We'll Meet Again

Buckingham #4

by Anton du Beke

London, 1939.

As war is declared once more, a shadow falls over Britain. The staff at the luxurious Buckingham hotel must do all that they can to keep their important guests happy, but behind the scenes they are scared. Away from the glitz and the glamour of the ballroom they must face this new reality.

Newlywed Nancy knows that her brave husband, debonair dancer Raymond de Guise will want to fight for his country and enlist. She loves and supports him but is heartbroken at the thought of them being apart, and the dangers he will face.

With a new hotel manager at the helm, no one knows what the future holds but as fashionable society retreats from London and staff depart to sign up for service, one thing is for certain; life at the Buckingham will never be the same again . . .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, 20th Century, Love

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

Reviews

[Fay Flude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is the fourth book in a series and of course I have not read books 1-3! I read We'll Meet Again courtesy of the publisher, author and Pigeonhole, interested to find out what an Anton du Beke novel was like as I am an avid Strictly viewer (and it is only one of two programmes I watch on the television in an entire year!)
I was pleasantly surprised to discover how the prose flows and not at all surprised that the gentlemanly charm and knowledge of the ballroom waltzes throughout the storyline. As an active avoid-war-stories-my-emotions-can't-cope kind of reader this certainly isn't my usual reading material, and yet the idea of a hotel and all its hard working staff was gently appealing. It wasn't hard at all to fall in love with the characters and find myself hoping and praying for nothing but peace and happiness.
Of course that is unrealistic so We'll Meet Again is a heartfelt story of love, tough decisions, rousing declarations of patriotic pride and ordinary people coming together in dark times as well as those lit by the sparkle and glamour of a dance floor's chandeliers.
Step through the revolving doors of the Buckingham Hotel, or nip in the tradesmen's entrance on Michaelmas Mews , to join those in charge, the ranks of loyal employees and a dance troupe determined to honour all that is good and just in the world.

[Susan Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in the Buckingham series (book 4 of 6), this time following the characters during the early years of WW2, specifically Dunkirk. The beach scenes were particularly descriptive and perhaps because the book is part of a series I felt connected to the characters, both those at war and those waiting at home.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the series and kinda obvious I would like it as had enjoyed the previous 3 and happy to say I did! The characters were all back and this time we join them as the horrors of WW2 are about to start….The Buckingham Hotel however has to go on and go on it does albeit with its own wars and scandals to deal with
Thoroughly enjoyable, again, and by the way the acknowledgements and author letter read ( always cringey with its ‘hello lovelies’ start 😀 ) there will be a Book 5, good, look forward to it

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the next instalment. Listened on audio for the first time. I was swept away.

[Caroline Kerdouci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5⭐️

Strictly speaking this is a book that may well have passed me by. However I confess the lure of the celebrity name gracing the front cover was strong enough for me to take a gamble and whilst I’m not a fan of joining a series midway through I didn’t realise this is book number four until I started reading. Now as many of us know, this author can dance but does his talent on the ballroom floor extend to the written word? Surprisingly it’s not half bad! Let the nation’s favourite ballroom dancer waltz you through the outbreak of war and beyond as Hitler’s advances across Europe threatens to disrupt the lives and shatter the dreams of those working within the dazzling, opulent hotel that is The Buckingham.

Populated with some lovely characters from both the housemaids lounge and the resident dancing ensemble this novel is big on the wartime spirit that saw so many through the bleakest of times. The mentality of soldiering on and making the best of things no matter how dire they become is evident in the way all these characters conduct themselves. Their reactions to the prospect of war may differ and their fears for the future may manifest themselves in a variety of ways but they have one common goal. Divided, their beloved hotel will suffer but united The Buckingham will flourish. So even with the spectre of loss and death hanging over one and all coupled with the shady shenanigans taking place amongst the management team of the hotel, somehow The Buckingham carries on regardless. The hotel doors keep revolving, the housemaids continue to turn down the guests beds, the orchestra strikes up the next tune and yes you’ve guessed it the dancers keep dancing!!

It’s comparatively easy to get swept up in the fortunes and misfortunes of these characters lives, to find yourself hoping for the best but sadly on occasion fearing the worst. It’s also impossible to have a single negative reaction towards the majority of the cast. Like the author himself, they’re just too nice! I loved the camaraderie, the sense of togetherness they have, facing each new crisis with either a laugh and a joke or drying tears over a soothing cup of tea. I particularly liked Mrs Moffat, always on hand to dole out sage advice and proffer a much coveted barley sugar or two! This is a novel where love and pride stand shoulder to shoulder with honour and dignity and in which every effort is made to ensure justice prevails. It sparkles in all the right places, adding a touch of glitz and glamour with the ballroom scenes so that you almost convince yourself these characters could dance the country to victory! We’ll Meet Again is very British, very patriotic, perhaps a touch romanticised in places and a tad repetitive but overall it’s well written. There are some beautifully observed scenes depicting Ray,Artie and Billy’s struggles to reach home shores which really pack an emotional punch. These were a highlight for me in a novel that frankly surpassed my expectations. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did!

It’s a 7 from me!!!

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely offering from Anton du Beke. This wartime story contains an entire cast of characters and their interweaving lives and stories. I felt totally immersed in their lives and world and caught up in the war time drama. I loved their stoical attitudes in the face of the impossible and how music and dance offered an escape. Beautifully told with all the grace of a waltz. #we'llmeetagain #antondubeke #thepigeonholehq

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better than the rest in the series if that’s possible. So sad as it’s set in the wartime but full of emotion and hope. The characters are ones we love and we meet some new ones. I really cried during this and will read the next in the series asap.

[Debbie Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I would recommend reading this and the the other books by Anton Du Beke ask about the lives of those working at the Buckingham Hotel.

[Mags Schofield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this, but found myself a little disappointed.
I'm not sure that the stave format of Pigeonhole suited this book, with it's huge cast of characters. Only eight staves meant that they were very long, and I found myself just skimming some parts.
Multiple storylines trying to weave together, and so many characters meant that I couldn't quite warm to this book.
Thanks to Anton and Pigeonhole.

[Sheila Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline giving an insight into the war years. Very much enjoyed it.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follows on from the previous books set in the Buckingham Hotel but can be read as a stand alone book. It is like meeting up with old friends again and catching up with what has been going on in the lives. War has been declared and changes abound not only for the men leaving to fight but the staff left behind.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters. Just as good as the previous ones.

[Victoria Frow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Enjoyed going back to the wonderful cast of characters who feel so real and catching up on what they are up to. Centered around the start of World War Two it shows how they are dealing with it and the cost it will bring to all their lives. Also don't be deceived by the cover it's not a Christmas book. Thank you Netgalley for the free copy.

[Shelagh Wadman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great storyline set in the Buckingham Hotel situated in London’s Mayfair and following the lives of the people that work there and how they live through the terrors of WW11.

When Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announces that the United Kingdom is at war everything changes for the staff and their families. Young men leave the Hotel to sign up to fight and some of the girls leave to join the Land Army.

I liked how the links made with ballroom dancing were made through the ballroom dancers that were left to carry on dancing for the hotel clients.

Some beautiful writing by Anton particularly the family ties and relationships between the staff at the Hotel.

Thank you for the opportunity to read PH and Anton.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well... we're now at book four in this wonderful series set in and around The Buckingham Hotel in London. If you haven't already read the first three books, you could do yourself a favour and play catch-up prior to diving into this book. It does follow on and I think the characters will come across much better if you do meet them from the start and grow along with them from what has happened in the previous books.
So... we are now approaching the war and find out how that affects both staff and guests at the Buckingham. With young men signing up to fight and aspersions being cast on other members of our wonderfully eclectic cast, there are some that will suffer more than others. As with previous books, this one tugs at your heartstrings and I was torn between wanting & needing to know and not wanting to find out what happens several times along the way. Oh My - all the emotions!
This book and the stories contained herein - I say stories as there are several smaller plots centered around different characters - really do bring the characters more to life than ever. With surprises and shocks along the way as there are certain of them who don't act as you think they might. But then war was a great leveller and did bring out the best in a lot of people. And the worst as you will also find out from some of the shenanigans... Giving us, the readers, the whole spectrum of emotions - the glitz and glamour of the ballroom and the brutal danger of the war. Who will get through and how will it change them. I guess I need to wait for book five to find that out...
As with the first three books, this is well written and also very well researched. Despite the subject matter, it's an easy read, pretty much reads itself off the page. I will, as I have before, indulge myself in a re-listen when I get my hands on the Audiobook. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Jennifer Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 star review

‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Anton Du Beke takes place in London, 1939 when World War II is declared. It follows the lives of Nancy and Raymond, a newly wed couple and an array of different character, all of their lives entwined with the Buckingham Palace, all finding themselves in uncertain times as well as a few other characters who we meet along the way.

As it was set during World War II and was partly featured within the book, I did find some parts really emotional. The book concentrated heavily on how the war had affected everyone in different ways. I loved the characters, Nancy and Raymond who find themselves torn apart because of the war, like so many other families.

The contrast between the glamour of the hotel and the not so glamour of the war was obvious, one is full of beauty and grandeur, one full of horrifying moments and dreams of better times.

His attention to detail was impeccable, he does an amazing job of capturing what the Buckingham Hotel and World War II was like during those times.

His love for dancing really shines through and you can tell he knows his stuff. I didn’t know until about two thirds of the way through the author’s history in dancing and I love how he weaves it into the story through the use of one of the main characters.

I hadn’t read any of the other books before it but you don’t really need to, it works well so that you don’t have to have read the other books.

There was a few times my attention did falter, I think it was more to do with his writing style though which sadly I don’t think was for me.

With characters you can fall for and highly detailed settings, I’d definitely recommend this one if you like historical fiction with dancing!

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely series this is. I easily waltzed back into the lives of the people who worked at the Buckingham Hotel in Mayfair. But for the chambermaids to the dancers that entertained the guests, everything was about to change as the country needed its able-bodied men to take up arms and fight in the war against Germany. The Buckingham would say goodbye to some of them, as they wouldn’t all be coming home.

Because so many men had gone to war, the women had to do more than they had ever before. Courage takes on my disguises when the reputation of the Buckingham is compromised.

The characters have never felt more real than they do in this story. It is in the latter part of the book that a glimpse of the war takes place. The evacuation of British troops at Dunkirk and heartbreaking scenes made for tearful reading as some of the stories are told.

The war affected so many people in different ways. It at times caused problems among the staff, because they did not know how to deal with loved ones being away. Like most families, and they were a family, when it came down to it, they would be there for each other always. A beautifully written story of characters that I have grown to know and love.

I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

My introduction to The Buckingham Hotel and Anton du Bekes novels.  Although not his first novel based on The Buckingham, it didn’t detract and  I wouldn’t have known if someone hadn’t told me. I had no idea what I was expecting, however I should have realised that someone as polished and professional as Anton would do nothing but provide the reader with a first class read.

I loved the way he brings his love of dancing in as the main focus to start with and then with the beginning of WWII how it then becomes jeopardized as the staff and dancers go off to war but still runs right through the book. This was exceptionally well written and being a dancer myself, I could imagine myself in the ballroom with my flouncy dresses on and gliding around the ballroom. Outfits then were nowhere as daring as they are today.

Characterization was excellent and so believable. As we heard of people’s deaths I cried and for those who returned I cried, such was the writing. I will definitely read his other three books. If you enjoy a little history and glamour this is the book for you. This would make an excellent film. Thank you Pigeonhole and Anton du Beke for a superb book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 of the 6 book Buckingham series:
One Enchanted Evening,
Moonlight Over Mayfair,
A Christmas to Remember,
We'll Meet Again,
The Ballroom Blitz
The Paris Affair

Set during the years of the Second World War, the series tells the tales of members of staff at The Buckingham Hotel in Mayfair.
From Chamber maid to Concierge, from kitchen staff to the famous dancers who entertain guests in the Grand Ballroom, the stories are as enchanting as Mr du Beke himself.

Raymond de Guise, the ballroom's debonair dancer, must do his duty and sign up to join the war effort, leaving his new wife Nancy behind.
There's a new manager at The Buckingham Hotel. Changes are coming for the staff and guests, and the beginning of war puts them all at risk.

I'm hooked on these novels. Each one is different but equally delightful. Easy reading, hard to put down.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year was a long time to wait to read the follow up to A Christmas to Remember but it was worth it. It did take me longer than usual to read this book but i think deep down I was making it last as long as possible. It was fantastic to catch up with the characters I've grown so fond of and to be introduced to new ones. There is still the glitz and glamour of the Great Ballroom but there are also the harsh realities of the early days of World War 2. It was pretty heart breaking. We'll meet again really is a brilliant read. I'm already looking forward to the fifth instalment. Long may the Buckingham reign.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Linda O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. This is the fourth book in this series, about the lives of the staff & guests of The Buckingham Hotel, in London.
Not only is Anton an accomplished dancer, he's also a good writer.
This storyline focuses on the beginning of the second world war, from September 1939 to July 1940 & how it affects the hotel & lives of the staff.
Always we are drawn into the ballroom, which is a major feature of the storylines.
Lord Edgerton, the head of the board of directors, is being his normal pompous self & as usual running the show. Nobody really likes him, but nobody has the bottle to stand up to him. However, he does have to eventually answer some rather difficult questions. Hurrah!
Can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been such a joy to read, this is book 4 in the series and it was lovely to be back in the story with all the characters again. Absolutely perfect!

This story is based on London 1939 and the world is on the brink of war. The staff at the Buckingham hotel must go on as normal and keep the guests happy but behind the scenes they are all scared of what is to come. The Buckingham hotel will never be the same again.
Nancy knows that her husband Raymond will want to go and fight in the war as much as she will miss him she knows she will be supportive.

Such a lovely and yet emotional book highly recommend.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre, but as it was available on the Pigeonhole I decided to give it a go.
It was daunting to see the first two pages were a list of the characters in the book, and it did take a good chunk of the first stave (book was split into 8 sections or staves) to get my head around them all. Once I did this was an enjoyable read. The characters were all well done, made me emotional invested in them.
The final stave, based around the Dunkirk evacuation and the preparation of what lay ahead was very emotional to read.
Was a good contrast read from my usual (thriller) books, if you like this genre you will enjoy this.
With thanks tothe author and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.

[Julie Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engagingly written and emotional story featuring characters all linked in some way to the Buckingham Hotel. Dance and the ballroom is woven naturally throughout the story without being forced in any way. It is a character driven story taking place with the backdrop of the war. I read this on Pigeonhole without having read the previous books and didn’t find that to be a problem at all, it works as a standalone story. Having said that it has inspired me to catch up with the previous ones in the series so I now have two of them in my ‘to be read’ pile! Lovely book which I think should have wide appeal.

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel at a slight disadvantage here as I haven’t read the first books in this series and so was not really invested in the characters. I see from other reviews that people love this series and are deeply invested in the families and events of the Buckingham Hotel.
For my part this was an undemanding read, with recognisable tropes and a certain old-fashioned charm. I can see why it appeals, but I just wasn’t very excited about it. Good for Anton though. He clearly has a way with words (no idea if he has a ghostwriter) and has found a lovely corner of the market to sit in.
Nice, nothing to offend, but this just wasn’t for me.
Read with The Pigeonhole.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combining the glamour of the ballroom with the horror of the beaches of Dunkirk, this thoroughly engaging story set mainly in a luxury hotel had me in a whirl! 💃 It’s the fourth in the Buckingham Hotel series of books and although I haven’t read the previous three, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment. I thought it was well written and captivating with a remarkable array of fascinating characters. There are some serious threads running through it but there are also moments of pizazz and excitement. I do intend to go back and read the earlier books. All in all a surprisingly delightful read which did bring a tear to my eye.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ll meet again by Anton du Beke is a surprisingly good read and I enjoyed reading this book enormously. I have not read any of the author’s books before but will certainly be reading more of his books.
The characters were very clearly defined and as the war moved on and the brothers were left at Dunkirk, it was a very emotional story. So many of the characters came to life with Anton’s writing and the scenery, whether it was the hotel, the ballroom, Dunkirk all became very real.
Highly recommended

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! The fourth in the series, and although I'd only read the first one so I'd got a bit to catch up on having missed books 2 and 3, it really didn't take too long to get thoroughly into where and who the characters were. It's set at the beginning of the second World War, and tells of the trauma of signing up, the sadness of those left at home, all manner of happinesses, and how the Buckingham Hotel fares during war time.
I really enjoyed the story, thanks to Pigeonhole for the chance to read it.

[Agata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fourth book in the series of the great Buckingham ballroom series. As always it reads beautifully and the story entices its readers with glamour, dance and their beloved characters.

There’s definitely a more serious and poignant feel to the novel, in comparison to the previous ones, as it’s set at the break of the Second World War. Every character experiences those traumatic events differently and as a loyal follower of their lives it’s captivating to find out what the war stricken reality holds for them.

[Ceri Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Will definitely be reading more by Mr DuBeke! I didn’t even realise he had written so many books.

I became incredibly invested in the characters as the story went on; the journey they were taking with each having their own story to tell. Some were likeable ( the sweet Frank Nettleton) to the not so likeable ( the horrid Lord Edgerton) . I found myself walking through the Buckingham Hotel and taking a turn on the beautiful ballroom dance floor in the arms of Mr De Guise. The story definitely gave me Downton vibes. It was such a lovely read.