Bertha M Clay Charlotte Mary Braeme (1836-1884) was an English novelist who achieved significant popularity during the 19th century. She is often remembered under her pseudonym, Bertha M. Clay, and is best known for her novel Dora Thorne. Born in Hinckley, Leicestrshire, to a devout Roman Catholic family, Braeme was educated in convent schools and later at a finishing school in Paris. Before embarking on her literary career, she worked as a governess. In 1863, she married Phillip Edward Braeme, a jeweller, and they had nine children, though only four survived into adulthood. Unfortunately, Braeme's husband struggled with alcoholism and poor business practices, forcing Charlotte to support the family through her writing. Despite her books' success, her earnings were often undermined by piracy, particularly in the United States, where her works were widely reproduced without compensation. Braeme's novels were immensely popular with the public, featuring romantic drama and social commentary, often dealing with themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. Though she faced personal hardship, her literary legacy continues to be recognized, particularly through her contributions to Victorian fiction. Read More Read Less