The Phoenix Ballroom - by Ruth Hogan

About the Book

"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. 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. As the ballroom regains its former glory, Venetia and her newfound family find their lives have a bit of new dazzle as well." - Dust jacket

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Another gem from the queen of heart-filled storytelling, The Phoenix Ballroom is an enchanting tale of community, friendship and acceptance, illuminating the joys of living your life as your own true self whatever your age. With multifaceted characters, crystal clear prose and a luminous story, The Phoenix Ballroom sparkles as kaleidoscopically as the chandeliers that are alight once more. A hugely entertaining read." -- Sarah Haywood, bestselling author of The Cactus

"Will make your heart soar..an uplifting novel filled with wit, heart, and humor that's as satisfying as a turn around the dance floor."
-- Janice Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library

"Hogan is the queen of uplifting fiction and Madame Burova reminds us why. Each character is lovingly crafted, their stories beautifully and heartbreakingly woven into something magical. The writing crackles with humor and warmth whilst not being afraid to tackle the harsh realities of racism in the 1970s. It's the kind of story you want to devour greedily but then feel bereft that you won't get to spend more time with Imelda, Cillian, Billie, Treasure, and all the other glorious characters. I can't imagine a better book in which to lose yourself at the moment. Stunning, immersive and absolutely wonderful." -- Annie Lyons, author of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, on The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova

"Ruth Hogan has stirred together a charming fairy tale in which people may be more lost than the things and generosity and compassion may be the key to finding a way home. Also there are dogs. Delightful." -- Helen Simonson, author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, on The Keeper of Lost Things

"Hogan's writing has the soothing warmth of the cups of cocoa and tea her characters regularly dispense...old-fashioned storytelling with a sprinkling of magic." -- Kirkus on The Keeper of Lost Things