Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame: A Novel (Hardcover)

Description

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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?

About the Author

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Olivia Ford has spent a decade in entertainment TV, including Made in Chelsea and Love Island. Olivia is a graduate of the Faber Academy, where she wrote the beginnings of Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, which was long-listed for the 2021 Women’s Prize Trust’s Discoveries Prize. Raised in Lincolnshire, Olivia now lives in London.

Praise For…

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Praise for Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame:

“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

“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