Reviews

Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame: A Novel by Olivia Ford

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ynaiita_5896's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

🥧 Jenny Quinn did not expect to be a contestant on the most popular and loved British Baking Show. Let alone at the age of 77. She is most proud of her 59-year marriage to Bernard. But she also often feels unaccomplished and unhappy with her lack of achievements leading her to secretly apply for the baking competition. However, it's not only her participation does she have to keep a temporary secret from the world but another that may destroy her marriage and the man she calls her soulmate.

🥧 This is a cosy, heartwarming and emotional story packed with delicious food that will make you salivate with each turning of a page! I am so impressed with Olivia Ford's debut. I love how she spotlights characters that we normally don't see in books anymore, especially as main characters with younger ones more popular now. I loved following Jenny's story - both past and present. The contrast vividly portrays the character's journey but I wish we had more of Jenny and Bernard's story as their love is so admirable and inspiring!

*Thank you Penguin Michael Joseph for the book and for inviting me to celebrate the launch*

bethjordahl's review against another edition

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challenging funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

4.75

British Bake Off meets beautiful real life. I adored this book. Wonderful characters, sweet moments and good twists.

jennyfish10's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A sweet story, but it made me profoundly sad. Not quite what I was expecting - haven't decided if that is good or bad.

babsreads18's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring

4.0

Jenny Quinn is 77 and is about to celebrate her diamond wedding anniversary with her husband, Bernard. As this milestone approaches, Jenny begins thinking about doing something just for herself. She's spent years baking for her family and friends, and decides to secretly apply to be on Britain Bakes. To her surprise, she is selected as a contestant, and Jenny is surprised to find that her family and friends are supportive of her endeavors.

This is a sweet coming of old age story, full of self-discovery, friendships, and joy. It was heartwarming and touching. I absolutely adored Jenny's character. This was a such an enjoyable read

cathy1665's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Fun book

inhale_exhale_read's review

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emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a delightful story about Jenny, a 76-year-old woman who secretly applies to be a contestant on the popular TV show Britain Bakes. She's sure she's too old, so she doesn't even tell her husband of 59 years. He becomes concerned when he notices her taking phone calls in private and baking in a frenzy at all hours of the night (could she be discussing some terrible diagnosis with her doctor?). Then he becomes confused when she gets mad at him for eating what she just baked (those 12 perfect sausage rolls were part of her Britain Bakes application and now there are only 11!). This lighthearted secret becomes a much deeper story when Jenny starts to reminisce about her youth and dredge up lots of painful memories that she'd tried to keep buried all these years. I thought this book might be a bit too fluffy for my taste, but it actually had a lot of emotional depth, while remaining uplifting and joyous overall. I loved Jenny as a character and enjoyed her journey and growth.