Monday, April 15, 2024

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

 


Reviewed by Christy

            Jenny is 77 and has been married to her beloved Bernard for almost 60 years! Unlike some of her friends, Jenny never had any grandchildren of her own so she spends her time baking and doting on her late sister-in-law's grandchildren Poppy and Max. Poppy seems keen on baking herself, and Jenny loves to share her old family recipes with her. Jenny has built a quiet and happy life but she can't shake the feeling that the time for adventure might be over. And she doesn't like that. She doesn't like that at all.

            One night Jenny impulsively applies to be a contestant on Britain Bakes, a very popular baking competition show. She doesn't think anything will come of it, and her mind starts to settle once that is out of her system. But, of course, she is accepted. Through a whirlwind of currants and cameras, jam and judges, Jenny relies on family recipes to inspire her. Many of these recipes conjure up old memories – including a long-buried secret no one knows. Not even Bernard.

            I've been drawn to "character study" types of books lately, and this novel caught my eye (the colorful cover didn't hurt either!). I expected a cozy, wholesome read with descriptive baking passages (and it was that), but I did not expect to cry as much as I did. Jenny and Bernard are so sweet and still in love, and it was a delight to read about them. I only wanted good things for them! Jenny's shameful secret is devastating, and I felt so awful that anyone would have to go through what she did. (Though I don't think what she did was particularly shameful. How others treated her, however, certainly was.)

            Ford's writing is very sentimental, almost saccharine at times, but I loved it. It worked for me because all of it felt genuine. And I just wanted Jenny to be happy! This was a wonderful read and my first five star read of the year.

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