Oh, this was an incredible story. The woman before Wallis. There were many women before Wallis, I don't understand why David chose Wallis over Thelma Furness. She was a much more colorful person. BrynTurnbull has a unique writing style. I find it enjoyable and interesting to read. This book is actually sitting on my bookshelf. I purchased a copy to keep for myself.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for my copy of The Woman Before Wallis A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal by Bryn Turnbull in exchange for an honest review. It published July 21, 2020.
If you’re into scandalous rich people who are entitled and out of touch with reality. You’ll love this book. I couldn’t stand the people. They’re all awful people! But the writing and research was well-done.

Wallis Simpson's name might be in the title of Bryn Turnbull's debut, but this biographical fiction novel is decidedly NOT about the American divorcee who caused the King of England to abdicate his throne. Rather, The Woman Before Wallis is about socialite Thelma Morgan, who King Edward VIII had a relationship with when he was still David, Prince of Wales. You will quickly come to understand when reading this novel, that David had a penchant for married, unsuitable women. Much to my surprise, Wallis Simpson was one of many.

But The Woman Before Wallis is not only about Thelma Morgan's clandestine relationship with the Prince of Wales. We learn that Thelma was actually an identical twin! Her sister was Gloria Vanderbilt, mother to little Gloria Vanderbilt of blue jeans infamy and Anderson Cooper's mom. As much as this novel is about Thelma's relationship with David, it also dives deep into Gloria's infamous custody battle for Little Gloria. This book is, in fact, two historical tales in one - one of British royalty and one of American.

I read biographical/historical fiction to learn about people and places of another time. I did not know that Thelma Morgan even existed before picking up this book, and that's what I love about the genre - it sends me down a rabbit hole learning as much as I can about people who have made their mark on history. The Woman Before Wallis was no exception.

Turnbull has certainly done her research in telling Thelma's story. It is packed with information about "it" people of the time, and goes into great detail about the Vanderbilt custody battle. However, I did find it lacking in the engagement and enjoyment department. It simply wasn't a fun book to read, but I did learn a lot about the time period and the lives of the 1920's & 1930's rich and famous. I expected the book to focus more on the intimate details of Thelma and the Prince of Wales' relationship, but we didn't really get to know them as a couple in this book. Also puzzling to me was the fact that Thelma Morgan is portrayed quite differently in The Woman Before Wallis than she is in Wendy Holden's The Duchess. It makes me wonder, "Who was the real Thelma?" The Thelma in Turnbull's tome is quite tame when compared to the Thelma described through the eyes of Holden's Wallis. Makes me wonder if Holden chose to play up Thelma's personality or if Turnbull's novel was just lacking flair.

3.5 stars.

THE WOMAN BEFORE WALLIS is simply brilliant. There are times when you can tell that an author has researched the time period and really has a grasp of where the lines between fiction and reality can blur. Turnbull is one of these authors. Giving us a story that feeds into our desire for gossip and glamour while still maintaining heart, this tale will check all the boxes of a must-read.

I am sorry but never got around to reading this one and it is now archived. My apologies. I had a death in my family and haven't been online in and going through some stuff. It is my deepest regret that I did not get around to reading this book you so kindly offered to let me read.

As someone who doesn't know much about the royal family, and whose only knowledge of Gloria Vanderbilt was the fact that she designed denim jeans, this book was definitely informative. I did enjoy reading about the Vanderbilt custody battle, since I had no knowledge of it before, and it did prompt me to do some more investigating on my own on Wikipedia.

That being said, I got the feeling the author was working with the assumption that her readers would already be aware of the outcomes of the situations unfolding in this novel. The story takes place in two different years. For me, the more recent years were revealing details too early, and it wasn't creating any suspense in the chapters taking place earlier for those of us that didn't know the outcome already from history lessons.

I was also surprised at how little the character of Wallis was mentioned. Based off of the title, I thought she would have some more impact in the story than she did. Overall, kind of wish the focus of the story had been on the Vanderbilt sister instead, since her life seemed a lot more interesting.

The Review

This was a fantastic and unique historical fiction drama. The author brilliantly delves into the dynamics of this complex love affair and the inherent problems that arise within the Royal Family and high society as a whole in the early twentieth century.

What stood out obviously was the fact that this novel focused not on the infamous Edward and Wallis of Windsor, but on the equally infamous Thelma and Gloria of the Vanderbilt family. Getting two distinct timelines to explore, (Thelma’s love life and the later custody battle for “Little Gloria”), was an inspired and creative choice of topic for this novel, and allowed readers to delve more distinctly into not only these two infamous sisters but the dynamics between each other and those surrounding them.

The novel also does an excellent job of capturing the importance placed upon high society and perception back in those days. From the scandals created for both sisters as they each underwent some loss of a marriage, to love affairs with royalty, this novel captures the era and the atmosphere of that time perfectly.

The Verdict

A remarkable, entertaining, and engaging historical fiction novel, author Bryn Turnbull’s “The Woman Before Wallis” is a must-read story. The slow build between both timelines explored by the author accompanied by the infamous history behind this narrative and fantastic character development make this a truly special read that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull wrote an engaging novel about Thelma Morgan’s life, her relationship with her twin sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, her two marriages, her standing in high society, and her affair with Prince Edward. This book is a good recommendation for those who enjoy reading about the British royals.

*Thanks so much to Mira Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy for my honest review*

This book had way too much name-dropping and explanations for my taste, I was utterly lost. I can appreciate info dump in other books but I guess when it comes to historical fiction, it goes way over my head. Also this book jumped around a lot between time periods which just confused me even more. I think this is the last historical fiction book that I try to read, it just doesn't interest me.

A story of sisters... wives...husbands... a Duke ... and a prince ... and scandal or two

What I liked :
✔️ I was totally engrossed in the history of this book. I spent as much time googling about Thelma, Gloria, Duke, Prince of Wales, and all the others that made an appearance as reading this novel.
✔️I really liked Thelma - she was in no way perfect, but her loyalty to her sister and even to her ex-husband and step kids were admirable
✔️ I enjoyed the insights into the private lives of the royal family


What I didn’t like:
✖️ the last few chapters regarding the Gloria Vanderbilt trial just seemed too long to me

I truly enjoyed this book. While the author took some liberties, I was fascinated. The story of Wallis Simpson and the king who abdicated his throne, for love, is well known. I was not familiar with this part of the story and it was intriguing.

This book might have been called Thelma and Gloria, I felt like this was very much the twins’ story not just Thelma’s.

This is based on the true story of the woman that came before Wallis Simpson. Wallis wasn’t the first somewhat scandalous love of the temporary king.

Thelma married very young the first time and divorced.
Her sister also married young, to a man she dearly loved who was also incredibly wealthy, he was a member of the Vanderbilt family.

Thelma married a second time to a wealthy man nicknamed Duke. It was because of Duke that she met David, Prince of Wales.

Thelma’s sister was widowed very young and left with a small child who would one day get a large inheritance. Unfortunately, Gloria dealt with an insane amount of control by her family and the Vanderbilt family.

This story goes back and forth between timelines, one timeline leads up to Thelma’s time before and during her relationship with David. The other timeline is a few years later, while she’s trying to help her sister Gloria through a very trying trial in court.

This book felt very well researched. It told a story about two women that I didn’t know much about going in. I found Gloria to be the more likable character. I felt like this book had a slow start but ultimately I enjoyed it.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thanks!

Fantastic book that I never knew I wanted to read. Learning more of Edward's story before Wallis helped to see them in a different light. I highly recommend this book.

An amazing tale filled with historical detail that brings the story alive. Bryn Trumbull weaves a remarkable tale that takes the reader on an amazing journey.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC digital copy. I have not been compensated for my opinion and this is an honest review.

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish reading this ARC digital copy before it was archived. The book remains on my Goodreads "want to read" list and I will update my review to reflect an updated opinion once I have the opportunity to finish.

Who knew that there was a connection between the British royal family and the American plutocrats, the Vanderbilts? Twins Thelma and Gloria take different paths, but both find it trying to balance societal expectations and the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood, the latter in particular. Very well researched novel, which kindly explains the dramatic liberties taken.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I loved this book. What a great historical read. I would highly recommend this book for those who love historical reads.

I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it in one day. I love anything on English royalty and this does not disappoint.

As a fan of historical fiction and a royal watcher, I was drawn to the story of Thelma Morgan, an American connected to the Vanderbilts, the British peerage and the Windsors. While everyone’s heard of Edward VIII’s abdication of the throne in favour of marrying Wallis Simpson, I’d never heard of Thelma. The author’s extensive research results in a fascinating story that is authentic to the real life people involved and true to the time period. Recommended.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.