published June 2, 2026
Melanie Benjamin is one of the most fantastic women’s historical fiction writers on the scene today. Upon reading her acknowledgements that she’s had this book on the shelf in her mind for a while, the only thing I can say is “WHY?” Taking one of the most acrimonious historical events in the modern era in the English monarchy and creating a story from it is SHEER BRILLIANCE. I appreciate, with great vigor, the amount of research and time it took to create this multi-POV between ‘That Woman’ and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon is amazing. While we’ll never know their actual words or intentions, there’s enough recorded historical facts around this unhappy relationship and your deft hand at creating empathy and unease with these characters is next level.
For anyone unaware, this story features the abdication of Edward VIII because of his relationship with Wallis Simpson and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who was thrust into the Queen position as a result of that abdication when her husband, Bertie (George) was Kinged. The discourse that nearly broke the institution of the monarchy is as real as it gets and Ms. Benjamin writes with these characters with fervor and grace. Anyone fascinated with aristocracy will immediately fall in love with The Windsor Affair.
I can’t thank Delacourt Press or Melanie Benjamin enough for giving me the chance to read this ARC on NetGalley and provide an honest review. Absolutely incredible book- no notes.
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