About the book
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?
I don’t typically read books with an elderly main character as our heroine, but something about the thought of Jenny participating on a reality TV show seemed too interesting to pass up. Mrs. Quinn is a loveable, affable contestant on Britain Bakes, and takes part each week in challenges, making teacakes, and also giving her a feeling of independence as she goes through the show’s filming process. But Jenny has always hid a huge secret from her husband of almost 60 years, and something about being away from him and on the show is bringing up memories of what she did – and if she should tell Bernard before it’s too late. With his health declining, Jenny knows if she wants to come clean she must do it quickly – but will Bernard forgive her in time?
Cozy characters, mouth-watering recipes and a running theme of finding your happiness no matter what age you are, this was definitely a sweet treat for my TBR. I know some might say this is predictable, but there were a few twists and turns along the way, and it was nice to read about characters that are a little outside the norm for me. I do also like that we got flashbacks to Jenny’s teenage years, which made for nice character development and a break up between chatter about the reality show and her marriage. Charming and bound to bring out emotions in readers, this is a great choice for your end of summer reading list.
