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Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame
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.
Whisked into an unfamiliar world of cameras and timed challenges, Jenny delights in a new-found independence. But that independence, and the stress of the competition, starts to unearth memories buried decades ago. Chocolate teacakes remind her of a furtive errand involving a wedding ring; sugared doughnuts call up a stranger’s kind act; a simple cottage loaf brings back the moment her life changed forever.
With her baking star rising, Jenny struggles to keep a lid on that first secret—a long-concealed deceit that threatens to shatter the very foundations of her marriage. It’s the only time in six decades that she’s kept something from Bernard. By putting herself in the limelight, has Jenny created a recipe for disaster?
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.
Whisked into an unfamiliar world of cameras and timed challenges, Jenny delights in a new-found independence. But that independence, and the stress of the competition, starts to unearth memories buried decades ago. Chocolate teacakes remind her of a furtive errand involving a wedding ring; sugared doughnuts call up a stranger’s kind act; a simple cottage loaf brings back the moment her life changed forever.
With her baking star rising, Jenny struggles to keep a lid on that first secret—a long-concealed deceit that threatens to shatter the very foundations of her marriage. It’s the only time in six decades that she’s kept something from Bernard. By putting herself in the limelight, has Jenny created a recipe for disaster?
374 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,260 reviews
July 22, 2024
"It’s sometimes easy to feel left behind at my age, as if the world has a future and you have no place in it . . . but I hope to discover that there is meaning and adventure still to be found."
I have a huge soft spot for stories of growing old and finding joy and purpose, so it's no surprise that I adored Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame.
Jenny Quinn is 77 years old and looking forward to celebrating her diamond anniversary with her beloved husband Bernard of 60 years. They both agree that at their age, it's best to just take it easy. But when the opportunity presents to compete on Britain Bakes, Jenny knows she can't pass it up. After so long, here finally is her chance to prove herself and show what she's capable of.
I have yet to meet a literary septuagenarian I'm not fond of, and Jenny continues the trend. Her quest for purpose and meaning past when she thought she'd have the chance makes my heart swell with so much emotion. I can't help but cheer her on through every bake, hoping she'll achieve the dream she's reaching for.
Even though I don't have much of a sweet tooth, I've certainly watched a few seasons of The Great British Bake Off like everyone else out there and enjoyed them immensely. And this book pays such a lovely homage to the show with its own Britain Bakes. We follow Jenny as she competes in each episode, turning out delicious treats while making friends and discovering the joy of doing something for herself, all at the ripe old age of 77.
If you're like me and not an aficionado of baked goods, you might be unsure if your eyes will glaze over from all the baking in this story. But don't worry because while I did have to look up each baked good mentioned just to see what they look like, it was smooth sailing from then on out. And just like The Great British Bake Off, this story does a great job pulling you along and not getting bogged down in the baking weeds. In fact, I found the whole thing quite riveting.
But it's not just the baking that got me. It was also Jenny's journey of self-discovery. We see through her flashbacks how she came to be the person that she is, while also understanding the secret she's keeping from her husband. At where I am in my life, that part of the story really grabbed me. It was both heartbreaking and redemptive, and I definitely had the tissues ready.
What a delightful, heartwarming story this turned out to be. I'm loving the recent trend in books to feature folks of old age realizing their dreams, and I hope it continues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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January 27, 2025
Jenny is 77. Bernard is 83. They have no children, but they do have “family” that are close to them. Jenny bakes. But there has always been something missing in Jenny’s life that she has never told Bernard about, and so she feels the need to strike out and try something for herself.
“It’s sometimes easy to feel left behind at my age, as if the world has a future and you have no place in it…but I hope to discover that there is meaning and adventure still to be found.”
UPDATE: I should have said this in my original review when I first posted this. But I feel the need to add it now. Books like this make me happy, because...
It is so lovely to see characters of a certain age being showcased in this way! We need more of this.... Moving on to the rest of the review...
And so, she applies to the show British Bakes, the infamous TV show that allows home bakers to compete. If this sounds like the actual ‘The Great British Bake Off Show,’ that has been popularized in Britian and plays throughout the United States and beyond, you are probably right.
This book also shares the grueling audition and baking process involved, before and during, that amateur bakers go through to be a part of the show. Although it is nice to see and experience, too.
But this isn’t the main crux of the story. Jenny has harbored a secret from Bernard throughout their near 60 years of marriage.
Interestingly, for any reader enjoying Jenny’s evolution, the story (both past and present) was easily predictable. It didn’t make it any less easy-to-read or emotional to experience as it played out through the pages. And as expected, it does come to a sweet resolution by the end.
But who wins British Bakes? Might that be a surprise for readers?
This is a charming, thoughtful, heart-felt story about love and loss and letting go and relationships, with a couple of recipes at the end to appreciate.
“It’s sometimes easy to feel left behind at my age, as if the world has a future and you have no place in it…but I hope to discover that there is meaning and adventure still to be found.”
UPDATE: I should have said this in my original review when I first posted this. But I feel the need to add it now. Books like this make me happy, because...
It is so lovely to see characters of a certain age being showcased in this way! We need more of this.... Moving on to the rest of the review...
And so, she applies to the show British Bakes, the infamous TV show that allows home bakers to compete. If this sounds like the actual ‘The Great British Bake Off Show,’ that has been popularized in Britian and plays throughout the United States and beyond, you are probably right.
This book also shares the grueling audition and baking process involved, before and during, that amateur bakers go through to be a part of the show. Although it is nice to see and experience, too.
But this isn’t the main crux of the story. Jenny has harbored a secret from Bernard throughout their near 60 years of marriage.
Interestingly, for any reader enjoying Jenny’s evolution, the story (both past and present) was easily predictable. It didn’t make it any less easy-to-read or emotional to experience as it played out through the pages. And as expected, it does come to a sweet resolution by the end.
But who wins British Bakes? Might that be a surprise for readers?
This is a charming, thoughtful, heart-felt story about love and loss and letting go and relationships, with a couple of recipes at the end to appreciate.
October 10, 2023
Seventy seven year old Jenny has been happily married to Bernard for 59 years during which time she has whisked up more delicious bakes than she can count. She loves to bake so much she is seriously considering coming out of her kitchen comfort zone and applying for Britain Bakes though she is a tad hesitant as her bread would sink ducks. However, there is no time like the present, it’s now or never Jenny, so she applies, secretly, of course. She peruses her favourite bakes (mouthwatering) and there, it’s done, application sent. What follows next takes Jenny and Bernard into an unexpected direction. Caution – a word of warning. Do not read this if you are remotely hungry or on a diet or you’ll end up fridge gazing or cupboard rummaging. The recipes and bakes have me on a trip down memory lane and salivating throughout this lovely read.
Jenny is an absolutely wonderful character and you root for her throughout. You get her memories with each Bake and her backstory takes the storytelling in an unexpected direction. It’s not as light and fluffy as her Victoria sponge. As for Bernard, I think everyone would aspire to marry a Bernie. He’s just the loveliest man and you envy the depth of their relationship and love, which is simply wonderful and warms your heart.
The Britain Bakes scenes are also very good and although it’s not a carbon copy of GBBO it’s a delightful homage to it. There Jenny meets Azeez who is so kind to her from the start and he’s another standout character. If you like the TV series, you’ll savour the moments of the competition just as I do.
The book has a really good message
of not judging a recipe book by the cover and that age is absolutely no barrier if you set your mind to something. Wholehearted applause for me for that message!
Overall, there is a nice mixture here in the authors fiction bowl resulting in some heartwarming moments as delicious as Jenny’s bakes, with some other moments that give you pause for thought and make you sad. This is a most enjoyable and entertaining read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated are in return for an honest review.
Jenny is an absolutely wonderful character and you root for her throughout. You get her memories with each Bake and her backstory takes the storytelling in an unexpected direction. It’s not as light and fluffy as her Victoria sponge. As for Bernard, I think everyone would aspire to marry a Bernie. He’s just the loveliest man and you envy the depth of their relationship and love, which is simply wonderful and warms your heart.
The Britain Bakes scenes are also very good and although it’s not a carbon copy of GBBO it’s a delightful homage to it. There Jenny meets Azeez who is so kind to her from the start and he’s another standout character. If you like the TV series, you’ll savour the moments of the competition just as I do.
The book has a really good message
of not judging a recipe book by the cover and that age is absolutely no barrier if you set your mind to something. Wholehearted applause for me for that message!
Overall, there is a nice mixture here in the authors fiction bowl resulting in some heartwarming moments as delicious as Jenny’s bakes, with some other moments that give you pause for thought and make you sad. This is a most enjoyable and entertaining read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated are in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
Absolutely sweet and wholesome!
PG rating so you know you can recommend it to anyone in your life. 👏🏻👏🏻
PG rating so you know you can recommend it to anyone in your life. 👏🏻👏🏻
January 9, 2024
This novel is perfectly baked, utterly delicious, and completely moreish. Mrs Quinn is destined to become the nation’s favourite.
February 6, 2024
Giving this just three stars was painful because the story, at its core, was both sweet and moving, and aspects of it brought me to tears. I enjoyed the main characters and the heart of what was being attempted. But for a story with so much potential, I felt it lacked the depth I desired. Not to mention, it just left a lot to be desired in general. I wished I could shift much of the story up so it felt less rushed, get more depth between characters, more backstory for Jenny and Bernard amidst the other backstory we get, and really just more time with the ending. As a Bake Off fan, it was fun (though the reality show aspects were the least enjoyable to me). However, Mrs. Quinn’s did move me and was an overall enjoyable read. But gosh, it just missed some major marks for me, too, that could’ve made this a five-star read.
September 7, 2024
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame is a sweet, heartwarming story, and at first I worried it might be a little too saccharine. But as the book goes on and we learn more about Jennie’s life, it becomes deeper than I expected.
I loved the premise of a 77 year old woman feeling that more of life is in the rear view mirror than ahead of her and she’s not really done anything meaningful. But she’s quite the baker, so she decides to enter into the Britain Bakes tv show.
It didn’t quite ring true to me that she didn’t tell her husband. They had shared everything up until now. But it turns out, this wasn’t the first thing Jennie had kept from Bernard. Each chapter gives us a bit of Jenny’s life, including a bad decision made early on and how it haunted her all her life.
The positives include a loving, childless marriage, the way Ford handles the issues of aging and the realistic scenes of doing a tv show. Everyone deserves a spouse like Bernard. While I’m not a big foodie, I found the connection between the recipes and how they impacted Jennie’s life to be meaningful.
This might be a book that’s better read if you want to really take in the recipes.
Melanie Crawley was the narrator and while she did a lovely job with Jennie’s voice, I wasn’t as impressed with her male voices.
I loved the premise of a 77 year old woman feeling that more of life is in the rear view mirror than ahead of her and she’s not really done anything meaningful. But she’s quite the baker, so she decides to enter into the Britain Bakes tv show.
It didn’t quite ring true to me that she didn’t tell her husband. They had shared everything up until now. But it turns out, this wasn’t the first thing Jennie had kept from Bernard. Each chapter gives us a bit of Jenny’s life, including a bad decision made early on and how it haunted her all her life.
The positives include a loving, childless marriage, the way Ford handles the issues of aging and the realistic scenes of doing a tv show. Everyone deserves a spouse like Bernard. While I’m not a big foodie, I found the connection between the recipes and how they impacted Jennie’s life to be meaningful.
This might be a book that’s better read if you want to really take in the recipes.
Melanie Crawley was the narrator and while she did a lovely job with Jennie’s voice, I wasn’t as impressed with her male voices.
September 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
I made a lucky choice when I decided to read this just after finishing a 5 star very intense book.
You know how hard it is to follow up on those books. I needed something much lighter but not fluffy and chose a library book so I wouldn't feel too bad if I didn't like it.
In checking reviews, a few of them were worried this would be too sweet, but found redeeming qualities that saved it. It checked a lot of boxes for me. A heroine who was in her 70's, who loved to bake, and secretly decided to apply for the Britain Bakes TV series, a thinly disguised Great British Baking Show, a favorite of mine.
It turns out that wasn't the only secret she was keeping from her husband, which we get in flashbacks as she goes through the recipes. It was fun to get an inside look at the application and interview process, as well as the actual making of the show. Jenny had to relive some pretty painful memories, and Bernard is hands down literary husband of the year. All in all, a fun book, and a good place to rest after the heavier novel preceeding it.
I made a lucky choice when I decided to read this just after finishing a 5 star very intense book.
You know how hard it is to follow up on those books. I needed something much lighter but not fluffy and chose a library book so I wouldn't feel too bad if I didn't like it.
In checking reviews, a few of them were worried this would be too sweet, but found redeeming qualities that saved it. It checked a lot of boxes for me. A heroine who was in her 70's, who loved to bake, and secretly decided to apply for the Britain Bakes TV series, a thinly disguised Great British Baking Show, a favorite of mine.
It turns out that wasn't the only secret she was keeping from her husband, which we get in flashbacks as she goes through the recipes. It was fun to get an inside look at the application and interview process, as well as the actual making of the show. Jenny had to relive some pretty painful memories, and Bernard is hands down literary husband of the year. All in all, a fun book, and a good place to rest after the heavier novel preceeding it.
March 6, 2024
What a fun book! Made me want to start baking immediately. I'm a HUGE fan of the Great British Baking Show and this story seemed to be weaved around the competition. Each chapter was named after food, typically a baked product. Buddy read with Dana and we both enjoyed it and it hit the foodie mark. However, It just seemed a bit forced on the other story line, didn't seem that elegant in how it was weaved in. Decent audio narration. Overall, a good read.
March 23, 2025
She felt the painful truth of her age, of having reached a point where there was far more of life behind her than ahead of her.
The very beginning captivates us into the gastronomical world of baking and we begin to relish the scrumptious recipes—all suffused with magical ingredients. As we read, we begin to live the moments in the book owing to Olivia's brilliant narration: the perfect balance of showing and telling! The creative genius of the author is visible in the writing.
The story is about Jennifer Quinn, a septuagenarian who becomes a household name for baking. The story begins with Jenn applying for Britain Bakes. Just when we think the narration is getting slow, the flight of suspense takes off from the runway having boarded all the readers in. She elegantly maintains the suspense. There are moments that leave us laughing, empathising and wondering.
The book traverses between Jenny's past by slowly revealing her secrets and her present. The book grows on you. Although, the author reveals Jenny's success at the show sucking out some of the suspense that could have enhanced the story; the plot isn't completely predictable.
Overall, a good read. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a light read. 3.5⭐/5
For more reviews: https://booksfoodmylife.blogspot.com/...
The very beginning captivates us into the gastronomical world of baking and we begin to relish the scrumptious recipes—all suffused with magical ingredients. As we read, we begin to live the moments in the book owing to Olivia's brilliant narration: the perfect balance of showing and telling! The creative genius of the author is visible in the writing.
The story is about Jennifer Quinn, a septuagenarian who becomes a household name for baking. The story begins with Jenn applying for Britain Bakes. Just when we think the narration is getting slow, the flight of suspense takes off from the runway having boarded all the readers in. She elegantly maintains the suspense. There are moments that leave us laughing, empathising and wondering.
The book traverses between Jenny's past by slowly revealing her secrets and her present. The book grows on you. Although, the author reveals Jenny's success at the show sucking out some of the suspense that could have enhanced the story; the plot isn't completely predictable.
Overall, a good read. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a light read. 3.5⭐/5
For more reviews: https://booksfoodmylife.blogspot.com/...
March 5, 2024
I did not finish this book; I quit reading after chapter 10. It was moving very slowly, but what really put me off was the way the main character kept lying and keeping secrets from her husband, who she supposedly loved so much and did everything with. I hate when characters lie and go to elaborate lengths to keep secrets. I find it incredibly unrealistic and annoying.
October 16, 2024
4.5 An outstanding debut novel! The characters were endearing and the behind the scene glimpses of the Best British Baking type show were spot on. The back story of Jenny as a young woman juxtaposed with her 77-year-old self applying as a contestant on a national televised baking show was heart wrenching at times; but a fresh and well written book.
December 1, 2023
MRS. QUINN’S RISE TO FAME is a big-hearted story and true delight. Jenny Quinn is in her late 70s and feels like she hasn’t ever truly lived. She has always been content with her marriage to her adoring husband Bernard of 59 years, but as a childless couple she feels like she has missed out on life’s greatest adventures. In search of creating a legacy that will outlive her, Jenny applies to the hit television series Britain Bakes and is stretched outside of her comfort zone.
I loved the way recipes were portrayed as a link to people dear to us and a way to hold them close to our hearts long after they are gone. You will root for Jenny in her pursuit of a full life in her sunset years.
From the intergenerational friendship, from the delectable descriptions of baked goods, and the found family trope there is so much to adore about this story. Through flashbacks to the past the novel touches on aspects of grief and the weightiness of secrets tucked away for years, but is overall a hopeful and heartfelt story.
READ THIS IF:
-Baking brings nostalgia and warmth to your life
-The Great British Bake Off is a hit for you
-You believe it’s never too late to chase your dreams
RATING: 4.5/5
PUB DATE: January 30, 2024
I loved the way recipes were portrayed as a link to people dear to us and a way to hold them close to our hearts long after they are gone. You will root for Jenny in her pursuit of a full life in her sunset years.
From the intergenerational friendship, from the delectable descriptions of baked goods, and the found family trope there is so much to adore about this story. Through flashbacks to the past the novel touches on aspects of grief and the weightiness of secrets tucked away for years, but is overall a hopeful and heartfelt story.
READ THIS IF:
-Baking brings nostalgia and warmth to your life
-The Great British Bake Off is a hit for you
-You believe it’s never too late to chase your dreams
RATING: 4.5/5
PUB DATE: January 30, 2024
August 13, 2024
Me ha encantado, me he emocionado muchísimo con Bernard y Jenny 💜 LOS AMO 🥹.
Qué historia más bonita, de superación, de que nunca es tarde para hacer todo lo que te propongas y de alcanzar tus sueños.
Jenny tiene 77 años y le encanta la repostería, de hecho, lleva toda la vida haciendo pasteles, una tradición que ha seguido de su madre y su tía. Pese a que nunca se le había pasado por la cabeza que haría algo así, decide presentarse al programa de repostería más popular de Reino Unido. Al principio lo guarda como un gran secreto, ya que le da vergüenza que una mujer de su edad sueñe con poder participar en un concurso como este. no solo consigue participar, sino también nos da una lección a todos, sus familiares y amigos y al lector, ya que logra traspasar las páginas.
El amor entre Jenny y su marido Bernard me ha parecido de las historias de amor más bonitas que he leído hasta el momento. 🥰
La historia también nos narra parte del pasado de Jenny, una historia muy dura, que se mezcla con la dulzura del presente. 💝
Sin duda, una historia que tiene todos los ingredientes para ser una buena novena. Os lo recomiendo sin duda eso sí, prepárate porque te va a entrar hambre 😆.
Qué historia más bonita, de superación, de que nunca es tarde para hacer todo lo que te propongas y de alcanzar tus sueños.
Jenny tiene 77 años y le encanta la repostería, de hecho, lleva toda la vida haciendo pasteles, una tradición que ha seguido de su madre y su tía. Pese a que nunca se le había pasado por la cabeza que haría algo así, decide presentarse al programa de repostería más popular de Reino Unido. Al principio lo guarda como un gran secreto, ya que le da vergüenza que una mujer de su edad sueñe con poder participar en un concurso como este. no solo consigue participar, sino también nos da una lección a todos, sus familiares y amigos y al lector, ya que logra traspasar las páginas.
El amor entre Jenny y su marido Bernard me ha parecido de las historias de amor más bonitas que he leído hasta el momento. 🥰
La historia también nos narra parte del pasado de Jenny, una historia muy dura, que se mezcla con la dulzura del presente. 💝
Sin duda, una historia que tiene todos los ingredientes para ser una buena novena. Os lo recomiendo sin duda eso sí, prepárate porque te va a entrar hambre 😆.
December 4, 2023
Ich habe eine Rezension von "Der späte Ruhm der Mrs. Quinn" in der Emder Zeitung gelesen. Nun ist die Lokalzeitung der Hafenstadt nicht das führende Literaturmedium in Deutschland, mir war aber klar, dass das Buch ein überaus geeignetes Geschenk sein könnte. Also habe ich es gekauft. Ich wollte es nur kurz anlesen, um die Geschenkeignung zu überprüfen. Dann war ich aber nach dem Lesen der ersten dreißig Seiten so gut gelaunt, dass ich weitergelesen habe. Und ich habe es nicht bereut.
Jennifer Quinn ist die Heldin des Romans. Sie ist Ende siebzig. Sie lebt mit ihrem Mann Bernard, mit dem sie seit fast sechzig Jahren verheiratet ist, zusammen. Kinder haben die beiden zwar nicht, aber eine liebevolle Familie. Dazu gehören Bernards Nichte Rose, deren Mann Jeremy und deren Kinder Max und Poppy. Mrs. Quinn bewirbt sich bei einer TV-Back-Show. Das Buch erzählt ihren Weg diesbezüglich. Parallel wird ein Geheimnis aus ihrer Vergangenheit, dass durch Erinnerungen an alte Rezepte wieder stärker nach oben gespült wird, erzählt. Die beiden Erzählebenen verschränken sich im Laufe der Geschichte.
Olivia Ford erzählt flüssig, mit einem guten Gespür für das richtige Tempo. Das Leben von Jennifer und Bernard ist eher ruhig, durch die Backwettbewerbe und seine Seiteneffekte kommt Schwung in die Sache. Gelegentlich rutscht die Geschichte in Richtung Kitsch. Durch die sympathischen Figuren konnte ich das aber verzeihen. Die Autorin schafft es rätselhafterweise mich mit einem Thema, das mich nicht wirklich interessiert, zu packen. Die Backwettbewerbe habe ich mit einem ähnlich hohem Interesse wie spannende sportliche Wettkämpfe verfolgt.
Jennifer Quinn ist die Heldin des Romans. Sie ist Ende siebzig. Sie lebt mit ihrem Mann Bernard, mit dem sie seit fast sechzig Jahren verheiratet ist, zusammen. Kinder haben die beiden zwar nicht, aber eine liebevolle Familie. Dazu gehören Bernards Nichte Rose, deren Mann Jeremy und deren Kinder Max und Poppy. Mrs. Quinn bewirbt sich bei einer TV-Back-Show. Das Buch erzählt ihren Weg diesbezüglich. Parallel wird ein Geheimnis aus ihrer Vergangenheit, dass durch Erinnerungen an alte Rezepte wieder stärker nach oben gespült wird, erzählt. Die beiden Erzählebenen verschränken sich im Laufe der Geschichte.
Olivia Ford erzählt flüssig, mit einem guten Gespür für das richtige Tempo. Das Leben von Jennifer und Bernard ist eher ruhig, durch die Backwettbewerbe und seine Seiteneffekte kommt Schwung in die Sache. Gelegentlich rutscht die Geschichte in Richtung Kitsch. Durch die sympathischen Figuren konnte ich das aber verzeihen. Die Autorin schafft es rätselhafterweise mich mit einem Thema, das mich nicht wirklich interessiert, zu packen. Die Backwettbewerbe habe ich mit einem ähnlich hohem Interesse wie spannende sportliche Wettkämpfe verfolgt.
April 2, 2024
I feel tricked. This book and its reviews give off cozy vibes until you read it and HALF OF IT IS ABOUT TRAUMA. I wanted “elderly woman finds herself through entering a baking contest”. I got “elderly woman reminisces about the most traumatic thing that’s happened to her which she’s kept secret for 60 years while participating in a baking contest”.
I ended up skipping the flashback chapters and focusing on the present day. Those were lovely. I was not prepared for the rest. Do not read if you’re hormonal from being pregnant/having a baby recently, want to have a baby but can’t, or are sad you didn’t have a baby.
I ended up skipping the flashback chapters and focusing on the present day. Those were lovely. I was not prepared for the rest. Do not read if you’re hormonal from being pregnant/having a baby recently, want to have a baby but can’t, or are sad you didn’t have a baby.
March 22, 2024
Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame is a charming story whose moral is it’s never too late to make the most of your talents or to try something new. Jenny Quinn’s talent for baking – both sweet and savoury treats – has been known to family and friends for years, and by her husband Bernard for decades, but now it’s getting a wider audience.
Fans of TV’s Great British Bake Off will enjoy the scenes depicting the filming of the TV show: the weekly themes, the rather stern judges, the presenters with their quips and jokes, the last minute upsets and the contestants’ perilous journeys to the judging table with their creations.
It could all be a bit sickly sweet if it wasn’t for the glimpses we get into events earlier in Jenny’s life, memories often linked in Jenny’s mind to particular baked goods. They’re definitely not all good memories and also evoke a time when social attitudes were very different to today. But recipes also have happier associations – with national events, special occasions and even people. The latter is epitomised by Jenny’s recipe book which contains recipes handed down from her grandmother and her father. (It made me think of my rather scruffy old M&S cookbook with its additional scribbled recipes and pages stuck together with various foodstuffs as evidence of its use.)
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the tender, loving relationship between Jenny and Bernard, her husband of almost sixty years. I loved Jenny’s description of their marriage as her proudest recipe, tweaked and modified over time. However, growing old together is bittersweet. On the one hand there’s the easy companionship, the shared experiences and memories, but on the other hand there’s the knowledge that, before long, one of you may be left alone. In keeping a secret from him for sixty years, I was sad that Jenny so underestimated Bernard’s generosity of spirit.
Although very different from the type of book I’d usually read, I found Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame as satisfying as a toasted teacake on a cold winter’s afternoon. I can see a spin-off recipe book in the making.
Fans of TV’s Great British Bake Off will enjoy the scenes depicting the filming of the TV show: the weekly themes, the rather stern judges, the presenters with their quips and jokes, the last minute upsets and the contestants’ perilous journeys to the judging table with their creations.
It could all be a bit sickly sweet if it wasn’t for the glimpses we get into events earlier in Jenny’s life, memories often linked in Jenny’s mind to particular baked goods. They’re definitely not all good memories and also evoke a time when social attitudes were very different to today. But recipes also have happier associations – with national events, special occasions and even people. The latter is epitomised by Jenny’s recipe book which contains recipes handed down from her grandmother and her father. (It made me think of my rather scruffy old M&S cookbook with its additional scribbled recipes and pages stuck together with various foodstuffs as evidence of its use.)
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the tender, loving relationship between Jenny and Bernard, her husband of almost sixty years. I loved Jenny’s description of their marriage as her proudest recipe, tweaked and modified over time. However, growing old together is bittersweet. On the one hand there’s the easy companionship, the shared experiences and memories, but on the other hand there’s the knowledge that, before long, one of you may be left alone. In keeping a secret from him for sixty years, I was sad that Jenny so underestimated Bernard’s generosity of spirit.
Although very different from the type of book I’d usually read, I found Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame as satisfying as a toasted teacake on a cold winter’s afternoon. I can see a spin-off recipe book in the making.
March 1, 2024
4.25/5
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford is a heartfelt debut novel, and I am happy that I chose to pick it up! While it did take a while for me to get into it (the beginning is pretty slow with a lot of setting the scene) I was immediately a fan of Jenny and Bernard. Their relationship is the type of thing I want to have when I have been married for 59+ years, and their beautiful marriage was both touching and inspiring. And yet, when Jenny finds out that she has been accepted onto the TV show Britain Bakes, she also realizes there is even more life to be lived outside of her marriage. This also stirs up a giant secret that Jenny has been keeping about her past, and when you are in the public eye, the past doesn't stay secret for long...
I found the audiobook to be very enjoyable, and I was a massive fan of the narrator Melanie Crawley. There are dual timelines in the novel which includes Jenny when she was younger, but I thought Crawley was perfect for both of them! I do like it when audiobooks will have a younger and older narrator for the different POV's like in this book, but I can't even imagine what that would have been like here and Crawley stole the show in every way. The end of Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is what got me in my emotions the most, and when I finished the last page, I had happy tears in my eyes. There is some humor sprinkled throughout, but a couple of weighty topics as well, and the perfect amount of mouthwatering food descriptions. I imagine that reading this would be like watching an episode of The Great British Bake Off, so if you are a fan of that show and want a satisfying debut, this is your gal!
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford is a heartfelt debut novel, and I am happy that I chose to pick it up! While it did take a while for me to get into it (the beginning is pretty slow with a lot of setting the scene) I was immediately a fan of Jenny and Bernard. Their relationship is the type of thing I want to have when I have been married for 59+ years, and their beautiful marriage was both touching and inspiring. And yet, when Jenny finds out that she has been accepted onto the TV show Britain Bakes, she also realizes there is even more life to be lived outside of her marriage. This also stirs up a giant secret that Jenny has been keeping about her past, and when you are in the public eye, the past doesn't stay secret for long...
I found the audiobook to be very enjoyable, and I was a massive fan of the narrator Melanie Crawley. There are dual timelines in the novel which includes Jenny when she was younger, but I thought Crawley was perfect for both of them! I do like it when audiobooks will have a younger and older narrator for the different POV's like in this book, but I can't even imagine what that would have been like here and Crawley stole the show in every way. The end of Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is what got me in my emotions the most, and when I finished the last page, I had happy tears in my eyes. There is some humor sprinkled throughout, but a couple of weighty topics as well, and the perfect amount of mouthwatering food descriptions. I imagine that reading this would be like watching an episode of The Great British Bake Off, so if you are a fan of that show and want a satisfying debut, this is your gal!
June 15, 2024
This is a lovely story of an aging couple and their strong relationship. Jenny and Bernard are coming up to their 60th wedding anniversary and their lives run on a smooth track. But something is bothering Jenny.
She still loves to bake for family and friends, keeping Bernie comfortable and well fed. It’s just that she’s never really accomplished anything on her own. No degree, no career, and no children.
When she applies to be on Britain Bakes Jenny feels validated, her decades of experience in the kitchen are getting recognition from the viewers and her fellow bakers. This should be satisfying, however a trauma from her youth surfaces and threatens her relationship with her ailing husband.
I loved the Quinn’s and their sweet life. This book was a pleasant read, but somewhat lacking in plot points and action. Take this to the beach, relax and enjoy!
She still loves to bake for family and friends, keeping Bernie comfortable and well fed. It’s just that she’s never really accomplished anything on her own. No degree, no career, and no children.
When she applies to be on Britain Bakes Jenny feels validated, her decades of experience in the kitchen are getting recognition from the viewers and her fellow bakers. This should be satisfying, however a trauma from her youth surfaces and threatens her relationship with her ailing husband.
I loved the Quinn’s and their sweet life. This book was a pleasant read, but somewhat lacking in plot points and action. Take this to the beach, relax and enjoy!
March 5, 2024
DNF at 26%
I'm a big fan of The Great British Bake Off so I was excited to read this, but I can't condone Mrs. Quinn's constant deceitfulness toward her husband. (She keep eluding to their upcoming 60th wedding anniversary and has hidden her involvement with a married man prior to her own marriage from him for all this time. She also consistently has lied to him about applying for the show up to this point in the novel- including when she overhears his belief and concern that she is keeping a medical issue from him) I can't keep reading something like this when I can't root for the main character.
I'm a big fan of The Great British Bake Off so I was excited to read this, but I can't condone Mrs. Quinn's constant deceitfulness toward her husband. (She keep eluding to their upcoming 60th wedding anniversary and has hidden her involvement with a married man prior to her own marriage from him for all this time. She also consistently has lied to him about applying for the show up to this point in the novel- including when she overhears his belief and concern that she is keeping a medical issue from him) I can't keep reading something like this when I can't root for the main character.
December 27, 2024
*Endearing*
**4.5 Stars**
This was a delightful tale that shows that you are never too old to start a new venture. I found it emotionally satisfying and uplifting all at the same time.
We meet Jennifer Quinn. She has been married to Bernard for nearly 60 years. The story is told via Jennifer’s point of view in two timeframes. We see her in the present and also in the past. She shares everything with Bernard but, she is holding two secrets back from Bernard. One in the present and one in the past.
She has always baked daily and of late she is baking more than ever. She secretly enters a baking competition. It is a fictional version of “the Great British Bake off” called “Britain Bakes” she does not tell Bernard due to her age and never ever doing anything just for her. Plus she does not think she is good enough…
Bernard starts to think the worse as she is behaving differently. But she eventually confesses as the competition gets to a point where she needs to tell him. If only the secret from her past was easy to confess….
I will stop there as not to spoil things. It was heartfelt and the dreaded secret comes out in a way that she is not prepared for, how will Bernard and others react once the cat is out of the bag?…
**4.5 Stars**
This was a delightful tale that shows that you are never too old to start a new venture. I found it emotionally satisfying and uplifting all at the same time.
We meet Jennifer Quinn. She has been married to Bernard for nearly 60 years. The story is told via Jennifer’s point of view in two timeframes. We see her in the present and also in the past. She shares everything with Bernard but, she is holding two secrets back from Bernard. One in the present and one in the past.
She has always baked daily and of late she is baking more than ever. She secretly enters a baking competition. It is a fictional version of “the Great British Bake off” called “Britain Bakes” she does not tell Bernard due to her age and never ever doing anything just for her. Plus she does not think she is good enough…
Bernard starts to think the worse as she is behaving differently. But she eventually confesses as the competition gets to a point where she needs to tell him. If only the secret from her past was easy to confess….
I will stop there as not to spoil things. It was heartfelt and the dreaded secret comes out in a way that she is not prepared for, how will Bernard and others react once the cat is out of the bag?…
August 10, 2025
Ich habe in letzter Zeit viele tolle Bücher gelesen, aber selten hat mich ein Buch so tief ergriffen, wie dieses Buch. Es ist wunderschön geschrieben, herzergreifend ohne dabei kitschig zu sein und ohne die Tragik dahinter zu verschönern, oder um mit den Worten des Buches zu sprechen, mit zu viel Zuckerguss zu versehen. Es hat die perfekten Zutaten, die ein Buch für mich braucht, um mich als Leser zu fesseln und zu berühren. Wenn das Sahnehäubchen dann auch noch die Tatsache ist, dass es sich um eine aus dem realen Leben der Autorin entsprungene Inspirationsgeschichte ihrer Großeltern ist, wird das Buch für mich noch ergreifender.
April 1, 2024
This is an absolutely wonderful and heartwarming book about 77 year old Jenny, who secretly applies to be a contestant on Britain Bakes. Jenny has been married to Bernard for 59 years and has never done anything as daring as applying for a baking show, just living her life in the English countryside and cooking for her family. When she is accepted and starts baking recipes from her parents and grandparents and from other parts of her life, she dredges up memories of the past including a secret she had kept from Bernard and her family for all of that time that threatens to undo the comfortable life she has made. The book started a bit slowly but it was absolutely riveting during the bake off portions. The story of the secret was also compelling - although I think Bernard would have been more understanding if she had told him earlier. Still this is a wonderful and uplifting story with a septuagenarian protagonist and a couple celebrating their 60th anniversary who exemplify love and happiness in marriage which is not a typical subject for books- a delightful read.
May 7, 2025
I picked this up thinking it would be a quaint and cosy read and parts of it really are. The reality show aspects are interesting, the main characters endearing, and the details about baking are full of comfort. However, this book seems dead set on hammering down the idea that if you don't have children then you will be filled with regret and life is incomplete. Not a page goes by without some aspect of this message. I imagine anyone who might have wanted to have children but wasn't able to would find this incredibly triggering and anyone who chose not to would find this deeply irritating. If i had known this was what the book was really about, I would have never picked it up.
April 2, 2024
What a heatwarming story. Jenny is 77 and decides she needs to try something, a bit daring. She tries out to be on Britain Bakes, a competitive TV show for bakers and she has certainly been baking all her life. But once she does, she is scared to tell her husband Bernard or anyone else. Maybe this is crazy to do at her age. But delightful Jenny makes friends with those trying out and finds out she enjoys this even if it is a bit stressful.
When we learn Jenny's back story, the reader finds out there is more to this book. So much to love about this story and only wish I could sample what she baked!
{Libby}
When we learn Jenny's back story, the reader finds out there is more to this book. So much to love about this story and only wish I could sample what she baked!
{Libby}
April 3, 2024
This book is absolutely a feel-good sweet surprise. Jenny is 77 years and married almost 60 years to Bernard. She’s had a happy life with him, but in her later years she’s realizing she has a lack of accomplishment. She decides to apply to compete for the popular Britain Bakes tv show, and she gets chosen to compete!
This story is a wonderful example that it’s never too late to take chances and follow your dreams. Also, that hurts can’t really heal when they’re kept in the dark, but that when they’re brought out into the light that healing can begin. And that true love, your person, can be the thing that is there to sustain you through life’s ups and downs.
This story is a wonderful example that it’s never too late to take chances and follow your dreams. Also, that hurts can’t really heal when they’re kept in the dark, but that when they’re brought out into the light that healing can begin. And that true love, your person, can be the thing that is there to sustain you through life’s ups and downs.
September 25, 2023
This book was incredible! I think it's the first time I've read from the perspective of an older person and it made me want to immediately visit my grandparents and give them the biggest hug. My eyes teared up at least a hundred times, and not only at the sad parts but also at the tenderness of Jenny and Bernard's relationship. I read it in one day because I truly couldn't put it down and I can't wait to recommend it to everyone I know when it's published.
January 21, 2024
This was such a FANTASTIC debut! Anyone who enjoys stories about middle aged women finding success in older age or loves a good reality tv baking competition show will not want to miss this one!! Full of heart, family drama and secrets and a moving FMC you can't help but cheer for. I could not put this book down and can't recommend it enough especially for fans of Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall!! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
March 24, 2025
Nagyon örülök annak, hogy más is úgy gondolja, nem áll meg a világ, ha az ember betölt bizonyos kort és erről szuper könyvek is születnek. Ahogy egyre idősebb leszek én is, egyre inkább érdekel, hogy a pár évtizeddel előttem járók miként kezelik a mai világot, találják meg a helyüket benne vagy esetleg használják ki az eddig számukra nem is elérhető lehetőségeket. Olivia Ford regénye is pont beleillik ebbe a sorba.
Bájos és elgondolkodtató volt a regény szerelemről, veszteségről valamint nagyon fontos meglátásokkal van tele főleg ami a hosszútávú kapcsolatokat illeti. Igazán szívmelengető volt belelátni Jenny és Bernard házasságába. Nagyon szerettem azokat a jeleneteket is, amikor arról volt szó, miképp támogatja környezete főhősünket és igazán kedves volt, ahogy bár már ismerték a Ki mit süt? végeredményét mégis újra végigizgulták amikor az adást megnézhették a tévében 😊
A regény Angliában játszódik és Jenny elsősorban klasszikus brit receptekből készíti csodás süteményeit, sőt az egyes fejezetek címei receptnevek, s értékeltem, hogy bár igyekeztek a fordítással, azért lábjegyzetben meghagyták az eredetit is, hogy az ember utána tudjon nézni és csorgatni a nyálát. Amit hiányoltam azonban, hogy nem volt konkrétan legalább 1-2 recept a könyv végén Jenny Quinn saját gyűjteményéből.
Ha valaki egy kedves, szívmelengető történetet keres arról, hogy sosincs késő új dolgokba kezdeni, kipróbálni magunkat és szívesen olvas ínycsiklandó édességekről, akkor igencsak ajánlom, hogy megtudja, miért és hogyan is lesz híres Mrs. Quinn.
Részletesen: https://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2...
Bájos és elgondolkodtató volt a regény szerelemről, veszteségről valamint nagyon fontos meglátásokkal van tele főleg ami a hosszútávú kapcsolatokat illeti. Igazán szívmelengető volt belelátni Jenny és Bernard házasságába. Nagyon szerettem azokat a jeleneteket is, amikor arról volt szó, miképp támogatja környezete főhősünket és igazán kedves volt, ahogy bár már ismerték a Ki mit süt? végeredményét mégis újra végigizgulták amikor az adást megnézhették a tévében 😊
A regény Angliában játszódik és Jenny elsősorban klasszikus brit receptekből készíti csodás süteményeit, sőt az egyes fejezetek címei receptnevek, s értékeltem, hogy bár igyekeztek a fordítással, azért lábjegyzetben meghagyták az eredetit is, hogy az ember utána tudjon nézni és csorgatni a nyálát. Amit hiányoltam azonban, hogy nem volt konkrétan legalább 1-2 recept a könyv végén Jenny Quinn saját gyűjteményéből.
Ha valaki egy kedves, szívmelengető történetet keres arról, hogy sosincs késő új dolgokba kezdeni, kipróbálni magunkat és szívesen olvas ínycsiklandó édességekről, akkor igencsak ajánlom, hogy megtudja, miért és hogyan is lesz híres Mrs. Quinn.
Részletesen: https://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2...
September 9, 2024
I love The Great British Baking Show, and I love to bake. It's how I relax, use my creative energy, and show my love to family and friends. Jenny, a 77-year-old home-baker, has a similar love of baking. She enjoys a long and loving marriage with her husband, Bernard. The epigraph of the novel “Whilst bodies age, souls don’t” (Delia Smith), sums up the theme of the novel perfectly. As they approach their 59th anniversary, Bernard's health becomes fragile, and Jenny reflects on her life experiences - what she has accomplished and what she has not. She has always had a way of keeping to the background and finding contentment in the small details. In this last act of her life, Jenny decides to venture outside of her comfort zone. She secretly applies to be a contestant on the prime-time TV show Britain Bakes. When Jenny is selected to compete, she shares the news with Bernard who is delighted to support her adventure. The other contestants and the show's hosts are charmed by Jenny's generous spirit and her baking skills. For the weeks of filming, she becomes a beloved member of the Britain Bakes community, and her baking talent improves with every challenge. As her confidence grows, Jenny begins to face down old secrets and sorrows. I enjoyed every page of this heartwarming story. It was a much needed reminder that we are never too old to follow a dream and to make our lives even more. Recommended.
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