The Stolen Marriage cover art

The Stolen Marriage

A Gripping 1940s Historical Mystery

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

Step into the formidable world of The Stolen Marriage, an absorbing novel by Diane Chamberlain, painting a vivid portrait of love, betrayal, and uncertainty in a small town.

In 1944, Tess DeMello abruptly trades a promised future with the love of her life for a marriage shrouded in mystery with Henry Kraft in Hickory, North Carolina.

In a town tainted by racial animosity and the heavy burdens of war, Tess's new life is dominated by the enigmatic figure of her husband, Henry. As his inexplicably reclusive nature unfurls, unwelcome secrets emerge, causing Tess to reassess her hasty decisions.

Tess faces the cruel scrutiny of townsfolk following a local tragedy, fuelling fear and speculation. But when polio threatens her newfound home, Tess draws upon her nursing skills, defying Henry to serve her community.

As she unravels the mystery surrounding her husband and the town of Hickory, will she manage to save not only the lives of her young patients but also build a life for herself?

 20th Century Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Psychological Romantic Suspense Women's Fiction Marriage Romance Exciting Mystery

Critic reviews

A gripping and engrossing tale
Interracial relationships, Tess’s unbearable situation and the secrets Henry keeps all make for a tense, enthralling read. Diane Chamberlain’s gift for storytelling never fails
Twisty and smart (Heat on Pretending to Dance)
A gripping story of a girl's relationship with her father (Women & Home on Pretending to Dance)
[An] engrossing mystery (Hello! on The Silent Sister)
All stars
Most relevant
I kept listening, all the while aware that perhaps this was not high literature. I didn't care, the story was great. A tad unbelievable, a bit syrupy in places. The heroine was too goody goody, and sometimes I wanted to give her a kick up the backside for being pathetic, but you couldn't help rooting for her.
It was my first book by this author and I just know I will read more of them.

Compelling heart candy

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Loved this book just couldn’t put it down can’t wait to read more of her books

Review of this book

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I throughly enjoyed this book, I usually listen in my car during my commute only but I found myself sitting in my driveway until the end of a chapter and then continuing to listen for most of the evening and listening again while getting ready for work in the morning. Going to search for another Diane Chamberlain book this evening. The narrator was also perfect.

Loved the book, couldn’t put it down.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Fascinating and insightful examination of 1940’s society through the development of both character and plot. The scrutiny of race and segregation was subtle and reflective.

The war featured on the periphery whilst the pervasive domestic enemy of Polio stalked the home front.

In all a well researched and gently expanded exploration and account of the prejudices of the era.

A Definite Binge Listen !

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This writer is new to me and I loved the style of writing, the plot developing at a nice pace and at first I could not gave guessed where it would lead. I loved the characters and empathised with their stories. The book tackles the subject of polio in detail of which I knew nothing about and felt I understood it better and how it affected so many lives... it also covers inter racial relationships in the US at the time and at the end of rhe book, the writer explains all the background research based on true events. i would recommend this book and I will now read other books by rhis author. The narration was excellent and and unlike some books with an American narratir, this was a lovely voice.

Beautiful story, gripping plot, I read in 4 days..

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews