The Grand Design

A Novel of Dorothy Draper

By: Joy Callaway

Narrated by: Gina Carlson

Dorothy Draper has one last chance to prove she chose the right course for her life. With the restoration of The Greenbrier resort at her fingertips, Dorothy aspires to give new life to a place that’s sentimental to her, and to bring a new spark to interior design.

In 1908, young Dorothy Tuckerman chafes under the bland, beige traditions of her socialite circles. Only the aristocracy’s annual summer trips to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia spark her imagination. In this naturally beautiful place, an unexpected romance with an Italian racecar driver gives Dorothy a taste of the passion and adventure she wants. But her family intervenes, sentencing Dorothy to the life she hopes to escape.

Thirty-eight years later, as World War II draws to a close, Dorothy has done everything a woman in the early twentieth century should not: she has divorced her husband—scandalous—and established America’s first interior design firm—shocking. Now, Dorothy returns to The Greenbrier with the assignment to restore it to something even greater than its original glory. With her beloved company’s future hanging in the balance and brimming with daring, unconventional ideas, Dorothy has one more chance to give her dreams wings or succumb to her what society tells her is her inescapable fate.

Based on the true story of famed designer Dorothy Draper, The Grand Design is a moving tale of one woman’s quest to transform the walls that hold her captive.

“Five Stars!” —Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.

“As captivating and confident as the heroine at its center.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil

“Full of luscious details of fashion and luxury!” —Kelly O’Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

“A dazzling, intimate portrait.” —Louise Claire Johnson, author of Behind the Red Door

“Historical fiction at its finest!” —Elyssa Friedland, author of Last Summer at the Golden Hotel

• Historical novel centered around America’s first female interior designer
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: 109,000 words

©2022 Joy Callaway (P)2022 Harper Muse

Historical fiction about The Greenbrier and Dorothy Draper

Growing up in Ohio I have, of course, heard of The Greenbrier Hotel many many times over the years. I was aware of its relationship to the stars and to government but it really had no idea that it was a Dorothy Draper project to refurnish it after WWII. This is a love story in two guises - one in which a man plays a part and the other in which Dorothy's love for The Greenbrier eclipses all. Definitely makes me want to add this destination to the bucket list!

Great details about the Greenbrier

This is a good mix of history and fiction. Much of the story is total history and the fictional parts add interest to the story.i have not been to Greenbrier, but have heard from my daughter, who stayed there that it's unbelievably beautiful.

Highlights a Treasure

Dororthy Draper is certainly a fiction worthy character and I loved the embelishment of her design process I could have lived without the lackluster love life portion.

Enjoyable listen - For the most part

I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Greenbriar, which I have had the pleasure of visiting only once, the narrator was really annoying. Her idea of an aristocratic voice is snobby and obnoxious. I almost couldn’t listen to the whole book, but was drawn by the information about this grand old resort.

A woman ahead of her time

What a wonderful story. I loved the detail, right down to the heat of the West Virginia summers in formal dresses. Dorothy was an independent woman ahead of her time in many ways. Colorful, creative and daring. A loved it!

Half of story is fiction

I've been to the Greenbrier so thought I would enjoy the history - which I did; HOWEVER, and it's a BIG however, 1/2 of the story is pure fiction. The reader might suspect this, but it is abundantly clear in the authors note at the end. I guess the historical portion wouldn't have made a book without the fiction - poorly done IMO.

So much fun

This was an absolute pleasure to listen to… being an interior designer and having read several books about DD this was a fun look at what she may have been like in “a life well lived”.., many thanks for bringing DD to life …

Too much romance, not enough history

Felt the author focused too much on Draper’s love affairs, longings, regrets etc. Not enough about her work and passion for design.

A must read for those who know The Greenbrier

I grew up during the 50s & 60s in nearby Lewisburg and have fond memories of our visits to the hotel including swimming lessons, golfing and formal balls. The writer has captured the magic of the place.

Descriptive writing transports to another time

An entertaining and delightful book which helps portray another time. The story is both well written and narrated, and captured my attention throughout. The fantastic names, brands, families and styles of the times were a bit over my knowledge or traditional subject matter, but everything was well described to help fill in the pieces I wasn't knowledgeable of.