Mildred

first edition: 1896

Step into the captivating world crafted by Holmes as she tells the tale of Mildred, an orphaned child left on the doorstep of a grumpy old man. Embark on a journey that explores the mystery of Mildred's parentage and her enchanting romance with Lawrence Thornton.
Mildred, our spirited heroine, stands out as a beacon of strength, contrasting with the manipulative and ignorant Lillian. Holmes skillfully employs her wit to criticize the uneducated and ignorant female class, championing the empowered and educated woman. This thematic exploration adds depth and entertainment to the story, making it a worthwhile read.
Mary Jane Holmes (1825-1907) was an American author, recognized for her extensive literary contributions. Over the course of her career, she authored 39 novels and also dabbled in short stories. Notably, her debut novel achieved remarkable success, selling a substantial 250,000 copies. Throughout her lifetime, Holmes achieved impressive total sales of 2 million books, placing her second in popularity only to the esteemed author Harriet Beecher Stowe.