Good Hair Days
- Judith D Collins
- Nov 8
- 6 min read
Narrators: Natalie Duke, Reba Buhr
ISBN: 978-1400345663
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 11/11/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
Two sisters, a failing family business, and a whole lot of hairspray--Good Hair Days is a modern twist on Steel Magnolias with a little extra Dolly Parton flair.
"I've really messed it all up, Georgia," Junie says. "And this time it's the shop. June's is in trouble."
June's Beauty Shop is a staple in Whitetail, a small Southern town north of Atlanta. It may look like an outdated hole-in-the-wall slathered in Dolly Parton memorabilia, but to the women in town, it is a sacred space.
To Georgia and Junie Scott, it is their family legacy, particularly their late mother's. For generations, the shop has been passed to the oldest daughter, always named June. But Mama wanted more for her firstborn.
Now, Georgia is living the life everyone expected, the life everyone wanted for her. Everyone, that is, except her. But what can a girl do when her mother's last wish was for Georgia to get out of Whitetail? So that's what she did. She lives in Atlanta, has a swanky job, drives a fancy car, and--as far as her family knows--makes the big bucks.
It should be no surprise, then, when Junie asks for fifty grand to fix her latest mess. But Georgia's never had that kind of money. Dad and the aunts don't have it either. To save June's, they'll have to get creative.
Bursting with energy, heart, and sass, Good Hair Days is about a family pulling together for a common purpose, finding healing from the past, and moving forward courageously as they encounter their hardest trial yet.
About the Author
Grace Helena Walz received a master’s in social work at the University of Houston and worked with children in foster care, as a medical social worker, and in a mental health capacity. She currently resides outside of Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two young children. She writes women’s fiction in the moments between sticking Band-Aids on scraped knees and coordinating pint-sized social engagements. Connect with her online at gracehelenawalz.com; Facebook: @gracewalzauthor; Instagram: @gracehelenabooks; X: @gracehelenawalz; Pinterest: @gracewalzauthor
My Review
Grace Helena Waiz, a captivating Southern storyteller, returns with her enchanting sophomore novel, GOOD HAIR DAYS, following the success of her dazzling debut, Southern By Design. (also 5 stars & check out my Q&A with the author)
This delightful book brings a modern twist to the beloved charm of Steel Magnolias, featuring a new ensemble of vibrant women brimming with Southern sass, interwoven with moments that tug at the heartstrings.
About the book...
Set in a picturesque small Georgia Southern town, the story explores the heartfelt journey of two sisters determined to save their cherished hair salon while grappling with intricate family dynamics and long-hidden secrets.
In the quaint town of Whitetail, just two hours north of Atlanta, we meet the spirited Scott sisters, Georgia and Junie. They find themselves at the crossroads as they fight to rescue June's Beauty Shop, a place rich with their mother’s legacy and unforgettable memories. The sisters’ mother, whose dreams for Georgia included leaving their small town, significantly influences Georgia's life choices and her complicated relationship with her family.
When Junie urgently calls Georgia to reveal that the salon is facing a crisis, Georgia begrudgingly returns to Whitetail. Having built a life in Atlanta, she has crafted a façade of success that quickly crumbles when Junie confides her need for $50,000 to save the family business.
With financial woes looming, the sisters, along with their spirited maternal aunts, embark on a series of unconventional—and laugh-out-loud humorous—schemes to rally support for the salon, as the close-knit community bands together to help.
Amidst the bustling renovations, creative sponsorships, and lively fundraising efforts, old flames reignite, family secrets surface, and a serious health crisis challenges them all. Through it all, the Scott sisters discover the true strength of family and community as they come together in love and support.
My Thoughts...
If you’re familiar with Southern women, then you know that their beauty shops hold a special place in their hearts—especially those cherished family-run establishments that have been passed down for generations in small towns. Not anything like they are now.
For these women, good hair isn’t just an expectation; it’s an essential part of their identity. These salons serve as vibrant social hubs where connections blossom, sisterhood is celebrated, and the latest gossip flows freely, all while patrons indulge in the pampering they deserve.
I found immense joy in the pages of GOOD HAIR DAYS, where the strong bonds of sisterhood, the warmth of June's Beauty Shop, and the colorful ensemble of supporting characters all thrive within this charming small town in Georgia.
The beauty shop transcends mere aesthetics; it becomes a “sacred space” for the women in the community, aptly highlighting the theme of a tightly knit community and the support networks that flourish within its walls.
As the pressure mounts to save the beloved salon, the family is compelled to confront long-buried secrets, deep-seated grief, and the intricate tapestry of their legacy. The new health crisis and Junie's diagnosis thrust the sisters into the heart of their fears, compelling them to lean on one another, summon courage, and rekindle the bonds that define their family.
Throughout their trials, the Scott women unveil a profound truth: their true strength lies not in the physical salon itself, but in the unconditional love that weaves them together, transcending the challenges they face.
Beyond the threads of family secrets and sisterhood, the narrative delves into poignant themes of grief, loss, and illness. It explores the transformative power of love, the struggle to maintain unrealistic appearances, and the discovery of found family and friends who stand by you during life’s significant challenges.
Healing and forgiveness play vital roles, as does the essence of community and the rich tapestry of Southern life. The story artfully examines the philosophy that the real legacy of a family isn’t confined to a physical space, but rather lies in the enduring love and resilience that bind them across generations.
The Audiobook...
I had the delightful opportunity to not only read the book but also to immerse myself in the audiobook narrated by the extraordinarily talented Natalie Duke and Reba Buhr. Their captivating performances breathed life into the story, beautifully capturing the essence of the setting and its characters while embracing the vibrant Southern spirit, humor, and passion. It was an engaging listening experience that I wholeheartedly recommend!
At its core, the story illuminates the profound strength of unconditional love between familial bonds—both those of blood and the families we choose for ourselves—and how that love can guide us through the most challenging moments in life.
Bittersweet, brimming with wit, sass, and quintessential Southern charm, the narrative is punctuated by delightful nods to Dolly Parton and her passion for hair, creating an atmosphere full of nostalgia and joy. The spirit of Dolly reverberates throughout the story, reflecting an unwavering, courageous love that embraces one’s true roots.
Rich with emotion and nostalgia, Walz crafts another thought-provoking and compelling read, making it a perfect choice for book clubs and discussions that linger long after the final pages are turned.
I fondly recalled my own experiences in a small Southern beauty salon alongside my mom in North Carolina during my younger years, which made reading this delightful novel an introspective journey filled with cherished memories. I also resided in Atlanta for many years (many salons) and genuinely admire the author’s writing style and eagerly anticipate her next creation.
Recs...
GOOD HAIR DAYS is an enchanting read that beckons to fans of the author as well as anyone who delights in nostalgia and the charm of Southern storytelling. This book will surely captivate those who appreciate the works of beloved writers such as Fannie Flagg, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, Joy Callaway, Karen White, Viola Shipman, and Patti Callahan Henry.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my candid reflections. Another stunning cover!
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 11, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Praise
'GOOD HAIR DAYS is a story as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking and is told with a heavy Southern accent and an even heavier dose of charm. The love between sisters is 'brighter and sparklier' according to Walz, and the connection between Junie and Georgia is a palpable one that encompasses forgiveness and hope and everything in between. Throw in a hair salon, a large family of women, a long-lost love, and a devastating legacy and you've got the kind of book you won't want to put down.'
-- Karen White, New York Times bestselling author
'Southern fiction full of heart and hope, GOOD HAIR DAYS combines small-town charm, second chances, and fierce family love. It's one of those rare books that leaves the reader smiling through tears and longing for a trip to June's.'
-- Audrey Ingram, USA TODAY bestselling author of THE SUMMER WE RAN
'This poignant story touches on themes of grief and loss, but threads of humor and a romantic side plot for one of the sisters bring levity to what could otherwise become maudlin. Kristy Woodson Harvey, Nancy Thayer, and Patti Callahan Henry fans should take note.'
-- Booklist
'Walz (SOUTHERN BY DESIGN) captures the charm of Southern society, along with the undercurrent of mean women who have smiles on their faces and licensing inspectors in their back pockets . . . Recommended for public libraries where cozy Southern tales are popular.'
-- Library Journal
