Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (Barnes & Noble Digital Library‪)‬

A national bestseller in 1901, this novel was Rice's greatest success.  The story focuses on Mrs. Wiggs, a widow caring for five children in poverty-stricken Cabbage Patch. With her husband gone and more tragedy constantly occurring, she leans on Lucy Olcott, a beautiful and wealthy philanthropist with troubles of her own.