I went into this novel blind, and by blind, I mean I wasn’t even aware that it was set in the years leading up to World War II. Ultimately, aside from very brief comments, World War II doesn’t really play much of a part in this novel until the near end, and it is much more a story about rediscovering yourself and making a life for yourself, even when it feels like it might be too late.
One thing that I found a little startling at first was how stoic the writing is. There were multiple instances where emotional things were happening in the story, and they were said so matter-of-fact-ly that it felt difficult to emotionally connect as much as I think I could have; that being said, it did feel a bit immersive to the theory that English people, especially in the past, were very stoic and hid their emotions.
I absolutely loved Nico as a character, and really appreciated how he remained a mystery to the reader for the entirety of the time that he’s a mystery to Ellie as well. Most characters were fantastic, and were written very realistically. Every character seemed like a person I might truly meet in real life, which really helped the story feel relatable and realistic.
Overall, I did enjoy this novel. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or the time period surrounding World War II, with the caveat that it is not a tearjerker in the way that Kristin Hannah tends to be. Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is available on August 5th – thank you to Netgalley, Rhys Bowen, and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Just perfect! Three English women who, for various reasons, decide to travel to the south of France. Their lives change as they decide to settle in a small fishing village near Marseilles. They experience love and loss, friendship and betrayal, hope and grief. The story kept me reading into the wee hours.

3.5 stars

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure is a warm and quietly engaging story that takes place as rumblings of war begin and continue through the next 5 years.
Eddie Endicott, recently divorced - a scandalous status for a woman in that age - finds herself searching for meaning and freedom in a time that offered little of either to women. Her journey takes her to a fictional village on the French coast, it's a great setting, it is charming and made me want to visit. There, she reconnects with herself and builds new bonds with Dora and Mavis, two women also quietly pushing back against the roles society has forced upon them.

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure is a story of friendship, trust and self discovery. It explores the lingering effects of the war with sensitivity. The war years, with it's historical context help shape the characters’ choices, relationships and courage to change. While the pacing was a tad slow and some resolutions a bit too neat, the novel’s heart lies in its depiction of women taking charge of their lives, often for the first time, highlighting it's not too late to go after what you want in life.

My thanks to Lake Union for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This was a much better story than the author's book in 2024 (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 reality enough, 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.

Who hasn’t dreamed of running away on a continental adventure? Well, Mrs. Endicott hadn’t until her husband dropped his divorce bomb on an otherwise perfectly average (and boring) day. A most significant change in her life trajectory follows. I loved how she turned from a meek British wife to an adventurous “why not” sort, and I loved even more that her courage and impulsivity with only a loose plan ended up including two other unexpected women - her maid and a crabby town lady. This story explores how the bonds of friendship are limited by the very narrow personas we show the world, and are opened up when we let our true selves through. Finding out who they are later in life than expected, finding small joys amidst wartime and its sadnesses, and being braver than they ever imagined, Mrs. Endicott and her friends definitely have a splendid adventure. Though the ending was a bit too saccharine for me, I loved every bit of the 90% that preceded this turn in tone.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley, and Rhys Bowen for early access to yet another well-crafted WWII novel.

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.

No one spins a tale quite like Rhys Bowen and this might be one of her finest works to date. If you are already a fan you will love it and if your are new to her work you will soon be reading her back catalogue!

I really enjoyed my first experience with Rhys Bowen's work last year, so when I learned there was going to be a new historical fiction story I immediately knew I had to add it to my shelves. Then I read the blurb and saw the 1938 southern France setting, and I only wanted to read it even more... It's no secret that I have a weak spot for WWII stories and I liked the sound of the three women traveling together to southern France. And while I can't deny that it was a pleasant enough and quick read, the story also kind of left me wanting for more.

If you are looking for a historical fiction novel that dives deeply into the era, Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure is without doubt not a great fit. This story ended up being surprisingly superficial, only skimming over what is happening during that period in France without fleshing things out properly. Especially the part that was set during the war was a bit underwhelming for me, as the terrible things happening mainly felt like an afterthought only worth a short anecdote. As a result, certain events in the second half that should have made you feel heartbroken weren't able to provoke any emotion at all... Which was shocking considering some of the things that happened.

This probably also had to do with the fact that the plot itself was extremely predictable and some of the characters were quite one-dimensional and cliche. The focus of Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure seems to be on the three women, their adventure and their growing friendship; nothing wrong with that, but the majority of the story felt like it could have been set at any time before the 1960s or so. I did enjoy the friendship itself, although there were parts that were quite repetitive and again they could have been more developed. The travel aspect was great though, and I loved the descriptions of the fictional Saint Benet.

I think it is Saint Benet that mainly saved the story for me. I love a small town setting, and this fictional southern France fishing village sounded wonderful. I loved the community spirit and the inhabitants themselves... Although again there were quite a few cliches involved. If you are looking for a quick and lighthearted historical fiction read that mainly focuses on friendship and a healthy dose of romance, Mr. Endicott's Splendid Adventure fill fit the bill. Just don't expect any in depth exploration of the era and events during the war, because you will feel disappointed otherwise.

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen is a charmingly optimistic story of a woman who, when faced with a surprise divorce from her husband, sets off on a new life in the south of France (where her Bentley lands!). Faced with the impending war, Ellie perseveres and forges new relationships, and discovers that there is so much more to herself and her life than she'd ever imagined. I very much enjoyed this story!

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.

This was a pleasant, easy read with a comforting tone and an empowering message of second chances. I really liked the idea of Ellie reclaiming her life after betrayal and setting off on a spontaneous journey with two equally delightful companions. The South of France setting was lovely and perfect for the story’s slower pace.

That said, while I enjoyed the premise, the plot didn’t fully grip me, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth or emotional intensity. Still, it’s a cozy, heartwarming book, it is perfect if you’re looking for something light with a dash of historical charm.

Mrs Endicott's Splendid Adventure is an interesting take on WWII. Very enjoyable day's read. Well researched.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and while it wasn’t written poorly or anything like that, it isn’t what I was expecting. The pacing of the story was tough for me to get through. I felt that it wasn’t until the 70% mark that the story started to pick up. Then I felt like the whole war was completely rushed through. I am not sure if this was meant to be a proper WWII book, or what. I liked the characters and I was glad that Ellie & Jojo got happy endings, but this one wasn’t my cup of tea..

Mrs. Endicott is blindsided with some news from her husband. Making the best of a situation, she decides to take a holiday and figure out what she wants to do next with her life. Thankfully she doesn't have to do this alone, and she sets off with some unlikely fellow travelers. Mrs. Endicott and her companions discover much about themselves, as well as each other, as they happily settle in a small village. And then WWII comes along, bringing hardship, loss, and love. This was a beautiful read, and I could picture the scenery as the author described it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publish for allowing me to give my opinion about this book.

This is a fun and yet serious read.
The reality that so many women are reduced to slaves to their husbands is sickening.
Mrs. Endicott, a proper English wife is facing a divorce at the age of 50. She doesn’t know who she is, having lost her identity decades ago.
Taking wild chances leads to a long line of adventures, forming new friendships, and surviving WWII.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I am a long time fan of Rhys Bowen. I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book from Net Galley. The story is set just before WWII in Surrey, England. Ellie Endicott’s life is turned upside down when her husband of 30 years informs her that he wants a divorce and intends on marrying a much younger woman. He tells Ellie that she may reside in his former ‘love nest’, a flat in London, and that he will pay her a settlement. After a series of decisions and conversations with her housekeeper, Mavis and an ailing elderly friend, Dora from town, the three ladies abscond with Gerald Endicott’s beloved Bentley, and head toward the South of France. Despite warnings of certain war, the ladies make their way across France, acquire a young pregnant French girl and end up in the small fishing village of Saint Benetton when the Bentley breaks down. They decide to stay. This is the story of great friendship, love list and found, resilience, heartbreak and survival all taking place during WWII. It is an engaging story, and a different twist to the popular WWII books set primarily in England or Paris. There are many townspeople with stories that tie them all together in the face of war.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Rhys Bowen is one of my favorite authors! I love her writing style and the way she takes the reader into a story from beginning to end. This story starts in Surrey, England. Ellie Endicott's husband has asked her for a divorce and basically kicked her out of the house. She decides to go on a journey to the South of France. She ends up taking her friends Mavis and Dora with her. When they are stranded along the way with car trouble, it is a blessing in disguise. They are stranded in the fishing village of Saint Benet. Many changes come into their life as they settle into this village. I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read about the friendship that grew between these women, and how much they helped each other. I highly recommend this book!

I might as well write at the very beginning that I really enjoyed reading Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure. This Rhys Bowen novel is a delight. There is humor, happiness, love, loss, grief, tragedy, and humanity, all of which finds its way into this story. Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure explores what happens when three women decide that they are ready for a change, for an adventure, and for a new start in life. Ellie, Dora, and Mavis learn about adaptability and change and about the need not to give up.

The plot of Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure flows so very well, with characters who are likable and whom readers will love. The novel begins in 1938 Surrey, England, and soon moves to a small fishing village on the southern French coast. Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure is a wonderful story, full of lovely moments in a small village with terrific people to get to know.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I am offering an enthusiastic yes! Please do read this lovely novel. I think readers will find Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure a delightful read.

5 stars

I've been a fan of Rhys Bowen's books for many years. Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure did not disappoint. It was well written and intriguing. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to see how Ellie’s story ended. Bowen's descriptions of the fishing hamlet of Saint Benet were beautiful. The characters are fully developed. I liked them, except for Yvette (of course). Ellie is a strong character, and I am glad she didn't let her unfaithful cad of a husband ruin her life and hold her down. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a chance to review this book.

diary was blanked for this book. because wow. take me to this book over and over again please. i felt bad for loving it so much with what suddenly came over the horizon with the war. but i did. i did love it so very much.
Ryhs has a deft hand with making words seem beautiful to read. putting together this book and then sending it out to us like a gift, because thats what books like this feels like, a gift.
i would also like to say can someone please invite me into the world of Mrs Endicott and make her adopt me as her best friend. shes just fabulous. infact all the characters are fabulous to read and i was totally immersed in this book.
dont get me wrong with this book there are obvious darker,deeper moments and im sure you can guess lots of those with the time period. but the way Rhys writes it makes you somehow feel comforted by her writing of it.
this book starts with Mrs Endicott literally having divorce sprung on her. shes devoted her whole adult life to her husband and child so it completely knocks her. she feels lost,bless her. but what she knows is she is taking the Bentley and this is exactly what she does and along the way picks up two to go with her and so our adventure begins. it takes us to France and aren't we just loving this book more and more because we've headed to a gorgeous little village and i immediately want to be there too! but then they run in to car trouble. but maybe it fate because the woman find something in this little village. there is a peace that comes down upon them all , perhaps a place to belong. that is sadly, very sadly until the time of war is upon them and that means so is the Nazis. and this will bring a whole new test to Ellie's door. can Mrs Endicott and her new little found family fight the darkest enemy anyone has ever met?
this is a book id like to have on my book shelf for forever more. its a book ill cherish.