Lena Rivers

Published in the mid-19th century, 'Lena Rivers' by Mary Jane Holmes is a melodramatic novel that follows the life of its titular character, Lena, who is raised by her grandparents after her mother’s death. Upon her grandfather's passing, Lena and her grandmother move to Kentucky to live with her wealthy uncle, where they face hostility from his family. This work is notable for its emotional depth and engaging characters, making it Holmes' greatest commercial success.