It was a pleasure to take part in the recent blog tour for this fabulous book…(I think you can guess where this review is going!). I love Gill Paul’s writing, having reviewed on the blog her two previous historical novels, No Time for A Lady (Crimea War) and The Secret Wife (the Romanovs), my excitement levels were sky high when I first heard that the next release would be another historical, this time featuring Wallis Simpson.

The story is set over two timelines and focuses on two historic events. The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in Paris in August 1997 and decades before, the life and marriage of Wallis Simpson. Wallis Simpson as many people will know was the cause of the then King’s abdication which rocked the monarchy in the 1930s. At the time, the intended marriage to a (twice) divorcee was considered a scandal and caused a constitutional crisis. This story which is comprised of fact and fiction, gave me a really good insight into those times and of the personality of the woman who was the cause of all the trouble.

Wallis’ story is told from the perspective of Mary Kirk, a friend from childhood and who was a constant in Wallis’ often turbulent life. Diana famously said that there were 3 people in her marriage (referring of course to Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles) however the same could easily be said of Wallis and her marriage to Ernest Simpson. Ernest Simpson, although he wasn’t perfect by any means, seemed to me to have the patience of a saint during Wallis’ obvious and very public shenanigans with the then Prince of Wales, later to become King

When I first started reading, I wasn’t quite sure if the story of Rachel and her fiance Alex would be a strong enough hook for me in comparison to Wallis’ and Mary’s story which fascinated me, although I was delighted to be proved wrong! TV producer Alex’s obsession with conspiracy theories around the Princess’ death was in danger of derailing his relationship with Rachel; I have to admit, I have never believed in the conspiracy theories and at times I lost patience with him, he was so fixated. Rachel however grew as a character throughout the story when endeavouring to overcome her own troubles by herself and the way her narrative connected to Diana and thus to Wallis, was really well done, without I felt, any totally unbelievable coincidences. I was particularly fascinated by the references and descriptions of the vintage clothing – which in its own way is fundamental to the story.

Wallis’ character is absolutely bought to life and although not knowing much about her I had a pre-conceived dislike of her. I have to say that by the time I had finished the book, I did feel some sympathy for her. She didn’t have an easy life and although this doesn’t excuse her betrayals and lack of sensitivity, I got the sense of a woman who was underneath, quite vulnerable, despite her brash exterior. She was certainly an intriguing character and this book has made me interested to find out more about her.

I adored Another Woman’s Husband and Gill Paul has yet again cemented her place in my list of favourite authors of historical fiction. As with previous books, the way in which her vivid descriptions and flawless storytelling bring historical figures to life with a blend of fact and fiction is superb. I can’t recommend this book highly enough and I think it is one which will appeal to a wide range of reader – whether or not they are familiar with with the story of Wallis Simpson and also those younger readers who may only be vaguely aware of Princess Diana. Diana would have been only very slightly older than me had she lived and the ‘Diana years’ are a part of history that I will never forget.

My thanks to Phoebe at Headline for the advanced reading copy.

I didn't read up much about this novel before I started it, and I'm so glad I didn't. It really surprised me - both in the plot (I'd forgotten that one of the narratives is set just after Diana's death in 1997, but find the entire subject so interesting) and the way certain parts seemed unconnected but then came together in unexpected ways.

I loved reading both timeframes; the 1997 narrative is something I can very vaguely remember happening - I was only 7 at the time, but remember where I was at the time as I remember my grandparents and parents being so shocked. It was so interesting to read about - both the parts that were fact, and those that the author fabricated to great effect (And still, despite some exaggeration in some aspects - which the author explains at the end - it's still completely believable!). I also really enjoyed reading the 1911 timeframe, as that's a fascinating era to me and always so shocking as it reinforces how different life was back then, especially for women.

The main female characters in Another Woman's Husband are interesting and likeable, though some of the people around them are definitely not nice people! I felt that Gill Paul did a great job of evoking a real sense of time and place in both storylines. Although it's not a jam-packed, action-adventure storyline, I still found it gripping; it's a very well-written, intriguing novel which I'd definitely recommend!

Gill Paul has become one of my favourite authors. I describe her books as being set in a special time in history with the added question, "What if ? " And that's where Gill Paul weaves her imagination into a true historical story.

Like many of the people who will read this book I remember the death of Diana and the controversy surrounding it very well indeed. I knew the story of Wallis Simpson from television dramas and newspaper stories. I knew nothing of Wallis's early life or who her friends were or how she managed to get herself in the position of being in the company of a future king.

She was quite a gal and I am unsure whether she ended up with David (ex King ) by default or whether she really loved him. I found a lot more out about her husband Ernest and his life which was interesting too.

The way the author introduces a connection between Wallis and Diana is very clever. After reading this book I googled lots of facts about Wallis Simpson and was surprised to discover that most of this book is true, there is only a very small part of it didn't happen....or maybe it did and we just haven't been told. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out.

At 99p for a kindle download it's a steal!

What a fabulous book. I was slightly dubious that it would not live up to my expectations after the The Secret Wife which was wonderful. I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the whole story. So poignant to be reminded of the tragic death of Princess Diana at this time in the parallel story that ran alongside.
Of course I was aware of the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson but it was very interesting to hear this from Wallis's friend's point of view.
I know some artistist licence will have been used but the story was utterly believable.
Looking forward to reading the next book by Gill Paul.

Another wonderful book by Gill Paul. I was so excited to read this book and it certainly didn't disappoint . I would have given this book five stars but felt it ended too abruptly

What a fantastic book! I devoured this and loved every bit.
The story is based around the two figures of Wallis Simpson & Princess Diana. The time frames tell the stories side by side; the lead up to Wallis meeting her royal husband starting in 1911 and the story of Diana's death in 1997.
The story of Wallis is told via one of her closest friends and Diana's story around the lives of a couple who saw her car crash in Paris.
I knew very little about the time period of Wallis SImpson and enjoyed leaning more about her.
The book has been written sensitivity and in great detail.
I will be looking to read further books by Gill Paul.

I might be a bit confused by this book. It was good but not The Secret Wife good. Also, there wasn't much of a connection between the duel storylines. I thought it was mainly a book about Diana but she played a minor character. The main storyline was a friendship between Mary and Wallace in the early 1900s. The end was confusing too. Like it ended and I wasn't expecting it to. I'm just confused to as exactly how I feel about this book at the moment.

I only discovered the wonderful author Gill Paul the year before last when I read No Place for a Lady. Then last year along came the brilliant The Secret Wife and now she is back once again with another intriguing, interesting read - Another Women's Husband. This new book again blends historical fact with fiction with a focus on Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. The subject matter of this story is very timely considering the imminent 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. It still feels like only yesterday that the momentous event shook the world and everybody can remember where they where or what they were doing when the heard the news that caused a huge outpouring of grief.

I love historical fiction, it's one of my favourite genres, but what sets this author apart from others is the fact she uses a true story from the past which we are all familiar with and alongside it comes a more modern fictional story with the elements interlinked with the character in the present uncovering some secret or mystery to do with the past. Normally when I read a book in this genre I would have had no experience of the event as it would have occurred long before I was born as in World War Two etc so it was different for me to read about an event I had lived through. People have their own opinions and feelings around the circumstances of Princess Diana’s death and of the women herself so it must have been challenging for the author to write with a well rounded viewpoint and not have the book become overly sentimental. But she pulls it off perfectly. Also the fact she was writing about Wallis Simpson, a woman like Diana steeped in controversy whom many have formed strong opinions on, I think she had to stand back and portray all sides of the story in the way the reader was free to make up their own minds.

Another Women's Husband is told from two perspectives that of fictional character Rachel in 1997 and also that of Mary Kirk from 1912 right up until her death many years later. I really enjoy books that slip between the present and the past and although Rachel's storyline is set twenty years ago it felt as if it could be happening now. Rachel is on a break with her partner Alex in Paris. They are returning to their hotel after a night out where Alex has proposed. The couple are happy and looking forward to getting back to England to share their good news with their friends and family. Whilst in a taxi entering a tunnel in Paris they are held up and the reason for this will change their lives dramatically. There has been a crash and as Alex gets out to investigate he discovers the princess is in the car. Alex's instincts as a TV producer kick in but not before he shows some compassion. But as we all know the events do not have a happy ending and in later weeks Alex embarks on producing a documentary that he believes will uncover the truth of that fateful night in Paris. But Alex took something from the scene, an item which he believed held no significance, but it could be a connection to a woman in history who caused plenty of scandal.

The more modern element of the story focused on Rachel and how what she had witnessed impacts on her life and also her relationship with Alex. Back in England she runs her own vintage shop but on her return it has been burgled and all her hard work down the drain. The reader could see Rachel had put her heart and soul into creating her collection and with one fell swoop it was gone. Yet if this event hadn't occurred I doubt she would have connected with Susie Hargreaves and embarked upon uncovering a dramatic story fuelled by passion and love.

I felt Rachel and Alex became very disconnected for the majority of the book as Alex was often away researching for his documentary. He wanted answers and in a way so did Rachel but she went down a different path, one which she wanted the least upset as possible. I felt she had such compassion as well as determination and her interest was genuinely sparked by her wanting to uncover connections. Whereas Alex seemed more ruthless as it was his career and professional reputation at stake if things went wrong. I think they drifted apart in ways but then in others their love for each other was still there to see. I think both of them had to go on their own journey before they could come together with what they had discovered. I did enjoy the parts of the book set in 1997 but I think the chapters told from Mary Kirks's perspective and the long time period were even more fascinating and filled with so much rich detail of a world in the past that might not often be replicated.

There was a fear that the story of Wallis and her friend Mary, who she first meets in America in 1912 at a summer camp for girls, could begin to read like a history book we would have used in school. In the fact it could just have been listing of facts and the various relationships that the women have over the course of their friendship. This aspect of the book could have become very stilted and formal but instead Gill Paul weaves a masterful story that makes you feel you are right there back in the time of Wallis and Mary as they emerge from their teenage years and journey to womanhood. I knew very little of Wallis Simpson prior to reading this book bar the fact Edward abdicated from the throne in order to marry her. It was fascinating to delve deeper into her personal history and telling the story from Mary's perspective was very clever.

Mary seemed very innocent as opposed to Wallis. She took everything at face value whereas Wallis appeared to have the world at her feet and she was well able to play games. She presented a façade to the outside world but beneath it all there was a woman who had a difficult background and upbringing which must have affected how she wanted her life path to go. Sometimes I liked Wallis and at other times I really disliked her. I felt although her friendship with Mary was genuine when they first meet as Wallis became more worldly she left Mary behind and Mary was very much used. It came across as if Mary was only a plaything to be brought out every now and again when Wallis was bored before she found the next object of her affection. Wallis did the same with men. She fell deeply in love with a man and if she couldn't have him she would do everything in her power to get him. I felt she walked all over the feelings of Mary who had her own struggles too. Yes they did initially have a solid friendship but it disintegrated over the years in which the book is focused because of the actions of Wallis.

Wallis flitted from place to place, from man to man, from friend to friend, never seemingly able to settle. What she thought she wanted once she achieved it never gave her satisfaction and she was always on the lookout for the ultimate prize and it didn't seem to matter if she hurt Mary or other people in the process. The way she ingratiated herself into the life of Prince Edward was fascinating and given divorce at the time would cause huge scandal anyway the fact royalty was involved proved even more headline making. Even now having finished the book I'm not sure of my opinion of Wallis. She certainly led a very colourful life and she made her mark on history but it's perhaps Mary I felt the most affinity to in the story. She struggled witnessing everything Wallis was partaking in and although I don't necessarily agree with what Mary did too I do think she was looking for love and was more sincere in the way she went about it. Mary and Wallis were two very contrasting woman but there was a thread that held them together for a very long time before it was irrevocably cut.

I wondered how the two parts of the book would eventually tie together. It is only as we come near to the end that I felt a sense of urgency as Rachel races to uncover the truth and it was a bitter-sweet connection that tied the elements together but one with a satisfying ending. Gill Paul has once again written another stunning book. Books which focus on Diana and even Wallis could tend to be sensational and over the top but here the author has dealt with the subject matter with sensitivity and respect and shed light on a scandal and a love story which deserves to be read by many. There is a depth and honesty to the story which gives a real insight into the inner workings and feelings of the characters.

Another Woman's Husband proved to be a fascinating read which made me lose several hours to this story. I have no hesitation in recommending it and am keen to see what time in history Gill Paul will turn her hand to next.

Having read and loved Gill Paul's previous books I was very excited to see that "Another Woman's Husband" is going to be published. To be honest with you, I haven't even read the synopsis - well, it IS Gill Paul's book, right, so it must be brilliant, no? It took me a little by surprise to eventually discover that the story features real characters, such as Diana Spencer and Wallis Simpson for example, but it doesn't mean that the story was not as exciting and rich with historical facts, full of twists and turns.

This story is full to the brims with events and there is truly not a flat moment. I personally was much more intrigued with the parts set in the past, about Mary and Wallis then about Alex and Rachel - their story felt too forced on us in my opinion, but of course I do get it was needed to add this element of mystery: what is this bracelet that Alex took from Princess Diana? Whereas the story of Wallis and Mary was full of vividness and it seamlessly flew, and I couldn't help but changed my mind about those two characters - once I was on Wallis' side, sympathising with her and in the next moment I was on Mary's side, asking myself how much is she going to survive, if Wallis will push her too far, if she'll eventually see for herself that she's being used, or is their friendship going to survive all the troubles? I was really impatiently waiting for the story to switch again to the previous era, I wanted to find out more.

My only problem was that all the characters felt a little too wooden to my liking. This author has already showed that she can create incredibly beautiful, vivid and full of life characters and the ones in "Another Woman's Husband" did disappoint me a little. They seemed very shallow, superficial, without a depth - both fictional and non - fictional. I must say that if Wallis Simpson was as unlikeable and concentrated on herself person as Gill Paul portrayed her than it's a real pity. I don't know, maybe she's just rubbed me the wrong way and instead of being irritating she was challenging? But later on, as the book is mostly told from her best friend Mary's viewpoint, I found myself getting used to the way Wallis was, but I didn't start to warm to her, unfortunately. However, this book allowed me to gain a great insight into this character and even though she seemed too shallow, too selfish, too destructive, she was also fascinating. Also, the way the story was told felt like I was reading reports - there were not many descriptions, it was just like stating facts, and I missed depth here as well.

However, this novel has very well captured relationships - friendships and love relationships, showing how different they may be and how they may change over the years. Those relationships were so very well written that I personally felt frustrated on the characters' part, or full of hope, I was convinced some of them have no chance to survive. There was also one thing that was really fascinating - namely the descriptions of the investigations and rumours surrounding Princess Diana's death. Let's be honest, we all know till today where we were when the awful news about her death came, and we all watched the whole drama and accompanied the Princess during her last journey, and we all felt just like the author has described it: as if we've known Diana personally, and so we grieved for her. Gill Paul has really brilliantly interwoven facts with fiction and created a compelling, hooking story.

Altogether, "Another Woman's Husband" was an intriguing novel about relationships, love, hate, secrets, forgiveness and betrayals. It was compelling and yes, as you can see, it left me in two minds, but no matter what, it was a brilliant piece of historical fiction. Complex, well - thought, bringing the characters to life and I am very glad to have read this novel - already looking forward to Gill Paul's new book and recommending "Another Woman's Husband" to the author's fans.

When I read the synopsis of this book I knew it was a book I had to read. From being small I always loved the Royal Family. I still find them fascinating even now when there's very little mystery surrounding them. So a book that combines the life of Wallis Simpson and the aftermath of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, was always going to appeal to me.

The obvious link between the two women is that they both, in their own way, caused a massive earthquake within the Royal Family. Wallis Simpson famously made Edward VIII so smitten with her that he abdicated the throne for her. And we all know about Diana's incredible effect on the world. But in this book there is another link which I'm not going to tell you about (read the book!).

The Wallis side of the story is all about her and her school friend, Mary Kirk. The story is about their friendship which lasts for many years but Wallis's story is told from Mary's viewpoint so we see Wallis through an observer's eyes. Wallis is portrayed exactly as I expected her to be: selfish and flirtatious. I knew nothing about Mary but she definitely came out of the story in the best of lights and was the perfect antidote to Wallis really. The Diana part of the book, however, does not focus on her but is about Rachel and her partner, Alex, who find themselves behind Diana's car in the Alma Tunnel on that fateful night. Alex is a documentary maker and immediately turns to the obvious subject for a programme but Rachel has reservations about his motivation. Meanwhile, Rachel is running her vintage clothing shop and I loved that that was how she made her living. There's quite a bit of detail about the items she's selling there and I found this really interesting, especially when it helped to link other threads (excuse the pun) of the story.

I do love a book that combines fact and fiction. It's clear that the author has done a lot of research for this book, but she also weaves fictional elements in seamlessly and I was pleased to see there were author's notes at the back of the book, explaining what was true and what wasn't as I could well have believed that it was all based on fact. It was so well done.

I thought this was a really fabulous read. Right up my street with the dual time frame, the Royal connection and the history. The characters are well portrayed, both the real ones and the fictional ones. I was interested in all of their stories. The two sides of the story are told a couple of chapters at a time before we swap over and I love books that drip feed a story to the reader in that way. All in all this was a delight to read and although it's my first Gill Paul novel I just happen to have all of her others waiting to be read and I think her writing is something I will enjoy again in the future.

I really enjoyed reading this book .It tells the stories of Wallis Simpson's life and Princess Diana's Death but also there is the modern day fictional characters of Rachel and Alex running through it ,so clever. This makes it a very compelling read and is a real page turner .The book takes us to two time periods 1911 Wallis Simpsons era and 1997 with the death of Princess Diana .I loved this book and I didn't want it to end .If I could give it 10 stars I would !!!

I loved Gill Paul’s first book, The Secret Wife, so when an opportunity arose to be on the blog tour for her new book I happily volunteered.

It was fascinating to learn more about Wallis Simpson and discover more about her early life. I felt she was quite a complex character and I could never work out whether i liked her or not. At times I felt desperately sorry for her as she definitely goes through some tough moments but at others I just wanted to shake her as I found her so uncaring. The story line relating to Diana’s death was also very interesting. I do remember seeing it on the news but I hadn’t remembered a lot of the facts and figures or the conspiracy theories surrounding her death.

The author does a great job of transporting the reader back in time to Wallis’s early years and capturing the lifestyle that was lead then. I loved the descriptions of the clothes and parties, I really wanted to be there too! It was a time of a great shift in attitude towards women and I thought it was clever how this was portrayed through the characters of Mary and Wallis. The national outpouring of grief from Diana’s death as well as the frenzy to try and discover the truth is also perfectly captured and described.

The story has such a great flow to it which makes it very easy to read and gradually draws the reader in as more of the story is revealed. It really kept me guessing as to how the two stories would fit together which was unusual for me as normally I do manage to figure it out.

This is Gill Paul’s fifth book and I really look forward to reading more from her. She is brilliant at writing atmospheric and engaging historical fiction and is fast becoming one of my favourite authors!

Thank you to Phoebe Swinburn and headline publisher s for my copy of the book and for letting me be a part of the blog tour.

I’ve always been totally fascinated by the story of Wallis Simpson and the constitutional crisis in which she found herself caught up – but I think I’ve always had a slightly rose-tinted view of her involvement, of a king turning down his destiny for love. I knew little about her early life, and very little about the German connection or what happened to the couple when the furore was over. Through meticulous research and the most fluent of story telling, Gill Paul brings her vividly to life in this book – her family and personal life, aspects of her personality and behaviour I’d never been aware of. I very much liked the way she handled it – rather than focusing squarely on Wallis, she filters her through the eyes of lifelong friend, Mary Kirk. I loved Mary’s story – always in the shadows, the support for Wallis’ larger-than-life presence, then moving centre-stage with her own moving story.

The Diana story is also looked at obliquely, through the eyes of chance observers – and Rachel’s well-developed fictional story works so well to reveal parts of the story, to look at the Diana obsession that followed her death, the speculation around the cause of her death. I loved the whole story around trying to save her vintage clothing business, the sourcing of the rare pieces, the fashion detail, while her partner obsessively pursues the truth around Diana’s death for a TV documentary to the detriment of their relationship. And the links between the two stories, other than the obvious royal one, were totally inspired, and so well done.

I adored this book – a tremendous story, really several stories imaginatively and cleverly woven together, with a seamless fusing of fact and fiction. And it’s all underpinned by the most meticulous research of the historical detail – I found the book’s postscripts providing the detail and sources almost as fascinating as the book itself.

The story of two women,beautiful and single minded,who caused headaches for the British Royal Family in two differing time zones.
Wallis Simpson caused the abdication of a King, Diana Spencer married a future King in waiting and caused the reformation of a stuffy and out dated monarchy,but at a great personal loss to herself,divorce and loss of her Royal title- but she left behind two wonderful boys, Princes William and Harry,who follow in her footsteps by continuing her charity work.
I found this a fascinating account of Wallis in her early years and her friendship with Mary Kirk is largely unknown over here.This story also gave us an unusual perception of the abdication crisis as seen through the eyes of Ernest Simpson. The added verification coming from the Duchess of Windsor's own book revealed the amount of in depth knowledge and investigation behind this novel.
I would venture that everyone remembers the events of 31st August 1997 in Paris, the car crash in the Alma tunnel and the many conspiracy theories that continue to swirl around that sad event ever since. We were in France ourselves on that date,and wondered why the French radio stations were playing the National Anthem,but the shock when we heard and translated the news that Diana was dead,I can still remember vividly. Turning around to see my two eldest children on the back seat and knowing they were the same age as William and Harry,was a real heart breaker. Driving past the Alma tunnel later that day was sobering and difficult to comprehend.
The author introduces us to theories,but we make up our own mind. A fitting tribute to two Royal ladies who aimed high,but weren't always happy,and this book is a timely tribute to them both.
I rated it as a three star read,only because so many of the details from 1997, are so well known,that the main interest to me was the formative years of Wallis,but this book sparkles and is very intriguing in all its details. It is also well timed for the 20th anniversary commemorations.
I have posted a copy of this review on Goodreads today.

As she did with The Secret Wife, Gill Paul has taken a well known historical event  and woven it into a story which imagines what may have happened. She is adept at intertwining fact with fiction to create a compelling novel. The historical aspect of this story looks at the long-lasting friendship between Wallis Simpson and Mary Kirk who met at summer camp in America in 1911. Their friendship lasted many years through various relationships, scandals and heartbreak before finally breaking down over a betrayal. The more modern part of the story is not quite history yet but is set at the time of Princess Diana's death in a car crash almost 20 years ago in Paris. Newly engaged Rachel and Alex are in a car not far behind hers and are witnesses to the scene. Following her death, Alex becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened and begins investigating for a documentary. Rachel discovers a possible link between Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson and becomes very intrigued with this possible connection.

Until I read the notes at the end of the book, I had no idea that Mary Kirk was actually a real person! I'm quite glad I didn't as I would no doubt have succumbed to Google and found out more about her life. As it was, I was able to read this book with no idea what happened to her and just enjoy reading about her life. I liked the way she developed throughout the course of the novel from quite a naive young woman who really should have been less tolerant of Wallis's actions to a much stronger woman who stood up for herself. She knew a lot of sadness in her life and I really felt for her as she yearned for a happy family life.

Other than the fact that she was the American divorcee for whom King Edward VIII gave up the crown, I didn't know an awful lot about Wallis Simpson either. Although the abdication was of course a huge upset and scandal at the time, I had always thought it was very romantic that he gave up so much 'for the woman he loved'.  Reading the book I see Wallis in rather a different light now. She seemed a rather selfish woman who only cared about getting what she wanted and showed little loyalty to those who loved and cared for her. I can understand a bit more now about why she was so disliked. 

In the 1990s, Rachel is an altogether more likeable character. She owns a vintage clothes shop although is struggling at the beginning of the story due to a break-in. I'm not really into fashion myself, but even I enjoyed reading about the glamorous clothes and jewellery she bought and sold in her business. The clothes of course, are just one link between the stories of Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana as they were both renowned for their stylish clothes. It is through her business that Rachel comes into contact with another character who has a link to both Diana and Mary adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

I am going to admit that The Secret Wife is still my favourite book but I did thoroughly enjoy this book too. Gill Paul has obviously impeccably researched her real life characters, the historical events, the social attitudes to women at the time and brought all this research together into a fascinating and enjoyable read.

I found this book really interesting, both the historical story of Wallis Simpson and the recent suspicions around Diana's death, and of course the timing is perfect as the anniversary of the latter is later this month. Not really knowing much about Wallis, the fact that her story starts when she is a schoolgirl is useful for helping to explain her character and some of her later actions. The fact that divorce seems to have been so easy and prevalent (at least among the upper strata of society) in the second quarter of the last century was something of which I was not aware. It could certainly lead to some complex relationships and possibly awkward moments at social events! The 1997 segment was also very evocative of the time. The death of Diana is one of those events when everyone can remember what they were doing and the huge outpourings of grief. I could not remember all the conspiracy theories which are mentioned but am sure they will be dragged out again in the next few weeks. All in all a real page turner.

Thanks Headline and netgalley for this ARC.

Gill Paul always satisfies with her novels, but this one goes beyond the call of duty. I loved the sense of being there and the way the people came alive for me. I didn't want it to end.

Gill Paul mixes fiction and history in this interwoven tale of the two women who did the most to change the face of the British monarchy during the 20th century. Using dialogue taken from the letters of Wallis Simpson and Mary Kirk. Told from the perspective of two women linked to Diana and Mrs Simpson, 'Another Woman's Husband'is an engaging read. Both the historical and modern threads keep you hooked, while the characterisation is second to none.

This is the story of Mary Kerr and her friendship with Wallis Simpson. It is linked with a modern day story about a documentary maker and a vintage clothes shop owner, and their connection with Diana, Prince of Wales. These characters are as well-drawn as the historical ones. The author has very cleverly interwoven the true stories with an imaginative thread which works well. The historical aspects are factually accurate.
I did find it slightly over-long, and some of the dialogue is a little wooden, as it is used to tell parts of the story. As the newspapers and TV are full of Diana at the moment, on the 20th anniversary of her death, this book is very timely and I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to know more about her death, and also to anyone who does not know the sensational story of Edward and Mrs Simpson.