Title: The Woman Before Wallis: a Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, & Royal Scandal
Author: Bryn Turnbull
Published:2020
Call #: FIC Turnbull
The title says it all, this book is chock full of the British aristocracy, the royals, the rich and famous, and best of all, the scandalous! Gloria and Thelma both marry into wealth, but their fortunes turn out very differently. Gloria's marriage into the Vanderbilt family begins to unravel as her husband's mismanagement erodes away their wealth. Thelma, already a divorcee, marries Viscount Duke Furness who introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales--leading to a passionate affair between Thelma and Edward.
When Gloria's husband dies, her future becomes threatened as the battle for custody of her daughter threatens everything. Eventually, a scandalous custody trial forces Thelma to fly to New York to support her sister. Just before her journey, Thelma asks her fellow American to keep Prince Edward company, which Wallis Simpson is more than happy to do. The rest of the story is history.
The book has the overall feel of sitting down with your besties, twin sister socialites Thelma and Gloria Morgan--also known as Gloria Vanderbilt and Thelma, Viscountess Furness. It's an escape from the world as we know it right now. Great escapism in a time and place so very different from our own. This book is a real guilty pleasure. Great for fans of The Paris Wife and The Crown.
Michaelle S.
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