What do You think about The Ballroom On Magnolia Street (2005)?
Good fun, I like how it's Elaine's local book, I feel like it made it a little more unique. The drama-rama in this book though. Mobsters, love childs, galore. I really can't believe she never told Johnny about their baby. I mean she shoulda said something before leaving him and running back to her old boyfriend. And what makes this chick so desirable??? That was really the only part I didn't like. I loved the young love story between Shirley and what's his face. I read this book awhile ago so can't recall all the names of the character. But what was up with the sister wanting to get married the same time, that shit's fucked up. Jealous bitches!
—Alison
Like Sharon Owens other book The Tea House on Mulberry Street, this is a delightful book. Just lovely really.I happened upon it by chance and enjoyed every minute of reading it. Its a charming tale of love (and lost love) set in Ireland. It brings a sense of nostalgia, and you feel warm inside upon finishing. I read it very quickly and easily, as you tend to do with this kind of book. Its a great way to come down after reading a more serious title I feel. A great holiday read, and akin to watching a British rom-com (you know, that's a good idea...)
—Hannah
I read this book for book club, but it was my choice as I thought the story sounded pretty good and I was not disappointed.It was an ordinary story, nothing really exciting, but cutesy - except for Kate Winters, who drove me a little crazy.Johnny Hogan (nicknamed Hollywood Hogan) owned and ran the Ballroom on Magnolia Street but was lonely. His one true love gave him up 20 years ago when it seemed that he would not marry her, Marion was pregnant so she went back to her former boyfriend Eddy Greenwood and married him.Shirley Winters was smitten with Declan Greenwood but was too shy to speak to him so it was good when she ran into him in a pub on the day her older sister Kate was sacked from her job at the Dole Office.The story was mostly about the Winters sisters but with a few other characters thrown in - it was rather enjoyable.
—Bronwyn Rykiert
