The Woman Before Wallis | Blog Tour

The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, & Royal Scandal by Bryn Turnbull

MIRA Books – July 21, 2020

*Book Review copy provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Hey readers! This week I’m back with another historical fiction novel. I’ve likely said it before, but I’m currently burnt out on novels set during WWII! So, when I see new historical fiction releases set outside of this time period I get very excited!

While I’m not typically a huge modern British royalty fan (i.e. I don’t follow the tabloids on what the present day royals are doing – example: Megan Markle), I’ve always found the idea that Prince Edward abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson rather fascinating. However, since I don’t know much about the British royalty, I had know idea that there was another woman before Wallis Simpson! I love when historical fiction surprises me.

About the Book

An irresistible historical debut, THE WOMAN BEFORE WALLIS (MIRA Trade Paperback; July 21, 2020) is set in the glamorous world of British and American royalty in the 1920s, based on the true story of the woman who owned Prince Edward’s heart before introducing him to her dear friend Wallis. Perfect for fans of Netflix’s The Crown and Jennifer Robson’s The Gown.

Before Edward, Prince of Wales famously abdicated his throne for American divorcee Wallis Simpson, he loved another American woman: Thelma Morgan Furness, sister to the first Gloria Vanderbilt. This is her story.

The daughters of an American diplomat, Thelma and Gloria Morgan were stars of New York social scene in the early 1920s, dubbed “the magnificent Morgans.” Both would marry into wealth and privilege beyond their imaginations, Gloria to Reggie Vanderbilt, and Thelma to a viscount. Thelma begins an affair with Edward, the dashing Prince of Wales, that will last nearly five years.

Then, in 1934, Thelma’s life is upended by her sister Gloria’s custody trial — a headline-grabbing drama known as The Matter of Vanderbilt, which dominates global news for months and raises the bar for tabloid sensationalism. Back in New York, sued by members of her late husband’s family on charges of negligence, unfit parenting and homosexuality, Gloria needs her twin’s support more than ever. But as her sister gains international notoriety, Thelma fears that her own fall from grace might not be far behind.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel! Perhaps not an all time favorite but still a fascinating one. I appreciated the research that went into the novel and how it still retained a solid plot without becoming bogged down by historical detail.

The characters were sympathetic and the writing easy to get into. My only complaint is the switching of story-lines, which sometimes became confusing as to which era the reader was in. Despite this hang up, I did enjoy the story line of Thelma and her sister, Gloria. I was intrigued by the story and characters but did find myself putting it down from time to time. I think this might speak more to my reading mood than the book itself.

About the Author

Bryn Turnbull is a writer of historical fiction with a penchant for fountain pens and antique furniture. Equipped with a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews, a Master of Professional Communication from Ryerson University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from McGill University, Bryn focuses on finding the stories of women found within the cracks of the historical record. When she’s not writing, Bryn can be found exploring new coffee shops, spending time with her family in cottage country, or traveling. She lives in Toronto, and can generally be found with a book in hand.