Josephine Humphreys carved her niche in contemporary Southern fiction with her debut novel, Dreams of Sleep (1984). Her narratives often focus on the intricacies of private life against the backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, a region historically resistant to change. Humphreys’ characters grapple with societal shifts, such as the fragmentation of the family, which influence their lives and decisions. In both Dreams of Sleep and Rich in Love, the concept of divorce as a viable option significantly shapes the characters' paths. However, in The Fireman’s Fair (1991), it is the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, rather than social upheaval, that compels the characters to seek restoration in their community and personal lives.

Humphreys displays a distinctive generosity of spirit that permeates her work, evident in her involvement with Gal: A True Life (1994). This project, assisting a black woman known pseudonymously as Ruthie Bolton in telling her story, achieved both critical and commercial success. Her novels, celebrated for their craftsmanship and vivid depiction of South Carolina, resonate with readers for their hopeful assertion that order can arise from chaos and that love can quell fears of change.

Rich in Love, adapted into a film in 1992 starring Albert Finney, is part of a broader literary exploration by late twentieth-century Southern women writers addressing the tumultuous journey into female adulthood. Like peers such as Anne Tyler and Lee Smith, Humphreys explores young heroines who must disentangle themselves from the past to forge a future. Her protagonist, Lucille Odom, embodies this journey of self-discovery and resilience, akin to Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. However, unlike their male counterparts, these heroines face internal battles, often within the confines of their own homes, fighting against tradition and familial expectations that threaten to stifle their growth.

These narratives of self-discovery often conclude on a positive note, as characters like Lucille unearth their inner strength and resourcefulness, enabling them to confront life's uncertainties. Despite encountering unresolved issues and unanswered questions, the tone remains uplifting, reflecting their capacity to navigate and overcome life's challenges.