Delightfully uplifting, the Phoenix Ballroom is like wrapping yourself in a favorite blanket with a cup of tea and a (Garibaldi) biscuit. It's wonderful to read a book that is less about Plot-with-a-capital-P, and more about characters who are good and kind, and just trying to figure out where to go from here when life has set them back. Venetia and Liberty are two very different women, but find connection with each other and a whole host of others when unfortunate events thrust them together, and they build a community that any of us could aspire to. Plus, dancing!

Ruth Hogan has once again written a heartwarming, joyful story. She consistently creates characters that I love. This time, Venetia is 74 years old when her husband dies and her son insists she needs a companion. Or a “granny nanny” as her grandson, Kite, calls her. Liberty is looking for a job after her mother dies. They come together, along with an adopted German Shepherd.
Venetia has spent her life living in her husband’s shadow and she’s now ready to step out on her own. Among other changes, she rediscovers the place of her first job, as a dancer, is falling into disrepair and is up for sale.
This is the book I’ve been needing. Something upbeat to counter all the sad stories I’ve read. Hogan consistently writes realistic stories that combine humor, heartbreak, generosity, courage and hope. I felt for Kite, whose parents were very much absentees. Thank heavens he has his Nisha.
As with most of Hogan’s stories, it’s about the families we form. It’s also about second chances and finding our own happiness. I came to love all the characters, even the ones I initially disliked liked Heron.
My thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow Books for an advance copy of this book.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

In typical Ruth Hogan fashion, this is a book that is filled with charm, unforgettable characters, a few twists here and there, navigating life as the years pass, and, eventually, fulfilling a dream.

This is a very character oriented novel, and while it has a story line that was interesting, this is all about the characters. Some family, some not, and how they
eventually connect as the story continues, and the impact they have on each other. If you’ve ever read Ruth Hogan before, you likely know that this is more about their lives, how they connect, and navigate their lives. The characters’ names alone seem to share that this family wants nothing to do with living a conventional life.

This is very much about the connections we make, friend or foe, and how much our thoughts and opinions change as the years pass, and how much we are able to open our hearts to others.


Pub Date: 11 Jun 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by William Morrow

4.5 In typical Ruth Hogan fashion, The Phoenix Ballroom is full of memorable characters and lush descriptions that made this a delightful read. It was a unique plot that brings quirky people together who have lost their way in the world and need to recapture a sense of identity. I loved the individual personalities and the names of the people (Venetia, Liberty Bell, Swan, Kite, Hawk, Crow, and "Colin Firth.") I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something life-affirming, a little bit different, and a reminder that friends await us in the most unlikely places.

I always love Ruth Hogan’s books! Her recipe for mixing nostalgia, sadness, survival, and regrets with a rewarding chance to grow and thrive makes a delightful story. She develops characters and locations in a way that immediately immerses the reader into the drama - wanting the story to never end but filled with sunshine when it does.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this sweet ARC.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

A refreshing book about the goodness of humanity and never giving up on your dreams, THE PHOENIX BALLROOM is the latest book by Ruth Hogan-- and she has delivered a classic feel-good story yet again.

The story of 74-years-young Venetia Hargreaves starts at the funeral of her beloved husband. Newly widowed, and suddenly free to do whatever she likes (and with a very healthy bank account to boot), Venetia sets out to create a new life for herself full of a colorful cast of characters. From her old-soul grandson to a dog rescued from a pot grower to the lonely fifty something 'granny nanny' her well meaning son makes her hire-- Venetia's warm personality and zest for life attracts those around her into a heartwarming "found family". THE PHOENIX BALLROOM definitely warms the heart and reaffirms the idea that it's never to late-- to find forgiveness for yourself, to heal from trauma, to find religion, or to take a ballroom dancing class.

This is the second book I’ve read by Ruth Hogan and I was not disappointed.

Following the death of her husband, Hawk, of 50 years, Venetia Hargreave is wondering what the rest of her life will be like. Her strait-laced son, Heron and his wife are moving to France and believe Venetia, aged 74, needs a live in helper. They come across Liberty Belle who is dealing with her own loss as her mother has also recently passed. Liberty has found herself homeless even though her mother was a wealthy woman. She has learned that there are unknown stipulations that must be deemed met by her mother’s attorney before she may receive any benefits.

Liberty moves into the guest quarters of Venetia’s large home and the two are soon joined by Colin Firth, a German Shepard rescued from a drug den. Hawk’s outspoken sister, Swan, comes for an unannounced Christmas visit that turns into a permanent stay. And, Venetia’s 10-year-old grandson, Kite, who relates better to adults than kids his own age, has left overnight boarding school in favor of being a day boarder to live with his grandmother. Venetia’s house is now full of love and laughter.

The Phoenix Ballroom is a lovely and touching story of overcoming obstacles, folks coming together despite their differing personalities and finding happiness no matter your age and circumstances. Full of fun characters and with a warm and enjoyable resolution, it was a much-needed respite after reading multiple mystery/suspense novels.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Ruth Hogan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth Hogan is one of my favorite writers whose books I often turn to as my selection for the neighborhood book club. Her books are always filled with delightfully quirky characters and her stories are heartwarming without being saccharine, so I was overjoyed to receive an ARC of her latest novel, “The Phoenix Ballroom.”

The book opens with Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves attending her husband, Hawks, funeral. The reader senses that although she loved him, there was something missing in their relationship. For some unknown reason, she had given up her dreams of opening a dance studio at a nearby ballroom run by her and Brandon, with whom she was in love. Instead, she subsumed herself in her role as wife and mother. She wonders if it’s too late for a second chance at life.

Shortly after the funeral, Venetia’s son, Heron, informs his mother that he has started the process of hiring a caretaker for her, and despite her objections that at 73 she is more than capable of taking care of herself, she finally relents with the condition that she be allowed to choose the “caretaker.” She takes an immediate liking to Liberty Bell, one of three potential candidates.

Liberty Bell has just lost her mother, only to discover from her mother’s solicitor, Mr. Court, that Liberty was not provided a bequest in her mother’s will and her house was to be sold within the next two weeks. Mr. Court informed Liberty that there was a provision for her in the will, but she would have to meet unspecified criteria before she could receive the bequest. One of the criteria was that she meet Mr. Court for lunch every few months, at which time he would determine whether or not she had satisfied the requirements. Desperate for employment since she had lost her previous job when her married boss dumped her, Liberty answers Venetia’s ad for a caretaker, which included a furnished flat above the detached garage.

Soon Venetia’s house is filled with a cast of characters, including her 10 year old grandson, Kite, along with her sister-in-law, Swan. Kite escaped from boarding school where he had been placed after his parents moved to France to expand their real estate business, and Swan moved in because her sister, with whom she had lived since their parents died, had recently acquired a boyfriend.

Each of these lost souls find love, confidence and purpose as they pursue their own personal growth and happiness through Venetia’s purchase of a building and the restoration of an abandoned ballroom situated above a church and refreshment center for impoverished, homeless or lonely people. It is at this building that their lives intertwine with Evangeline, who runs the church and center and was best friends with Liberty’s mother.

Beautifully written with endearing characters, “The Phoenix Ballroom” is an uplifting novel full of charming characters who the reader will come to love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves character driven novels full of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

At the age of seventy-four, Venetia Hargreaves is mourning the death of her husband who she met
whikle teaching at the Phoenix Ballroom. Despite the opinion of her son, Venetia is eager to
remain independent and enjoy her life.
Liberty has recently lost her mother and is in need of a job. She is hired as Venetia's granny nanny,
a term used by Venetia's granson Kite. As the three grow closer, becoming invovled with a
spritualist church will lead Venetia back to the ballroom. Kives wuill be changed.
Heart warming story with charming characters.
#ThePhoenixBallroom #HarperCollins #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan is a novel about love, sacrifice, friendship, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. We follow Venetia Hargreaves after the death of her husband of 50 years. Venetia must learn to live again and willingly confronts difficult circumstances in search of peace and closure. With Her personal assistant Liberty, a sweet German Shepherd called Colin Firth, and her mischievously brilliant grandson, Kite, Venetia navigates her new life and has some fun doing it! Yet something is still missing. 50 years ago, she gave up her dream to own a dance studio to marry her husband. She still longs to do so, but is 74 too old to make her dreams come true?

Liberty Bell has been living a safe, albeit boring life. He fear has kept her on a path of little risk and little joy. When her vivacious mother passes away, leaving her without a home or inheritance, she is devastated and confused. Her mother loved her. How could she leave her homeless? Upon meeting with her mother's solicitor, she is told that her mother did leave her something but that she can't have it until she meets her mother's requirements. What are those requirements, you ask? Her mother has given her solicitor strict guidelines not to say. So, with no guidance on how to earn her inheritance and no place to live, she seeks a job as a personal assistant to the newly widowed Venetia Hargreaves.

As their lives become more and more intertwined, they not only become chosen family and friends, but it seems their dreams will take them on parallel paths.

Thank you #NetGalley, #WilliamMorrow, and author Ruth Hogan for early access to read The Phoenix Ballroom in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED it!

Ruth Hogan never fails to impress! The Phoenix Ballroom is an engaging novel that captured my attention right from the start. The story follows Venetia, a woman in her mid-seventies, who recently lost her husband and is now trying to find her new normal. Venetia's journey proves that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. I enjoyed reading about her experiences and the diverse group of friends she meets along the way.

The Phoenix Ballroom is a complete 5-star novel that feels like a warm bowl of chicken soup for the soul. Ruth Hogan has a remarkable talent for creating endearing characters that tug at your heartstrings and keep you invested in their stories. I believe that everyone would enjoy this gem of a book!

For five decades, Venetia Hargreaves revolved her life around her spouse. She meticulously managed their life, centered on his thriving career, with dinners ready promptly at six, a well-maintained home, and a son who inherited his father's entrepreneurial spirit. Now, left as a prosperous widow, Venetia resides in a beautiful but solitary home, possesses considerable wealth, and grapples with the regret of missed chances. In her youth, she was an enthusiastic dance instructor with aspirations of establishing her own ballroom academy alongside a fellow teacher she held dear. Yet, Venetia chose the more cautious path.

This novel presents a heartwarming and captivating tale with a varied ensemble of characters who swiftly charm their way into readers' hearts. Anticipate captivating personalities that transition from initial doubts to profound depth, lingering mysteries from the past, dreams awaiting realization, lively dialogues, evocative settings, and authentic emotions.

A heartfelt thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for this reading experience.

Ruth Hogan has a knack for writing beautiful stories that give hope about the goodness of ordinary people. I has previously read The Keep of Lost Things, and this has a similar vibe, but it's a completely original story.

The plot follows the connection of the recently widowed Venetia, and Liberty, who recently lost her mother. As they each enter this new chapter of their lives, they have a renewed chance to find and become their best selves.

During the process, they learn and grow. Venetia discovers new information about her husband that helps her let go and move on. Liberty finally understands that she made mistakes, and being pushed up against a wall, she figures out how to make something more of herself.

The plot involves a spiritual church and a ballroom, of course. There's a bird theme that comes into all parts of the story and adds a layer of meaning throughout. There are multiple people who have made mistakes or have been hurt and feel guilt and the weight of life. Can they forgive themselves? Can they forgive people who hurt them? Can they start to fly?

This is a feel-good novel about redemption and the courage to move on from the past. Some readers may not love the religious aspect or the way things tie up perhaps a bit too nearly at the end. It's that kind of story, meant for readers to feel like there is a lot of good in the world, and things really can turn out ok, even when they look hopeless.

I really enjoyed this. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy for review.

This book was refreshing. The mash of characters who are all flawed but grow to find themselves was wonderfully done. I love how the author intertwined the past and present. This author is new to me but I will definitely be reading her other books soon. Thank you to William Morrow Books and Net Galley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

"The Phoenix Ballroom" by Ruth Hogan is a heartwarming tale about Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves, a 74-year-old widow who's figuring out life after her husband's passing. Along the way, she finds friendship from a diverse group of people, each dealing with their own struggles.

Hogan brings these characters to life, each with its own ups and downs. Everyone learning and growing.

The book gives a cozy vibe, and I love that it's filled with resilient characters.

"The Phoenix Ballroom" is another feel-good novel from Ruth Hogan. It centers on 74-year old Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves, recently widowed and seeking to reimagine the next phase of her life. As she re-discovers herself, she builds a community of family and new friends that support each other and grow together. All of the characters are endearing and I appreciate the opportunity to get insight into their thoughts. If I could change anything about the book, it would be to have less of a focus on the Crow "mystery" (which didn't really add much to the story at all) and more flashbacks to the 1970s. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to the publisher William Morrow and NetGalley for an eARC; all opinions are my own.

Charming, and hopeful, with the delight of a vital 74 year old main character.

This story centers on Venetia, a 74 year old recent widow who is adding new meaning to her life and starting over. I love that Hogan has taken the main character as well as the auxiliary characters and given them fullness and joy. I also love the wink to her previous novel, Keeper of Lost Things, with the collection of donations at the drop in church.

The story takes not only Venetia, but Venetia’s new “granny nanny” Liberty, grandson Kite, sister-in-law Swan, and son Heron, and made them lovable characters with great purpose in the story (beyond unusual names). Add in a ballroom renovation (said building also houses a drop in center and church), a bookstore, and a dog rescue, and there is plenty to enjoy in this novel.

It’s definitely a positive novel, where all setbacks are overcome, which some may describe as unrealistic. However, I find it refreshing and much needed in our current climate, and am happy to embrace.

The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan is a witty, heartfelt novel by the author who wrote The Keeper of Lost Things. The story moves at a leisurely pace as the main protagonist Venetia learns to navigate life after the death of her spouse of 50 years. With a cast of characters that include her "granny nanny" Liberty, her grandson Kite, and her furry new pet Colin. Each character has their own unique life situations as the story unfolds.
This novel is one that tells of unlikely friends and sews their life together as a community who cares for each other. The authors cheeky names for the "bird" family made me smile. There are several witty descriptions that made me laugh out loud (especially the Cher references).
Overall, I enjoyed the story and where the author went with each character. Thank you to NetGalley, Ruth Hogan, and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read the novel. I will post a review on Insta books.before.sleep. All opinions expressed are my own.