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Frances Mayes

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 24 Books

4
Series
24
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Swan (2002)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: Sunday in Another Country (1977)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Peach and Glass (1977)

About Frances Mayes

Frances Mayes is a poetry, travel, memoirs, and biography fiction author who was born during the 1940s where she was brought up in Fitzgerald a small town in Georgia. She was a bookworm from very early on in her childhood and used to spend hours reading Nancy Drew mysteries in her backyard. In 1958, Frances left her hometown and moved to Virginia to attend the Randolph-Macon College but she would ultimately get her English undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. She met her husband while she was at university and would then proceed to work as a computer research scientist. During the early 1960s, the couple moved to California where Mayes continued with her studies and finally got her graduate degree from the San Francisco State University. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Frances Mayes has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Frances Mayes

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 2002–2024
1

Swan

Swan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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2002
2

Women in Sunlight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Women in Sunlight, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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2018
3

A Great Marriage

A Great Marriage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Collections
8 books 1977–1995
1

Sunday in Another Country

Sunday in Another Country is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1977
2

January 6, Quarter of Four

January 6, Quarter of Four is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1978
3

After Such Pleasures

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with After Such Pleasures, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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1979
4

The Arts of Fire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Arts of Fire, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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1982
5

Gold Over Blue

Gold Over Blue is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1984
6

Hours

Hours continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Frances Mayes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
7

The Book of Summer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Book of Summer, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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1995
8

Ex Voto

Ex Voto continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Frances Mayes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
11 books 1977–2022
1

Peach and Glass

Peach and Glass is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1977
2

The Discovery of Poetry

The Discovery of Poetry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1994
3

Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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1997
4

Bella Tuscany

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Bella Tuscany, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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1999
5

A Year in the World

A Year in the World continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Frances Mayes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
6

Greek Expectations

Greek Expectations is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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2008
7

Every Day in Tuscany

Every Day in Tuscany continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Frances Mayes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
8

The Passionate Traveler Journal

The Passionate Traveler Journal continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Frances Mayes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
9

Under Magnolia

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Under Magnolia, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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2014
10

See You in the Piazza

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with See You in the Piazza, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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2019
11

A Place in the World

A Place in the World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2000–2002
1

Georgia Voices

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Georgia Voices, another outstanding contribution from Frances Mayes.

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2000
2

The Best American Travel Writing 2002

The Best American Travel Writing 2002 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Frances Mayes have come to expect.

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2002

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Frances Mayes?

Frances Mayes is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 24 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Frances Mayes series to start with?

For readers new to Frances Mayes's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Swan to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Frances Mayes written?

Frances Mayes has written over 24 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Frances Mayes books in order?

Yes, reading Frances Mayes's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Frances Mayes write in?

Frances Mayes writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 24 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Frances Mayes's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Frances Mayes's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Frances Mayes's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Frances Mayes's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Swan, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.