The Kitchen Front

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What to expect

From the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir comes an unforgettable story inspired by the true events of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition.

‘A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship’ – Jill Mansell

The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two . . . an enchanting hug of a novel’ – Cathy Kelly

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 program called The Kitchen Front launches a new cooking contest – and the grand prize is a job as the program’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…

Critics 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

    Cathy Kelly
  • 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.

    Veronica Henry on The Kitchen Front
  • A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship

    Jill Mansell on The Kitchen Front
  • 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!

    Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage on The Kitchen Front
  • Evocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight.

    Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage on The Kitchen Front
  • Delightful

    People magazine

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