Book Review: Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

Book #31 for 2025: Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford, 4.5/5 ★
384 pages / published January 2024 / available here

Goodreads Blurb: 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, Jenny decides she wants a little something for herself. 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...a simple cottage loaf brings back the moment her life changed forever. 

My Review: Endearing & heartwarming – two words that perfectly ecapsulate this book. While this type of fiction isn’t generally my favorite, as an avid home baker (& serious GBBO fan), it was irresistible. Bernard is just the best sort of man and while the story has plenty of gut-wrenching moments, the story unfolds beautifully. Ford weaves a beautiful tapestry, perfectly illustrating how baking and baked goods tie us to each other and to our pasts. It was a delight to read and frankly hard to put down. My singular complaint was the use of the word “fug” multiple times, which can be easily overlooked. All in all, a true delight.

Favorite quote: “If love was an action, then it was sealed within this pastry case.”

 

CW (highlight to read): parent loss prior to story, affair, unplanned pregnancy, birth scene, forced adoption