Connie Willis
Every since I read her short story "At the Rialto" a few years ago, Connie Willis has been, without a doubt, one of my favorite authors. She writes science fiction, but her stories are mainly about people and their reactions to the world around them. They're imaginative and carefully plotted, and most of them have endings that will stay with you for a long, long time.
Passage
This is her most recent book, about a doctor who chronicles the near-death experiences of her patients. When she has a chance to particpate in a study to simulates near-death experiences in people, she has to unravel the mysteries of the visions that she begins seeing.
Doomsday Book
In a not-to-distant future, a young graduate student is sent back to the Middle Ages to collect observations on the 13th century. Her experiences parallel those of the people she leaves, one of whom is desparte to bring her back to the year 2050 before she is exposed to the Black Death.
Even the Queen (and other short stories)
I won't go into details about what "even the queen" does -- but every woman will appreciate this funny, funny story.
To say Nothing of the Dog
Bellwether
Lincoln's Dreams
Miracle and Other Christmas Stories
Anyone who's ever been in a church choir will relate to the story of the choir member who helps a mysterious couple on Christmas Eve. I laughed out loud at the descriptions of the choir rehearsal and wondered if Ms. Willis had been sitting in the alto section behind me.