Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure: A Novel

by Rhys Bowen

Blindsided by betrayal in pre-WWII England, a woman charts a daring new course in this captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and new love by the bestselling author of The Rose Arbor and The Venice Sketchbook.

Surrey, England, 1938. After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora—each needing escape—impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France.

With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. As for unexpected destinations, the simple paradis of Saint Benet is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches.

Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning—and becoming an adventure she never expected.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, World War II, Historical, Romance, War

399 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2025

About the author

I'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.

I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.

My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.

I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.

I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries

Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

3.5 Stars

This story starts in 1938 in England. Ellie Endicott is shocked when her husband of more than 30 years asks for a divorce. Ellie decides to take her husband's prized Bentley, her housekeeper, Mavis, and her friend Doris, and head to the south of France. On the way, the car breaks down in a small fishing village. In the fishing village of Saint-Benet, they start to restore the villa they're staying in and, at the same time, their own lives. Ellie begins to find her independence and makes some new friends along the way. The trio becomes part of the community. Unfortunately, their new, quiet lives are threatened by WWII.

If I had to describe this book's characters in two words, I would use "warm" and "optimistic." They're quite charming, and I couldn't help but cheer them on. I loved seeing Ellie come into her own and become confident. The plot was a tad predictable, and the challenges the characters faced were easily fought, but I loved the overall message of friendship and hope. Historical fiction fans who enjoy stories of female friendship and resilience will appreciate this little escape to pre-war France. It is a quiet reminder that you're never too old and it is never too late for a splendid adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: A wistful smile came over her face. 'When I was eighteen, my great-aunt Louisa took me to the Continent. She was Mummy's aunt, and she'd led a colorful life with various lovers. A sort of black sheep of the family, I understand now.' She looked up, 'Oh Mavis, we had such fun. We went to Rome and Venice and Florence and Vienna and the French Riviera. Gosh, it was wonderful. We ate fish stew with lots of garlic, and she taught me about wines. And those colours - that deep-blue sea and the pastel buildings and the mountains. It took my breath away.'
'But you never went back since?'
'Aunt Louisa had a heart attack and died the next year,' she said. 'And then I married Lionel, and he hates 'abroad' as he puts it. A lot of bloody foreigners wanting money, and dirt and fleas and garlic. That's how he sees it.'
'You could go back,' Mavis said. 'Give yourself a nice long holiday before you decide where you want to live.'
'Back to France?' She toyed with the word, letting it conjure up images - palm trees and cold drinks on a terrace overlooking a blue sea.
'Yeah. Why not? Only yourself to please now, ain't there? About time you did something nice for yourself.'
'I suppose I could.' Ellie stared at her, her eyes bright with excitement now. 'I really could, couldn't I?'

ABOUT 'MRS ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE': Surrey, England, 1938. After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora—each needing escape—impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France.

With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. As for unexpected destinations, the simple paradise of Saint Benet is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches.

Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning—and becoming an adventure she never expected.

MY THOUGHTS: A novel of unlikely friendships and great kindness in trying times.

I loved the character of Ellie Endicott and even grew to like Dora after a time. But the character who surprised me most was Mavis, whom Ellie convinced to leave her abusive husband and accompany herself and Dora, not as a servant but as an equal and a friend, on their journey. I loved how each of the three women came into their own and were very different to the women who had left England together.

While the plot contains no great surprises, the read is full of warmth and hope. It is a story of resilience, learning to adapt, and stepping outside one's comfort zone.

An absolutely splendid read that has me reaching for more books by this author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#MrsEndicottsSplendidAdventure #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: RHYS BOWEN was born and raised in England but currently divides her time between California and Arizona where she goes to escape from the harsh California winters
When she is not writing she loves to travel, sing, hike, and play her Celtic harp.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Mrs Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying books by Rhys Bowen for years. This is my all time favorite. Mrs. Endicott was a magnificent, lovable, and enjoyable character. All of the characters were memorable. It was so easy for the story to unfold in my mind. I loved the setting in France and the time period. When this is published I will be purchasing the audio version to enjoy again. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

England in 1938 and the war is waiting in the wings. Ellie Endicott has never imagined not continuing on as a faithful married woman when her husband suddenly announces he wants a divorce. There follows one of the best parts of the book when Ellie finds a little part of her former self and takes a stand. Having received a satisfactory settlement she sets out for France taking Mavis, her housekeeper, and Dora, a friend with her. Oh and she takes the Bentley too which was marvellous!

I really enjoyed seeing the three of them making a home in France and beginning relationships and friendships with the people of the town. Of course the war hovers over them, coming closer and closer until German soldiers actually arrive in the town. I found this final part of the story less effective and the conclusion was rushed and predictable. So four not five stars but still one of the most enjoyable books I have read by this author and I have read many.(I still wish she had continued her Constable Evans series.)

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1938 in Surrey when Mrs Endicott was shocked to hear her husband of thirty years, Lionel, ask for a divorce. He'd found a younger model and wanted out. But Ellie was determined not to be ripped off, which is what he tried to do, so once she was happy, she took Lionel's Bentley, and accompanied by Dora and Mavis, they headed for the South of France. Enjoying the scenery - and the freedom - the three women only stopped when necessary, heading for the Mediterranean, their ultimate dream. But the Bentley decided it had had enough at a little village called Saint Benet, breaking down, refusing to move. Louis could fix the car, but it would take time.

The women stayed in a small pension, run by an English couple, but when Ellie learned of the ruined villa on the hill overlooking the ocean, she was drawn to it. Renting it, renovating with the owners approval, they found a place to love, with views to die for. Gradually, the women made friends with the locals - and then the war began. Thinking that so far south, they wouldn't be affected, they were shocked when trouble hit...

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure was an enthralling, captivating read from the beginning and I loved it. Author Rhys Bowen writes enjoyable stories, and I've read a lot of them - this one was, IMO, one of her best. I found the characters inspiring; Ellie was a kind, caring person, sometimes to her detriment, while Dora changed for the better, once she reached France. Mavis was a delight! I loved the way the villagers took to them and made them welcome, so they joined their celebrations, including Christmas. An excellent read which I recommend highly.

With thanks to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever read a book that you couldn’t wait to get back to? This is THAT book.

Ohhh...I just loved Mrs. Endicott and this lovely read.

Ellie Endicott was married for thirty years and waited on her husband hand and foot.

He came home one day and said he wanted a divorce. Ellie took it in stride and decided to go on a vacation to the South of France right before the start of WWII.

Ellie was such a positive, pleasant character.

She always looked on the bright side of things, and she even took her maid and an older woman with her because they needed to escape something in their lives.

Ellie took her husband's car and drove to France with her two companions.

We follow them on their adventures.

What a delightful, uplifting read with wonderful characters.

There are sad events when the Germans came to their little village, but you will love this book.

MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE is a refreshing read with a charming main character and a wonderful change of pace for me.

Setting is absolutely adorable and you won’t want to put the book down or leave the characters.

I want to live in that villa overlooking the entire sea and village. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a stand-alone historical novel by award-winning English-born American author, Rhys Bowen. In the autumn of 1938, fifty-year-old Eleanor Endicott is shocked to discover that her marriage of thirty years is over: she is being dropped in favour of an apparently fertile young woman. When she understands the financial implications, she consults a local solicitor on the advice of her housekeeper (and only real friend), Mavis Moss.

Taking into account her unpaid work in keeping house, raising two sons (now absent) and catering to Lionel’s colleagues and clients, the solicitor estimates a fair settlement, then inflates it a little so Ellie will have room to bargain. And then she has to plan her future: where does she want to be? The French Riviera, a place young Ellie loved being with her black-sheep aunt, is the obvious answer.

By the time she is ready to leave, she has gathered two companions: Mavis needs to escape a violent, abusive husband; Miss Smith-Humphries (Dora) knows her time is limited and wants to return to the Riviera before she dies. And when trains and buses begin to sound too complicated, Ellie packs them into Lionel’s old Bentley and drives away.

Their attire and the Bentley give them some cachet at the border and in places they stop, but on several occasions over the next few months, Ellie wonders if she has done the right thing: a divorcee, a charwoman from London’s East End, and an elderly spinster who might be critical and demanding. Her companions question her sanity when she rescues a teen from a truckdriver, only to learn that seventeen-year-old Yvette is pregnant. But she reasons that they are, all of them, strays.

Marseille doesn’t appeal, and their destination is decided for them when the radiator boils dry in the little coastal village of Saint Benet. Over the days and weeks that follow, they meet various townsfolk, some of whom they’re not to sure about, others who become firm friends. When they discover, hidden on the hillside above the village, an abandoned villa that needs some TLC but definitely isn’t haunted, Elie believes it is meant to be.

But it’s 1938, and there’s talk of war. Her ex-husband sends their youngest son to bring her home, but Ellie decides the women are safer in out-of-the-way Saint Benet. At the villa they have their chickens and goats, their vegetable garden and fruit trees, making them almost self-sufficient. Over the years of war and German occupation, there’s a baby born, a wedding, and a bit of under-cover action. And when identity cards become mandatory, Ellie gets offers of marriage (of convenience) to keep her safe.

Bowen populates her tale with a variety of personalities: British ex-pats, some of whom are truly endearing; a Riviera hotel chef; several fishermen, one of whom might be a smuggler on the side; and an island abbot who offers friendship and wisdom. Where parts of the plot are predictable, these can be forgiven for a story that is ultimately heart-warming and hopeful. Another Bowen winner.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing

[Courtney H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content warnings: Nazis, murder, death, child taken from its caretaker, divorce, cancer

Mr. Endicott comes home one day and tells Mrs. Endicott he would like a divorce. After devoting her adult life to her husband and their children, Ellie is blindsided and unsure of where to go next. Almost on a whim, she takes his Bentley and picks up two surprising companions. On a journey to a tourist area of France, the women end up in a small village with car trouble.

The village is actually the perfect place for the three women to settle down. The women enjoy the country life until word of the Nazi invasion reaches them. Wartime will challenge Ellie in ways she's never been challenged before.

Recommended for historical fiction readers.

I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new book from Rhys Bowen very much. It had good measures of adventure, love, perilous world events as lived out by a charming and clever woman who had to find a new path after being dumped by her husband.
Beautiful setting in France but filled with danger as Hitler and his men acted out their deeds.

Kindle Unlimited

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 Stars

I am very picky about historical fiction but this is the cream of the crop. Characters I grew to love, was rooting for, and wept for in both joy and sorrow. A truly splendid read.

I highly recommend the audiobook - it’s wonderful!

[Lindsey Barger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Ellie has done it all for her family. She’s made a home, supported her husband’s career, and launched two handsome young men off into the world. So when her husband announced he wanted a divorce, she was awestruck. But after all she’d done for them, it was time to put herself first. So Ellie packed up the car, including two other ladies from their village, and headed off to find what she’d been missing in her life for decades. The question is, will the ladies find it before World War II breaks out?

Known for her best-selling mystery novels, Rhys Bowen is back this time with a historical fiction filled with hope and romance in Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure. Set just before and during the outbreak of World War II, Bowen explores the challenges women faced to lead rewarding and productive lives without supportive men, and then again with them. This book also explores those marginalized by society both now and then – autistic individuals and those in the LGBTQ+ community. Further, Bowen shows how even one small act of defiance can create a large impact and that every small contrition leads to much larger wins for the enemy. Above all, this is a book about the power of community and coming together to fight against a common enemy – something so important in the historical setting of the novel, and again in today’s environment.

I give Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure 4 out of 5 stars. I really loved the character of Ellie and how she was the shelter for so many misfit-type characters along the way. However, the beginning of the novel felt a bit forced – this usually meek woman suddenly stood up for herself with little prompting and these women who she barely knew suddenly thrust themselves into her adventure? Otherwise, this was a book that kept my attention throughout – I was invested from the time the ladies arrived in their new home to find out who capture Ellie’s heart and was not disappointed. I also appreciated the way Bowen wrote about the marriages of convenience that protected both the resident aliens and those in the LGBTQ+ community during that era – I believe these are still common in some areas and it was interesting to see them in practice here.

With discussions of war and physical violence, this book would be best directed to more mature audiences over 13. I would also recommend this book for historical fiction book clubs and romance book clubs alike! If you like Under the Tuscan Sun or Eat Pray Love, or even any of the many historical fiction and romance novels set during this era, you’ll love this book!

I chose Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure because of it’s cover. This one immediately caught my eye on Netgalley – the cover is absolutely gorgeous featuring the property that Ellie and the ladies live in after leaving England. That property becomes as much of a character in the book as any of them and has me daydreaming of a trip to the French coast to see villas like it with my own eyes!
Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure will release on August 5th. Preorder your copy today in our Bookshop.org store!

[Linda Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and well performed audio version,

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will continue to read Rhys Bowen books, but this was dry and boring for me.

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a wonderful adventure indeed, but sadly lacking something for me!

Yes, I loved following the adventures of Ellie, Dora, and Mavis as they experience new things and a new way of life in the South of France but the book just didn't really give me enough to be satisfied, it hinted at a WW2 adventure at one point, but then hurried the plot a long rather too quickly and too neatly.

It passed the time whilst commuting!

[Gale Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story ! I could never do justice to writing a review. The characters are people you would welcome into your life. I was disappointed to find out that Saint-Benet was a fictional village. I was getting my luggage ready, making reservations and ready to spend a few months relaxing and looking over the Mediterranean Sea. I suppose the books account will have to suffice for now.

[Ani Budurea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a easy read but the plot twists a bit too convenient, also a bit too long. Hard to believe at times, but I guess thats why it’s fiction. Feel good read all in all.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Ellie’s banker husband decides to divorce her for a new younger girl. Ellie is stunned by his announcement. She decides to negotiate a livable allowance as her settlement. Then she decides she want to travel from England to the south of France for an extended holiday. As she prepares to leave, two other older women decide they want to go too. They leave in Ellie’s husband’s Bentley to drive to France. They end up picking up a young girl at a gas station in the middle of France. When they get near the Riviera, the Bentley breaks down in a small peaceful fishing village. This ends up being the perfect place to stay. What an adventure they have there. Of course, it takes place during WWII, so not all was fun. Enjoyable characters.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[CindyReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

See book synopsis for a plot intro, I won’t repeat it here. I really liked the premise of the book and the idea of a 50-something woman heading off on her own after 30 years of marriage, but this book is just bizarre. The tone of the first part that sets up the “adventure” feels like it’s starting a madcap comedy, except it’s not funny. And it’s told in such a flat and flimsy way that it doesn’t support a serious or heartfelt story. About 25% in the adventure starts, and it’s similarly comic-book style except again, not funny. It’s slow moving and not very interesting. Then the second half of the book gets really serious, and the writing style finally fits the story, but it continues to be told unemotionally, no character development, no digging into character’s emotions, no second thoughts, just “well that happened, and that, and that…”. And then it’s finally wrapped up in a tidy bow, as you knew it would be. I’ve liked many of this authors books in the past; this one feels like it was written by someone else, and not well.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!

[Larissa Wuethrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept going with this author and, despite the abounding cliches and predictably (as far as WWII era novels with female leads and a hint of romance go anyways), I’m starting on my third. She writes with a lot of description and the setting in this one is the south of France, very fun. Just a nice winter escape read!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

🌹 Overview
Rhys Bowen’s Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a radiant historical novel set against the backdrop of pre-WWII England, where betrayal becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary rebirth. When Ellie Endicott’s decades-long marriage collapses, she embarks on a daring journey of self-discovery, forging unexpected friendships and kindling new love in a world on the brink of upheaval. Bowen masterfully blends wit, heart, and rich period detail to craft a story that celebrates resilience and the audacity to reinvent oneself.

✨ Key Strengths
🎭 Unforgettable Protagonist – Ellie’s transformation from dutiful wife to intrepid adventurer is both empowering and deeply relatable.
🌍 Vivid Historical Atmosphere – Bowen immerses readers in 1930s England with lush descriptions and sharp social commentary.
💞 Nuanced Relationships – From bittersweet betrayals to sparkling new romances, every connection feels authentic and layered.
⚡ Pacing & Momentum – A perfect balance of introspection and adventure keeps the pages turning.

⚠️ Considerations
🕰️ Familiar Tropes – Some plot beats may feel predictable for avid historical fiction readers.
🍂 Light on Darkness – While touching on wartime tensions, the novel prioritizes hope over grit.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) (Like sipping champagne in a sunlit garden—effervescent and bright.)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★★ (5/5)
📜 Historical Texture → ★★★★ (4/5)
💖 Emotional Payoff → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A phoenix rising from the ashes of propriety.

🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’s charm meets The Paris Wife’s introspective journey
✈️ Stories of midlife reinvention and adventure
☕️ Warm, character-driven historical fiction with a dash of romance

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Rhys Bowen for the advance copy. Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a testament to Bowen’s storytelling brilliance—a novel that sparkles with wit, wisdom, and the irresistible magic of second chances.

This is a 2025 release destined for book club accolades and bedside tables everywhere.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating, heart-tugging, and atmospheric!

Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is an immersive, tender tale predominantly set in France during the late 1930s to mid 1940s that follows Ellie Endicott, a middle-aged, British woman who decides to make the best of her predicament and embark on an adventure to France with an elderly neighbour and her loyal housekeeper after her husband blindsides her after thirty years of marriage with a request for a divorce.

The prose is seamless and vivid. The characters are kind, brave, and strong. And the plot is a compelling blend of life, loss, surprises, heartbreak, betrayal, survival, danger, grief, war, friendship, romance, community, selflessness, and courage.

Overall, Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is an alluring, rich, engaging tale by Bowen that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters that you can’t help but be absorbed and fully invested from start to finish.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this one. It looked like a whimsical story of three different women embarking on a journey to the South of France. I thought based on the cover and description it would be Shirley Valentine meets the Durells in Corfu a lighthearted fun story with lots of laughs. Instead it was a serious and dramatic story that turns out right tragic by the end.
It begins with Ellie our main character learning her husband is cheating and wants to marry his new mistress who is pregnant. After the shock wears off Ellie decides to travel to France. Dora an older spinster decides to come along as she is dying and longs to return to the South of France and the trio is completed by Mavis Ellie's housekeeper fleeing an abusive marriage. They basically steal Ellie's ex's Bentley and off they go. They pick up a random pregnant girl along the way who didn't really feel like she needed to be there. The car breaks down in a little village on the Mediterranean and they decide to stay. The end up in a crumbling abandoned villa that has beautiful views, the pregnant girl has a baby which she abandons and Ellie strangely wants to raise her only for the mother to return and take her away, that stiry was pointless really. Dora passes away happily, Mavis gets remarried as does Ellie. War breaks out and that's where things go off the rails. I find it hard to believe the Germans had no issues with a British woman living in occupied France. They have an underground movement to save Jewish people and get reported and yet she remains untouched and it made no sense but by the time the Germans arrived I was getting bored of this book. This whole story would've been better with a few tweaks, maybe have Dora's dying wish be to follow the route of a trip she made as a child or to a specific place she wanted to go, but there was no real plot or mission or something to root for except Mavis getting away from her husband. I had hoped to enjoy a lighthearted fun and at times laugh out loud book but instead got a more serious dramatic one which was jarring though the fate of Ellie's cheating husband was amusing. These stand alone books are hit and miss for me and unfortunately this one was more of a miss. It had potential the three main characters were well written and I enjoyed their dynamic and if the story had leaned into the funny side of the story more and ended before the war started I might've enjoyed it more.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book picked up in the last third. Most of the first half was a pleasant introduction to our likeable main characters and their quiet adventures. Then WWII intervened, tension built, and the adventures became serious. An interesting look at life in rural occupied France.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! When your husband asks for a divorce what do you do? Of course go to France! Who are the people she picks up on the way? A marvelous read! 🩷📚

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIFE CHANGES, UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS AND NEW DESTINATIONS

Rhys Bowen crafts stories that captivate you from the first sentence and leave you reflecting long after reading. One of my favorites from 2025 is MRS. ENDICOTT’S SPLENDID JOURNEY is an excellent adventure filled with life changes, unexpected friendships, and new destinations.

The story follows Ellie Endicott, whose husband of thirty years has announced that he is replacing her with a younger woman. Set in England in 1938, Ellie is savvy enough to hire a lawyer and negotiate a much better settlement than initially offered. Determined to reclaim her life, she travels to the South of France.

Ellie takes her husband’s Bentley for reliable transportation and invites her faithful maid, Doris, to join her on the trip as a gesture of gratitude for many years of service. At the last minute, she extends the invitation to her elderly neighbor, Mavis, known in the neighborhood as the grouch. Mavis is shocked by Ellie’s kindness.

As the three embark on their journey, they discover they make great traveling companions. They develop a rhythm and find that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company more than they had ever anticipated. Their adventure leads them to the fishing hamlet of Saint Benet, where the Bentley unfortunately breaks down. Surprisingly, this may be where each of them finds the peace they seek.

I highly recommend this book! It beautifully portrays the themes of friendships that cross age, socio-economic boundaries, and cultures. The characters learn to work together during wartime for the common good, a collaboration that often fails to happen otherwise. This book is not to be missed!

Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys Bowen's novels are absolute comfort reads for me, and her latest novel, Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure, did not disappoint. Opening on the eve of World War II, Ellie Endicott begins an average day in September to the news that her banker husband seeks a divorce. With true British grit and determination, and a couple of companions along the way, Ellie seeks to discover herself and her new place in the world and takes a trip to the south of France.

While delving into tough topics such as divorce, health concerns, and war, to name a few, Bowen always handles the topics and characters involved with care and has become an author I trust to tell a great and loving story. Ultimately, Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure is about hope, female friendship, and compassion. As ever, Bowen creates such strong, lovable, and inspiring characters that are all so brilliantly individual.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One morning as she is making her husband's daily breakfast, Ellie Endicott's husband tells her that after 30 years of marriage he wants a divorce. He has met a younger woman, and they are wanting to get married. {Insert eye-roll here} Instead of sitting around and dwelling on her dilemma, Ellie takes matters into her own hands. She brings along an old lady who is having health issues and her housekeeper who is living with an abusive husband, and they head off to the south of France in her husband's car. Along the way, they help a young girl who appears to be in trouble, only to find out that she is running away from home and is pregnant. Ellie has a heart for helping broken people. Almost to their destination, the car breaks down in a small fishing village. While they wait for the car to be fixed, they spend some time in this little village and become quite enraptured with it that they decide to stay for a while. Then the effects of WWII are being felt all around them, and they become unsure of what to do. They decide that they are safer there than going back home to England. While they didn't experience the total effects of WWII, their little fishing town did not go unscathed. I found this book to be very uplifting, filled with deep friendships & strong women finding themselves and being given the lives that they truly deserved.

Thank you to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much better story than the author's 2024 book (The Rose Arbor.) Ellie Endicott was a terrific, consistent main character, whose strength in the face of multiple challenges was both inspiring and entertaining. Some of the "adventures" were a bit far-fetched, but if the reader suspends enough reality, not completely impossible. The extra cherry on top were the supporting characters: Dora, Mavis, Mr. Tommy, Clive, Abbot Gerard, and the mysterious Nico. All of them contributed much in their own individual ways, rounding out the plot and creating an engaging read that runs the gamut of the human experience before, during and after WWII.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.