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Title details for Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford - Wait list

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

A Novel

by Olivia Ford
Melanie Crawley
Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
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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?
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains recipes from the book.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 30, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780593827055
      • File size: 322621 KB
      • Duration: 11:12:07

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      November 20, 2023
      Reality TV producer Ford debuts with the charming story of a British home baker’s turn in the spotlight. Jennifer Quinn, 77, has lived a quiet life with her sweet, supportive husband Bernard, to whom she’s been married for nearly 60 years. Though she feels she should be content, Jenny longs for something more. So, without telling Bernard, she applies to be a contestant on the popular competition show Britain Bakes. Her sneaking stirs memories of a long-held secret: before she met Bernard, she gave a baby up for adoption, and she’s always been convinced that telling him would ruin their marriage. To her surprise, Jenny’s chosen for the show. When she shares the news with Bernard, he’s shocked but thrilled for her. Jenny decides to bake treats for the show based on memories of pastries she ate at crucial points in her past. She makes it to the finals and enjoys some fame as the show begins airing, but Ford’s smoothly told narrative builds to a crisis point when one of Jenny’s Facebook posts is unearthed by the media. Fans of cooking competitions will find this feel-good story delectable.

    • Library Journal

      May 31, 2024

      Avid baker Jenny Quinn has spent the last 59 years in a quaint town, married to Bernard. The childless couple spend their days visiting their niece Rose's family and babysitting their grandniece. When Jenny comes across a call for contestants for the next season of Britain Bakes, she applies. While gathering recipes and dessert ingredients, Jenny recalls her childhood and her pre-Bernard young adulthood. As she moves farther along in the competition, memories and secrets she kept buried for decades are revealed. Melanie Crawley's narration gives Ford's debut a warm and fuzzy feeling. She relays Jenny and Bernard's affection for each other with tenderness; the couple still deeply loves each other after all these years. Their cheery friends and extended family members are helpful and supportive. Scenes from the taping of the show are mild instead of fast-paced, even when mishaps occur. Even the distress that the secrets cause has a touch of hopefulness. VERDICT Listening to Crawley feels like sipping hot chocolate on a cold day, welcoming and sweet. Give to listeners who enjoy cozy stories with happy endings.--Anjelica Rufus-Barnes

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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