The Phoenix Ballroom: A Novel BY Ruth Hogan

From the bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things comes a heartfelt and uplifting tale about rediscovering joy and purpose later in life: Dancing at the Phoenix Ballroom.

Venetia Hargreaves has spent fifty years shaping her life around her late husband’s ambitions, curating a perfect home and a business-minded son. Now, as a wealthy widow, she is left with an empty home and an enviable bank balance, but a nagging sense that she missed out on living her own dreams. Once a passionate dance instructor with ambitions of opening her own ballroom school, Venetia settled for a safe, conventional path.

At seventy-four, Venetia decides to embrace change, starting with a makeover and a new dog. However, she still feels incomplete—until a walk by the river leads her to the old Phoenix Ballroom, a place that was once her cherished sanctuary for teaching waltzes and tangos. The building now serves as a community center and spiritualist church, sustained by an enigmatic benefactor.

Driven by a longing to revive a piece of her past, Venetia purchases the Phoenix Ballroom. As she restores its former splendor, she finds herself surrounded by a vibrant community of diverse individuals who become her chosen family. Through her efforts, Venetia not only brings the ballroom back to life but also rejuvenates her own world, proving that it’s never too late to dance again and find fulfillment in unexpected places.

Dancing at the Phoenix Ballroom is a touching celebration of second chances, community, and the transformative power of following one's heart.