THE STOLEN MARRIAGE by bestselling author Diane Chamberlain is a historical fiction novel set in the 1940's in America during the Second World War. The story opens first in Baltimore and then later in the town of Hickory, North Carolina. I have to admit I normally shy away from historical fiction, but I went out on a limb, and decided to try something different, and I really enjoyed it.

Tess DeMello, the protagonist in this novel, makes a mistake that will ultimately alter the course of her life forever.

It’s 1944 and 23- year -old Tess is now pregnant and all alone. She gives up her career as a nurse, and ends her engagement to Vincent, a doctor, her soulmate. Tess agrees to marry the baby’s father, Henry and move to the small town of Hickory, North Carolina. Tess is not welcome in Hickory. She is regarded as an outsider.

But soon after their marriage, Tess‘s new husband changes and starts staying out late and become distant. Tess soon realises she’s stuck in a strange and loveless marriage with no way out. When the polio epidemic strikes Hickory, the people group together to build a polio hospital. Against her husband’s wishes, Tess goes to work at the polio hospital. It is there that she finds purpose and meaning to her life once again. Not only does she work to save her patients’ lives, she also discovers the truth behind Henry’s strange behaviour.

Stolen Marriage is written in first person from Tess’s perspective. The characters were well developed and the story read more like a drama, with life’s lessons laying out on a canvas.

A novel of mistakes and their consequences.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for my digital copy.

This was my first Diane Chamberlain novel, and I absolutely loved it. I didn't see the twists and turns coming - and Tess really had so much to face! You'll never guess where these end up!

I have enjoyed reading Diane books before. I got this read before realizing that it was a period novel. Not a big fan of books set in the 40’s but I had it so I read it anyway. I fell in love with Tess and the mystery of what Henry was hiding I had to read more to know. I will not disregard another book set in the 40’s again. Thanks Diane.

I'm rating this one a 4.5 rounded up to a 5! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I don't read historical fiction often, and usually books with heavy drama are an automatic pass for me. Diane Chamberlain apparently just does it incredibly well. Some parts of the book are slower than others, but it never lost my attention. I didn't have a lot of reading time once I started it, but couldn't wait to dive back in. The author very clearly does a lot of research about what she writes about. I learned a few new things. Who says you can't learn anything from reading fiction? Not me! This book takes place during World War II, and can be jarring. The world was a very different place then, and a lot of things deemed "proper" then we now rightfully consider racist and sexist.

Tess DeMello has a plan for her life. She'll marry her childhood sweetheart, the kind and handsome Vincent. She'll finish her nursing degree and work alongside her husband, who is a doctor. They'll settle down and have exactly four children. They'll live close to their families but not too close. They are in agreement. Everything will be perfect.

Everything can change in a single night. Tess breaks Vincent's heart and disappears. She marries a wealthy man she hasn't known for long at all. He is kind to her, but distant at the same time, almost treating her as you would an acquaintance. He shows no affection towards her unless there's someone else around. He doesn't want to make love to her. He doesn't want to confide in her. It soon becomes clear that she's trapped in a loveless marriage in an unfamiliar town wary of outsiders, including Tess.

Tess has a lonely existence, a far cry from her life at home where she was surrounded by loved ones. At first she's determined to grow closer to her husband, but he rebukes her every attempt. Why would this man marry her if he doesn't even want to share a bed? Spurned by her husband and his family, she finds allies in unlikely places and a new purpose helping others, but will that be enough?

Tess faces a lot of hardships in this book, but I'm keeping my review spoiler free. This book is filled with secrets and heartache. I think it's fine historical fiction! I accurately predicted some of the plot points, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. This was a great book to read with The Traveling Sisters group and led to a good amount of discussion. Our opinions varied but I think we all enjoyed it!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

I read a lot. Like in really a lot, and mainly crime fiction. The more blood and gore, the better.
But strangely enough, I normally can't wait to get my grubby little paws on a Diane Chamberlain when I can. This book was no exception. I loved the historical descriptions and couldn't wait to see if the book had a happy ending. No spoilers I promise!
Very well done, and I can't wait for the next one.

I love this author’s work. This was a great book. Great storyline and well developed characters. It’s a must read.

Diane Chamberlain's The Stolen Marriage is an emotionally captivating novel of secrets, betrayals, prejudice, and forgiveness. If you are a historical fiction lover, then this will be your jam. There is a variety of issues that Chamberlain raises in her novel such as polio, race, marriages and health crisis. This is a novel that'll pull you in and you find yourself immersed in Tess' story.

I absolutely love Diane Chamberlains books and I have read them all. This one didn't disappoint. I always hold back reading her new books as I want to savour them and don't enjoy the thought of waiting a whole year for another one of her books!! Well, what can I say about this one, firstly this isn't my usual era of reading but nothing would put me off a Diane Chamberlain book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I couldn't imaging living in the 1940's with the war going on, there being rations and clear hierarchy in the household. Also the 'issues' surrounding the different races. This story flowed lovely and each chapter made you want to read more. I will admit I didn't see the twist coming with Henry having a relationship with Honor and her children being his also! I felt deeply sorry for Tess and what she had been through and was so happy that her dream to be a nurse came true and she stood up to Ruth! I felt she handled the Honor situation very well and was very understanding bearing in mind she had been used for all that time. When I read the last couple of chapters with the fire in the factory and Henry's death, I had tears in my eyes, more for Honor than anything but when he left the skeleton fingers for Tess to find I laughed out loud (and didn't see that twist coming either!). I also think she did a very noble thing and drove Honor and Jilly across the country so they could be with Henry, and that Vincent went along with them. I also loved that they still wrote to Tess to let her know how they were getting on all those years later, they still hugely appreciated what she did for them. I have absolutely no criticisms about this book, just huge congratulations for another amazingly written book. I cannot wait for her next one and very much look forward to it. Thank you so much for letting me read and review this fabulous book and I will be highly recommending it!

*Apologies for the very late review, planning a wedding sure puts a dampen on one’s favorite past time: reading*

I read Diane Chamberlain’s historical novel late last year and the quick draw for me was the plot about marriage of convenience. Although that is the predominant plot of the story, Ms. Chamberlain added emotional and moral layers to the story which made THE STOLEN MARRIAGE such an enthralling and provocative story.

I won’t go into details but suffice to say I was heartbroken by the romantic tragedies told in this book. THE STOLEN MARRIAGE may have taken place in the past but this could still easily happen now. My only critique is the story is told from Tess’s purview and I wish the story had a more omnipotent tone to truly explore the issues of racism and hypocritical morality in a way that’s pervasive to further drive the unfortunate fact that we haven’t really grown much as a society and these issues are still (sadly) relevant 73 years later. Ms. Chamberlain seemed hesitant “to go there”, understandably so, it’s simply a personal preference that I wish we were made more uncomfortable which would prompt a more meaningful and deeper discussion of the themes.

Overall, I think this is a well written, albeit sad, love story. I felt the difficulties and the dilemmas of the character as if I were experiencing them myself. THE STOLEN MARRIAGE has a transcendent quality to it which I think a lot of readers will like and appreciate.

Review placed on Goodreads/Amazon.


I have loved reading me some Diane Chamberlain. The Stolen Marriage was no different. Gotta say though this book was a 5 star read for me until about the last 50 pages. At that point, it went a bit silly in the storyline and then wrapped up with a nice red ribbon. One of the things that I love about DC books are their propensity to make me think. TSM was no different until the end. Then I felt kind of empty. Will it stop my love of this author? Haell no! The Silent Sister is warming up in the bull pen with the same level of excitement that I go into every DC book. There is a reason why this woman is a highly recommend author by me.

Diane Chamberlain is a gifted storyteller. Her writing keeps you on your toes, turning the pages, to find out what happens next. She effortlessly breathes life into the time period, setting and characters.
The Stolen Marriage is a well-written and well-researched novel.
We are transported back to 1944 when 23 year old nursing student, Tess DeMello, suddenly ends her engagement to the love of her life, leaves her home in Little Italy and marries a mysterious stranger. Tess's new husband, Henry Kraft, is a wealthy and secretive man who shows no interest in Tess whatsoever.
Having to move to Henry's hometown in Hickory, North Carolina, the townspeople adore Henry but are determined to hate Tess. She must live with her vicious Mother In Law and despicable Sister In Law until their new home is built. Tess is heartbroken, lonely and bored. She is determined to take her final nursing exams to become a Registered Nurse. Met with great resistance from Henry and his family (a woman of their means is not allowed to work) he finally gives in allowing Tess to pursue her dream. Henry has his own personal agenda for marrying Tess which is revealed through the story.
When a polio outbreak occurs the people of Hickory build a hospital. This helps Tess to reignite her purpose and passion.
Betrayal, secrets, heartbreak and finally understanding and forgiveness make this story flow.
The many twists and turns in the plot involve the polio epidemic, WWII, racial tensions and forbidden love.
Wonderfully Compelling Historical Fiction

THE STOLEN MARRIAGE BY DIANE CHAMBERLAIN BOOK REVIEW
Diane Chamberlain is a wonderful writer, so lets just set that aside. In reading the description for The Stolen Marriage, I thought it might try to tackle too much. A book about polio, racial tensions, World War II, a young woman who marries a stranger & moves to a town that doesn’t understand her; surely that’s too much, right? Nope. This book works & it’s unbelievably well-written, memorable & meaningful.

TESS DEMELLO
Tess is a lovely character. She’s a young Catholic girl living in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood. Tess dreams of becoming a nurse & working side by side with her doctor fiance, Vincent. See, Tess & Vincent have known each other since they were children. Vincent’s parents love Tess, both families attend & are active in the church. They are engaged, have plans for the future & are deeply in love. The book’s description doesn’t tell us much about Vincent if anything & I think it should. Tess’s departure from her engagement to her childhood love leaves her family reeling & leaves her alone.

“YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HUSBAND VERY WELL”
Readers wind up in Hickory, North Carolina with Tess & her husband, Henry Kraft. The Kraft family is well to do, but they’ve got some secrets. Henry’s mother & sister expected Henry to marry a different girl. They see Tess as a gold digger & nothing more. Despite her desire the take the nursing exam in North Carolina, Henry & his mother forbid it. The Kraft family insists Tess not work outside of the home. As Tess tries to make the best of her new life in Hickory, she begins to lose herself. Henry isn’t cruel, but he’s not very loving. It seems like he’s just nice enough to engage Tess, but not enough for her to truly feel loved.

Diane does a masterful job introducing readers to Hickory residents. Perhaps my favorite character, besides Tess, is Reverend Sam. Sam lives on the “colored” side of town & he can connect with spirits. He is a kind, gentle man who gives Tess a much-needed sense of belonging.

POLIO, THE WAR & LOVE
Tess is tough, smart & resilient. She’s in this situation where she is dependent upon this family that doesn’t like her very much. Somehow, she still has enough of her old self to insist she works in the town’s newly planned polio hospital. Here, she begins to find herself again & like Stella, she gets her groove back. While she’s saving lives, she meets other residents of Hickory. At the hospital, she learns more about her husband- much more.

The Stolen Marriage reads like beautiful historical fiction novel with an underlying note of mystery & intrigue. From what I know to be true about the polio epidemic in the United States, Diane does a great job of representing the truth. We see iron lungs, bandages, physical therapists, hot whirlpools and fear take over the town. Throughout it all is my girl, Tess.

THE VERDICT
I was Really Into This book. I loved every page of The Stolen Marriage. To me, if I would re-read a book, then I know it’s in my top category & I would re-read this in an instant. I cried & smiled my way through the pages. Tess made a mark on my heart. Not since I met The Radium Girls has a female character had me championing them throughout the entirety of the book. Despite what she faced, she was still a caring, empathetic & smart woman. The Stolen Marriage is a must read.

Special thanks to Diane Chamberlain, St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Let’s connect with books! Check out The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain Book Review on Goodreads.

Another winner by Diane Chamberlain...love her work...I'm sure you will too. Five stars.

My Takeaway

"Even though I couldn’t have him or touch him or talk to him or even look into his eyes. I needed his presence. I needed him close by."
Diane Chamberlain, The Stolen Marriage

You know a book is good when you contemplate taking the day off just so you can continue reading. Yup. The Stolen Marriage is the real deal! Chamberlain is an exceptional story teller, who brings the people and town of Hickory, North Carolina to life. The Stolen Marriage is historical fiction at its best and is full of unforgettable characters, secrets, deceptions, racism, and humanity. It is clear Chamberlain did her research. The story deals with the polio epidemic of the 40's and the endless taboos, which was a part of the time (especially in the South). I have no idea why it took me this long to read Chamberlain's work (shame on me)! Nonetheless, I am absolutely a fan and thankfully there are plenty of books to choose from (I already have Necessary Lies on my to be read pile). The polio epidemic was real and sadly individuals suffered and many died, but I am still in awe of how the people of Hickory came together to build a "Miracle hospital" in 54 hours! I would love to see this book adapted into a movie. :-)

A big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for granting me my wish and providing an e-galley of this book in exchange for my honest review. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this heartfelt novel.

I usually enjoy Diane Chamberlain books and this one was no exception. The characters in this book were complex and the mystery of what was going on kept me reading until the end. I also enjoyed learning about a time in history that I didn't know much about.

This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a fantastic story based on the polio epidemic in the 1940's.

Tess is engaged to her childhood love and during a brief period of time when he is away volunteering his doctor skills, she has a one night stand which alters the course of her life and those around her.

I really hated Henry for a long long time. It wasn't until the very end of the book when I finally found some redeeming qualities and began to understand him. I dare say I might of even liked him!

Tess grows and changes so much throughout this book. She realizes she is so much more than her mistake. Her character is not defined by the choices she had to make but by the sacrifices she was willing to make in order to care of her unborn child.

Wow! I absolutely loved this book!

What a fantastic story. I was a little afraid I wouldn't connect with the book simply because it takes place in the 40's, but that was the best part of the book. The things we take for granted today were not so easy back then and it's amazing how much times have changed (even though some things have stayed the same, unfortunately).

I really connected with Tess, she was a strong woman who made a horrible mistake. But she took the bad with the good and used it to turn her life around. And she even helped others along the way in a town where everyone dislike her for taking their "golden boy". I was a bit surprised by the twist towards the end of the book, I really wasn't expecting that! I had a few things in mind, but that was not one of them.

If you like well written historical book, I would highly suggest this one!

I love reading Diane Chamberlain and this book was no exception. It was full of the wonderful things that fill all of Diane's books. Deep relationships, intrigue, mystery, emotions. You name it Diane has it. I highly recommend her books to everyone.

The type of book I just couldn’t put down! There are so many ways to describe this that I’m having a hard time putting it words. It was at times heart wrenching but also comical. The depth of betrayal at times was so enormous! It will keep you going until the very last page.

Wow, I had to stayed all night devouring this book. Loved the plot and learned a lot about Poliomyelitis.