I am the author of two novels, PEARS ON A WILLOW TREE and A YEAR AND A DAY. My collection of short stories, THIS ANGEL ON MY CHEST, was awarded the Drue Heinz Literature Prize and was published by University of Pittsburgh Press in October 2015. Stories and essays have appeared in many literary journals, including Shenandoah, The Sun, Gettysburg Review, and The Washington Post Magazine.If I'm not writing, what I love most to do is cook...which is probably apparent from my books and stories, which are filled with food. Fun facts: Once I won the blue ribbon for chocolate chip cookies at the Virginia State Fair. Check out my website for a recipe for the best Thanksgiving stuffing in the world! A guide for book clubs is posted on my website.