Olivia Ford's warmhearted debut novel, Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, traces the story of one woman's life through baking. At age 77, Jenny Quinn loves her quiet life with her husband, Bernard; he's an avid gardener, she's an accomplished baker, and they adore spending time with their niece, Rose, and her family. But, uncharacteristically, Jenny finds herself longing for something more. So she secretly applies to be a contestant on the popular TV show Britain Bakes, and--to her astonishment--she's accepted. Baking up a storm in preparation for the show, Jenny finds her recipes bring up lots of old memories--and some might have implications for her future.
Like Jenny's expertly crafted pastries, Ford's narrative layers in sweetness, rich flavors, and the occasional bit of salt. Readers get a taste of Jenny's youth through flashbacks: her grief over losing her mother, her close bond with her father, the first time she met Bernard at a dance. Gradually, over the course of the novel, Jenny confronts her most painful memory: a secret she's kept, even from Bernard, for nearly 60 years. As she competes on Britain Bakes, creating elaborate confections and bonding with the other bakers, Jenny struggles with whether to reveal her secret. Her eventual decision will have unforeseen implications but, as with her delectable desserts, the unexpected ingredients are critical in reaching a satisfying conclusion.
Compassionate, thoughtful, and full of mouthwatering descriptions, Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is a tribute to kindness, following one's dreams at any age, and the deep joy and nourishment of baking. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams