This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Mammoth Cheese

   

   The novel weaves together the lives of residents in a small Virginia town as they grapple with personal and communal challenges. At the heart of the story is a struggling dairy farmer who attempts to create a massive cheese to present to the President, hoping to gain attention and support for her farm. Meanwhile, the town is abuzz with the miraculous birth of eleven babies to a local woman, sparking a media frenzy and highlighting themes of faith, ambition, and the complexities of modern life. Through its richly drawn characters, the book explores the intersections of hope, disappointment, and the pursuit of the American dream.

2. 2. The Dress Lodger

   

   Set in the grimy streets of 19th-century Sunderland, this gripping tale follows Gustine, a young prostitute who rents a beautiful blue dress to attract wealthier clients. As cholera ravages the city, Gustine's life becomes intertwined with that of Henry Chiver, a disillusioned surgeon desperate to advance his medical research. Amidst the backdrop of societal decay and desperation, the story delves into themes of survival, exploitation, and the human spirit's resilience, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the marginalized in a rapidly industrializing world.