Overall, this was a lovely story about second chances. I wanted to spend more time both in the competition and at home with Bernard; Jenny's introspection grew a little repetitive for me. That said, it was refreshing to read a book about an older woman who is no longer content with being invisible to the world.

A couple of weeks ago, S. A. Cosby’s baroquely violent Razorblade Tears was hitting the spot for me, and now this sweetly old-fashioned story of baking and a sixty-year marriage does the same - who knows the secret of what books appeal?

Jenny and Bernard Quinn (and as this is a British book, please read that as Burn-erd not Ber-nard) have retired to Kitlesham village to live out their twilight years. Bernard is content with their shrinking horizons, but Jenny wants something more and in a fit of daring, applies for Britain Bakes (a not noticeably disguised version of The Great British Bake-Off). Of course she is accepted and we thrillingly accompany her through the audition process and into Biscuit Week.

To Jenny, baking has always been about more than just producing sweet treats. Her recipes are inspired by ones from her family and help her feel more connected with those that have gone before her. Jenny and Bernard have no children and her recipe collection is her legacy.

But as she progresses in the TV show, her mind dwells more and more on the past and a secret she has kept from Bernard for all this time. To be honest, I found the baking links between the past and present a little contrived and tenuous. I was much less interested in Jenny’s long-ago tragedy than in the ins and outs of the competition and would have liked a lot more of that, but that’s the sort of hard-hearted reader I am.

If you like gently British novels, ones about the pleasant joys of long-term relationships, and have a sweet tooth, this is probably your ideal novel. Worked pretty well for me too.

Thanks to Viking and Netgalley for the digital review copy.

A heartwarming story about love, chances taken and regrets all told with a fun story about being on a baking television show. Well done!

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford was a delight to read. Ford has developed a wonderful character in Mrs. Quinn and readers will find themselves solidly in her camp as she works her way into and through a major British baking competition. Filled with humor, but with sufficient depth of story to keep us engaged.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet novel about an elderly woman who tries out for Britain Bakes. She is lovely. Her husband is precious. The backstory is so inspiring.

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame was a comfort read from start to finish. Jenny and Bernard have been married for 59 years and with their 60th wedding anniversary approaching and Bernard's heath declining, Jenny has been thinking. So when the opportunity to apply for Britain Bakes arises, she secretly applies. After all at 77, she doesn't think she would ever be accepted. Jenny has spent her entire life baking and using family recipes was a big part of that. While the story is about Jenny embracing her age and the time she has left, there is also a secret that she has kept from her husband their entire marriage.

The story blends Jenny's current adventure on a TV baking competition and all that surrounds it, with her past and the deep feelings that accompany it. I love how after each of Jenny's bakes, we get another part of that story. The way the two parts come together was very well done. Jenny is a likeable character and Bernard is the best husband anyone could ever want. The end of this story is touching and a triumph.

This book, about a 77-year-old woman who secretly applies to be a contestant on a baking show, is somewhat predictable but enjoyable. Jenny doesn't tell anyone that she is applying, as she does not believe she will be selected. Her husband, Bernard, suspects she is ill. He can tell that she is hiding something from him. Jenny has been married to Bernard for almost 60 years, so they know each other well. However, Jenny is hiding another secret from him that she believes could ruin everything.

I loved this book! Premise of baking show, made me want to read it, but I stayed for the genuine characters.
I adored Jenny and learning more about her past through the flashbacks. I loved all her recipes and could picture being at her and Bernard's house and garden with them.
I liked all the side characters too, Azeez, Rose, Poppy, and their neighbors, such lovely characters that added life to the story.
I really liked how Jenny just went after getting on the show, and she wanted it, but also thought that it might not go anywhere.
I really liked reading about her love story with Bernard and how after 60 years together they were still the other's best friend and companion.
I really liked how Ford shows through her writing how much Jenny cares about Bernard.

I will be recommending this to every, especially those who like baking shows, but also those who love a good story.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

If you are looking for an uplifting, engaging and heartfelt read to feed your spirit, run don't walk to grab Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame. The baking show competition storyline alone would have been a winner (no pun intended), but the adjacent narrative makes this even more compelling. So touching, insightful and lovely. I am missing Bernard and Jenny already.

All the heart eyes for Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame! Loved this book from start to finish and just increased the number I'm ordering for our fiction collection. This is feel good fiction at its finest!

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame
by Olivia Ford
Pub DAte: January 30, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am an avid baker and I love to watch reality Baking contests so this book was a good fit for me.
A huge-hearted, redemptive coming-of-old-age tale, a love story, and an ode to good food

Nothing could be more out of character, but after fifty-nine years of marriage, as her husband Bernard’s health declines, and her friends' lives become focused on their grandchildren—which Jenny never had—Jenny decides she wants a little something for herself. So she secretly applies to be a contestant on the prime-time TV show Britain Bakes.
I really liked this one!

Who says life should be dull and predictable in your 70’s? Certainly not Mrs. Quinn. Her love of baking intrinsically tied with the memories of her life stands her in good stead as she becomes a contestant on her favorite show Britain Bakes. Heartwarming.

This was so good!!!! Put on the kettle, grab your teacup and enjoy a lovely story about family, friends, secrets and baking. A fun behind the scenes look at reality shows and a dear older woman who chases a dream. I love stories with older folks especially who have long happy marriages.

I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford. As an avid baker and watcher of baking shows, I was pulled in to Jenny’s story from her indecision about applying to embracing the contest and wanting to win. The subplot reflects a secret that informed Jenny’s life and finally is out, for better or worse. I read this on Halloween - my only complaint is that I had to keep stopping to hand out candy!

Heartfelt and heartwarming - Mrs. Quinn is a delight. A recommended purchase for collections where WF is popular.

Easy-going and light-hearted, yet the characters made it exciting enough to keep me absorbed and turning pages quickly.

This will be a perfect read once everyone's sad that the Golden Bachelor is over.