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The Raven's Bride    by Lenora Hart Amazon.com order for
Raven's Bride
by Lenora Hart
Order:  USA  Can
St. Martin's, 2011 (2011)
Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book

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* * *   Reviewed by Wanda Plourde

Virginia 'Sissy' Clemm is eight years old when she first meets her cousin, Edgar Allan Poe, in 1830. Fascinated by him, she imagines the dark, mysterious and handsome Eddy as her future husband. As Edgar comes and goes to Baltimore they become very good friends. After his failed attempts at West Point, Sissy is always there for him.

As time goes on her childhood crush grows into love. Sissy has had lessons in music whenever funds were available, furthering a dream she harbors close to her heart. When she turns thirteen, Edgar proposes marriage, and they begin their happy life together.

But darkness interrupts their happiness. Edgar has many demons to overcome, such as drinking binges, abrupt disappearances, and a self destructive moodiness. Sissy stands by her husband no matter what. But when she falls sick, this is a turning point for Edgar. The fear of losing Sissy drives him to madness. It also helps him achieve one of his greatest literary efforts.

What a wonderful book, one in which I took great pleasure. Love story and ghost story are intertwined with great feeling. The novel gives insight into the shocking relationship between Edgar and Sissy. It also reflects the impact that a great love can have, both the good and the bad. I found The Raven's Bride very well written and very hard to put down, a story that brings out many emotions in the reader.

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