Picture a North Carolina storyteller who spins tales of bold women defying the odds in the glitzy Gilded Age—meet Joy Callaway! This international bestselling author of historical fiction has captivated readers with her richly detailed novels, blending meticulous research with heartfelt narratives. From her Charlotte home, where she juggles motherhood and writing, Callaway brings the past to life with a modern spark.
Her journey from a book-loving kid to a celebrated novelist is as inspiring as the heroines in her stories. With novels like The Fifth Avenue Artists Society and The Grand Design, Callaway has carved a niche in historical fiction, proving that the past is anything but dusty.
The Making of Joy Callaway
Born and raised in North Carolina, Joy Callaway grew up in a household where TV was sidelined in favor of books and storytelling. Her parents’ rule—read or write instead of watching screens—ignited a lifelong passion for stories. Family tales of ancestors’ lives fueled her love for history, planting the seeds for her future novels. A graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, she earned a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations from Marshall University and an M.M.C. in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Callaway worked as a marketing director for a wealth management company. But her childhood habit of writing stories and even selling homemade historical magazines door-to-door never faded. A summer of voracious reading reignited her dream, leading her to pen her first novel, despite initial rejections. That persistence paid off, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Joy Callaway’s Unforgettable Stories
Callaway’s novels are a love letter to the Gilded Age, an era of opulence and societal upheaval. Her debut, The Fifth Avenue Artists Society (2016), follows Virginia Loftin, a determined writer navigating love and ambition in 1890s New York. Inspired by Callaway’s own ancestor, the novel blends historical accuracy with vibrant characters. Secret Sisters (2017) dives into the 1880s, chronicling the founding of America’s first sororities and the women who defied norms to chase their dreams.
The Grand Design (2022) showcases Dorothy Draper’s transformation from socialite to iconic decorator, set against the lush backdrop of The Greenbrier Resort. Her 2023 release, All the Pretty Places, draws from her great-great-grandmother Sadie Fremd’s life, exploring a woman’s fight to democratize access to nature’s beauty through her family’s nursery business. Callaway’s latest, What the Mountains Remember (2024), set during the construction of Asheville’s Grove Park Inn, weaves romance and history with vivid prose. Her style—lush, evocative, and grounded in research—makes history feel alive and relatable.
Known for strong female protagonists, Callaway’s stories challenge gender norms and celebrate resilience. Her meticulous research, from newspaper archives to ancestral records, ensures authenticity, while her lyrical writing keeps readers hooked. Fans of authors like Jane Austen and Beatriz Williams find a kindred spirit in her work.
Why Joy Callaway Matters
Joy Callaway’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history. By spotlighting women who broke barriers, she inspires readers to see the past as a mirror for today’s struggles and triumphs. Her novels resonate with book clubs and historical fiction fans, earning praise for their emotional depth and historical insight. Living in Charlotte with her husband, John, and their children, Alevia and John, she balances family life with a prolific writing career, proving that passion can thrive amid everyday chaos.
Her shift to contemporary romance with the upcoming Sing Me Home to Carolina (2025) shows her versatility, promising to charm fans of Schitt’s Creek and Hart of Dixie. Callaway’s dedication to storytelling ensures her place as a beloved voice in fiction.
- Born: North Carolina
- Key Works: The Fifth Avenue Artists Society, The Grand Design, All the Pretty Places, What the Mountains Remember
- Fun Fact: She sold homemade historical magazines as a kid!
Snag What the Mountains Remember and dive into Joy Callaway’s enchanting historical fiction!