This book was my first read of a Diane Chamberlain story and it did not disappoint. I could hardly stand to put it down. It starts you off with an irresistible hook and I powered through the prose to figure out how the protagonist, Tess, got herself into the mess she was in. Without giving anything away, when she makes the fateful decision that starts her down her path to ruin, I was <i>out loud</i> pleading with Tess to NOT DO IT! Now that is how an author makes me care about a character.

The pace of the story isn't fast as much as it is incredibly engaging. The cast of characters is colorful but also really relatable. The historical accuracy seemed spot on to me in the way that the characters think and respond to events. For example, Tess believes that whites and blacks should not be together. It would have been easy for Chamberlain to write a protagonist who is squeaky-clean when it comes to race relations in the US but instead she wrote a real character that thought like the vast majority of America at the time. It's just one example of Chamberlain's attention to historical accuracy in fiction that I really appreciated as a historical fiction reader.

Great story, wonderful characters, perfect pacing. An awesome book all around!

Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher St. Martins Press, and the author Diane Chamberlain for the opportunity to do so.

A beautifully told story of a treasured love about to become a blessed marriage until one fateful night when a terrible event spins everything out of control. The year is 1944 in Baltimore. Tess seems to have it all. She is a gorgeous Italian girl who is about to become a nurse engaged to the love of her life, Vincent, a fellow Italian Catholic who is a doctor. They've known each other for years. Their families are so excited to be blended together. The only problem is that medical needs arise in Chicago which cause Vincent to leave Tess for long periods of time. The fateful evening happens when Tess and her friend head to Washington DC for an overnight stay. It is after that evening that Tess abruptly ends her engagement by leaving a note and her ring for Vincent pleading with him not to try to find her. She marries Henry Kraft, a furniture maker from Hickory, NC. As she tries to settle in as the new Mrs. Kraft there is quite a bit for her to deal with. Ms. Chamberlain does a fantastic job of drawing you into the story and time period. You feel as though you are right there with Tess on her journey during the time of World War II. I am not a fan of historical fiction at all. But, I loved this book!!! 5+ stars

This was a look into the epidemic of polio and horrendous discrimination during the 1940's. The historical aspect of the novel was good.
The treatment of females makes me glad I'm in 2017.

I find myself at a loss for words with this one. If it wasn't an ARC, I probably wouldn't even write a review for this book, because I'm not sure how to put my thoughts on the page. I feel both icky and meh at the same time.

Tess is an confident, intelligent woman--about to graduate with her nursing degree in the middle of both WWII and a polio epidemic--and yet the whole book revolves around what men want of her life. I realize it's the 40s, but it was very frustrating to see such a brilliant woman beaten down over and over.

She is the victim of date rape. There's no getting around it really. She was totally wasted, and wasn't sure of herself, not able to fully consent. But the whole book, she defends Henry and blames herself.

There's also a whole lot of racism in this book. It starts with Tess being Italian, moving into a white Baptist neighborhood, and goes downhill with lots of references to the "colored" servants. It's extremely cringeworthy. There's also undertones that something is going on in secret, leading up to the big twist...and I've discussed before how I feel about using people's marginalizations as a plot twist.

Can we not?

Chamberlain does give some explanation of her choices in response to this review. I still don't feel great about them, and the reviewer does a good job explaining the same reasons I feel icky, especially regarding the date rape. I know this book will still be a bestseller, because of how popular the author is, but it isn't a book I recommend.

The Stolen Marriage was my first Diane Chamberlain book. I had a hard time putting this one down. It immediately reminded me of Beatriz Williams' books, which I always enjoy. The best historical fiction books always tend to be the ones based on factual events. In this case it's the creation of a fully staffed polio hospital in fifty-four hours in Hickory, North Carolina during World World II. And while the tale around this event was fiction, it was only enhanced by the devastating effects of polio. Halfway through this book, I had no idea which direction it would go, and while the ending didn't blow me away, it held some twists I had not seen coming. I will most certainly be adding more books from this author to my books to read list.

Not my favorite of hers but not a bad way to pass the time.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great rendering from Diane Chamberlain (one of my favorite authors). Her ability to weave a wonderful story with historical facts makes this book hard to put down. Set in the 1940's in Baltimore we first meet Tess And Vincent who have grown up together are deeply in love and engaged to be married. Vincent is a doctor who goes to help out with a polio epidemic leaving Tess at home where she is studying to become a nurse. Unfortunately his stay is extended and Tess and her best friend go away for an overnight to alleviate their boredom-one night that changes everything for Tess. I will not say anymore because this book is just too good to be spoiled. Suffice it to say Chamberlain has really done her research on the times with regards to the polio epidemic as well as race with a finely tuned ear to the times and manner in which they lived. Well written and great characterization. I loved it and recommend it highly.

This is a fantastic historical fiction novel set in North Carolina the 1940s. Tess suddenly leaves her fiancé to marry a Henry, a man she barely knows. She moves to Hickory where she hopes she will have a new start on life. Unfortunately, in a town where she is seen as an outsider, Tess struggles to find her place. Even Henry is secretive and uninterested. When the polio outbreak is at it's worst, Tess finally finds a purpose as a nurse in a nearby hospital hoping that, if she can't save her own future, maybe she can make a difference in the lives of the polio victims.

Diane Chamberlain is an amazing author. This book and "Necessary Lies" are two of my favorite novels...and that's saying a lot since historical fiction typically isn't my favorite genre. Diane's portrayal of the social expectations, the racial tensions, and the polio epidemic of the 1940s are just spot on...absolutely superb. Her character development, as always, is also fantastic. I loved this book from the very first word to the very last. Highly recommended!

I received this book through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to St. Martin's Press, and to Diane Chamberlain.

I was thrilled to get an ARC of this from NetGalley! I enjoy all of Diane Chamberlain's books, but I my favorites have been the ones where she finds a little know piece of history and then writes a story around it. This is the story of a young woman who has to leave her fiance and marries another man. She has just finished her nursing degree and wants to get her license and practice nursing although her new husband and his family feel that is inappropriate for someone of his family's stature. This is set in the early to mid 1940's so there is war, interracial marriage, and polio as part of the very interesting story line.

4.5 stars - Diane Chamberlain has done it again! I love everything she writes & I was so excited to get an ARC of her newest historical fiction book - thanks to Netgalley and the publisher!!
Diane has a way of writing that makes you feel like you know the characters of her books - I was totally immersed in this story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. It is part love story, part family drama and I liked that the story was loosely based on true events -taking place during the 1940's Polio outbreak! 23 year old Tess has just finished nursing school and is engaged to her childhood sweetheart. A life changing mistake is made and the consequences make for a very interesting story! A far cry from today, where if the same mistake was made- it would be a totally different situation!

I didn't finish the book. It wasn't a good fit for me. Please keep me in mind for future books. I post on my blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter and if asked on Amazon.

This book was so enjoyable! Love Diane Chamberlain novels, her story was so addictive and I read it in two days. From the very beginning I was pulled into the character's lives and hated to put it down. I look forward to more of her books!

I do love Diane chamberlain books, they are always so unique and written about specific emotional situations and just grip you. She also writes characters you can visualize and you want to be happy, this is an excellent book, it centers around Tess, who is happily engaged but makes a mistake which changes her path in life. Following this journey through the challenging times was amazing to read and I was thoroughly gripped! Def recommend

MY REVIEW OF “THE STOLEN MARRIAGE” by Diane Chamberlain
I loved everything about “The Stolen Marriage” by Diane Chamberlain. I was so mesmerized by this book, that I couldn’t put it down, and read it in one evening.The Genres for this novel are Women’s Fiction, Fiction, Mystery and Suspense and a dash of Romance. There is even a touch of magical essence and getting information from spirits.
The timeline for this story is approximately during World War Two and the few years after. During this time in history, there were rations on food and gas during the war. In many towns it was against the law to have inter-racial marriages. The penalty could be a jail sentence. There was also a division of upper class rich people vs. poor or common people. There was a tremendous tension for and about the young men fighting for our country. Segregation was very obvious. At the same time, polio was rampant and children and people were getting sick. Some people believed that poor children living in impoverished conditions could get polio.
I appreciate that Diane Chamberlain did much research into the Polio Clinic in Hickory, North Carolina and also researched the history of the times. Many important topics are brought up.
The story takes place in the United States in a small town in Baltimore, which is known as the “Italian ” section, and mostly in Hickory, North Carolina, historically known to house one of the first Polio hospitals.
Many of the characters in the story are emotional, dysfunctional, biased and quirky. Remember the times are complicated and complex. Tess De Mello, is almost finished with her Nursing courses and is planning a wedding to the doctor she has loved for many years. Unfortunately a situation arises, where Tess abruptly leaves her town, and her fiancé and moves to another town, Hickory, North Carolina. Tess marries Henry Kraft, and is faced with animosity from his family and much of the town. Henry has many dark secrets, and Tess finds that he seems mysterious and strange to her. There is a terrible accident, and Tess feels more alone than ever. Tess has many painful situations in her life that she has to deal with.
Henry is opposed to Tess doing any kind of work. When the town bands together to build a polio hospital, Tess uses her nursing degree to help many patients.Tess saves lives and her compassion and kindness has many people look up to her.
The author discusses the important and relevant issues of the times. The author also describes family, friends, trust, love, loyalty and hope. I highly recommend this multi-layered novel to readers that like fiction, history, mystery and suspense, and romance. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

Diane Chamberlain’s latest, The Stolen Marriage, didn’t grab me with both hands at first. Once it did – what a story it turned out to be!

It is 1944. One mistake, one fateful night, and Tess DeMello’s life is changed forever. Tess abruptly gives up her budding career as a nurse and ends her engagement to the love of her life. Instead of living the life she always dreamed of she moves to Hickory, North Carolina to marry another man. Tess quickly realizes she’s trapped in a strange and loveless marriage with no way out.

The Stolen Marriage was both heartbreaking and uplifting. There were moments of heartache that had me in tears. Then there were moments when my heart soared. This book has a little bit of everything and though it started slow for me, it left its mark. A well written book that will appeal to the lovers of historical fiction, romance and mystery. 

I’ve been fixated on book titles lately. Paying more attention to how the title connects to the story. Once you know the story here, I think you’ll appreciate the title of this one as much as I did.

Go ahead and grab this one. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

In 1944 Tess makes one terrible mistake and leaves her fiancee, and moves to North Carolina. She marries another man and is in a loveless marriage. After a polio outbreak hits the town, Tess and the townspeople build a hospital. Tess begins working at the hospital even though her husband doesn't want her to. I really enjoyed this book. I loved Tess and was hoping she would finally find happiness in her life. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in return for an honest review.

The Stolen Marriage is the latest book by Diane Chamberlain. The Stolen Marriage is a typical Chamberlain story, she gives the readers characters who come to life on the pages and you feel like you are part of their lives. So invested with the story I hated to see it come to an end. I was given an early copy to review.

Growing up in Baltimore, Tess has been in love with Vincent for years. Now a doctor, Vincent's calling is helping children with polio during WWII. While Vincent is away for months, Tess and her friend spend the weekend in DC. This weekend will change Tess's life forever.

Now married to Henry, and living in North Carolina, Tess's life is drastically different than she expected. Living with a mother and sister in law who don't like her, Tess struggles day to day. But once the polio epidemic comes to her new hometown, Tess finally gets to put her nursing degree to use. The months in North Carolina have been filled with tragedy and challenges for Tess. Will she be able to overcome them?

I enjoyed this story. I thought I had it figured out, but it threw me for twist at the end. I enjoyed learning more about the polio epidemic during that time.

Thanks to Netgalley & Diane Chamberlain for the Advanced copy!

What a wonderful story!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned how Hickory, NC played a huge role in the polio epidemic. I couldn't put this book down, anxious to see how Tess' life would end up.