What people are saying.

  • “A backstage peek into the life of one of America’s most famed designers—and most glittering hotels—The Grand Design is a spellbinding tale of a woman’s quest to escape the confines of upper crust society and make her own way in the world. Joy Callaway effortlessly captures the essence of Dorothy Draper, a woman who was determined to live life on her own terms—and changed the field of interior design forever in the process. With vivid characters, illuminating prose, and perfect pacing, this novel is as captivating and confident as the heroine at its center. Callaway shines as a master storyteller.”

    —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil

  • “The Fifth Avenue Artists Society is an engrossing snapshot of 1890s New York City, where women were expected to cast aside their artistic aspirations in favor of marriage, motherhood, and social obligation. Filled with well-drawn characters and lush historical texture, this tale sweeps you into the midst of writers,artists, and musicians, some of whom wrestle darker muses than others. The era may be long gone, but the passions remain timeless.”

    — Jill Morrow, author of Newport

  • “With the warm glow and heavy drapery of Gilded Age salons as its inviting backdrop, Joy Callaway’s engaging period novel explores the timeless struggles women face in the creative and working world, and the price some are willing to pay to protect all they hold dear.”

    — Erika Robuck, national bestselling author of Hemingway’s Girl

  • “[A] powerful debut. . . . Callaway paints an all too real portrait of the power of love to both create and destroy.… Readers will never see the twists around every corner. Beautifully written and solidly executed, Callaway’s novel will captivate historical and romance fans alike.”

    — Library Journal

  • “In her promising debut novel, Joy Callaway spins an engrossing Gilded Age tale of a determined young woman’s pursuit of her art despite dreams thwarted, love betrayed, and shocking family secrets revealed.”

    — Jennifer Chiaverini, author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker

  • "...Callaway’s dialogue captures the cadences and concerns of the American upper crust, and the society drama is sure to please fans of such aristocratic historicals as The House of Mirth and The Gilded Age. The result is an elegant testament to succeeding on one’s own terms."

    — Publisher’s Weekly

  • “Full of luscious details of fashion and luxury, The Grand Design also explores the tension between duty and longing. This book will transport you!”

    —Kelly O’Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott and Undiscovered Country

  • “’Such an elegant and charming novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this talented new writer.”

    — Heather Webb, author of Rodin’s Lover