The Phoenix Ballroom

A Novel

De: Ruth Hogan

Narrado por: Jane Copland

From the wildly popular bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things: a heartfelt and inspiring story about a wealthy widow who revives a beloved famous local landmark—and restores joy and sparkle to her own life in the process.

It’s never too late to start dancing again...

For fifty years, Venetia Hargreaves’s world revolved around her husband. She built their life around his big career, with dinner on the table at six, a lovely home, and a dutiful son just as business-minded as his father. Now Venetia’s a wealthy widow left with a beautiful but empty home, an enviable bank balance, and a distinct feeling that she missed the boat. Once upon a time, she was a dance instructor who dreamed of opening her own ballroom school with a fellow teacher who won her heart. Instead, Venetia chose the safer path.

So, at seventy-four years of age, Venetia declares her independence, first with a makeover, and then by adopting a new dog. But something is still missing...until on one of her dog walks by the river she passes by a building she remembers all too well. In her youth it was the spectacular Phoenix Ballroom, where she used to teach waltzes and tangos. These days it’s a community center and spiritualist church, funded by a mysterious benefactor who only pays for the upkeep.

Eager to revive at least one meaningful thing from her past, Venetia buys the Phoenix Ballroom, and finds a supportive and loving community of lost souls who become a delightful multigenerational family-by-choice.

As the ballroom regains its former glory, the community and Venetia’s humdrum life are revived as well...proving wonderful things can come from the darkest of places.

©2024 Ruth Hogan (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Lovely

A feel good story of lost and disillusioned souls coming together. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy.

Hope, renewal,

Somewhat predictable but still captivating, a story of reflection, renewal, admission, forgiveness, bravery and hope. I liked it.

Inspirational

It is an inspiring story of regrets that can ultimately lead to moments of true joy and fulfillment of dreams. It's never too late to live the life you had only dreamed of.

Feel good

The characters were each their own story. I was kept engaged to the very end!

Second chances

The narration was absolutely beautifully done. The intertwined stories made for a wonderful adventure in reading!

Well paced novel

I loved the characters and the challenges put before them. While it was somewhat predictable, there were pleasant surprises nonetheless.

Delightful :)

Wonderful narration, sweet story. My second book from this author, I shall read more of her work. Great summer read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lovely story

I truly enjoyed learning more about each character and the complexities that were responsible for whom they had become. The intertwining of lives, and the beauty of the resultant tapestry, left me feeling hopeful for the future.

Another wonderful Ruth Hogan story

Ruth Hogan is one of my favorite authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this audio recording about a wonderful family with some of the best names ever!!. Even the dog has a great name.

The Past Need Not Define You

I thought the narrator was excellent… She had an easy flow, a beautiful voice and was very expressive. The storyline held my interest, and I loved all of the characters. The author is an excellent storyteller and held my interest throughout the entire story.