Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame - by Olivia Ford (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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?

Review Quotes

"Ford transports you back to that cozy, something's-in-the-oven world where you somehow know (or at least believe) that everything is going to be OK."
--New York Times Book Review

"Fans of cooking competition shows will devour this romp about an elderly home baker who appears on one in secret. As cozy as a cup of tea and cake."
--People

"A sweet confection... Readers are sure to eat up this delicious paean to pursuing one's dreams at every age."
--NPR

"Calling all Great British Baking Show fans: When you've salivated your way through the latest season (and the entire back catalog), this charming novel will fill the cake-shaped hole in your heart. The story of an older woman who enters a televised baking show is as cozy as a night in grandma's kitchen with the kind of feel-good suspense we love from the likes of Paul Hollywood."
--Good Housekeeping

"Ford. . . entertains readers with backstage shenanigans while also focusing on the depth and intimacy that come from a lifetime of knowing someone."
--The Washington Post

"There are a couple of recipes included at the end of the book. I haven't attempted them, but I'm going to assume that taking them out of the oven will -- like The Great British Baking Show and Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame -- feel all warm and cozy."
--Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"Ford's writing is sentimental without being saccharine, and the scenes from Jenny's youth are, much like Jenny's pastry, deliciously layered. . . For anyone who's ever wished they could read, instead of watch, reality TV."
--Kirkus

"A warm, sincere and heartfelt tale with relatable characters."
--Library Journal

"One of those books you just want to hug to your chest. I loved it so much."
--Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of While We Were Dating

"This novel is perfectly baked, utterly delicious, and completely moreish. Mrs. Quinn is destined to become the nation's favourite."
--Clare Pooley, New York Times bestselling author of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

"Soul-enriching....From its enticing setting to its perfect ending, Mrs. Quinn's Rise To Fame is absolutely marvelous. Like a great dessert, you'll wish you could come back for more."
--J. Ryan Stradal, New York Times bestselling author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest

"Olivia Ford has written a moving, uncommon coming-of-age story, and if the age Mrs. Quinn is coming of is a few decades older than usual, it's all the more uplifting and empowering for it. I loved the insider's look into a reality TV show and the delicious descriptions of all the bakes, but it's the love stories at the center of this novel that so beautifully rise."
--Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is

"Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is a charming, heartfelt and uplifting novel about love, family and the emotive power of home baking. I loved every minute of it!"
--Libby Page, bestselling author of The Lido

"Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame is a delightful story full of warmth, kindness and cake. Author Olivia Ford shows us that it's never too late to take chances and step out of our comfort zone, and readers will be inspired and moved by Mrs Quinn's charming coming-of-age tale. So sit back with a cup of tea and a slice of cake while you devour this deliciously feel-good story."
--Freya Sampson, bestselling author of The Lost Ticket

"Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame is an absolute delight. A lovely novel full of warmth, courage and heart, Jenny Quinn is a heroine you'll cheer for every step of the way."
--AJ Pearce, bestselling author of Mrs. Porter Calling

"Delightful and heartwarming, Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is the ultimate comfort read and a sweet reminder that it's never too late to pursue our dreams."
--Margarita Montimore, bestselling author of Oona Out of Order

"A warm-hearted book that rises to the top with its delightful story and wonderful characters."
--Phaedra Patrick, bestselling author of The Messy Lives of Book People

About the Author