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The Windsor Affair
A scandalous affair. A power struggle for the throne. A sensational rivalry between an English queen and an American commoner. In this electrifying novel, the New York Times bestselling author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue tells the story of the Abdication of Edward VIII—and the two women at the center of it all.
Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Men: Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, and Albert, known as Bertie, his younger brother, “the spare.” The Women: Edward’s wife Wallis, an American divorcée, and Bertie's wife Elizabeth, descended from Scottish nobility. The Feud: a rivalry that will last all their lives, make headlines, and still fuel gossip pages nearly a century later.
The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the queen-to-be, and Wallis Simpson, aka “That Woman," who fell into a calculated love affair with Prince Edward. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors.
The first novel dedicated to the infamous rivalry between these two world-famous women, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals. As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution for the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied.
Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a bitter, biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising “In friendship, Elizabeth.”
Feuding Windsor brothers and their wives—some things, it seems, never change. The Men: Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, and Albert, known as Bertie, his younger brother, “the spare.” The Women: Edward’s wife Wallis, an American divorcée, and Bertie's wife Elizabeth, descended from Scottish nobility. The Feud: a rivalry that will last all their lives, make headlines, and still fuel gossip pages nearly a century later.
The Windsor Affair recreates the cataclysmic events that nearly toppled the monarchy and incited the power struggle between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the queen-to-be, and Wallis Simpson, aka “That Woman," who fell into a calculated love affair with Prince Edward. Told from the perspective of both women, the novel propels readers into the fabulous world of the debonair Prince of Wales, café society of the 1930s, and the glittering private lives of the Windsors.
The first novel dedicated to the infamous rivalry between these two world-famous women, The Windsor Affair brings us all the gossip and intrigue between the two very different—yet perhaps more similar than they would admit—wives of royals. As Queen, Elizabeth would become the symbol of British pluck and courage during World War II and remain a British institution for the rest of her long life. Wallis would be forever forced to enact the World’s Greatest Love Story even after it sours, as she goes from being admired to vilified and, ultimately, pitied.
Against the backdrop of the Abdication Crisis, World War II, coronations, funerals, births, and deaths, these two women maintain a bitter, biting, sharp-tongued feud—until age and the long arm of history bring about a kind of understanding. For the last communication between these bitter rivals was a simple, surprising “In friendship, Elizabeth.”
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Melanie Benjamin
16 books3,596 followersMelanie Benjamin is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE and THE AVIATOR'S WIFE, as well as the national bestseller ALICE I HAVE BEEN, and THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. TOM THUMB, THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ , THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD and CALIFORNIA GOLDEN, Her next novel is THE WINDSOR AFFAIR, a juicy retelling of the legendary feud between Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the Queen Mother, coming in June 2026. Preorder now - https://sites.prh.com/the-windsor-aff...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 4, 2026It’s me, not the book. Didn’t feel like I was getting anything new here and I think I am just over the concept of monarchy and people being born into power and rule
December 1, 2025
There is so much juicy drama in this book and it is all based on real facts! I have read books about Elizabeth II but I had no idea the extent of the scandal that her uncle and her parents were involved in.
This novel is primarily told from the perspectives of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married to second son Bertie, and Wallis, an American divorcée, who is involved with Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne. Mary the mother of both men also shares insight into the story in a couple of chapters. Both Elizabeth and Wallis share their stories about how their rivalry began and how it had a huge effect on not only their lives but on England. This story fascinated me as I really did not know much of it. I honestly felt like I could have been watching a soap opera as it was filled with so many jaw dropping details of what happened between them. Although I was rooting for Elizabeth because I could relate more to her, I appreciated the backstory on Wallis. I completely understood why she was the way she was based on what happened to her in the past.
This was a fascinating read that I devoured in one day. If you have ever been interested in the royal family, I highly recommend this novel and all the drama that happened in the past!
Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
This novel is primarily told from the perspectives of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married to second son Bertie, and Wallis, an American divorcée, who is involved with Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne. Mary the mother of both men also shares insight into the story in a couple of chapters. Both Elizabeth and Wallis share their stories about how their rivalry began and how it had a huge effect on not only their lives but on England. This story fascinated me as I really did not know much of it. I honestly felt like I could have been watching a soap opera as it was filled with so many jaw dropping details of what happened between them. Although I was rooting for Elizabeth because I could relate more to her, I appreciated the backstory on Wallis. I completely understood why she was the way she was based on what happened to her in the past.
This was a fascinating read that I devoured in one day. If you have ever been interested in the royal family, I highly recommend this novel and all the drama that happened in the past!
Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 4, 2026
4.25 stars The Windsor Affair is set against the backdrop of the abdication crisis. The conflict over the years between Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Wallis Simpson is explored in depth. It is well-written, well researched and a highly accurate portrayal of events. The dialogue is fiction and does it shine! This is a royal gossip girl spilling the tea for us to enjoy!
Benjamin writes with precision and shows the flaws and humanity of both women. I was transported to this era and two things about this story amazed me. First, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest running monarch in England's history. This would not have happened had David's relationship with Wallis and his abdication not occurred. Second, the parallels between the similar challenges of Americans Wallis Simpson and Meghan Markle in the royal family are striking.
This book is absolutely fabulous and I can't recommend it highly enough for lovers of historical fiction and fans of The Crown. The audiobook performance by Clare Corbett is absolute perfection!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Delacourte Press and Melanie Benjamin for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Benjamin writes with precision and shows the flaws and humanity of both women. I was transported to this era and two things about this story amazed me. First, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest running monarch in England's history. This would not have happened had David's relationship with Wallis and his abdication not occurred. Second, the parallels between the similar challenges of Americans Wallis Simpson and Meghan Markle in the royal family are striking.
This book is absolutely fabulous and I can't recommend it highly enough for lovers of historical fiction and fans of The Crown. The audiobook performance by Clare Corbett is absolute perfection!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Delacourte Press and Melanie Benjamin for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
A juicy histfic imagining of the fierce feud between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson, whose affair led to the abdication of King Edward VIII, which forced Elizabeth's husband Bertie to ascend to a throne he never wanted to occupy. I promise you won't be able to put this fiery emotional tale down!
July 6, 2026
As usual, Melanie Benjamin knocks it out of the park with a fascinating, snarky historical fiction. The novel explores the relationship between Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, as the former is the woman that inspires an abdication, and the latter, the woman who becomes Queen because of that decision. So well done! Great read for anyone who likes British history.
June 3, 2026
5 stars. WOW. As someone who can never resist a juicy family drama and all the complicated emotions that come with it, I absolutely loved how this book peeled back the polished royal image and revealed the messy relationships underneath. Seriously this book makes royal history feel like the most scandalous gossip column you’ve ever read.
At the center is the infamous love affair that shook the British monarchy; -King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée who made a king willing to give up his crown.
Then there’s Bertie his soon-to-be successor who never wanted it.
Told from both women’s perspectives, Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Benjamin humanizes these larger than life figures by showing their vulnerabilities, motivations, and fierce determination as they navigate an impossible situation under the relentless gaze of the public. This not only affecting them, but England also. I can’t tell you how many interesting things I picked up in this book, and am so glad I requested it. It’s definitely a must-read for anyone fascinated by the woman, the king, and the scandal that shook the crown. Be sure and read the authors note at the end telling what’s fiction vs real. Pub. 6/2/26
I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At the center is the infamous love affair that shook the British monarchy; -King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée who made a king willing to give up his crown.
Then there’s Bertie his soon-to-be successor who never wanted it.
Told from both women’s perspectives, Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Benjamin humanizes these larger than life figures by showing their vulnerabilities, motivations, and fierce determination as they navigate an impossible situation under the relentless gaze of the public. This not only affecting them, but England also. I can’t tell you how many interesting things I picked up in this book, and am so glad I requested it. It’s definitely a must-read for anyone fascinated by the woman, the king, and the scandal that shook the crown. Be sure and read the authors note at the end telling what’s fiction vs real. Pub. 6/2/26
I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2026
If you enjoy a bit of a juicy story involving the Royal Family this here is the book for you. It centers on the relationship of King Edward and Wallis Simpson and what led up to his decision to abdicate the throne.
A major focus of the book also involves the fractious relationship between Wallis Simpson and the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who ended up as Queen. It was interesting to read about the behind the scenes influence of women politically, as portrayed in the novel.
In reading this, the Royals often come across as frivolous, catty, and not very likable. Themes of the book include ambition, rivalry and marital issues. It often makes me wonder how the British people feel about footing the bill for much of the Royals' lifestyle of excess.
CA | Contains a small amount of foul language.
A major focus of the book also involves the fractious relationship between Wallis Simpson and the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who ended up as Queen. It was interesting to read about the behind the scenes influence of women politically, as portrayed in the novel.
In reading this, the Royals often come across as frivolous, catty, and not very likable. Themes of the book include ambition, rivalry and marital issues. It often makes me wonder how the British people feel about footing the bill for much of the Royals' lifestyle of excess.
CA | Contains a small amount of foul language.
June 26, 2026
This cover is terrible! Wallis always had jet black hair, and Elizabeth was, well, rounder. And Elizabeth wore fluffy dresses. But any ways..
There is really nothing new here, as far as information. At least to me, maybe to other less royal followers, it would be surprising. But, I really enjoyed it, the writing was very good.
There is really nothing new here, as far as information. At least to me, maybe to other less royal followers, it would be surprising. But, I really enjoyed it, the writing was very good.
July 1, 2026
This book centers on the relationship (and rivalry) between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the Queen Mother) and Wallis Simpson. I thought is was very fun and gossipy, and yet I still learned a lot. Recommend for anyone interested in 20th century historical fiction, the British royal family, or just a juicy book based on real events. Lagged for me a bit in the middle but otherwise was very interested. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy. 4 stars
June 9, 2026
4.5 ✨. Very enjoyable, gossipy story about the real life rivalry between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the Queen Mother) and Wallis Simpson. It's interesting to consider how profoundly the abdication of Edward VIII changed history for the Royal family. Considering that he and Wallis Simpson were Nazi sympathizers, perhaps even world history was affected. This was a fun and easy read, highly recommended.
December 18, 2025
The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin is a fabulous historical fiction that highlights one of England’s modern infamous rivalries between the Queen Mother and Wallis Simpson.
This is a great historical fiction that really delved into the complicated lives and interactions between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson.
I know a lot about the English Monarchy, and have read an in-depth biography of the Queen Mother, and definitely am on her side for sure, but it was still interesting to read a narrative that brings more of a personal, flawed, real, and human feel to both women. Being placed in their respective POVs gave me a completely new understanding to both women. I did not mind the alternating chapters, as the blueprint gave contrasting perspectives to the same situations. I totally devoured this gem.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/2/26.
This is a great historical fiction that really delved into the complicated lives and interactions between Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson.
I know a lot about the English Monarchy, and have read an in-depth biography of the Queen Mother, and definitely am on her side for sure, but it was still interesting to read a narrative that brings more of a personal, flawed, real, and human feel to both women. Being placed in their respective POVs gave me a completely new understanding to both women. I did not mind the alternating chapters, as the blueprint gave contrasting perspectives to the same situations. I totally devoured this gem.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/2/26.
June 4, 2026
If you enjoy juicy, gossipy family drama, jealous women, a royal family in turmoil and one very selfish American woman who has turned a whole family upside down well, The Windsor Affair is right for you.
Although historical fiction, Benjamin has researched the story of how the abdication of King Edward VIII came about as well as the uproar caused by his affair with Wallis Simpson, a married American who was already twice divorced. It also gives a glimpse into the longstanding feud between Queen Elizabeth who was married to King George VI after his brother gave up the throne and Wallis Simpson who they basically banished not only from the Royal Family, but from England along with her new husband who now had the title of Duke of Windsor...she was given the title of Dutchess of Windsor but it carried nothing with it. No curtsies or any power.
Make no mistake, in the 1930's Wallis Simpson wanted to be Queen of England. Make no mistake Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon would never, ever allow it. Thus started a feud between these two strong women which would last until their deaths...or close to one of their deaths.
Elizabeth who was married to The Duke of York disliked Wallis Simpson so much that she would only speak of her as "that woman". And Wallis did her best to start rumors about Elizaeth and her pedigree and she and Edward nick-named Elizabeth "Cookie"
Everything came to a head when King George dies suddenly, and Edward is thrust into the position of King. He was not ready for the role and perhaps never would be. He was a socializer with no real interest in working. He had also fallen madly in love with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was already married. When his brother died, he wanted to marry Wallis and make her the Queen. Needless to say, no one in England wanted that!
But Wallis did desperately want that, and she used every trick to get Edward to get her that job. The one thing she never imagined would happen was that he would abdicate. For her! She was crushed. Not only was she horrified but she was punished. She was told she would never hold a title, nor would anybody curtsy to her. And of course, she blamed Elizabeth who was now Queen because of Edward, and hated Wallis for what she caused the family, and she now certainly had the power to make their lives miserable. And that she did.
You see Edward lost everything (except Wallis) when he abdicated. He had no money, had to leave England and became a nomad of the rich and famous. Even his wedding to Wallis which was supposed to be this grand event only had a few guests because everybody was "busy". Begging his brother for money to satisfy Wallis' spending habits became his new job.
Unfortunately, this was the beginning of what everyone thought was this beautiful marriage, but the reality was it was filled with a naive husband, a jealous vindictive wife who was only happy when said husband bought her things with the money for these things he had to beg his brother for. They lived a humiliated life!
The rivalry between Queen Elizabeth and Wallis continued throughout the life of Edward. But it is said that their last correspondence was curious. What really did it mean?
The Windsor Affair is sensational in its stories, but really quite sad. You can't help but wonder what if Wallis did not insist she become Queen? What if she hadn't made an enemy of the new Queen? Although Wallis and Edward always looked the part, of being so in love, their lives were far from happy.
Thank you #NetGalley #DelacortePress #MelanieBenjamin #The WindsorAffair for the advanced copy.
Although historical fiction, Benjamin has researched the story of how the abdication of King Edward VIII came about as well as the uproar caused by his affair with Wallis Simpson, a married American who was already twice divorced. It also gives a glimpse into the longstanding feud between Queen Elizabeth who was married to King George VI after his brother gave up the throne and Wallis Simpson who they basically banished not only from the Royal Family, but from England along with her new husband who now had the title of Duke of Windsor...she was given the title of Dutchess of Windsor but it carried nothing with it. No curtsies or any power.
Make no mistake, in the 1930's Wallis Simpson wanted to be Queen of England. Make no mistake Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon would never, ever allow it. Thus started a feud between these two strong women which would last until their deaths...or close to one of their deaths.
Elizabeth who was married to The Duke of York disliked Wallis Simpson so much that she would only speak of her as "that woman". And Wallis did her best to start rumors about Elizaeth and her pedigree and she and Edward nick-named Elizabeth "Cookie"
Everything came to a head when King George dies suddenly, and Edward is thrust into the position of King. He was not ready for the role and perhaps never would be. He was a socializer with no real interest in working. He had also fallen madly in love with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was already married. When his brother died, he wanted to marry Wallis and make her the Queen. Needless to say, no one in England wanted that!
But Wallis did desperately want that, and she used every trick to get Edward to get her that job. The one thing she never imagined would happen was that he would abdicate. For her! She was crushed. Not only was she horrified but she was punished. She was told she would never hold a title, nor would anybody curtsy to her. And of course, she blamed Elizabeth who was now Queen because of Edward, and hated Wallis for what she caused the family, and she now certainly had the power to make their lives miserable. And that she did.
You see Edward lost everything (except Wallis) when he abdicated. He had no money, had to leave England and became a nomad of the rich and famous. Even his wedding to Wallis which was supposed to be this grand event only had a few guests because everybody was "busy". Begging his brother for money to satisfy Wallis' spending habits became his new job.
Unfortunately, this was the beginning of what everyone thought was this beautiful marriage, but the reality was it was filled with a naive husband, a jealous vindictive wife who was only happy when said husband bought her things with the money for these things he had to beg his brother for. They lived a humiliated life!
The rivalry between Queen Elizabeth and Wallis continued throughout the life of Edward. But it is said that their last correspondence was curious. What really did it mean?
The Windsor Affair is sensational in its stories, but really quite sad. You can't help but wonder what if Wallis did not insist she become Queen? What if she hadn't made an enemy of the new Queen? Although Wallis and Edward always looked the part, of being so in love, their lives were far from happy.
Thank you #NetGalley #DelacortePress #MelanieBenjamin #The WindsorAffair for the advanced copy.
June 6, 2026
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
This is the story of two strong women, one British royalty and the other a wannabe American. I'm talking about Queen Elizabeth and Wallis Simpson. Fans of the series about 'the crown' will enjoy Melanie Benjamin's take on the royals and Wallis as I did. I had always thought of Wallis and David as a great romance and love story, after all, King David gave up the crown for her. But now, I have so many questions, did Wallis really love David or was she a gold-digger, a social climber who was just interested in becoming the next queen of England? 3 stars June 2026 Pub Date.
This is the story of two strong women, one British royalty and the other a wannabe American. I'm talking about Queen Elizabeth and Wallis Simpson. Fans of the series about 'the crown' will enjoy Melanie Benjamin's take on the royals and Wallis as I did. I had always thought of Wallis and David as a great romance and love story, after all, King David gave up the crown for her. But now, I have so many questions, did Wallis really love David or was she a gold-digger, a social climber who was just interested in becoming the next queen of England? 3 stars June 2026 Pub Date.
June 9, 2026
4.5 I heartily recommend this entertaining yet informative novel about the Royals during the period of the abdication and WW2. At first I thought it to be too fluffy but I shortly got caught up in the character development and events in their lives. I couldn’t wait to see what they did and what they were feeling.
June 20, 2026
England’s golden boy had the world swooning over his abdicating a throne for love of a woman, but what of that woman from her perspective? And, what of the woman married to the younger brother who never wished to be king and was forced to hold the line during a dark, gritty war? Melanie Benjamin’s historical fiction works have long been on my radar and I was happy to finally slip in her latest dramatic and controversial situation, The Windsor Affair.
The Windsor Affair begins at the end with a chapter from 1946 before dipping back into the past of the 1930’s when Edward was a Prince and charming a nation. The women’s voices were both heard in alternating point of view with the occasional interjection from Queen Mary. The then young Elizabeth recalls him as a captivating person flitting in and out of her aristocratic circles for his preferred choice of a racier crowd. It was no wonder that Edward is much taken with the bewitching multi-divorcee American, Wallis, and Elizabeth turned her eyes to Edward’s younger brother, Bertie.
From the moment Wallis makes her bid for Edward- or rather, his status and wealth, she can be nothing, but enemy to Elizabeth. Looks, background, personalities, ideology… they were meant to clash and did. While Melanie Benjamin’s story is fiction set in a real-life place, time, and real people, the highly dramatic moments portrayed were sometimes enhanced or sheer fiction. The theft of Wallis’ jewels was an interesting side mystery that brought into stark relief Wallis and Elizabeth in how they reacted to the incident. These embittered women battled it out across the decades and then came to a final understanding in the end of mutual understanding, if never affection.
Ever since watching the King’s Speech and reading histories of Wallis cozying up to the Nazi party after insinuating herself in with Edward, I was going to be on Elizabeth’s side, but Melanie Benjamin’s portrayal of Wallis made it clear this was not a black and white affair. I loved the nuanced characterization and learned to feel some sympathy for Wallis.
To sum it up, this was a colorful and exciting rivalry set against a glittering and then gritty multi-decade historical period. I’ll be placing Melanie Benjamin’s backlist on my wish list and I can heartily recommend The Windsor Affair to historical fiction readers.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 6.11.26.
The Windsor Affair begins at the end with a chapter from 1946 before dipping back into the past of the 1930’s when Edward was a Prince and charming a nation. The women’s voices were both heard in alternating point of view with the occasional interjection from Queen Mary. The then young Elizabeth recalls him as a captivating person flitting in and out of her aristocratic circles for his preferred choice of a racier crowd. It was no wonder that Edward is much taken with the bewitching multi-divorcee American, Wallis, and Elizabeth turned her eyes to Edward’s younger brother, Bertie.
From the moment Wallis makes her bid for Edward- or rather, his status and wealth, she can be nothing, but enemy to Elizabeth. Looks, background, personalities, ideology… they were meant to clash and did. While Melanie Benjamin’s story is fiction set in a real-life place, time, and real people, the highly dramatic moments portrayed were sometimes enhanced or sheer fiction. The theft of Wallis’ jewels was an interesting side mystery that brought into stark relief Wallis and Elizabeth in how they reacted to the incident. These embittered women battled it out across the decades and then came to a final understanding in the end of mutual understanding, if never affection.
Ever since watching the King’s Speech and reading histories of Wallis cozying up to the Nazi party after insinuating herself in with Edward, I was going to be on Elizabeth’s side, but Melanie Benjamin’s portrayal of Wallis made it clear this was not a black and white affair. I loved the nuanced characterization and learned to feel some sympathy for Wallis.
To sum it up, this was a colorful and exciting rivalry set against a glittering and then gritty multi-decade historical period. I’ll be placing Melanie Benjamin’s backlist on my wish list and I can heartily recommend The Windsor Affair to historical fiction readers.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 6.11.26.
Review of advance copy
It is a rarity among historical fiction authors that they portray their subjects in character, even when that character isn't very pleasant, instead of simply telling a girl power feminism story. Clare McHugh does this well, as does C.W. Gortner, and with this, my second Melanie Benjamin book, I can add another to that list.
I should have known when I read The Girls in the Picture years ago and loved it, despite the silent film days being a subject I have less than zero interest in, that she would do well with a subject I have a ton of interest in: the Abdication Crisis of 1937.
I don't really consider myself a royal watcher, unlike some people who keep up with all the gossip about the Princess of Wales and can recognize tiaras on sight, but this specific event has it ALL, because to this day nobody does drama like the House of Windsor. There is high stakes, gossip, petty drama, symbolism, political maneuvering, all against the backdrop of the looming war with Nazi Germany.
These days, since The Crown and books and documentaries detailing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's ties to Nazi Germany, it is less and less likely that people are sympathetic to them, but it is still somewhat unusual to see it so obviously portrayed that this great love story of all time was almost completely one-sided. Fiction about Wallis Simpson needs to walk a very, very thin line of showing her as exactly who she was, a conniving, selfish, manipulative, power-hungry woman who used people for her own wealth, power and social standing regardless of any other factors (such as being Adolf Hitler), who ended up tied for life to an emotionally stunted man who was obsessively, cloyingly in love with her, and would almost certainly have stalked her to the ends of the earth had she tried to leave him. The portrayal succeeds here, better than any I've seen, even in The Crown, which was more interested in its portrayal of the Duke than the Duchess. His obsessive love is contrasted nicely with her eventual disdain as she finds out more and more about who she is expected to live her life with.
(I must, despite the issues with the show, shout out Alex Jennings' performance as the Duke of Windsor, which is extremely underrated next to the other star turns in that show. He managed to fully sell the melancholy, childishness and patheticness of the erstwhile Edward VIII not only well, but make it into a fascinating character study despite only appearing in a few episodes).
Wallis here is shown as hard scrabbling, desperate to do anything to escape the sort of genteel poverty she grew up in, using people and discarding them and vapidly interested almost exclusively in jewels, clothes, entertaining and who she can glom on to next. Her history with both ex-husbands is beautifully told, giving some background to why she acts the way she does. Her eventual disgust with the childish and damaged Duke of Windsor, the frivolous and meaningless existence they lived for the decades after the war, her anger at both the Family and her husband for the way it all played out, is spot on.
The portrayal of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who I don't suppose we can still call the Queen Mother but I admit I have an impossible time seeing her any other way, is equally well done. The steel and strength behind two rulers during the hardest times of the country's history, for better or for worse, comes through here, hidden behind the cozy layer of domesticity and charming (later, jolly) smile everyone knew from her public image, balanced perfectly. She grows here from a charming debutante to a domestically happy wife and mother to a reigning queen so naturally the reader only realizes it when she does, and then on to a savvy political operator behind the scenes once her daughter is queen. The relationship between her and her husband, portrayed here as growing into love after their marriage, is one interpretation. Famous for the strength of their marriage, this may not be entirely accurate, but also may not be too far off. Interpretation varies - after all, Elizabeth did refuse Bertie three times. I suspect some readers who remember the Queen Mum might be surprised at the ruthlessness shown in her character here, but that is what it takes to navigate a monarchy that operates entirely in soft power, and whether you agree with her or not, she was good at it. But her grudge and anger at the Windsors is the throughline of this book, also true to life as she blamed the abdication for her husband's early death, and rightly so. Though, of course, the alternative would have been far worse.* The Crown does usually find its way to the right head, or at the very least, off the wrong one.
The few quibbles I have are mostly related to pacing. Obviously the lion's share of this book is taken up by the abdication itself, leaving the war and aftermath a little rushed. Not overly so, and I will say that the summary chapters of the King and Queen's actions during the war are remarkably effective, getting the atmosphere and mood of the war years across well in only a few pages. I have seen some people surprised that Charles III has, as far as we can tell, somewhat left of center if slightly idiosyncratic personal politics. One must remember that he comes, in his direct line, from some of the most committed anti-fascists of WWII. Whatever else you can say about Britain's royal family, and there is quite a lot you can, that reputation was wholly, entirely hard-earned.
The pacing of those years when it comes to the Windsors was slightly less well done, which is a shame, because they are where the interest is and questions still lie. I was worried, initially, that their ties to Nazi Germany would be glossed over, and they weren't, but they were a little more hurried than I would like. Wallis's daily flowers from Hitler's ambassador to Britain are mentioned, though the affair she was having with him was not, which I thought it should have been. As should the third affair she was having. I suspect the Duke's later ties to Hitler were mentioned less deeply than I would like because there is still a lot that is not known about that time. The Windsors certainly did visit Germany and toured early concentration camps, they certainly knew of Hitler's plan to re-install them as King and Queen once he defeated Britain, the Duke did publicly state that Hitler should bomb Britain into submission, but like many Nazi-era things, it is difficult to know how far any of these plans actually got. Were they something that was discussed and discarded as Hitler got distracted? Was it one inner circle member's pet project that got superceded when someone else rose in prominence? Was it a full plan that the Duke was a more active part of? Any one of these is plausible, but until more evidence comes to light, the most that can be said with certainty is that the Windsors were active Nazi sympathizers. I did particularly enjoy Wallis's reaction to the full knowledge of what Nazi Germany was doing in its camps, because it was essentially to wish they could all think about something more pleasant, which felt extremely true to life for me.
Probably the real reason for this is that the book would have had to be twice as long if it all was included, and while I happily would have read this book if it was 600 pages, probably most people would not have, and what was here is more than enough for readers looking for their fix of Windsor drama.
My final thought is that I thoroughly enjoyed the occasional interjection by Queen Mary, and only wished there had been more, because THERE is someone who was the steel behind the throne for decades. I've said before that Queen Mary, born in a German province, betrothed to second-in-line Prince Eddy during Victoria's reign, handed over to his younger brother when he died unexpectedly, ruled during WWI, the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression as one-half of the power couple that made the dynasty what it is today, lived through the abdication, WWII and its aftermath, outlived three of her children, and still lived to see her granddaughter become queen, is the most fascinating royal of the century. Why no one has written a book about her is a question for the ages.
*Given that Edward's Nazi sympathies were well-known before his abdication, I fully believe that the Royal Family, the government and anyone else behind the scenes in Britain seized the opportunity to maneuver him off the throne when it presented itself, while making sure not to look like that was what they were doing.
I should have known when I read The Girls in the Picture years ago and loved it, despite the silent film days being a subject I have less than zero interest in, that she would do well with a subject I have a ton of interest in: the Abdication Crisis of 1937.
I don't really consider myself a royal watcher, unlike some people who keep up with all the gossip about the Princess of Wales and can recognize tiaras on sight, but this specific event has it ALL, because to this day nobody does drama like the House of Windsor. There is high stakes, gossip, petty drama, symbolism, political maneuvering, all against the backdrop of the looming war with Nazi Germany.
These days, since The Crown and books and documentaries detailing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's ties to Nazi Germany, it is less and less likely that people are sympathetic to them, but it is still somewhat unusual to see it so obviously portrayed that this great love story of all time was almost completely one-sided. Fiction about Wallis Simpson needs to walk a very, very thin line of showing her as exactly who she was, a conniving, selfish, manipulative, power-hungry woman who used people for her own wealth, power and social standing regardless of any other factors (such as being Adolf Hitler), who ended up tied for life to an emotionally stunted man who was obsessively, cloyingly in love with her, and would almost certainly have stalked her to the ends of the earth had she tried to leave him. The portrayal succeeds here, better than any I've seen, even in The Crown, which was more interested in its portrayal of the Duke than the Duchess. His obsessive love is contrasted nicely with her eventual disdain as she finds out more and more about who she is expected to live her life with.
(I must, despite the issues with the show, shout out Alex Jennings' performance as the Duke of Windsor, which is extremely underrated next to the other star turns in that show. He managed to fully sell the melancholy, childishness and patheticness of the erstwhile Edward VIII not only well, but make it into a fascinating character study despite only appearing in a few episodes).
Wallis here is shown as hard scrabbling, desperate to do anything to escape the sort of genteel poverty she grew up in, using people and discarding them and vapidly interested almost exclusively in jewels, clothes, entertaining and who she can glom on to next. Her history with both ex-husbands is beautifully told, giving some background to why she acts the way she does. Her eventual disgust with the childish and damaged Duke of Windsor, the frivolous and meaningless existence they lived for the decades after the war, her anger at both the Family and her husband for the way it all played out, is spot on.
The portrayal of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who I don't suppose we can still call the Queen Mother but I admit I have an impossible time seeing her any other way, is equally well done. The steel and strength behind two rulers during the hardest times of the country's history, for better or for worse, comes through here, hidden behind the cozy layer of domesticity and charming (later, jolly) smile everyone knew from her public image, balanced perfectly. She grows here from a charming debutante to a domestically happy wife and mother to a reigning queen so naturally the reader only realizes it when she does, and then on to a savvy political operator behind the scenes once her daughter is queen. The relationship between her and her husband, portrayed here as growing into love after their marriage, is one interpretation. Famous for the strength of their marriage, this may not be entirely accurate, but also may not be too far off. Interpretation varies - after all, Elizabeth did refuse Bertie three times. I suspect some readers who remember the Queen Mum might be surprised at the ruthlessness shown in her character here, but that is what it takes to navigate a monarchy that operates entirely in soft power, and whether you agree with her or not, she was good at it. But her grudge and anger at the Windsors is the throughline of this book, also true to life as she blamed the abdication for her husband's early death, and rightly so. Though, of course, the alternative would have been far worse.* The Crown does usually find its way to the right head, or at the very least, off the wrong one.
The few quibbles I have are mostly related to pacing. Obviously the lion's share of this book is taken up by the abdication itself, leaving the war and aftermath a little rushed. Not overly so, and I will say that the summary chapters of the King and Queen's actions during the war are remarkably effective, getting the atmosphere and mood of the war years across well in only a few pages. I have seen some people surprised that Charles III has, as far as we can tell, somewhat left of center if slightly idiosyncratic personal politics. One must remember that he comes, in his direct line, from some of the most committed anti-fascists of WWII. Whatever else you can say about Britain's royal family, and there is quite a lot you can, that reputation was wholly, entirely hard-earned.
The pacing of those years when it comes to the Windsors was slightly less well done, which is a shame, because they are where the interest is and questions still lie. I was worried, initially, that their ties to Nazi Germany would be glossed over, and they weren't, but they were a little more hurried than I would like. Wallis's daily flowers from Hitler's ambassador to Britain are mentioned, though the affair she was having with him was not, which I thought it should have been. As should the third affair she was having. I suspect the Duke's later ties to Hitler were mentioned less deeply than I would like because there is still a lot that is not known about that time. The Windsors certainly did visit Germany and toured early concentration camps, they certainly knew of Hitler's plan to re-install them as King and Queen once he defeated Britain, the Duke did publicly state that Hitler should bomb Britain into submission, but like many Nazi-era things, it is difficult to know how far any of these plans actually got. Were they something that was discussed and discarded as Hitler got distracted? Was it one inner circle member's pet project that got superceded when someone else rose in prominence? Was it a full plan that the Duke was a more active part of? Any one of these is plausible, but until more evidence comes to light, the most that can be said with certainty is that the Windsors were active Nazi sympathizers. I did particularly enjoy Wallis's reaction to the full knowledge of what Nazi Germany was doing in its camps, because it was essentially to wish they could all think about something more pleasant, which felt extremely true to life for me.
Probably the real reason for this is that the book would have had to be twice as long if it all was included, and while I happily would have read this book if it was 600 pages, probably most people would not have, and what was here is more than enough for readers looking for their fix of Windsor drama.
My final thought is that I thoroughly enjoyed the occasional interjection by Queen Mary, and only wished there had been more, because THERE is someone who was the steel behind the throne for decades. I've said before that Queen Mary, born in a German province, betrothed to second-in-line Prince Eddy during Victoria's reign, handed over to his younger brother when he died unexpectedly, ruled during WWI, the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression as one-half of the power couple that made the dynasty what it is today, lived through the abdication, WWII and its aftermath, outlived three of her children, and still lived to see her granddaughter become queen, is the most fascinating royal of the century. Why no one has written a book about her is a question for the ages.
*Given that Edward's Nazi sympathies were well-known before his abdication, I fully believe that the Royal Family, the government and anyone else behind the scenes in Britain seized the opportunity to maneuver him off the throne when it presented itself, while making sure not to look like that was what they were doing.
June 6, 2026
Two women at the center of the scandal of the century
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, daughter of Scottish nobility, had a mad crush on David, heir to the British throne, but eventually realized that her affections were not and would never be returned. David's brother, the less dashing Bertie, was another story all together...he was madly in love with Elizabeth and pursued her until she agreed to marry him. David was attracted to slender, stylish married women and was involved with quite a few until he met the socially ambitious Wallis Simpson, who was not only married but was divorced from an earlier husband and American to boot. As different from one another in background, in looks and in manner as they could be, these two women did share a few traits in common....and their relationships with the two royal brothers would mean that the lives of both would be forever linked to one another,and to the crisis caused by David (by then King Edward VIII) abdicating the British throne in 1936. Through many decades the two women feuded bitterly against a backdrop of ambitions, war, gossip and more.
The Windsor Affair is a work of historical fiction which weaves author Melanie Benjamin's interpretations of facts and speculations on the overall situation together to form a glamorous, scandalous story. Most readers will know at least the bare bones of the tale...the handsome, somewhat feckless prince who was one of the world's most eligible bachelors but was drawn to dalliances with women who were not acceptable royal brides meets a stylish woman with a checkered past who set her sights on snagging him. The royal family made their strong disapproval of Wallis, aka That Woman, and the relationship clear, but David was determined to marry her and make her his Queen. His refusal to see how impossible that was led ultimately to his abandonment of the throne and the elevation of his younger brother Bertie to King, a role which Bertie didn't want and was not particularly well suited (at least not at first). It also made Elizabeth the Queen and put the continued existence of the monarchy into question. One of the most interesting facets of the book for me was seeing Elizabeth not as the plump cheeked, beloved grandmotherly Queen Mother whom I had seen over the years, but as a young somewhat silly debutante, a young married woman conscious of not having been born royal, and someone more than a little threatened by the more chic and stylized interloper. I also learned a bit more about Wallis's background, which put into context her determination to achieve social acceptance and a level of wealth that would insulate her from the challenges faced both by her widowed mother and by her own early abusive marriage. The novel has plenty of scandal and gossip, glamour and history, and its lead characters are complex, flawed but ultimately empathetic, Those who enjoy reading about the Royal Family, fans of The Crown and The King's Speech, and readers of Marie Benedict, Allison Pataki and Kate Quinn will all find this an engaging and enjoyable read. My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books/Delacorte Press for allowing me access to this fascinating tale in exchange for my honest review.
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, daughter of Scottish nobility, had a mad crush on David, heir to the British throne, but eventually realized that her affections were not and would never be returned. David's brother, the less dashing Bertie, was another story all together...he was madly in love with Elizabeth and pursued her until she agreed to marry him. David was attracted to slender, stylish married women and was involved with quite a few until he met the socially ambitious Wallis Simpson, who was not only married but was divorced from an earlier husband and American to boot. As different from one another in background, in looks and in manner as they could be, these two women did share a few traits in common....and their relationships with the two royal brothers would mean that the lives of both would be forever linked to one another,and to the crisis caused by David (by then King Edward VIII) abdicating the British throne in 1936. Through many decades the two women feuded bitterly against a backdrop of ambitions, war, gossip and more.
The Windsor Affair is a work of historical fiction which weaves author Melanie Benjamin's interpretations of facts and speculations on the overall situation together to form a glamorous, scandalous story. Most readers will know at least the bare bones of the tale...the handsome, somewhat feckless prince who was one of the world's most eligible bachelors but was drawn to dalliances with women who were not acceptable royal brides meets a stylish woman with a checkered past who set her sights on snagging him. The royal family made their strong disapproval of Wallis, aka That Woman, and the relationship clear, but David was determined to marry her and make her his Queen. His refusal to see how impossible that was led ultimately to his abandonment of the throne and the elevation of his younger brother Bertie to King, a role which Bertie didn't want and was not particularly well suited (at least not at first). It also made Elizabeth the Queen and put the continued existence of the monarchy into question. One of the most interesting facets of the book for me was seeing Elizabeth not as the plump cheeked, beloved grandmotherly Queen Mother whom I had seen over the years, but as a young somewhat silly debutante, a young married woman conscious of not having been born royal, and someone more than a little threatened by the more chic and stylized interloper. I also learned a bit more about Wallis's background, which put into context her determination to achieve social acceptance and a level of wealth that would insulate her from the challenges faced both by her widowed mother and by her own early abusive marriage. The novel has plenty of scandal and gossip, glamour and history, and its lead characters are complex, flawed but ultimately empathetic, Those who enjoy reading about the Royal Family, fans of The Crown and The King's Speech, and readers of Marie Benedict, Allison Pataki and Kate Quinn will all find this an engaging and enjoyable read. My thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books/Delacorte Press for allowing me access to this fascinating tale in exchange for my honest review.
June 24, 2026
A fascinating reimagining of the rivalry between American socialite Wallace Simpson and Queen consort, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Melanie Benjamin delivers a well-researched, compelling narrative of the years before and after WWII told through the eyes of the major Royal players of the day. Anyone who loved The Crown is sure to enjoy this scandalous look at the lives of these royals and while I thought I knew a lot, Benjamin really fleshes out Simpson's greedy, social climbing ways and how rocky her relationship was with David, Prince of Wales who abdicated the throne to be with a divorced American. Highly recommended, especially for fans of books like The woman before Wallis or The Shadow Queen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2026
This was an entertaining soap opera of a historical novel that captured the upheaval of the love affair and abdication of King Edward VIII. Nicely written and well researched, it’s hard not to enjoy the “cat fight” between Elizabeth, the queen consort, and Wallace Simpson. Informative and fun summer read.
June 8, 2026
5* loved this one….
June 17, 2026
I'm a sucker for a book about the British monarchy!
June 13, 2026
If you were enthralled by (or just couldn't bear to look away from) the drama between Princes William and Harry and their respective spouses, you will absolutely enjoy this fantastic dual tale of the two women at the heart of a previous royal feud, also wives of two princely brothers. Melanie Benjamin hits this one out of the park with its witty and gossipy tone portraying the characters of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later known as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mum) and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
I absolutely loved this book! While covering some serious subjects (or so they were considered at the time), the characters of Elizabeth and Wallis were absolutely fabulous in their mutual bitchiness. I had so much fun listening to it. Clare Corbett did an amazing job with the voices of both women.
For any royal watcher and fan!
I absolutely loved this book! While covering some serious subjects (or so they were considered at the time), the characters of Elizabeth and Wallis were absolutely fabulous in their mutual bitchiness. I had so much fun listening to it. Clare Corbett did an amazing job with the voices of both women.
For any royal watcher and fan!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've never actually finished a Melanie Benjamin book. I've picked up a couple - the topics are always fascinating women throughout history in interesting time periods, about whom I've already got some interest and have already read nonfiction, so the thought of a novel intrigues me. Oh, and the covers are always really cool. I start reading with great interest, only to find that these read more like nonfiction - which wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that there is not new information included so much as a rehashing of the established historical information.
If I didn't know anything about these women that probably wouldn't bother me. But since I usually do, I'm looking for more from historical fiction than a gap-filled recitation of the history - in other words, I'm looking for more fiction. I'm probably in the minority in this regard, and I understand and appreciate the research and effort put into keeping these historically accurate - but for me as a reader that means they often fall flat because I am already familiar with the material and without a new slant, I find my interest flagging about a third of the way in every time. Such was the case here.
These are two fascinating women. They hated each other. There were understandable reasons for that given both of their backgrounds and family lives, but after 150 pages of snarking back and forth, I was losing interest in the mean girl social hierarchy sniping - and I hadn't even hit the Abdication yet... If theirs are not stories you're familiar with, this is a great way to dig into them. Benjamin's writing is very accessible and she presents the history with a clear and colorful tone. But as someone who was already more than passingly familiar with the two women's lives, I found myself wanting more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
If I didn't know anything about these women that probably wouldn't bother me. But since I usually do, I'm looking for more from historical fiction than a gap-filled recitation of the history - in other words, I'm looking for more fiction. I'm probably in the minority in this regard, and I understand and appreciate the research and effort put into keeping these historically accurate - but for me as a reader that means they often fall flat because I am already familiar with the material and without a new slant, I find my interest flagging about a third of the way in every time. Such was the case here.
These are two fascinating women. They hated each other. There were understandable reasons for that given both of their backgrounds and family lives, but after 150 pages of snarking back and forth, I was losing interest in the mean girl social hierarchy sniping - and I hadn't even hit the Abdication yet... If theirs are not stories you're familiar with, this is a great way to dig into them. Benjamin's writing is very accessible and she presents the history with a clear and colorful tone. But as someone who was already more than passingly familiar with the two women's lives, I found myself wanting more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
June 14, 2026
The Windsor Affair tells of the rivalry between Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother. Before she became Queen, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was the Duchess of York. She had a great friendship with Edward, the Prince of Wales. However, Elizabeth strongly dislikes Prince Edward’s mistress, Wallis Simpson who was an American and a divorcee. When Edward becomes King, he decides to abdicate his throne so he could marry Wallis. This event forces Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon to become queen.
I have read a couple biographies of Wallis Simpson and a biography of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. They both strongly disliked each other for decades. Wallis Simpson wanted to become the Queen of England. However, Parliament disapproved of her being Queen. Prince Edward had to choose the throne or a woman. However, Wallis did not want Edward to abdicate. Her greatest wish and regret was for Prince Edward to remain on the throne. Her rival, Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, never wanted to be Queen. She blamed Wallis Simpson for making her Queen and believed that her husband’s early death was because of Wallis Simpson. Throughout the span of many decades, both Wallis and Elizabeth strongly disliked each other, and did not make amends until the very end.
Overall, this book is about marriage, ambition, and rivalry. I found all of the characters to be very well-written and seem true to their historical counterparts. Sometimes, Elizabeth and Wallis could be dislikable at times. However, I thought their royal feud was interesting. I also like how this book focuses on the scandal of the royal family! I thought the writing style was very engaging and easy to read! It was also meticulously researched! It was also very fast-paced and juicy read! There was enough gossip and glitz and glamour to keep me turning the pages! The Windsor Affair is perfect for fans of royalty! I recommend this book for fans of The Queen’s Secret, The Shadow Queen, and The Duchess!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
I have read a couple biographies of Wallis Simpson and a biography of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. They both strongly disliked each other for decades. Wallis Simpson wanted to become the Queen of England. However, Parliament disapproved of her being Queen. Prince Edward had to choose the throne or a woman. However, Wallis did not want Edward to abdicate. Her greatest wish and regret was for Prince Edward to remain on the throne. Her rival, Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, never wanted to be Queen. She blamed Wallis Simpson for making her Queen and believed that her husband’s early death was because of Wallis Simpson. Throughout the span of many decades, both Wallis and Elizabeth strongly disliked each other, and did not make amends until the very end.
Overall, this book is about marriage, ambition, and rivalry. I found all of the characters to be very well-written and seem true to their historical counterparts. Sometimes, Elizabeth and Wallis could be dislikable at times. However, I thought their royal feud was interesting. I also like how this book focuses on the scandal of the royal family! I thought the writing style was very engaging and easy to read! It was also meticulously researched! It was also very fast-paced and juicy read! There was enough gossip and glitz and glamour to keep me turning the pages! The Windsor Affair is perfect for fans of royalty! I recommend this book for fans of The Queen’s Secret, The Shadow Queen, and The Duchess!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
March 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: My true gauge in historical fiction is how much I have to look up while I read. I did a lot of research during this one. The bent of the novel is towards Elizabeth while vilifying Wallis. Overall, not a bad take and I laughed at time over Elizabeth’s pettiness and behind the scenes machinations. Wallis is portrayed as a woman looking for fame and riches. When she falls into an affair with David (soon to be King Edward VIII) she thinks she is set for the life of a mistress. Her presence horrifies Elizabeth and Bertie (later, King George VI). While shy Bertie is a little more kind toward his older brother, Elizabeth makes it her goal to get Wallis banished. The abdication starts the ball rolling toward a lifetime of estrangement.
The war years were interesting to read about. While it solidified the King and Queen’s place in British history, David and Wallis spent a lot of time courting Hitler and other Germans. This was one of the things I looked up….because it was more than a little shocking. Wallis’s eventual descent into anger and spite due to being exiled from England and cut off from the riches and jewel she coveted was apparent and not what the “signed up for”.
Overall a great fictionalized account of this time period and the people involved. It kept me interested and made me think about historical events in a new way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.
The war years were interesting to read about. While it solidified the King and Queen’s place in British history, David and Wallis spent a lot of time courting Hitler and other Germans. This was one of the things I looked up….because it was more than a little shocking. Wallis’s eventual descent into anger and spite due to being exiled from England and cut off from the riches and jewel she coveted was apparent and not what the “signed up for”.
Overall a great fictionalized account of this time period and the people involved. It kept me interested and made me think about historical events in a new way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.
May 26, 2026
The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin is a juicy historical fiction novel featuring the rivalry between Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and Wallis Simpson, the twice divorced American who helped cause a constitutional crisis. The novel is told from both of their points of view, which offers a behind the scenes look at their gossiping and backstabbing. The jealousy and cattiness feels authentic and is so entertaining. I enjoyed how the author portrayed them as the real brains behind their husbands. And thought she did a tremendous job describing each of the women as a “mean girl” but also deserving of sympathy.
I’m always drawn to historical tales of complicated women, and this novel certainly didn't disappoint. I had a vague sense of Wallis Simpson’s notoriety, and gossip stories about her, but not the rivalry between the women. I thought it was fascinating and couldn’t help looking up various conspiracy theories as I was reading. I was also amazed by the similarities between the way the British royal family and press treated Wallis and Meghan Markle.
I've now read five books by this author, and can confidently say she always delivers. This story provided a captivating glimpse into the British royal family's behind-the-scenes dynamics during a highly turbulent historical period. Historical fiction lovers, I recommend adding this absorbing story to your summer reading list!
Available 6/2/26
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own
I’m always drawn to historical tales of complicated women, and this novel certainly didn't disappoint. I had a vague sense of Wallis Simpson’s notoriety, and gossip stories about her, but not the rivalry between the women. I thought it was fascinating and couldn’t help looking up various conspiracy theories as I was reading. I was also amazed by the similarities between the way the British royal family and press treated Wallis and Meghan Markle.
I've now read five books by this author, and can confidently say she always delivers. This story provided a captivating glimpse into the British royal family's behind-the-scenes dynamics during a highly turbulent historical period. Historical fiction lovers, I recommend adding this absorbing story to your summer reading list!
Available 6/2/26
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own
June 3, 2026
I found this book to be a fascinating look at England’s royal history. It’s interesting to read now and compare the situation with Prince Harry and the precedent that was set with Edward David Windsor.
Edward David Windsor was next in line to be King. He was single and had a history of affairs with married women. When he met Wallis Simpson, she was married. Eventually she got a divorce and became David’s mistress.
Then the King dies and David claims he will not be crowned without Wallis at his side. The Royal Family was not going to allow a twice-divorced American woman to be crowned Queen.
At the center of this controversy was the Queen mother and Elizabeth, wife of David’s younger brother Albert. Albert, being shy and having a stutter, was not clamoring for the crown. However as the situation grew more contentious, that is exactly what happened. Elizabeth helped Albert along the way with his speeches and dealing with the public.
Through the years, Elizabeth and Wallis have a chilly relationship and no warm regard for each other. Many years later, they each see that they were more similar than they had realized.
One interesting thought about the book is how David and Wallis were so fond of the Germans. If he had been King, how would that have affected WWII?
I really enjoyed this book and recommend to any readers who love historical fiction and reading about the Royal family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and offer my honest review.
Edward David Windsor was next in line to be King. He was single and had a history of affairs with married women. When he met Wallis Simpson, she was married. Eventually she got a divorce and became David’s mistress.
Then the King dies and David claims he will not be crowned without Wallis at his side. The Royal Family was not going to allow a twice-divorced American woman to be crowned Queen.
At the center of this controversy was the Queen mother and Elizabeth, wife of David’s younger brother Albert. Albert, being shy and having a stutter, was not clamoring for the crown. However as the situation grew more contentious, that is exactly what happened. Elizabeth helped Albert along the way with his speeches and dealing with the public.
Through the years, Elizabeth and Wallis have a chilly relationship and no warm regard for each other. Many years later, they each see that they were more similar than they had realized.
One interesting thought about the book is how David and Wallis were so fond of the Germans. If he had been King, how would that have affected WWII?
I really enjoyed this book and recommend to any readers who love historical fiction and reading about the Royal family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and offer my honest review.
June 8, 2026
The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin is a recounting of the “romance” between David Windsor, heir apparent to the King of England, and Wallis Simpson. It is the romance that nearly broke a monarchy. It is told from several viewpoints, including that of Wallis. It is the story of a deeply unhappy woman who has chased something her entire life. She never knew what it was, she just knew she never found it. It is also the story of a man distinctly unqualified to become king, who not only did his duty but did it well, far beyond any expectations. It is the story of the those around both of them.
It is kind of a heartbreaking novel. Simpson is so maladjusted and miserable. Always searching. She had kind of a challenging childhood, which we revisited. Was that what caused he disfunction? I am old enough to be aware of this entire situation, although not old enough to remember it. It was a well-done retelling of the story, personalizing it. It appeared to follow the story accurately, indicating some serious research. It was an entertaining and interesting novel.
I was invited to read The Windsor Affair by Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #MelanieBenjamin #TheWindsorAffair
It is kind of a heartbreaking novel. Simpson is so maladjusted and miserable. Always searching. She had kind of a challenging childhood, which we revisited. Was that what caused he disfunction? I am old enough to be aware of this entire situation, although not old enough to remember it. It was a well-done retelling of the story, personalizing it. It appeared to follow the story accurately, indicating some serious research. It was an entertaining and interesting novel.
I was invited to read The Windsor Affair by Ballantine. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Ballantine #MelanieBenjamin #TheWindsorAffair
June 9, 2026
We have all heard about the King who abdicated to marry his true love. But was it true love? What about the brothers - the one who was born to be king and the one who was never prepared to be king? What about the two women who married these two brothers. Author Melanie Benjamin dives into all the juicy behind the scenes look into these couples.
I think history shows that the better brother became the king with the love and support and strength of his wife. It also brought us the longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth. But for the parents of these two brothers, you can understand their angst. The family watched the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, come into David's life and seemingly control him for her own wealth and power. But there is so much more behind the scenes of each of these that Benjamin uncovers in this book. As one who thought I knew the story, there was more.
My thanks to Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the advanced copy of this e-book.
I think history shows that the better brother became the king with the love and support and strength of his wife. It also brought us the longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth. But for the parents of these two brothers, you can understand their angst. The family watched the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, come into David's life and seemingly control him for her own wealth and power. But there is so much more behind the scenes of each of these that Benjamin uncovers in this book. As one who thought I knew the story, there was more.
My thanks to Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the advanced copy of this e-book.
June 16, 2026
For the first time, the story of the Windsors is told from the perspective of the two women most involved, the strong supportive forces behind the kings, the women who helped change and shape history-Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons and Wallis Simpson. This fictional depiction of conversations imagined (and also reported on) around some of the most famous events of the day-from dancing with the Prince of Wales to turning down the future king's proposal three times to the abdication and World War Two, Melanie Benjamin takes readers through the glamour and turbulent times that saw the future Queen Mother and Duchess of Windsor cross paths, forever linked by scandal and their love for two very different brothers. Told in alternating chapters and perspectives, readers learn more about Wallis's backstory and troubled marriages while Elizabeth was the darling of society and pursued by the Duke of York. Both women enjoyed the good life, gossiping and despising each other. However, at the heart of The Windsor Affair, is the story of family, strong women and lasting legacies. This novel is so well researched and while you can't help compare what happened nearly a century ago to more modern events in the British Monarchy, it is refreshing to see it told from the perspective of the two women at the center of the story. Well written and thought provoking, I didn't want it to end. 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
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