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Another Woman's Husband
Two women who challenged a royal dynasty.
Divided by time. Bound by a secret...
1911
At the age of fifteen, carefree Mary Kirk and indomitable Wallis Warfield meet at summer camp. Their friendship will survive heartbreaks, separation and the demands of the British Crown until it is shattered by one unforgivable betrayal.
1997
Rachel's romantic break in Paris with her fiance ends in tragedy when the car ahead crashes. Inside was Princess Diana. Back in Brighton, Rachel is haunted by the accident, and intrigued to learn the princess had visited the last home of Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, only hours before the crash. Soon, the discovery of a long-forgotten link to Wallis Simpson leads Rachel to the truth behind a scandal that shook the world...
Richly imagined and beautifully written, ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND is a gripping, moving novel about two women thrust into the spotlight, followed by scandal, touched by loss.
Divided by time. Bound by a secret...
1911
At the age of fifteen, carefree Mary Kirk and indomitable Wallis Warfield meet at summer camp. Their friendship will survive heartbreaks, separation and the demands of the British Crown until it is shattered by one unforgivable betrayal.
1997
Rachel's romantic break in Paris with her fiance ends in tragedy when the car ahead crashes. Inside was Princess Diana. Back in Brighton, Rachel is haunted by the accident, and intrigued to learn the princess had visited the last home of Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, only hours before the crash. Soon, the discovery of a long-forgotten link to Wallis Simpson leads Rachel to the truth behind a scandal that shook the world...
Richly imagined and beautifully written, ANOTHER WOMAN'S HUSBAND is a gripping, moving novel about two women thrust into the spotlight, followed by scandal, touched by loss.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
1357 people are currently reading
7347 people want to read
About the author
Gill Paul
52 books1,826 followersGill Paul is the international bestselling author of thirteen novels, many of them reevaluating extraordinary twentieth-century women whom she believes have been marginalized or misjudged. Her novels have reached the top of the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Toronto Globe & Mail charts, and have been translated into twenty-three languages.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
Her latest novel, Scandalous Women (2024), is about trailblazing authors Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann battling their way to the top in the misogynous boys' club of 1960s publishing. A Beautiful Rival (2023) is about the infamous feud between beauty tycoons Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Jackie and Maria (2020) was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown. The Collector’s Daughter (2021) was named a Times ‘historical novel of the month’ and The Manhattan Girls (2022), was reviewed in The Sun as a “sweeping, evocative tale” and in The Book List as “Witty, emotional and intelligent”.
Gill also writes historical non-fiction, including A History of Medicine in 50 Objects and a series of Love Stories. Published around the world, this series includes Royal Love Stories, World War I Love Stories and Titanic Love Stories.
Gill lives in London where she swims year round in a wild pond, and speaks at libraries and literary festivals on topics ranging from Tutankhamun to the Romanovs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 653 reviews
October 14, 2018
Another Woman’s Husband by Gill Paul is a 2017 Headline Review publication.
Interesting historical drama linking together the two women who threatened the British monarchy-
The friendship between Mary Kirk and Wallis Simpson is brought to life in this drama which switches back and forth between the 40s and late 90s when Princess Diana died.
The story goes back to when Mary and Wallis first met as teens and follows their relationship through their adult years, when Mary introduced Wallis to Earnest Simpson and examines the fallout Simpson’s divorce from Wallis and the effect it had on their friendship.
The alternate thread is set in 1997 and centers around Rachel and Alex a couple whose romantic getaway is soured due to witnessing the car crash that killed Diana. Alex becomes obsessed with the story, convinced of a conspiracy surrounding the crash, while Rachel is suffering from a series of professional setbacks, and is beset by doubts regarding her upcoming nuptials.
The history between Mary and Wallis is very interesting. I had not given it much thought, as I will admit, I’m not much of a fan of Wallis Simpson. But, this book does give a fascinating, albeit fictional account of the events that led both women into a relationship with Earnest Simpson.
The thread with Rachel and Alex a much weaker area of the book, and while it does explore the myths surrounding Diana’s death, it doesn’t really get too far into it. It’s basically a re-hash of various conspiracy theories, and never goes so far to latch onto one of them. Instead, this part of the book is more about Alex and Rachel’s relationship woes, which ended up being rather anticlimactic.
The thin connection between Wallis and Diana is just that- thin. This attempt to link the ladies together in some way didn’t quite gel for me. However, the concept is an interesting one.
The story of Mary and Wallis’s relationship was, however, written well enough, and was interesting enough to carry the novel on its own, and made reading it worth my time.
3 stars
Interesting historical drama linking together the two women who threatened the British monarchy-
The friendship between Mary Kirk and Wallis Simpson is brought to life in this drama which switches back and forth between the 40s and late 90s when Princess Diana died.
The story goes back to when Mary and Wallis first met as teens and follows their relationship through their adult years, when Mary introduced Wallis to Earnest Simpson and examines the fallout Simpson’s divorce from Wallis and the effect it had on their friendship.
The alternate thread is set in 1997 and centers around Rachel and Alex a couple whose romantic getaway is soured due to witnessing the car crash that killed Diana. Alex becomes obsessed with the story, convinced of a conspiracy surrounding the crash, while Rachel is suffering from a series of professional setbacks, and is beset by doubts regarding her upcoming nuptials.
The history between Mary and Wallis is very interesting. I had not given it much thought, as I will admit, I’m not much of a fan of Wallis Simpson. But, this book does give a fascinating, albeit fictional account of the events that led both women into a relationship with Earnest Simpson.
The thread with Rachel and Alex a much weaker area of the book, and while it does explore the myths surrounding Diana’s death, it doesn’t really get too far into it. It’s basically a re-hash of various conspiracy theories, and never goes so far to latch onto one of them. Instead, this part of the book is more about Alex and Rachel’s relationship woes, which ended up being rather anticlimactic.
The thin connection between Wallis and Diana is just that- thin. This attempt to link the ladies together in some way didn’t quite gel for me. However, the concept is an interesting one.
The story of Mary and Wallis’s relationship was, however, written well enough, and was interesting enough to carry the novel on its own, and made reading it worth my time.
3 stars
July 31, 2019
A dual narrative taking place in 1997 with the events of the death of Princess Diana and the early to mid 1900's surrounding the story of Wallis Simpson told through the eyes of a childhood friend.
Gil Paul books for me have that high level of compulsive reading that I usually find myself riveted. Although not always quite sure in which direction the author is heading, I enjoyed the soap opera feel of it all. This book is chalk full of passion, backstabbing, and adultery that would make Jerry Springer howl at the moon. In one respect, I found that both Diana and Wallis are similar in the way they are perceived as thorns to the British monarchy. On the other hand, both women appear to have a hold on the general public's fascination and on their sympathies.
Like Rachel, I remember exactly what I was doing the night Diana died in Paris. My parents were at a wedding, my brother was at a friends and I was watching something on television when the story broke. I am the same age as Prince William and Prince Harry is only a few months younger than my brother (plus they're both red heads). I watched her very televised funeral and I felt sad for two boys who lost their mother. But I never was convinced as others of the conspiracy theories surrounding her death nor do I like the way Diana has become a martyr in history. She was a woman who lived an extraordinary life filled with a lot of different emotions and her death was tragic but she was also human and if the airbrushing of her memory could seize that would be great. As for Wallis Simpson, this story did nothing to improve on what is clearly true- she was a shrew!
Gil Paul books for me have that high level of compulsive reading that I usually find myself riveted. Although not always quite sure in which direction the author is heading, I enjoyed the soap opera feel of it all. This book is chalk full of passion, backstabbing, and adultery that would make Jerry Springer howl at the moon. In one respect, I found that both Diana and Wallis are similar in the way they are perceived as thorns to the British monarchy. On the other hand, both women appear to have a hold on the general public's fascination and on their sympathies.
Like Rachel, I remember exactly what I was doing the night Diana died in Paris. My parents were at a wedding, my brother was at a friends and I was watching something on television when the story broke. I am the same age as Prince William and Prince Harry is only a few months younger than my brother (plus they're both red heads). I watched her very televised funeral and I felt sad for two boys who lost their mother. But I never was convinced as others of the conspiracy theories surrounding her death nor do I like the way Diana has become a martyr in history. She was a woman who lived an extraordinary life filled with a lot of different emotions and her death was tragic but she was also human and if the airbrushing of her memory could seize that would be great. As for Wallis Simpson, this story did nothing to improve on what is clearly true- she was a shrew!
August 31, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
As a huge history fan, I struggled to contain my excitement when the opportunity arose to read Gill Paul’s new novel. Even if you’re not a complete history buff, there is a high chance you’ll have heard of the name, ‘Wallis Simpson’. Also, if you remember a certain date in 1997 when ‘The People’s Princess’ lost her life, you may already find yourself knowing several of the key points of the storyline without even realising it.
Told from two different viewpoints – 86 years apart, ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ shines the spotlight on the two women whose names, and lives, will forever be imprinted in our historical timeline; Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. Both women found themselves hugely popular with the media, with Princess Diana even being dubbed as ‘The People’s Princess’. Let’s be honest, we all know how Wallis Simpson managed to create a media frenzy, even in those days!
Whilst ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ is a work of fiction, the storyline IS supported by factual information surrounding Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson, as well as several other historical figures/socialites from 1911 onwards. Before I started Gill Paul’s novel, I was aware of Wallis Simpson and her not so glowing reputation in the world of history. I’m not going to lie, I did have Google handy on my phone so that I could double-check some of the storyline as I went along. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe the author’s research, it was because I became so invested in every word of the storyline, I ended up not knowing the difference between the facts, and the author’s fictional additions. Everything just flowed seamlessly. Even though the story is told by Rachel in 1997, the time of Diana’s death, the years didn’t move forward which meant that particular part of the storyline was easier to dip in and out of, ideal for when the viewpoint changed to Mary Kirk’s from 1911 onwards.
What I found clever was how the book began in 1997, was set in Paris at first with Princess Diana being the main topic of conversation, in a book that is being published during the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death – when the topic of ‘The People’s Princess’ will be back in the media once again. Of course it’s going to be a subject at the forefront of royalists and Princess Diana fans all over the world, at this moment in time. So, to read the devastating event in black and white sent shivers up and down my spine. There’s one thing hearing the about it on the news or watching it on T.V, but then there’s another thing reading it in a book and letting your subconscious take heed of that piece of information, whilst mulling it over and digesting it in the only way your clever mind can; dramatically.
Don’t get me wrong, I was engrossed in the 1997 parts of the storyline but, for me, my most favourite parts were from 1911 onwards which were written with Wallis Simpson’s best friend in mind, Mary Kirk. I knew Ms.Simpson was scandalous, but eeeeesh! I loved being able to read the story as though I was back in 1911, watching the drama unfold with my very own eyes. Obviously, being predominately a work of fiction it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the fictional points of view and the facts, but luckily the author was one step ahead and included which parts were facts, right at the end of the book. I was incredibly intrigued by how one woman managed to make such a mark on history, yet she seemed to manage it as though it was the norm. I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t blunt, so I will admit that Wallis did get my back up on a number of occasions. It just goes to show how different society and ethics were back in those days with the way people responded to Wallis’ misdemeanours. Although, back then it was the case of ‘it’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know’, which is also true for today’s society unfortunately. Maybe it was Wallis Simpson who coined that particular viewpoint? Who knows.
There were times where I was quite glad to have google at hand, such as when a certain event shocked me to the core and I had to google it to see whether it was indeed fact, or whether the author had written it in herself. The author really is THAT good at combining all viewpoints and timelines flawlessly.
As weird as this sounds, I wasn’t emotionally ready to say goodbye to those moments in time which have put us on this path today. It’s crazy how one person’s choices can create such a damaging ripple for anyone or anything that ends up in its path. The thing about history is that people will remember it as it’s documented a million times over. Granted a lot of the people involved will no longer be alive, but their distant relatives might be. Can you imagine?
‘Another Woman’s Husband’ has given me the biggest book hangover I think I have ever had. I became annoyed when I had to stop reading due to having to embark on adult things, and I was absolutely devastated when the book came to end. Gill Paul’s storytelling was beautifully engaging, often leaving me in a state of trepidation as I became incredibly invested in several characters and their lives. Gill Paul invited me on a historical journey with ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ – a journey which made me feel as though I was constantly being fed such rich and succulent knowledge, changing my viewpoint of the world without me even knowing it at the time. I was hypnotised by the authors wonderful writing skills, her magnificent story-telling, and her second to none research skills.
I adored everything about this book. Utterly, utterly brilliant.
After reading 193 books already this year, I can say that ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ has managed to become my most favourite book of the year so far, whilst also being in my top three most favourite books of all time.
This my friends, is a work of art. Any reader (and non reader!) should be proud and fulfilled to have ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ on their bookshelf.
Phenomenal.
Thank you SO much Headline Books.
As a huge history fan, I struggled to contain my excitement when the opportunity arose to read Gill Paul’s new novel. Even if you’re not a complete history buff, there is a high chance you’ll have heard of the name, ‘Wallis Simpson’. Also, if you remember a certain date in 1997 when ‘The People’s Princess’ lost her life, you may already find yourself knowing several of the key points of the storyline without even realising it.
Told from two different viewpoints – 86 years apart, ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ shines the spotlight on the two women whose names, and lives, will forever be imprinted in our historical timeline; Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. Both women found themselves hugely popular with the media, with Princess Diana even being dubbed as ‘The People’s Princess’. Let’s be honest, we all know how Wallis Simpson managed to create a media frenzy, even in those days!
Whilst ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ is a work of fiction, the storyline IS supported by factual information surrounding Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson, as well as several other historical figures/socialites from 1911 onwards. Before I started Gill Paul’s novel, I was aware of Wallis Simpson and her not so glowing reputation in the world of history. I’m not going to lie, I did have Google handy on my phone so that I could double-check some of the storyline as I went along. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe the author’s research, it was because I became so invested in every word of the storyline, I ended up not knowing the difference between the facts, and the author’s fictional additions. Everything just flowed seamlessly. Even though the story is told by Rachel in 1997, the time of Diana’s death, the years didn’t move forward which meant that particular part of the storyline was easier to dip in and out of, ideal for when the viewpoint changed to Mary Kirk’s from 1911 onwards.
What I found clever was how the book began in 1997, was set in Paris at first with Princess Diana being the main topic of conversation, in a book that is being published during the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death – when the topic of ‘The People’s Princess’ will be back in the media once again. Of course it’s going to be a subject at the forefront of royalists and Princess Diana fans all over the world, at this moment in time. So, to read the devastating event in black and white sent shivers up and down my spine. There’s one thing hearing the about it on the news or watching it on T.V, but then there’s another thing reading it in a book and letting your subconscious take heed of that piece of information, whilst mulling it over and digesting it in the only way your clever mind can; dramatically.
Don’t get me wrong, I was engrossed in the 1997 parts of the storyline but, for me, my most favourite parts were from 1911 onwards which were written with Wallis Simpson’s best friend in mind, Mary Kirk. I knew Ms.Simpson was scandalous, but eeeeesh! I loved being able to read the story as though I was back in 1911, watching the drama unfold with my very own eyes. Obviously, being predominately a work of fiction it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the fictional points of view and the facts, but luckily the author was one step ahead and included which parts were facts, right at the end of the book. I was incredibly intrigued by how one woman managed to make such a mark on history, yet she seemed to manage it as though it was the norm. I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t blunt, so I will admit that Wallis did get my back up on a number of occasions. It just goes to show how different society and ethics were back in those days with the way people responded to Wallis’ misdemeanours. Although, back then it was the case of ‘it’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know’, which is also true for today’s society unfortunately. Maybe it was Wallis Simpson who coined that particular viewpoint? Who knows.
There were times where I was quite glad to have google at hand, such as when a certain event shocked me to the core and I had to google it to see whether it was indeed fact, or whether the author had written it in herself. The author really is THAT good at combining all viewpoints and timelines flawlessly.
As weird as this sounds, I wasn’t emotionally ready to say goodbye to those moments in time which have put us on this path today. It’s crazy how one person’s choices can create such a damaging ripple for anyone or anything that ends up in its path. The thing about history is that people will remember it as it’s documented a million times over. Granted a lot of the people involved will no longer be alive, but their distant relatives might be. Can you imagine?
‘Another Woman’s Husband’ has given me the biggest book hangover I think I have ever had. I became annoyed when I had to stop reading due to having to embark on adult things, and I was absolutely devastated when the book came to end. Gill Paul’s storytelling was beautifully engaging, often leaving me in a state of trepidation as I became incredibly invested in several characters and their lives. Gill Paul invited me on a historical journey with ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ – a journey which made me feel as though I was constantly being fed such rich and succulent knowledge, changing my viewpoint of the world without me even knowing it at the time. I was hypnotised by the authors wonderful writing skills, her magnificent story-telling, and her second to none research skills.
I adored everything about this book. Utterly, utterly brilliant.
After reading 193 books already this year, I can say that ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ has managed to become my most favourite book of the year so far, whilst also being in my top three most favourite books of all time.
This my friends, is a work of art. Any reader (and non reader!) should be proud and fulfilled to have ‘Another Woman’s Husband’ on their bookshelf.
Phenomenal.
Thank you SO much Headline Books.
March 12, 2022
I've read quite a few historical fiction and nonfiction books about the British royal family. I enjoyed reading Another Woman's Husband as it had much of what I love about the historical fiction genre. There were plenty of facts weaved throughout the story but it also was a good showcase of the author's creativity.
You've heard of Wallis Simpson, right? King Edward VIII abdicated the throne and cited his desire to marry Wallis as the reason. This book has dual storylines and one plot follows Mary Kirk and her friendship with Wallis. They met at a summer camp when they were teenagers back in 1911. The other storyline takes place in 1997. A woman named Rachel and her fiancé, Alex, are in Paris and witness the car crash that killed Princess Diana. As the world mourns the death of the princess, Rachel is intrigued when she finds out the day before the crash, Diana visited the last home of Wallis. What was the purpose of the visit?
It's interesting how Wallis and Diana had some things in common but were both drastically different in so many other ways. The depictions of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were pretty spot on based on everything I have learned about the couple. Granted you can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors, but my opinion of their relationship aligns with the author's thoughts. I highly recommend reading the Historical Afterword and Behind the Book sections at the end as they provide valuable insight into the writing process.
I've read two historical fiction novels by Gill Paul and I like what she brings to this genre. Will definitely be checking out more of her works.
You've heard of Wallis Simpson, right? King Edward VIII abdicated the throne and cited his desire to marry Wallis as the reason. This book has dual storylines and one plot follows Mary Kirk and her friendship with Wallis. They met at a summer camp when they were teenagers back in 1911. The other storyline takes place in 1997. A woman named Rachel and her fiancé, Alex, are in Paris and witness the car crash that killed Princess Diana. As the world mourns the death of the princess, Rachel is intrigued when she finds out the day before the crash, Diana visited the last home of Wallis. What was the purpose of the visit?
It's interesting how Wallis and Diana had some things in common but were both drastically different in so many other ways. The depictions of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were pretty spot on based on everything I have learned about the couple. Granted you can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors, but my opinion of their relationship aligns with the author's thoughts. I highly recommend reading the Historical Afterword and Behind the Book sections at the end as they provide valuable insight into the writing process.
I've read two historical fiction novels by Gill Paul and I like what she brings to this genre. Will definitely be checking out more of her works.
August 18, 2017
In this fascinating portrayal of two of history's most famous women, Gill Paul takes us behind the scenes of lives and events we think we know well ... and challenges us to think again. With a pacy narrative that moves between the coming-of-age of a young woman called Wallis in the early 20th century, and the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Another Woman's Husband is a vivid study of Wallis and Diana through two very different lenses: those of Wallis's best friend, Mary, and of a young woman unwittingly caught up in the events surrounding Diana's tragic death. With superb story-telling and a lush backdrop of period detail, Paul crafts a novel that is impossible to put down, about two women who are impossible to forget. Sure to be a huge success, I loved it!
April 13, 2022
The last book of 2018 and what an amazing book it was. I am a true fan of the Royal family and the British history. I had no idea of what the book was about I totally judged it by the cover. Once I heard Princess Diana's name mentioned I was so excited and proceeded to get the details of the story. I loved the story from the beginning to the end. The author did an amazing job intertwining the past with the present. At times this story was a little emotional for I too have loss contact with my best friend of 50 plus years. She was always the mean and arrogant girl as Wallis was to Mary. So much like Mary I took all that I could take and ended the friendship one last time. After reading the book I did research on the characters and story lines just for self satisfaction. I am glad that I finish my 2018 read with a 5 star book!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 9, 2017
What a fabulous book. I was slightly dubious that it would not live up to my expectations after the The Secret Wife which was wonderful. I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the whole story. So poignant to be reminded of the tragic death of Princess Diana at this time in the parallel story that ran alongside.
Of course I was aware of the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson but it was very interesting to hear this from Wallis's friend's point of view.
I know some artistist licence will have been used but the story was utterly believable.
Looking forward to reading the next book by Gill Paul.
Of course I was aware of the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson but it was very interesting to hear this from Wallis's friend's point of view.
I know some artistist licence will have been used but the story was utterly believable.
Looking forward to reading the next book by Gill Paul.
October 27, 2024
This book is a fabulous work of historical fiction - involved and well thought out, bringing characters and stories we all ‘know’ about to life.
Supported by factual information concerning Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson (as well as other historical figures of the time) you will be running to consult Google.
If you are a historical fiction fan, that loves anything about the royals, this one is for you.
Supported by factual information concerning Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson (as well as other historical figures of the time) you will be running to consult Google.
If you are a historical fiction fan, that loves anything about the royals, this one is for you.
April 11, 2019
GENIUS!! It’s as if the author had been part of all the events that she wrote about. Based on actual people and events but it’s fiction!?! What?! I was using Google to research EVERYTHING!! I know of Princess Diana, who doesn’t? But as of this book I am officially a fan of hers. Cheers to the author for such a well written book!!
November 9, 2021
My spouse read this novel and here's her review.
Split between two eras with two women joining the well-established Royal Family - Wallis Simpson and Diana Spencer. Both stories are told from different perspectives.
Mary Kirk meets the teenage Wallis at summer camp and so begins a lifelong friendship leading to tragedy.
Rachel and her fiancée, Alex, are in a cab in Paris when their journey is halted by a crash in the tunnel ahead-Princess Diana lays dying in the wreckage. Can Alex put aside his journalistic instincts or will this tragic incident drive the pair apart?
The author captures the authenticity of both historic eras with an eye for detail.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic spy
Split between two eras with two women joining the well-established Royal Family - Wallis Simpson and Diana Spencer. Both stories are told from different perspectives.
Mary Kirk meets the teenage Wallis at summer camp and so begins a lifelong friendship leading to tragedy.
Rachel and her fiancée, Alex, are in a cab in Paris when their journey is halted by a crash in the tunnel ahead-Princess Diana lays dying in the wreckage. Can Alex put aside his journalistic instincts or will this tragic incident drive the pair apart?
The author captures the authenticity of both historic eras with an eye for detail.
This review was edited and written by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic spy
August 17, 2017
This review can also be found at:
https://overtherainbowbookblog.wordpr...
I loved Gill Paul’s first book, The Secret Wife, so when an opportunity arose to be on the blog tour for her new book I happily volunteered.
It was fascinating to learn more about Wallis Simpson and discover more about her early life. I felt she was quite a complex character and I could never work out whether i liked her or not. At times I felt desperately sorry for her as she definitely goes through some tough moments but at others I just wanted to shake her as I found her so uncaring. The story line relating to Diana’s death was also very interesting. I do remember seeing it on the news but I hadn’t remembered a lot of the facts and figures or the conspiracy theories surrounding her death.
The author does a great job of transporting the reader back in time to Wallis’s early years and capturing the lifestyle that was lead then. I loved the descriptions of the clothes and parties, I really wanted to be there too! It was a time of a great shift in attitude towards women and I thought it was clever how this was portrayed through the characters of Mary and Wallis. The national outpouring of grief from Diana’s death as well as the frenzy to try and discover the truth is also perfectly captured and described.
The story has such a great flow to it which makes it very easy to read and gradually draws the reader in as more of the story is revealed. It really kept me guessing as to how the two stories would fit together which was unusual for me as normally I do manage to figure it out.
This is Gill Paul’s fifth book and I really look forward to reading more from her. She is brilliant at writing atmospheric and engaging historical fiction and is fast becoming one of my favourite authors!
Thank you to Phoebe Swinburn and headline publisher s for my copy of the book and for letting me be a part of the blog tour.
https://overtherainbowbookblog.wordpr...
I loved Gill Paul’s first book, The Secret Wife, so when an opportunity arose to be on the blog tour for her new book I happily volunteered.
It was fascinating to learn more about Wallis Simpson and discover more about her early life. I felt she was quite a complex character and I could never work out whether i liked her or not. At times I felt desperately sorry for her as she definitely goes through some tough moments but at others I just wanted to shake her as I found her so uncaring. The story line relating to Diana’s death was also very interesting. I do remember seeing it on the news but I hadn’t remembered a lot of the facts and figures or the conspiracy theories surrounding her death.
The author does a great job of transporting the reader back in time to Wallis’s early years and capturing the lifestyle that was lead then. I loved the descriptions of the clothes and parties, I really wanted to be there too! It was a time of a great shift in attitude towards women and I thought it was clever how this was portrayed through the characters of Mary and Wallis. The national outpouring of grief from Diana’s death as well as the frenzy to try and discover the truth is also perfectly captured and described.
The story has such a great flow to it which makes it very easy to read and gradually draws the reader in as more of the story is revealed. It really kept me guessing as to how the two stories would fit together which was unusual for me as normally I do manage to figure it out.
This is Gill Paul’s fifth book and I really look forward to reading more from her. She is brilliant at writing atmospheric and engaging historical fiction and is fast becoming one of my favourite authors!
Thank you to Phoebe Swinburn and headline publisher s for my copy of the book and for letting me be a part of the blog tour.
December 19, 2020
I've been wanting to read another Hill Paul book since I read Jackie and Maria and I wasn't at all disappointed. This weaves in different timelines and follow a few women in their life and issues. Mostly Wallis and Mary through friendship and through dramatic and tough times. I found the parts following Wallis and Mary emersive and interesting. While the timeline following Rachel wasn't as interesting and I wasn't as invested in her story. Still think the whole book was well written and skillfully weaving different time zones and life stories together.
April 1, 2019
I accidentally took a three month break in the middle of this book. I put it down and it got away from me. But, when I picked it back up I had no problem continuing and finished it quickly. I really enjoyed this story! The dual timeline was great and the stories tied together nicely. I liked both storylines and the characters were fantastic. Really good read!
December 17, 2018
Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana - two women who left everlasting impressions on the British monarchy
I was hesitant about this book - I had a hard time to see the connection between these two (in)famous women. But I was pleasantly surprised.
In 1911, Mary and Wallis meet at a summer camp and become fast friends. In 1997 Rachel and her fiance witness the crash that killed Princess Diana. The book follows both the evolution of Mary and Wallis' friendship through the decades, through marriages, divorces, scandals and sorrows, and the story of Rachel, who owns a botique with 1930's-50's vinage clothes and whose fiance, Alex, is working on a documentary about the death of princess Di. On the surface, those two stories don't seem to have any points of contact, but there is more than meets the eye.
Again, I was not sure how these two stories were going to go together, and at first they didn't. But that really didn't matter all that much to me because both stories were captivating in each their own way (though I have to profess a preference for Mary and Wallis' story). Rachel's story was one of making sense of tragedy, of making it through adversity and of love under pressure. Mary's story is primarily one of friendship, the ups and downs of life, and of love and desire.
I really liked that this book told the story of Wallis and Diana not with themselves as the main characters, but through other 'mouth pieces', Mary and Rachel, who became the protagonists of a story about two other women. It was a great way to portray these women that are perhaps a little difficult to access because they are so controversial and famous. Wallis especially, I felt, was extremely believably portrayed in this book, she is exactly as I would have pictured her.
As the story progressed, more and more cross overs started to appear between the two stories, but you have to really keep your eyes open to catch them, because there were only minor hints here and there. Which I really liked! I hate it when things are too obvious. I like having to search and think in stead of having everything served on a platter.
The only thing that annoyed me a little at times is that the two leading ladies, Mary and Rachel, were, at times, quite spineless and didn't stand up for themselves. They were passive participants in their own stories quite a few times, and that was really annoying.
Still, this was overall a great read and I can only recommend it to others.
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I was hesitant about this book - I had a hard time to see the connection between these two (in)famous women. But I was pleasantly surprised.
In 1911, Mary and Wallis meet at a summer camp and become fast friends. In 1997 Rachel and her fiance witness the crash that killed Princess Diana. The book follows both the evolution of Mary and Wallis' friendship through the decades, through marriages, divorces, scandals and sorrows, and the story of Rachel, who owns a botique with 1930's-50's vinage clothes and whose fiance, Alex, is working on a documentary about the death of princess Di. On the surface, those two stories don't seem to have any points of contact, but there is more than meets the eye.
Again, I was not sure how these two stories were going to go together, and at first they didn't. But that really didn't matter all that much to me because both stories were captivating in each their own way (though I have to profess a preference for Mary and Wallis' story). Rachel's story was one of making sense of tragedy, of making it through adversity and of love under pressure. Mary's story is primarily one of friendship, the ups and downs of life, and of love and desire.
I really liked that this book told the story of Wallis and Diana not with themselves as the main characters, but through other 'mouth pieces', Mary and Rachel, who became the protagonists of a story about two other women. It was a great way to portray these women that are perhaps a little difficult to access because they are so controversial and famous. Wallis especially, I felt, was extremely believably portrayed in this book, she is exactly as I would have pictured her.
As the story progressed, more and more cross overs started to appear between the two stories, but you have to really keep your eyes open to catch them, because there were only minor hints here and there. Which I really liked! I hate it when things are too obvious. I like having to search and think in stead of having everything served on a platter.
The only thing that annoyed me a little at times is that the two leading ladies, Mary and Rachel, were, at times, quite spineless and didn't stand up for themselves. They were passive participants in their own stories quite a few times, and that was really annoying.
Still, this was overall a great read and I can only recommend it to others.
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August 12, 2017
Gill Paul’s The Secret Wife was one of my top 5 books last year so when the opportunity to read and review Another Woman’s Husband came my way, I may have done a little jig around my living room. When I finally settled down to read, I immediately knew I was in for another treat.
August 31st, 1997. For many of us, this date is probably burnt into our brains. This day is how the story starts when Rachel and her fiancé, Alex, find themselves in a taxi right behind the car accident that claims the life of Princess Diana. Alex is a tv producer and is quickly lost in a cloud of obsession in an attempt to figure out the events of that night. As interesting as those chapters were, touching on the various conspiracy theories, for me the true strength of the novel lies in the chapters about Wallis.
1911. Mary Kirk meets Wallis Simpson at a summer camp. Their friendship will endure many ups and downs until one final act of betrayal.
Of course, I’d heard of Wallis Simpson and her place in history. But I didn’t know anything else about her. Her story is told through Mary’s eyes and it’s just so incredibly fascinating to read about as we follow Wallis from her teenage years all the way to her marriage to the King who abdicated the throne for her.
Rich in atmosphere and history, this story had me hooked until the very last word on the very last page and while I was quite sad to see it end, I was also utterly delighted to have had the chance to read this absolute gem of a novel. Fact and fiction flow together seamlessly, intertwined with a nice dose of intrigue that had me wondering throughout how on earth these two iconic women could possibly be connected. The author has such a wonderful writing style, full of fabulously vivid descriptions that I found myself completely immersed and could almost hear the music or the clinking of cocktail glasses.
This is historical fiction at its finest and would make a truly fabulous movie. If Gill Paul hadn’t already been on my list of go-to authors, she most definitely would be now. I absolutely loved this and I feel that even if you aren’t necessarily a lover of historical fiction, you too will greatly enjoy this novel! I can’t possibly describe how excited I am about the author’s next offering.
August 31st, 1997. For many of us, this date is probably burnt into our brains. This day is how the story starts when Rachel and her fiancé, Alex, find themselves in a taxi right behind the car accident that claims the life of Princess Diana. Alex is a tv producer and is quickly lost in a cloud of obsession in an attempt to figure out the events of that night. As interesting as those chapters were, touching on the various conspiracy theories, for me the true strength of the novel lies in the chapters about Wallis.
1911. Mary Kirk meets Wallis Simpson at a summer camp. Their friendship will endure many ups and downs until one final act of betrayal.
Of course, I’d heard of Wallis Simpson and her place in history. But I didn’t know anything else about her. Her story is told through Mary’s eyes and it’s just so incredibly fascinating to read about as we follow Wallis from her teenage years all the way to her marriage to the King who abdicated the throne for her.
Rich in atmosphere and history, this story had me hooked until the very last word on the very last page and while I was quite sad to see it end, I was also utterly delighted to have had the chance to read this absolute gem of a novel. Fact and fiction flow together seamlessly, intertwined with a nice dose of intrigue that had me wondering throughout how on earth these two iconic women could possibly be connected. The author has such a wonderful writing style, full of fabulously vivid descriptions that I found myself completely immersed and could almost hear the music or the clinking of cocktail glasses.
This is historical fiction at its finest and would make a truly fabulous movie. If Gill Paul hadn’t already been on my list of go-to authors, she most definitely would be now. I absolutely loved this and I feel that even if you aren’t necessarily a lover of historical fiction, you too will greatly enjoy this novel! I can’t possibly describe how excited I am about the author’s next offering.
December 9, 2020
Another Woman's Husband
I love historical fiction, and like so many others, I often focus on the British monarchy (like everyone else), but usually a bit more historic than this novel… I like the 1200 – 1500s. fBUT WOW… I did enjoy this one, mainly I think because I have some minor personal knowledge of the characters’ lives. The “world’s princess” was known by everyone who was conscious at that time, so this made the novel more interesting. In addition, what greater love story is known than that of King Edward VIII who abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson? Adding these characters was a bonus!
Using a dual POV, the story is told by female narratives that start with Rachel who owns a vintage clothing shop who is with her fiancé Alex when are present at the accident that kills Princess Dianna and the other is by Mary Kirk who had been a friend of Wallis Simpson… so that narrative starts around 1910 or so.
I thought that Paul did a great job fleshing out the characters and used the historical facts to weave her idea of what happened. What seemed like completely different stories were brilliantly intertwined by Paul and the link was actually something that might have happened! I thought it was grand.
Well worth the read and I suggest that if you are a fan of this genera you read this if you haven’t already.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
I love historical fiction, and like so many others, I often focus on the British monarchy (like everyone else), but usually a bit more historic than this novel… I like the 1200 – 1500s. fBUT WOW… I did enjoy this one, mainly I think because I have some minor personal knowledge of the characters’ lives. The “world’s princess” was known by everyone who was conscious at that time, so this made the novel more interesting. In addition, what greater love story is known than that of King Edward VIII who abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson? Adding these characters was a bonus!
Using a dual POV, the story is told by female narratives that start with Rachel who owns a vintage clothing shop who is with her fiancé Alex when are present at the accident that kills Princess Dianna and the other is by Mary Kirk who had been a friend of Wallis Simpson… so that narrative starts around 1910 or so.
I thought that Paul did a great job fleshing out the characters and used the historical facts to weave her idea of what happened. What seemed like completely different stories were brilliantly intertwined by Paul and the link was actually something that might have happened! I thought it was grand.
Well worth the read and I suggest that if you are a fan of this genera you read this if you haven’t already.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
Read
September 3, 2018DNF @ 32%
Unfortunately, I just could not get into this book. I thought I would love it based on the story line, but I was just so bored. I am not sure if it is the writing style or if things were just moving along too slowly, but I am throwing in the towel here.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for my advanced readers copy.
Unfortunately, I just could not get into this book. I thought I would love it based on the story line, but I was just so bored. I am not sure if it is the writing style or if things were just moving along too slowly, but I am throwing in the towel here.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for my advanced readers copy.
December 19, 2017
There are times when only fluffy easy-reading will do and this is ideal: the stronger strand follows the life of Wallis Simpson via her best friend from school; the weaker story is about a documentary-maker investigating the death of Princess Diana and, frankly, it flounders around before fizzling out, and there's only the flimsiest connection between the two stories.
It's obviously not deep and meaningful but is less sentimental than it could have been. With attention to gorgeous dresses, it's glitzy but without skimping on the realities of disillusioned wives and failed marriages. And I enjoyed the portrait of Wallis Simpson until the last third when she gets shuffled off-stage.
Ideal girlie switch-off reading, a guilty pleasure!
It's obviously not deep and meaningful but is less sentimental than it could have been. With attention to gorgeous dresses, it's glitzy but without skimping on the realities of disillusioned wives and failed marriages. And I enjoyed the portrait of Wallis Simpson until the last third when she gets shuffled off-stage.
Ideal girlie switch-off reading, a guilty pleasure!
January 31, 2020
3 stars - It was good.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
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First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
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First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
September 21, 2018
This book kept popping up randomly as an advertisement on Goodreads. At first I kind of ignored it but then I stared seeing people talking about it on Twitter and Instagram
The next thing I know, I am picking it up at the library to read. Clearly the title indicates that this book is probably going to contain a little love triangle of sorts, but it’s so much more than that. This was an exceptional read and I was thrilled to crack it open each night.
I loved how this story wove together two different time periods as well as two very different women. I have never been a Wallis Simpson fan. This isn’t the first book I’ve read about her and I just don’t like her and this book cemented that dislike even more. She always seemed greedy, self centered, shallow, and manipulative—and that’s exactly how she was portrayed in this book.
While Wallis isn’t the main character in this book, she drives the story. The novel is told from her best friend, Mary’s perspective. I liked Mary and I never once blamed her for the choices and decision she made. I personally felt like Wallis was getting whatever was coming to her. For all their talk of sisterhood, it was clear that Wallis only looked at Mary as someone who could be picked up and set aside whenever she chose to.
I sympathized with Mary’s character and was exceptionally sad with how things ended. All good stories must come to a close and I had known what was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier.
The historical part of the story was exceptional and I loved the character development. Though my only argument was that the ending seemed to wrap up a little too quick. So much of the story had been carefully laid out and build upon and then all of a sudden things were running away with themselves and wrapping up a little to quick for my taste. But on the whole I loved this part of the narrative.
The Diana angle was very interesting and one of the things that drew me in to this one. I can still remember exactly what I was doing when I heard she died and I feel like I had the ‘Diana Syndrome’ as well. I loved her. Prince William is a year younger than me and I can remember watching the funeral and thinking how hard that must have been for him. I thought the author did an outstanding job portraying the boys in the story but above all, I felt she was sensitive and tactful.
I really liked Rachel’s character for the most part. I didn’t like Alex though. At first I really liked him but very early on, his choice to make the Diana documentary completely put me off to his character, similar to how Rachel felt. As the story went on, I liked him less and less and became frustrated when Rachel started feeling like maybe it was her fault. NO. Just NO. Was she insensitive to his work, I didn’t think so at all. I won’t give anything away but let’s just say I found his explanation weak and not enough to change my mind about his character.
While I had some issues with the more modern story, the historical part eclipsed any doubts I had about giving this one a 4 star rating! I loved the author’s story telling style and am eager to read more books by her!
See my full review here
The next thing I know, I am picking it up at the library to read. Clearly the title indicates that this book is probably going to contain a little love triangle of sorts, but it’s so much more than that. This was an exceptional read and I was thrilled to crack it open each night.
I loved how this story wove together two different time periods as well as two very different women. I have never been a Wallis Simpson fan. This isn’t the first book I’ve read about her and I just don’t like her and this book cemented that dislike even more. She always seemed greedy, self centered, shallow, and manipulative—and that’s exactly how she was portrayed in this book.
While Wallis isn’t the main character in this book, she drives the story. The novel is told from her best friend, Mary’s perspective. I liked Mary and I never once blamed her for the choices and decision she made. I personally felt like Wallis was getting whatever was coming to her. For all their talk of sisterhood, it was clear that Wallis only looked at Mary as someone who could be picked up and set aside whenever she chose to.
I sympathized with Mary’s character and was exceptionally sad with how things ended. All good stories must come to a close and I had known what was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier.
The historical part of the story was exceptional and I loved the character development. Though my only argument was that the ending seemed to wrap up a little too quick. So much of the story had been carefully laid out and build upon and then all of a sudden things were running away with themselves and wrapping up a little to quick for my taste. But on the whole I loved this part of the narrative.
The Diana angle was very interesting and one of the things that drew me in to this one. I can still remember exactly what I was doing when I heard she died and I feel like I had the ‘Diana Syndrome’ as well. I loved her. Prince William is a year younger than me and I can remember watching the funeral and thinking how hard that must have been for him. I thought the author did an outstanding job portraying the boys in the story but above all, I felt she was sensitive and tactful.
I really liked Rachel’s character for the most part. I didn’t like Alex though. At first I really liked him but very early on, his choice to make the Diana documentary completely put me off to his character, similar to how Rachel felt. As the story went on, I liked him less and less and became frustrated when Rachel started feeling like maybe it was her fault. NO. Just NO. Was she insensitive to his work, I didn’t think so at all. I won’t give anything away but let’s just say I found his explanation weak and not enough to change my mind about his character.
While I had some issues with the more modern story, the historical part eclipsed any doubts I had about giving this one a 4 star rating! I loved the author’s story telling style and am eager to read more books by her!
See my full review here
August 1, 2017
Wow wow and wow again. How have I not heard of this true life story before? Wallis simpson and Princess Diana are such iconic figures but Wallis's childhood and life up until and after she married the king of England is utterly fascinating! With a brilliant touch of phrase and a deft touch of historical intrigue and creative flourish, the period and the people come to life from the page. I half expect the finished book to have gilded pages and be displayed in the shops on a velvet cushion.
The stories of both Diana in 1997 and Wallis Simpson in 1911 are stories you might think you know but I had no idea of the link! A mystery hidden in plain sight! A puzzle solved across the years! Some of it might be fictionalised of course but I can't say anything else other than read this with your mouth wide open like I did. It plays out like a film in your mind with classical music mixing with the jazz of the 1920s.
The historical research must have taken ages - as although the book is written with a light and deft touch, you're sure that beneath the velvet there's some history stuffed in there - making it a very comfortable, enticing read with a glorious mix of facts and intrigue.
Gill has taken me to some amazing places and moments in time - Elizabeth and Richard Burton's affair on set of Cleopatra in Italy, the Titanic in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and even the middle of the Crimea with Florence Nightingale. This HAS to be an epic film or at least given to those who want to relive history - Gill has such a skill, I half expected to wake up this morning clutching a bracelet or facing a portrait picture on my wall (when you read the book you'll see why)
Stunning! Out in two weeks. Put it on your list now. And buy that red velvet cushion in preparation.
The stories of both Diana in 1997 and Wallis Simpson in 1911 are stories you might think you know but I had no idea of the link! A mystery hidden in plain sight! A puzzle solved across the years! Some of it might be fictionalised of course but I can't say anything else other than read this with your mouth wide open like I did. It plays out like a film in your mind with classical music mixing with the jazz of the 1920s.
The historical research must have taken ages - as although the book is written with a light and deft touch, you're sure that beneath the velvet there's some history stuffed in there - making it a very comfortable, enticing read with a glorious mix of facts and intrigue.
Gill has taken me to some amazing places and moments in time - Elizabeth and Richard Burton's affair on set of Cleopatra in Italy, the Titanic in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and even the middle of the Crimea with Florence Nightingale. This HAS to be an epic film or at least given to those who want to relive history - Gill has such a skill, I half expected to wake up this morning clutching a bracelet or facing a portrait picture on my wall (when you read the book you'll see why)
Stunning! Out in two weeks. Put it on your list now. And buy that red velvet cushion in preparation.
September 19, 2017
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
I didn't read up much about this novel before I started it, and I'm so glad I didn't. It really surprised me - both in the plot (I'd forgotten that one of the narratives is set just after Diana's death in 1997, but find the entire subject so interesting) and the way certain parts seemed unconnected but then came together in unexpected ways.
I loved reading both timeframes; the 1997 narrative is something I can very vaguely remember happening - I was only 7 at the time, but remember where I was at the time as I remember my grandparents and parents being so shocked. It was so interesting to read about - both the parts that were fact, and those that the author fabricated to great effect (And still, despite some exaggeration in some aspects - which the author explains at the end - it's still completely believable!). I also really enjoyed reading the 1911 timeframe, as that's a fascinating era to me and always so shocking as it reinforces how different life was back then, especially for women.
The main female characters in Another Woman's Husband are interesting and likeable, though some of the people around them are definitely not nice people! I felt that Gill Paul did a great job of evoking a real sense of time and place in both storylines. Although it's not a jam-packed, action-adventure storyline, I still found it gripping; it's a very well-written, intriguing novel which I'd definitely recommend!
Many thanks to Headline Review and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
I didn't read up much about this novel before I started it, and I'm so glad I didn't. It really surprised me - both in the plot (I'd forgotten that one of the narratives is set just after Diana's death in 1997, but find the entire subject so interesting) and the way certain parts seemed unconnected but then came together in unexpected ways.
I loved reading both timeframes; the 1997 narrative is something I can very vaguely remember happening - I was only 7 at the time, but remember where I was at the time as I remember my grandparents and parents being so shocked. It was so interesting to read about - both the parts that were fact, and those that the author fabricated to great effect (And still, despite some exaggeration in some aspects - which the author explains at the end - it's still completely believable!). I also really enjoyed reading the 1911 timeframe, as that's a fascinating era to me and always so shocking as it reinforces how different life was back then, especially for women.
The main female characters in Another Woman's Husband are interesting and likeable, though some of the people around them are definitely not nice people! I felt that Gill Paul did a great job of evoking a real sense of time and place in both storylines. Although it's not a jam-packed, action-adventure storyline, I still found it gripping; it's a very well-written, intriguing novel which I'd definitely recommend!
Many thanks to Headline Review and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
January 13, 2019
Another Woman's Husband is a dual storyline book about Rachel who witnesses the crash in Paris that killed Princess Diana. She returns home to London and is fascinated to learn that the Princess had visited the last home of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, just some hours before the crash. What was she doing that the place and Rachel can't stop herself, she starts to investigate the link between Diana and Wallis.
I found Another Woman's Husband to be a fascinating story. We get to read about Wallis through the eyes of her "best friend" as well as follow Rachel as she deals with what she witnessed. Wallis didn't really come off as a very nice person, but she seldom does in books that I've read where she has figured. Gill Paul is a very talented storyteller and I quite enjoyed reading this book, especially since I love mysteries that has to be solved. I recommend reading this book if you like reading about royalties and/or historical mysteries.
I found Another Woman's Husband to be a fascinating story. We get to read about Wallis through the eyes of her "best friend" as well as follow Rachel as she deals with what she witnessed. Wallis didn't really come off as a very nice person, but she seldom does in books that I've read where she has figured. Gill Paul is a very talented storyteller and I quite enjoyed reading this book, especially since I love mysteries that has to be solved. I recommend reading this book if you like reading about royalties and/or historical mysteries.
February 25, 2018
I wasn't sure about how I felt with princess Diana being part of the story (only in name) at first but I got used to it.
The book is set in two different eras. In 1997 the story is about Alex and Rachel. They have just gotten engaged the night of Diana's fateful crash. They witness the aftermath of the crash in the Paris tunnel.
The other sections of the book start out in the 1900s when Wallis Simpson was a young girl (Mary) and how she and Mary Raffay become like sisters. Mary Raffay was a real person who did become Ernest Simpson's third wife after Ernest .
Mary and Rachel lead very different lives as they navigate what happens to them. Rachel owns a vintage clothing store, and is engaged to an increasingly distant fiance.
Mary is having to deal with Wallis as their friendship evaporates and lines are crossed.
The book is set in two different eras. In 1997 the story is about Alex and Rachel. They have just gotten engaged the night of Diana's fateful crash. They witness the aftermath of the crash in the Paris tunnel.
The other sections of the book start out in the 1900s when Wallis Simpson was a young girl (Mary) and how she and Mary Raffay become like sisters. Mary Raffay was a real person who did become Ernest Simpson's third wife after Ernest .
Mary and Rachel lead very different lives as they navigate what happens to them. Rachel owns a vintage clothing store, and is engaged to an increasingly distant fiance.
Mary is having to deal with Wallis as their friendship evaporates and lines are crossed.
January 3, 2018
An utterly mesmerising and enchanting read - I adored every bit of it, especially the story of Wallis Simpson.
July 7, 2017
Having devoured Gill Paul's previous novels I couldn't wait to get my hands on this and was very lucky to be able to see a preview of it. Whenever you read a book from a favourite author you wonder if it will live up to their other work but when reading Gill Paul's books you know you're going to get a special book, rich with history and atmosphere with beautifully crafted characters and with plenty of themes that keep you wanting to turn those pages- this is definitely the case with Another Woman's Husband. Published in August 2017 you really must put this on your To Be Read list!
This novel tells the stories of Wallis Simpson/Warfield and Mary Kirk who met as teenagers and became such good friends they referred to each other as sisters. However, Mary's family made it clear their opinions on Wallis and tried to persuade Mary to not be quite so endeared by her. Over time, Wallis and Mary were separated by thousands of miles yet their friendship held strong through letter writing and visits but as they matured their differences put a strain on their relationship, could their shared history be enough to hold their friendship together throughout it all?
Many, many years later, in 1997, Rachel and Alex find themselves caught up in the horror of the crash of Diana Princess of Wales in Paris. The innocent couple who were simply enjoying an evening out, had no idea that their lives would suddenly be altered by being close by when the accident happened. Rachel struggles to focus on her life and finds that both herself and Alex are obsessing about the event especially when Alex shows Rachel a mysterious jewel he picked up from the crime scene. She finds that there is a link between Diana and Wallis, why was she visiting Wallis' house on the day she died? And as Rachel questions this and various other conspiracy theories she realises that her own views are very different to Alex's and that this leads to their own relationship being strained. Can the mystery around Diana's death, the link to Wallis and the distracted way Alex is behaving be too much for their relationship to survive?
What I really liked about this book is the way that it's written in such a way that you can relate to it- no you may not be part of the social elite or witness one of the biggest news stories of the century but you can relate to how your relationship with a friend or a family member or a loved one, anyone, can be hugely tested over time. This novel paints this picture really well in two very different relationships- the female friendship over many years and the relationship of a newly engaged couple as they try to plan their wedding and carry on with big pressures from work too. I think it's very clever how Gill Paul manages to do this so well. I think we have all had a friend who has been a huge part of our childhoods, who we've confessed our first loves to and shared those exciting moments together but who, as we've grown older, we've realised that our lives are no longer as entertwined and our partners/husbands/jobs/ lives in general change us and the relationship can never be what it used to be. I think we've all questioned how much we will forgive these friends- is this shared history enough to make you forgive being let down/betrayed? So when reading this, I might not have been in the era that this book is set or have the same backgrounds or even be from the same country but there were moments when I was thinking of my own friendships and thinking what I would do if I was Mary and I think that's a very clever skill to have. I found it especially so with Rachel and Alex, their relationship slowly began to fall apart after the accident, from being loved up and planning a wedding to questioning their whole relationship with each page that was turned and I think so many can relate to this; how if you have a differing opinion to your partner it can really strain your relationship and it takes a lot to put that aside and remember why you love them.
The characters in this novel are perfectly crafted, so much so that you ride the emotions with them; I was frustrated on Rachel's part with some of the things that Alex said and did and wanted to bang their heads together at times. I was moved by the relationship between Mary and her husband towards the end of the book and there was definitely not a dry eye here at the ending. I particularly like the character of Wallis, I think she's described really well with a big personality that you can easily see would rub people up the wrong way but could also be endearing too and I like the way her character gets along with Mary, you can see over time why they became friends and how Mary was influenced by her. I don't think it's possible to get cross with a character or have a tear in the eye if they are not well crafted so these characters are definitely that.
There are lots going on in this book; the relationships, the crash, what is this mysterious jewel? Why is Alex behaving so strangely? Will Wallis push Mary too far? Can they repair their friendship before it's too late? And as well as all these questions that need you to keep turning the pages to find answers to there's also a lot to think about. I found it fascinating just how much life has changed from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end. Two very different eras yet these stories are woven together so beautifully that it works really well.
Although there are lots going on within this book it doesn't feel like it's too much, instead it's just enough to have you wanting to find out more and to pull you in but not so much that you're trying to remember everything and losing threads. The pace of the novel is set out in such a way that you are gently introduced to the characters and then find yourself being pulled into their lives and along on their story and before you know it you're turning those pages and time has vanished!
This is a brilliantly written book which is so rich in history and descriptions of fashion and feelings that it creates not just a brilliant picture but emotions too. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was the perfect way to switch off from my own world for a while and lose myself in the world of other people and, once I had finished the book, I was left thinking about it for a good while afterwards- always the sign of a good book I think! This novel will have you thinking about your own relationships, turning the pages, asking what you would do in certain situations and will leave you reaching for a tissue... definitely one to recommend.
This novel tells the stories of Wallis Simpson/Warfield and Mary Kirk who met as teenagers and became such good friends they referred to each other as sisters. However, Mary's family made it clear their opinions on Wallis and tried to persuade Mary to not be quite so endeared by her. Over time, Wallis and Mary were separated by thousands of miles yet their friendship held strong through letter writing and visits but as they matured their differences put a strain on their relationship, could their shared history be enough to hold their friendship together throughout it all?
Many, many years later, in 1997, Rachel and Alex find themselves caught up in the horror of the crash of Diana Princess of Wales in Paris. The innocent couple who were simply enjoying an evening out, had no idea that their lives would suddenly be altered by being close by when the accident happened. Rachel struggles to focus on her life and finds that both herself and Alex are obsessing about the event especially when Alex shows Rachel a mysterious jewel he picked up from the crime scene. She finds that there is a link between Diana and Wallis, why was she visiting Wallis' house on the day she died? And as Rachel questions this and various other conspiracy theories she realises that her own views are very different to Alex's and that this leads to their own relationship being strained. Can the mystery around Diana's death, the link to Wallis and the distracted way Alex is behaving be too much for their relationship to survive?
What I really liked about this book is the way that it's written in such a way that you can relate to it- no you may not be part of the social elite or witness one of the biggest news stories of the century but you can relate to how your relationship with a friend or a family member or a loved one, anyone, can be hugely tested over time. This novel paints this picture really well in two very different relationships- the female friendship over many years and the relationship of a newly engaged couple as they try to plan their wedding and carry on with big pressures from work too. I think it's very clever how Gill Paul manages to do this so well. I think we have all had a friend who has been a huge part of our childhoods, who we've confessed our first loves to and shared those exciting moments together but who, as we've grown older, we've realised that our lives are no longer as entertwined and our partners/husbands/jobs/ lives in general change us and the relationship can never be what it used to be. I think we've all questioned how much we will forgive these friends- is this shared history enough to make you forgive being let down/betrayed? So when reading this, I might not have been in the era that this book is set or have the same backgrounds or even be from the same country but there were moments when I was thinking of my own friendships and thinking what I would do if I was Mary and I think that's a very clever skill to have. I found it especially so with Rachel and Alex, their relationship slowly began to fall apart after the accident, from being loved up and planning a wedding to questioning their whole relationship with each page that was turned and I think so many can relate to this; how if you have a differing opinion to your partner it can really strain your relationship and it takes a lot to put that aside and remember why you love them.
The characters in this novel are perfectly crafted, so much so that you ride the emotions with them; I was frustrated on Rachel's part with some of the things that Alex said and did and wanted to bang their heads together at times. I was moved by the relationship between Mary and her husband towards the end of the book and there was definitely not a dry eye here at the ending. I particularly like the character of Wallis, I think she's described really well with a big personality that you can easily see would rub people up the wrong way but could also be endearing too and I like the way her character gets along with Mary, you can see over time why they became friends and how Mary was influenced by her. I don't think it's possible to get cross with a character or have a tear in the eye if they are not well crafted so these characters are definitely that.
There are lots going on in this book; the relationships, the crash, what is this mysterious jewel? Why is Alex behaving so strangely? Will Wallis push Mary too far? Can they repair their friendship before it's too late? And as well as all these questions that need you to keep turning the pages to find answers to there's also a lot to think about. I found it fascinating just how much life has changed from the beginning of the twentieth century to the end. Two very different eras yet these stories are woven together so beautifully that it works really well.
Although there are lots going on within this book it doesn't feel like it's too much, instead it's just enough to have you wanting to find out more and to pull you in but not so much that you're trying to remember everything and losing threads. The pace of the novel is set out in such a way that you are gently introduced to the characters and then find yourself being pulled into their lives and along on their story and before you know it you're turning those pages and time has vanished!
This is a brilliantly written book which is so rich in history and descriptions of fashion and feelings that it creates not just a brilliant picture but emotions too. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was the perfect way to switch off from my own world for a while and lose myself in the world of other people and, once I had finished the book, I was left thinking about it for a good while afterwards- always the sign of a good book I think! This novel will have you thinking about your own relationships, turning the pages, asking what you would do in certain situations and will leave you reaching for a tissue... definitely one to recommend.
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November 28, 2024Оставям романа без оценка.Просто наистина не знам колко звезди да му дам.Ако човек се абстрахира от всички известни личности в него и го чете просто като роман,може би оценката би била около 3,5 ⭐️.За мен заглавието и това,че става въпрос за "Две жени,предизвикали Короната.Разделени във времето.Свързани от една тайна..." са много не на място!Действието се развива в две времеви линии.Историята се чете бързо,но е изпълнена с толкова много имена,че човек първо се обърква, а после забравя за тях.Някои от героите в миналото са реални исторически личности,а във втората времева линия,като второстепенни герои са вплетени принцеса Даяна и Доди Ал-Файед и катастрофата,в която те намират смъртта си.За любителите на британската Корона романа би бил интересен.
September 25, 2017
I love Gill Paul’s writing; having reviewed on the blog her two previous historical novels, No Time for A Lady (Crimea War) and The Secret Wife (the Romanovs), my excitement levels were sky high when I first heard that the next release would be another historical, this time featuring Wallis Simpson.
The story is set over two timelines and focuses on two historic events. The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in Paris in August 1997 and decades before, the life and marriage of Wallis Simpson. Wallis Simpson as many people will know was the cause of the then King’s abdication which rocked the monarchy in the 1930s. At the time, the intended marriage to a (twice) divorcee was considered a scandal and caused a constitutional crisis. This story which is comprised of fact and fiction, gave me a really good insight into those times and of the personality of the woman who was the cause of all the trouble.
Wallis’ story is told from the perspective of Mary Kirk, a friend from childhood and who was a constant in Wallis’ often turbulent life. Diana famously said that there were '3 people in her marriage' (referring of course to Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles) however the same could easily be said of Wallis and her marriage to Ernest Simpson. Ernest Simpson, although he wasn’t perfect by any means, seemed to me to have the patience of a saint during Wallis’ obvious and very public shenanigans with the then Prince of Wales, later to become King
When I first started reading, I wasn’t quite sure if the story of Rachel and her fiance Alex would be a strong enough hook for me in comparison to Wallis’ and Mary’s story which fascinated me, although I was delighted to be proved wrong! TV producer Alex’s obsession with conspiracy theories around the Princess’ death was in danger of derailing his relationship with Rachel; I have to admit, I have never believed in the conspiracy theories and at times I lost patience with him, he was so fixated. Rachel however grew as a character throughout the story when endeavouring to overcome her own troubles by herself and the way her narrative connected to Diana and thus to Wallis, was really well done, without I felt, any totally unbelievable coincidences. I was particularly fascinated by the references and descriptions of the vintage clothing – which in its own way is fundamental to the story.
Wallis’ character is absolutely bought to life and although not knowing much about her I had a pre-conceived dislike of her. I have to say that by the time I had finished the book, I did feel some sympathy for her. She didn’t have an easy life and although this doesn’t excuse her betrayals and lack of sensitivity, I got the sense of a woman who was underneath, quite vulnerable, despite her brash exterior. She was certainly an intriguing character and this book has made me interested to find out more about her.
I adored Another Woman’s Husband and Gill Paul has yet again cemented her place in my list of favourite authors of historical fiction. As with previous books, the way in which her vivid descriptions and flawless storytelling bring historical figures to life with a blend of fact and fiction is superb. I can’t recommend this book highly enough and I think it is one which will appeal to a wide range of reader – whether or not they are familiar with with the story of Wallis Simpson and also those younger readers who may only be vaguely aware of Princess Diana. Diana would have been only very slightly older than me had she lived and the ‘Diana years’ are a part of history that I will never forget.
The story is set over two timelines and focuses on two historic events. The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in Paris in August 1997 and decades before, the life and marriage of Wallis Simpson. Wallis Simpson as many people will know was the cause of the then King’s abdication which rocked the monarchy in the 1930s. At the time, the intended marriage to a (twice) divorcee was considered a scandal and caused a constitutional crisis. This story which is comprised of fact and fiction, gave me a really good insight into those times and of the personality of the woman who was the cause of all the trouble.
Wallis’ story is told from the perspective of Mary Kirk, a friend from childhood and who was a constant in Wallis’ often turbulent life. Diana famously said that there were '3 people in her marriage' (referring of course to Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles) however the same could easily be said of Wallis and her marriage to Ernest Simpson. Ernest Simpson, although he wasn’t perfect by any means, seemed to me to have the patience of a saint during Wallis’ obvious and very public shenanigans with the then Prince of Wales, later to become King
When I first started reading, I wasn’t quite sure if the story of Rachel and her fiance Alex would be a strong enough hook for me in comparison to Wallis’ and Mary’s story which fascinated me, although I was delighted to be proved wrong! TV producer Alex’s obsession with conspiracy theories around the Princess’ death was in danger of derailing his relationship with Rachel; I have to admit, I have never believed in the conspiracy theories and at times I lost patience with him, he was so fixated. Rachel however grew as a character throughout the story when endeavouring to overcome her own troubles by herself and the way her narrative connected to Diana and thus to Wallis, was really well done, without I felt, any totally unbelievable coincidences. I was particularly fascinated by the references and descriptions of the vintage clothing – which in its own way is fundamental to the story.
Wallis’ character is absolutely bought to life and although not knowing much about her I had a pre-conceived dislike of her. I have to say that by the time I had finished the book, I did feel some sympathy for her. She didn’t have an easy life and although this doesn’t excuse her betrayals and lack of sensitivity, I got the sense of a woman who was underneath, quite vulnerable, despite her brash exterior. She was certainly an intriguing character and this book has made me interested to find out more about her.
I adored Another Woman’s Husband and Gill Paul has yet again cemented her place in my list of favourite authors of historical fiction. As with previous books, the way in which her vivid descriptions and flawless storytelling bring historical figures to life with a blend of fact and fiction is superb. I can’t recommend this book highly enough and I think it is one which will appeal to a wide range of reader – whether or not they are familiar with with the story of Wallis Simpson and also those younger readers who may only be vaguely aware of Princess Diana. Diana would have been only very slightly older than me had she lived and the ‘Diana years’ are a part of history that I will never forget.
March 10, 2018
Another superb read from this author. I just loved The Secret Wife and didn't think she'd do another I'd like as much but she did !! Can't wait to read the Titanic one and I just spotted there's a newer one out later this year as well ! Terrific news.
Most of this one tells us all about Wallis Warfield, who of course became the stuff of legends and lies, Mrs Simpson. I've always found our royal family can be a nasty bunch on the quiet, especially the sainted Queen Mother. From what I've read about her, she was a vindictive old witch a lot of the time, and of course, ending up as the Queen consort, nobody was ever going to take Wallis' side over hers and "Bertie's." Wallis was no saint, by any stretch, though. I knew she'd been married once but not twice so that surprised me. I think I'd have preferred to be around her than the Queen Mother any day, though. I reckon you'd know where you were with Wallis.....
I hadn't realised Mary was a real character till the end so that was nice to learn. I liked her a great deal although she shocked me silly when she did something so out of character she made me gasp !! I just loved the nickname she gave to another person featured as well. One part including Mary made me cry, actually....There's a lot less artistic licence used in this one than in the Secret Wife and it made it totally fascinating. We all love a bit of gossip and when it's around the royal family, we all lap it up. It was clever she put Rachel and Alex in the Alma Tunnel in August 1997 behind Diana's ill-fated Mercedes. Of course, anything Diana-related we all enjoy more than any other offering regarding our royals, even 20+ years on now. (I have the book about her by Sarah Bradford in my to-read pile, too).
I did chuckle near the beginning at the kissing practise, and yes, I tried it on my hand too !! Hehehe....and also the mention of Wallis at one point post-vacation with golden skin. THAT had to be a one-off as she was always as white as a ghost when I saw her on TV.
The author had to have done a great deal of research on fashion houses back in the day, firstly to get it right for the 1920s/1930s and also for Rachel's garb. I've Googled some she's mentioned. On the cover of my version there's a lovely example, though I think it's the same as the newer one, too. I preferred my version, though. I don't know why authors or publishers or whoever decides to do this does it so often. Mine's a gorgeous cover, so leave well alone !!
I only spotted a couple of errors. Twice spaces were inserted into words that shouldn't have been: ener vated and insig nificant and there was one additional comma used which wasn't needed in this line ".....the large amount, of money...." but that was it, which is pretty exceptional.
I accidentally "met" the author on Twitter a couple of weeks ago as we both happened to be watching the current documentary on the Queen and she was very nice indeed so that was a bonus. Definitely stories I'd highly recommend.
Most of this one tells us all about Wallis Warfield, who of course became the stuff of legends and lies, Mrs Simpson. I've always found our royal family can be a nasty bunch on the quiet, especially the sainted Queen Mother. From what I've read about her, she was a vindictive old witch a lot of the time, and of course, ending up as the Queen consort, nobody was ever going to take Wallis' side over hers and "Bertie's." Wallis was no saint, by any stretch, though. I knew she'd been married once but not twice so that surprised me. I think I'd have preferred to be around her than the Queen Mother any day, though. I reckon you'd know where you were with Wallis.....
I hadn't realised Mary was a real character till the end so that was nice to learn. I liked her a great deal although she shocked me silly when she did something so out of character she made me gasp !! I just loved the nickname she gave to another person featured as well. One part including Mary made me cry, actually....There's a lot less artistic licence used in this one than in the Secret Wife and it made it totally fascinating. We all love a bit of gossip and when it's around the royal family, we all lap it up. It was clever she put Rachel and Alex in the Alma Tunnel in August 1997 behind Diana's ill-fated Mercedes. Of course, anything Diana-related we all enjoy more than any other offering regarding our royals, even 20+ years on now. (I have the book about her by Sarah Bradford in my to-read pile, too).
I did chuckle near the beginning at the kissing practise, and yes, I tried it on my hand too !! Hehehe....and also the mention of Wallis at one point post-vacation with golden skin. THAT had to be a one-off as she was always as white as a ghost when I saw her on TV.
The author had to have done a great deal of research on fashion houses back in the day, firstly to get it right for the 1920s/1930s and also for Rachel's garb. I've Googled some she's mentioned. On the cover of my version there's a lovely example, though I think it's the same as the newer one, too. I preferred my version, though. I don't know why authors or publishers or whoever decides to do this does it so often. Mine's a gorgeous cover, so leave well alone !!
I only spotted a couple of errors. Twice spaces were inserted into words that shouldn't have been: ener vated and insig nificant and there was one additional comma used which wasn't needed in this line ".....the large amount, of money...." but that was it, which is pretty exceptional.
I accidentally "met" the author on Twitter a couple of weeks ago as we both happened to be watching the current documentary on the Queen and she was very nice indeed so that was a bonus. Definitely stories I'd highly recommend.
November 12, 2017
Gill Paul weaves pure magic with words. Another Woman's Husband has kept me gripped for the past few days, and I can honestly say that this is going to be one of my favourite reads of 2017.
I've always been intrigued and fascinated by Wallis Simpson, and whilst some of this story is fictionalised, there is no doubt that a whole lot of it is based on the truth. Add the story of our modern-day icon; Princess Diana, and for me, this was always going to be a winner.
Another Woman's Husband is a dual narrative, told during the months after the death of Princess Diana, and nipping back to the early twentieth century as the reader follows the slow and steady rise of Wallis Simpson.
Most people will know the stories of both Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana, we have grown up with their images. We know about the glamour, and the scandal. In Another Woman's Husband, Gill Paul has created a fine and intimate portrait of Wallis, the woman who almost brought down the Royal Family. The modern day story starts as Diana dies, and whilst she's not a character in the story, but her legacy is central to the characters.
This author's skill is in her meticulous and detailed research. Using little-known correspondence between Wallis and her friend Mary Kirk, she has created a story that is both captivating and enthralling.
I was completely and utterly spellbound by this brilliantly written tale. It is seamlessly and cleverly put together, the modern-day and the historical linked so well together by the fashions that were loved by both Wallis and Rachel in the present day.
Gill Paul has created a fictional mystery surrounding a small platinum heart, allegedly found at the scene of Diana's death and woven a gripping, romantic and sweeping around it.
Another Woman's Husband is so powerful, a story to lose yourself in and one that I will remember for a long time. What a triumph!
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
I've always been intrigued and fascinated by Wallis Simpson, and whilst some of this story is fictionalised, there is no doubt that a whole lot of it is based on the truth. Add the story of our modern-day icon; Princess Diana, and for me, this was always going to be a winner.
Another Woman's Husband is a dual narrative, told during the months after the death of Princess Diana, and nipping back to the early twentieth century as the reader follows the slow and steady rise of Wallis Simpson.
Most people will know the stories of both Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana, we have grown up with their images. We know about the glamour, and the scandal. In Another Woman's Husband, Gill Paul has created a fine and intimate portrait of Wallis, the woman who almost brought down the Royal Family. The modern day story starts as Diana dies, and whilst she's not a character in the story, but her legacy is central to the characters.
This author's skill is in her meticulous and detailed research. Using little-known correspondence between Wallis and her friend Mary Kirk, she has created a story that is both captivating and enthralling.
I was completely and utterly spellbound by this brilliantly written tale. It is seamlessly and cleverly put together, the modern-day and the historical linked so well together by the fashions that were loved by both Wallis and Rachel in the present day.
Gill Paul has created a fictional mystery surrounding a small platinum heart, allegedly found at the scene of Diana's death and woven a gripping, romantic and sweeping around it.
Another Woman's Husband is so powerful, a story to lose yourself in and one that I will remember for a long time. What a triumph!
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
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