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holmfridurhp's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
ecdereus's review against another edition
4.0
Fijn boek! Met veel plezier gelezen.
De voornaamste verhaallijn behelst het leven van Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson (de Amerikaanse vrouw voor wie de latere Engelse koning Edward VIII zijn troon opgaf) gezien vanuit de ogen van haar jeugdvriendin Mary Kirk. Mary en Wallis ontmoeten elkaar op 15-jarige leeftijd voor het eerst in 1911 tijdens een zomerschoolkamp voor de betere kringen van Baltimore en blijven ondanks de verschillen in karakter vele jaren hechte vriendinnen, tot halverwege de jaren '30 van de vorige eeuw, wanneer Mary naar Wallis' mening een onvergeeflijke misstap begaat.
De secundaire verhaallijn gaat over de Engelse Rachel en Alex, die - op vakantie in Parijs - na hun verlovingsdiner in de nacht van 30-31 augustus 1997 per taxi onderweg terug naar hun hotel een noodstop moeten maken vlak vóór de Alma-tunnel, waar zojuist de Mercedes van prinses Diana en Dodi Al-Fayed blijkt te zijn verongelukt. Terug in Engeland bijt Alex zich vast in een documentaire die hij als tv-producent wil maken over de achtergrond en mogelijke complottheorieën omtrent Diana's dood, terwijl Rachel erg veel moeite heeft met alle privacy-schendende media-aandacht voor Diana's tragische overlijden, wat lijdt tot een onderlinge verwijdering tussen de twee geliefden. Rachel ontdekt dat Diana en Dodi vlak na hun aankomst in Parijs nog een kort bezoek hebben gebracht aan het landgoed in Neuilly waar Edward en Wallis tot hun dood hadden gewoond en is benieuwd naar de achterliggende reden.
Knap is hoe de auteur de beide verhaallijnen hier en daar weet te verweven, o.a. door Rachels modewinkel te Brighton 'Forgotten Dreams', waar ze vintage kwaliteitskleding uit de jaren '20-'50 van de vorige eeuw verkoopt. Zo gaat Rachel bijvoorbeeld naar een veiling in Amerika om haar winkelvoorraad aan te vullen en ontdekt ze een complet dat ze via foto's in oude fashion magazines kan herleiden tot 'ooit gedragen door Wallis'; in een van de zakken vindt ze vervolgens een kaartje van een bloemist dat bij een afgeleverd boeket heeft gezeten... In de verhaallijn over Wallis komt ditzelfde gegeven uiteraard op zeker moment aan de orde .
De voornaamste verhaallijn behelst het leven van Bessie Wallis Warfield Simpson (de Amerikaanse vrouw voor wie de latere Engelse koning Edward VIII zijn troon opgaf) gezien vanuit de ogen van haar jeugdvriendin Mary Kirk. Mary en Wallis ontmoeten elkaar op 15-jarige leeftijd voor het eerst in 1911 tijdens een zomerschoolkamp voor de betere kringen van Baltimore en blijven ondanks de verschillen in karakter vele jaren hechte vriendinnen, tot halverwege de jaren '30 van de vorige eeuw, wanneer Mary naar Wallis' mening een onvergeeflijke misstap begaat.
De secundaire verhaallijn gaat over de Engelse Rachel en Alex, die - op vakantie in Parijs - na hun verlovingsdiner in de nacht van 30-31 augustus 1997 per taxi onderweg terug naar hun hotel een noodstop moeten maken vlak vóór de Alma-tunnel, waar zojuist de Mercedes van prinses Diana en Dodi Al-Fayed blijkt te zijn verongelukt. Terug in Engeland bijt Alex zich vast in een documentaire die hij als tv-producent wil maken over de achtergrond en mogelijke complottheorieën omtrent Diana's dood, terwijl Rachel erg veel moeite heeft met alle privacy-schendende media-aandacht voor Diana's tragische overlijden, wat lijdt tot een onderlinge verwijdering tussen de twee geliefden. Rachel ontdekt dat Diana en Dodi vlak na hun aankomst in Parijs nog een kort bezoek hebben gebracht aan het landgoed in Neuilly waar Edward en Wallis tot hun dood hadden gewoond en is benieuwd naar de achterliggende reden.
Knap is hoe de auteur de beide verhaallijnen hier en daar weet te verweven, o.a. door Rachels modewinkel te Brighton 'Forgotten Dreams', waar ze vintage kwaliteitskleding uit de jaren '20-'50 van de vorige eeuw verkoopt. Zo gaat Rachel bijvoorbeeld naar een veiling in Amerika om haar winkelvoorraad aan te vullen en ontdekt ze een complet dat ze via foto's in oude fashion magazines kan herleiden tot 'ooit gedragen door Wallis'; in een van de zakken vindt ze vervolgens een kaartje van een bloemist dat bij een afgeleverd boeket heeft gezeten... In de verhaallijn over Wallis komt ditzelfde gegeven uiteraard op zeker moment aan de orde .
emmacr2024's review against another edition
4.0
I only discovered the wonderful author Gill Paul the year before last when I read No Place for a Lady. Then last year along came the brilliant The Secret Wife and now she is back once again with another intriguing, interesting read - Another Women's Husband. This new book again blends historical fact with fiction with a focus on Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. The subject matter of this story is very timely considering the imminent 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. It still feels like only yesterday that the momentous event shook the world and everybody can remember where they where or what they were doing when the heard the news that caused a huge outpouring of grief.
I love historical fiction, it's one of my favourite genres, but what sets this author apart from others is the fact she uses a true story from the past which we are all familiar with and alongside it comes a more modern fictional story with the elements interlinked with the character in the present uncovering some secret or mystery to do with the past. Normally when I read a book in this genre I would have had no experience of the event as it would have occurred long before I was born as in World War Two etc so it was different for me to read about an event I had lived through. People have their own opinions and feelings around the circumstances of Princess Diana’s death and of the women herself so it must have been challenging for the author to write with a well rounded viewpoint and not have the book become overly sentimental. But she pulls it off perfectly. Also the fact she was writing about Wallis Simpson, a woman like Diana steeped in controversy whom many have formed strong opinions on, I think she had to stand back and portray all sides of the story in the way the reader was free to make up their own minds.
Another Women's Husband is told from two perspectives that of fictional character Rachel in 1997 and also that of Mary Kirk from 1912 right up until her death many years later. I really enjoy books that slip between the present and the past and although Rachel's storyline is set twenty years ago it felt as if it could be happening now. Rachel is on a break with her partner Alex in Paris. They are returning to their hotel after a night out where Alex has proposed. The couple are happy and looking forward to getting back to England to share their good news with their friends and family. Whilst in a taxi entering a tunnel in Paris they are held up and the reason for this will change their lives dramatically. There has been a crash and as Alex gets out to investigate he discovers the princess is in the car. Alex's instincts as a TV producer kick in but not before he shows some compassion. But as we all know the events do not have a happy ending and in later weeks Alex embarks on producing a documentary that he believes will uncover the truth of that fateful night in Paris. But Alex took something from the scene, an item which he believed held no significance, but it could be a connection to a woman in history who caused plenty of scandal.
The more modern element of the story focused on Rachel and how what she had witnessed impacts on her life and also her relationship with Alex. Back in England she runs her own vintage shop but on her return it has been burgled and all her hard work down the drain. The reader could see Rachel had put her heart and soul into creating her collection and with one fell swoop it was gone. Yet if this event hadn't occurred I doubt she would have connected with Susie Hargreaves and embarked upon uncovering a dramatic story fuelled by passion and love.
I felt Rachel and Alex became very disconnected for the majority of the book as Alex was often away researching for his documentary. He wanted answers and in a way so did Rachel but she went down a different path, one which she wanted the least upset as possible. I felt she had such compassion as well as determination and her interest was genuinely sparked by her wanting to uncover connections. Whereas Alex seemed more ruthless as it was his career and professional reputation at stake if things went wrong. I think they drifted apart in ways but then in others their love for each other was still there to see. I think both of them had to go on their own journey before they could come together with what they had discovered. I did enjoy the parts of the book set in 1997 but I think the chapters told from Mary Kirks's perspective and the long time period were even more fascinating and filled with so much rich detail of a world in the past that might not often be replicated.
There was a fear that the story of Wallis and her friend Mary, who she first meets in America in 1912 at a summer camp for girls, could begin to read like a history book we would have used in school. In the fact it could just have been listing of facts and the various relationships that the women have over the course of their friendship. This aspect of the book could have become very stilted and formal but instead Gill Paul weaves a masterful story that makes you feel you are right there back in the time of Wallis and Mary as they emerge from their teenage years and journey to womanhood. I knew very little of Wallis Simpson prior to reading this book bar the fact Edward abdicated from the throne in order to marry her. It was fascinating to delve deeper into her personal history and telling the story from Mary's perspective was very clever.
Mary seemed very innocent as opposed to Wallis. She took everything at face value whereas Wallis appeared to have the world at her feet and she was well able to play games. She presented a façade to the outside world but beneath it all there was a woman who had a difficult background and upbringing which must have affected how she wanted her life path to go. Sometimes I liked Wallis and at other times I really disliked her. I felt although her friendship with Mary was genuine when they first meet as Wallis became more worldly she left Mary behind and Mary was very much used. It came across as if Mary was only a plaything to be brought out every now and again when Wallis was bored before she found the next object of her affection. Wallis did the same with men. She fell deeply in love with a man and if she couldn't have him she would do everything in her power to get him. I felt she walked all over the feelings of Mary who had her own struggles too. Yes they did initially have a solid friendship but it disintegrated over the years in which the book is focused because of the actions of Wallis.
Wallis flitted from place to place, from man to man, from friend to friend, never seemingly able to settle. What she thought she wanted once she achieved it never gave her satisfaction and she was always on the lookout for the ultimate prize and it didn't seem to matter if she hurt Mary or other people in the process. The way she ingratiated herself into the life of Prince Edward was fascinating and given divorce at the time would cause huge scandal anyway the fact royalty was involved proved even more headline making. Even now having finished the book I'm not sure of my opinion of Wallis. She certainly led a very colourful life and she made her mark on history but it's perhaps Mary I felt the most affinity to in the story. She struggled witnessing everything Wallis was partaking in and although I don't necessarily agree with what Mary did too I do think she was looking for love and was more sincere in the way she went about it. Mary and Wallis were two very contrasting woman but there was a thread that held them together for a very long time before it was irrevocably cut.
I wondered how the two parts of the book would eventually tie together. It is only as we come near to the end that I felt a sense of urgency as Rachel races to uncover the truth and it was a bitter-sweet connection that tied the elements together but one with a satisfying ending. Gill Paul has once again written another stunning book. Books which focus on Diana and even Wallis could tend to be sensational and over the top but here the author has dealt with the subject matter with sensitivity and respect and shed light on a scandal and a love story which deserves to be read by many. There is a depth and honesty to the story which gives a real insight into the inner workings and feelings of the characters.
Another Woman's Husband proved to be a fascinating read which made me lose several hours to this story. I have no hesitation in recommending it and am keen to see what time in history Gill Paul will turn her hand to next.
I love historical fiction, it's one of my favourite genres, but what sets this author apart from others is the fact she uses a true story from the past which we are all familiar with and alongside it comes a more modern fictional story with the elements interlinked with the character in the present uncovering some secret or mystery to do with the past. Normally when I read a book in this genre I would have had no experience of the event as it would have occurred long before I was born as in World War Two etc so it was different for me to read about an event I had lived through. People have their own opinions and feelings around the circumstances of Princess Diana’s death and of the women herself so it must have been challenging for the author to write with a well rounded viewpoint and not have the book become overly sentimental. But she pulls it off perfectly. Also the fact she was writing about Wallis Simpson, a woman like Diana steeped in controversy whom many have formed strong opinions on, I think she had to stand back and portray all sides of the story in the way the reader was free to make up their own minds.
Another Women's Husband is told from two perspectives that of fictional character Rachel in 1997 and also that of Mary Kirk from 1912 right up until her death many years later. I really enjoy books that slip between the present and the past and although Rachel's storyline is set twenty years ago it felt as if it could be happening now. Rachel is on a break with her partner Alex in Paris. They are returning to their hotel after a night out where Alex has proposed. The couple are happy and looking forward to getting back to England to share their good news with their friends and family. Whilst in a taxi entering a tunnel in Paris they are held up and the reason for this will change their lives dramatically. There has been a crash and as Alex gets out to investigate he discovers the princess is in the car. Alex's instincts as a TV producer kick in but not before he shows some compassion. But as we all know the events do not have a happy ending and in later weeks Alex embarks on producing a documentary that he believes will uncover the truth of that fateful night in Paris. But Alex took something from the scene, an item which he believed held no significance, but it could be a connection to a woman in history who caused plenty of scandal.
The more modern element of the story focused on Rachel and how what she had witnessed impacts on her life and also her relationship with Alex. Back in England she runs her own vintage shop but on her return it has been burgled and all her hard work down the drain. The reader could see Rachel had put her heart and soul into creating her collection and with one fell swoop it was gone. Yet if this event hadn't occurred I doubt she would have connected with Susie Hargreaves and embarked upon uncovering a dramatic story fuelled by passion and love.
I felt Rachel and Alex became very disconnected for the majority of the book as Alex was often away researching for his documentary. He wanted answers and in a way so did Rachel but she went down a different path, one which she wanted the least upset as possible. I felt she had such compassion as well as determination and her interest was genuinely sparked by her wanting to uncover connections. Whereas Alex seemed more ruthless as it was his career and professional reputation at stake if things went wrong. I think they drifted apart in ways but then in others their love for each other was still there to see. I think both of them had to go on their own journey before they could come together with what they had discovered. I did enjoy the parts of the book set in 1997 but I think the chapters told from Mary Kirks's perspective and the long time period were even more fascinating and filled with so much rich detail of a world in the past that might not often be replicated.
There was a fear that the story of Wallis and her friend Mary, who she first meets in America in 1912 at a summer camp for girls, could begin to read like a history book we would have used in school. In the fact it could just have been listing of facts and the various relationships that the women have over the course of their friendship. This aspect of the book could have become very stilted and formal but instead Gill Paul weaves a masterful story that makes you feel you are right there back in the time of Wallis and Mary as they emerge from their teenage years and journey to womanhood. I knew very little of Wallis Simpson prior to reading this book bar the fact Edward abdicated from the throne in order to marry her. It was fascinating to delve deeper into her personal history and telling the story from Mary's perspective was very clever.
Mary seemed very innocent as opposed to Wallis. She took everything at face value whereas Wallis appeared to have the world at her feet and she was well able to play games. She presented a façade to the outside world but beneath it all there was a woman who had a difficult background and upbringing which must have affected how she wanted her life path to go. Sometimes I liked Wallis and at other times I really disliked her. I felt although her friendship with Mary was genuine when they first meet as Wallis became more worldly she left Mary behind and Mary was very much used. It came across as if Mary was only a plaything to be brought out every now and again when Wallis was bored before she found the next object of her affection. Wallis did the same with men. She fell deeply in love with a man and if she couldn't have him she would do everything in her power to get him. I felt she walked all over the feelings of Mary who had her own struggles too. Yes they did initially have a solid friendship but it disintegrated over the years in which the book is focused because of the actions of Wallis.
Wallis flitted from place to place, from man to man, from friend to friend, never seemingly able to settle. What she thought she wanted once she achieved it never gave her satisfaction and she was always on the lookout for the ultimate prize and it didn't seem to matter if she hurt Mary or other people in the process. The way she ingratiated herself into the life of Prince Edward was fascinating and given divorce at the time would cause huge scandal anyway the fact royalty was involved proved even more headline making. Even now having finished the book I'm not sure of my opinion of Wallis. She certainly led a very colourful life and she made her mark on history but it's perhaps Mary I felt the most affinity to in the story. She struggled witnessing everything Wallis was partaking in and although I don't necessarily agree with what Mary did too I do think she was looking for love and was more sincere in the way she went about it. Mary and Wallis were two very contrasting woman but there was a thread that held them together for a very long time before it was irrevocably cut.
I wondered how the two parts of the book would eventually tie together. It is only as we come near to the end that I felt a sense of urgency as Rachel races to uncover the truth and it was a bitter-sweet connection that tied the elements together but one with a satisfying ending. Gill Paul has once again written another stunning book. Books which focus on Diana and even Wallis could tend to be sensational and over the top but here the author has dealt with the subject matter with sensitivity and respect and shed light on a scandal and a love story which deserves to be read by many. There is a depth and honesty to the story which gives a real insight into the inner workings and feelings of the characters.
Another Woman's Husband proved to be a fascinating read which made me lose several hours to this story. I have no hesitation in recommending it and am keen to see what time in history Gill Paul will turn her hand to next.
scnole2021's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Royalty has always fascinated me and more so historical royalty, whether in the recent past or further back. I can recall asking my grandmother what it was like in 1936 when the King abdicated - she recalls it being an awful time and that it was just all so wrong and that Wallis woman had a lot to answer for.
The same as I can recall sitting with my grandmother and mother when we watched the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.
Fast forward to 1997 and the horrific accident which changed the world, royalty and perhaps history forever.
In this we mix the real with the fiction and it blends so well.
In 1997, Paris, a tunnel, a couple, Alex and Rachel, recently engaged seem to be stuck in traffic. An accident is up ahead. The events of that night put Alex and Rachel's relationship through a test as Alex is obsessed about the theories of the death of Princess Diana and starts to push away Rachel.
Rachel is facing a test of her own, as her own business suffers a setback. But it seems the aftermath of the death is around everyone and Rachel is drawn back to the past.
Mary and Wallis beamce friends in Summer Camp in 1911 and their friendship stood the test of time until the end. Wallis was the more confident of the two, who used this to disguise her background and her real problems. Mary went along in her shadow, relinquishing friendships, loves and even the closeness of her family due to the friendship with this woman called Wallis.
This book taught me a lot about Wallis, about her first marriage was and the reasoning behind her second marriage and the almost game that was played with her "Peter Pan" - it was very much all a fantasy for Wallis and as soon as her obsession was over, the next toy needed to be played with. It seems to me though, that in the end her actions were her undoing, she was left with only one toy to play with.
It makes you stop and think about what if? What if in both storylines? The Wallis Simpson one for me was much stronger and well researched, I wanted to get to the end to then find out how much was true (the vast majority, even in some cases down to what was spoken) to how much was conjecture - a lot in terms of conversations where there was no evidence available.
The more modern plotline did jar me slightly I think because it was so recent and the perhaps setting of the characters who were in such close proximity to the final moments made it a bit more macabre. That aside it did have some interesting elements, especially as it tied back to the Mary and Wallis story and that perhaps we did not need the reminder of the death. For me I would like to have seen a different way of handling the events.
However this was really a fascinating book and littered with names in history who fascinate me and was brought together with a compelling storyline. Just how I like my historical fiction.
The same as I can recall sitting with my grandmother and mother when we watched the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.
Fast forward to 1997 and the horrific accident which changed the world, royalty and perhaps history forever.
In this we mix the real with the fiction and it blends so well.
In 1997, Paris, a tunnel, a couple, Alex and Rachel, recently engaged seem to be stuck in traffic. An accident is up ahead. The events of that night put Alex and Rachel's relationship through a test as Alex is obsessed about the theories of the death of Princess Diana and starts to push away Rachel.
Rachel is facing a test of her own, as her own business suffers a setback. But it seems the aftermath of the death is around everyone and Rachel is drawn back to the past.
Mary and Wallis beamce friends in Summer Camp in 1911 and their friendship stood the test of time until the end. Wallis was the more confident of the two, who used this to disguise her background and her real problems. Mary went along in her shadow, relinquishing friendships, loves and even the closeness of her family due to the friendship with this woman called Wallis.
This book taught me a lot about Wallis, about her first marriage was and the reasoning behind her second marriage and the almost game that was played with her "Peter Pan" - it was very much all a fantasy for Wallis and as soon as her obsession was over, the next toy needed to be played with. It seems to me though, that in the end her actions were her undoing, she was left with only one toy to play with.
It makes you stop and think about what if? What if in both storylines? The Wallis Simpson one for me was much stronger and well researched, I wanted to get to the end to then find out how much was true (the vast majority, even in some cases down to what was spoken) to how much was conjecture - a lot in terms of conversations where there was no evidence available.
The more modern plotline did jar me slightly I think because it was so recent and the perhaps setting of the characters who were in such close proximity to the final moments made it a bit more macabre. That aside it did have some interesting elements, especially as it tied back to the Mary and Wallis story and that perhaps we did not need the reminder of the death. For me I would like to have seen a different way of handling the events.
However this was really a fascinating book and littered with names in history who fascinate me and was brought together with a compelling storyline. Just how I like my historical fiction.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
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.
nearly_empty_nesting's review against another edition
4.0
This royal historical fiction is full of drama, rule-breaking, and tragedy. Told in dueling timelines, this book made an interesting connection between Wallace Simpson and Princess Diana.
mamaroe93011's review
4.0
I love how deep Gill Paul goes into her storylines and does her research, and this one was no exception. It wasn’t my favorite of her books, but I definitely was drawn into the story.
chelsbethbaute's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this story was very interesting; however, I feel like it was truthful to the blurb. This is not a story about Diana...like at all. The biggest problem I had was that I thought all the characters were horrible people. I find it hard to get behind a book with no one to root for.
marsetta's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Gill Paul, Headline. and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Two women who challenged the Crown. 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, 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...
The story is told from two POVs, Mary Kirk (school and life-long friend of Wallis Simpson as she became known) and Rachel (vintage clothes shop owner and fiancee of Alex). Personally, I found the parts set in the past, about Mary and Wallis, more interesting than those about Alex and Rachel - while there was a sense of mystery behind their story, it all felt a bit forced: what is this bracelet that Alex took from Princess Diana?
The story, from the beginning, about Wallis and Mary just seem to flow and it was a case of flipflopping between the two as who my sympathises would lie with. I found myself reading the Alex and Rachel parts very quickly as I wanted to get back to the story of Wallis and Mary. I did wonder how the two parts of the book were going to tie together and it was only as we came near to the end that I got the answer. Won't say anymore!
This is the second book of Gill Paul that I have read and whilst it wasn't as good as "The Secret Wife" it was still an interesting read. There is a depth and honesty to the story which made me want to read more and I ended up googling a lot of the characters, including Mary Kirk, to find out more about them. I look forward to reading another book by Ms Paul (leaning towards The Affair, which seems to have the background story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton).
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Two women who challenged the Crown. 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, 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...
The story is told from two POVs, Mary Kirk (school and life-long friend of Wallis Simpson as she became known) and Rachel (vintage clothes shop owner and fiancee of Alex). Personally, I found the parts set in the past, about Mary and Wallis, more interesting than those about Alex and Rachel - while there was a sense of mystery behind their story, it all felt a bit forced: what is this bracelet that Alex took from Princess Diana?
The story, from the beginning, about Wallis and Mary just seem to flow and it was a case of flipflopping between the two as who my sympathises would lie with. I found myself reading the Alex and Rachel parts very quickly as I wanted to get back to the story of Wallis and Mary. I did wonder how the two parts of the book were going to tie together and it was only as we came near to the end that I got the answer. Won't say anymore!
This is the second book of Gill Paul that I have read and whilst it wasn't as good as "The Secret Wife" it was still an interesting read. There is a depth and honesty to the story which made me want to read more and I ended up googling a lot of the characters, including Mary Kirk, to find out more about them. I look forward to reading another book by Ms Paul (leaning towards The Affair, which seems to have the background story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton).
To read this and other reviews like and follow me at
https://crimeandmysterybookreview.wordpress.com/
www.twitter.com/crimemysteryboo
www.facebook.com/crimeandmysterybooksreview