Karen King’s The Runaway Wives is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone in need of a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud escape. This wonderfully funny and uplifting story follows two best friends, Dee and Babs, as they take a bold step towards reclaiming their independence – and boy, do they deliver!

Dee’s sixtieth birthday surprise turns out to be far from what she expected when her husband books yet another solo golfing trip for himself. Feeling utterly fed up, she’s joined by Babs, whose husband’s sudden plans to move to Spain without consulting her is the final straw. Together, the two women embark on an impromptu adventure to the seaside, with a refreshing sense of rebellion and freedom. Their road trip soon turns into an unforgettable experience, filled with moments of fun, laughter, and even a few surprising revelations.

King has done a fantastic job creating two relatable, strong, and incredibly likeable characters in Dee and Babs. Their friendship is the heart and soul of the story, and it’s impossible not to cheer for them as they discover that stepping outside of their usual roles brings them joy, excitement, and a sense of self-worth they never realized they’d been missing. The dialogue is witty, and the chemistry between Dee and Babs is utterly charming, making their journey together a pleasure to follow.

As the wives begin to embrace their newfound freedom, the book becomes an exploration of self-discovery, the bonds of friendship, and the importance of standing up for oneself – all wrapped in a delightful, humorous package. The humor is lighthearted yet heartfelt, and Karen King strikes the perfect balance between comedy and deeper emotional moments. It’s a feel-good read that will have you laughing and reflecting on the value of taking control of your own life.

For fans of authors like Maddie Please, Judy Leigh, and Dawn French, The Runaway Wives will feel like an absolute treat. It’s a beautifully written story that reminds us all that it’s never too late to take charge of our own happiness, and sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we least expect.

If you're looking for a fun, uplifting, and empowering read, this book is a must! Full of humor, heart, and unforgettable moments, The Runaway Wives is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and leave you thinking about the importance of friendship, independence, and living life on your own terms. Highly recommended!

Dee is married to husband Nigel, a solicitor and thinks having seen an email, he is about to whisk her off for a surprise weekend away to celebrate her sixtieth birthday the following day. Her close friend Babs is thrilled for her, but not so thrilled when she arrives home to find her husband Geoff has put the house on the market as he wants to move to Spain- something she has already said she doesn't want to do. When Dee’s weekend turns out not to be for her but for her husband and his golfing friends, the two ladies decide to take themselves off to Cornwall for a few days to sort out their heads from their errant husbands who both appear to be having mid life crises. Can the ladies keep their marriages whilst keeping their sanity and what they want rather than just that of their husbands?

I quickly got into this and really enjoyed it. Both Babs and Dee are relatable characters with a sense of purpose as well as a sense of fun. A down to earth approach to life with a sense of fun makes the ladies story very engaging. I liked both of them and could relate in part to what was happening. A wonderful easy read I most thoroughly enjoyed.

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Dee’s husband plans a golf trip with his buddy over her 60th birthday weekend. Her friend Babs does not want to move to Spain with her husband for their retirement. The two women retaliate but renting a shore cottage in a British beach village. Though somewhat predictable, the is a charming story about two wives who have given ups their own dreams for years. Now that they are moving into their next chapter of life, they are reexamining their goals on their vacation week. This is a highly enjoyable cozy read. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The little Hitler comment is horrifying and should not be used for any reason !!!

I was thoroughly enjoying the book but quit reading due to that comment. One star. Ugh. So unfortunate that I e comment ruined everything.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from netgalley and the publisher.

Delightful little book about two best friends Dee and Babs who are both going through turning 60 and relationships problems.
The two ladies go on a little trip for Dee's birthday when her husband takes off on a golf trip. Meeting a lot of enjoyable characters on their vacation you root for dee and babs to decide what they really want and need in life.

I just love fun reads and I just finished a hilarious one. The Runaway Wives by Karen King was perfect for a day you’re feeling down.

Oh.....
Such a brilliant story so glad Dee and Babs went on that holiday together.
The part of Cornwall they are in sounds amazing...
I'm glad Babs and her husband went in the holiday to Spain.
I'm a sucker for a happy ending and this didn't fail.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Dee is days away from her 60th birthday when she discovers that her husband Nigel has booked a week in Portugal around her birthday. Then she discovers he has not only forgotten her birthday but also he booked the week only for him as a golfing holiday with pals. I don't really know what's worse here but who in their right mind doesn't even tell their wife they are going to be away? Someone as selfish, unsupportive and pompous as Nigel, of course. And unfaithful, as it turns out.

Her best friend Babs always thought she had a great marriage. She has been with Geoff for 37 years but suddenly he wants to move to Spain (hello, Brexit?), puts the house on the market, books flights to and house viewings in Spain and generally behaves very inconsiderately and out of character.

So Dee and Babs decide to go on a little holiday to Cornwall to teach them a lesson. There they integrate into a fully formed community with plenty of pets, and Dee reconnects with old friend Kenny. Does it ever actually happen that you become part of the local community while on holiday?

Both husbands try to get their wives back, but my God, Nigel is a piece of work. I found it annoying how the children pressured them to stay together. To me Dee was the more interesting character but it irritated me that she didn't want to take Nigel for everything he got - I certainly wouldn't have been so accommodating.

I like the fact that elderly women are celebrated here as being and having fun and getting second chances. The author does a good job of marketing Cornwall, its food and its people to the reader.
The lifelong friendship and support between Dee and Babs is lovely and uplifting to see. It's never too late for new friends and new beginnings though!

If you are a fan of Judy Leigh and want to read something feel-good and heartwarming with adventures for the mature gals, you could do worse than picking this.

3.75 stars

Story of four women - Marlene Dietrich, Betty MacDonald, Zuzla Lawrence and Jane Smith-Hutton who helped
produce the propaganda during WWII that helped the Allies win the war. The detail that went into planning and
producing the propaganda materials make for a fascinating read.
Marlene's contribution was her vocal opposition with Hitler and being declared an enemy of Germany. Singing
songs with lyrics changed to support the Allies and the willingness to do whatever she could to entertain and
support the Allied troops.
#PropagandaGirls #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

Wow! Husbands! They are so selfish and self centered especially Babs husband. The nerve of him! And Dee's too! Dee's especially. Grrrrr
But this turned out to be great book.
I really enjoyed the place where the women went on holiday at. Description of place made me feel like was there.
These women were a hoot! I loved them instantly. I hated to say goodbye to them once this story was over.
Hats off to these ladies. They really made my day. Each page was fun and full of adventure.
This was definitely a place I've never been in a book before. I'm so glad that I was invited to read it.
5 stars for a well written novel and a job well done. I was entertained throughout the entire novel.
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.