Trending:
Rhys Bowen is taking readers on a new adventure.
The bestselling author of more than 60 novels, including The Rose Arbor and The Venice Sketchbook, has a new book on the horizon. Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure will arrive this summer via Lake Union Publishing — and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the cover.
In 1930s England, Ellie Endicott finds herself lost when her husband of 30 years asks for a divorce. After learning of his unfaithfulness, Ellie sees an opportunity for a fresh start and heads to the South of France with her elderly friend, Dora, and her housekeeper, Mavis.
When their car breaks down in the fishing hamlet of Saint Benet, the trio rent a villa together and begin a new life among the locals, until the looming threat of war changes everything.
“Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning — and becoming an adventure she never expected,” the book’s synopsis reads.
“This book was a joy to write,” Bowen, a pen name for writer Janet Quin-Harkin, tells PEOPLE of the new novel. “In fact, there was an element of living vicariously as I wrote a story about a middle-aged British woman who, betrayed by her husband, escapes with other unloved women to the South of France where they restore an abandoned villa.”
The author, who was born in England and whose novels are often set in Europe, says the location of her latest book was inspired by a trip to Italy.
The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!
“When I saw such a villa in Italy a few years ago, I couldn’t believe anyone could walk away from something so gorgeous,” Bowen says. “What was its story? I’ve been dying to write about it ever since.”
In addition to her standalone novels, Bowen is the author of numerous book series, including the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy historical mysteries. Her books have sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide, across 30 langauges. Per her website, Bowen has been nominated for every major mystery award, and she won the prestigious Agatha Award for her 2002 novel Murphy’s Law.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
As for her new novel, Bowen hopes its emotional core resonates with readers.
“This is also a story of second chances, of the power of women’s bonding and discovering that you are never too old for adventure and romance,” Bowen says.
Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure will be published on Aug. 5 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
Read the full article here
