The Woman Before Wallis was a very unexpected book for me. It started off with a bit of a pretentious vibe which felt true to Thelma and Gloria's lives. Gloria seemingly is the more stable of the two with her wealthy husband, child and nanny in tow. Thelma is more of a dreamer and experiences traveling, marriages, affairs and more. Unfortunately, things aren't always what they seem and secrets begin to spill out as their lives slowly become unraveled.

It's a different perspective (for me) to read about the lives of the truly wealthy. This book packs a lot of love, heartbreak, avoidance of the truth and a hard dose of reality into one book. If you like to read about the lifestyles of the rich and the well-known figures of world history, this is definitely a book you'll want to read!</p>

Thank you to the publisher, MIRA Books, for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Gist

Give me stories about the nobility. Give me stories set in London, the countryside or with a Mediterranean flair. Give me complex characters that try to make their way through life without losing hope. Give me all that and I am yours as a loyal reader.

I thought this book would totally be my cup of tea. I imagined myself tearing through its digital pages, not paying attention to much else until I finished it.

Alas, I imagined incorrectly. Now, I’m sad. I’m very warm in this persistent heat wave we are having and sad, which is not a good combination.

On top of that, this story has left me without the satisfying feeling a good summer read usually does.
Let’s dive into the particulars. Shall we?

The Details

The protagonist confused me. I sort of understand why she sometimes acted the way she did.

I also understand that the author tried to capture the social norms of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, which, generally speaking, didn’t do women and their rights any favours.

That doesn’t excuse the lack of personality. As the protagonist, Thelma should be able to convey more than just a giggle here and there, act indignant when social protocol calls for it and spend a lot of time judging her own actions, but then going through with them anyway.

Many opportunities in the story offered great chances for an in-depth look into her character and her personality traits, but she stayed elusive throughout the story. I found that very unfortunate.

The male characters were awful. This may again be partly, because the author wanted to portray the social roles and relationships standards of the 20’s and 30’s. However, if the reader already has to deal with a flat and one-dimensional protagonist, throwing a handful of chauvinistic men into the mix just makes for a less than joyful reading experience.

I usually don’t comment on the formatting of the ARCs I read, since I know these are ARCs and still have to go through the final polish before there are ready for publication. In this case, I wasn’t sure, if the jumps in time were due to the unpolished nature of the ARC or the writing style.

The story jumped a lot. One paragraph mentions dinner plans the protagonist has that evening. The very next paragraph can jump up to a couple of weeks ahead in time. It was very confusing and threw me out of the flow of the story.

I had to stop, backtrack and double check to make sure I hadn’t skipped a page by accident. Since this occurred throughout the entire book, it is evident that this was part of the writing style.

Other than that, I enjoyed the author’s writing. It was quite beautiful and very skilled in describing the landscape and creating the mood that fit the scene.

The Verdict

Overall, I thought I was going to enjoy this story a lot more than I did. Historical fiction novels are usually my cup of tea, but this one just didn’t hit the spot.

The title threw me off as well. Why was the word “scandal” used in the title when this is evidently the story of an extramarital affair?

I know. Back then an affair was a great scandal, especially when the Royal Family is involved. Things have changed, though, and this should be reflected in the word choice for the title.

I’m not saying this, because I was hungry for some juicy gossip, like an attention-craving desperate housewife. I was just thrown by the title and the unfolding plot.

I can definitely see, why other readers enjoyed this story and I’m glad they did. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

I would recommend it, to readers looking for a quiet read, curled up on the sofa.

LOVED IT! The main character was relatable and sympathetic. The historical setting and characters were well-researched and accurate, which is fantastic for historical fiction. I will be recommending this book everywhere.

Kudos to Bryn Turnbull for writing such an engaging novel about a character I did not know much about. There were some very interesting twists and turns in the life of Thelma (Lady Burness) and it was fascinating to watch Wallis growing closer and closer to the Prince of Wales. Not only was Thelma a society icon in Great Britain, she was also twin sister to the original Gloria Vanderbilt. Thus, a sizable chunk of the narrative covers the epic court battle for custody of little Gloria. Being a twin myself (although not identical) I found it very compelling to watch the two sisters maintain their relationship and how they supported each other emotionally and financially. Hobnobbing with the rich and famous is enlightening. The chickens come home to roost despite the money and power they wield. This will make a fabulous book group pick. The edition I read includes book group questions and an interview with the author.

Thank you to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of my most highly anticipated July reads and I must say it didn't disappoint. Bryn Turnbull transports readers back to the story of Thelma Morgan Furness, an American socialite that captures the eye of Edward, Prince of Wales. As well, we are taken to the events surrounding the custody battle between Thelma's sister Gloria Vanderbilt and their mother. I knew nothing about Thelma Morgan but after reading this book, I must declare that she is one of those interesting historical persons that I won't soon forget. It was so intriguing to see through her fictionalized story what Edward, Prince of Wales was like. More to the point, that even if it shocked the world and members of his family, perhaps it wasn't that shocking that a man looking for modernism would abdicate from the throne.

Highly recommended if you are a fan of the antics of the House of Windsor!









Expected Publication 21/07/20
Goodreads review 13/07/20

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.

The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

A couple of days ago, I was chatting (via text) with a friend, and I told her that I was reading a book about “the woman before Wallis”.

My friend said, “Freda Dudley Ward?”

I said, “No, she’s in this book, but this one is about the other “Other Woman”.

Like my friend, I was also not aware of Thelma Furness’ involvement with David, the Prince of Wales, but having read this book, I am much more aware—not only of Thelma's story, but of the Gloria Vanderbilt custody battle.

That’s right: Thelma Furness was the identical twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt, whose daughter Little Gloria, was the focus of a divisive custody battle in the 1930s, and while one can only speculate, Thelma’s return to the United States to support her sister may have been the inciting incident that brought David and Wallis together. The rest, as they say, is history.

I should point out that this is a novel, so while some minor liberties may have been taken, everything is based on real people and real events. The narrative follows Thelma from meeting her second husband “Duke” Furness, which placed her amongst the upper echelons of English society and in close proximity to the Prince of Wales. There’s no grand passion; David is charming and charismatic and an affair just sort of happened.

The timeline jumps between the events which begin with Thelma’s marriage and the 1934 custody trial. This serves as an interesting juxtaposition with the scenes in the main timeline and a reminder of how things take a disastrous turn.

I would absolutely recommend The Woman Before Wallis to anybody who likes the royal family and/or costume dramas like Downton Abbey. Turnbull is a talented author and the book kept me engaged the entire time, even though I already knew how things were going to turn out. She brought the world of 1920s society to life with vivid descriptions and enough hints of scandal to pique my interest. This book was a stunning debut, and I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.






I received a copy of this book from Harlequin MIRA/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could not put this book down. When it was over, I wished I was back at the beginning so I could read it fresh again.

Fans of "The Crown", "Downton Abbey" and historical fiction novels will love this book. It's always tricky to tell a fictionalized story of real people and real events but I think Turnbull did a really great job with Thelma's story. I got drawn into the story from the first few pages and even though I knew how it would end, I loved the journey to get there.

There are times when I really wonder about my judgment. Why did I think this would be a good choice for me. Am I surprised that the rich and famous lead terrible lives? Would I change places with them? No and No. I am surprised how well they live on no money. Bankrupt and inept with money and yet living a good life. I don't know how they do they do it.

This is the story of the famous Morgan sisters and their many loves and marriages throughout the upper echelon of people in America and England. They marry, have affairs and muck up their lives with apparent glee. One of them was involved with the Prince of Wales before he gave up his throne for the woman he loved, famous divorcee Wallis Simpson. It is really for the betterment of all us considering his Nazi ties and general stupidity. His brother made an excellent King.

The other sister was in a constant custody battle for her daughter with the paternal family, Vanderbilt. It was ugly and messy and the child is the one who suffered.

For those that love royal gossip, this could be quite entertaining. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

It was an ok read. Lots of name dropping and hard to remember who is who. It seemed to support the conniving ways of good old Wallis and the shallowness of poor David. I don’t understand why someone would want him so badly. The trial of the century was a scandal for sure. I got bored with the haughty rich people and off the society “politeness”

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Before television, scandal and intrigue, especially among the wealthy set, could often be hidden. But when it couldn't, the newspapers blasted the seedy details across the globe. While much is known about Wallis Simpson, the British royal family, and the Vanderbilts, not everyone knows how these names were once all inextricably linked. This historical novel sheds some light on some of the gritty details.

This book has that typical feel of a good historical novel that uses a good amount of real detail to make a compelling story jump off the page. Although it's about people who really existed, it's root in history doesn't take away from a bit of creative license that takes the story to the next level. If you are interested in that between-the-war time period of the twentieth century, this is a great place to start.

If you love the show "The Crown" or keep up with any royalty news, this book is for you! I knew bits and pieces about Edward's abdication & Gloria Vanderbilt's ordeal, but this book brought it all to life. Bryn Turnbull hit it out of the park for her debut book!

**Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for sharing this ARC in exchange my honest review.

Before Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales married Wallis Simpson, there was another woman—Thelma Furness. Lady Furness. This intimate look at the volatile lives of Thelma and her famous twin sister, Gloria Vanderbilt, is detailed, in-depth, and remarkably intriguing.

Everyone knows the infamous abdication of Edward. What may not be as widely known is his relationship with Lady Thelma Furness. Married to aristocrat Duke (Marmaduke) Furness, Thelma begins an extra-marital affair with David (Edward), the Prince of Wales. Eventually divorcing, Thelma and David are free to go public with their relationship. It lasts for 4 years.

Weaved throughout the years of Thelma’s life, losses and love interests are her close connection with her widowed sister Gloria, and the explosive custody battle for her daughter, little Gloria. Learning how the society elite can easily destroy lives and wipe friends out, must have been a hard lesson to learn for the twins.

Thelma was kind, intelligent, level-headed. She defended those she loved and always tried to do right by them. This is evident in her devotion to her sister and the friendship and respect she kept for her ex-husband, Duke. Not to mention how she seemed to not harbor hard feelings against one-time friend Wallis Simpson, who eventually captured the heart of the Prince of Wales.

I found this account of the lives of the famous Morgan twins and the high-society company they kept, fascinating. Bryn Turnbull’s eye for detail, commitment to recount the truth and sheer interest in her characters, is way beyond impressive.

I was thoroughly captivated and enthusiastically recommend The Woman Before Wallis.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin—Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) MIRA for Bryn Turnbull’s read of, The Woman Before Wallis.

Opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

As a hopeless lover of the British royal family, I had always heard of Thelma, Lady Furness--Prince Edward's mistress before Wallis, but never realized that she was "little"Gloria Vanderbilt's aunt, which adds a whole new dimension to the story. Thelm'a's story was interedsting and as a character, while absolutely not perfect still showed a lot of nobility in how she lived her life--espectially her relationship with her second husband and his chidren. The two stories--Thelma's and her twin Gloria's while always intermingled were quite similar in many ways and the author does a good job of showing that. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or British aristocracy.

The Woman Before Wallis tells the real life story of Thelma Furness, one half of the notorious Morgan twins (the other being Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt). We follow Thelma through her second marriage to a wealthy British nobleman and subsequent affair with Edward VIII, Prince of Wales. Her royal romance unfolds at the same time that her family becomes embroiled in the famous Gloria Vanderbilt Custody Trial, in which her beloved sister fights for custody of her daughter, Little Gloria.

The first half of the book lacked description and the characters seemed a bit one dimensional. The second half of the story picked up steam. The writing became more descriptive, sometimes beautifully so, and the characters were humanized and seemed more multidimensional.

This book is great for those who already have an interest in the lives of the American and British aristocracy of the first half of the 20th century. But if the reader isn’t already somewhat familiar with the relationship between Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson and the Vanderbilt Trial they may struggle to keep track of the timeline and list of characters. Overall I enjoyed seeing these historical events unfold through the eyes of a woman who is often overlooked.

Most of us know about Anderson Cooper and his famous mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, who as a child was the subject of a bitter custody battle. But did we know that Gloria Sr. had a twin sister named Thelma who was married to a British Viscount, had a four year long affair with the Prince of Wales (before his abdication and marriage to Thelma’s friend, American Wallis Simpson) as well as a fling with Pakistani Prince Aly (before his marriage to Rita Hayward).

This is one of those “a look behind the curtain of wealth and respectability” books that reveals the ongoing hypocrisy of the rich and famous during an era when divorced American’s were look down on by members of the British upper class whose own solution to unhappy and unfulfilling marriages was to turn a blind eye to their spouses numerous affairs – whether they be with members of the same or opposite sex.

Thelma’s story is one that sheds additional light on a story that some of us are familiar with as well as new light on the relationship between the sisters. The only problem I had with the book was the way is jumped back and forth in time between Thelma’s marriage and her affair with the future King of England and her widowed sister Gloria’s attempt to retain custody of her young daughter in a no holds barred battle against her very rich sister-in-law Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

In this “dishing of the dirt”, Gloria and Thelma’s mother Laura Morgan comes across as a complete villain. She’s greedy, controlling, self-absorbed, manipulative and just a little crazy.

Overall, this is the perfect read for those interested in an intimate look at some of the famous and infamous characters of the past and stands as potential proof that perhaps F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels were based more on scenes from real life rather than the author’s active imagination.

A truly enjoyable, well researched look at a part of history I have always been intrigued with.
This book looks deeply into the lives, friendships and loves of Thelma and Gloria, showing both the good and the hard parts of their lives.
A good read.

Years ago I had read a book by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart called Consuelo & Alva Vanderbilt and found it to be fascinating how this period in society was all about making the perfect match. So much is known about Edward & Wallis that when I saw this title I was very interested in reading but to my pleasant surprise this wasn't the main crux of the book; the majority of this book was about the relationship of the sisters (Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt & Thelma) and how they supported one another. The author did a wonderful job in all of the characters, the society outings, and who's who of the world that if you are interested in a historical novel taking place in the 1920/30 all throughout Europe this would be a good read for you.

Try as I might, I could not get into this title. I have an interest inhistorical fiction, especially where I have heard of some of the characters. No idea why I couldn't get past page 43. May try again when the book is published.
Thank you for the opportunity to have early access to this book.

A moment in history that is steeped in mystery and nuance to this day. Much has been written about Edward and his loves, fiction and non-fiction. This was a decent entry into the scene without much being added. Not horrible, not spectacular either.