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The Runaway Wives
‘We’re leaving. And there’s nothing either of you can do about it!’ When the surprise holiday Dee thinks her husband has booked for her sixtieth birthday weekend turns out to be yet another solo golfing break – it’s the last straw.
Meanwhile her best friend Babs’s other half has decided to move to Spain and is acting like he doesn’t need to consult anyone. Not even Babs!
Well, if their husbands think they can do what they want, so can their wives. So, with that thought, the two best friends leap into Dee’s trusty car and head for the seaside, and an adventure they’ll never forget.
Back home their furious husbands want them to return immediately. But – as they begin to enjoy their newfound freedom – will either of the runaway wives ever want to come back home again?
An absolutely hilarious, uplifting, escapist story, perfect for fans of Maddie Please, Judy Leigh and Dawn French.
Readers love Karen ‘If you're looking for a fun story that will inspire you to embrace change and love life, then this is the story for you.’ Living Life with Joy, 5 stars
‘I absolutely, totally and utterly flipping well loved, no make that ADORED this book.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘Like a breath of fresh air. [The] character development is spot on, and the characters begin to feel like friends.’ I Eat Books
‘This book was wonderful!! I absolutely loved it!... I was hooked! This took me less than a day to read I was that enthralled by it. The pages just couldn’t turn fast enough! … A fabulous heart-warming read full of friendship, love, romance and humour. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!! Highly recommended.’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘Funny, romantic, lovely… A story that just makes your heart soar… I absolutely loved every moment of this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Brilliant and refreshing… Unputdownable. I highly recommend it… You’ll have it all, the family drama, the romance and the feel-good.’ Caroline’s Bookshelf
Meanwhile her best friend Babs’s other half has decided to move to Spain and is acting like he doesn’t need to consult anyone. Not even Babs!
Well, if their husbands think they can do what they want, so can their wives. So, with that thought, the two best friends leap into Dee’s trusty car and head for the seaside, and an adventure they’ll never forget.
Back home their furious husbands want them to return immediately. But – as they begin to enjoy their newfound freedom – will either of the runaway wives ever want to come back home again?
An absolutely hilarious, uplifting, escapist story, perfect for fans of Maddie Please, Judy Leigh and Dawn French.
Readers love Karen ‘If you're looking for a fun story that will inspire you to embrace change and love life, then this is the story for you.’ Living Life with Joy, 5 stars
‘I absolutely, totally and utterly flipping well loved, no make that ADORED this book.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘Like a breath of fresh air. [The] character development is spot on, and the characters begin to feel like friends.’ I Eat Books
‘This book was wonderful!! I absolutely loved it!... I was hooked! This took me less than a day to read I was that enthralled by it. The pages just couldn’t turn fast enough! … A fabulous heart-warming read full of friendship, love, romance and humour. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!! Highly recommended.’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘Funny, romantic, lovely… A story that just makes your heart soar… I absolutely loved every moment of this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Brilliant and refreshing… Unputdownable. I highly recommend it… You’ll have it all, the family drama, the romance and the feel-good.’ Caroline’s Bookshelf
296 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2025
2346 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Karen King
132 books271 followersKaren King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.
Her 7th psychological suspense novel, Don't Trust Him, was published on 3 April 2025 by Bookouture and her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This was her 12th woman's fiction novel.
Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.
Her suspense novels The Mother In Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her romantic novel The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
March 26, 2025
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3.5 Stars
Okay, I have to admit this won’t win a Pulitzer but it was fun and it delivered what it promised a funny story of women behaving badly. Dee and Babs take an unplanned trip to the seaside because they feel neglected by their husbands. Dee is turning sixty and her husband decides to take a golf trip. Babs is floored when her husband ups and decides to move to Spain, without asking her. It’s no wonder they take off. I would too.
I loved how this book focused on their friendship and how the ladies learned their self-worth. Women helping women is always a big deal to me and I love reading stories focusing on that, especially when it’s strong women who aren’t going to take it anymore. The character development was so great and they were true to life. I felt like I would be friends with these ladies.
Overall the book was funny and uplifting, a light, escapist story that provided plenty of giggles. So, If you're looking for a read to whisk you away to the sunny seaside and offer a few hours of entertainment, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
Okay, I have to admit this won’t win a Pulitzer but it was fun and it delivered what it promised a funny story of women behaving badly. Dee and Babs take an unplanned trip to the seaside because they feel neglected by their husbands. Dee is turning sixty and her husband decides to take a golf trip. Babs is floored when her husband ups and decides to move to Spain, without asking her. It’s no wonder they take off. I would too.
I loved how this book focused on their friendship and how the ladies learned their self-worth. Women helping women is always a big deal to me and I love reading stories focusing on that, especially when it’s strong women who aren’t going to take it anymore. The character development was so great and they were true to life. I felt like I would be friends with these ladies.
Overall the book was funny and uplifting, a light, escapist story that provided plenty of giggles. So, If you're looking for a read to whisk you away to the sunny seaside and offer a few hours of entertainment, this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
March 2, 2025
The Runaway Wives, by Karen King, D couldn’t be more excited she recently found an email about the retreat her husband booked for her birthday weekend and has even bought new clothes to wear on their vacation. The only problem is instead of surprising her with a trip he apologizes for forgetting to tell her he booked a golfing trip with his buddies And so instead of going off on the birthday weekend she is home feeling rejected by her husband Giles once again. After Babs comes home from her best friend Dee’s birthday luncheon she is shocked to see her husband has cleaned up their home only to find out he did it to show it to a realtor because he wants to sell it and move to Spain. As a matter of fact Jeff is going to Spain, because he has set up showings of farms in the area he wants to move to. Let down and dejected by their longtime spouses D and Babs decide to take a trip of their own. while on their trip one will see herself differently and the other’s Husband will rethink how he sees her. This is a funny well done story about a subject many women suffer from and that is being invisible in their marriage/family and although it is fiction and written for laughs there’s so much truth to it. I know starting over at such a late stage in life only goes this well in books but I feel so fortunate that I get to read about it I especially love the storyline with Tommy but that’s not to say I didn’t like the whole thing with Jeff I just love the whole book plain and simple. there’s nothing better than a book that leaves you with a great feeling and this one certainly does. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #HonestReview, #KarenKing, #TheRunawayWives,
July 11, 2025
I loved this book!
Dee has her 60th birthday just days away and finds a surprise present from her husband. FINALLY after all these years, it is a gift that means a lot. Since it was a surprise she can't let him know that she's knows. Her bestie of years, Bab's tells her to go shopping, get herself new clothes, etc. Dee packs up ready to go the morning of the flight, only to discover He's going on another golfing trip and she's not invited.
Bab's is just as mad, a combo of Dee's husband bailing out again and she discovered her husband want's to sell their house and move to Spain, be adventurous. She's not willing to just up and sell their house, her children, grandchildren. A fight becomes and Bab's steps away.
Bab's and Dee decide it's time to step away on their own and have their own vacation and figure out what they are going to do. During their time away, they met many people in their vacationing town. Over time the husbands have decided they are done with their wives childish behaviors and demand they get back home and get back into their routines. That made the Bab's and Dee's decision to stay longer.
This created a lot of thinking among a lot of the characters in the book. I loved this book and I thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
Dee has her 60th birthday just days away and finds a surprise present from her husband. FINALLY after all these years, it is a gift that means a lot. Since it was a surprise she can't let him know that she's knows. Her bestie of years, Bab's tells her to go shopping, get herself new clothes, etc. Dee packs up ready to go the morning of the flight, only to discover He's going on another golfing trip and she's not invited.
Bab's is just as mad, a combo of Dee's husband bailing out again and she discovered her husband want's to sell their house and move to Spain, be adventurous. She's not willing to just up and sell their house, her children, grandchildren. A fight becomes and Bab's steps away.
Bab's and Dee decide it's time to step away on their own and have their own vacation and figure out what they are going to do. During their time away, they met many people in their vacationing town. Over time the husbands have decided they are done with their wives childish behaviors and demand they get back home and get back into their routines. That made the Bab's and Dee's decision to stay longer.
This created a lot of thinking among a lot of the characters in the book. I loved this book and I thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
August 17, 2025
This was a quick read, simple and quite liked the escapist vibe. It didn’t grip me in all areas and I felt I couldn’t relate in some areas being in my early 30s. I could however relate to how men are unable to think and defend for themselves and need a woman in their lives!
P.S No-one wants a Nigel.
P.S No-one wants a Nigel.
August 9, 2025
Oh my. Please don't stone me to death but this was one of the most simplistic and superficial books I've ever read. I still don't know what kept me going - probably my determination to give this book a chance and to finish it. I will never get my lost time back.
This story felt like one huge repetition. Over and over the same information. Same things, only told from another perspective. We were told everything: first the characters did something, then this, and afterwards - they did, they said. I started to skip passages because I couldn't take it.
The characters were either meh or so overdone that they felt like caricature of themselves.
The only thing the book delivered on was the setting and the strong friendship between the women.
Behind the great synopsis there is, unfortunately, very bad execution.
"An absolutely hilarious, uplifting, escapist story" - not for me, thank you. The extra star is for the gorgeous cover.
This story felt like one huge repetition. Over and over the same information. Same things, only told from another perspective. We were told everything: first the characters did something, then this, and afterwards - they did, they said. I started to skip passages because I couldn't take it.
The characters were either meh or so overdone that they felt like caricature of themselves.
The only thing the book delivered on was the setting and the strong friendship between the women.
Behind the great synopsis there is, unfortunately, very bad execution.
"An absolutely hilarious, uplifting, escapist story" - not for me, thank you. The extra star is for the gorgeous cover.
February 12, 2025
It's been a while since the last time I read something this heartwarming, and I'm amused of how the title is in line with the plot until the end.
Meet Dee, a 60-year-old housewife whose husband chooses solo golfing vacation over celebrating his wife's birthday. And Babs, Dee's bestie whose husband has stubbornly decided to sell their house and move to Spain, with or without Babs. Fed up with their husbands, the two women packs their bags for a one-week holiday in Cornwall, staying at a lovely seaside cottage. While visiting healing places, they also get involved in various activities and form bonds with local residents they come to love. In spite of their husbands' demand to come back home, both women face their own turmoil over what best to do next.
Having a 60 year old lady as the main lead is not a book I usually pick up because, how appealing can the story be? Boy, I was wrong. It may not be a fast paced story full of intriques; it is actually a wholesome story that drops a bit of conflict here and there without necessarily get the readers overwhelmed. I imagine the premise is quite relatable if you were a married woman living in your 60s. I am not sure why, reading this book seems to give me a calming effect when I had a lot in my mind. I love how the book is easy to digest and focuses on its plot instead of overdescribing the setting that some authors tend to do. I come to love and understand the actions taken by the main character, she is one fascinating lady with a lot to say. The precious lesson I got from this story is that every woman at every age is entitled to stand up for her happiness.
I gladly recommend this book to readers looking for a light, heartwarming, and encouraging story about standing up for yourself. Special thanks to Boldwood Books for providing digital copy of this book for me via NetGalley to review. All opinions are honestly my own! :)
Meet Dee, a 60-year-old housewife whose husband chooses solo golfing vacation over celebrating his wife's birthday. And Babs, Dee's bestie whose husband has stubbornly decided to sell their house and move to Spain, with or without Babs. Fed up with their husbands, the two women packs their bags for a one-week holiday in Cornwall, staying at a lovely seaside cottage. While visiting healing places, they also get involved in various activities and form bonds with local residents they come to love. In spite of their husbands' demand to come back home, both women face their own turmoil over what best to do next.
Having a 60 year old lady as the main lead is not a book I usually pick up because, how appealing can the story be? Boy, I was wrong. It may not be a fast paced story full of intriques; it is actually a wholesome story that drops a bit of conflict here and there without necessarily get the readers overwhelmed. I imagine the premise is quite relatable if you were a married woman living in your 60s. I am not sure why, reading this book seems to give me a calming effect when I had a lot in my mind. I love how the book is easy to digest and focuses on its plot instead of overdescribing the setting that some authors tend to do. I come to love and understand the actions taken by the main character, she is one fascinating lady with a lot to say. The precious lesson I got from this story is that every woman at every age is entitled to stand up for her happiness.
I gladly recommend this book to readers looking for a light, heartwarming, and encouraging story about standing up for yourself. Special thanks to Boldwood Books for providing digital copy of this book for me via NetGalley to review. All opinions are honestly my own! :)
February 23, 2025
The runaway wives is such a good fun read! Babs and Dee are so relatable to myself being of the same age and approaching the retirement era! However things don’t go as planned and the two independent, feisty women throw caution to the wind sticking a metaphorical finger up to their husbands and head down to Cornwall for a break and to mull over their husbands behaviours!
Cornwall works its magic on the friends as they become engrained into the community, making friends, participating in village life and contemplating their futures!
A wonderfully written read that showcases the strength, compassion and tenacity of the older generation and that it’s never too late to take a chance, try something new and enjoy the life you deserve!
Such a genuinely wholesome empowering read that I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Cornwall works its magic on the friends as they become engrained into the community, making friends, participating in village life and contemplating their futures!
A wonderfully written read that showcases the strength, compassion and tenacity of the older generation and that it’s never too late to take a chance, try something new and enjoy the life you deserve!
Such a genuinely wholesome empowering read that I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
September 21, 2025
Nice feel-good story. Dee and Babs both married and now empty nesters are finding this time of their lives comes with its challenges. Babs is happily married but her husband has had a health scare and wants to sell their home and move to another country. Babs want to stay near family and friends. Dee is in a loveless marriage with a husband who is an habitual cheater. This follows their story of Dee moving to tge country and finding happiness and confidence and Babs and her husband overcoming obstacles to find their love again through compromise
March 6, 2025
3.5 stars
August 29, 2025
אחד הספרים הכי מקסימים ומהנים שיצא לי לקרוא בחודשים האחרונים ♥️♥️♥️
September 10, 2025
Enjoyed the book, characters quite believable well written Olivia R
March 29, 2025
This book was an absolute joy to read. It completely absorbed me from the very beginning. I just loved Dee and Babs and their friendship was just fabulous. This is a perfect summer read. These two ladies were there for each other through thick and thin and they did have lots of fun together as well. Whilst this is a light hearted read there’s also a lesson to be learned that women can be strong and stand up for themselves once they have the support of good friends. I laughed out loud many times as I progressed through the book at the antics of both Dee and Babs but especially Babs. Another heartwarming and inspiring read by Karen King.
March 6, 2025
Finished reading: March 6th 2025
"When you looked out at the wide ocean you realised that you were just an insignificant part of the whole universe and that everything passes eventually."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
March 27, 2025
There's little I enjoy more than getting involved in the lives of characters I find it easy to relate to - I remember it was once difficult to find books about women of my age and experience, and I'm delighted that there are more and more well-written books realistically portraying their lives. In this case though, I'll admit I was rather thanking my lucky stars that I chose to stay single, and haven't experienced the challenges of married life that made Babs' and Dee's lives so very difficult.
After spotting an email on her husband's phone, Dee is adding to her wardrobe ahead of a "surprise" holiday for her 60th birthday - only to find that her husband has instead booked a golfing break, and she's not invited. I seethed on her behalf - especially on learning that she'd brushed his previous infidelities under the carpet, and it was unlikely that he'd turn down another opportunity to stray. Babs though thought she had a strong marriage - until it seemed her husband had very different retirement plans from her, having become fixated on purchasing a house in rural Spain. Despite him putting their home on the market, and booking a trip for them both to look at suitable properties, she's absolutely determined that it's never going to happen.
The friends decide that their best course of action is to find their own fun, escape from real life for a while - and they head to Cornwall for a break together. I did rather expect their time away to be full of high jinks and hilarity - the publishers had mentioned "women behaving badly" - and there certainly were plenty of laughs, but what I really enjoyed was the way they both became so involved with the community around their holiday home and were able to make decisions on what they really wanted from life. There's a fair bit of poignancy to the story, a rather lovely touch of unexpected romance, a bit of drama needing their intervention, a neighbour (and her characterful cat) who need their help - I so enjoyed being part of both women's lives for a while, both of them very easy to identify with and extremely likeable, their friendship so filled with warmth and mutually supportive. And as the holiday draws to an end, the story continues - through to an ending that was so perfect in every way, and tremendously uplifting.
This was a totally delightful read, and entirely engaged me from beginning to end - as both women found the strength to define their own futures, had fun and adventures along the way, and finally found their own paths to future happiness. And the writing was quite wonderful, so easy to read and to become immersed in the story's many twists and turns - I'll be looking forward to reading more from this really talented author.
After spotting an email on her husband's phone, Dee is adding to her wardrobe ahead of a "surprise" holiday for her 60th birthday - only to find that her husband has instead booked a golfing break, and she's not invited. I seethed on her behalf - especially on learning that she'd brushed his previous infidelities under the carpet, and it was unlikely that he'd turn down another opportunity to stray. Babs though thought she had a strong marriage - until it seemed her husband had very different retirement plans from her, having become fixated on purchasing a house in rural Spain. Despite him putting their home on the market, and booking a trip for them both to look at suitable properties, she's absolutely determined that it's never going to happen.
The friends decide that their best course of action is to find their own fun, escape from real life for a while - and they head to Cornwall for a break together. I did rather expect their time away to be full of high jinks and hilarity - the publishers had mentioned "women behaving badly" - and there certainly were plenty of laughs, but what I really enjoyed was the way they both became so involved with the community around their holiday home and were able to make decisions on what they really wanted from life. There's a fair bit of poignancy to the story, a rather lovely touch of unexpected romance, a bit of drama needing their intervention, a neighbour (and her characterful cat) who need their help - I so enjoyed being part of both women's lives for a while, both of them very easy to identify with and extremely likeable, their friendship so filled with warmth and mutually supportive. And as the holiday draws to an end, the story continues - through to an ending that was so perfect in every way, and tremendously uplifting.
This was a totally delightful read, and entirely engaged me from beginning to end - as both women found the strength to define their own futures, had fun and adventures along the way, and finally found their own paths to future happiness. And the writing was quite wonderful, so easy to read and to become immersed in the story's many twists and turns - I'll be looking forward to reading more from this really talented author.
March 19, 2025
When Dee sees that her husband, Nigel’s phone notification of a holiday vacation house he has booked for a week, she is thrilled. It’s her 60th birthday soon and she can’t believe that he is surprising her with this. She shops for a few things and when she returns, she finds him packed and ready to leave. He is shocked when she thanks him for this surprise holiday saying he thought her birthday was the following month. He also says that he has booked the home for he and his buddies to take a golfing holiday. She is hurt and furious.
Dee’s friend, Babs, is married to Geoff. Now that he is retired, he wants to sell their house and move to Spain. But, she refuses to go and tells him he cannot sell their home. Oh, but he tells her that the house is in his name only and he will sell it and move.
Furious at their husbands, the women decide to book a holiday home in Cornwall for the week to celebrate Dee’s birthday and to just enjoy themselves. They quickly join in with the community happenings. Dee runs into an old friend, named Kenny. He lost his wife several years ago and lives in the town now.
I loved how these two women discovered a new life for themselves as they grew to be more confident and independent. Every day brought new adventures. This story was so good that I just didn’t want it to end. I do hope there will be a sequel. Now, I want to go to Cornwall. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dee’s friend, Babs, is married to Geoff. Now that he is retired, he wants to sell their house and move to Spain. But, she refuses to go and tells him he cannot sell their home. Oh, but he tells her that the house is in his name only and he will sell it and move.
Furious at their husbands, the women decide to book a holiday home in Cornwall for the week to celebrate Dee’s birthday and to just enjoy themselves. They quickly join in with the community happenings. Dee runs into an old friend, named Kenny. He lost his wife several years ago and lives in the town now.
I loved how these two women discovered a new life for themselves as they grew to be more confident and independent. Every day brought new adventures. This story was so good that I just didn’t want it to end. I do hope there will be a sequel. Now, I want to go to Cornwall. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 9, 2025
This was a cozy read to read in between other things. I loves Babs and Dee's strong friendship and how they help each other get through their hardships in life. They both find themselves having problems with their husbands for different reasons, so they decide to take a vacation together to get away from their worries and stress. They have a wonderful time together at a cottage and make many new friends and are overall just enjoying their life not stressing about their awful husbands. Both women are considering now returning at all. At times I did feel like certain things were repeated several times. More specifically, it felt like the reason they were so upset with their husbands got repetitive.
As far as Geoff and Nigel go, Geoff is definitely the lesser of two evils. I can understand where Geoff is coming from on certain aspects like growing old and feeling as if there is nothing left to live for and that life is becoming mundane. I love how Babs and Geoff are able to communicate better towards the end of the book. Nigel on the other hand is such an awful person and doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. I am glad how both relationships resolved things and that both Dee and Babs were happy in the end. Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Karen King for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
As far as Geoff and Nigel go, Geoff is definitely the lesser of two evils. I can understand where Geoff is coming from on certain aspects like growing old and feeling as if there is nothing left to live for and that life is becoming mundane. I love how Babs and Geoff are able to communicate better towards the end of the book. Nigel on the other hand is such an awful person and doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. I am glad how both relationships resolved things and that both Dee and Babs were happy in the end. Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Karen King for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.
May 4, 2025
Babs’ husband wants to sell their house and move to Spain now they have retired. Dee’s husband forgets her 60th birthday and goes on a golfing holiday. Incensed, the women head off on their own adventure to Cornwall, hoping to heal their hearts…
The Runaway Wives is a light hearted and warm novel about two best friends whose marriages are in crisis.
Oooh! I was livid at the selfish behaviour of their husbands. Poor Dee and Babs have always put their lives on hold for the sake of their husbands and families. The lack of appreciation is almost heartbreaking.
Luckily the women have each other and have been best friends since childhood. They reminisce about past escapades and have a few in the present day too! This adds a lovely light hearted tone to the plot which is complemented by the range of village characters who make the women feel welcome and valued.
I loved Dee and Babs' characters and was desperate for them both to have a happy ending (no spoilers...!) I really liked the dilemmas and emotional wrangling they face as their marriages implode.
On the practical side, this book generated a conversation with my own husband about retirement plans which we had never considered before. I'm glad he isn't hankering after a move to Spain so our futures are aligned!
The Runaway Wives is a wonderfully warm book with brilliant main characters.
The Runaway Wives is a light hearted and warm novel about two best friends whose marriages are in crisis.
Oooh! I was livid at the selfish behaviour of their husbands. Poor Dee and Babs have always put their lives on hold for the sake of their husbands and families. The lack of appreciation is almost heartbreaking.
Luckily the women have each other and have been best friends since childhood. They reminisce about past escapades and have a few in the present day too! This adds a lovely light hearted tone to the plot which is complemented by the range of village characters who make the women feel welcome and valued.
I loved Dee and Babs' characters and was desperate for them both to have a happy ending (no spoilers...!) I really liked the dilemmas and emotional wrangling they face as their marriages implode.
On the practical side, this book generated a conversation with my own husband about retirement plans which we had never considered before. I'm glad he isn't hankering after a move to Spain so our futures are aligned!
The Runaway Wives is a wonderfully warm book with brilliant main characters.
February 5, 2025
Dee is married to husband Nigel, a solicitor and thinks having seen an email, he is about to whisk her off for a surprise weekend away to celebrate her sixtieth birthday the following day. Her close friend Babs is thrilled for her, but not so thrilled when she arrives home to find her husband Geoff has put the house on the market as he wants to move to Spain- something she has already said she doesn't want to do. When Dee’s weekend turns out not to be for her but for her husband and his golfing friends, the two ladies decide to take themselves off to Cornwall for a few days to sort out their heads from their errant husbands who both appear to be having mid life crises. Can the ladies keep their marriages whilst keeping their sanity and what they want rather than just that of their husbands?
I quickly got into this and really enjoyed it. Both Babs and Dee are relatable characters with a sense of purpose as well as a sense of fun. A down to earth approach to life with a sense of fun makes the ladies story very engaging. I liked both of them and could relate in part to what was happening. A wonderful easy read I most thoroughly enjoyed
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February 9, 2025
I found this to be an entertaining and comfy read that was just the pick me up I needed. You have two older women (but not too old to not have fun) whose husbands have either gone on "golfing" trip and forgotten and not cared about a birthday and the other planning to sell the house and move to Spain! I feel those are very good reasons to go away for a bit to calm down. And that is what Babs and Dee did. Despite the downer beginning, this is a cozy read about finding the right path, making a home, and deciding what is important in life. I do like how though Babs and Dee went off together, they did not take the same cookie cutter paths to happiness, mostly because one husband is a lying, cheating, toerag (love that insult that I discovered in this book!) and the other just need a good talking to to clear up all the misconceptions and reasons why he is doing what he was doing.
So, if you are looking for a fun light read with a happy ending and new paths made to new homes with friends and family, then you will enjoy this book. I do not think Dee and Babs behave badly but they do have a good time and make so many friends!
Thank you t NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this fun and quick novel!
So, if you are looking for a fun light read with a happy ending and new paths made to new homes with friends and family, then you will enjoy this book. I do not think Dee and Babs behave badly but they do have a good time and make so many friends!
Thank you t NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this fun and quick novel!
June 25, 2025
In this funny and charming new novel from Karen King, readers follow Dee and Babs at points when their husbands have chosen space or a lack of communication over major birthdays and international moves. Teaming up for a road trip and a trip to the beach, Dee and Babs choose to enjoy their new freedoms, girl time, and the ocean breeze, but it might just keep them from coming back to their lives and marriages. With a fair amount of shenanigans, cats, and serendipitous chances, readers will love these two funny and fascinating women in this perfectly summery novel. The characters are the absolute stars of the show, and King has done an incredible job balancing their different perspectives and their own stories within this shared narrative. Their challenges and obstacles, as well as their personalities, are different enough so they are totally distinct from each other, and their friendship and chemistry really draws raiders into the story. The locations and settings are vividly described and full of details, from houses and stores to the local residents, and this really immerses readers in the novel. For those in search of some fun summer escapism and a dose of humour, this is a great choice.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
April 1, 2025
Dee is looking forward to her sixtieth birthday celebrations ever since she discovered her husband had been secretly planning a holiday break. Imagine the sadness when she did discover that he had forgotten her birthday and had planned a golfing break with his buddies.
On the other side Babs’s husband Geoff after their retirement, is determined to move to Spain and to her horror, without discussing it with her, has met a real estate agent, put the house on the market and arranged tours of property in remote areas of Spain without consulting his wife. To add to her anger, he informs her that the house they live in is his and he can do what he likes.
The two ladies decide unanimously to go on a short break themselves, to an idyllic village by the seaside. They are beginning to to enjoy themselves but each of them need different lifestyles. Dee despite her philandering husbands orders to return, is determined to make a new life for herself. Babs seeks a compromise. Both women show it’s never too late to change the direction of your life and one can make a break from the monotonous, the indifference and inject some excitement in one’s life however old yOu are
On the other side Babs’s husband Geoff after their retirement, is determined to move to Spain and to her horror, without discussing it with her, has met a real estate agent, put the house on the market and arranged tours of property in remote areas of Spain without consulting his wife. To add to her anger, he informs her that the house they live in is his and he can do what he likes.
The two ladies decide unanimously to go on a short break themselves, to an idyllic village by the seaside. They are beginning to to enjoy themselves but each of them need different lifestyles. Dee despite her philandering husbands orders to return, is determined to make a new life for herself. Babs seeks a compromise. Both women show it’s never too late to change the direction of your life and one can make a break from the monotonous, the indifference and inject some excitement in one’s life however old yOu are
March 13, 2025
The blurb and the cover caught my attention and I was very excited to read The Runaway Wives.
The story is about two friends, Dee and Babs, who are being taken for granted in their marriages, and decide that enough is enough. To escape their current situations, they take a holiday let in Port Telwyn in Cornwall for a week. Here, they become involved with the local community, rediscover themselves and assess their futures.
I thought this was a lovely gentle read. A story of friendship, resillience, kindness to others and finally standing up for themselves.
I found the characters of Dee and Babs very likeable and relatable. Their husbands Nigel and Geoff come across as thoughtless and self-centred - but that's only the tip of the iceberg! And the community they find themselves amongst are open and welcoming, which gives the two friends pause for thought.
A delightful read that I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys uplifting women's fiction.
The story is about two friends, Dee and Babs, who are being taken for granted in their marriages, and decide that enough is enough. To escape their current situations, they take a holiday let in Port Telwyn in Cornwall for a week. Here, they become involved with the local community, rediscover themselves and assess their futures.
I thought this was a lovely gentle read. A story of friendship, resillience, kindness to others and finally standing up for themselves.
I found the characters of Dee and Babs very likeable and relatable. Their husbands Nigel and Geoff come across as thoughtless and self-centred - but that's only the tip of the iceberg! And the community they find themselves amongst are open and welcoming, which gives the two friends pause for thought.
A delightful read that I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys uplifting women's fiction.
October 7, 2025
I had nothing to do on this hot afternoon so I settled down to read a few lines …… actually I started this book and a couple of hours later I’d finished it. What can I say, it is not my usual fare at all and incredibly badly written but despite myself I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters, the surprises and even the coincidences (of which there were far too many). Dee and Babs have a great and very real friendship; it was a little galling they never ever fell out but maybe I’ve never met a Ying to my Yang?
Lovely ending, too (despite the campervan - living on the seashore I utterly despise campers/caravans and how they wound the scenery and fill the rubbish bins and leave diesel fumes to poison the locals) and the book goes way too far preaching about Cornwall’s lack of housing and Holiday Lets ( what, dear reader, can we mere mortals do about that? ) but nevertheless I had a great time with these characters and am now going to see what else this author has to offer - free, from Amazon Prime no less. A bargain, that.
Lovely ending, too (despite the campervan - living on the seashore I utterly despise campers/caravans and how they wound the scenery and fill the rubbish bins and leave diesel fumes to poison the locals) and the book goes way too far preaching about Cornwall’s lack of housing and Holiday Lets ( what, dear reader, can we mere mortals do about that? ) but nevertheless I had a great time with these characters and am now going to see what else this author has to offer - free, from Amazon Prime no less. A bargain, that.
November 23, 2025
Ah Dee and Babs, the two friends "of a certain age" who decided to leave home for a bit to teach their husbands a lesson! As a woman of a very similar age, I understand the thinking, here! ;)
The ladies end up in a cottage in Cornwall, where they do a bit of sightseeing and relax for the first time in a long while. Meantime, their husbands are demanding they go home, even though Dee's husband is on a golfing holiday in Portugal and Babs' husband wants to sell their family home and move to Spain, without consulting her!
I thought this was a really interesting story with an underlying message: female friendship is VERY important, and women don't have to automatically put up with whatever their husbands want them to do. Even though most of us are programmed to put ourselves last, there comes a time in your life when you need to think about yourself, too.
The story went down a kind of a predictable route but that is ok, it was still a pleasant read and I was cheering the ladies on, every step of the way!
4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
The ladies end up in a cottage in Cornwall, where they do a bit of sightseeing and relax for the first time in a long while. Meantime, their husbands are demanding they go home, even though Dee's husband is on a golfing holiday in Portugal and Babs' husband wants to sell their family home and move to Spain, without consulting her!
I thought this was a really interesting story with an underlying message: female friendship is VERY important, and women don't have to automatically put up with whatever their husbands want them to do. Even though most of us are programmed to put ourselves last, there comes a time in your life when you need to think about yourself, too.
The story went down a kind of a predictable route but that is ok, it was still a pleasant read and I was cheering the ladies on, every step of the way!
4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
February 14, 2025
What a thoroughly enjoyable novel this was. It's been absolutely ages since I last read something from Karen King, and she certainly hasn't lost her touch at writing a story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Babs and Dee both have marriages in various states of broken-ness, and I didn't really take to either of their husbands in the small bits we see of them first hand.
For most of this book includes our ladies taking a short break in Devon, and in the case of Dee, it really is the making of her as she starts to get involved in the local community.
This was a really gentle read, that got under my skin and I was delighted to get to know all of the characters. I was intrigued to see what Babs would eventually decide to do, and I also really enjoyed seeing Dee make new friends.
This was just an all around enjoyable read that I was definitely entertained by.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Babs and Dee both have marriages in various states of broken-ness, and I didn't really take to either of their husbands in the small bits we see of them first hand.
For most of this book includes our ladies taking a short break in Devon, and in the case of Dee, it really is the making of her as she starts to get involved in the local community.
This was a really gentle read, that got under my skin and I was delighted to get to know all of the characters. I was intrigued to see what Babs would eventually decide to do, and I also really enjoyed seeing Dee make new friends.
This was just an all around enjoyable read that I was definitely entertained by.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 24, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Runaway Wives” is a contemporary fiction book by Karen King. This story follows two long time friends, Babs and Dee, who decide that their husbands are fools and the women need a break from them. It’s Dee’s 60th birthday and her husband forgot … but planned a trip abroad to golf with his friend. Meanwhile, Babs’s husband seems to be obsessed about living in Spain - something Babs’s doesn’t want to do. The women spend time away - causing chaos with their adult children (how could you leave Dad?) and spouses (why aren’t you home doing the things I want you to do?). But under the mayhem, this story reminds one that no matter your age, you can enjoy life, enjoy meeting friends old and new, and become the best version of who you can be. This book was a quick, light read - one I’d recommend for when you have a few hours and just want to chill by the pool (or just have downtime in general).
“The Runaway Wives” is a contemporary fiction book by Karen King. This story follows two long time friends, Babs and Dee, who decide that their husbands are fools and the women need a break from them. It’s Dee’s 60th birthday and her husband forgot … but planned a trip abroad to golf with his friend. Meanwhile, Babs’s husband seems to be obsessed about living in Spain - something Babs’s doesn’t want to do. The women spend time away - causing chaos with their adult children (how could you leave Dad?) and spouses (why aren’t you home doing the things I want you to do?). But under the mayhem, this story reminds one that no matter your age, you can enjoy life, enjoy meeting friends old and new, and become the best version of who you can be. This book was a quick, light read - one I’d recommend for when you have a few hours and just want to chill by the pool (or just have downtime in general).
March 25, 2025
The Runaway Wives is a delightful quick read that will leave you with a smile. Dee and Babs are 60 year old longtime friends who are both mired in unhappy marriages. Ignoring Bab’s protests, her husband puts their house on the market so they can move to Spain, while Dee’s husband leaves her on her birthday for his own golfing vacation. What do these unhappy women do? They rent a cottage in Cornwall for a week! What happens next will change their lives forever. Their friendship becomes closer as they make new friends, explore their new independence and learn to stand up for themselves.
Dee and Babs are characters you want to meet. All characters, Edna, Andi, Kenny and even the husbands Nigel and Geoff, are well described. The Cornwall location is atmospheric and the plot, although somewhat predictable, is heartwarming. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Karen King for this ARC.
Dee and Babs are characters you want to meet. All characters, Edna, Andi, Kenny and even the husbands Nigel and Geoff, are well described. The Cornwall location is atmospheric and the plot, although somewhat predictable, is heartwarming. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Karen King for this ARC.
September 7, 2025
Babs and Dee have known each other for life. Dee is about to celebrate her 60th birthday and thinks her husband has planned a surprise get away for her. Once again it turns out to be a boys’ golf outing leaving D at home to fend for herself.
Babs is also encountering a new life, her husband, Geoff has decided they should move to Spain and buy property there with and ocean view. He’s all about going to Spain, finding the perfect property, and moving them there. Babs wants nothing to do with Spain! It’s too far from family and friends, even though the warm weather is inviting.
So Babs decides to take Dee on a birthday adventure! As a child, Dee remembers visiting a place along the seashore Telwyn. and she decides they should go there and fortunately for them, they find a cottage that was had a recent cancellation. They set out on a weeklong adventure without their husbands and learn a lot about themselves!
Babs is also encountering a new life, her husband, Geoff has decided they should move to Spain and buy property there with and ocean view. He’s all about going to Spain, finding the perfect property, and moving them there. Babs wants nothing to do with Spain! It’s too far from family and friends, even though the warm weather is inviting.
So Babs decides to take Dee on a birthday adventure! As a child, Dee remembers visiting a place along the seashore Telwyn. and she decides they should go there and fortunately for them, they find a cottage that was had a recent cancellation. They set out on a weeklong adventure without their husbands and learn a lot about themselves!
March 20, 2025
In Karen King's "The Runaway Wives," two best friends, Dee and Babs, leave their neglectful husbands for a spontaneous trip to Cornwall, seeking escape and a chance to reclaim their identities. Their journey becomes a voyage of self-discovery and renewed friendship, as they navigate unexpected adventures and rediscover their zest for life.
King's witty dialogue and vivid descriptions make this a truly immersive and enjoyable read. Dee and Babs are relatable characters whose struggles and triumphs will resonate with many readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and funny story.
This is a perfect beach read because it is light hearted, fast paced, easy to read, and filled with funny moments.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
King's witty dialogue and vivid descriptions make this a truly immersive and enjoyable read. Dee and Babs are relatable characters whose struggles and triumphs will resonate with many readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and funny story.
This is a perfect beach read because it is light hearted, fast paced, easy to read, and filled with funny moments.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2025
This is a classic women reclaiming their selves tales. It was fun, escapist, heartwarming and a bit emotional.
It follows the story of best friends Babs and Dee, who take a trip after Dee’s husband forgot her 60th birthday. Babs is also in a standoff with her husband.
This story highlights the ‘horrors’ women face daily in their marriages and it brings to light how standing up for one self brings liberation and fulfilment.
Set in seaside Cornwall, we follow the women as they navigate their new normal, making friends and finding love again. This was immersive hi and you can’t help but lose yourself in the story.
I love the women and their decades long friendship and how they stand up for each other. I enjoyed their activities and how they adapted to live in Cornwall.
If you are looking for books about older protagonists, escapism then you will enjoy this.
It follows the story of best friends Babs and Dee, who take a trip after Dee’s husband forgot her 60th birthday. Babs is also in a standoff with her husband.
This story highlights the ‘horrors’ women face daily in their marriages and it brings to light how standing up for one self brings liberation and fulfilment.
Set in seaside Cornwall, we follow the women as they navigate their new normal, making friends and finding love again. This was immersive hi and you can’t help but lose yourself in the story.
I love the women and their decades long friendship and how they stand up for each other. I enjoyed their activities and how they adapted to live in Cornwall.
If you are looking for books about older protagonists, escapism then you will enjoy this.
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