When the surprise holiday Dee thinks her husband has booked for her sixtieth birthday weekend turns out to be yet another solo golfing break – it’s the last straw.

Meanwhile her best friend Babs’s other half has decided to move to Spain and is acting like he doesn’t need to consult anyone. Not even Babs!

Well, if their husbands think they can do what they want, so can their wives. So, with that thought, the two best friends leap into Dee’s trusty car and head for the seaside, and an adventure they’ll never forget.

Back home their furious husbands want them to return immediately. But – as they begin to enjoy their newfound freedom – will either of the runaway wives ever want to come back home again?

An absolutely hilarious, uplifting, escapist story, perfect for fans of Maddie Please, Judy Leigh and Dawn French.

'A delightful story of two wives who decide not to be overlooked any more.' Maddie Please

‘Beautifully uplifting and full of joy. You’ll be rooting for both Dee and Babs as they jump out of their lives and head for the seaside for a much needed break from their feckless husbands… Full of warmth, loads of fun and hugely enjoyable with that all important uplifting ending.’ Kate Galley

‘This story was so good that I just didn’t want it to end.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!… Such an uplifting and escapist story. There was family drama, love, romance and friendship and I am so glad that I went along for the ride.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a good fun read!... A wonderfully written read that showcases the strength, compassion and tenacity of the older generation and that it’s never too late to take a chance, try something new and enjoy the life you deserve! A genuinely wholesome empowering read.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I adored this book! Perfect for anyone looking for a cozy, lighthearted, funny read… It is really never too late to go after what you want, find true happiness, and start living life for you.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Just the pick me up I needed… a fun light read with a happy ending.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A totally delightful read… The writing was quite wonderful, so easy to read and to become immersed in the story’s many twists and turns – I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this really talented author.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A perfect beach read… light hearted, fast paced, easy to read, and filled with funny moments.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolute joy to read. It completely absorbed me from the very beginning… A perfect summer read… Heartwarming and inspiring.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Touching, uplifting and totally relatable. Imagine a story where Thelma and Louise had a happy ending, and you’re on the right track.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Karen King writes psychological suspense and women's fiction and is celebrating her fortieth year of publication. Her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This is her 12th woman's fiction novel. Karen is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors, the Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists.