Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen novels, including thirteen contemporaries set mainly in the South Carolina’s Lowcountry and, more recently, six works of historical fiction: The Story She Left Behind (March 2025), The Secret Book of Flora Lea, Once Upon a Wardrobe, Surviving Savannah, Wild Swan, and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
With a lifelong belief in the power of story to change and move us, Patti’s gorgeously written and masterfully researched historical fiction explores the untold stories of the past that affect us now. A longtime believer that “landscape is memory,” Patti draws deep inspiration from her surroundings and generously shares that inspiration with her readers in her mesmerizing, heartfelt stories.
Patti is the recipient of the Christy Award for Book of the Year, the Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year, and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year award. Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have been the Barnes and Noble Book Club Pick, Amazon Editors’ Pick, Goodreads Book of the Year finalist, People Magazine Choice, Book of the Month Selection, and more.
The Story She Left Behind will be released on March 18, 2025. Inspired by a true literary mystery, this is the sweeping story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both. The book has been praised by New York Times bestselling author William Kent Krueger as “a book that will capture your heart, lift your spirits, and delight your soul.”
Released in May 2023, The Secret Book of Flora Lea was quickly announced as that month’s national Book Club Pick for Barnes & Noble and became an instant New York Times bestseller. A story inspired by the true story of child evacuees from London during WWII, this novel explores what happens when a woman stumbles across a mysterious children’s book causing long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood in the English countryside to surface. The novel has been praised as “transporting, heartfelt, and atmospheric” by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Christina Baker Kline.
Once Upon a Wardrobe is another tenderly imagined and enchanting story from Patti that pulls back the curtain on the early life of C. S. Lewis. Dubbed “a love letter to books and stories with a meaningful message” by the Washington Post, the book was named an IndieNext pick and featured on the Today Show in a recommendation from Harlan Coben.
Released in March 2021, Surviving Savannah, brought readers on an atmospheric journey into the heart of Savannah, Georgia, beautifully interweaving the past and present as we discover the lost-to-time tale of sinking of the steamship Pulaski, known as “The Titanic of the South.” The book was featured on Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown and praised as “an atmospheric, compelling story of survival, tragedy, the enduring power of myth and memory,” by #1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah. There is a companion podcast series for the novel titled “The Untold Story Behind Surviving Savannah,” an in-depth exploration into the fascinating stories explored in the book. In the podcast series, Patti interviews some of the foremost experts on the myth and lore of Savannah, shipwreck treasure hunting, the hidden stories in museums, and the astounding real-life family story that inspired the novel.
Wild Swan is a novella following the fiery life of one of history’s greatest heroines and the mother of modern nursing: Florence Nightingale. This story was released in December 2020 as an Audible Original narrated by the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy -Award winning actress and singer, Cynthia Erivo.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S Lewis was Patti’s first foray into historical fiction. It was first published in 2018 as the inaugural novel from Harper Muse, a then brand-new imprint of Harper Collins. Written with the blessing of the C.S. Lewis estate, the book was praised by New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon as “Carefully researched. Beautifully written. Deeply romantic. Fiercely intelligent.” The book was met with rave reviews and went on to win several major awards. Patti is also the host of the original seven-part “Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis” companion podcast series.
Along with fellow New York Times bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Kristin Harmel, Patti is the co-host and co-creator of the popular web show, podcast, and online community, Friends & Fiction. On their weekly show — which runs on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and all major podcasting platforms — the hosts welcome fabulous author guests for warm and engaging chats and in-depth discussions about their writing careers and their latest books. You can follow Friends & Fiction on Instagram and, for weekly updates and bonus content, subscribe to their newsletter.
Patti attended Auburn University for her undergraduate work and Georgia State University for her graduate degree. Once a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, she now writes full-time.
“It was a fabulous event! It turned out beautifully and everyone loved Patti. She is so warm and personable and was a very good speaker. She offered insight into being an author and what prompted her to write “Once Upon a Wardrobe,” as well as anecdotes about being a writer. Patti explained how stories can create meaning in our lives through both logic and imagination, the theme of “Once Upon a Wardrobe.” Knowing the “why” and “how” brought the book to life and made it real. It was truly a book from the heart.” — Lifetime Learning Brenham, TX/Washington County Read, 2024