What do readers think of The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull? Write your own review.

The "Woman before Wallis" is an immensely enjoyable novel, revealing the intriguing but decadent lives of the aristocracy and the wealthy on both sides of the Atlantic during the years following World War I.

While the United States and the United Kingdom struggled with the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s the rich were involved in multiple love affairs and other dubious relationships. The novel is well researched regarding historical facts and the author has succeeded in portraying the characters of Thelma and Gloria with such clarity that the novel is a "page turner"!

This is a great portrayal of the other side of the Wallis Simpson story in the ebbing days of high society leading up to World War 2.

For readers of The Paris Wife or A Well Behaved Woman, a debut novel with historical accuracy and detail which enhances the enjoyment and ease of reading. Travel to early twentieth century Paris, the English countryside, and by necessity to New York and beyond to immerse yourself in the world of Lady Thelma Furness and her family and acquaintances. Discover how the daughter of an American diplomat marries the aristocratic Viscount Duke Furness and through him, meets Prince Edward (known to his inner circle as David); however, can she trust her friend Wallis to care for him while she journeys to New York to support her twin sister Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt in her notorious child custody battle? There are many intriguing and accurate subplots.

An intriguing and thought provoking read into the societal demands of the British noble and royal families and their circle in the early twentieth century. The relationships between Thelma and Gloria, and with the younger generation, adds depth, interest, and understanding of the period. The details of the homes, estates, and more add color to the book. The only hindrance for some readers will be the interweaving of the two plots and time periods on the opposite sides of the Atlantic but these drive the plots and the family dynamics. These twin plots are needed to understand. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. The plot is well executed and the characters draw into their lives.

Discussion are included in the book or your contemplation or for group discussion.

On the heels of reading The Queens Secret and The Splendid Vile, The Woman Before Wallis, was the perfect ending to my all things English trifecta! If you enjoy discovering new and interesting details about the royals, you will thoroughly take pleasure reading this well written piece of historical fiction. Thelma's story is intriguing and provides a straight forward easy read...never knew that she once held Prince Edwards' heart and their history and love story left me wanting to know even more. Byrn Turnbull, great work presenting such an insightful piece of history!

I very much enjoyed The Woman before Wallis; I would have given it more than five stars if that rating were possible. I highly recommend this book.

I thought I knew a lot about the Duke of Windsor's abdication, but this book filled in a lot of details that were new to me. Through Thelma Morgan ( Lady Furness) there was a connection to the British Royal family and the famous custody suit for Gloria Vanderbilt, between her mother and her Vanderbilt grandmother. Lady Furness was the Duke's mistress and the twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt's mother. Learning about all the behind the scenes was fascinating.

This look at the lives of American and British wealthy upper classes was very revealing. It's hard to imagine anyone keeping up that standard of living today, probably very few do. It's always fun to peel behind the curtains at the private lives these people led, but it does create a feeling of distaste at the values they had. Although the author does not go into the future life of the Duke, he did not make much of a contribution to the betterment of anyone other than himself. Behind all the glitter none of these people seem to be very content or happy with their lives.
I think it would make for a good discussion in a book club. I also think viewers of the Netflix series The Crown would enjoy it.

This book made me want to read more about the people that it contained. We all know the story about Edward and Wallis Simpson. And I knew a little bit about the fight for the Vanderbilt heiress. But I had never heard of Thelma Morgan before, so it was interesting to learn her story. And to think about the choices she made, particularly when she choose to support her sister over the man she thought she loved. I also found it interesting that she is the one that brought Wallis Simpson into Prince Edward's circle of friends. This book is definitely worth your time to read it.

The book was good historical fiction but I was disappointed with the ending. I was torn between giving it a 3 or a 4. I wish 3 1/2 was a option. The book made me realize that money does not buy happiness. I don't think any of the characters were truly happy. It made me sad to see how neglected the children all were. I think the servants were mainly raising the children. I think book clubs would enjoy discussing this book. I think royalty fans and historical fiction fans would enjoy this book.

Scandalous and intriguing, this book tells the story of Thelma and her life with romance, family, friendship, and high society. The story was woven smoothly with exciting details, the book was hard to put down. Every scene was characterized in such detail that one can imagine it comes to life. I don't follow royal issues and news and I started this book with a sad heart, knowing that Thelma and Prince Edward won't be together, but this book gave me a different perspective. This book gave a perspective in the life of people in high society, the social pressures and problems within. Highly recommended to readers who like anything royal and to those who like scandals and intrigues.

The reader is given a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the privileged and wealthy. We meet Gloria Vanderbilt's twin sister Thelma who becomes the mistress to Edward Prince of Wales as well as their social climbing mother who is always pushing her daughters to marry well. We see women far more engaged in their social lives then prepared for the role of mother. The book provides insight into Edward's personality as well as the type of king he would have become had he not married Wallis Simpson and abdicated his title. After reading this story I felt the right Windsor man ascended to the throne. As Fitzgerald once said "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me."