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The Ballroom on Magnolia Street Audiobook
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(3.03) - 437 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
On the heels of her captivating debut, The Tea House on Mulberry Street, comes Ireland's bestselling author Sharon Owens' new novel of passion, romance, and regret—and the winding paths to falling in love.
Johnny "Hollywood" Hogan owns the ballroom on Magnolia Street, where sisters Kate and Shirley Winters, along with other regulars, go every Saturday night to escape the realities of Belfast life and to seek fun and romance.
Free-spirited Shirley has a mad crush on a boy named Declan Greenwood, while thoroughly modern Kate likes plenty of variety in her wardrobe (and her love life) and is determined to get married before her younger sister. She'll take anyone who'll have her, even if it has to be that greasy—though not entirely unattractive—mechanic who has been hanging around lately. The crowd at Hogan's is always lively, but that doesn't mean all problems have been left at the door. Johnny's grandparents are afraid that he'll retire and shut the ballroom down. Johnny yearns for Marion, his old love (and Declan's mother), while Marion starts to worry that her long-held secret will finally be revealed.
But it doesn't take long for all of the ballroom's patrons to discover that, even without velvet-lined balconies and crystal chandeliers, the magic of the twinkling lights and soft music will help them find just what they're looking for—whether it be family, friendship, or even true love.
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"Very sweet book with a really nice wee story. Absolutely a delight to pick up a book set in Northern Ireland in the 80's that isn't all doom and gloom and centered on the troubles. Having grown up in Northern Ireland at this time, it felt real and honest and captured the time and the people here well and I really enjoyed it!"
— Nicola (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A comic, capricious escapade brimming with winsome, quirky characters.”
— Booklist
The Ballroom on Magnolia Street Listener Reviews
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" My favourite book in 'The Belfast Trilogy' which brings together the characters who owned and frequented the popular ballroom. Set both in the past and present the colourful characters come to life coupled with a lively entertaining plot! Sheer brilliance! "
— Fionnuala, 2/20/2014 -
" Chick lit - not threatening, non-demanding. Does exactly what it says on the jacket..... It's a quick, easy read. "
— Donna, 2/19/2014 -
" Slower moving than the Tavern and the Tearoom to start, but definitely picks up. Would recommend it, but if you have limited time, read her others first. "
— Gretchen, 1/15/2014 -
" This was fairly standard Irish chick-lit - an enjoyable way to spend a rainy day but I'll have forgotten it by next week. "
— Jo, 1/10/2014 -
" Although this book had a slow start, I found its ordinary telling very appealing. I listened to it and the reader did have a very lilting Irish accent which I think added to the appeal of the book. I liked the generational flow - the broad story of two generations. "
— Gail, 1/8/2014 -
" This was my second book by this author and I found it equally enjoyable. The best word I can use to describe her style is 'sentimental.' The characters are well developed and I could almost feel their emotions. I won't lie. Tears were shed on many a commute. "
— Katie, 12/24/2013 -
" Enjoyed this. It reminded me a lot of Maeve Binchy's novels, both in the setting and the style. "
— Butterflycager, 12/22/2013 -
" I just adore these books. Finished this one, and ready for the next. "
— Lorie, 12/11/2013 -
" Not as good as Teahouse on Mulberry Street, in my opinion, but still a fun read. "
— Becky, 6/14/2013 -
" Not as good as the "Tavern" book. "
— Joan, 5/19/2013 -
" A lovely story about the interlinked lives of the people who visit the Ballroom on Magnolia Street. Sharon Owens has written several novels set in Ireland, filled with unique and realistic characters who create amusing storylines. "
— Rachel, 3/2/2013 -
" Very cute. Cheers to Tana for recommending this book.Made me want chips and Vodka, what Irish book doesn't? The storyline had a little bit of everyhting, from lost loves, to kidnappings, to the drama of sisterhood. Lots of fun for a light read. :) "
— Season, 12/7/2012 -
" This book was just o.k. The ending was better than usual so makes it worthwhile reading. "
— Ellatnaples, 10/8/2012 -
" Disappointed - read the Tea House ages ago and really enjoyed it, found this one slow to get going, with flat, undeveloped characters. "
— Fluffychick, 10/3/2012 -
" This has to be one of my all time favorite books. An adult fairytale! "
— Darla, 9/23/2011 -
" Very quaint as well as her other books! "
— Anya, 9/11/2011 -
" Enjoyed less than The Tea Room, but still an okay read. "
— Lydia, 7/10/2011 -
" A little unusual - slow start that I felt was confusing - but a fun book - good romance - good summer read. "
— Marge, 6/30/2011 -
" Such a sweet book about love, life, and relationships. Set in Belfast, it is a collection of characters who seem real-people with whom you can relate. I was all choked up at the end. "
— Laura, 4/14/2011 -
" Anybody who enjoys Maeve Binchy's books will enjoy this one. The story revolves around the ballroom and the people who frequent it. Quite a cast of characters and fun to read. It an Irish story and I really like the author. "
— Barbara, 1/9/2011 -
" Very quaint as well as her other books! "
— Anya, 12/10/2010 -
" Very cute. Cheers to Tana for recommending this book.Made me want chips and Vodka, what Irish book doesn't? The storyline had a little bit of everyhting, from lost loves, to kidnappings, to the drama of sisterhood. Lots of fun for a light read. :) "
— Season, 1/13/2010 -
" This book was just o.k. The ending was better than usual so makes it worthwhile reading. "
— Ellatnaples, 11/19/2009 -
" A little unusual - slow start that I felt was confusing - but a fun book - good romance - good summer read. "
— Marge, 7/11/2009 -
" Disappointed - read the Tea House ages ago and really enjoyed it, found this one slow to get going, with flat, undeveloped characters. "
— Fluffychick, 1/18/2009 -
" really cute read!the book was really charming and I love that it was set in Belfast. <br/>Adding this author to my list of must reads. "
— Michelle, 10/14/2008 -
" Enjoyed less than The Tea Room, but still an okay read. "
— Lydia, 10/6/2008 -
" My favourite book in 'The Belfast Trilogy' which brings together the characters who owned and frequented the popular ballroom. Set both in the past and present the colourful characters come to life coupled with a lively entertaining plot! Sheer brilliance! "
— Fionnuala, 9/11/2008 -
" This was my second book by this author and I found it equally enjoyable. The best word I can use to describe her style is 'sentimental.' The characters are well developed and I could almost feel their emotions. I won't lie. Tears were shed on many a commute. "
— Katie, 8/4/2008 -
" this book grew on me <br/>it took quite a while to get to the heart of the story <br/>it's a rambling, charming story set in Ireland "
— Christi, 6/25/2008
About Sharon Owens
Sharon Owens is a bestselling author in Ireland.