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.

I enjoy the pacing, plot, narration, and main characters of this book. Calla is a captivating performer and Camp Greene provides a digestible setting for a wartime novel. I do not prefer to read about the intimate aspects of characters' relationships. Though it was only loosely discussed, it was mentioned multiple times so I decided not to continue with the audiobook. Overall it is well written and engaging. I recommend to any fan of historical women's fiction not sensitive to high-level mentions of sexual encounters.

Special thanks to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

"The Star of Camp Greene" by @JoyCallaway and my heart is full! 🥰 This historical fiction dives into a WWI training camp and the vibrant story of a young woman finding her way. Callaway brings the era to life with such rich detail – I could practically hear the marching bands! 🎶
Our main character's journey of growth and finding her purpose was so engaging. While the story took its sweet time in places, the charming characters and fascinating historical setting totally won me over. It's a heartwarming read that offers a unique glimpse into the homefront during the Great War.

I love Joy Callaway books and her latest The Star of Csmp Greene is classic Joy. She can take a particular event or person in history and transform them into an amazing story. Her dialog is fun, her characters are all so well-defined and her research is impeccable!!!

Audio is amazing. Brittany Pressley is one of my favorite narrators and is perfect for this book!

Thank you netgalley and Harper Muse audio for the honor to read and review this book!,

An intriguing story about a widow who accidentally becomes a spy during the war. It was sad, thoughtful, and interesting being set in Charlotte, NC. I live here and loved seeing the city set in a story like this. The narrator was a joy to listen to as well.

I was so excited to get this ARC. I come from a long line of military and following Calla Connolly and her impact with the soldiers at Camp Greene.
Camp Greene was part of Charlotte, NC in 1918. (Definitely read the author notes) Calla finds herself touring American training camps, hoping to get to the front lines in honor of her fiancé. While at Camp Greene she gets the Spanish flu. She finds her signing talents helping soldiers. Since she is now confined to the camp, her former rival gets to continue her tour.
She finds love and is entrusted with a secret which she knows will change several lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and Calla’s journey. I am familiar with USO tours and I know how if lifted the spirits of so many in harms way for a few minutes or hours.