Recently widowed Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves decides that she isn't going to spend the remainder of her time grieving, she's going to surprise her family and do something different, like rescue a dilapidated building.
Ruth Hogan is a new author for me. After listening to The Phoenix Ballroom I will certainly be seeking out her earlier books as this delightful story is gentle and uplifting. On my first day of listening, I was completely engrossed and halfway through before I knew it.
Venetia was a devoted wife to her recently deceased husband, Hawk (bird names are a family tradition). Despite his recent death, Venetia doesn't feel that her life should also cease, her husband has left her a wealthy widow and at a sprightly seventy-four (the same age as Cher, apparently), she wants to use some of that wealth and do something exciting. Unfortunately, her son, Heron, doesn't see things the same way and insists on hiring a "granny nanny" to take care of her.
Liberty Bell is the "granny nanny" concerned. Liberty is also grieving, her mother passed away recently and left nothing to her only child. Still reeling from the end of a long-term relationship with a married man, Liberty has found herself alone and homeless so the job offers her a home and a little bit of security.
Along with the main characters we are introduced to a host of supporting ones; Evangeline, the leader of a church at the dilapidated building, Crow, a mysterious figure who hides out in the building, Swan, Hawk's eccentric sister, Colin Firth, the dog Venetia rescues, and Kite, Venetia's grandson. These supporting characters add mystery and humour to the story. The narrator, Joan Walker, does a fantastic job at giving each of them a distinct voice, which really adds to the atmosphere.
Brief glimpses of the past reveal how Venetia met her husband, revealing secrets that have shaped her life. They also show why she is now so determined to do something different.
With support from family and the community that uses the rundown building, Venetia is able to fulfill her wish, along with helping a few others along the way. and manages to rekindle the dreams she had as a young woman.
The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan is available now in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and W. F. Howes Ltd for a review copy.
Author Details
Ruth Hogan studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College and went on to work in local government. A car accident and a subsequent run-in with cancer convinced her finally to get her act together and pursue her dream of becoming a writer. The result was her debut novel - The Keeper of Lost Things, which went on to sell two million copies globally. She is now living the dream (and occasional nightmare) as a full-time author, along with her husband and rescue dogs in a rambling Victorian house stuffed with treasure that inspires her novels.
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