The Marriage Bed

by Stephanie Mittman

Set on the Williamson Farm in 1897 Wisconsin, we are introduced to Olivia and Spencer on their wedding night.??Spencer's life has been beset with tragedy; Olivia is his second wife and a poor... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 044022182X
• ISBN13: 9780440221821
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Dell Publishing Company
• Length: 390 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Americana Romance at it's finest

This is my first book by this Author and if this book is any indication, go buy the rest of her books! This is a very well written romance and tugs at your emotions at exactly the right moments.When I'm introduced to a new author, my first question is always, which well-known author compares to this author? I'm hesitant to say Pamela Morsi and Lavyrle Spencer. Because I've known folks who liked Morsi but not Spencer & vice versa. Mittman is in a wonderful class all by herself. Her style and her way of telling a story is down-to-earth, heart-wrenching yet warm and folksy with a touch of sensuality to boot! Most of all, it's easy to read and from the first word, it draws you in and holds you until the very last page, the very last word. (I love Spencer but Mittman is not as wordy as Spencer, thank goodness!)It took me a while to find a copy of this book and by the time I got it, it had been recommended to me several times and rated five hearts (and such) by more than one professional romance book reviewer on several websites. Therefore, I did have high expectations. I was not disappointed and I'm happy to report that all the praise was well deserved.The first chapter had my stomach in knots. But at least I wasn't bored. I usually prefer the man to fall in love w/the woman first and spend the rest of the book making her fall in love w/him. Well, this book starts off the opposite way.What I love about this book is how it fools you and lets you think it's about a push over woman who is content to be a doormat for a guy who is emotionally dead. After the first chapter, I was convinced it was going to be one of those Grapes of Wrath sad stories about suffering and more suffering on the woman's part. I couldn't have been more wrong.This book was easy to read but the story is complex and Ms. Mittman handles it so wonderfully that all you can do is hang on and stop speculating about what's going to come next and just enjoy the ride. The editorial review about the story content tells you what the book is about. But I just wanted to make sure that not only will you enjoy the story line but the tone as well. Story is great but it's only as good as the story teller. Two people can tell a story or a joke but one is obviously better at telling the story or joke. Ms. Mittman is one fine story teller. She had me clinging onto her every word and turning the pages. A sure indicator of a keeper!

Stephanie Mittman is the best!

I read alot of romance novels and Stephanie Mittman is one of my all time favorites. She will write a book that will make you laugh and cry. I couldn't wait until I finished the book. The book made you feel sadness for both Spencer and Olivia. Spencer--because he couldn't let go of the past and Olivia--because she always loved this man from childhood. But love won in the end and Spencer realized that life was just to precious to let the ones that came into his life go. Must read.

They don't get any better

When I read this book the only thing I could do was tell everyone I could think of that read romance books that they had to read this book. It's really hard to pick a favorite when you've read hundreds of books, but this is definitly one of my top 5 favorites. I can't say enough to brag about this book, it simply doesn't get any better. I always look forward to the next book by Stephanie Mittman.

wonderful, heartwarming, tear-jerking romance

Happened to pick up this book and expected a non-exciting read. What a wonderful surprise! I've now read this book over and over and it never fails to make me cry! Olivia is a woman trapped in the expectations of being a good, biddable, giving wife but EVERY woman has her limits as Spencer (selfish, self-pitying..though understandable to a degree) finds out. But even Spencer can learn before all is really too late and Olivia, with the generous and ever loving heart she has, will receive the love she's waited for and deserves! Don't expect this to be a quick, fast action read...it's a slower, heart-tugging story that once read will not be forgotten!

What a delightful, heart-warming story!

What a delightful, heart-warming story. The characters are as real as the neighbors next door. Mittman can transport the reader in time and make one feel at home and glad to be there.A real page-turner except for stopping to reread the most notable description I've ever seen. No one, not even LaVyrle Spencer can touch her in this area. Superb!And if you read The Marriage Bed and agree with me, be sure and also read A Kiss to Dream On. Both are Historical Romance at its best. Stephanie Mittman is surely the new QUEEN IN WAITING.