This is a take on the BBC's 'Bake Off' told in a very entertaining way.
Mrs Quinn's passion is baking, the many family recipes are among her most treasured memories, and she loves to treat friends and family to her delicacies. But shortly before her big wedding day with Bernard, everything suddenly changes. All of a sudden, she was more than aware of the urgency of her dwindling existence. She feels that she must take a chance before it is too late. She secretly applies for a popular TV baking show and not only fulfils a big dream, but also puts everything at risk. Because what nobody suspects is that there is a dark secret in Mrs Quinn's life that she thought she had kept well for decades and which she must now finally face up to. ( )

Jennifer Quinn has been married to Bernard for almost sixty years, she has no children but dotes on her niece and her family, showing her love through baking. On a whim she decides to enter a tv baking contest but doing so opens up old memories and a secret she has kept hidden since she was a teenager.
If a were being cynical I would describe this book as manipulative and written to tick a certain number of boxes. However I'm not looking at this book in that way, I'm looking at it as a book which filled a gap for me on a day when I needed to read something that is essentially a big, warm hug and which vicariously fulfilled a desire for unhealthy sugary treats with none of the calories! ( )

Jennifer Quinn is 77 and she loves to bake. She bakes every day for herself and her husband of almost sixty years, and for family and friends. Desiring a challenge, she applies to go on Britain Bakes, a TV show very similar in format to a real well-known TV baking competition, and in doing so a secret she has held close to her heart for decades is in danger of being revealed.

There is so much I loved about this wonderful book. First of all, Jenny and Bernard = relationship goals. They are a devoted couple and my heart melted at their every interaction and the support they showed to each other, especially Bernard as Jenny throws herself into the competition.

Then there's the contest itself which felt so very familiar but which offered a well-researched glimpse behind the scenes, showing the camaraderie between the contestants and the stress of getting the bakes right. My mouth was practically watering at all the delicious delectations such as treacle tart, blackcurrant and elderflower doughnuts, rhubarb and custard drizzle cakes, Eton……actually I'd better change the subject now! I really loved how Jenny poured so much love into her creations, how some of the recipes were handed down through her family and meant so much to her.

There's a storyline from the past too, which eventually uncovers the secret Jenny has been keeping. Whilst it doesn't overwhelm the present day narrative, it does fill in the background to Jenny's life and leads to an ending that caused a tear to be shed and for me to close the book with a very satisfied 'aah'.

I absolutely loved this splendid debut novel. It has a soothing and uplifting plot with the most delightful characters. Reading Mrs Quinn's Rise to Fame is like settling down with your favourite comfort food because it brings so much pleasure and joy. ( )

A book with food, my favorite tv show, old people, and a mystery what was not to like. Even the time line changes were not bad. Enjoyable read. ( )

77 year old Jenny Quinn enters the British Bake Off competition, keeping it a secret from her husband of almost 60 years. As the competition commences, we learn that despite their close relationship, this is not the only secret she has kept from him.

The chapters are named for the various bakes, and are often interspersed with memories from her past. Memories that are emotionally charged and bring forth issues which must see the light of day.

This is geezer lit at it's best, with reflections on attitudes and aging and ways to move forward positively in one's later years. ( )