Library Loans

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Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford
Published by Pamela Dorman Books on January 30, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

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?

This book was not on my radar until I saw Jen's review. I immediately knew this was a "me" book, and it did not disappoint.

Jenny was enjoying her twilight years in her quiet little village with her husband of almost six decades when she was inspired to send in an application for Britain Bakes. As a member of a family with a long history and a love of baking, Jenny took the opportunity to reach for more.

I absolutely adored the rich history of Jenny's baking, and many of the bakes related back to memories and events in her life. Over seventy-seven years a person can collect a LOT of memories, and that equaled a LOT of recipes. Everything Jenny made sounded amazing, but it was the way she linked the bakes to those she loved that really touched my heart. She talked about how having those written instructions were like having a piece of that person with you forever. It made me think about how each Christmas, we make the foods my grandmother made for us - sauerbraten, red and white cabbage, potato dumplings. It's a lovely way to honor her and keep her with us.

But the gem in the crown of this story was the big idea - you are never too old to want more. As I age, I tend to think my best years are behind me, but there are stories like Jenny's (real ones too!) that remind me that I can keep dreaming and wanting and reaching. Jenny's Britain Bakes journey was a lovely one, and it also helped her resolve or work through the guilt she carried since her youth related to a choice she made.

At first, I didn't think this story needed anything else. The whole pensioner getting her chance to shine was enough for me, but this additional storyline was well done and made Jenny's foray into reality TV have more meaning.

Overall, Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame was the feel-good story I hoped it would be. I was crying all sorts of tears and when I closed this book, my heart was filled with joy.

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The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by AUTHOR
Published by Doubleday on April 9, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction

Goodreads

An extraordinary, gloriously uplifting novel about the power of friendship and the puzzling ties that bind us

Clayton Stumper might be twenty-six years old, but he dresses like your grandpa and drinks sherry like your aunt. Abandoned at birth on the steps of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, he was raised by a group of eccentric enigmatologists and now finds himself among the last survivors of a fading institution.

When the esteemed crossword compiler and main maternal presence in Clayton's life, Pippa Allsbrook, passes away, she bestows her final puzzle on him: a promise to reveal the mystery of his parentage and prepare him for life beyond the walls of the commune. As Clay begins to unpick the clues, he uncovers something even the Fellowship have never been able to solve—and it's a secret that has the potential to change everything.

I love solving puzzles! I look forward to my daily mental workout with the Sudoku, revel in crosswords, find joy in riddles, and delight in rebuses. With puzzles being omnipresent in my life, I was drawn to this book. The idea of all these brilliant puzzlemakers forming a fellowship, sharing a home, and also raising an abandoned child together was so enticing, I couldn't resist. And I am glad I didn't because this was such a warm and wonderful tale!

Twenty five years prior to the start of this story, a child was abandoned on the steps of the Society headquarters. That child was Clayton who grew into a man determined to learn where he came from. Thank goodness Pippa anticipated this moment and left a series of puzzles for Clayton to solve which would lead him to the answers he was seeking.

This was a rather eventful journey for both me and Clayton. The way it all unraveled and all the people he met made this memorable. The puzzles were a fun touch, but it was all the human connections Clayton made and the self discoveries that warmed my heart. I loved learning about his past from all the key Society members as Clayton collected all the pieces of the puzzle to solve the mystery of his parentage.

It was lovely that the storyline flipped from past to present. It allowed me to learn about the Society, its members, and all those moments that led to the discovery of Clayton on the front steps. The parts of the story in the past were placed in perfect sequence with Clayton's current journey and did a great job of building up the mystery of it all.

I came for the puzzles, but I stayed for all the warm feels. This book is brimming with love of all kinds, and I couldn't help by let it into my heart.

Do you enjoy puzzles? What kind?
Let us know in the comments!