Picture a British storyteller who swapped flour-dusted aprons for heartwarming tales of love and second chances—meet Jenny Bayliss! A former professional cake baker turned romance novelist, Bayliss crafts cozy, whimsical stories that celebrate life’s unexpected twists and the enduring spark of romance, especially for women over 40. Her novels, brimming with charm and wit, have become holiday favorites, inviting readers to curl up with a cuppa and believe in love’s magic.
The Making of Jenny Bayliss
Jenny Bayliss grew up in a small seaside town in Kent, England, where long walks along the seafront fueled her imagination. Initially a professional baker, she spent years crafting delectable cakes before a bold pivot at 39. Returning to education, Bayliss earned a first-class BA in Creative and Professional Writing from Canterbury Christ Church University, juggling studies with her baking career. Her diverse past—waitress, nurse, jeweler’s assistant—infused her storytelling with a rich tapestry of human experiences, shaping her knack for relatable characters.
Jenny Bayliss’s Unforgettable Stories
Bayliss burst onto the literary scene with her debut, The Twelve Dates of Christmas (2020), a festive rom-com about Kate Turner, a 34-year-old designer navigating a quirky dating agency in Blexford, England. The novel’s cozy charm and heartfelt humor set the tone for Bayliss’s signature style. Her follow-up, A Season for Second Chances (2021), follows Annie Sharpe, a restaurateur rediscovering life and love in a quirky seaside village. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (2022) weaves a tale of old rivalries and new sparks at a winter wedding, while A December to Remember (2023) explores sisterhood and holiday magic. Bayliss’s stories blend humor, warmth, and vibrant settings, championing mature heroines who defy stereotypes with sass and heart.
Her writing style is like a warm hug—playful yet poignant, with a knack for crafting eccentric communities and relatable dilemmas. Bayliss’s themes of reinvention and romance resonate deeply, challenging the notion that life’s best adventures end at 40. Her latest, Kiss Me at Christmas (2024), continues her tradition of festive, ensemble-driven tales, earning praise for its Nora Ephron-esque wit.
Why Jenny Bayliss Matters
Jenny Bayliss has carved a niche in contemporary romance by centering women over 40 as vibrant, desirable protagonists. Her novels challenge ageist stereotypes, proving that love, adventure, and self-discovery know no age limit. With a growing fanbase, her heartwarming stories offer escapism and hope, reminding readers that second chances are always within reach. Bayliss’s influence extends to aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a dream, just as she did by becoming an author later in life.
- Former professional baker turned novelist
- Earned a BA in Creative and Professional Writing at 39
- Key works: The Twelve Dates of Christmas, A Season for Second Chances, Kiss Me at Christmas
- Lives in Kent, England, with her husband
About Jenny Bayliss
Grab The Twelve Dates of Christmas and dive into Jenny Bayliss’s cozy, romantic world—perfect for a snowy night or a sunny afternoon!