The Kitchen Front: A Cosy WW2 Cookery Competition, Based On A True Story

From Jennifer Ryan, the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, comes an unforgettable story inspired by the true events of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition. ‘The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two . . . an enchanting hug of a novel’ – Cathy Kelly, author of Other Women ‘A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship’ – Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You? Some wars will be fought at home . . . Two years into the Second World War, and German U-boats are frequently disrupting Britain’s supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio programme called The Kitchen Front launches a new cooking contest – and the grand prize is a job as the programme’s first-ever female co-host. For young widow Audrey, winning the competition could be a chance to pay off her husband’s debts and keep a roof over her children’s heads. However, her estranged sister, Gwendoline, is equally set on success even if her own kitchen maid, Nell, is competing against her. And then there is Zelda, a London-trained chef desperate to succeed in a male-dominated profession – and harbouring a secret that will change everything . . .

About the Author :
Jennifer Ryan lives in Ireland with her husband and two children. Originally from Kent and then London, Jennifer worked as a nonfiction book editor before she took up writing herself. She now writes historical fiction inspired by her grandmother's tales of the war in Britain. Her work has featured in Literary Hub, Moms Don’t Have Time to Write, The Daily Mail, The Irish Times, The Express, BBC Online, YOU Magazine, The Simple Things Magazine, and Good Reading Magazine.

Review :
Jennifer Ryan’s wonderful ability to weave an atmospheric, wise and warm story makes The Kitchen Front entirely comforting and unputdownable. Like The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two, with redoubtable heroines you’ll cheer for, The Kitchen Front is an enchanting hug of a novel written with Jennifer Ryan’s usual skill What a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun – a real treat. Beautifully detailed – you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new life. You will LOVE it A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship Rich in historical detail, The Kitchen Front, is a heart-warming account of the power of friendship. An uplifting tribute to female solidarity in challenging times. A delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. Deserving of a historical Hollywood handshake! Evocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight Certain to delight lovers of historical fiction and TV cooking competitions Delightful Delightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement Wonderful . . . a master of plotting and working in different registers . . . Readers with an appetite for homefront World War Two novels will find this deeply satisfying The writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the author’s own family history, had me sniffing copiously Intrigue, romance and an unforgettable cast of characters who aren’t always as they appear . . . a charming slice of English wartime life that warms the soul like a hot toddy