4.5 stars. I’ll read almost anything based on Bake Off, and this was a lovely treat. It was easy to root for Jenny as she braves the unknowns of television, and starts to come to terms with a devastating secret she’s kept for decades. Honestly it wasn’t hard to guess that secret, as the reader, but it’s still an emotional journey for her and for us.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Wanted to like this book so much but unfortunately it disappointed me. I didn’t like how some issues in Mrs. Quinn’s story were handled.

I listened to this on audiobook and it was a great way to spend my driving time- don't know if the 5 stars would transfer to a different sort of reading experience.

Jenny Quinn is feeling restless. Her husband of almost 60 years, Bernard, wants to slow things down and live a quieter life but Jenny is itching to do more- the Britain Bakes contest (a fictionalized version of the Great British Bake-Off) is calling her name. The story makes the unfortunate decision for Jenny to keep this a secret from Bernard in order to generate tension, which I could have done without. But this goes to another secret that Jenny has kept for their whole marriage.

It shouldn't surprise anyone that Jenny makes it into the competition. Each chapter has a baked good for a title and is woven into that chapter. This author bakes. You can tell by the way that she describes the process. The process of auditioning and then the competition itself is a large part of the story, but then there begin to be flashbacks to Jenny's youth and her secret. Jenny's kept something to herself all these years that she now thinks that it's too late to share. But the secret has impacted her life greatly. These flashbacks were extremely poignant because Jenny was extremely young and had no one who could help her in her situation. I often don't care for plotlines like these but the author and narrator activated my empathy.

This is ultimately a cozy book so things will ultimately be okay. I really enjoyed this one and would definitely read more from this author.

The definition of a feel-good story and a fantastic pick for any Great British Baking Show fan, MRS. QUINN'S RISE TO FAME is a balm of a book. It'll appeal to anyone looking for a tender, heartwarming tale you can share with readers of all generations. (Bonus: There are recipes at the end that add a personal touch.)

This was a really gentle book that reminds us all we can do big things at any age! Very fun for folks who enjoy baking competitions-or any sort of reality tv shows that focus on food. I was particularly relieved that the author didn't feel the need for real tragedy to befall any of the characters....I feel like it allows me to recommend this to many library patrons looking for a sweet and cozy read. Strong sense of place, well drawn characters.

I am so glad that I took a chance on this book based on the description and cover! I adored Jenny and Bernard and the dueling timeline of Jenny taking a chance on herself by trying out for Britain Bakes at 77 and the memories from her past that are stirred up through her use of old family recipes on the show. That second timeline was sadder than I was expecting, and I worried for Bernie throughout the present day timeline, but both just added to the satisfaction at the end. I am already recommending this book and greatly appreciate Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley for the early access in exchange for my honest opinion. 4.5 big stars

Jenny has always loved baking and now in her 70s decides to take a chance and applies to be a contestant on Britain Bakes. She keeps it a secret from her family until she has been accepted and then she finds herself stepping out of her comfort zone to try new things. While one storyline focuses on the baking show, the other storyline flashes back to Jenny's past which reveals a secret she has kept for decades. Overall, a mostly cozy story surrounding an older woman taking a chance and trying something out. While some may find the two storylines to be disconnected, it felt important in Jenny finally living her life and resolving a lifelong pain. The interactions between Jenny and her fellow contestants were enjoyable, as well as her husband Bernard being so supportive. Fans of the British Bake Off and Call the Midwife will enjoy this one.

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is a heartwarming and tender story. I initially was interested in this book because I am a big fan of The Great British Bake Off. At the beginning of certain chapters, the reader gets a glimpse into Jenny's life as a young woman and moments that make a specific baking dish special to her which tied the past to present day. What I did not expect was for the story arc of Jenny's past to completly take over my interest in the book. It was so interesting and I enjoyed reading about Jenny in her younger years and I WANTED MORE. It kind of reminded me a little of the Pixar movie, Up.

The marriage and relationship with her husband Bernard was super sweet with moments of challenges. The themes of aging, contentment, and purpose were interesting to follow. With Jenny in her 70's and Bernard in her 80's, the two reflect on their lives and Jenny worries alot about what will happen in their future as they continue to get older.

An overall sweet read with a happy ending.

Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford was such an enjoyable read for me. I am very partial to books about older characters that don’t do what is expected of them, and choose to live the life they want, finding success in the most unlikely of places, teaching us all a lesson about prejudging and underestimating. One cannot help wanting 77 year old Jenny Quinn to succeed. Additionally, I love stories with flashbacks; they are an interesting way of linking the past with the present. The flashbacks in this novel provided the reader with a better understanding of Jenny’s life. With charming characters, a heartwarming story and baking, baking, baking, it checked all my boxes for a highly recommended read.

Another wonderful novel that has older people in main roles! Jenny has spent her life taking care of her family, and is devoted to her husband, Bernard, who is in failing health. She has always loved to bake, and she applies for a spot on a British baking show. She is whisked away to a new, much more exciting world, where she manages to hold on to her values and make a difference that way. A great book that I truly look forward to recommending.

This is a cozy story of a 70-something woman who decides to take a chance and apply to be a contestant on a popular baking show. But she also has a secret she's been keeping for decades. If you enjoy the GBBS and baking in general, this is a good read. Each chapter is named for a recipe that's being made and you follow the character along through the bake, as well as her everyday life and the adventure she has with the show. Plus, there are a couple of recipes at the end of the book. The plot is definitely encouragement for trying something new, taking a chance just because.

What a delightful book! It was refreshing to have a main character in her 70s, which I think many of our patrons will enjoy.

A delightful read that at first appears to simply be a sweet novel about a very happily married, older woman who overcomes her lack of confidence in herself and enters a tv completion called Britain Bakes, hoping to regain some sense of self that is independent of her other roles in life. It is indeed that sort of delightful read, but there’s also a surprising and unexpected backstory to her life that is threaded through the book.

I wanted to read this book because I am a fan of the Great British Baking Show, and Jenny becomes one of the bakers on a similar show. I liked how passionate Jenny was about baking, but I felt as if it was two books, and I didn't appreciate the part that dealt with a “secret” from earlier in Jenny’s life. I think this part of the book could have been left out, and instead have the plot concentrate more on Jenny's interactions with Rose and her family, or on how Jenny related to the other baking show contestants. From the acknowledgments, I know that the story about Jenny’s past was very important to the author. I wish she would have made me feel the same way, instead of feeling that that portion was an awkward appendage.

Such a sweet book! If you love a fun book with a senior protagonist and you can't get enough of the Great British Bake Off, definitely pick this one up.

What a delicious confection of a book! If you love older characters, intergenerational friendships, TV baking competitions and family secrets, this one is for you.

Thanks to Penguin and Pamela Dorman books for the copy to review.

What a very sweet and touching story! It's a story about forgiving yourself for mistakes, and about letting others see you, flaws and all. It proves that it's never too late to do something amazing in your life. And the baking is only a bonus.

Yes, it is slow-paced at first (maybe I'm too used to reading thrillers) and has a past-present storyline that is necessary to understanding Mrs. Quinn and her psychology.

But before long I was gripped by the story, and really loved it! Great book club pick perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry.

This book is like dipping into any of Mrs. Quinn or Jenny’s cozy warm and delicious baked goods featured in the story.
The story follows 77 year old Jenny as she secretly applies for a show similar to Great British Bake Off without telling her husband of nearly 60 years, Bernie.
Woven into the plot is a beautiful coming of age with Jenny as a young adult navigating a different painful secret with the inclusion of where many of her recipes came from as they were passed down through family members.
Olivia Ford balances cozy and heartfelt with deep messages in a way that will have you smiling and tearing up.

As a Great British Bake-Off fan, I adored this book. Like a sticky toffee pudding, it was sweet and comforting. Unlike a sticky toffee pudding, it also made me cry.

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year ! Heartwarming and full of delicious baking by the main character . You WILL fall in LOVE with Jenny and Bernard and never want to leave them . 70 year old Jenny a fabulous at home baker decides to audition for the popular show British Bakes . What she goes through is very entertaining to read and you are pulling for her all the way . There is only one problem Jenny has a secret she has been keeping from her husband of almost 60 years . How this story goes she seamlessly together is amazing . You will love this book I promise