My Review: 4.5 stars
The Woman Before Wallis sparked all my knowledge from history classes. Before there was Megan Markle, there was Wallis Simpson, the American socialite and divorcee who created a media frenzy. But before Wallis Simpson, there was Thelma Morgan. Although married, Thelma embarked on a 4-year affair with Prince Edward. The novel is chockful of information about Prince Edward’s abdication and I loved learning about him before his scandalous break. Thelma Morgan was a fascinating character who found herself tied to two huge scandals of the 20th century. Given the wealth of information on Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, Thelma’s twin sister, and Wallis Simpson, Thelma’s friend/confidant, I was surprised I’d never heard of Thelma.
The story alternates between Thelma’s story and the custody battle of her identical twin sister against the Vanderbilt family. I loved both timelines, however, many of the characters overlapped and there was only a short time separating the two. That could sometimes get confusing and led to some going back to reread. You can tell the author did impeccable research in crafting this novel. I thought that Turnbull’s writing was compelling. She created a world I became immersed in with complex characters who I cared about. Even though I knew the outcome of Thelma’s story, given my knowledge on Wallis, Edward and Gloria, I still found myself glued to the book.
I’m already hoping that Turnball releases another book – whether it be a sequel or another delve into a historical figure. This novel will be loved by those who love historical fiction, romance, scandals royals & high society.
Book Blurb:
In the summer of 1926, when Thelma Morgan marries Viscount Duke Furness after a whirlwind romance, she’s immersed in a gilded world of extraordinary wealth and privilege. For Thelma, the daughter of an American diplomat, her new life as a member of the British aristocracy is like a fairy tale—even more so when her husband introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales.
In a twist of fate, her marriage to Duke leads her to fall headlong into a love affair with Edward. But happiness is fleeting, and their love is threatened when Thelma’s sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, becomes embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching implications. As Thelma sails to New York to support Gloria, she leaves Edward in the hands of her trusted friend Wallis, never imagining the consequences that will follow.
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