The Windsor Conspiracy: A Novel of the Crown, a Conspiracy, and the Duchess of Windsor

by Georgie Blalock

Georgie Blalock, the acclaimed author of The Other Windsor Girl, delivers an enchantingly reimagined fictional portrait of Wallis Simpson through the lens of her cousin who is engaged to spy on the Duchess of Windsor for her alleged Nazi sympathies and finds much more than she bargained for!

American Amelia Montague defied her family five years ago to marry the man she loved, but that decision cost her everything. Disowned by her family, and left a penniless widow after her husband’s death, Amelia becomes her cousin Wallis Simpson’s private secretary in France. With no other prospects available, Amelia has no choice but to succeed, and under their Aunt Bessie’s direction, hopes to have a positive influence on Wallis and the Duke of Windsor.

During the next two years, Amelia realizes that not everything with the Windsors is glittering happiness. Beneath the façade of the besotted couple simmers Wallis’s rage at her stunted ambition, and the couple soon reveal themselves to be self-centered Nazi supporters who pursue their own interests at any cost.

When the Germans invade France, and the Windsors leave Amelia to escape the Gestapo on her own, Amelia finds herself in position to work for the most unlikely of employers: MI5 and the FBI. Convinced to work undercover, Amelia joins the Windsors in Nassau and soon realizes that Wallis’s treachery extends far deeper than the US and British government even knows…

Richly imaginative, Georgie Blalock’s novel stuns as it explores two women, opposites in every way, and the choices they make to survive both war and each other. . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Royalty, World War II, Espionage, France

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2024

About the author

Georgie Blalock is a history and movie buff who loves combining her different passions through historical fiction, and a healthy dose of period piece films. When not writing, she can be found prowling the non-fiction history section of the library or the British film listings on Netflix or in the dojo training for her next karate black belt rank. Georgie also writes historical romance under the name Georgie Lee.

Reviews

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It is very well written and easy to read. The author provides us with a fascinating look at the lives of the Windsors prior to and during ww2, including their trip to Germany and their time in the Bahamas. Unbeknownst to them, there were spies watching their every move, which has been well documented. Highly recommended!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!!! This is a historical fiction about the duke and Duchess of Windsor focused on the immediate years after David abdicated. Wallis is the center of the story and we see the pair marry, court the Germans, and eventually be sent to the Bahamas. Most of the books I’ve read about Wallis was centered around her life before she married the former king. I liked that this was focused on the aftermath - and it is SO SO interesting.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tantalizing tale of Wallis Simpson's fictionalized cousin, who spies on pro-Nazi Simpson and her husband, the Duke of Windsor. Thrilling!

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a fictionalized character compiled from actual various personal secretaries and Wallis Simpson. Well written with plenty of drama, scenery, fashion, characters and accurate history. One can only imagine what if........Great book! Thanks to Netgalley, author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually read my ARCs the month before their publishing date but I was so excited to get this that I read it immediately. I enjoyed The Other Windsor Girl and An Indiscreet Princess also by this author. This is a hard one because it is about Wallis Simpson and her husband the Duke of Windsor and they are both very self centered people. It also takes place during WWII and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were supportive of Hitler. This story is told through the eyes of a fictitious character, Amelia,who is Wallis's personal secretary. Amelia is caught up in all of their ridiculousness and all she wants to do is get to safety from the war but the Duke and Duchess have other plans. Wallis and the Duke are more concerned with their belongings than the Nazis or the well being of their staff. WWII was a rough time because it seemed like everyone was a spy. You didn't know who to trust.

-Aunt Bessie was right; Amelia could learn a lot from Wallis, including how to face difficulties with grace and rise above her past.

-The truth dawned on Amelia. They weren't here to see the real Germany, but a pretty picture postcard with none of the ugly things she'd glimpsed during the car ride here.

-...but if there was one thing Wallis was good at, it was seeing only what she wanted to see.

-"It's not the diplomats but their wives you have to worry about."

-The Duke and Wallis were experts at getting other people to pay for things.

-...but Wallis rarely saw how her actions led to her troubles.

-"France is falling, women and children are being shot on the roads, and all you care about is yourself and your pride. Stop being so selfish and start seeing what's around you. Europe is at war."

-Their obsession with their things was maddening.

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overarching pacing of "The Windsor Conspiracy" is odd: The espionage element doesn't come into play until about three-quarters of the way through. Georgie Blalock establishes the characters and setting well, though I think she should have trusted us readers a bit more. We get it: Protagonist Amelia was done dirty by her late husband, became a pariah among her society friends, and no longer trusts her judgment. We got it after the first half-dozen references; by the 25th or 30th reference, I was rolling my eyes at the mere mention of her spouse.

Also, while Wallis Simpson and the duke are portrayed, accurately so, as Nazi sympathizers, their antisemitism and racism, rife in their real-life correspondence and conversations, doesn't appear once. Is that because we're meant to view them somewhat sympathetically?

As for the espionage itself, it's pretty feeble. I wasn't expecting something on a par with Le Carre or Furst, but this was kinda lame, imo.

All that said, the book held my interest, and I pretty much sped through it. If you like historical fiction lite, this would do the trick for your next rainy weekend.

Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Coffee]

I was invited by Harper Collins to read an advanced copy of #TheWindsorConspiracy because I had previously read and reviewed another book by Georgie Blalock, #TheOtherWindsorGirl.
Amelia is Wallis Simpson’s cousin and has had a few troubles in her young life. Desperate for a fresh start, she becomes the personal secretary for Wallis. The Duke of Windsor and Wallis are “exiled” to France after his abdication from the British throne. Amelia receives much of the brunt of Wallis’ frustration at the disappointment of not becoming queen and not being called “her royal highness”.
There are some in elite society that maintain their friendships with the Duke and Duchess including one Lady Taylor who gives Amelia some tips on how to be the best personal secretary to the difficult Wallis making herself indispensable. As she improves at performing her duties, she becomes more a confident and friend to Wallis. Amelia is also making friends of her own from attending the many social events Wallis brings her to.
During this time, the Nazis are rising to power. The Duke and Duchess are sympathizers and entertain many high ranking officials. They even make a trip to Germany to observe all the “successes”. When the Nazis invade France, Wallis sends Amelia to Paris to retrieve her safe full of jewels. While there, Amelia is detained by the Gestapo. For weeks, she is kept in a hotel with no word from Wallis. Amelia uses her charm and contacts to discreetly get word out about her situation. Soon her friend (and romantic interest) from the American Embassy comes for her.
When Amelia arrives in Britain, she learns that Wallis did not do anything to help her get released despite her connections. The Duke and Duchess are now in the Bahamas where the Duke was installed as the governor. Amelia is asked if she would like to return to Wallis, but this time as a spy, because it is suspected that she is helping the Nazis in order to potentially become queen. Amelia agrees and undergoes training before heading to the Bahamas.
Once there, Amelia meets her contact and it is none other than the aristocrat who taught her how to be a good personal secretary! Amelia gets to work right away searching for evidence of Wallis’ spying. She shares tidbits that she finds here and there but one night at a party she discovers a big secret. Shortly after sneaking into the house to make a phone call Amelia is caught. When Wallis is notified of the betrayal she watches at Amelia is interrogated.
How does it end? Find out on July 16.
#NetGalley

[tiasreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Windsor Conspiracy is the engrossing, fictionalized story of the relationship between Wallis Simpson and her personal secretary just before and during WWII. While Amelia Montague, Wallis’ secretary, was not a real person, the author drew from many real-life resources to inform her character and the book as a whole.

This is Georgie Blalock’s strongest book yet. Her research is impeccable and her writing continues to improve with each book. Most of all, I really admire her for choosing to tell the story of the people who tried to stop the damage done by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, rather than apologizing for or even glamourising the former king and his wife.

I rate The Windsor Conspiracy 4 stars and recommend it as an alternative to historical fiction fans who are burnt out on the usual WWII-era fiction and to anyone who can’t resist a royal tale well told.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest portrait of the Windsors; the author has very little sympathy for them, and rightly so. While the Duke was spoiled, lazy, and dim, Wallis and her friends were passing information about British war plans to the Nazis, believing that if they could undermine the British monarchy, the Duke would be restored to the throne he tossed aside. All their lives, the Windsors were two people who gravitated toward all the wrong types of people, as long as they flattered them and were willing to pay their bills. If you are interested in reading another book about the Windsors, try Beatriz Williams’ The Golden Hour, about the Windsors’ time in the Bahamas during WW II, when the Duke was the governor-general of the island. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

[Katie Samsock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway win!

I did know some about Wallis and the Duke but after reading this I’m absolutely disgusted. Ugh. Thank goodness he abdicated because who knows how WW2 would have turned out.

I was a little disappointed because the book description mentions that Amelia becomes a spy but it doesn’t happen until the very end of the book. Definitely an enjoyable read though.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've encountered several novels about Wallis Simpson, the infamous Duchess of Windsor, but this one is one of the most compelling and most explicit about her wartime activities. Seen primarily through the eyes of a fictional cousin who serves as Wallis' social secretary, this book serves as a character study of Wallis and one that rings true with the historical figure. Most books and even biographies are somewhat cagey about the Windsors' connections to Nazis and their activities during the first part of World War II. This novel presents a plausible, if fictional, explanation and one that may not be too far from the truth.

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me the value of this book was the unique perspective on the years leading to the start of WWII and WWII and the peek into the lives of the social elite. For me there was lots to learn and hold my attention. I look forward to this author's next book.

[Gina Pickering Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads drawing. I enjoyed the fictional story of Amelia, private secretary to Wallis Simpson. The characters are well fleshed out, and the storyline wasn't too predictable. This book made me want to read historical data to get the rest of the story. I had no idea of the things that actually went on with the Windsor's. Ms. Blalock did a great job of combining history with fiction. It could have happened!

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book from Goodreads. I was slightly disappointed in the book because the Windsors story has always been a favorite of mine. I never get tired of reading newly discovered anecdotes or additional facts about them.
This was, of course, fictional, only loosely based on facts.

History has always been unkind to Wallis Simpson, and it has turned on the Duke, as well. The couple come across as two rather pathetic people, always in need of attention, devotion, and money.

In the book, Wallis bemoans her lack of privacy but loves to be seen and recognized. She does nothing to downplay her clothes or makeup or hair. She insists on always being perfectly turned out.

The protagonist of the book, Amelia, is a poor cousin. She is an embarrassment to Wallis, though they both come from the same background: poor, desserted by their fathers, and unwanted by their mothers. Wallis attempts to help her cousin by offering her the job of personal secretary.

In the end, Amelia turns on Wallis and becomes a spy in the Windsor household. It is rather a sad story and I became a little bored bu the plot towards the end of the book. I give it a 4, but more of a 3 1/2.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an email that The Windsor Conspiracy was available and as a prior fan of Blalock's novels, would I like to read it? Of course I would!

Told through the eyes of her private secretary, The Windsor Conspiracy focuses on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, their desperate attempts to regain the throne and the HRH title they believe is being withheld from Wallis, and their ties to Nazi Germany.

Amelia is Wallis' cousin, now widowed and destitute, disowned by her own family after marrying the wrong man. With obvious sympathies from Wallis, she is hired on as a personal secretary to the Duchess, bringing her into a world different than her own. As she makes connections with other Americans in Paris, the Duke and Duchess' actions become suspect as Nazi sympathizers amongst their questionable circle of friends. Amelia is left to join forces with the Allies to watch the Duke and Duchess from the inside.

I'm rather obsessed with most books on the Royal Family and this one was no different. I can still remember both my grandmothers' (one American, one Scottish) distaste for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and what they had chosen to do. This was long before the suspected Nazi ties were more publicly know. While this is a work of fiction, Blalock has done her research into the couple and crafted a highly believable story based on what is already known. David comes across as the spoiled pompous playboy and Wallis the bitter social climber. Amelia, the fictional heroine, is much more sympathetic and the reader will find themselves on her side, wishing for a more satisfying end to the Duke and Duchess.

[Phyllis · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment! I read two thirds of the book (over 200 pages) without a hint of the conspiracy that was promised in the book’s title. I had had enough by then as the story was dragging, so I skimmed the rest and then read the last chapter to provide closure.

I have read many historical fiction accounts of the Royals as well as numerous World War II novels, so this book was a good fit as far as topic. The research and the writing were topnotch, the character development was vivid, and the concept was intriguing – Americans Wallis Simpson and her (fictional) Cousin Amelia Montague are living in Europe before and during the outbreak of WWII.

Yes, that’s really what this book is about – the two women, their aspirations and how they survive during a time when success most often depended on husbands and money.

The picturesque European setting and the evocative descriptions of furniture and clothing were not enough to carry the weak plot. Wallis Simpson (the Duchess of Windsor) was an unsympathetic character and I never really connected with Amelia. By the time (nearly two thirds of the novel) Britain declared war on Germany, it was anticlimactic.

This book held such promise but ultimately didn’t work for me.

[Such a Good Listener · Rating 2 out of 5]

Try knowing who Wallis Simpson is in the first place before reading an author's adaptation of that person's life. I barely follow the current Royals much less know anything significant about past Royal family members.

I did think the storyline was going a bit off the rails with Amelia's drama from her first marriage flowing over into France. She's meek, not interested in relationships 1 chapter then attempting seductiveness the next. But her life experiences pre-France sounds pretty worldly so the math ain't mathing on our Amelia enigma.

And 1 other eye roll... While in France and talking to her American niece, our American socialite Wallis says something like "up the Thames without a paddle..." why use Thames? Why not say the Seine? Or just generic "River" or "Potomac" or name ANY American River? But I guess we were trying to hammer home Wallis' new English roots and it made me feel like this story is trying too hard and not going anywhere I wanted to be.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windsor Conspiracy is the first book I've read by Georgie Blalock, but I will definitely read more of her work. I've been fascinated with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for a while, and this book was a great blend of actual historical people and events with fiction. Our heroine Amelia was fictional; however, the author drew on accounts from assorted Windsor secretaries to make her more realistic.

Amelia Montague, a young American woman, defied her family five years ago to marry the man she loved. That didn't end well; she was disowned by her family and is now a penniless widow. She becomes her cousin Wallis Simpson’s private secretary in France, hoping she can succeed and make something of herself. During the next two years, she learns that all is not well between Wallis and David, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, despite the façade of a couple in love. Wallis thought she would be queen of Britain, and she cannot get over her rage over David having to abdicate the throne. Amelia also discovers that both of them are self-centered Nazi supporters who only care about their own interests. When the Germans invade France, the Windsors leave Amelia behind to face the Gestapo on her own! She finds herself in an unlikely position of agreeing to work for MI5 and American intelligence to spy on the Windsors. When Amelia joins them in Nassau, she soon discovers Wallis's treachery goes much deeper than the British and American governments had ever imagined.

This really was an exciting story! Amelia's spying didn't happen until the last third or quarter of the book, but the truths Amelia learned about the Windsors kept me glued to the pages. Amelia was a great character. She defied her family to marry for love, but her husband turned out to be a snake, bilking people out of their money. After his death Amelia was hounded to make reparations, but she was penniless; therefore, she ended up being cousin Wallis's personal secretary. She remembered Wallis being fun when they were young, but now Wallis is all about power, wealth and appearances. She could be extremely kind to Amelia, like paying her debts which were incurred by her dead husband. But Wallis could turn on a dime, demanding Amelia do something dangerous lest she have to pay Wallis back all that money. When the Windsors abandon her to the Gestapo and she becomes their "guest" for a while, Amelia realizes just how awful dear cousin Wallis and her dethroned king could be. She is eventually talked into spying on the Windsors; she is terrified and put in ever increasing danger, but she was brave and pushed through her fear. Amelia found romance with Robert Morton, a foreign service officer to the American Ambassador to France...or was he? Amelia could be feisty when she's lied to and put into danger! I did enjoy Robert, plus Amelia's Aunt Bessie, though she was not in the story for long. Amelia's friend Eugenie was fictional, but Lady Williams-Taylor was real, as well as Mademoiselle Moulichon and Mr. Metcalf. The stars of the story, however, were Wallis Simpson and David. Much of the events of 1937 through 1944 are based in reality. They were determined to regain the British throne, and they were great admirers of Nazi Germany. They believed Britain would actually lose the war, and Wallis held a lifelong grudge against England. Wallis treated David quite badly; she was overbearing and insulting, often in front of others. There are records of their alleged treasonous activities. This was such a fascinating subject and story, and I highly recommend it!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock is an immersive story torn from the very pages of history. The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, while living the lifestyle of surrogate royals, believe the British monarchy has wronged them. Even though the Duke has willfully abdicated the throne in lieu of marrying Wallis Simpson, they both believe they are entitled to the treatment and lifestyle of royalty. Doggedly pursuing the title of “Her Royal Highness” for Wallis is one of the Duke’s main objectives.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Wallis Simpson’s cousin, Amelia Montague, who has become Wallis’ private secretary. Amelia anticipates this new chapter in her life as the opportunity to leave old heartaches and troubles behind and assume a new life as private secretary to her glamorous cousin, completely unaware of what this decision portends.
The Duke and Wallis Simpson are married in a subdued ceremony at an estate outside of Paris, but unfortunately, happily ever after doesn’t come for the newlyweds.

Dogged by what they perceive as mistreatment by the British monarchy, their new life together is less than idyllic until they are personally invited to Germany by Herr Adolf Hitler for a state visit. Cheering crowds, luxurious accommodations, and treatment as royals are lavished onto the couple, greedy for just such adulations. Amelia is skeptical of the treatment. Fearful of what the visit means, Amelia sees warning signs where the Duke and Wallis bask in the attention, oblivious to the undertones surrounding them.

As war in Europe becomes a reality, the Duke and Wallis seemingly remain oblivious to the danger until they are forcibly ousted, and their safety becomes tenuous. Amelia senses something is not quite right and ultimately finds herself in peril at Wallis’ whim. Realizing the high stakes, Amelia willingly places herself in danger to stop the plot, which she’s come to realize is Wallis’ and the Duke’s ultimate goal.

Splendidly written and completely engrossing, Georgie Blalock’s well-spun tale, The Windsor Conspiracy, is a fascinating read. While clues to the conspiracy underway are plentifully sprinkled throughout, the reader, simultaneously alongside Amelia, comes to realize its full extent as it has been gaining momentum right up until the heart-pounding end.

History and the realistic plot that unfolds so well in The Windsor Conspiracy intertwine seamlessly, resulting in a breathless tale that leaves you pondering what could have been. ~ Lindy for Novels Alive

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for the review copy of The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock.

Amelia Montague is a young cousin of Wallis Simpson. After a personal tragedy of her own, Amelia leaves America to be a private secretary to her cousin Wallis in Europe. She arrives just in time to witness Wallis Simpson marry Edward VIII after he has abdicated the throne of England. The now Duke and Duchess of Windsor remain exiled in France. Amelia at first is eager to learn about her new role and is touched at how Wallis helps her out of her difficulties. As the world inches towards WWII, Amelia becomes concerned about the relationship between the Duke and Duchess and their friends in Germany. Are they giving military secrets to the Germans? Why are they banished to the Bahamas? Are they still spying even in their banishment?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I have always found the love story between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson to be so romantic. This story definitely took the stars out of my eyes as it detailed the callous way that Wallis treated the Duke as well as their traitorous activities with the Germans. Both Wallis and the Duke were very self-centered people.

• In the acknowledgement section at the end of the novel, author Georgie Blalock details the very real history she used to put together the story of the Duke and Duchess. She also used various books about people who worked for the Duke and Duchess to come up with the fictional character of Amelia.

• I especially enjoyed it when Amelia became a spy for MI5 and the FBI. I did feel stressed though as Amelia spied on Wallis and tried to get the information to the proper people.

• There is a light romance in this novel between Amelia and Robert, an employee at the American embassy. I adored it.

• The characters were very interesting and richly imagined. It was quite the time to be living. I found myself at first liking Wallis and then greatly disliking her. She was an interesting multi-layered character.

• I read this book quickly. It was engaging and fascinating to read.

• Favorite quote, “Wallis had said the best revenge was a life well lived. She’d been right.”

Overall, The Windsor Conspiracy is an engaging story set before and during WWII focused on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their traitorous activities. I enjoyed Cousin Amelia’s spunk as she investigates them.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I don't read many WWII books anymore, especially not spy-French resistance ones, but this one is more of Wallis and the Duke than WWII. If the allegations here are true then I can see why they pushed David to abdicate!

The wedding portrait


The color is "Wallis Blue". There's also a "Wallis Blue Cocktail" because they sure did drink a lot!



There was also a song, Love, Love Alone written for the Duke and sung by Harry Belafonte:
Well, it's love, love alone
Caused King Edward to leave his throne
On the 10th of December, we heard the talk
He gave his throne to the Duke of York
King Edward was noble, King Edward was great
It was love that caused him to abdicate
He said he was sorry that his mommy would grieve
He cannot help it, he would have to leave
You can take his cow, you can take his goat
Leave him with his yachting boat
You can take his money, you can take his store
But leave him that lady from Baltimore
I don't know what Mrs. Simpson got in her bone
That caused the king to leave his throne
On the 10th of December 1936
The Duke of Windsor went to get his kicks
It was love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love
Love, love, it was love, love alone
Caused King Edward to leave his throne

Blalock mentions the Duke eating a fruit tart every day at lunch, but according to the interwebs,
There is no specific evidence that the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII) ate a fruit tart every day. While he enjoyed a variety of fruits, including damsons and strawberries, there is no record of him specifically eating a fruit tart daily. His diet included a range of foods, but the frequency of fruit tart is not documented in historical records.

Wallis' #1 issue? Not being called "Your Royal Highness" vs "Your Grace." I do agree with her assessment that the Duke wasn't very strong in his principles. After all, he was King, he didn't have to abdicate! But once he did, he and Wallis didn't seem to realize that it was game over. Hilter treated them like royalty, so guess who they liked?

[Bianca Vandenbos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windsor Conspiracy
Its 1937 and Amelia Montague has excepted being a private secretary to her cousin Wallis Simpson in France. Yes, that Wallis Simpson. The Wallis Simpson that Edward VIII gave up his throne in England to marry her. Amelia would rather do anything than be Wallis’s secretary but with not many prospects after her husband who she eloped with killed himself because of shady dealings there aren’t many prospects. Amelia finds that the now ex King Edward who is called The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson’s life is not this romantic fairytale. Wallis is ambitious and lets her rage at how she is treated push her and the duke into becoming self-centered Nazi supporters with their own interests in mind. After abandoning Amelia in Paris after the Nazi invasion, Amelia finds herself in position to help the FBI uncover the Windsor’s shady dealings with the Nazis, leading her to Nassau.

Research, Writing & Characters/Real Historical Characters
While The Windsor Conspiracy is a historical fiction novel, Georgie Blalock put a lot of research into the novel. Much of what you read in the book is taken from what really happened despite not every character being a real person but being based off many different people. The writing is excellent too! I knew I would enjoy this one after falling in love with The Other Windsor Girl about Princess Margaret last year. The only odd thing was at one point in the book there was a line that said Things must be bad for Sir Walter to lose his cool. I found that sentence to be odd considering the time. Other than that there wasn’t much I disliked.

Overall
If you don’t have a physical or digital copy of The Windsor Conspiracy, preorder the novel coming out on July 16th! Thank you, Georgie Blalock, for the early copy! I can’t wait to do our Behind The Book Q&A discussing the novel more in depth!

[Frannie Burd]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Amelia is escaping her past. Her husband embezzled money and offed himself when his deeds were discovered. Rumors abound about Amelia's level of knowledge and involvement and she needs a fresh start. This backstory leads Amelia to take a position as private secretary to her cousin, Wallis Simpson.. Simpson has recently married the Duke of Windsor (formerly the king of England who gave up the throne to marry a divorcee) when the book begins.

While the Duke was allowed to retain his royal title, Buckingham Palace denied the title to Simpson, which both seethed about for the rest of their lives. Before reading I thought I knew quite a bit about this power couple, including the fact that they were Nazi sympathizers. I was ignorant, however, of the depth of their involvement and the treasonous acts they committed. This book goes into some detail and I was shocked that they weren't tried and hung. Anywho...Amelia tries to go about her business and do her job, but Simpson plays to her emotions and then presents tests of loyalty to ensure she's adored. Eventually, Amelia winds up working for the allies as a spy in the house of the Windsors. 4 stars.

The character of Amelia is an amalgamation of several of Wallis's secretaries and statements they made about Simpson after their employment ended. The treasonous acts committed by the Windsors are taken from historical documents. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in royalty or historical fiction.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Montague was married to Jackson Bradley whom she trusted. She soon found that he had been living a crooked life and then committed suicide. People wrongly thought that she was in this with him which she wasn’t. Now, she is trying to find a way to pay people back for the wrongs her husband did to them. So, when she was offered the position of private secretary to her cousin, Wallis Simpson, in France, she accepted it.

We see how Amelia has to learn the personality of Wallis and all of the duties she is called upon to do. All Wallis and Edward, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, seem to dwell on is how angry they are that the British royal family will not let Wallis be called "your royal highness”. Wallis is a selfish and greedy woman who doesn’t hesitate to reprimand Edward which is embarrassing to others.

The Windsors are friends with the Nazis and travel to Germany to tour the area and see how the Third Reich is taking over. Amelia is appalled and worries how they will fall back on the Windsors. There is no doubt about how Wallis rules with her mean and evil ways. Edward just drinks a lot and whines about not having a title for Wallis plus the small duties he has been requested to do.

This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. Having read and reviewed numerous books about the British royal family, this book, while I realize is fiction, truly hits the nail on the head about the actions of Edward and Wallis.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

American Amelia Montague defied her family five years ago to marry the man she loved, but that decision cost her everything. Disowned by her family, and left a penniless widow after her husband’s death, Amelia becomes her cousin Wallis Simpson’s private secretary in France. With no other prospects available, Amelia has no choice but to succeed, and under their Aunt Bessie’s direction, hopes to have a positive influence on Wallis and the Duke of Windsor.

During the next two years, Amelia realizes that not everything with the Windsors is glittering happiness. Beneath the façade of the besotted couple simmers Wallis’s rage at her stunted ambition, and the couple soon reveal themselves to be self-centered Nazi supporters who pursue their own interests at any cost.

When the Germans invade France, and the Windsors leave Amelia to escape the Gestapo on her own, Amelia finds herself in position to work for the most unlikely of employers: MI5 and the FBI. Convinced to work undercover, Amelia joins the Windsors in Nassau and soon realizes that Wallis’s treachery extends far deeper than the US and British government even knows…

I always wondered what might be the reason that she was so very hated. Knowing this is historical fiction doesn’t take away the suspicion that Wallis was a Nazi and wanted the throne. The research is quite evident in the story, and the writing is so richly described that I actually thought this was more of a biography than historical fiction.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on an advance reader's copy.

The story of the King of England abdicating to marry American socialite and divorcee Wallis Simpson may be well known, but their Nazi sympathies and spying activities seem to be largely unknown or forgotten. This book sheds some light on this through a story featuring Amelia, cousin and personal secretary to Wallis. Though Amelia is pure fiction and is given a backstory and plotline her character was a bit flat. In this case however, I think that's ok because the book isn't really about her. Wallis' character on the other hand is well developed. Complex isn't the right word for it as Wallis herself was a rather shallow person, but Blalock captures her moods and the different aspects to her personality. How accurate is this? Honestly, I'm not sure as the royal family isn't something I'm typically interested in. Blalock does seem to have done her research for this though.

Blalock does well to bring some real history into her story and includes a short author's note at the end (labeled as the acknowledgements in the ARC) that briefly talks about the historical basis for the story. I do wish this was expanded on and that a list of actual references or recommended reading was included.

Overall, this is a well crafted work of fiction with roots in a little known bit of history.

[Michelle Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He gave up with barely a fight. Instead of heads of state and hundreds of people watching and kneeling to us, I’m the cruel witch who stole Britain’s beautiful king.” Wallace Simpson

I lived in London for a short time in the late 1990s and always found it curious that when given the chance, the Queen Mother did not hold back from her overt distain for Wallace Simpson. After reading Georgie Blalock’s new well researched work of historical fiction, I now understand why this was the case.

Beyond the obvious abdication scandal which rocked the monarchy during an already tumultuous time leading up to WW2, this fictional account of a much more dangerous and devious plot had my head spinning. This narrative is told from the point of view of a fictional personal assistant to Wallace Simpson, who also happens to be her cousin. Several actual accounts of various women who worked for the Duchess are distilled to create the likable and relatable character, Amelia, and provided a plebeian lens to tell the story. The scene of the now infamous photo of the Duke delivering a nazi salute to Hitler, was just the beginning of a slippery treasonous slope, making this a read I could not put down.

If you are a royal watcher, a history buff or one who enjoys “story beneath the story” books, I highly recommend this fascinating and timely novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristin (Always With a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you William Morrow, #partner, for the finished copy of The Windsor Conspiracy in exchange for my honest review. I borrowed the audiobook from the library.

I grabbed this one because not only am I obsessed with all things Royal, but I was intrigued by the fact this one was about Wallis…I haven’t read a lot about her and was desperate to do so. And this totally gave me just the look into her life I was after!

What I really appreciated is that this not only gives us insight into Wallis’s life before she married David, but also the years after. The story is told from the point of view of Wallis’s cousin, who is a fictional character, though an amalgamation of Wallis’s actual personal secretaries over the years. I love this blending of reality and fiction…you see it throughout the book and the detailed author’s note at the end of the book is definitely not to be missed for this exact reason!

This book was so deliciously scandalous and insightful. I applaud Blalock for not holding back on just the kind of person Wallis really was, for letting us see her true self.


Audio thoughts: This was narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and she did an amazing job bringing the story to life.


My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windsor Conspiracy is another story about how horrible Wallis Simpson is, this time from the perspective of a fictional cousin Amelia who serves as her personal secretary. What’s interesting about this book that makes it unique compared to other books about her is how deeply it explores her relationships and plotting with the Germans after her husband abdicates the British crown and she’s shunned by British and most of European society. Amelia strives to see the flashes of good in Wallis despite much of it appearing controlling or manipulative to an unbiased eye. Even though Amelia’s character is fictional many events and correspondence in the book is pulled from real life events, which makes Wallis even more detestable than I thought her to be before reading this. I knew that the pair had meetings with members of the Nazi party but wasn’t aware of how entrenched the relationship was. This book is very readable, and at the same time hard to read, because Wallis is so awful. I enjoyed learning more about her and the duke’s role in the events leading up to and during World War II. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being disowned and left penniless by her husband’s death, Amelia Montague becomes private secretary to her cousin Wallis Simpson, hoping to positively influence Wallis and the Duke of Windsor. However, she soon uncovers the couple's self-interest and Nazi sympathies, which only deepen as the Germans invade France, leaving Amelia to escape alone. Recruited by MI5 and the FBI, Amelia follows the Windsors to Nassau, where she discovers Wallis’s treachery runs deeper than anyone suspects.

This was a very interesting book to read. I fully understand why Amelia was based on several private secretaries because I doubt anyone would put up with so much nonsense! I knew the Duke and Duchess of Windsor had connections to the Nazis but I didn’t know just how much it was. So I feel as though I was entertained and I learned a lot.

If there was one point of criticism I would have, it would be just how far into the book it takes for Amelia to spy on Wallis. I’d thought, based on the book blurb, that it would play a much larger role in the story.

Overall, this was interesting and detailed. I definitely recommend it to readers interested in the British royal family, an interest in World War 2, or just a well-written historical fiction book.