Picture a Southern storyteller who spins heartwarming tales of love and laughter under the moss-draped oaks of South Carolina—meet Charlotte Hughes! A New York Times bestselling author, Hughes has charmed readers with her witty romance and comedy novels, blending small-town charm with big-hearted characters. From her cozy Lowcountry home in Beaufort, she’s crafted nearly 40 books that make you laugh, swoon, and feel right at home.
The Making of Charlotte Hughes
Born in 1954 in Williamston, South Carolina, Charlotte Hughes grew up with a love for stories, though not the ones her teachers pushed. As a child, she devoured Charlotte’s Web and Nancy Drew mysteries, but high school classics left her cold. After her family moved to Texas, she later returned to her Southern roots, settling in Beaufort in 1992. Her writing journey began in the early 1980s as a features editor for a small newspaper, where her humorous short pieces hinted at the vibrant novels to come. By her late twenties, a new mom with a passion for romance, she dove into writing category romances, kicking off a prolific career.
Charlotte Hughes’s Unforgettable Stories
Hughes’s novels are like a warm Southern hug—funny, romantic, and full of quirky characters. Her first major hit, Too Many Husbands (1987), a Bantam Loveswept novel, rocketed to #1 on the Waldenbooks Bestseller list, proving her knack for laugh-out-loud romance. She co-authored the wildly popular Full House series with Janet Evanovich, following Jamie Swift and Max Holt through zany adventures in Beaumont, South Carolina. Standalone gems like Welcome to Temptation (2015) weave steamy romance with small-town drama, as a hurricane traps ex-lovers in a bayou showdown. Her Kate Holly series, starting with What Looks Like Crazy (2008), stars a frazzled psychologist navigating love and chaos with sharp wit. Hughes’s style blends humor, heart, and Southern flair, making her stories perfect for readers craving feel-good escapism.
Her versatility shines in genres beyond romance, including mystery, suspense, and even “soft” horror. With nearly 40 books, she’s earned accolades like two Maggie Awards and a Talisman Award for her short stories. Whether it’s a steamy kiss or a hilarious mishap, Hughes’s tales capture the messy, joyful dance of human connection.
Why Charlotte Hughes Matters
Charlotte Hughes has left a sparkling mark on romance and comedic fiction, proving that small-town stories can have universal appeal. Her ability to craft relatable characters—flawed, funny, and fiercely lovable—has won her a loyal following. By blending Southern settings with universal themes of love and resilience, she’s inspired readers to find joy in life’s chaos. Her collaboration with Janet Evanovich elevated category romance, paving the way for modern rom-com authors. Yet, Hughes remains a quiet force, letting her stories do the talking from her Lowcountry haven.
- Born: 1954, Williamston, South Carolina
- Key Works: Too Many Husbands, Full House series, What Looks Like Crazy, Welcome to Temptation
- Awards: Two Maggie Awards, Talisman Award for short stories
- Fun Fact: She shares her Beaufort home with two dachshunds, Lil Boy and Lil Bit, who rule the roost!
Snag What Looks Like Crazy or Full House and dive into Charlotte Hughes’s hilarious, heartwarming world of Southern romance!