"The Grand Design" warmed my historical fiction heart. Listening to characters being mentioned with the last names of Vanderbilt, Taft, Roosevelt, Van Buren, and Truman made me so happy! The setting reminds me of the setting of "Dirty Dancing", so nostalgic! Listening to the audiobook makes you feel like you are amongst the guests at the Greenbrier. walking the beautifully decorated halls. I would have loved to have been there at that time.

The FMC Dorothy is amazing especially during this time in history, to be a CEO of her own company, and a fearlessly independent woman.

Thank you Harper Muse Audio and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to an ALC of this book. It was truly a joy!

Based on a true story of a famed designer Dorothy Draper, The Grand Design is a moving tale of a woman’s quest to transform the walls that held her captive.
Amazing story told in dual timeline and narrator did an excellent job in capturing the characters in the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks.

I was excited to receive this as an ALC! My best friend was sharing with me about how wonderful the Greenbrier is, so I knew I had to give this a read.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped. Most of the book, I felt lost. The time jumps had me feeling confused. Luckily, the ending did tie everything together. That being said, it was not enough for me to strongly enjoy the other 75%.

The narrator was wonderful. This was a great audiobook production wise.

"The Grand Design" by Joy Callaway is a wonderful historical fiction novel based on a real life person. This one is well done in first person narrative and the story is intriguing as we see the main character, Dorothy Draper at different points in her life. This book makes me want to visit "The Greenbrier" in West Virginia, the setting of this book.

Dorothy Draper is THE name in American interior decorating. She was a interior design pioneer and was way ahead of her time so this book gives a glimpse into her life as a designer, divorcee and woman. Almost 80 years later her legacy lives on and her designs are still in many places and her influence lives on. I knew her name prior to reading the book, but this book gives the reader insight into what her life may have been like and her thoughts behind design.

I listened to an audiobook of this novel via Netgalley and it was well done and easy to follow. Thank you to Harper Muse for the opportunity to listen to a copy of the audiobook.

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia is a gorgeous gem called The Greenbrier. It’s steeped in history, abundant with beautiful gardens and trees, and hospitality reigns.

I first visited “America’s Resort” with my family as a junior in college and, since then, have spent numerous holidays and special times together in this place that is unlike any other.

They say it’s the home of the mint julep, and it has been a retreat for presidents, celebrities and even royalty; but, when I think of this special place, it’s the decor comes to mind.

Bold patterns and rooms exploding with color; florals and stripes and parquet floors.

When it comes to the Greenbrier’s unique interior design, there’s only one name in that conversation.

Dorothy Draper.

This work of historical fiction has two main characters: the iconic designer and the hotel itself. And what incredibly strong characters they are.

I know having firsthand knowledge of the hotel and its decor helped this book to resonate with me, but I really enjoyed this one. Listening to the audio allowed me to immerse myself in Dorothy’s vision as it unfolded, and Callaway did a wonderful job of weaving a fictional tale within the true historical narrative.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, interior design, stories of strong women or American treasures, this might be a book for you.

The pictures included here are from my most recent visit last summer, and I’m itching to get back now that I know so much more of the background story!

I loved the dual timeline of 1908 at the Greenbrier Resort in WV, that centers around young debutante Dorothy Tuckerman and her family, and 1946 with divorced mother Dorothy Draper.

This was an interesting historical fiction story that is perfect for fans of interior design and strong women.

*many thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

The book skillfully weaves together the renovation of the historic Greenbrier retreat with the life and work of the renowned designer Dorothy Parker. Born Dorothy Tucker into one of America's prominent families, the story traces her path from a traditional wife to a pioneering decorator. Following her divorce, Parker turns her hobby into a successful career, developing a distinctive and expressive style that sets her apart.

The narrative alternates between the ongoing renovation and Parker's past, providing a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. While the book is a work of fiction, it offers genuine insights into Parker's creative process, her visionary ideas, and her life story. The author's thoughtful approach brings Dorothy Parker's journey to life, making this a captivating and enlightening read for those interested in design, history, and personal growth.

I listened to the audio version of this historical fiction book based off of Dorothy Draper's life involving the famous Greenbrier Resort and how she was able to transform it to a splendid and glamorous hotel. She was a trail blazer during her time and is still well known for her designs after all these years. Very well written and highly recommended! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

The pace of the story was a bit sleepy; not a “page turner” or whatever the audiobook equivalent might be. Still, it was well-written, interesting enough to keep my attention, and full of interesting characters. It’s does the genre of literary fiction justice. I also loved the romance of the time, the historical connections, and the descriptions of the rooms. The narration was excellent and definitely added to the experience.

The Grand Design by Joy Calloway is a beautifully written tribute to the daring spirit of Dorothy Draper, blending history, romance, and empowerment into a compelling narrative. Set against the lush backdrop of Greenbrier and spanning from 1908 to the post-World War II era, the story follows Dorothy’s evolution from a young woman yearning for adventure to a trailblazing interior designer breaking societal norms. Calloway vividly captures Dorothy’s inner conflict—her desire for passion and independence clashing with societal expectations—and her unwavering determination to forge her own path. The depiction of her bold ventures into interior design and her personal struggles create an inspiring portrait of resilience. The historical details are seamlessly woven into the story, enriching the narrative with authenticity and depth. While the novel explores themes of love, societal constraints, and self-discovery, it remains accessible and engaging, making it a satisfying read for fans of historical fiction and women’s empowerment stories alike. Overall, The Grand Design is a moving homage to a remarkable woman whose vision transformed an industry—and her life. Highly recommended for those seeking an inspiring story about daring to dream beyond the confines of tradition.

I went in to this book knowing little about Dorothy Draper, so this was a fun glimpse into a woman who is an iconic designer. I loved the parts of the story that focused on her designing Greenbrier. The descriptions of her choices were so fun to listen to. The part of the story that did not work for me was the romances in the past timeline, which, according to the author's note, were fictitio3us. Overall, the narrator made this an enjoyable listen and didn't leave me much time to consider that I didn't really find any character loveable until finished. Fun to listen and get a glimpse of how Greenbrier was decorated but not one I'd return to.

As a designer, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of The Grand Design—the story offers a rich visual world and a setting that naturally appeals to those of us who appreciate detail, structure, and artistry. Joy Calloway paints a compelling picture, I found the storyline genuinely interesting. The themes of ambition, reinvention, and creative identity were particularly resonant, and the lead character's journey had enough nuance to keep me engaged. That said, while I liked the book, I didn’t quite fall in love with it, but I’m glad I read it—and I’d be curious to see what Calloway writes next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Stars (Good)
Setting: Primary Location- The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia; Time Periods- 1908 (Edwardian-era high society) and 1946 (post-WWII America)
Genre: Historical Fiction; Biographical Fiction

The Grand Design by Joy Callaway had so much potential—strong historical roots, a fascinating real-life figure, and the always-enchanting backdrop of The Greenbrier. I was especially drawn in by the dual timelines: young Dorothy, full of longing and defiance in 1908, and seasoned Dorothy, boldly breaking societal rules in the 1940s. I appreciated the contrast and the continuity in her character.

That said, while the premise and setting were captivating, the story itself felt uneven. The pacing lagged in parts, and the romance in the earlier timeline didn’t resonate as deeply as I hoped. Dorothy Draper’s trailblazing life should’ve leapt off the page, but at times, it felt like the narrative was more focused on the wallpaper than the woman. I wanted more depth, more emotion, and less description of drapery.

Still, the book shines when it touches on the struggle of being a woman with vision in a world built to contain her. I loved seeing Dorothy return to The Greenbrier with determination and courage, determined to make a mark—on its walls, and on history. This was a story I wanted to love. In the end, I liked it—but didn’t quite fall head over heels.
#netgalley #thegranddesign #booked_this_weekend

I loved this!! I knew absolutely nothing about the subject matter but learned so much in the process of listening. It was romantic and informative and captivating. What a great listen!

This has been such a hoot, blending historical detail with decor and design tidbits. Absolutely fabulous travel back I time with a dash of romance.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

This story is based on the life of Dorothy Draper, the famous interior designer. There is a dual timeline - one with young Dorothy in 1908, spending the summer at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia with family and friends, who just happen to have been the upper class wealth of America at the time. Marriages between the families there are expected and Dorothy finds herself tangled up in following the path her parents wish for her or following her heart. The other timeline follows an older Dorothy, now being hired as a successful interior designer to come and redecorate the place she spent so many summers, The Greenbrier Resort.

I loved the way that we learned so much about Dorothy's story, past and present, as the author unraveled it. Prior to reading this, I did not know about the Greenbrier or much about Dorothy Draper. It makes me want to go visit the resort after reading this!

The author's note was helpful at the end and also revealed that much of the book about Dorothy's love life, etc,. was imagined and not actual fact. There was, however a lot of true history used in the book and I think the author did a great job of weaving it all in and keeping the reader entertained!

I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for the audio version of this novel. I’m always intrigued by hidden pieces of history, especially when it involves strong women and The Grand Design doesn’t fail. This novel begins in West Virginia at The Greenbrier resort. The aristocracy gather to forge business deals and marriage proposals for their heirs. Dorothy’s ideas and plans differ from her parents.

Ultimately Dorothy agrees to marry the young man her parents prefer. During World War 2, the resort became a convalescent home for injured soldiers. Afterwards Dorothy, now divorced and an interior design woman, is hired to restore the Greenbrier to its glory.

This is well written with strong character development and engaging plot.

Oh the splurging times of the Gilded Age, backed with a strong woman determined to create her own path. The Greenbrier Resort by Joy Callaway is a great historical fiction that takes us to the grand and steeped in history Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Through dual timelines, we see how the young Dorothy evolves into a courageous woman who later divorces her husband -- scandalous then -- and starts a daring business in interior design. And we follow her progress 38 years later when after WWII, she applies her audacious ideas to renovating Greenbriar once more. The summer trips to Greenbrier resort in West Virginia are the one thing that she really enjoys. When Dorothy begins a romantic involvement with an Italian racecar driver, her parents quickly intervene. Fast forward almost 4 decades later, Dorothy has crossed all of the limitations set for women in the 1940’s. She is divorced and has started her own business as an interior designer. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to author Joy Callaway, Harper Muse, and #NetGalley

The audiobook of The Grand Design is an elegant and immersive experience, offering a thoughtful look into the world of Dorothy Draper. Joy Callaway’s storytelling captures the essence of a woman ahead of her time, blending history and creativity with charm.

The narrator did a solid job bringing the story to life—clear, steady, and well-paced. While I’d rate the narration 4 out of 5 (a little more emotional range would’ve made it even better), it was still an enjoyable listen that complemented the book’s graceful tone.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction who love strong female characters, vintage aesthetics, and a touch of old-world glamour in their audiobooks.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

The Grand Design brings us the story of Dorothy Draper, the famed designer told in dual time periods of 1908 and 1946 where the earlier time is fictionalized and the latter is more based on known information. The earlier time sets up the Greenbrier as an idealized place of cherished summer memories.

Dorothy was uncompromising designer confident in her style and beliefs about decor. She faced career embattlements that women of the time encountered not only for being a divorcee but also as a woman owning her own business.

Landing the job to redesign the Greenbrier was her most famous project. Her dramatic style included vibrant colors and contrasting color schemes that popped to the eye and drew inspiration from the nature. She was always improving and nitpicking down to the smallest details at Greenbrier because it was a place close to her heart and connected with her past.

The audiobook took a little getting used to in order to follow the timelines (expecting that format will be helpful to the listener). I found this interesting to learn about as I knew nothing of the Greenbrier, and it was fascinating to search out images to see her work.