This is a deeply touching, fascinating story that weaves together two aspects of American history still prevalent today: bigotry and second class citizenship for women. There is a skillful weaving of these aspects with the background of a major polio outbreak in the 1940’s South Carolina. Ms. Chamberlain uses this historical along with Hickory polio hospital as the backdrop for a heart rendering story of a young woman whose life is extremely altered by an incident that changes everything for her. Tess DeMello is a nursing student in Baltimore awaiting her wedding and her graduation from nursing school. Her intended, Vincent, is a doctor involved in polio research in Chicago. On a fateful trip to Washington, D.C., with her friend, a life altering event happens to Tess and nothing is the same from that point forward.
She ends up in rural Hickory, South Carolina, living in a loveless home and suffocating under the hatred she feels and under the burdens of life in the South.
When the polio epidemic reaches a terrifying level, the people of Hickory band together to build a polio hospital in fifty-four hours. It is Tess’ saving grace as she defies her family and volunteers as a nurse at the facility. So much of the story truly unfolds from there and it is amazing, captivating and intense.
This is a thoroughly engaging story about love, hardships, and redemption.

Diane Chamberlain is a consistently good author and once again, she did not disappoint!

The story line was interesting (although at the beginning I was infuriated by some of the characters!) and learning about the polio hospital set up quickly in Hickory, NC was fascinating. There were twists and turns toward the end that surprised me- Diane Chamberlain is good at that!

This was a satisfying read that, once I was pulled in, had me reading in the wee hours of the night to finish.

Diane Chamberlain has a 10 star book!
From the first page, I was instantly transported to 1944 in the South at a time of war, prejudice, and an epidemic of polio that has mercy on no family.
The main character, Tess makes a one night mistake that causes her to relocate to Hickory, NC and leave her family in Maryland. What follows, is not what Tess ever thought would become her new life.
I am a true believer that "we are not the ones in control of our destiny." Tess is a heroine as time goes on in NC, but not without many obstacles and people to overcome.
A great in depth and well written novel, clearly one of my favorite book by this author!

I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books.
I was so excited to read this ARC. I started reading this to see what it is about - I could NOT STOP reading.
I quickly fell in love with the characters. It is set in 1943-1944. It is the beginning of Infantile Paralysis - which we now call Polio. It is set in hospitals that were trying to treat this new disease.

I highly recommend this book!

This is a unique opportunity to delve into life in the 1940's. Love is not always clear cut and often times can be quiet messy. An unwanted pregnancy, interracial marriages and strict religious beliefs all factor in to this compelling novel about one young woman's journey. A great summer read for the beach, pool, backyard or curled up on the couch on a warm summer day. I think you will enjoy The Stolen Marriage...I know I did!

The Stolen Marriage is a fantastic read!!!

Diane Chamberlain has brilliantly written this historical Women's Fiction that was brimming with mystery. Throughout this novel we get a full view of Tess DeMello's life, as the novel takes you from the little Italian neighborhood in Maryland where she was born and raised to the unwelcoming and awkward town of Hickory, North Carolina where she finds herself relocating to after marriage. As the storyline unfolds and her life gets more complicated, I began to understand the real spiderweb of a mess her life had become and kept my fingers crossed she would be able to untangle herself. I found myself completely riveted by the domino effect of Tess's actions (both good and bad) had. I truly didn't see the well-timed twists and turns coming, but what most took by surprise was how inspiring this novel is--loved that!! Diane Chamberlain's novels have always been the perfect escape for me and The Stolen Marriage is now at the top of that list!!! This 5+++ star read will captivate you no matter what genre your in the mood to read!!! The Stolen Marriage is a 2017 favorite for me and I highly recommend EVERYONE check it out!!

The Stolen Marriage is the third book I've read by Diane Chamberlain. While historical fiction really isn't my favorite thing to read, I always find myself pulled into Ms. Chamberlain's storytelling. It is very obvious that she does a lot of research to make the time period as accurate as she can.

No matter how many times I read historical books, I still find myself cringing at terms like "colored town" and how interracial marriage is a crime. The Ladies of the Homefront made me roll my eyes more than once. They focused on how to keep women from becoming too manly. Working and smoking cigarettes while the men were at war was just too much for these proper ladies. I can't imagine growing up during that time.

The stories about the polio hospital were some of my favorites in the book. I found that the hospital and the outbreak were accurate. Reading the stories about the children really got to me. I was lucky enough to grow up after there were vaccines and it's hard to picture such horrible outbreaks of disease. It really made me appreciate even more that I was born much later than that.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley for review.

My full review is up on my blog.

Tess's life is thrown on end by a night that didn't go as planned during a trip to Washington D.C. Her plans for her future take a dramatic turn in a different direction and she struggles with embracing her new life. This is a historical novel, and while Tess is finding her place in life, polio begins to strike her community. I found it interesting to read about what happened as Tess began to put her nursing skills into practice.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I loved this book. I am not big on historical fiction but this one was particularly good. Fabulous characters and setting that took me back to 1940's North Carolina. The author is a really impressive writer and can really tell a story well. I almost felt like I was there. There were a some surprises in this book but they really made the story and I also really liked the ending. Tess is a very strong character and I love how she handled her problems herself which was not the norm back then I will definitely look for more books from this author! Thanks so much for the chance to read it!!!

This was such a satisfying book! The main character is so clearly drawn - her motivations and rationale for her actions. I couldn't believe the polio hospital was based in reality! I enjoyed the story very much.

THE STOLEN MARRIAGE WRITTEN BY DIANE CHAMBERLAIN

This is the second novel I have read and thoroughly enjoyed by Diane Chamberlain. This story was so addictive that I read it in two sittings. I was pulled into the character's lives from the very beginning and hated to put it down to get some sleep. Again Diane Chamberlain has done a terrific job in researching Hickory, North Carolina in 1944 during America's polio epidemic. The author renders this atmospheric multi-layered narrative with the racial tensions and prejudices that existed between inter-racial marriage. An African American that married a white person could find themselves placed in prison for ten years. This page turning story covers different themes on many different subjects.

Beginning in Baltimore, Maryland, Theresa also known as Tess is the main protagonist who grows up with her fiance Vincent in the same neighborhood. Tess and Vincent were childhood friend's who turn into adult sweethearts. Tess is studying to become a registered nurse with just her licensing exam to be taken. Vincent is a doctor and he gets called to Chicago to help volunteer with the polio outbreak occurring there. As Tess awaits Vincent's return he keeps extending his stay for more time working in Chicago.

Tess and her best friend Gina decide out of boredom to visit Washington DC. While in Washington Tess makes a huge mistake that will change the course of her life. Tess and Gina go out to dinner with two gentlemen who keep the alcohol coming. Henry Kraft is a man of wealthy means but also many hidden secrets.

Some of the lingering thoughts I have about the book is how painful it is to be in a loveless marriage. Do we ever get the happier ever after with our soulmates or the love of our lives? Tess and Vincent's future is altered because of Tess's encounter with Henry. How does Henry Kraft figure into the story? Vincent's parents were husband and wife by an arranged marriage which turns out to be a marriage of profound love. Can entering in a marriage because of life's circumstances ever turn out to be the right decision and can love grow?

I don't want to give away any spoilers about how and why Tess's life is altered. I really enjoyed this novel but I think it will appeal to women in particular. In 1944 in North Carolina I was surprised would handle different ethnic races so severely. Also this book reminded me what it was like for women and the hardships they faced having children without being married. I applaud Diane Chamberlain for tackling ethical issues while weaving a totally realistic narrative. The dialogue was immersive and entertaining and I highly recommend this book for women who love historical fiction that is based on factual events and places.

Huge Thanks to Net Galley, Diane Chamberlain and St. Martins Publishing for providing me with my digital copy for an honest and fair review.

It's 1944 and Tess DeMello is 23 years old, studying to be a nurse, and in love with Vincent. Life in Baltimore's Little Italy is perfect, except for the hardships imposed by the war. Vincent is studying to be a doctor and leaves town for an extended period. When Tess's friend, Gina, proposes a weekend trip out of town to Washington, DC, Tess can't imagine how accepting is going to change her well ordered life and future plans! Less than a few months later, Tess is in Hickory, North Carolina living a sham life due to a series of poorly conceived choices -- she's made her bed and she must lie in it.

This is the 15th book I've read by the author and they are usually hit or miss with me. I think I enjoyed this one more because Tess is a nurse and the details about the polio epidemic and the "Miracle of Hickory" hospital were a fascinating glimpse into history. As usual, the basic plot involves a love story, but this had a few twists that made its predictability more interesting. Definitely there is a difference during this time period between the North and the South as well as with how women's roles have changed since then. I realize that I'm meant to admire Tess as she is portrayed as kind and self-punishing until she becomes stronger and achieves her dreams. Henry and Vincent are just props and I never developed any feelings for them although I did feel a degree of sympathy for Henry -- no spoilers! Some pretty amazing coincidences just happen to make the happy ending that fans of Diane Chamberlain expect.

**I won the ARC lottery from NetGalley for Diane Chamberlain's October 2017 release of THE STOLEN MARRIAGE in exchange for my honest review**

In 1944, Tess future is bright. She's finishing her nursing degree and about to marry her childhood sweetheart Vince. A drunken night with Henry Kraft changes the course of her future when she becomes pregnant. Ashamed to tell Vince, Tess finds Henry who agrees to marry her beginning a series of secrets and lies. Not everyone will survive.

Diane Chamberlain has been one of my favorite writers for decades. I love how she tackles topical issues as organic parts of characters and storylines. Henry's childhood friend is on trial for being in an interracial marriage, illegal and punishable with jail time in North Carolina during the 1940s. Tess doesn't agree with the mixing of races, a very common attitude back then, particularly in the south.

Tess has more faults than many of Chamberlain's protagonists, she doesn't trust Vince enough to tell him the truth about her pregnancy, ending the relationship with a note simply saying she was in love with someone else. She marries a man she doesn't love. While she treats black people kindly, she has prejudice beliefs. She also never stops trying to ingratiate herself to Henry and his family. Most of the secondary characters are unique, interesting and complex.

Chamberlain is a fantastic storyteller has with such a relatable style of writing. Her words jump off the pages. I never felt like I was reading; THE STOLEN MARRIAGE just appeared in my head as I glanced at my kindle. The medium pace was consistent from the first to last page.

I rarely read historical fiction but Chamberlain is a must read writer, no matter what genre. THE STOLEN MARRIAGE is a must add for fall reading lists.

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. This book was absolutely amazing and I could not put it down! I loved the time that it took place in and there were so many things going on in the story that kept my interest! Wonderful job!!

Great book! Looking forward to reading more by this author! Highly recommend!

Wow absolutely loved this book. I have read all of Diane Chamberlains books and they just get better and better. Excellent how Diane intertwined true life with fictional characters. I cannot wait for her next book.

"The Stolen Marriage" by Diane Chamberlain is an historical fiction, taking place on the East Coast of the United States in the mid 1940’s, during the polio epidemic. The characters are interesting and complex, making you cheer for some and want to throttle others. And with some of them, you’ll want to do both. They are so rich in their complexities that you won’t want to put down the book.

Tess DeMello is engaged to her lifelong friend and love when, after some shocking news, she hastily abandons her home in Baltimore’s Little Italy for a small town in North Carolina and marries a man she barely knows. She is quickly immersed into an unfamiliar world that includes wealth and deception. She tries to make the most of her situation, but becomes overwhelmed with grief and loneliness. Suddenly, polio strikes the small town, devastating their inadequate health care resources. The entire town pulls together to fight the disease, giving Tess purpose back to her life. As she reverts to the strong woman you meet at the start of the book, she begins to untangle the messy life she has created for herself.

Many accurate historic topics are incorporated into the story, including racial bigotry as well as the terror that accompanied polio outbreaks. The fascinating way that the author describes those events makes for an incredibly interesting story.

"The Stolen Marriage" is my new favorite book by Chamberlain. Of course, I might say that after each of her books! She is an extraordinary writer whose characters you will quickly take into your heart and hold them there for a long time to come.

I was so exciting and could not wait to read another Diane Chamberlain book and even with this self inflicted hype, I was not disappointed!!! Diane has done it again. She has delivered a story that grabs you from the beginning and holds you tight until the end. An extra plus is that the story is based on fact. I love learning a little bit of history in such a pleasant manner.

The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain is an historical fiction, taking place on the East Coast of the United States in the mid 1940’s, during the polio epidemic. The characters are interesting and complex, making you cheer for some and want to throttle others. And with some of them, you’ll want to do both. They are so rich in their complexities that you won’t want to put down the book.

Tess DeMello is engaged to her lifelong friend and love when, after some shocking news, she hastily abandons her home in Baltimore’s Little Italy for a small town in North Carolina and marries a man she barely knows. She is quickly immersed into an unfamiliar world that includes wealth and deception. She tries to make the most of her situation, but becomes overwhelmed with grief and loneliness. Suddenly, polio strikes the small town, devastating their inadequate health care resources. The entire town pulls together to fight the disease, giving Tess purpose back to her life. As she reverts to the strong woman you meet at the start of the book, she begins to untangle the messy life she has created for herself.

Many accurate historic topics are incorporated into the story, including racial bigotry as well as the terror that accompanied polio outbreaks. The fascinating way that the author describes those events makes for an incredibly interesting story.

The Stolen Marriage is my new favorite book by this author. Of course, I might say that after each of her books! She is an extraordinary writer whose characters you will quickly take into your heart and hold them there for a long time to come.

*Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.* Diane Chamberlain has done it again - she has produced another excellent novel that will tug at readers' heartstrings and glued to the page. 'The Stolen Marriage' tells the story of a young Italian-American woman, Tess DeMello who is training to be a nurse, during World War Two and the height of the polio epidemic in the United States. As with all of Chamberlain's historical novels, 'The Stolen Marriage' is carefully researched and quite detailed about what occurred during the epidemic, as well as race relations in the 1940s. Tess' journey is not an easy one and readers will connect with her struggles against restrictions of the society in which she lives.