customize the fillings based on what you're craving week-by-week. (via Brit + Co)

Jessica Smith

Baked French Toast

This baked breakfast recipe simplifies the process of making French toast, though each slice still turns out so sweet and tender. Top your dish with seasonal berries, and voila! Breakfast is served. (via Jessica Smith for Brit + Co)

Patricia Conte

Blood Orange Smoothie

This blood orange smoothie is a great easy spring breakfast to take on the go. Packed with plenty of vitamin C, you'll be feelin' powerful as ever after sipping it! (via Patricia Conte for Brit + Co)

Grace Elkus

Feta Fried Eggs

Bulked up with feta cheese and seasonings, these fried eggs are not your ordinary fried eggs. Frying them with the 'extras' lets 'em get super crispy and ready for the eating! (via Grace Elkus for Brit + Co)

Samantha Cassetty

Key Lime-Avocado-Mango Toast

A little sweet and a little savory, this avocado toast topped with mango slices will surely become your new breakfast addiction this spring. It's super easy to make and will be devoured in no time. (via Samantha Cassettyfor Brit + Co)

Live Eat Learn

Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies

With oats and chia seeds, these healthy breakfast "cookies" can be batched out in large amounts and stored in the fridge or freezer for subsequent breakfasts and mid-day snacking sessions. Easy peasy, we tell ya! (via Live Eat Learn for Brit + Co)

The Girl on Bloor

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This customizable breakfast casserole is as easy as dump and cook... and then, chow down! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Crowded Kitchen

High Protein Overnight Oats

High protein eaters, you're gonna want to bookmark this one! These overnight oats come together, well, overnight, so you don't have to do much work to make 'em other than measure out the ingredients and stir together. Then, you can add different fruits to each serving depending on your mood! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins

Packed with more protein, these banana muffins are prepped using Greek yogurt for that extra oomph. The chocolate chips are absolutely necessary here, BTW. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Forks & Foliage

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart with Eggs & Feta

Ooh, bougie! This breakfast may look fancy, but it's actually pretty easy to make, thanks to the help of some pre-made puff pastry. Load it up with asparagus, eggs, and feta, and you've got a very spring-ready breakfast to enjoy! (via Forks & Foliage)

A Virtual Vegan

Peach Baked Oatmeal

Peaches are the ultimate spring fruit, and if you haven't tried them in oatmeal quite yet, here's your perfect excuse! (via A Virtual Vegan)

The Endless Meal

Zucchini Tomato Frittata

Frittatas are great spring breakfasts to make because you can easily make a big serving and save the leftovers for the entire week. This one's packed with zucchini and tomatoes, but you can definitely swap those out for any veggies or proteins you're feelin'. (via The Endless Meal)

A Spicy Perspective

Mango Smoothie with Green Tea

Boosted with some caffeine from green tea, this fresh and energizing mango smoothie is so quick to blend in the AM. (via A Spicy Perspective)

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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.

Some families get together for Easter brunch, while others sit down for dinner. Then there are those who may find themselves eating all day on Easter Sunday. Whatever your plans this year include, find inspiration in this collection of dinner recipes for quiches, vibrant salads, savory tarts, and more. They will hit the spot any time of day and offer up ideas for all season long.

Half Baked Harvest

Basil Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Prosciutto

Here's a twist on an Easter ham: make this classic comfort food with warm, crisp prosciutto, Italian-style chicken with basil pesto and bright asparagus. (via Half Baked Harvest)

GastroPlant

Easy Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili

Easter dinner ideas should be light, yet flavorful. For this dish, use cumin and garlic to accent the chili powder in this comforting and brunch-friendly vegan chili. (via GastroPlant)

This Wife Cooks

Black Bean Meatloaf

Whip up old-school-style meatloaf made with protein-packed black beans and quinoa. Serve with your favorite Easter sides. (via This Wife Cooks)

Brit + Co

Spring Vegetable Galette

You don’t need to be a pastry expert to make a beautifully cheesy, crispy galette. Don't worry if this doesn't come out looking perfect — the more crags and “rustic” bits there are in the crust, the better it looks. (via Brit + Co)

Forks & Foliage

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart With Eggs And Feta

Pair this lemony and cheesy tart with your favorite mimosa recipe for a savory brunch (or dinner!) (via Forks & Foliage)

Feel Good Foodie

Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken

Prepare to graze all day over this roasted chicken with fresh rosemary, lemon, garlic, and shallots. It's sure to become one of your family's favorite Easter dinner ideas. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Veggie Society)

Vegan Split Pea Soup

Blend creamy split green peas and golden potatoes for a meat- and dairy-free soup that's so delicious.(via Veggie Society)

A Spicy Perspective

Baked Ham With Honey Mustard And Apples

Slather your baked ham with honey mustard glaze, stuff it with apples and bake to perfection! Ham sandwiches for days!(via A Spicy Perspective)

Takes Two Eggs

Vietnamese Cajun Shrimp Boil

Break out some Easter bibs for this crowd-pleasing cajun shrimp boil made with juicy shrimp, corn, baby potatoes, and smoked sausages.(via Takes Two Eggs)

Culinary Hill

Pork Tenderloin with Figs And Balsamic Glaze

A delicious balsamic glaze flavored with seasonal figs make an amazing sauce over pork tenderloin. (via Culinary Hill)

Barley & Sage

Chicken Pastina Soup

Pastina, or "little pasta," refers to any type of tiny pasta and makes for a kid-friendly Easter or anytime meal. (via Barley & Sage)

Salt & Lavender

Creamy Dijon Rosemary Chicken

Made with just a few ingredients, this creamy chicken dish should be at the top of your Easter dinner ideas list. (via Salt & Lavender)

Sesame Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

We love this colorful twist on an Easter pasta salad made with crunchy purple cabbage, sweet carrots, edamame and noodles tossed together in a sweet and spicy peanut dressing. (via Munching With Mariyah)

RachL Mansfield

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad

The lemon dijon dressing is the clincher in this delightful healthy dish made with gluten-free pasta. (via RachL Mansfield)

The Endless Meal

Brussel Sprouts Pizza With Blue Cheese

Why not pizza for Easter brunch or dinner? Roasted Brussel sprouts, caramelized onions, and blue cheese is a cozy twist and ready in under an hour! (via The Endless Meal)

Cozy Cravings

Baked Chicken And Leeks

Creamy potatoes, lemony leeks, and juicy marinated chicken served with a garlicky greek yogurt sauce is a meal we'd make any time. Just add a glass of wine! (via Cozy Cravings)

Two Spoons

Spring Mix Salad With Lemon-Baked Tofu

This colorful spring salad is packed with lemon tofu, edamame, creamy avocado, crunchy radish, fresh mint, and citrus, and will look stunning on your Easter table. (via Two Spoons)

Live Eat Learn

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Carrots, celery, mushrooms, peas and corn are topped with fluffy mashed potatoes made with Greek yogurt in this easy-to-prepare dish that's also so satisfying. It's one of our healthier Easter dinner ideas. (viaLive Eat Learn)

Brit + Co

Cauliflower Rice Casserole

Ooey, gooey, and filling, this casserole is enough of a showstopper to take centerstage at your Easter dinner, but is also laidback enough to make for an amazing breakfast. We added zucchini, kale, and mushrooms, but feel free to jazz it up with your favorite veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bruléed Grapefruit Tart

Ok so this tart couldn't exactly stand on its own as an entrée (unless you're having a ton of desserts for dinner, which we're on board with) but it will definitely make for a colorful and fruity addition to any Easter table. (via Brit + Co)

Cilantro Parsley

Chicken Piccata With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This chicken piccata made with paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and artichokes is keto and gluten-free. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Brit + Co

Gluten-Free Avocado Fries

For a healthier take on a fan-favorite finger food (wow, what a mouthful), bake some avocados. This recipe calls for a dash of salt and a spicy aioli, but you can swap for something sweeter. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Blueberry Lavender Fizz

You can't have Easter dinner without some cute Easter cocktails! Whether you sip during dinner or wait until the kids have gone to bed, these blueberry lavender drinks have spring written all over them. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Maple and Pear-Glazed Easter Ham

Ham in and of itself might seem like a pretty simple dish, but in addition to how flavorful this recipe is on its own, there are so many different ways to eat it! Pair it with pineapple, put it on a salad, or have it on top of a biscuit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs

Your favorite veg, eggs, and cream go into individual ramekins, get pressure-cooked, and come out ever-so slightly soft so you can spread the whole thing over toast. It works just as well for dinner as it does brunch. (via Brit + Co)

What’s Gaby Cooking?

Spring Pea Salad

This stunning salad will have your guests’ jaws on the floor. Bonus points if you flourish it with edible spring flowers. (via What’s Gaby Cooking?)

Brit + Co

Fettuccine Carbonara

This eggs-and-bacon pasta transitions seamlessly from a mimosa-filled brunch to an Italian-themed dinner, and satisfices any time of day. (viaBrit + Co)

Drizzle and Dip

Shaved Asparagus and Pea Frittata With Mint and Parma Ham

Breakfast for dinner is always a treat, especially when it comes in the form of a frittata that's packed with veggies and garnished with salty, dry-cured ham. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Brit + Co

Sweet Crepes

Round out your dinner (or start your brunch) with some delicious crepes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you overstuffed. Some classic fillings are strawberries and creme, chocolate, or even cheese and jam. (via Brit + Co)

Dinner at the Zoo

Easy Chicken Spaghetti

Your entire family will fall madly in love with this easy-peasy pasta dish. Tossed with crisp asparagus and tender chicken strips, the spaghetti is fancy enough for Easter dinner, yet quick enough to throw together for a last-minute brunch. (via Dinner at the Zoo)

Potato-Crust Quiche Lorraine

You’ll forget pastry crust ever existed when you bite into this hashbrown-crusted quiche, which is filled with a silky mixture of eggs, half and half, and shredded Gruyère. Our mouths are already watering. (via Brit + Co)

Chef Bai

Cilantro And Calabrian Pasta Salad

This herb and spicy twist on a classic pasta salad recipe is dairy free, egg free, and packed with more than 11 veggies inside for a healthy meal you'll all love. (via Chef Bai)

Brie, Bacon, and Butternut Squash Risotto

This customizable recipe will be delicious no matter what cheese, veggies, and herbs you choose — just don’t leave out the crispy bacon. You won't think twice about adding this to your Easter dinner ideas notebook! (via Brit + Co)

The Original Dish

Spiced Chicken Thighs with Garlic Tahini Yogurt

This tasty easter dinner recipe looks the perfect spring meal. From the tahini yogurt to the pomegranate glazed carrots, it looks like a lightweight, but filling recipe we want to perfect! (via The Original Dish)

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes are right up our alley because they feel like we're cheating on our usual french fry orders. But we especially love the addition of smoky roasted and garlic parmesan flavors. Each bite feels like a party in your mouth. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Vanilla and Bean

Broccoli Rabe Frittata With Pesto Ricotta

Is this a brunch or dinner recipe? According to Traci of Vanilla and Bean, it's up to you! We prefer to make it after a long day at work because it feels like a treat. Plus, it's a great option for anyone who loves vegetarian or gluten-freen meals. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Forks and Foliage

Beef and Lamb Shawarma Wraps

Wherever there's a wrap recipe, you'll find us salivating over it! But this beef and lamb shawarma meal may be the best we've ever tasted. You'll also need a little bit of yogurt, garlic cloves, paprika, and more amazing spices to help it reach it's full glory. (via Forks and Foliage)

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This post has been updated.

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.

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.