Joy once again draws us in with this new wonderful book about Camp Greene and many events that are well known in history. Her character development -and the deep relationships explored keep the reader hooked. I love when a book brings a smile and this one definitely does. And the narrator is fantastic too. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Camp Greene was located in Charlotte, NC in 1918 and that is where Calla Connolly was performing when she got sick with the Spanish flu. After overhearing a secret conversation, she is required to stay at Camp Greene till the end of the war and ends up falling for the man responsible for keeping her there. She deals with hearing another secret and keeping it even though it will change the lives of the guys she has grown to care for. I loved Calla and Jesse and how he wanted to look out for her and pursue her. There was sweet romance in this one somewhat fueled by forced proximity since Jesse was supposed to escort Calla everywhere. I just loved Calla as a person and how she cared for everyone at camp.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Brittany Pressley who does a great job telling the story!

Calla is a performer at military camps during WWI and contracts Spanish Flu. While convalescing at Camp Greene, she overhears a sensitive army secret and is required to remain at Camp Greene for the duration of the war. She becomes the camp resident performer and falls in love with the man responsible for her imprisonment at the camp.

I know my rating falls into the minority but this one just fell short for me. I did not find Calla's passion for performing for the troops or the army's acceptance of her as a resident performer very believable. During WWI, men barely accepted female nurses let alone a woman performer. I am certain there are readers who enjoy a cozy WWI story but this one just did not hold my interest.

I would call this romance historical fiction as it focuses more on the romance than the war so be forewarned if you’re not into the romance genre. If you love both romance and HF this is a great choice.

After listening for several hours I noticed that the story seemed overly long which made the pace feel slow. The writing is good, it just needed more editing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for my honest opinion.

4.5 star read! I love diving into historical novels that are rooted in historical truth as this book is, AND one that is narrated in such an easy-to-listen-to way. I appreciate a book where the main character is likable despite being an American star (almost kind of a diva) who learns to blend in and adapt to the people and situations around her. The romance portion was anything but a slow burn and I would’ve loved to see that developed a little deeper… but maybe in times of war, people didn’t have time to waste!

If you’re looking for a historical war novel that takes place during World War I AND takes place on American soil, this book is for you! If you’re looking for a thoroughly enjoyable read with wonderfully likable characters, this book is for you!

My book review is based solely on my opinion, but thanks for the advanced reader copy goes to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks.

As a big fan of historical romance, I was excited for the opportunity to try a new to me author with The Star of Camp Greene, a WWI novel. The setting for this book was really unique and fascinating as it took place in the US at a military training camp instead of overseas in Europe or any of the battlefield areas. That created so many opportunities to share rich historical elements occurring in the US at the time and unique pieces to move along the story.
I thought it was intriguing how Calla was a stage actress and intriguing what her motivations for being at the camp in the first place were. Her acting and Broadway background created such a neat bond with some of the soldiers and I liked how it both effected moral and the way this played out in a twist towards the end. When she is forced to remain at the camp with Jesse in charge of basically chaperoning her, I loved how this created some forced proximity moments and played into the "enemies to lovers" vibe the story had though I would say it was more of a "misunderstood to lovers" which was nice how that unfolded.
I did get worried there at the end that this book wasn't going to have a happy ending as the final chapters are quite intense and made me nervous. I was really happy, though, with how things did turn out in the end.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and thought that the narrator, Brittany Pressley, did a really good job capturing the class and socialite aspects of Calla's character as well as did a good job with the dialogue so it was easy to follow along to. I would listen to it again and recommend the audiobook version.
Content: there is a fade to black scene between a non-married couple that I was not expecting. Other than that, it contained no language and only some innuendo to other relations outside of marriage. Nothing detailed or on the page.
I received an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this book.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks, Joy Calloway, and NetGalley for this ALC. Everything in this review is my true and honest opinion.

I absolutely adored this audiobook! To me, it was the perfect blend of historical fiction and romance. As a public health professional (who works especially in infectious diseases), I appreciated the inclusion of the Spanish influenza and how that played such a big role in the overall premise of the story. I appreciated even the little details like noting characters putting on cloth masks as needed (which was a historically accurate practice for medical and hospital wards during that time).

Being from NC, I also appreciated the story taking place at Camp Greene/in Charlotte and could tell the amount of research that went into representing the Camp and Charlotte accurately for that time period. I appreciated the times during the book where segregation was noted and how Calla felt it was wrong and didn’t understand it. It was a good balance of not just brushing it off while also acknowledging that’s accurate for how things would have been during this time period.

At first I wasn’t sure how interesting a story with a performer stuck at a military camp for so long would be but as it turns out, A LOT can happen during that time, even with the setting remaining the same!

This book did a great job, in my opinion, of portraying the anxiety of being at a military training camp during a major world war and the fears of being sent to the front not just from the soldiers but also their families/loved ones and everyone working at the camp.

Finally, the narrator, Brittany Pressley, did a great job and was easy to listen to!

I’m so grateful for this advanced listening copy for The Star of Camp Greene. Thank you Joy Callaway and Harper Muse Audiobooks.

It’s sad to say that most of what I remember of the history of WWI comes from Downton Abbey. Enter Joy Callaway.

Joy writes the fictional story of Calla Connolly visiting a training camp in Charlotte, NC. Calla is broadway star visiting training camps in hopes of making it to the front in France. She wants to bring hope, joy, and even a little peace to those forced to fight. Unfortunately, there’s a Spanish flu outbreak and during her visit to Camp Greene she becomes very sick. During her recovery she overhears an Army secret, and after that is required to stay on base and supervised at all times.

And her supervisor is Jessie the new head of the army camp. He never wanted her there, does not understand why she thinks her performances help anything related to training an army, and is extremely disgruntled by this inconvenience.

The story has many nuances surrounding how people handle thoughts of war, family, and happiness. While Calla and Jessie are the main characters, there’s an amazing cast crucial to the story that you will easily fall in love with as well.

Joy truly captures the voice of the time and Brittany Pressley does an a perfect job of narrating. I felt transported back in time. Make sure you listen to the Author’s Note (I was excited to hear Joy graduated from the same high school my kids attend!).

~3.5*~ Rounded Up

What was most facinating/unique about this book for me was that it was a Historical Fiction Book set in 1918 actually takes place in the United States!!! I have had my fill of WW1 books set in Europe involving female spies (no disrespect, but I have read that enough now) I loved the opportunity to engage in a book that showed us what it was like here in the united states (Charlotte-in my homestate at that) This is why I love reading! I never would have known about Camp Greene or the fact that singers were sent to army camps to entertain and bolster the soldiars.
Joy Callaway captures the unknown that awaited the soldiars training for war, which in most cases was a death sentence.Her main character Calla Connolley was battling her own private war, but showed up to serve her country.
At times the novel seemed like not much was going on, but take in the atomosphere and character development, it really does pay off in the end for a truly beautiful story of patriotism, love and friendship.
Thank you Joy Callaway and Netgalley for allowing me to review this advanced copy of The Star of CAmp GReene , I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.

The Star of Camp Greene is a fascinating and informative insight into life in a US Army training camp in North Carolina during the First World War. Then with the addition of music and a Broadway star, this was a moving, yet entertaining piece of historical fiction that has evidently undergone meticulous research.

There are some wonderful underlying messages contained within the story:
Music has the power to inspire, lift morale and give hope.
Sometimes we find ourselves on unexpected and unwanted paths without knowing that it’s exactly what we needed.
And finally, we are stronger together.

The audiobook is superbly narrated by Brittany Pressley. She beautifully brings every character to life with accents, tone, expression and emotions.

The Star of Camp Greene brings illness, romance, secrets, battlefields, music, tragedy and triumph….and the ending is perfect!

Thank you to the audio publisher, Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Star of Camp Greene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow This was a great book & story. Joy did it once again. You will smile & fall hard for Callie. It was fun & so uplifting! I couldn't put it down! The Audio was Fantastic!
Thank you NetGalley

Set during World War I and inspired by true events, The Star of Camp Greene follows Calla Connelly, a spirited society girl with dreams of Broadway. After contracting the flu and being hospitalized, Calla inadvertently overhears a classified military conversation. To protect national security, she’s kept at Camp Greene in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she channels her talent into entertaining troops preparing for war. In doing so, she discovers unexpected purpose, friendship, and connection during one of history’s most trying times.

I had such an enjoyable experience reading this story. It struck just the right balance between history and entertainment. The atmosphere and camaraderie reminded me of the stories my grandparents used to share about Bob Hope and the performers who brought joy and comfort to the “boys” serving overseas.

What sets this novel apart is its uniquely American setting. Most World War I fiction takes place in Europe, so seeing this chapter of history unfold at home made it even more fascinating. The themes of resilience, romance, friendship, and human connection shine through the narrative, offering a moving portrait of how people come together when it matters most.

I listened to the audiobook version, and Brittany Pressley’s narration was superb. She breathed life into each character, capturing their personalities and accents with heart and precision.

The story kept me intrigued from start to finish, and I highly recommend readers not skip the author’s note—it’s rich with historical insight that deepens the reading experience.

The Star of Camp Greene is a must-read for fans of historical fiction!

I was gifted this audiobook by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Star of Camp Greene tells the story of Broadway darling Calla Connolly and her time at the American Training Camp, Camp Greene. I am in the minority, but I did not love this novel. It took me awhile to get into it and I found it quite predictable. However, it was an easy and interesting enough read! I really loved the authors note at the end that explained the real events that inspired the novel! 3.5

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Star of Camp Greene.

“The stage was the only thing that prevented sorrow from swallowing me whole.”

This well-researched, immersive historical fiction kept my interest start to finish with colorful characters, solid plot line, and a compelling romance. Set stateside, in a WWI training camp amid the Spanish flu, in a southern (segregated) mill town, the book comes alive with soldiers, nurses, townspeople, fiancées, mourners, defectors, troublemakers, and entertainers from different backgrounds, brought together for common cause but with varying sentiments: proud, patriotic, terrified, duty bound, despondent…

Calla Connolly is a performer who lost her first love to the war effort and channels her mourning into performing for soldiers, lifting their spirits to buoy her own.

“Terror is only alleviated by joy. Those allowed moments to remember who they are outside of this war will find the strength to face their darkest hour.”

Apparently Charlotte bid for the opportunity to be a camp town, seeing it as a way to increase its population and boost its economy. From the author’s note: “When the United States entered the war in April 1917, the army was not what it is today. It was a small organization made up of only 133,000 soldiers, and the army’s operations were mainly focused on keeping peace in the Philippines. At the declaration of war, the army was suddenly tasked with drafting, training, and organizing three million new soldiers.”

I really enjoyed Joy Callaway’s last novel, What the Mountains Remember. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received both the e-book and audiobook versions of this and enjoyed the e-book much more. I found the narration distracting, with the narrator, putting an extra syllable (“uh”) at the end of the word at the end of every clause (apparently this is called “paragoge.”)

In Joy Callaway's latest novel, Star of Camp Greene, Calla Connelly is a Broadway star giving back by performing to troops to raise morale. At Camp Greene, Calla contracts the Spanish Flu. In the hospital, she overhears sensitive info and is confined to the Camp. She makes friends and performs and falls in love. She has a huge savior complex which leaves a sour taste throughout.

A different role and place for a story about WWI. The lead character was the narrator. The importance of all players in a war mwasnshown. There were also, different types of relationships developed in the story.. a quote from the author is true not only for this book but for all times,. “We are stronger together.”

This audiobook had a great premise and the plot was genuinely interesting — I really liked the concept and was intrigued by the world. But overall, it ended up being too lengthy for my taste. A tighter, more focused narrative would’ve made a huge difference.

One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the FMC’s confinement to the camp. The reason given for keeping her there just didn’t feel serious or convincing enough, and what bugged me even more was that she never really tried to get out? It made her seem kind of passive, which was frustrating.

The romance also fell flat. It felt very insta-lovey, and I never understood why the FMC even fell for the MMC in the first place — he had almost no personality. Their connection didn’t feel earned, and to top it off, there was no groveling at the end? Come on! After everything that happened, that emotional payoff was sorely needed and just… missing.

By the time I hit the 80% mark, things got overly dramatic, especially with Casper’s friend’s storyline — it felt like too much too fast, and not in a good way.

And then there’s Lenoar. I was so confused about her age. Early on, it’s described like she has this mother-daughter relationship with the FMC, but later she casually mentions seducing most of the FMC’s past love interests?? I don’t know if I missed something, but that dynamic made zero sense to me and pulled me out of the story more than once.

All that said, the book did have a compelling plot and some cool ideas — I just wish the romance had been more believable, the MMC more developed, and the pacing a bit tighter.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me the ARC for my honest feedback.

Four stateside stars for this WW I novel.

Calla Connolly takes a break from Broadway to boost morale for the troops being trained for fighting in France during WW I. While performing at Camp Greene she comes down with the infamous flu and is hospitalized. Once released she is told her time in the officer's ward exposed her to privileged operational details. An officer is assigned to chaperone her and she makes the most of her time there. Her musical gifts encouraged the personnel and families at the camp as well as giving them songs to sing together building camaraderie.

The books about WW I are rare compared to the plethora of titles published about the second war. I appreciated the Charlotte setting and behind-the-scenes look at life in an army camp. Callaway does not shy away from the conflicts that arise when men who are more suited for other pursuits find themselves drafted and prepped to fight overseas.

In her notes, Joy Callaway gives us extensive information on her inspiration for the book and its characters. The additional details were helpful in rounding out the story. This new release is narrated by Brittany Pressley in the audio version and I found it worked well to pair with a digital version to help keep up with some of the dates and names.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for my audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this historical novel set amid World War I, readers gain a feel for how show-biz and military life go together. Broadway star Calla Connolly is entertaining troops in Charlotte, North Carolina, when she is taken ill by the Spanish Flu. While in the hospital, she overhears a military secret and becomes confined to camp after her recovery despite her desire to entertain troops at the front. While at the camp, she discovers new talent, makes new friends, falls in love, and discovers a new purpose for herself.

I had the opportunity to preview this book as a NetGalley audio advanced reader copy. The novel drew me in, especially because we see Calla rediscovering herself, both personally and professionally. Calla learns from those around her, helps to promote the talent she finds, and slowly her hatred of Colonel Jesse Erikson turns into a growing love. Readers will see Calla grow from her experiences and how she turns them into new opportunities, and not just for herself. We also see the slow burn romance grow between her and Jesse. When circumstances take a turn for the worst, Calla emerges from the turmoil to create something great. Overall, this novel was an emotional ride of self-discovery, new friendships, and redefining love. The narrator also did an excellent job conveying all this emotion throughout the novel.

First time reading this author and really enjoyed the pace and story line. During WWI, Camp Greene in Charlotte NC is not where up and coming performing star Calla Connelly wants to be. She wants to be in France, in the action, to honor her deceased fiancé. But when recovering from the Spanish flu, she overhears sensitive information and must remain at the camp. Joy Calloway has researched this book through soldier letters and we feel each uncertainty and patriotic duty. The main characters, Calla and Jesse, share sweet words and kisses but in uncertain times one never knows. Joy’s words, through the eyes of the soldiers and main characters tug at our heartstrings. The flow of the story and the twists were nice and spaced well. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author.