A historical fiction book about Wallis Simpson. This book is so interesting. It was written so well perfect for fans of historical fiction and the royal family.

The Duchess is the second in the author's fictionalised trilogy of royal outsiders following The Governess and preceding The Princess.
It's a wonderful insight into the life of Wallis Simpson and gives an alternative perspective on the woman many people think they know purely through media stories about her relationship with Edward. Wendy Holden powerfully reframes the story of Mrs Simpson and gives her a voice in her own story. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

I was so excited to read this after loving The Governess, and while I still enjoyed this book I found it a little more confusing to follow. Perhaps some more previous knowledge of the Royal Family was needed to fully enjoy this story.

I’m not a fan of historical fiction but thought I would try this after the author was recommended to me and this was actually quite surprising. The story of Wallis Simpson, the monarchy and love.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved The Governess and was so excited to read this one. However due to some personal circumstances I'm behind on all my reviews.

For some reason I never sent this one to my kindle and now the file is archived. Will pick up a copy of this one at a later date!

This is the book that I wished was made into a show like The Crown! Wallis Simpson is such an interesting person, I really enjoyed reading this especially after loving Wendy's first book The Governess! A fascinating look at one of the most controversial women in the twentieth century. I loved how Holden dug into Wallis’ history and imagined a new characterization for the duchess that takes a step back from the stories we all know.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Loved this
Engaging and engrossing - I learned so much


Highly recommend

I really enjoyed this book and I learnt lots of new things. Wendy's writing style keep me wanting to read more and more. I would really recommend this book!
I have ordered a pre-ordered a copy for my cousin, we read some of the same books. I'm sure she will find this as interesting as I did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book is an absolute masterpiece! Thoroughly engaging from start to finish. Mrs Simpson at times came across as very selfish and shallow particularly in the early days. However, I couldn't help but sympathise as she was embroiled ever deeper into the closed circles of the Royals and their rigid rules. Excellent read.

Wendy Holden is a master of giving us a fresh take on the royal stories we all think we know, and The Duchess is no exception! I loved how this book took back Wallis's story and should be a lesson to us all in considering history from every angle, Its also ultimately a real page turner, with such emotional heft - all the ingredients of a five star read!

What a great read! This book is a totally different perspective about Wallis Simpson.
There are 2 timelines : the first one starts in 1928 when Wallis Simpson arrives in England and the second is in 1972 for the funeral of Edward/David.

Thanks to NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I’ve read several books about Wallis Simpson and how she changed the course of English royal history. This is one of the best ones, in my opinion.
It’s written in alternating timelines, one set just after the death of her beloved David, former King Edward VIII, and the other during her early life and her move to London, where she meets David while he is the Prince of Wales. It’s a close look at her life in England, and the love story that shocked the world.

The writing was excellent and made me feel like I was present at the glamorous balls and house parties she attended with her then husband, Ernest Simpson. The author lets you into Wallis’ private thoughts and emotions.
Previous books painted Wallis as “that woman”, as the royal family called her, with little emphasis on her personality and feelings. I felt like I got a fuller picture of Wallis as a person.
I highly recommend this book, 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The idea was original and I thought it’d be fun to get a fresh perspective on the character of Wallis Simpson who notoriously received bad press during her lifetime. She’s not a bubbly, endearing character. She’s had it tough and it’s reflected in her personality. At first, I enjoyed the read, it’s well written, witty and interesting. However, I found myself starting quickly skimming through chapters after 40% in and it’s a bad sign…. losing interest or lengthy passages. So, for now, I’ll put it down and consider picking it up later. Maybe the tricky part is that it’s a fictionalised tale, so you have to constantly remind yourself that what you’re reading is not a biography, and that’s always a bit unsettling with people who actually existed.

This is one of the most famous love stories, a king seduced by a woman he is not allowed to marry so he abdicates, but it is written from a new angle. From the perspective of Wallis.

Written along two timelines starting with the funeral in 1972 of Edward, or David as he is known by his family and friends, the king who abdicated so he could marry the love of his life Wallis Simpson, an American nobody who is also a double divorcee. The second timeline starts in 1928 with Wallis marrying her second husband the reliable and loving Ernest who thinks the world of her.

When they move to London, Wallis is obsessed with climbing the social ladder. She manages to insinuate herself into parties the rich and famous attend, meeting Cecil Beaton who opens up doors for her to carry on with her aim. She wangles an invitation for herself and Ernest to the Prince’s home for the weekend and this is the beginning of the road to their romance.

Wallis for me was a completely unlikeable character in this portrayal. She ignores her poor husband and carries on like a young single woman, partying and lunching at the Ritz. He doesn’t want to go to the Prince of Wales’ home but he is dragged along. I also did not like the prince in this portrayal who comes across as needy, whiny and self obsessed. He clings on to Wallis for dear life although does he have an ulterior motive in romancing and wanting to marry her? He has never wanted to be King so could this provide the way out?

Wallis gets everything she has ever wanted but then feels trapped in a life now controlled by the prince

I am looking forward to the authors next book which will be about Diana.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a NetGalley review copy.

I really enjoyed this story and it's a sympathetic portrayal of Wallis Simpson, from the very first time she sets foot in England with her second husband Ernest, until the abdication of her husband for love of her. I feel like I have a much better understanding of their love story.

Loved this book Wendy Holden writes so beautifully brings Wallis Simpson alive. We get to meet the real Wallis her emotions her feelings.If you love the Crown ,if you enjoyed her first novel The Governess or love historical fiction this novels for you,#netgalley#theduchess

A delicious slice of Royal gossip, a marvellous look at Wallis Simpson's life and her many adventures and many misadventures in England.

Ms. Holden turns all the tables on us and gives us a gorgeous and surprising portrait of the very often maligned and twice divorced duchess full of empathy and very brave nuances. Honestly I feel that I'm the only man on Netgalley reviewing this captivating fictional bio but you know what, I don't care🤣

The Windsors and their pathetic entourage go through the wringer, the exquisite details about the crisis jump at you with lots of vividness and the plot will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat....

Of course the "plot" is well known but for once and quite unexpectedly you might find yourself rooting for the Duchess....

Elegantly written and utterly compelling from start to finish this is great Royal entertaining from start to finish!

Higly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!!👍👍👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Welbeck for this terrific ARC

I've heard about Wallis Simoson but nothing really about the person so I was intrigued to find out more from this book. I know this is historical fiction but I found it very enlightening all the same and I now see her as who she was and not what she was portrayed as.

She didn't have a great upbringing. She blamed her mother and it was only on her deathbed that Wallis found out the truth. Her first husband was brutal. Her second left her feeling alone. She turned to Simpsons sister, they didn't particularly like each other, to get some invitations to charity events. That was how she met David, the future King Edward.

The story moves from different timelines rather than in chronically order which worked really well. I found it credible and realistic and I enjoyed the story very much.

Thoroughly enjoyed this sympathetically told story of Wallis Simpson from the time she arrives in England with her second husband Ernest, until the abdication of Edward Viii. I feel I understand this period in history much better.

An amazing, fictionalised retelling of the story of Edward and Mrs Simpson. Set over two timelines the story switches between the young Wallis and the funeral of her beloved husband, at Windsor.
Well researched and presented in a beautiful and interesting read. Captivating and interesting I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.