Preview
  • Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

  • A Novel
  • By: Olivia Ford
  • Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
  • Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (184 ratings)

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Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

By: Olivia Ford
Narrated by: Melanie Crawley
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Publisher's summary

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?

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Olivia Ford (P)2024 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

“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

What listeners say about Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

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How a secret shaped 2 lives

I liked the brave decision to apply for Britain Bakes, the reality of the pain of giving up a child, the joy of baking and the wonderful love between Jenny and Bernard. Jenny was a delightful and very real protagonist.

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Lovely listen—really enjoyed the story and the reader is perfect

Being hearing impaired, I often have trouble understanding accents but Ms. Crawley’s performance was easily understood while bringing Ms. Ford’s story to life.

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Stunning

Wonderful story and narration. Will be thinking about this book for a long time. Absolutely loved it!

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Cozy & unexpected heartwarming storyline

Feels like you're in the kitchen with someone's grandma and emphasizes the joys of family even when they aren't the most traditional set up. At any age, you're allowed to find a new facet of yourself.

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Characters

It made me want to get out all my Mom’s & Granny’s recipes written in their own hand & start baking.

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Wonderful story!

I LOVED this book!! Such good characters and a very touching story. The narration was perfect!

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Mrs Quinn takes the cake! 🎂

What a delightful story. Just enough depth to keep it from being too sweet. Great narration. Loved it!

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Highly recommend

This was a delightful and touching story. The description of the food was mouth-watering! I found Jenny and Bernard’s relationship to be heart-warming. There were moments this story brought me to tears, but the end was satisfying. I highly recommend it.

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Love

This book is filled with love of all kinds. Highly recommend to anyone with a passion for a hobby, for those with family and those who don’t give up.

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Thoroughly enjoyed the whole book

This was delightful. The characters were well fleshed out and flawed and so loveable. Charming! Highly recommend.

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