THE BRAND NEW UPLIFTING NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE TWO-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS'Magical ... uplifting ... the Phoenix Ballroom feels like an old friend' ANTON DU BEKE'A rich and joyful story, told with wit and heart' BETH MORREY'Every page is a joy' PIP WILLIAMSIt's never too late to spread your wings...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 community 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 renewed - the Phoenix lives up to its name.The Phoenix Ballroom is a story of hope and second chances across the generations.'Will enthral and delight everyone who reads it' MIKE GAYLE'Packed with Ruth Hogan's trademark warmth' MATT CAIN

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 be a global bestseller. 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.Insta: @ruthmariehogan