Mary Jane Holmes (1825–1907) was a prominent American novelist of the 19th century, celebrated for her domestic novels which found wide readership in both the United States and England. Born in Brookfield, Massachusetts, Holmes specialized in the writing of sentimental and didactic stories. Her storytelling abilities were recognized early on, and she enjoyed a prolific writing career, publishing 39 novels and numerous short stories. 'Lena Rivers', published in 1856, stands among her best-known works and encapsulates her literary style characterized by engaging narrative, clear moral lessons, and vibrant, relatable female protagonists. Holmes's narratives often centered around common domestic issues of the time, and she skillfully interwove themes of romance, family, and social status, which resonated with her audience, predominantly women of the middle and upper classes. The popularity of her writing can be gauged by the fact that, during her lifetime, she sold over two million copies of her books. Despite some contemporary critics disregarding her work as overtly sentimental, her tales were undeniably influential in shaping the conventions of domestic fiction in her era. Holmes's extensive oeuvre and her focus on the woman's perspective in domestic life contribute vital insights into the culture and society of 19th-century America.