Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure

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, Historical, Romance, World War II, Travel

377 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding... what a beautiful story about having the courage to take chances and live life to the fullest!

[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.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU Free Trial | Poorly paced | I wanted to like this more than I did, and I probably would have if Bowen hadn't decided to cram in so much in a small section of the book. More than half introduces the characters, the setting, details of sewing curtains and individual meals. Then in less than a quarter of the book there's death and criminals and the first year of a baby's life and a relationship and the entirety of the Second World War and Resistance fighters and people being taken to concentration camps and collaborators and betrayal and murder and despair. And then it all wraps up neatly and unrealistically in the final ten percent. Even the sentence structure becomes shorter and simpler, as it jumps from one tidy resolution to the next.

[Karen Katanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book yesterday after I finished reading the Winge Connection. At 1:00am having slept an hour I picked my kindle back up and read until 7:30am, nearly finishing the book. I’ve never lost a nights sleep to a book before- but the story was so compelling, I couldn’t put it down. The descriptive dialogue, the historical references, the characters all made this book a worthy read.
It is a long book, so if you are like me, wait to start reading it for an early morning without other commitments.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this ARC!

Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a light and breezy story that whisks you away to the South of France just before WWII. After her husband shocks her with a divorce, Ellie Endicott takes off in his Bentley with her housekeeper and elderly friend, hoping for a fresh start. They end up in a quiet fishing village called Saint Benet, where Ellie starts to rediscover herself, make new friends, and maybe even fall in love again.

This book felt like a cozy Sunday morning with pancakes. It moves quickly, which I really liked, and even though it touches on some heavier topics, it never feels too heavy or emotional. Everything is handled with a light touch, which I think some readers will really appreciate.

That said, I didn’t feel super connected to the characters. They felt a bit flat to me, and I wished there was more depth. The writing felt like it was written with a movie in mind. Honestly, I’d probably enjoy watching this as a movie more than rereading it. Give me a cup of tea and a blanket, and I’d be all set.

Still, it was a really enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a change of pace, maybe on a warm spring day lying on a hammock with a glass of iced tea.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a total delight! I loved the unlikely friendships that developed. The idea of women helping women was powerful. The sweet love stories were interesting to watch unfold. And the setting on the French Riviera made me want to plan a trip there immediately. My only complaint was that the ending seemed a bit rushed. Other than that, it was a perfectly lovely book!

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this story from the very first chapter and loved every minute of it. I found myself cheering for Ellie from the get-go and was ready to go on her adventure with her. Even better, she takes in 'strays' to accompany her on her trip. 'Don't worry, we'll figure it out' was her attitude.

Every person she encounters along the way is invited to join her group and they all end up making a life for themselves. This group of people have nothing in common other than the fact that they are women who want or need to escape the life that they are living. They all bonded in a way that no one could have imagined.

I fell in love with this community and all of the wonderful, quirky characters who shared Ellie's life. The drama and love that was experienced made for an amazing story. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I will definitely be reading more of her stories. I highly recommend Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen.

[Tami Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about starting over despite the looming war in the south of France. Resilient, strong women who never give up.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had humor but quite a lot of sadness. I wasn’t prepared for the war part although I should have been. All in all it was an excellent book. 4.5.

[Rod Innis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to this book on Audio. It is a good story and well read.