Bryn Turnbull’s debut novel tells the tale of Thelma Morgan’s storied life. Thelma is the woman who was involved with Prince Edward before he took up with Wallis Simpson and made history by abdicating his throne for her. She also introduced Wallis to Edward, which ultimately changed the path of the British monarchy.

The daughter of an American diplomat, Thelma briefly married an American actor and after their divorce married into the British aristocracy by wedding the previously married Viscount Duke Furness. Their marriage started out happily but soon became rocky when Thelma realized that Duke was a serial adulterer. After meeting Prince Edward at a party, their paths subsequently crossed again, and soon the pair fell headlong into an affair while Thelma remained married to Duke.

"This sweeping, stellar tale will delight all kinds of readers, but especially those who enjoy learning about people lost to the passage of time."

THE WOMAN BEFORE WALLIS vividly transports readers to 1930s British upper-crust society, focusing on societal conventions, Prince Edward and his lifestyle, the parties and the clubs, and so much more. Turnbull depicts a time period between the wars that all but vanished after World War II, providing a look at an immature and inward-focused man who never wanted to be king and felt stifled and stymied by this birth order and the expectations that resulted. However, he was happy to take full advantage of his position as the heir to the British throne and would drop by the Furnesses’ home (when the entire family was there) to visit Thelma --- an abuse of privilege that will appall today’s readers.

In addition to picture-perfect descriptions of English society in the years before Prince Edward briefly ascended the throne, Turnbull provides a glimpse into a group of people stuck in loveless marriages, frequently engaging in extramarital affairs, drinking and smoking their days away, and generally just seeming sad and unhappy with their lives. Other than Bertie and Elizabeth, these individuals prove the old adage that wealth does not buy happiness.

While the portions of the book detailing Thelma’s relationship with the Prince of Wales are compelling and fascinating, the sections that feature Thelma’s twin sister, Gloria Morgan (who married Reginald Vanderbilt, son of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Alice Vanderbilt), open a window into a little-known sliver of American history. Gloria and Reginald were married for only two years before he died from cirrhosis of the liver; they had one child, the renowned fashion designer and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt. After Reginald’s death, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt was eventually sued for custody of her daughter by her sister-in-law, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art).

As a result of the trial and high-profile custody dispute, Gloria was raised apart from her mother and was the subject of frequent kidnapping threats, prompting Gertrude to hire bodyguards to protect her, even on her way to and from school. Those familiar with Gloria Vanderbilt’s various careers --- socialite, actress, designer --- will be intrigued to learn that her early life was mired in such drama.

This sweeping, stellar tale will delight all kinds of readers, but especially those who enjoy learning about people lost to the passage of time.