61D+-EXdm-L._SL500_Synopsis: “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.”

My Review

This was a wonderful audiobook and one of my favourites this year. It was a joy to listen to and made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. 

There were so many wonderful characters  throughout this story. I loved Venetia, her grandson Kite and Colin Firth the rescue dog! It still makes me laugh remembering some of the descriptions of what Colin Firth the dog got up to! 😂 

The narration by Joan Walker was superb, bringing all the characters to life brilliantly, enhancing my listening experience.

This was my first book by Ruth Hogan, but definitely not my last, as I’ve now added  Madame Burova (her previous book) to my Audible library.

Highly recommended if you enjoy feel good stories with an older main character.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd for my copy via the NetGalley App.