'Lena Rivers

After reading this novel one realise that why Mary J. Holmes was best seller. It has all the contents of an entertaining read. Melodrama blend with humour pathos and romance. At one point of time one feel that it is a historical romance written by a contemporary author. The narrative technique is unique, omniscient as well as giving glimpse of characters as a stand by author. A wholesome entertainer. A feel good read.

I have been looking for this book for along time and wanted to read it. My mother was named Lena Rivers Cox- Whitehurst- and I loved her name and now get to read it. as I read some of the review I see that others are name after the book too! how great is that. just happy to fined it. Thanks in memory of my mother~ Diane~

I cant believe I just found this book. I now realize after all these years how my grandmother got her name - it was after this book title !! She was born in 1900 and her first and middle name were Lena Rivers. I have racked my brain and stumbled on this. I am NOW going to order it and read it ASAP - thanks for all the great reviews :-)

The novel was riddled with run on sentences, but was somewhat amusing.

If you enjoy poverty-to-riches, low-born-to-high-born, + back again, great coincidences and misunderstandings, you'll enjoy this Victorian romp, which has great characters and plots and counter-plots.

I agree with Leah. Well-written review. There is a clear differentiation between the protagonists (honorable and kind) and antagonists (scheming and proud), and the heavy plotting in the long middle of the story gets quite tedious. Some of the reactions are far-fetched. Two out of five at best.

i loved it.its a very intersting novel. one of my favrts :)

It was way over the top.

This romantic saga, set before the Civil War, follows the ill-omened, orphaned 'Lena. Her parents married secretly; her father abandoned her mother before her fatal birth. She's forced from her loving, though impoverished, childhood home with her grandparents in rural Massachusetts, and must reside in Kentucky as a begrudged poor relation with her weak, henpecked uncle; his haughty, wealthy wife; and their spoiled children.

By mid-novel, the plot becomes very predictable: Of course, 'Lena grows up to be beautiful and accomplished. And, of course, many pitfalls and misunderstandings -- some deliberately fostered by her proud, plotting aunt and other spiteful characters -- lie between 'Lena and true love.

As in many romantic novels of the period, a significant part of the story hinges on the society's opinion of proper behavior for women.

Some minor, but interesting, background covers the life of slaves in Kentucky. The rest left me pretty cold.

Excellent book, well worth the time.