The Grand Design, set at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, in both 1908 and 1946, tells the story famed interior designer Dorothy Draper and how the historic retreat and the love she found there as a young woman influenced her bold shift from illustrious New York socialite to world-renowned decorator.
In a family of four artistic sisters on the outskirts of Gilded Age New York high society, the oldest sister, an aspiring writer, grapples with her ambitions and romantic entanglements. Virginia Loftin, the boldest sister, dreams of becoming a celebrated novelist and marrying her first love, Charlie, the boy next door. However, when Charlie proposes to a wealthy woman instead, Ginny is heartbroken and retreats into her writing, obsessively crafting a better ending for her story. Despite her efforts, literary success remains elusive until she discovers a vibrant salon hosted by her brother's friend, John Hopper, in his Fifth Avenue mansion. Surrounded by artists and intellectuals, Ginny begins to rediscover herself and even finds herself drawn to the charming John. Yet, as she becomes more entwined in this elite society, Charlie reappears, complicating her emotions. Ginny soon realizes that the glamorous world of the salon hides darker truths, forcing her to confront the stakes for her family, her writing, and her pursuit of love. Torn between two worlds, she must navigate her ambitions and desires in a society that challenges her at every turn.
Set against the backdrop of the establishment of the first sororities in the United States, this historical novel explores the lives and challenges of pioneering women. It delves into themes of friendship, empowerment, and the societal expectations of the time, offering a rich portrayal of sisterhood and ambition. Through compelling characters, the story captures the struggles and triumphs of those who sought to create a supportive community in a changing world.
International bestselling author Joy Callaway returns with a story of the ordinary people behind extraordinary beauty---and the question of who gets to tell their stories.