Paul French’s *Her Lotus Year* offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor's life—her transformative year in China. French expertly balances historical research with compelling storytelling, painting a portrait of Wallis as a complex, ambitious woman shaped by her experiences in a turbulent, war-torn region. The book challenges long-standing rumors and speculations, particularly about the so-called “China Dossier,” and instead presents Wallis as courageous and resourceful, potentially even a clandestine courier for the U.S. government. While some sections veer into dense historical detail, the narrative is ultimately an engaging exploration of how this pivotal year influenced Wallis's style, connections, and resilience. A must-read for history enthusiasts and fans of revisionist biographies—4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed getting a bit of insight into her life. Crazy!