Praise, Necessary Lies

“In this powerful novel, Chamberlain peels back the disturbing truths about the eugenics sterilization program implemented in North Carolina during the 1960s…  Book groups and fans of Jodi Picoult should appreciate this work.”
Library Journal, starred review  Read the full review.

“Absorbing and haunting, this should strongly touch Chamberlain’s fans and draw those who enjoy Jodi Picoult and Barbara Delinsky.” Read the full review
—Booklist  

“. . . heart-wrenching historical fiction. . . captivating. . .this engrossing novel digs deep into the moral complexity of a dark period in history and brings it to life.” Read the full review.
—Publishers Weekly

“A well-researched page-turner.  The stakes mount to dizzying heights . . . Chamberlain certainly knows how to escalate tension.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“This is a story, not an exposé…  you feel like you’re being told a story about two women rather than a social critique on a rather dark spot in North Carolina’s history… Given such a controversial topic, I’m pleased and impressed at the author’s ability to pull this off.” Read the full review
—Luxury Reading

“The tale tugged at my heartstrings as it sent me on an emotional roller-coaster ride from anger, resentment and ultimately to tears. It is a story that will stay with me and one that touched my soul both as a mother and a human being.”   Read the full review
—Caffeinated Book Reviewer

“Historical fiction is not usually my favorite genre, but this book exceeded my expectations.  I am a Diane Chamberlain fan, so I was willing to take a chance on this book and I am glad I did.” Read the full review
—Ope’s Opinions  

“Diane Chamberlain wrote about an extremely controversial subject without over dramatizing it. She focused on what was likely “the norm when it came to these cases…struggling families bordering on poverty and children with medical issues (Ivy had a history of mild epilepsy). There wasn’t a single thing I disliked or would change about this book.” Read the full review
—My Novel Opinion

“Based on real life events, Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lives is an eye-opening and sometimes heartbreaking story. Never bleak or depressing, it is an engrossing and sometimes chilling novel…” Read the full review
—Book Reviews and More by Kathy

“The whole setting and story where so captivating I could not stop reading. I had to know what would happen and if both Jane and Ivy would be fine in the end.” Read the full review
—Ciska’s Book Chest

“Despite the heartbreaking moments, the novel provides hope. Its message of honesty and strength is one that I will never forget.” Read the full review
—Paper Blog

“I just finished reading this book and I could not put it down!”  Read the full review
—The Underestimated Mom

Necessary Lies spins the amazing tales of several women affected by the forced sterilization practices in rural North Carolina. Based on true stories (but told through fictional characters), Necessary Lies will takes you into the seemingly simple life of a rural farm in North Carolina. Read the full review
—Pretty Handy Girl

“This book was a compelling story with a couple of very surprising plot twists. It was extremely well-researched as well. Necessary Lies would be an excellent book club pick…  I highly recommend Necessary Lies.” Read the full review
—Chaos is a Friend of Mine

“Bottom line, I have gushed endlessly about Diane Chamberlain for years now and with good reason. Her writing is so gripping that her books are the kind of books that stay with you long after the last page. ” Read the full review
—Charlotte’s Web of Books 

“Diane Chamberlain gets to the heart of human relationships in her writing; she paints an honest, bleak yet never hopeless portrait of the times and the people… An important and gripping story, told with honesty and sympathy.”
—The Little Reader Library  Read the full review

“This is a stunning novel that will touch your heart and leave you wondering if you would ever have the courage to stand up for what you believe is right.”
—Laura Love Lock Book Reviews Read the full review

“If you want a tale that will linger with you long after you’ve finished reading, and a story that will really make you think, then start reading Necessary Lies.”
—Feathered Quill Book Reviews Read the full review

“A story told with deep plotlines, deep family relationships, complex yet simple characters, and as always, moral dilemmas… As always, Chamberlain delivers another great novel.”
—Celtic Lady Reviews Read the full review

Necessary Lies is so well written and the subject matter is so compelling that I could not put the book down. It is a riveting story…  This novel eloquently presents a case against the irresponsible and unrestrained actions of government agencies.”
—The Voice of Oma Read the full review

“From the minute I read The First Lie, a prequel to Necessary Lies I was sucked into the mystery and the time period… Highly recommended.”
—Awkword, a Blog Read the full review

Necessary Lies is a book that will have you sickened by the power others can have over people. Making others feel powerless to have control over their own bodies. Their own choices. Their own decisions. This book will stick with you and it should. 5 STARS, a must read for women.”
—KT Book Reviews Read the full review

“Chamberlains fans will want to read this… The central topic, state mandated sterilization for certain welfare recipients, would make a good one for a book club discussion.”
—The Book Nurse 

“Two girls names are carved inside a closet–what could have happened there? Set in the rich and morally complex territory of the rural South in 1960, the plot of this enthralling novel transfixed me from the very first pages, and its vivid and sympathetic characters haunted me long after the last. Chamberlain achieves that rare and irresistible combination: suspense and heart.”
Christina Schwarz, New York Times bestselling author of Drowning Ruth and The Edge of the Earth

“Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lies will steal your heart. This novel, about the courage it takes to be who you’re supposed to be even when all of society’s messages are telling you otherwise, is full of discoveries—for the reader as well as for the two struggling but brave protagonists. Warning: this novel will steal your time and all commitment to other obligations, too—once you open it, nothing else will matter but seeing it through to the white-knuckle, heart-racing end.”
Katrina Kittle, author of The Blessings of the Animals

“Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lies is the most important book she has ever written. Based in truth you will be reminded how poverty is our enemy and how power is dangerous when it’s in the wrong hands. I don’t think I will ever forget this book or its wonderful cast of characters. Beautifully written, compellingly told. Book clubs will love it.”
Dorothea Benton Frank, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Original Wife

“Ms. Chamberlain brilliantly captures the feel of the early 1960’s in the South. Her characters are authentic and heartfelt, the story is captivating, and her writing is lovely and compassionate. Necessary Lies shines!”
Lesley Kagen, New York Times bestselling author of Mare’s Nest

“Amazing! Diane Chamberlain’s Necessary Lies is a powerful portrait of courage and redemption teeming with characters you won’t soon forget. In Chamberlain’s most luminous tale to date, Necessary Lies expertly intertwines history and matters of the heart — love, loyalty and choosing what is right, no matter the consequences.”
Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and One Breath Away

“Emotionally piercing, courageously provocative — Necessary Lies is a story-telling triumph. Diane Chamberlain expertly weaves a beautiful tapestry of rich characters as memorable as they are enchanting, characters so intriguing it requires Herculean efforts to tear oneself away from this riveting tale. Necessary Lies is that rare novel so captivating the reader feels bereft after turning the last page.”
Elizabeth Flock, New York Times bestselling author of Me & Emma and What Happened To My Sister