Author: Olivia Ford
Year published: 2024
Category: Adult fiction
Pages: 384 pages
Rating: 5 out of 5
Location: (my 2025 Google Reading map): USA (GA)
Summary: 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 newfound 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?
Review: This book was recommended by a fellow book blogger who said it is reminiscent of the Great British Bake Off. Well, I love that show and a good book, so this was a no-brainer for me.
What a lovely book, it made me so happy to read this! I love Jenny; she is charming, sweet, cute, funny, competent, interesting, and "hip," and I love that representation for an elderly character. Her relationship with her husband is also wonderful. They are kind and respectful to one another and know that marriage is hard work.
The setting of a baking show that is extremely close to the Great British Bake Off worked really well for me. I could picture the challenges, the judging, and the filming so that was fun. And the side story is a good one with important ideas and emotions. So, no, this isn't just a fluff book; it's got good characters in meaningful relationships of spouses, friends, and family, a good storyline, and I really felt for the characters.
Challenges for which this counts:
- 20 Books of Summer
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