The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull
Pub. date: July 21, 2020 – MIRA
E-galley courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley
Description:
In the summer of 1926, when Thelma Morgan marries Viscount Duke Furness after a whirlwind romance, she’s immersed in a gilded world of extraordinary wealth and privilege. For Thelma, the daughter of an American diplomat, her new life as a member of the British aristocracy is like a fairy tale—even more so when her husband introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales.
In a twist of fate, her marriage to Duke leads her to fall headlong into a love affair with Edward. But happiness is fleeting, and their love is threatened when Thelma’s sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, becomes embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching implications. As Thelma sails to New York to support Gloria, she leaves Edward in the hands of her trusted friend Wallis, never imagining the consequences that will follow.
Bryn Turnbull takes readers from the raucous glamour of the Paris Ritz and the French Riviera to the quiet, private corners of St. James’s Palace in this sweeping story of love, loyalty and betrayal. (publisher)
My take: The Woman Before Wallis is the story of Thelma Morgan. Thelma was raised in a world of privilege but that didn’t protect her from disappointment. She lived a grand life and when life was good it was good and when it wasn’t she did her best to rise to the challenge. She and her twin sister Gloria almost raised themselves from their teen years. Because of that they made some decisions that weren’t always the best. But they were always there for each other. Perhaps Thelma more than Gloria. They usually landed on their feet. They had some truly amazing experiences and some life-shaking disappointments. The Woman Before Wallis is about their ups and downs.The dual-storyline moves between Thelma’s relationships and Gloria’s infamous custody case. I enjoyed learning about the two sisters and would pause occasionally to search online for pictures and more info about the principals, residences, etc. Recommended to fans of historical fiction.
About the author:
Bryn Turnbull is a writer of historical fiction with a penchant for fountain pens and antique furniture. Equipped with a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews, a Master of Professional Communication from Ryerson University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from McGill University, Bryn focuses on finding the stories of women found within the cracks of the historical record. When she’s not writing, Bryn can be found exploring new coffee shops, spending time with her family in cottage country, or traveling. She lives in Toronto, and can generally be found with a book in hand.
photo credit: Louise Claire Johnson
Social Links:
Twitter: @BrynTurnbull
Instagram: @brynturnbullwrites
Facebook: @brynturnbullwrites
THE WOMAN BEFORE WALLIS
Author: Bryn Turnbull
ISBN: 9780778361022
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Publisher: MIRA Books
Buy links:
Bookfan 
Always so interesting to follow the lives of real people through fiction. It seems to be more scandalous back then!!
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I agree, Kathryn. This book is filled with real people!
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I am curious about this book and Thelma, who is featured prominently in the book about Wallis (Wallis in Love) that I recently read.
Thanks for sharing.
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These people lived such interesting lives. But I wouldn’t want to trade places even a little bit!
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My daughter read this one and loved it. I am not much a historical fiction reader, but she said this is one I should read. Thanks for your thoughts.
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It was an interesting read, for sure!
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I couldn’t read historical fiction on too regular a basis, but I do enjoy a good saga from time to time, so this one has definite possibilities. Whenever I think of Wallis Simpson, I cannot help but bring the scenario right up to date and consider the similarities between that case and the present day dilemma of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex!
Thanks for your take on this story – Just goes to prove that money can’t always buy you happiness!
Yvonne 🙂
xx
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I wonder about the books (fictionalized accounts) that will be written about the current Duke and Duchess of Sussex down the road!
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Oh this looks good! I’ve had good luck with historical fiction and this sounds fascinating. Adding to my TBR.
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It was an interesting story, for sure!
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Loving the cover, its very Art Nouveau. I must confess the synopsis of this didn’t speak to me but your review has found me changing my mind. Definitely a book I’ll keep in mind, thank you.
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I like the what if part of the story. Sounds like a fairytale!
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[…] Review: The Woman Before Wallis […]
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My book group gravitates toward historical fiction so I’m added this to my list of possibilities.
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