Eleanor Hodgman Porter (1868–1920) was a renowned American novelist, best known for her work in children's literature and for creating the character Pollyanna, an eternally optimistic young girl who became an icon of positive thinking. Born in Littleton, New Hampshire, Porter pursued music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston before turning her focus to writing. Her literary career began with short stories, and she quickly established a reputation for crafting narratives that blend sentimentality with an engaging, conversational style. Porter published many popular books, such as 'Pollyanna' (1913) and its sequel, 'Pollyanna Grows Up' (1915), which were widely accepted by readers who cherished her themes of cheerfulness and resilience. Beyond Pollyanna, she penned 'Just David' (1916) and 'The Road to Understanding' (1917), demonstrating her versatility in exploring diverse yet invariably heartwarming tales. As with her other books, 'The Tangled Threads' exhibits Porter's keen ability to dissect the intricacies of human emotion and the potency of positive thinking, further solidifying her legacy as a staple of early 20th-century American literature. While Porter's sentimentality might appear dated to contemporary audiences, her works continue to resonate with those who seek solace and inspiration in literature and have been adapted into several films and television series, testament to her enduring impact on popular culture.