This was a heartwarming story about losing your "forever" spouse, the trials and tribulations of living independently, and finding your place in the world.
Ventia Hargreaves, at 74, led a traditional life, raised a son, dinners on the table at 6:00, and doted on her suceessful husband. Recently widowed, wealthy, with an enviable estate, and a married son, she feels as though she missed the target.
Through many trials and tribulations; she makes external changes, adopts a dog, a makeover, shops. Left feeling empty in a large house, she takes her dog for a walk, and rediscovers an empty ballroom that she knows all too well. In her youth, it was the Phoenix Ballroom, where she taught dance lessons. This once glorious ballroom, has been revitalized into a lively community center, helping the homeless and lost souls looking for friendship and hope.
Of course, she buys the community center, renovates it, dusts off her dancing shoes, to become the ballroom disco queen. It was sentimental, predictble and charming. The "Phoenix" ballroom was the backdrop for the other bird characters in the book, Kite, Liberty and Swan. A bit trite, but funny. The other worthy anecdotes are the colorful characters, the dog, the 74 year old dance queen and a bookstore. Et al, it was definitely worth the quick read that it was.
Favorite Quote from Venetia, "I am not ready to be old or elderly. Cher is older than I am and I dare anyone to call her elderly."
Other Books by, Ruth Hogan:
The Moon, the Stars and Madame Borova 2021
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel 2020
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes 2019
The Keeper of Lost Things 2017
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