Review: The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

The Woman Before Wallis

by Bryn Turnbull 

Publisher: MIRA

Pages: 400

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  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.

Kritters Thoughts:  Did you know that there was another divorcee that stole Prince Edward's heart before Wallis?  This book is centered around Thelma Morgan who not only had a few heart breaks, but was also a twin to Gloria Vanderbilt.  

The story follows Thelma in the ups and downs of her love life while also trying to support her sister as she fights for custody of her daughter against a nanny, her former sister in law and her mother.  It was so full with Thelma's own life journey and then to add in her sister's story the book was deep but very interesting.

When I read historical fiction, I love it when I learn something new.  Before reading this book I was very aware of the Vanderbilt custody battle and Wallis Simpson, but I had no idea that they had a connection due to one woman - Thelma.  I also appreciated knowing that there was more than one Wallis in the world at this time.  Wallis Simpson has always had a bad reputation in my mind because she was the woman that altered the monarch, but it easily could have been Thelma who lived in infamy!

I loved this book and wanted more and more and more.  After finishing this book, I was sad and excited to find out this was a debut because there is no backlist to dive into, but there is hope for so much more from this author.     

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2020 Challenge: 70 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Harlequin.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.