MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE is the latest historical fiction from Rhys Bowen (In Farleigh Field). She is a personal favorite and a prolific author of novels including The Constable Evans mysteries, The Royal Spyness series, and many featuring Molly Murphy in addition to several dealing with WWII and its impact. This novel begins in 1938 in Surrey, England and moves fairly quickly to the South coast of France (near Marseille) throughout the war. After Mrs. Endicott's husband seeks a divorce, she – and a group of "strays" – settle in a charming village whose inhabitants, including many fishermen, are largely self-sufficient. Gradually, Mrs. Endicott and her companions (an older woman with health problems, a kind-hearted cleaner fleeing spousal abuse, and a young, unmarried lass) build a community and start to thrive. Even in this remote area, the war years are predictably difficult, but most everyone (including other English ex-pats, a broad-minded priest, and the head of a nearby monastery), pull together. Mrs. Endicott learns to try new adventures, reflecting, "All my life I've been sensible and reasonable. I've done the right thing, tried to please everybody, but nobody ever tried to find out what I wanted." Instead of giving into despair, she and the others grow and manage to find happiness. At one point, the abbot advocates prayer: "Why don't you start with three things you're blessed with, three things you're afraid of and finally three things you ask of him? And don't forget to listen, too." An uplifting story in a beautiful setting.

Thank you #NetGalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for what is another wonderfully written book by Rhys Bowen. I just thought I was finished with reading in the World War II genre. That is until I began this book late Saturday evening and finished it Sunday afternoon. What a great read! Yes, it was set in the WW II time frame, but it was so much more than that.

Mrs. Endicott surprised not just herself, but me as a reader also. Surprised me with her grit and determination as a newly single woman of that era, alongside two other women who turned out to be so much more than simply an old spinster and a char woman. All three had their own story of hardship and triumph to tell.

I have read many of Ms. Bowen's historical fiction novels and found them all to be supremely entertaining and informative, however this book was in a class by itself. Filled with beautiful descriptive passages that brought us along as Ellie. Dora, Mavis travel from an England on the brink of war to the south of France. Traveling alone (no men) in Ellie's husband's motorcar, they find themselves broken down and welcomed into a small seaside community, which quickly becomes home. When war comes to her quiet home, Ellie soon finds out who is true friend and who is not.

Rhys Bowen's HF is always a must read for me. Hopefully, for you too.

A charming novel that is a pleasure to read! I loved this book. A middle aged woman's husband announces he wants a divorce at the breakfast table. She says "fine," quickly works out the details and takes his Bentley to France. She picks up a motley assortment of companions and friends along the way, settling down in a small village on the coast of the South of France when the Bentley breaks down. And all of this takes place in 1939, on the cusp of World War II.

Thought there are some serious plot developments towards the end of this book related to WWII, this book was about pure human interaction and kindness. A group of English women get to know each other, show kindness to those in trouble, and find themselves lovingly absorbed into the community. This novel inspires all of us to deal with the hand we're handed, but to also live our best lives and make human connections that matter.

4.5⭐ rounded up
Charming and engrossing historical fiction about a resilient woman divorced after 30 years who decides to head to the South of France for a vacation. It's the embodiment of found family as she gathers her housekeeper, fleeing from an abusive husband, and a older neighbor lady who had been told she had little time to live to cross the channel to France in her ex-husband's Bentley. Her kindness and positivity continues to garner more to their circle when they are stranded in a small French village due to car trouble.The time frame stretches over WWII, and the horrific reality of war impacts the second half of the book. Yet, even with some sadness the basic coziness holds true throughout the book.

Marvelous!
This is rather like another version of the wonderful movie Enchanted April.
Similar in that it shows women opening up to new possibilities after rather limited lives.
The growth of each one is delicious.
And then you get the excitement of the War and Nazis and all the necessary resourcefulness that is required of them.

Delighted to include this title in the August edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national lifestyle and culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

Ellie (Eleanor) Endicott is stunned when after 30 years of marriage, her banker husband, Lionel asks her for a divorce. He is open about his new love, Michelle who is expecting his child. It is 1938, in England and there is talk of a possible war. Ellie, fortunately, is offended of Lionel's offer of a small allowance in exchange for a quiet divorce and walking away from her home.
What follows is a wonderful story of Ellie realising that she is not an invisible housewife, but an intelligent woman who has let life pass her by. And she first stands her ground to seek a fair divorce settlement and decides to go to the south of France, of which she has fond childhood memories. Ellie gets a lot more than she bargained for and the adventure although heady and exciting also means she is close to the war front when Hitler invades France.
A lovely story of friendship and starting over after the breakdown of a marriage. Happy to recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

I’m a huge fan of Rhys Bowen’s mysteries but have never read any of her historical fiction before—and I’m glad I finally did. This is exactly what I expected. I would almost describe it as cozy historical fiction. Ms Bowen tells an engaging story of a newly divorced woman in her 50s rediscovering herself just before and during World War II. Shocked out of her quiet life by a divorce, Ellie sets out on a quest of self-discovery. She forges a new life for herself in the south of France, creating a home and family for herself. History intrudes with the onset of World War II, but its harsh realities are incorporated into the story in the same calm, matter-of-fact, deceptively light tone.

This would be a wonderful pick for readers who are looking for some lighter, well-written historical fiction. Highly recommended!

This is such a a delightful read that I found myself reading cover to cover in one sitting. I adored the three main characters all from different circumstances yet brought together by their love of adventure. The three women set off in a car trip together to France each needing to change their life. One abandoned by her husband, one elderly villager searching for adventure and a maid desperately needs a new life.
Their travels take them to France to a run down cottage in a charming village by the sea. Being resourcful women they join together to make it a wonderful home. They invite a girl in need to stay who adds to the friendships and enriches their lives.
As the war progresses and enters their small village they find their determination to survive and together they preserve.
So beautiful to read it captures the reader who shall not emerge until the last page. A lovely story of friendship, strong independent women and beginning anew. Each embrace their new life and find joy in their friendships and community.
Thank you with gratitude to the publishers, Net Galley and the author.

Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen is an endearing book about second chances. Mr. Endicott announced calmly at dinner one night that he wanted a divorce. He had found someone younger and more exciting. Mrs. Endicott was struck by the unfairness of it all. She had worked so hard to be the perfect wife. Now this? He offered her a paltry settlement and she saw a lawyer of her own who gave her great advice, which she took. Then she decided she was going to go away for awhile. France. She had loved it there when she had traveled with her aunt. So, she set about making preparations, including notifying all the people in town to whom she had responsibilities. That included a curmudgeonly older spinster called Miss Smith-Humphries, who she was a bit frightened of. She went home and convinced her housekeeper/friend, Mavis, to join her and then she started to think of logistics. There was a knock on the door: it was Miss Smith-Humphries with the surprising news that she wanted to come along on this journey. Ellie decided to take the car. Surely she deserved that much? Three people on and off trains would be too much.

What a delightful novel this is. The car broke down and they found a home in a small village near the sea. They tucked in and Ellie rented a shambles of a villa and they set about cleaning it up, doing repairs where necessary. It was a grand adventure. Miss Smith-Humphries morphed into Dora and became a dear friend. They had picked up a waif of a girl who turned out to be pregnant. Ellie could not say no. Her mind cleared and she was happy. She made friends and a home and knew her decision had been a good one. It was supposed to be a holiday, but now it was a whole new life. The war was coming and eventually it hit her village and bad things happened as a result, but the women were all fine. There is so much to unpack in this story. Your only option is to read it, I’m afraid.

I was invited to read Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Lake Union Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #LakeUnionPublishing #RhysBowen #MrsEndicottsSplendidAdventure

What a delightful read, though I feel odd saying delightful when the setting is the south of France during WWII. Mrs. Endicott leaves behind her village life in England and her husband who is divorcing her. With her housekeeper and an elderly villager, both of whom are also in need of an escape from their lives, she drives to the south of France and the adventures begin. A story of friendship, community life, bravery in the face of war.

4.5 Stars. This novel is an engrossing combination of women in 1938 learning to survive on their own, grow their talents, and to depend on each other. It's also an historical novel taking place at the start of Hitler's unrelenting power grab and continuing through the war. A tiny town where everyone knows each other and learn how to share whatever resources that they have. Where the resistance is quietly working and treachery is always possible.

I delighted in the three primary female characters and their growing respect, friendship, and love for each other.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)
Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is exactly what the title promises—splendid. It’s a warm, charming historical novel that balances a coming-of-age (or maybe more accurately, a coming-into-her-own) story with themes of resilience, friendship, and second chances, all set against the looming backdrop of WWII.

Ellie Endicott is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. After years of putting her husband and children first, she finds herself unexpectedly divorced—and instead of falling apart, she decides to finally live. So, she takes off for France in her Bentley (love that detail!) with her housekeeper Mavis and an unexpected travel companion, Dora. The first half of the book feels like a breath of fresh air as these women settle into a new life in a small French village, rediscovering joy, forming unexpected connections, and learning who they are without the men who once defined them.

I really enjoyed the way Rhys Bowen gives space to characters who don’t always get the spotlight in historical fiction. There’s a cozy, found-family vibe that makes the quieter moments feel just as impactful as the bigger, wartime ones. My only quibble is that the ending felt a bit rushed, especially as the war catches up with them. But overall, this was a heartfelt, hopeful story about reinvention, community, and quiet acts of bravery. If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance, some adventure, and strong female leads, this is a lovely pick.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A new life after divorce in the late 1930's

This is a engaging novel about a 50 ish English woman surprised by a divorce in the late 1930's. She could have settled for a smaller life in England but chose to go to France in her ex-husband's Bentley, taking two others. Our heroine is a real optimist who collects 'strays'. This is a very good book to read by the pool or by the fireplace, very readable!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Surrey England - 1938

Ellie Endicott’s husband, Lionel, has just told her he wants a divorce. After two sons, caring for Lionel and playing hostess to his business friends, he informs her that he has a new woman in his life and the woman is pregnant. Lionel offers Ellie a pittance to move out into a small flat but she counters by demanding half of everything. After consulting with her solicitor, she accepts a very good settlement from Lionel.

Ellie visited France as a child and speaks French so she decides to up and move to the French southern coast. When a staid spinster learns of her plans, she begs to come along with her and Ellie agrees. Then, her long time maid is talked into leaving her abusive husband and going along too. At the last minute, Ellie decides to take Lionel’s Bentley. So, she packs everyone up in the car and they head out. Along the way, they rescue a young girl who was being abducted by a bad man. Turns out she is pregnant and kicked out of her father’s house. Now, they are four. When the car starts smoking and sputtering, they coast into a little village and the car dies. There, they find a small pension to stay in and a man who can try to fix the car. Very quickly, people in the town take to the women and they make friends and enjoy wonderful food and hospitality. But it’s when Ellie discovers an abandoned villa on a high hill, she wants to see it and falls in love with it. Will they end up going further on their journey or has Ellie found the place she wants to be?

I found this book to be just wonderful. The characters are perfectly created as is the town. The incredible and in-depth research done here is mind-boggling. I loved the timeline and the close friendships made here. Having lived in France for many years and having visited Cassis, the town this place was based on but called Saint Benet in the book, made me feel like I was right there and brought back such wonderful memories. Rhys Bowen has long been a favorite author of mine and I have read and reviewed as many of her books as I can get my hands on. She is absolutely brilliant. This is the kind of story that deserves 10 stars. Enjoy!

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

Following dreams!

Ellie Endicott is stunned when her staid husband of thirty years, who must have his boiled eggs just so, asks for a divorce—over breakfast. It seems he has met a younger woman, intelligent, smart, pleasant…and it turns out pregnant!
Lionel’s plan is to shuffle Ellie off to his small apartment in London, or a workman’s cottage in the village, give Ellie a pittance. Et voila his problem is solved. Game over! They currently live in a lovely large house that Ellie has over the years completely redecorated, and a stunning garden she’s established.
Fortunately wiser heads prevail, including her cleaning lady Maud Moss, who encourages Ellie to consult with the local solicitor.
Ellie realizes that her life has been controlled by Lionel. She decides to do something completely different, involving the South of France and the Riviera. She has what she wants from the divorce and heads off to France, taking Lionel’s Bentley, and gathering a few lost souls on the way.
An utterly charming read set in 1938, on the cusp of World War II. Ellie and company face their fair share of danger and drama, particularly as war comes to the continent.
Ellie Endicott is braver than she thinks and I love how she responds to the challenges thrown her way. Ellie and her companions from her village in Surrey, are a real treat—gutsy, creative and wonderful!

A Lake Union ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

In 1938, After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is shocked when her husband asks for divorce. She realizes this is her time to change and live life to the fullest. She takes the Bentley, her housekeeper Mavis, and elderly neighbor Dora and they head off to the South of France. The Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing village, and they decide to stay there. The women become part of the community, but war is on their doorstep.

Rhys Bowen is a must read author. I know we are going to be following a great cast of characters who range in age and socioeconomics. Honestly, she is great at writing a character you hate, then learn to love (well there is one character in a series I still don’t like lol). Go pick up this stand-alone novel! How pretty is that cover!?

Thank you NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
#MrsEndicottsSplendidAdventure #NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Ellie Endicott has been married for 30 years and she thought it was a happy marriage, or at least sustainable. So when her husband announces at breakfast that he wants a divorce so he can marry a woman from the bank where her works, she doesn't quite know what to do. She has never been on her own and has settled into Surrey, England as a wife, mother to two grown sons, and an integral part of the church and society in the town. But when she is urged to get her own legal counsel, she finds that she does not have to be left penniless, living in a small apartment or cottage of her husband's choosing. Instead, she forces him to make her a reasonable settlement and decides to revisit the south of France, which she visited once with an adventurous aunt as a child. An elderly spinster asks to come along and she invites her housekeeper to also accompany them in order to get away from an abusive husband. She also, at the last minute, decides to take the Bentley so as not to have to worry with trains and boats and go where and when she chooses. Along the way they pick up another young girl who seems to need rescuing.

When their car breaks down in the small town of Saint Benet and they are stranded until it can be repaired. But they all grow to love the little town and their visit extends to the point where they wish for something more permanent than the pension where they have been staying. They hear of a villa that has been abandoned for years and seemingly has fallen into disrepair. But when they visit, it is dirty and needs a few repairs, but can certainly be fixed up for them. As time goes by, they seem to become more and more a part of this little fishing village and are almost accepted as locals. However, when the war heats up, they cannot forever be ignored.

Their story provides a look at how even out of the way small villages were affected as World War II rages. The women adapt and really do become part of this haven they have found.

I enjoyed reading Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I really enjoyed this story. What started out as a whimsical adventure of 3 older women became a tale of survival during WWII. I adored the characters. Ellie, Dora and Mavis were an unlikely bunch who needed one last adventure to find happiness in life.

I actually appreciated the amount of build up of the story that was not focused on the war. It was a slow buildup to the brutality and rationing of the Germans eventual arrival. We got to see these three women grow and find themselves in such an unlikely time giving it the true feel of women’s fiction with an ending much heavier in historical fiction. I loved it. I would love to explore more of Rhys Bowen’s works.