Another fabulous story by Hogan. Just like her previous two stories, she has a beautiful way of creating characters that immediately draw you in and her focus on their development and relationships make the stories such great reads. Just perfect.

Ruth Hogan, your fabulous books are just what I look for when I need to reinvigorate my faith in human nature or just need the perfect comfort read. I have savored all of your previous four books, and I think The Phoenix Ballroom just might be your best (to date).

This lovely book has everything I look for in a life-affirming, entertaining read: quirky characters of diverse ages who instantly feel like friends, initially questionable characters who develop into more engaging humans, past secrets or troubles that need to be resolved, dreams that haven't yet been fulfilled, sparkling dialogue, a vibrant setting, and heartfelt emotion. Throw in a rescue German shepherd named Colin Firth, and I am even more invested.

The central character, Venetia, is a spirited widow of a certain age whose fussy son nevertheless insists on hiring her a "granny nanny" before he and his wife move to France on business. Their 10-year-old son, Kite (all of the males in the family have bird names), is left behind at a boarding school but would rather live with his beloved "Nisha." Venetia's fortyish personal assistant (definitely not a granny nanny) is also facing a big life change and isn't at all sure this live-in job is going to work for her. And Venetia's brash, larger-than-life sister-in-law comes to visit and never leaves. Then there's a neighborhood spiritual church that's in danger of losing its lease and a rundown ballroom where Venetia taught dancing many years ago.

I absolutely loved every page of this book, and now I sadly have to wait for the next one. Ruth, please keep them coming. You are one of my go-to authors, and you deserve all of the accolades you are sure to collect when this book is released in June.

My sincere thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this stellar book.

The phoenix ballroom was such a great book! I loved it so much. The writing was very done and I could not put it down!

MANY thanks to NetGalley and William Morris for the opportunity to trad The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan. It just happens that I am Ms. Hogan's #1 fan. Her books are always worth the wait and as soon as I finish reading her newest i start wishing for the next one. This was a delight. I loved every character and am sorry to say goodbye. Guess I'll just have to read it again.