The Phoenix Ballroom
by Ruth Hogan
Narrated by Joan Walker
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Pub Date 26 Jun 2024 | Archive Date 26 Jun 2024
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Description
Recently widowed Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves is left with a huge house, a bank balance to match and an uneasy feeling that she's been sleepwalking through the last fifty years. Determined to live fully again, she embraces life with an enthusiasm and purpose she'd forgotten she could muster.
Buying the dilapidated Phoenix Ballroom and with it a drop-in centre and spiritualist church could be seen as reckless, but Venetia's generosity, courage and kindness provide a refuge for a touching cast of damaged and lonely people who find their chosen family. As their stories intertwine, long buried secrets are revealed, missed opportunities seized and lives are renewed as the Phoenix lives up to its name.
The Phoenix Ballroom is a story of hope and second chances across the generations.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook |
| ISBN | 9781004167548 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Jo L, Reviewer
Having read The Keeper of Lost Things some time ago I was delighted to be approved for this audiobook on NetGalley. I was not at all disappointed. Ruth Hogan writes silent heroes so beautifully. This was a joyful uplifting read/listen. A gentle reminder that the world is full of good people and sometimes you can be lucky enough to find yourself surrounded by them.
Newly widowed Venetia at 74 (younger than Cher) has been left in a vast home with a vast bank balance and a wonder what she does now after 50 years of marriage and motherhood. Her son Heron is heading to France along with her grandson Kite, and has decided a granny nanny is what she needs. Enter Liberty Bell, who has recently lost her mother and any hope of inheritance, as there’s a clause in her mothers will, Liberty’s mother has left her nothing in the way of money, instead she’s left her a photo album and instructions to meet regularly with her solicitor who over time will decide if she is ready to receive the secret part of her will, Liberty must fend for herself, and this sees her become Venetia’s assistant, a perfect pairing!
When a chance meeting in the park while walking Colin Firth (German Shepherd dog whom Venetia has rescued from a drug gang) introduces her to a worried Evangeline, fretting over the sale of the building where she runs her spiritual church and a drop in for the lost and lonely, takes Venetia back in time to when the same building was once a ballroom from where she taught dance lessons and had big aspirations. It’s time for Venetia to find herself again. What ensues is a heartwarming journey overflowing with wonderful characters and a mission to restore the ballroom to its original glory and save the church along the way.
The characters in this book were so well written, each of them endearing in their own way, each champions in their own way. Swan and Kite were my favourites.
The narration by Joan Walker was perfect (I usually listen at 1.75 and slowed to 1.5 to find the perfect fit)
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to W.F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
