The Woman Before Wallis

A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal

By: Bryn Turnbull

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

“Brimming with scandal and an equal amount of heart...a sweeping yet intimate look at the lives of some of history’s most notorious figures from Vanderbilts to the Prince of Wales.... A must-read.” (Chanel Cleeton, New York Times best-selling author of When We Left Cuba and Next Year in Havana)

“Bryn Turnbull takes a story we think we know and turns it on its head, with captivating results.... A beautifully written, meticulously researched and altogether memorable debut.” (Jennifer Robson, USA Today best-selling author of The Gown)

For fans of The Paris Wife and The Crown, this stunning novel tells the true story of the American divorcée who captured Prince Edward’s heart before he abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson.

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 listeners from the raucous glamour of the Paris Ritz and the French Riviera to the quiet, private corners of St. James’ Palace in this sweeping story of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

©2020 Bryn Turnbull (P)2020 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Surprisingly Good

Why did I rate this surprisingly good ? Maybe it’s a bias, but in my experience books under the Harlequin imprint are light on good writing and heavy on romance; this book contradicts this opinion. It’s well written and the history takes center stage to the romance. The author has done the research to make this a compelling story. The narration is wonderful !

Beautifully Written

As an enthusiast of both the Vanderbilt and royal family’s histories, I thoroughly enjoyed listening about their connection. I hadn’t known the Prince of Wales was in a relationship with another divorced American. The whole way through, I was completely entranced with the author’s beautifully written story of Thelma Morgan.

A surprisingly good find.

I deeply enjoyed this book about about a woman living a fairly extraordinary life. While most of us have heard of Wallis Simpson, I would guess few have thought of who may have come before her in regards to the prince (eventually, king). Turnbull wove a story of different past events and how they impacted one another. Her characters were richly developed and well worth spending time with. This is an excellent read!

The Prince of Whales lovers

Lots of fascinating details about the lifestyle of English royalty in the 1920’s and 1930’s

Eye opening!

Even tho there were liberties taken with actual historic timeline, it was entirely relevant & peaked my desire to 'know' the characters causing a deep dive into these amazing figures who were fascinating! Worth the read, loved it...

Good one

Second time I listened, I enjoyed it again. you am
l ways know a good book if you read it more than once.

Excellent

The narrator was fantastic, I loved the back and forth. It was very a truly worthwhile read!

Great story!

I absolutely loved this book!! Great story and wonderful narration!! It was fascinating to find out the life of Frank Baum and how he came to write the book etc.

Good Story

I had no knowledge of this story. Really was surprising to learn the Prince of Wakes had been involved with more than one American divorcee. I also did not realize how close his involvement was to the infamous Vanderbilt custody case. What interesting times. Surprising to see how relatively easy it was to cross classes and have access to "the rich and famous"!

Such a great listen!!

I could not wait to listen to this book every day, it was extremely good!!