Picture a storyteller who swapped dental drills for quill pens, weaving tales of love and faith in the sultry American South—meet Eugenia Price! Born in 1916, this Charleston native transformed from an atheist dentistry student into a bestselling Christian author whose historical romances captivated millions. Her journey from radio producer to literary luminary is as compelling as her novels.
The Making of Eugenia Price
Eugenia Price was born on June 22, 1916, in Charleston, West Virginia, to a dentist father and a mother who nurtured her love for writing. At ten, she penned poems for her school’s magazine, dreaming of a writer’s life. But by high school, she declared herself an atheist and pursued dentistry, becoming the only woman at Northwestern Dental School in 1935. Writing, however, tugged at her heart. By 1939, she was scripting radio serials for NBC, later founding Eugenia Price Productions. A profound conversion to Christianity in 1949 shifted her path, leading her to write and produce the Christian radio show Unshackled!, sparking her inspirational writing career.
Eugenia Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s literary breakthrough came in 1961 when a visit to St. Simons Island, Georgia, inspired her to pen historical romances. Her St. Simons Trilogy—The Beloved Invader (1965), New Moon Rising (1969), and Lighthouse (1971)—blends meticulous research with tales of love and resilience, centered on real historical figures like Anson Dodge. The Savannah Quartet, starting with Savannah (1983), explores antebellum Georgia’s dramas, while the Florida Trilogy, including Margaret’s Story (1980), delves into Seminole wars and family sagas. Her style, rich with authentic historical detail and Christian themes, earned praise for recreating bygone eras. Price’s final novel, The Waiting Time (1997), published posthumously, showcases her shift to original characters, proving her versatility.
With over 40 million books sold in 18 languages, Price’s novels never chased literary awards but won readers’ hearts. Her knack for vivid settings made St. Simons a pilgrimage site for fans, who flocked to see the locales she immortalized. Her inspirational works, like Discoveries Made from Living My New Life (1953), offered solace and faith, cementing her as a beacon for Christian readers.
Why Eugenia Price Matters
Eugenia Price’s legacy transcends her books. Her novels preserved coastal Georgia’s history, earning her a 1988 Governor’s Award in the Humanities. With Joyce Blackburn, her research partner and friend, she founded the Eugenia Price–Joyce Blackburn Foundation, supporting scholarships and environmental causes. Price’s storytelling, infused with faith and hope, continues to inspire readers globally, proving that love and history never fade. Her manuscripts at Boston University and artifacts at the Coastal Georgia Historical Society ensure her story endures.
About Eugenia Price
- Born: June 22, 1916, in Charleston, West Virginia
- Key Works: St. Simons Trilogy, Savannah Quartet, Florida Trilogy
- Died: May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia
- Awards: 1988 Governor’s Award in the Humanities
Ready to fall in love with the South? Snag The Beloved Invader and dive into Eugenia Price’s enchanting historical romances!