Review: Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure
Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
If you’re a fan of Rhys Bowen, especially her delightful Royal Spyness (Lady Georgie) mysteries, you’ll likely be curious about her newest standalone historical novel, Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure. As someone who has adored both her series work and her historical fiction standalones, I went into this book expecting vivid settings, strong characters, and Bowen’s signature charm.
What I didn’t expect was a story that felt lighter in tone than some of her previous historical fiction – almost hovering between cozy adventure and emotional wartime narrative. I enjoyed it, but I also found myself wondering more than once: Is this supposed to be humorous?
Either way, it’s a warm, character-driven novel set in the sun-drenched south of France, with a trio of unforgettable women – and a few wonderful men – at its heart.
If you’re not yet familiar with all of Rhys Bowen’s work, don’t miss the witty charm of her Lady Georgie series which is a favorite of mine.
Key Takeaways: Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure
- Historical fiction mixed with light adventure and gentle humor.
- Strong trio of female characters – Ellie, Mavis, & Dora.
- Gorgeous southern France setting with village life, community, and wartime tension.
- Not as deep or historically rich as some of Bowen’s other standalones.
- Themes of friendship, reinvention, found family, and resilience.
- Fast, enjoyable, and emotional in moments – but also lighter than expected.
- My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Book Summary
After decades of running a household, supporting her husband’s career, and raising two grown sons, Ellie Endicott’s world changes overnight when her husband announces he wants a divorce – so he can marry someone younger. Shocked but determined to take control of her life, Ellie negotiates a better settlement, “borrows” her husband’s Bentley, and heads for the south of France, where she once spent a magical summer with her aunt.
She doesn’t travel alone. Dora, a terminally ill friend longing to see the Riviera again, and Mavis, her housekeeper escaping an abusive marriage, join Ellie on this new adventure. Together, the trio makes their way to the small coastal village of Saint Benet, where they find community, unexpected friendships, new love, and a fragile peace threatened by the approach of World War II.
As the war intensifies, Saint Benet faces danger, secrets, betrayals, and hardship – testing the strength of the village and the resilience of the women who now call it home.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
A charming, warm, character-driven journey through southern France – not as historically deep as Bowen’s other standalones, but irresistible in its atmosphere, personalities, and heart.
Review Of Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure
What I Liked
The Setting:
Saint Benet, France, sounds like a dreamy escape and is easily one of the highlights of the entire novel. It’s beautiful, atmospheric, and richly drawn – a place you want to visit, move into, and drink coffee in forever. Rhys Bowen excels at small-village charm, and this fictional coastal town comes alive.
The Characters:
This book has a wonderful ensemble of characters in Ellie, Mavis, Dora, Nico, and Clive – honestly, I loved them all. Ellie’s transformation is endearing, the friendships feel authentic, and the men in Saint Benet (especially Nico and Clive) provide warmth, humor, and heart. The “found family” aspect works beautifully here.
The Tone:
The tone of this book wasn’t what I expected, in that it’s light, warm, and often what I thought was surprisingly funny! At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it because I wasn’t sure that it was meant to be funny. But I ended up enjoying the gentler, lighter tone. The humor, intentional or not, adds charm without overshadowing the more serious wartime moments.
What I Disliked
Not as Historically Deep as Bowen’s Other Standalones
If you’re expecting the emotional weight and historical richness of The Victory Garden or Where the Sky Begins, this one feels a bit thinner. The wartime sections are compelling but not deeply explored, and some events flash by quickly.
Tone Confusion in Places
This book sits in a unique space: not quite cozy, not fully dramatic historical fiction. Because of that, I sometimes struggled to figure out what tone Bowen intended. Lighthearted adventure? Emotional wartime saga? Cozy friendship tale? It’s a bit of all three.
A Few Predictable or Underdeveloped Moments
Some plot beats, especially later in the story, felt predictable. A few storylines (like the pregnant girl subplot) start strong but don’t quite land.
Still, none of this overshadowed my enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure
Is this book historical fiction or a mystery?
Historical fiction. There’s no central mystery like in Bowen’s Royal Spyness series.
Is it a series WWII novel?
Not exactly. It includes wartime elements, but its tone is lighter and more character-driven.
How heavy is the content?
There are serious moments involving war, danger, and personal loss, but overall, the book leans hopeful.
Is this a good standalone?
Yes – completely self-contained with a satisfying arc.
Is this book similar to the Royal Spyness mysteries?
In tone, yes – lighter, fun, character-focused – but without the central mystery.
If you enjoy Georgie, you’ll likely enjoy Ellie.
Would this be a good book for book clubs?
Absolutely – there’s plenty to discuss about women’s agency, friendship, wartime resilience, and personal reinvention.
Conclusion
Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure is a charming, heartfelt journey through friendship, reinvention, and community set against the stunning backdrop of southern France. Though lighter in tone and not as historically deep as some of Rhys Bowen’s other standalones, it’s a lovely, uplifting read filled with endearing characters and moments of both humor and poignancy.
Fans of Bowen, fans of female-forward historical fiction, and anyone who enjoys stories of personal transformation will find plenty to love here.
If you enjoy Bowen’s writing style, don’t miss her Royal Spyness series – one of my personal favorites.
Did You Know?
The Calanques region of southern France, where Saint Benet is inspired by, is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coastal villages. During WWII, the area was a real hub for both the French Resistance and small fishing communities trying to navigate life under occupation. Many novelists use it as a setting because of its mix of beauty, danger, and rich wartime history.
