Picture an American storyteller who weaves romance, history, and heart into every page—meet Piper Huguley! This acclaimed author and educator has carved a unique space in historical fiction, shining a light on African American stories often left untold. From her bestselling novel By Her Own Design to her beloved Home to Milford College series, Huguley’s work captivates readers with its rich characters and unflinching look at the past.
As a literature professor at Clark-Atlanta University, Huguley doesn’t just write history—she teaches it, inspiring students and readers alike. Her ability to blend love stories with social commentary makes her a standout voice in contemporary literature. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of Piper Huguley!
The Making of Piper Huguley
Born with a passion for storytelling, Piper Huguley grew up surrounded by tales of resilience, including stories from her great-aunts about the Great Migration. These narratives shaped her focus on African American history. A scholar of 20th-century United States literature, she earned her place as a professor at Clark-Atlanta University, where she specializes in African American literature and autobiography. Her academic background fuels her fiction, grounding her novels in meticulous research and cultural depth.
Huguley’s writing journey began in earnest after her son turned 10, when she found time to return to her craft. Influenced by literary giants like Zora Neale Hurston and pioneers of Black historical romance like Beverly Jenkins, she set out to tell stories that celebrate African American Christian characters. Her early works, including the Migrations of the Heart series, earned her two Golden Heart nominations, marking her as a rising star.
Piper Huguley’s Unforgettable Stories
Huguley’s novels are a masterful blend of romance, history, and social insight, often set against pivotal moments in African American history. Her Home to Milford College series, set in the Reconstruction era, follows the founding of a fictional college and features unforgettable characters like preachers and teachers. Titles like The Preacher’s Promise and The Lawyer’s Luck have become Amazon bestsellers, praised for their heartfelt narratives and historical accuracy.
Her standout work, By Her Own Design (2022), tells the inspiring story of Ann Lowe, the Black fashion designer who created Jackie Kennedy’s iconic wedding dress. This biographical historical fiction novel earned accolades, including a Booklist Top 100 Editor’s Choice selection and the 2022 American Library Association’s historical fiction award. Huguley’s 2024 release, American Daughters, explores the interracial friendship between Alice Roosevelt and Portia Washington, showcasing her knack for uncovering hidden histories.
Huguley’s style is warm yet unflinching, weaving love stories with themes of perseverance and justice. Her contemporary romance Sweet Tea, published by Hallmark, adds a lighter touch, blending food and history in a heartwarming tale. Whether writing about the Great Migration or the civil rights era, she crafts characters that feel real, relatable, and deeply human.
Why Piper Huguley Matters
Piper Huguley’s work does more than entertain—it educates. By centering African American Christian characters, she fills gaps in historical narratives, giving voice to those often overlooked. Her novels resonate with readers seeking stories of resilience and hope, while her teaching inspires a new generation to explore their heritage. Recognized as a top historical romance novelist by Publisher’s Weekly in 2015, Huguley continues to break barriers in a genre that has historically underrepresented Black voices.
Her impact extends beyond the page. Through her blog, she shares the research behind her novels, inviting readers to engage with history in a new way. For students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, her work offers role models and a pathway to understanding their past, making her a vital figure in both literature and education.
- Born: Atlanta, Georgia (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: By Her Own Design, American Daughters, Sweet Tea, Home to Milford College series
- Awards: Two-time Golden Heart finalist, 2022 ALA Historical Fiction Winner
- Fun Fact: Huguley is a true crime aficionado!
Snag By Her Own Design and dive into Piper Huguley’s captivating blend of romance and history! Her stories are a love letter to resilience, waiting to sweep you away.