Pretty as a Peach: Your next favorite book club pick – for fans of charming, small-town emotional reads in 2026!

by Grace Helena Walz

A rising star in Southern fiction, Grace Helena Walz returns with Pretty as a Peach, another story full of charm, sass, wit, and characters you'll want as friends.

A group of life-long friends. A secretive MLM cosmetics company. Some opportunities cost more than they're worth.

Delilah Thomas has a stellar track record of avoiding conflict. Her life mantra? Keep the peace. Born to a family she has never fit in, Delilah learned early that no matter what it costs her, it's best to keep quiet, nod, and agree. Now in her late thirties, she has mastered the art and employs it daily with the preschoolers she teaches.

Then Peach Pit sets up shop in her small hometown and infiltrates every female relationship, including Delilah's lifelong best-friend group. A direct sales business, Peach Pit claims its beauty products are organic and all-natural and recruits women to become "Darlings" who host parties to sell products to friends and family. Delilah's friend Betsy is ecstatic to join, drawn by promises of sisterhood and easy income. But something seems off to Delilah.

When customers, including her pregnant friend Eliza, start reporting rashes, Peach Pit refuses to take responsibility. Then Betsy lets an unsettling secret slip, and Delilah can't hold her tongue any longer. With the help of her retired neighbor, Mrs. Chopra, and travel journalist Jasper--Delilah's longtime pen pal and childhood crush, finally in town for a visit--Delilah investigates the company and uncovers the grim truth. She is faced with a Stop pushing and keep the peace, or find her courage and expose Peach Pit's shady business practices, even if it costs her the unthinkable.

A story about enduring friendship, Pretty as a Peach paints a vivid portrait of choosing bravery in the midst of uncertainty and reminds us that the sweetest things in life are worth fighting for. Perfect for fans of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Lauren K. Denton, and Joy Callaway.

Discussion questions are included, so it's perfect for book clubs!

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Friendship, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Grace Helena Walz is a former (forever) social worker with a passion for heartfelt, down to earth stories. She resides outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children. She writes in the moments between covering scraped knees in bandaids and chauffering carpool.

Reviews

[Neils Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO HAPPY TO WRITE THIS REVIEW!!
Well Heaven's To Betsy Sugar, wasn't this book just what your grandmama ordered??
Pour yourself a cold glass of lemonade (or sweet tea, pick your vice) and take a stroll down to the city of Peach. There you will find "The Five" -five woman fiercely loyal to one another and with good reason. So what happens when a MLM wedges a divide between them like if they were served sugar in their grits?

Grace Helena Walz writes with the smooth southern drawl we have come to love in her previous two novels, the character development and deep connections to each of them make you feel like you have found your "found family". The way she perfectly captures the Southern Culture in a small town in 100% accurate. She explores the complexities women face as they start to face their 40s but also gives us hope in a budding relationship.
I found myself eagerly turning the pages and looking forward to each time I could open my book.
If you are looking for a wonderful way to enjoy a Evening on your front porch (ceiling painted blue of course) reading a book, this one will capture your heart, pull on your emotions, have you on the edge of your seat, swoon over the love story and still have time to laugh!
This book is truly Pretty As A Peach

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this advanced copy of Pretty As A Peach. I was not paid or influenced for my honest review.

[Abby | Life-Giving Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for both an advanced reader copy and advanced listener copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The atmosphere of this story reminded me of a blend of Sweet Magnolias and Hart of Dixie with its charming southern setting and focus on the friendships between "The Five."

When a new MLM cosmetics company, Peach Pit, takes over the small town of Pearl, Delilah is not impressed. She owns her own small business, and this new and popular company with their "all natural and organic products" is overshadowing all her hard work. Worse than that, one of her best friends Betsy is now a Peach Pit "Darling," recruiting more women by hosting product parties and making promises of easy sales.

When several women begin reporting reactions to Peach Pit's products, Delilah decides she can't stay silent about her suspicions with this company. As she begins to uncover the lies and secrets of Peach Pit, she must decide whether to speak up and tell the truth-and risk her lifelong friendships-or stay silent and allow this corrupt company to continue wreaking havoc in her community.

I really resonated with Delilah's character. I have a deep dislike for MLM's and have firsthand experience with acquaintances who have viewed my friendship as a transaction, one that is disposable if I don't agree to buy their products. In fact, I've even had a friendship dissolve over my own speaking up about the inconsistencies I saw in her MLM, which promised "health and wealth" while I watched my friend continue to struggle financially under the debt of hundreds of dollars of fees and required purchases every month. I empathized with Delilah's hesitancy in speaking up in order to preserve her friendship with Betsy.

While I disagreed and even felt secondhand anxiety over some of the choices Betsy made, I also felt empathy for her character. I've seen how certain MLM companies prey on those who just want to earn extra money for their families, promising financial freedom, a new identity, and even a built-in sisterhood. While a select few people certainly do well in these companies (Betsy, for example), most do not, as we see with other characters in this story. I felt for Betsy in her dilemma in recognizing the corruption in Peach Pit while also finding her identity in the company.

All in all, I thought Grace Helena Walz did a great job tackling the complexity of adult friendships and the struggles they face. Even for those who have had lifelong friendships, like those of The Five, there are still disagreements and conflicts that need to be faced for the sake of the relationship. While Peach Pit is a fictional MLM, Walz unpacks some of the truth behind many real-life companies that operate similarly, which I genuinely appreciated.

I would recommend this if you want a fun spring or summer read or listen! The book is well-written, and the audio is well-narrated by both Brittany Goodwin and Natalie Duke.

Content considerations:
-Mild, infrequent language
-No spice; just a couple kisses
-References to "the universe" influencing events, which was a little unexpected for a Thomas Nelson title.

[Ava Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Doing the right thing sometimes requires feather ruffling."

3 stars!

This was such a fun southern contemporary novel! Pretty as a Peach follows the story of Delilah, a preschool teacher and soap business owner among a group of friends from Georgia who have stuck together since childhood. When a new, "shiny" body care and cosmetics business opens in the small town, Delilah not only has to face a competitor, but also is forced to watch as this multi-level marketing business consumes the women of the town. Despite the company's claims that their products are all natural, reactions are breaking out all over town--including Delilah's pregnant friend Eliza. Delilah's penpal, Jasper (a journalist), soon visits the town, and together, they plot ways to expose the company before the products can hurt anyone else. However, speaking the truth could ruin, not only her friendships, but also her already messy relationship with her family. But as more reactions are reported, Delilah is certain that something is going on behind the scenes, and she isn't willing to watch another friend fall for the lies about aging and beauty that the new company markets.

I have mixed feelings. It kind of felt like three random tropes were mixed together, and they didn't exactly fit? Each one would have been perfectly fine on its own, but the penpal romance, mystery of the business, and friend troubles were kind of a lot? The characters were great, and there were so many parts that I was fully engaged, but there were also parts that felt like they were just there for the trope, and some of the dialogue was a bit unrealistic. Also, the whole The Five concept felt almost cultish? Like I know that was never the intention, but it struck me as a little odd sometimes.

"Isn't that how friendships work? They can endure a little banging up, a bit of a rough ride, and they'll still be standing."

There really were some great themes in this book. Especially the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right. I loved Betsy, especially, and her journey of finding the truth and owning up to her mistakes.

Even though I didn't love the penpal romance trope, I did like Jasper; he was a sweet mmc. And the ending was really good! I enjoyed watching the progression of Delilah's relationship with her family and how she was able to realize that it's okay to walk away from something that isn't fruitful.

That's what I always would've done: kept the peace. But now I've come to realize that their peace isn't the same as real peace.

The last thing that I really wanted to touch on was the content in this book. Being that it's published by Thomas Nelson, I was expecting it to be Christian fiction, but it definitely...wasn't? There was nothing inappropriate, but there was a lot of alcohol and some cursing and mentions of "the universe" rather than God. I was just a little confused on that and thought it would be worth mentioning.

Overall, though, this book is perfect for readers 15+ (though it is written for adults) who enjoy:
- a southern theme
- country club vibes
- redemption arcs
- a penpal romance
- the theme of friendships
- lots and lots of peaches
It reminded me a lot of Katie Ganshert's No One Ever Asked, as well!

"If you can't respectfully tell the truth to a friend without things being ruined, I'm not sure you had a friendship to start with."

Content to note:
- occasional mild cursing
- scenes with alcohol (though it is never abused)
- mentions of "the universe"
- very clean romance

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Flirting with Fiction💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Pretty As a Peach is a patchwork quilt of a novel that comes together to create something much greater than its pieces. It's literary fiction about friendship, belonging, and society's expectations blended with mystery, a little bit of thriller, and a swoon-worthy romance. At first I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into, but by the end I was completely invested and crying in my car 5 minutes before I had to go into work.

The story follows Delilah and Betsy, two members of a tight-knit friend group "the five" who have had each other's backs since they were kids. When a new cosmetic mlm shows up in town, it threatens to tear the friend group apart.

Structurally, this story is really interesting because it's told from Delilah's first person pov and then a 3rd person narrator from Betsy's point of view. This seemed like a somewhat strange choice at first, but ultimately, I think it worked well. The dual perspective/pov allows us to connect immediately with Delilah since the story is really about her and her growth. We're kept arms distance from Betsy as first, which is almost like she wants it that way. But as the story progresses and Betsy develops as a character, the two characters and their stories intertwine more. The structure of the story kept me guessing and really made this story even more engaging. Additionally, the narrator Brittany Goodwin, did a fantastic job of differentiating the two different perspectives. I honestly thought that it was two separate narrators because they were so distinct.

While the cast of characters isn't incredibly diverse, much of the story centers around the theme of "keeping up appearances" in the small-town South, so it works. And Walz is able to turn mlms into the true villains that they are. Reading this book, you'd think that Peach Pit is some crazy idea dreamed up by a horror author. Except-- no. We see it every single day in our society, and women especially, are preyed upon. Walz does a great job with this commentary without hitting us over the head with it.

As a romance fan, I also really loved the romance subplot between Delilah and Jasper. I'm glad that they got the full arc they deserved amongst so much else going on. The ending in general left me satisfied and fulfilled. This story wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I wasn't sure it was for me at first, but I'm so glad that I stuck it out. This is well worth the read.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the chance to listen to this alc of Pretty As a Peach. This is my personal review.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW!**
2.5⭐️

pretty as a peach, but sadly boring as…..🤐🤫

i wanted to like this one so much more; and don’t get me wrong, there were parts i did enjoy!! but overall, this book just didn’t make much sense to me. it felt like there were multiple tropes at play contributing to the plot, but they didn’t work or become a cohesive story. also, because of the many tropes, none of them ever really seemed to become fully developed.

i liked the characters, and i liked the setting. and the theme of strong female friendships was lovely! other than that… there wasn’t much else that stood out to me. i felt like i was dragging my feet through reading this, and didn’t really love the time i spent in this book.
i also felt a lot of redundancy throughout, and things really didn’t pick up speed until almost 75% of the way through. unfortunately, i’m not sure if i’d personally recommend this one!!

thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this ARC for me to read and review!! 🍑

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Pretty as a Peach, bestselling author Grace Helena Walz delivers a delightfully witty, heartwarming, and razor-sharp Southern women's fiction mystery. The story hinges on an unconventional preschool teacher and her quirky retiree neighbor navigating immense societal and interpersonal hurdles to expose a toxic, multi-level marketing scheme taking over their community. 

The Hook
Small-town sisterhood solidarity vs. predatory corporate greed.
A peaceful suburban sanctuary turns into an active neighborhood investigation when a predatory beauty company threatens the safety and lifelong bonds of a close-knit circle of friends. 

Elevator Pitch
A captivating, sun-drenched Southern drama following an independent preschool teacher in Georgia who teams up with her elderly neighbor to dismantle a deceptive MLM beauty empire that is weaponizing sisterhood, bankrupting local families, and fracturing her lifelong friend group.

Review Breakdown

Intro
Thirty-something preschool teacher Delilah Thomas has always been the carefree "black sheep" of perfectly manicured Pearl, Georgia. Her life mantra is to keep the peace and avoid conflict, but her internal alarm bells ring when a sketchy direct-sales direct marketing craze called Peach Pit sweeps through the town's high-achieving moms. Promising miraculous skincare made from peach pits, the company recruits Delilah’s best friends into hefty investments. When local women begin breaking out in severe rashes and a close friend drops an unsettling secret, Delilah abandons her peace-keeping ways, launching an undercover investigation to take the toxic organization down. 

A standalone Southern contemporary women's fiction novel focusing on consumer advocacy and female friendship. 

Setting
The lush, hyper-traditional, and meticulously manicured small town of Pearl, Georgia, moves between colorful preschool classrooms and the polished living rooms hosting toxic direct-sales cosmetic parties. 

Vibe
Heartfelt, sassy, and deeply empowering.
It perfectly channels the sun-drenched coastal sisterhood of The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey, colliding with the sharp, funny neighborhood scheme-busting of The Sweet Magnolias.  

Genre
Southern Women's Fiction / Contemporary Drama. 

Themes
~The Courage to Resist Social Conformity
~The Predatory Nature of Multi-Level Marketing Schemes
~The Enduring Power of Female Solidarity
~Finding Your Voice over People-Pleasing Restraint 

Standout Characters
~Delilah Thomas: A conflict-avoidant, thrift-store-loving preschool teacher whose deep devotion to her friends forces her to find her backbone and speak up.
~Mrs. Chopra: Delilah’s sharp, fiercely independent retired next-door neighbor who brings elite strategic wit and comedic charm to their amateur sleuthing.
~Jasper: A travel journalist, childhood crush, and long-time pen pal whose timely return to Pearl provides Delilah with a grounded ally and slow-burn romantic chemistry. 

Author Writing Standout
Grace Helena Walz displays an elite gift for building down-to-earth, vibrant Southern communities full of characters you desperately want as real-life friends. Her background in social work shines through in the compassion with which she writes about vulnerable women falling for financial scams, balancing serious real-world issues with delightful, laugh-out-loud humor. 

Takeaway
True peace isn't kept by remaining completely silent; the sweetest communities are protected only when you find the courage to fight for them. 

Title Significance
"Pretty as a Peach" acts as a brilliant piece of irony—playing on the classic Southern compliment while exposing how a predatory cosmetic company uses that exact obsession with outward perfection to mask a toxic interior. 

Metaphor
The "Peach Pit" beauty creams serve as a flawless metaphor for the town itself—polished, sweet-smelling, and highly marketed on the surface, but concealing a hard, highly dangerous core that can poison relationships if digested blindly. 

Why You Should Read
Having read all of her books and the pleasure of interviewing Grace previously, I can confidently tell you that this is her most charming, confident, and socially sharp novel yet.

My Thoughts
The narrative pacing is an absolute joy. Charming and sassy, Walz builds a fantastic, deeply relatable dynamic around Delilah's lifelong friend group, making the sting of corporate manipulation feel incredibly personal. Watching a lifelong people-pleaser systematically dismantle a multi-million-dollar scam with the help of an elderly neighbor is peak comfort reading.

Audio🎧 Standout
Listening to the audiobook co-narrated by Brittany Goodwin and Natalie Duke is an absolute treat. Goodwin and Duke establish a phenomenal vocal chemistry, capturing the soft, melodic rhythms of Georgia prose while drawing clear, distinct lines between the bubbly, corporate MLM "Darlings" and Delilah’s grounded, witty internal thoughts. Their dual narration effortlessly amplifies the natural humor and emotional depth. 

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
"A stellar, five-star triumph of Southern women's fiction that will make you cheer out loud for small-town bravery."

Recs
Read this if you devoured Southern by Design or Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz, The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Sing Me Home to Carolina by Joy Callaway, or The Hideaway: A Southern Story of Family, Secrets, and Second Chances by Lauren K. Denton. 

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date July 14, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
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July 2026 Must-Read Books

[sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Grace Helena Walz, Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

*Pretty as a Peach* is an absolutely delightful Southern novel that perfectly balances heart, humor, mystery, and meaningful social commentary. Grace Helena Walz has crafted a story that feels warm and inviting on the surface while tackling surprisingly complex themes beneath it. Filled with lovable characters, genuine friendships, small-town charm, and an empowering message about finding your voice, this is one of those books that leaves you smiling while also giving you plenty to think about.

From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into Delilah Thomas's world. She is such an easy protagonist to root for. Her lifelong habit of avoiding conflict isn't portrayed as weakness but as a survival mechanism shaped by years of feeling like she never truly belonged within her own family. Watching Delilah slowly realize that keeping the peace often comes at the expense of her own happiness and values made for an incredibly satisfying character arc. Her journey toward confidence and self-advocacy felt authentic, emotional, and inspiring.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was its portrayal of female friendships. Delilah's lifelong friend group feels wonderfully realistic, showing both the joy and the complications that come with relationships that have lasted decades. Their love for one another is undeniable, but so are the misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and differing life choices that naturally arise over time. Rather than presenting friendship as perfect, Walz embraces its messy, imperfect reality, making every interaction feel believable and heartfelt.

The storyline surrounding Peach Pit was fascinating. Instead of simply using the MLM as a backdrop, the novel thoughtfully explores how companies like these prey on trust, community, and financial vulnerability. It examines how easily promises of friendship, empowerment, and financial freedom can become tools for manipulation. What I appreciated most was that the story never judged the women who became involved. Instead, it approached them with empathy, recognizing that many were simply searching for connection or a better future. That compassionate perspective added an important layer of nuance to the story.

The mystery element was another pleasant surprise. As Delilah begins uncovering Peach Pit's increasingly disturbing secrets, the novel transforms into an engaging investigation filled with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. I found myself eager to discover what would happen next, and each revelation raised the stakes without overshadowing the novel's emotional core. The balance between cozy mystery, women's fiction, and contemporary drama was handled exceptionally well.

The supporting cast truly shines throughout the book. Mrs. Chopra quickly became one of my favorite characters. Her wisdom, humor, and unwavering encouragement make her the kind of mentor every reader wishes they had. She steals nearly every scene she's in, offering both practical advice and heartfelt support while never overshadowing Delilah's own growth. Jasper was equally charming. His history with Delilah and their long-standing pen-pal friendship creates a romance that feels mature, gentle, and rooted in genuine affection. Their relationship develops naturally and provides a lovely thread of hope throughout the novel without ever dominating the story.

Grace Helena Walz also captures small-town Southern life beautifully. The setting feels vibrant and authentic, full of welcoming neighbors, community gatherings, local gossip, and the complicated dynamics that come from living in a place where everyone knows everyone else's business. The Southern charm never feels stereotypical—instead, it adds warmth and personality while highlighting both the strengths and challenges of close-knit communities.

The writing itself is effortlessly engaging. Walz's prose flows beautifully, blending humor with emotional depth in a way that makes the novel incredibly easy to read. The dialogue feels authentic, the pacing remains steady throughout, and the emotional moments land because they're earned rather than forced. There were several scenes that made me laugh out loud, while others genuinely tugged at my heart.

What impressed me most was the novel's message about courage. At its heart, *Pretty as a Peach* is about discovering that kindness doesn't require silence and that standing up for what's right often means risking relationships, comfort, and certainty. Delilah's journey reminds readers that bravery isn't about being fearless—it's about choosing to speak up even when it's difficult. That message resonated deeply and gave the story a lasting emotional impact.

The only reason this wasn't quite a full five-star read for me is that a few plot developments resolved a little more neatly than I expected, particularly toward the end. While the conclusion is immensely satisfying and emotionally rewarding, I found myself wishing a couple of the conflicts had been explored with slightly more complexity. Even so, it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story or its heartfelt message.

Overall, *Pretty as a Peach* is a wonderfully uplifting novel filled with memorable characters, meaningful themes, and just the right amount of mystery and romance. It's a celebration of friendship, community, resilience, and finding the courage to use your voice when it matters most. Grace Helena Walz has written a story that is both comforting and empowering, making it the perfect choice for readers who enjoy Southern fiction with heart.

If you love character-driven stories, strong female friendships, small-town settings, gentle romance, and novels that blend warmth with meaningful social commentary, *Pretty as a Peach* is one you won't want to miss. It's charming, thoughtful, emotionally satisfying, and would make an excellent book club pick with plenty to discuss long after the final page.

**⭐️ 4.75 stars — A heartwarming Southern story full of friendship, courage, charm, and unforgettable characters that reminds us sometimes the sweetest thing we can do is finally speak up.**

[Michelle Dsouza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't struggle with confrontation. I never have. So Delilah Thomas, a woman who has spent her entire life keeping the peace at the cost of herself, should have been a protagonist I found difficult to root for. She wasn't. She was one of the most human characters I've read this year.

Delilah learned early, inside a family she never quite fit, that staying quiet was the price of belonging. She got so good at it that it stopped feeling like a strategy and started feeling like personality. Now in her late thirties she teaches preschoolers, keeps a lifelong friend group of five women called The Fives, and does not make waves. Then Peach Pit, a direct sales beauty company, moves into her small Southern town and starts pulling her friends in different directions. Something feels wrong. Delilah says nothing.

What Grace Helena Walz gets exactly right is that Peach Pit is not the villain. The silence is. The company works the way these things actually work: not through obvious manipulation but through hope. The promise of income, belonging, and self-improvement. It attaches itself to insecurity and ambition and the deep need to be chosen, and it turns friends against each other along the lines of who believes whom and who needs the dream to be real badly enough to defend it. Betsy, Delilah's closest friend, is the one who joins. Her loyalty to Peach Pit is frustrating and completely believable, because she has tied her identity and her hope to it. You don't like her choices. You understand every single one of them.

The Fives are where the book earns its place. Delilah, Betsy, Eliza, Virginia Kate, and Sloan have twenty years of shared history, and Walz writes them as women whose friendship is loving and complicated and not immune to jealousy, silence, or the slow discomfort of outgrowing old roles. These are not women cheering each other on over sweet tea. They are women trying to stay connected while life, fear, and denial start changing the shape of the group. That felt true.

Mrs. Chopra is the standout of the supporting cast: warm, eccentric, and fully alive beyond her function in the plot. She carries much of the book's humor and momentum and is the kind of character you'd follow into a story of her own without hesitation. Jasper is quieter but earns his place. The pen-pal history between him and Delilah gives their connection something real to stand on.

Delilah's growth doesn't arrive in a rush. She doesn't suddenly become fearless. She simply starts choosing honesty even when confrontation still frightens her, and that restraint is what makes the payoff land. The line that stayed with me: "True peace, one that lasts, doesn't come from shrinking yourself and staying silent." She figures this out slowly. By the time she gets there, you've earned it with her.

The tone stays warm and wholesome throughout. The MLM angle could have gone sharper and at moments I wanted it to. But for a book about girlhood bonds, loyalty, and the quiet bravery of finally using your voice, it does not need to be anything other than what it is.

"Life might not always be pretty, but it sure is sweet."

That's the last line. It's also the whole book.

3.5 stars, rounded to 4 on Goodreads.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

❕❕"Anything but peach" ❕❕

Grace Helena Walz's Pretty as a Peach is a scandalizing relational thriller that tests the limits of human connection and loyalty. The secrets! Deceit! Gaslighting! Subterfuge! Legal bindings! Don't you dare sign that NDA before diving into the Peach Pit!

Five best friends have relied on each other through thick and thin for decades now, but they may have finally found the test that will ruin their friendship. Delilah Thomas has always felt uncomfortable with the too good to be true MML her friends have all bought into. How can she support their career aspirations when she doesn't want to buy the products and doesn't believe pyramid schemes bring success to the bottom tiers? Their small community in Pearl, Georgia begins to pull back from the Peach Pit promises of grandeur, questioning the safety and efficacy of their products when women begin to have negative reactions and even hospitalizations from the products. Neither Darlings nor customers know who to turn to with complaints and no one is taking responsibility at the company. Deeply concerned about the business practices at Peach Pit, Delilah begins to investigate the company with her retired neighbor Mrs. Chopra and long time pen pan, Jasper.

This Southern tale of aspiration questions identity, friendship, morality, and what it means to be successful. Will queen bee Darcy, very pregnant Betsy, and fellow Darlings Sloane, and Eliza end their friendship with Delilah, putting this company, their promises of financial security and popularity above her value in their lives? Do they have a moral responsibility to "do the right thing" and what does that look like when they are tied to both NDA and the company that puts food on the table? These are just one off, personal reactions to the products... right? These women want to belong, be esteemed, and thrive in "their" prosperous buisness (isn't it fascinating how MML's create a sense of ownership with the individuals who buy into the scheme?!?) Relationship will crumble as these women are forced to decide where their loyalties and identities lie in the shocking twist ending!

If you have ever received a "Hey Girl!" message (looking at you, Rex!), side-eyed these too good to be true companies selling $6 mascara for $28, or felt pressured to support an estranged friend from college who's just trying to buy formula, this satisfying read will validate alllllll of your feelings!!

Troupes: MML, found family, identity, slow burn, surprising twist
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: chemical reactions

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!

[kellylikestoread · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

Pretty as a Peach follows "The Five" through middle age turbulence. On the surface, this seems like a really intriguing book. And to some extent, it was!

I think my biggest issue is just how... pretty... it all was. From the town name to the street name to the daycare name to the MLM name... everything was written like it was a high schooler's first time creating a setting but making sure that everyone was aged up to entice a different audience than their peers. I found myself rolling my eyes every time another aspect of the setting was mentioned. It was just too perfect a town, too perfect a setting. The grittiest and most realistic thing was the cracked parking lot of the Waffle House. Do places like this exist? Sure! But I don't live there and, honestly, the people who do probably won't read a book like this.

"The Five" also felt rather juvenile. I personally don't know any group of friends who refer to said group by a nickname other than "the girls/boys." Their group chat may have a stupid name, but they're never "The Six" in conversation like what happens constantly throughout the book.

And then there was the dialogue. It was constantly interrupted by Delilah's thoughts, and everyone sounded the same. Sure, they grew up together, so they're likely to sound similar, but the only one who ever said anything different was along the lines of "super dooper" and Delilah made a point to mention how ~different~ that friend was because of Sunday school or something. I don't know. It was an off handed comment that I honestly don't remember at this point. That supposed cleanliness of this particular friend's vocabulary doesn't seem repeated, or even contrasted by any amount of vulgarity. There's no cursing, which is fine, but you can't really mention how especially squeaky clean someone is if you don't have dirt to contrast them to.

Even texting styles should be different! Maybe someone doesn't capitalize, or another drops punctuation, or someone constantly misspells a word as has to correct themselves. They all just felt the same in the end.

Thinking back on it, this book almost feels like if someone took Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, married it to every Hallmark movie ever, but tried to package it up more like Desperate Housewives. Just with less backstabbing.

[carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5 stars - Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This is a fun summertime read about a pre-school teacher, Delilah, who is the owner of her all-natural small cosmetic business. In comes her competitor - Peach Pit - an MLM who claims they are an all-natural, organic beauty brand, that seemingly takes over Pearl, Georgia, The Five - Delilah plus her four childhood friends - suffer from the sudden rising of Peach Pit due to a difference in opinion between Delilah and her friends. Between allergic reactions and shady business schemes, Delilah takes initiative to investigate and learn more about her own family and friendships along the way.

One quick note - I wasn't a fan of the one scene where a mother gets a severe reaction on her face and Delilah says "That can't happen from all-natural organic products." (implying that Peach Pit isn't organic) to the person who was selling Peach Pit. Firstly, people can get reactions like burns from organic, all natural products. All it means is that their body isn't reacting well to a certain ingredient in it. But to be clear, I of course understand the main point of the issue is that Peach Pit is lying to their consumers about being all-natural and organic. If you don't properly disclose the ingredients in the formulation, people are being misled about what they are consuming which isn't okay.

Moving on from that point, I enjoyed how they portrayed the MLM and its unhingedness. I don't believe I've ever read a story centered around an MLM so this made it enjoyable for me to read about (i.e. the inner workings of an MLM, what it feels like to be forced to fit in, the financial struggles, etc). Especially in a setting where it disrupts a tight-knit friend group. The author gave an interesting premise on how to navigate tough periods in a friend group, no matter what the circumstance may be (MLM-related or not).

The cherry on top was Delilah and Jasper's relationship! I was a little close to giving up on the plot, but between The Five and Jasper - they managed to lure me back in and I was excited to find out what happened next.

If you like a feel-good, cozy novel about friendships, family drama, and falling in love with a childhood crush - this book is for you!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting, and at times intense book!

Picture that you grew up in a small Southern town in Georgia. Southern Charm is present everywhere!
Your family has never really accepted or been happy with you. In fact, it seems quite the opposite…. You can never do anything right. But your sister? Well, she’s just perfect.
This is Delilah’s story. She always felt kind of ‘left out’… but, she had a tight friend group… one that still remains today. And the FIVE are true forever friends…

Delilah has a small business where she makes soaps. She LOVES it, but it’s small and cannot support her. So, she also teaches preschoolers. And she loves that too!
She has her steady customers and is well known in the town.

So imagine her surprise when a new company pops up…kind of like Tupperware in that they do home parties and recruit people to start their own business and sell. Well,that’s fine… except that all of Delilah’s friends are starting to sell the stuff! 😳. Basically becoming her competition!

I’ll stop it here, as this is just the tip of the iceberg… but know that there are a lot of people involved… and it’s very disheartening for Delilah.

This was a beautiful book about small towns, long friendships, friends that become family…and so much more!

4 1/2 bright, sweet, floating on air stars for me… happily rounded up to 5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

#PrettyAsAPeach by @GraceHelenaWalz and narrated nicely by @BrittanyGoodwin.

This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 14, 2026!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFiction and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Alice.thereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ALC of *Pretty as a Peach* by Grace Helena Walz.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The story follows a close-knit group of friends in a small Southern town who have grown up together and are now navigating the complexities of adulthood, motherhood, and lifelong friendships.

When Peach Pit, an MLM beauty company, sweeps through town, drama quickly begins to unfold. One friend is a top seller for the company, another finds her small business threatened by its growing popularity, and a third experiences unexpected side effects from the products. As tensions rise, friendships are tested and secrets come to light.

What I loved most was the focus on friendship. The relationships between Delilah and her lifelong friends feel authentic and relatable, capturing both the comfort and challenges of maintaining close bonds as adults. Walz also does an excellent job highlighting the social pressures many women face, particularly in small communities where appearances and expectations can carry significant weight. The MLM storyline feels timely and relevant, adding both humor and thought-provoking commentary to the story.

The Southern setting is warm, charming, and vividly drawn, making Pearl, Georgia, feel like a real place. The romance between Delilah and Jasper adds a sweet touch without overshadowing the novel's central themes of friendship, personal growth, and standing up for what is right. While some plot developments may be predictable, the engaging characters and meaningful messages kept me invested from beginning to end.

Overall, *Pretty as a Peach* is a heartwarming and entertaining story about friendship, loyalty, and finding the courage to do the right thing. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy Southern fiction, strong female friendships, and uplifting contemporary novels.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This charming story opens on a group of girls (known as The Five) rallying around when one of them discovers her parents are getting divorced, starting the book strong and declaring what is valued and what is at the heart of the novel: true, lasting, loyal friendship. However, as we move forward some twenty something years, can these foundations withstand adulthood set amidst a small town full of competition?
Delilah is such an easy to like character. More than happy with her job teaching early years, and her home made soap making business providing a side hustle, she is surprised when she finds that some stiff competition has arrived in town. Her best friends are flying the flag for Peach Pit products, a beauty range which promises to fix any and every beauty or skin concern, taking people under its spell at a bewildering rate and guaranteeing easy money thanks to its pyramid earning scheme.
Never one to be pressured into conforming to the more elevated, expected standards of beauty, unlike many of her counterparts, Delilah is soon less concerned about the competition from a big brand and more worried about the way that the people of Pearl are so consumed by it, almost to the point of obsession - and, to Delilah, exclusion.
Determined to understand where Peach Pit has come from and why its products have such a hold on her community, Delilah begins to do a little research into the brand that apparently has the answer to everything - and discovers some revealing answers about people she thought she knew along the way. Can The Five survive this test of their friendship?
Full of Southern character which is conveyed really well, at times I found this slightly predictable but an enjoyable read none the less.
Thank you Thomas Nelson Books and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Southern friendship novel that explores forging new identities as an adult and uncovering a mystery of sorts.

Having read the author’s previous book (Good Hair Days) I was ready to tackle this one. It brings together the friends from the previous book (you don’t have to read that) as they explore new identities. Delilah, Eliza, Betsy, Virginia Kate and Sloan have been friends for twenty years but the group has been pulling apart because each of the friends have made “motherhood” choices but there’s also Betsy and Virginia Kate who have decided to become sales consultants for Peach Pit, a mid level beauty group. Delilah, the kindergarten teacher in the group, is in a snitch over this. But Delilah has her own side hustle: selling handmade organic soap - and decides to leave it alone until Eliza who’s pregnant complains about some reactions to the Peach Pit products. Delilah finds a friend, Mrs. Chopra, to investigate the company and another friend, a journalist named Jasper, to write an exposé on the company. Delilah learns the company puts pressure on consultants to purchase hefty starter packs which she views as a scam and hurtful to the women of Pearl. While the investigation reveals corruption, it’s also fracturing the group and putting the friendships in jeopardy.

The book is filled with sass, sweetness and charm. I loved the descriptions of the rural Georgia countryside and Pearl. Walz also knows how to deliver on characters, keep up the tension but resolve the friction delightfully.

This is a great book for a book club discussion, a day at the beach or a cozy night to nuzzle in.

My thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for granting me access to this ARC.

[mimi ౨ৎ]

DNF

Pretty as a Peach is a southern, women’s fiction contemporary novel. Delilah is trying her best to embrace her unique personality, unlike the rest of her strict town of Pearl, Georgia. When her cosmetics line is threatened by a new shiny business, Peach Pit, she sets out to investigate what is really going on behind the scenes.

From the very start of this book, it just didn’t hook me. I think it’s probably because I wasn’t in the age demographic that the author was targeting, which is totally fine. The themes and characters just weren’t connecting with me, and I felt like I lacked attachment to them.

The characters, “the five” especially lacked real depth, I felt like they were very basic and shallow.

Delilah was a bit of an insufferable character, at least to read about. Other dialogue kept getting interrupted by her thoughts!!

Honestly, the book wasn’t very realistic either. I’m not quite too sure how similar this book would’ve been to a real southern town, but everything was so “pretty”, to put it that way, not realistic enough for me, which is really what I look for in women’s fiction. It lacks real depth, and otherwise, it kind of just becomes a drama catastrophe.

Wasn’t something that I would read particularly because the themes and writing style aren’t as interesting as I would’ve thought, but cute cover (which is what drew me in the first place so credits to the illustrator!)

Thank you to Grace Helena Walz, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for this ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since readers are initially presented with three seemingly unrelated clichés that are skillfully blended together, I am somewhat conflicted. Each of these stories would have been wonderful on its own. But after I sorted out who was who and where they were going, it was easier to connect with the cadence of the story. I liked the intrigue, the romance between pen friends, and the way they handled business situations.

I soon found myself absorbed in several moments, right from the start, and hanging out with the characters themselves was delightful. I enjoyed how this author explored the power and importance of healthy friendships, how important it is to stand up for yourself, and how powerful it is to find the truth and own up to your mistakes can be life-changing.

Note to readers: There is some cursing in the mix. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author; this one wasn’t my cup of tea.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Patti (GenreHopper) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Rounded up to 4
Just Peachy.🍑🍑🍑🍑
In a nutshell, or shall I say in a peach pit?
The downside of Multi-Level Marketing.
The upside of supporting small local businesses.
The value of friendship over all else.

When MLM The Peach Pit entices one of the FIVE besties with their overpowering campaign to attract Darlings (sales people), things start to go south. Promises of wealth and beauty turn to financial problems when it's revealed that there are Monthly Minimum Purchases to be made, regardless of your sales.
Then one of the Five, who happens to be pregnant, ends up the hospital due to a rash. More reports of rashes and reactions such as lips on fire. How can that be when they are "All Natural Products"? The company refuses to take responsibility for your sensitive nature. Eyebrows have been raised.
I think we all know by now that "all natural" does not mean zero allergens. People are allergic to natural things all the time.

Delilah's sassy elderly retired neighbor Mrs. Chopra teams up with Delilah to help investigate. She signs up to be a Darling. Opps! Forgot to sign the Non Disclosure Statement. 🤷

I deducted one star because the pen pal romance seemed a little out of place with the rest of the storyline. It was cute but felt like a diversion from the heart of the story: female friendships.

This was a sweet read (listen) about friendships mixed with family drama.

Narration by Brittany Goodwin was good.
Not yet published. Expected July 24, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool teacher and her retiree neighbor team up to take on a suspicious multi-level marketing scheme that has a vicelike grip on the women in their suburban Southern community.

I really liked the way Delilah balanced her childhood friend group “The Five” and their relationship to their present realities as adults. Yes, they are bound together but as a group they are facing motherhood, financial struggles, family woes, and love.

It had a good southern kindness vibe throughout, think Sweet Magnolias. With that small town energy comes a lot of loyalty, which is how the new MLM company, Peach Pit, takes hold. When several women, and her friends, start reporting reactions to the Peach Pit products, Delilah decides that she needs to look more into it. What she discovers could cost her her life-long friendships and more, so what’s a girl to do?

I really enjoyed the build out of all of the characters. There was enough going on that you could always root for, and dislike, someone in the cast but not too many people that it became hard to keep them all straight in your mind. Helena Walz did a great job tackling the complexity of adult friendships and the struggles they face. Even for those who have had lifelong friendships, like those of The Five, there are still disagreements and conflicts that need to be faced for the sake of the relationship.

Overall, this was a cute easy read! 3.5 stars, rounded down on Goodreads.

Pretty as a Peach will be published July 14, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Helena Walz does it again with her charming new novel, Pretty as a Peach.

I was sold the moment I read the title! I mean first and foremost, peaches are one of my favorite fruits and there was something about the name that just set off the endorphins making me feel all warm and fuzzy. What I loved is that as I read the book, I realized that it is more than just a catchy title. Peaches play a significant role in the story, which was really cool and such a creative idea.

The story centers around a group of lifelong friends that call themselves, The Five. When a direct sales skin care company comes to town, the women are pitted against each other putting their friendship in jeopardy.

Blessed with the good old small town southern charm, this is a story of family, the complexities of friendship, found family and standing up for what you believe in.

This book is so much more than a women’s fiction novel. With a little bit of mystery, romance and a side of small-town scandal, it has a little something for everyone. Perfect for your beach bag or a rainy afternoon, this was a fun and easy read that I finished in one sitting.

In addition to reading, I was also lucky enough to enjoy the audiobook. Narrated by Brittany Goodwin and Natalie Duke, I was instantly transported to the south. They did an exceptional job breathing life into the characters, while portraying the conflict and emotion effortlessly.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Uplit Reads for the gifted copy of this warm hug of a book!

[Anne Wolters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delilah Thomas has grown up alongside her four closest friends—now all in their late thirties—who affectionately call themselves The Five. All are married with families of their own, except Delilah. Since the fifth grade, she and Jasper have been devoted pen pals, and over the years Delilah has perfected the art of keeping the peace, especially within her prominent family where she has never quite felt she belongs.
When Peach Pit, a new multi-level marketing company, sweeps into her small Southern hometown promising “all-natural” beauty products that can turn back the clock, nearly every woman—including some of The Five—gets caught up in the excitement. But when customers begin reporting alarming side effects and one of The Five is hospitalized, the glossy façade quickly cracks.
With Jasper—now a travel journalist visiting town—Delilah begins digging into the truth behind Peach Pit. As the two spend more time together, their lifelong friendship, built through years of letters and postcards, starts to shift into something deeper. What they uncover is shocking, and Delilah must decide whether to expose the truth or continue maintaining the fragile peace she’s always protected.
This engaging Southern drama highlights the strength of steadfast friendships and the courage it takes to stand up for those you love, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Delilah Thomas is a preschool teacher living in a small town in Georgia with her best friends since childhood, and the dream to grow her soap business. However, the rising success of Peach Pit, a beauty company that claims to create all-natural and organic products, threatens not only her business, but also her friendships.

If you know me, you know I will always be sat for a good MLM scheme plot, and this one was no exception. I loved the way it was centred around such a tight-knit group, and how it threaten to ruin such a deep bond. While I really had a great time with this one, I also do feel like it was a little overcrowded, and tried to do so many things at once, which led to some of the most essential bits being somewhat overlooked. What particularly stood out to me was how flat the characters felt, which is a shame, because they had so much potential. Personally, I could have done without the romance subplot, which I didn't really connect with, and I would have used that space to expand on these women and explore more of their traits, to make them more rounded characters. That said, I really still think it was a charming read, and I had a lovely time with it; the audiobook definitely helped a lot with that. The narration was incredible, and so immersive, it truly made time fly by so quickly.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty as a Peach is the 3rd Southern Fiction novel from Grace Helena Walz.

"Delilah has a dream that her weekend soap making business will grow into something special. A company called Peach Pit moves into her town and starts attracting some of her customers and dividing her longtime friend group - The Five. Delilah has always avoided conflict and is convinced things will get better. But when her friend Eliza and other begin having reactions to the Peach Pit cosmetics, Delilah wonders how long she should wait."

This is a wonderful story from Walz. This is about family, greed, dreams, found family and sisterhood.
Delilah's friend group, The Five has been a friends since growing up together. Since they all showed up for each other - nothing can break the Five. Until it does and Walz figures out a way to bring them back together. One of my favorite lines - "We didn't know what to say, but we did know how to be friends" Walz makes you feel like these are real people

There's betrayal and insecurity and a frightening hospital visit. And some reconciliation. Walz shows the true power of friendship.

Brittany Goodwin does a great job as the narrator. Sometimes a narrator tries too hard with a southern accent but Goodwin finds the right balance with all of the characters.

This book is full of emotion. You will get angry - maybe a little teary. But you will feel good at the end.

Another great story from Walz.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on a Grace Helena Walz kick lately. I just finished Good Hair Days (you must read if you have not) and discovered she had a new book coming out and I had to try it. I remember in the 80s when my mom got involved in a home decor party thing and then she and my dad got involved in a MLM company and this book reminded me of those days. The Peach Pit is a MLM party scheme that is taking over this small town. Everyone seems to be joining up and having parties. Oh but you know, everything isn’t as good as it seems.

Delilah is a character that hasn’t joined up with The Peach Pit, she is busy making her own Bubble and Suds company. That is a natural company that makes soaps. Her family doesn’t understand her, doesn’t get why she wants to teach preschool and make soap. Why can’t see be more like her sister?

Delilah is part of a best friend group called “the five” and her friends in the group are joining The Peach Pit and some are developing rashes from the products. This will get Delilah thinking of how to stop this company……somehow The Peach Pitt gets wrapped around her soap company, her friends, and a very large array of unethical business practices.

Oh yeah, and there is a guy named Jasper too!!!

This was a fun southern ladies club kind book formula that Ms. Walz has perfected. I recommend this for a fun day at the beach, cruise ship or a rainy day kind of read.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty as a Peach by Grace Helena Walz is a pleasant surprise. I am not familiar with the author and a central focus on peaches left me a little curious. I love southern stories that focus on culture, family, and friendships. This story has those in spades. What I loved is the unique and enduring friendship of the five. Hope and heartbreak are evident in the throes of everyday life being challenged. There are also steadfastness, fortitude, and poignancy throughout their interwoven story. The portrayal of the beauty business seemed quite accurate and spot on with the social pressures and demands of many women who step into small business like the Peach Pit. Overall, I genuinely appreciate the theme of friendship, standing up for what’s right, and having a community who rallies around you. The subtle romance woven throughout was a bright spot and paced just right amid the issues occurring. While all five the women have a voice in the story, it primarily focuses on the experiences of two, Delilah and Betsy. I really appreciated the narrator bringing it to live with such a great southern accent. She captured the inflections, sass, and southern charm perfectly.
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Mikayla Wakelam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This fun summer read follows Delilah, a small town preschool teacher who dreams of having her own cosmetics line called Bubbles and Suds, and what’s known as “The Five” (Delilah and her four childhood bestfriends), Until her competitor, Peach Pit, comes to town.

Amid the excitement there is chaos brewing. Allergic reactions, unhappy customers, and tension between The Five. Delilah sets out to investigate Peach Pit with the help of her elderly neighbor and her childhood pen pal Jasper who finally comes to town to meet her face to face.

At times the story felt a little long winded but there was a lot of ground to cover in terms of world and character building. I love the showcasing of an MLM and the inner workings. I’ve never read another story centred around an MLM so this was a refreshing read.

Between the Five and the Jasper/Delilah story line his book kept me interested. I found myself constantly thinking about it when I wasn’t reading and needing to know what happened next.

If you like cute summertime feel-good books surrounded with unbreakable friendships, family drama, and falling in love then this book is definitely for you!

[Lisa Tidwell Breazeale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed Grace Helena Walz’s Southern fiction in the past, but Pretty as a Peach didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The story felt overly long, and at times it seemed like it would never end. A good portion of the book focuses on the MLM storyline, which, honestly, felt overdone—I think many people are a bit fatigued by that topic at this point.
What I found myself wanting instead was more depth in Delilah’s personal relationships. The moments with her friends and Jasper were much more engaging, and I wish the book had leaned into those aspects rather than the business angle. It felt like a number of pages could have been trimmed without losing anything essential to the story.
I listened to the audiobook, and while narration can really enhance a story, this one didn’t quite work for me. Delilah’s voice came across as overly enthusiastic—almost like an exaggerated cheerleader—which made it difficult to fully connect with her character.
Overall, while I still appreciate Walz’s signature Southern charm, this one could have been tighter and more focused on the elements that truly make her stories shine.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne (eggcatsreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love books about female friendship, sweet romance, and an exploration about the insidiousness of MLM schemes, this is the book for you.

From the moment I started listening to this audiobook, I was hooked on this story.

We learn about this group of women who call themselves “The Five” - a close group of friends since childhood who do everything together. And even though we start this book in the middle of their friendship, we get glimpses of their pasts and how close they all are in the present day.

And then we slowly see their friendships slowly start to break down as their town - and their friend group - slowly become enmeshed in this MLM called Peach Pit.

I personally love stories that explore the dark underbelly of MLMs and really loved the approach this book took to them, where it acknowledged that the people who fall prey to them (and then bring others into it) are all victims of a scheme that is impossible to win.

I also loved how this book is told through two distinct POVs - Delilah who is trying to support her friend’s “business” despite how it negatively affects her own, and Betsy who is entrenched in the scheme and determined to see it work. Getting a look into the thoughts and feelings of both of these women really fleshed out this story, and even when we don’t agree with Betsy’s decisions we can still see the heart in her as she tries to correct her mistakes.

With a bit of investigative journalism and a toxic family dynamic, I really felt for Deliliah and cheered when she had the support she needed to stand up for herself.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone searching for a summer read with a center surrounding friendships and the understanding that oftentimes one's family are the people you choose to surround yourself with, not those you’re born into. With an exploration into how toxic multi-level-marketing schemes target women and strain relationships, I loved how even when these close friends had issues you could feel the love holding them together.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for a review copy.

[Bev Saludo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for the perfect summer read? I’ve found it!

Set in the small, tradition-bound town of Pearl, Georgia, Pretty as a Peach is packed with charm and the kind of long-standing female friendships that make your heart smile. The story centers around "The Five," and I absolutely loved their dynamic. Their bond felt so genuine! I truly appreciated how they navigated conflict with honest communication and real care for one another.
And let’s talk about the drama! We get some deliciously villainesque characters whose predatory business tactics keep the tension high and the pages turning. Plus, the romance between Delilah and Jasper was the sweetest addition to the story.

A few notes on the audiobook experience: The story is definitely a "slow burn" to start - it takes a bit of time to get underway - but once I was in, I was fully invested! As for the narration, I found it just "good" rather than great. It took me a little while to adjust to the narrators’ cadence, but bumping up the playback speed helped tremendously.

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and heartfelt summer read, this is a great pick!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I loved this! And you all... I LISTENED to it, which is such a rare thing for me. I loved the Southern drawl in the audiobook, and I was instantly pulled into Delilah, her friendships, and then you all throw a romance in the mix?! That was the icing on the cake! Lol!

Delilah has her reservations about the newest business/beauty fad taking her community by storm. The Peach Pit, she believes, is a total scam, but it's not until it starts scamming her community and friends that it becomes personal, prompting her own investigation. But what she uncovers about the company will shake up her friendships, family, and the entire community!

I loved the community, the friendships, and the romance I got to experience throughout the story. I knew going in it would be more of a mystery/women's fiction read, so the surprise romance just added to my love for the book. I was totally pulled into the dilemma Delilah was up against and the depth of the struggles this one company was causing for so many people. This was such a wonderful story, and now I need to check out more books by Grace!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

***Clean romance, just kisses, light language.