I can always rely on a Ruth Hogan book to see the positives in life and brighten up my day. This is exactly what "The Phoenix Ballroom" does. Many characters have their own troubles but they are all united in the church/drop-in centre/ballroom and they rescue it from being turned into flats and back into something amazing.

4.5 I think - I really, really enjoyed this story. I was just in the mood for a feel-good read, and I very much enjoy Ruth's style of writing. The dialogue was funny, and although you can see where the story might be going, it is still very pleasurable to read, and there's something very comforting about an expected happy ending.

Nisha, and Kite, and the dog were wonderful, and even better when Swan became involved. I loved them all, and I so wanted to know how things would turn out for them that this book was very hard to put down.

As one might expect from a book written by Ruth Hogan The Phoenix Ballroom was a totally delightful read. It was so easy to become immediately caught up in the adventures of Venetia, Kite, Liberty and Swan and their assorted family and friends. Cheering them on in their endeavours as they worked to solve the mystery of Liberty's mother's strange will and to return the ballroom to it's prime. Within minutes of beginning to read one cares deeply for this raggle taggle collection of people with their fears, hopes and secrets. A book I hope everyone enjoys as much as I did. If you're looking for the ultimate feel good read look no further. Recommended++++
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. This is an incredibly feel-good book with great themes and characters at its core.

The pacing is ideal and this book can be devoured in one or two sittings. Kite, Venetia and Liberty Bell are interesting and lovely characters.

Yet, this type of sentimental and happy-go-lucky plot is not always my cup of tea, hence the 3.5 stars. For the plot. The writing is a good fit for this book and it is a nicely flowing story.

An extended family by choice is a nice story engine, and despite my personal tastes, I highly recommend this book.

What a delightful book! Ruth Hogan never lets her readers down. I loved this story and its quirky characters. I finished this in two happy sittings and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4.5

The once glorious Phoenix Ballroom is now sadly neglected and down at heel, though if the light is right its once bright chandeliers cast a vibrant spectrum across the dirty floor.

Seventy four year old Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves attends the funeral of her husband Hawk around whom her world has revolved for the last fifty years, her dreams subsumed to motherhood, home and loyalty. However, despite the views of her son Heron, Venetia has decided it's time for a last tango in Bedford, a reinvention which includes a personal makeover, the employment of Liberty Bell (yes, I know!) as her PA/companion and she even gets a blooming great, soft as, German Shepherd, formerly known as Terminator and renamed Colin Firth. Don’t ask. A chance meeting with Evangeline whilst in the park with Colin, leads Venetia back into her past but also catapults to a different and hopefully brighter future. This is a novel of redemption, of reinvention, of embracing new challenges and the second chance lifeline it offers - a phoenix rising from the ashes.

A new Ruth Hogan leads to some highly appropriate happy dancing in Yorkshire! This is a very entertaining, feel good novel at a time when that’s exactly what’s needed although that’s not to say that some characters haven’t suffered or made sacrifices but they find their way to happier days. This adds layers to the storytelling and some back stories are sad or they shock.

Ruth Hogan is a wonderful writer who really makes me care about her often quirky characters and in her latest creation we meet some who are so colourful they jump off the pages. At the centre is Venetia whose generosity of spirit is easy to see as her household expands exponentially. However, it’s probably her ten year old grandson Kite who steals the show. He’s absolutely delightful and funny as he often tells it how it is and he too has a generous warm spirit. Another show stealer is Colin Firth - a big woof and a hug for him! Hawk’s eccentric sister Swan is also marvellous with her very individual and colourful outfits that make me smile. You watch Liberty grow and grow surrounded by this fabulous cast.

Overall, this is a captivating novel with terrific dialogue that is frequently funny. Although it is predictable in some ways but as it’s the outcome I want, who cares! It’s a reminder that just because characters have reached their 70’s it doesn’t mean they should purchase a bath chair just yet!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Corvus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

3.5 🌟

Charming and heartwarming. It's your typical Hogan book.
About finding new friends, and friends becoming family.
Sure it's a bit predictable, but I'm OK with that.
It's lovely, and positive, and has a cracking 10 year old who utterly charmed me.
Lives up to what I expect from this author.

This is an absolute delight of a book. After all who could resist loving the main character who calls her German shepherd Colin Firth after she’s rescued him from a drug den! Her grandson Kite lights up every page he is on with charm and laughter and all the other characters are warm and so well written. . A truly lovely feel good read. Highly recommended.