Picture a Georgia storyteller who weaves love, family, and the misty peaks of the Appalachian South into unforgettable tales—meet Deborah Smith! A New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Smith has penned over 35 novels, selling more than 3 million copies worldwide. Her heartfelt romances and women’s fiction, infused with Southern charm, have earned her a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award and a devoted following.
From her roots in the North Georgia mountains to co-founding BelleBooks, Smith’s journey is as captivating as her stories. With a knack for blending romance, drama, and a touch of magic, she’s a literary gem who brings the modern South to life. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Deborah Smith
Born on September 27, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia, Deborah Smith grew up steeped in the rich heritage of the Appalachian South. A sixth-generation Georgian, her family’s blend of Scots-Irish, Cherokee, and Creek Indian ancestry shaped her deep connection to the region. After earning a B.A. from the University of Georgia in 1979, Smith started as a newspaper editor, honing her storytelling skills at Neighbor Newspapers in Marietta and as a medical writer. But her heart lay in fiction, and in 1988, she took a leap into novel-writing with Jed’s Sweet Revenge, launching a career that would redefine Southern romance.
Deborah Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s novels are love letters to the Appalachian South, blending romance, family drama, and occasional fantasy with vivid settings. Her 1996 bestseller, A Place to Call Home, a poignant tale of family and redemption, hit the New York Times list and remains a fan favorite. The Crossroads Cafe, a No. 1 Kindle bestseller, follows a scarred actress finding healing through love and community, earning accolades as one of Library Journal’s Top Five Romances of 2006. A Gentle Rain, a 2008 RITA finalist, weaves quirky characters and heartfelt romance, while Alice at Heart introduces magical realism with a telepathic heroine saving lives in the Georgia mountains.
Smith’s style is warm yet layered, tackling complex emotions with humor and hope. Her settings—often the rugged beauty of Georgia and North Carolina—feel like characters themselves, from apple orchards to haunted ridges. Series like the Crossroads Cafe and MacBrides trilogies showcase her ability to craft interconnected stories that keep readers hooked. Whether writing as Deborah Smith or under pseudonyms like Della Stone, she delivers “big, romantic, southern family stories” that resonate deeply.
Why Deborah Smith Matters
Deborah Smith’s impact goes beyond her books. As a co-founder and vice president of BelleBooks, founded in 2000 with authors like Debra Dixon, she’s championed Southern fiction, publishing over 400 novels and anthologies, including the beloved Mossy Creek Hometown Series. Her work elevates the Appalachian South, giving voice to its culture, history, and heart. With honors like the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award and a Disney film option for Sweet Hush, Smith’s legacy is one of storytelling that heals, inspires, and connects.
Her novels invite readers to explore love’s transformative power, making her a beacon for romance and women’s fiction fans. By blending tradition with modern sensibilities, she’s carved a unique niche that continues to influence aspiring writers and small presses alike.
- Born: September 27, 1955, in Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: A Place to Call Home, The Crossroads Cafe, A Gentle Rain
- Awards: Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, Townsend Literary Award nomination
- Fun Fact: Co-founded BelleBooks, a small press celebrating Southern stories
About Deborah Smith
Snag The Crossroads Cafe and dive into Deborah Smith’s heartwarming world of Southern romance today!