58th Avenue Book Group: 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 paradise of Saint Benet is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches.

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

“A delightful story of a heroine whose inner strength triumphs over adversity.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Indeed a splendid adventure as the three women blossom and enjoy the beautiful setting of their new lives, vividly described.” —Historical Novels Review

“The narrative driven storytelling skills of Rhys Bowen raise her novel to an impressive level of literary eloquence. Especially and unreservedly recommended…” —Midwest Book Review

“A masterfully told tale of friendship, love, and perseverance, where the characters feel like lifelong friends. It’s as uplifting as it is gripping. An absolute must-read!” —Julianne MacLean, bestselling author of All Our Beautiful Goodbyes