Diane Chamberlain writes terrific novels and this was definitely one of them, at least for me. What a story...and with the historical aspects as a huge part of it....again...what a story!! There were so many things that kept happening...I really could not let this book out of the hands!!! I'm always amazed how authors can put you right there in the hands of the person who is telling you what is happening and Chamberlain is just an expert with details. Her imagination provides precise pictures of what is happening with all your senses being used. ( )

I love historical fiction, especially anything to do with the depression or world war II. It was the great equalizer if you think about it. Whether you were wealthy or poor you worried about your loved ones fighting in the war. You mourned and grieved those who didn't make it home. You learned to go without sugar in your coffee when your rations ran out, and all the money in the world couldn't save you from getting polio before the vaccine finally became available. Polio didn't care if you were black or white or rich or impoverished.

So while there were many things about this book I loved, I have to say I disliked Henry Kraft immensely. Before I get ahead of myself lets start with Tess, the good girl from Baltimore madly in love with Vince and about to pursue their lifelong dream of getting married and working together in the medical field. He is a doctor and she is about to become an RN. This dream is ruined by one awful night, and although Henry is portrayed as a kind and caring and decent man.. well to me that awful night was entirely on him.

Tess ends up leaving the only life she has ever known, and moves to North Carolina with Henry, where she is treated as an unwelcome unwanted outsider by his family and the townspeople. When an outbreak of polio strikes and the town comes together to build a hospital, Henry's mother is disgusted by Tess wanting to work there as a nurse. Tess refuses to sit idly by when she has skills that are in such desperate need, especially considering she has been told by the only person who has shown her any kindness, that it's what she is meant to do. I loved Tess, and the remarkable strength she showed especially considering women in those days were expected to do as their husbands told them.

I received an advance copy for review. ( )

I'm on a Diane Chamberlain kick right now.

This one once again is set mostly in NC, specifically in Hickory, NC during the latter years of WWII.
It is historical fiction, and has some fascinating insights about the polio epidemic during that time, marriage laws in NC and small town Southern living.

Some of the characters I really didn't like at first, but the twists and turns this story takes definitely made me change my allegiances by the end ( )

This isn't my usual fare for spending a Sunday afternoon, but I enjoyed it and loved reading about a bit of history I knew nothing about. Very interesting and the fictional story written to incorporate the historical event was enjoyable as well. I loved the ending. ( )

The stolen marriage
A quick summer read about Baltimore nurse Tess DeMello who after a one night stand and pregnant, marries Henry Kraft from Hickory, North Carolina. Tess had been engaged to long time fiancé Vincent Russo.
The time is 1943 and WWII is well underway. Her life in Hickory is very unhappy as she and Henry live with his mother Ruth who despises Tess for stealing her son, her Catholicism and her need to do something with their life. Henry manages the family’s successful fine furniture factory but is distant, asexual and has many secrets that Tess gradually uncovers. Thrown into this is a polio epidemic that throws Tess and her former fiancé Vince together as the town grapples with the disease. Good book. ( )