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Buckingham #5
The Ballroom Blitz
The stunning new Buckingham novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Anton Du Beke.
September 1940. As the skies split apart and bombs rain down on London, it's all the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel can do to keep their guests in the luxury they're accustomed to, and evoke the magic of the Grand ballroom for them each night.
Home on leave and still reeling from the tragic events at Dunkirk, the dashing Raymond de Guise struggles to define his role in this new world, and to do his duty both to his country, and his beloved wife Nancy- who needs him now more than ever.
With profiteers skulking the London streets, and devious rivals plotting the Buckingham's downfall, the hotel staff must all hold onto what matters most- and decide where their loyalties truly lie.
As the bombing intensifies and Christmas fast approaches, somehow the show must go on...
September 1940. As the skies split apart and bombs rain down on London, it's all the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel can do to keep their guests in the luxury they're accustomed to, and evoke the magic of the Grand ballroom for them each night.
Home on leave and still reeling from the tragic events at Dunkirk, the dashing Raymond de Guise struggles to define his role in this new world, and to do his duty both to his country, and his beloved wife Nancy- who needs him now more than ever.
With profiteers skulking the London streets, and devious rivals plotting the Buckingham's downfall, the hotel staff must all hold onto what matters most- and decide where their loyalties truly lie.
As the bombing intensifies and Christmas fast approaches, somehow the show must go on...
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
95 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 30, 2023
Review of other edition. Hardcover but cannot get the pic to change. Much better cover on the version I had than this.
As bombs rain down on London in 1940, those employed by the well renowned Buckingham Hotel, do what they can to ensure their guests are kept comfortable. Their usual luxuries are attended to and each night staff and dancers evoke the magic of the Grand Ballroom. Raymond DeGuise is home after the horror of Dunkirk where his brother died. Nancy, Raymond’s wife, wants his company but he spends most nights while on leave helping out with the fire watchers, along with other men and Cathy whose fiancé died at Dunkirk. Nancy understands Raymond wants to do what he can while home but she needs him now more than ever
From its beautiful cover on the hardcover edition I had this story pulled me into the glamour of the Buckingham, the ballroom and dancing, along with the horror of the war. It took a little while to familiarise myself with the characters as there are a number and I had not read the earlier books in the Buckingham Hotel series. There are several stories of staff being related and so events move from one perspective to another. Along with community spirit and people pulling together there are those out to to take advantage of the system and feather their own nests. In the end each person must decide where their loyalties and responsibility lies. A wrong choice could cost reputations and perhaps lives?
I found this an engaging read. Setting and conditions were brilliantly conveyed and the story mostly moves along at a good pace.
As bombs rain down on London in 1940, those employed by the well renowned Buckingham Hotel, do what they can to ensure their guests are kept comfortable. Their usual luxuries are attended to and each night staff and dancers evoke the magic of the Grand Ballroom. Raymond DeGuise is home after the horror of Dunkirk where his brother died. Nancy, Raymond’s wife, wants his company but he spends most nights while on leave helping out with the fire watchers, along with other men and Cathy whose fiancé died at Dunkirk. Nancy understands Raymond wants to do what he can while home but she needs him now more than ever
From its beautiful cover on the hardcover edition I had this story pulled me into the glamour of the Buckingham, the ballroom and dancing, along with the horror of the war. It took a little while to familiarise myself with the characters as there are a number and I had not read the earlier books in the Buckingham Hotel series. There are several stories of staff being related and so events move from one perspective to another. Along with community spirit and people pulling together there are those out to to take advantage of the system and feather their own nests. In the end each person must decide where their loyalties and responsibility lies. A wrong choice could cost reputations and perhaps lives?
I found this an engaging read. Setting and conditions were brilliantly conveyed and the story mostly moves along at a good pace.
April 24, 2023
Book 5 in the Buckingham Hotel series and could be the last as ADB has a new series ( Book 1 just been published )
I know there’s been debate on who writes these books, how much input ADB has etc but honestly, I don’t care,if someone does help write them then they are doing a brilliant job, loved this book as have the previous 4
Interesting this book tackles some serious issues in (almost) stalking due to bereavement, realities of war, bribery and corruption and even meanders down the path of inequality, quite surprised but well handled and added a darker side to the series which hasn’t really been there before
Just superb books that I really have loved and funny thing is not watched SCD for about 10 years! 😎
I know there’s been debate on who writes these books, how much input ADB has etc but honestly, I don’t care,if someone does help write them then they are doing a brilliant job, loved this book as have the previous 4
Interesting this book tackles some serious issues in (almost) stalking due to bereavement, realities of war, bribery and corruption and even meanders down the path of inequality, quite surprised but well handled and added a darker side to the series which hasn’t really been there before
Just superb books that I really have loved and funny thing is not watched SCD for about 10 years! 😎
January 27, 2023
Many thanks to Netgalley and Orion publishing for an ebook copy The Ballroom Blitz for review.
Spoiler free review!
My first Anton du Beke book, who is always being recommended to me by my cousin. Yes this is book 5 of the Buckingham series, but you do not need to have read any of the others to delve in and enjoy this book.
It took me a chapter or three to settle into this novel, there are a lot of characters to familiarise yourself with. But if you've read the previous books you won't have that settling in feeling.
I was totally absorbed by the 1940's setting, the novels main focus is the Buckingham Hotel, London.
With it's fabulous ballroom, its professional dancers and musicians. You really felt the glamour. But, I equally enjoyed the goings on of life in the post room or housekeeping. That mix of society along with life outside of the hotel during word war II, it really gave depth to the historical setting of this book. It really did make me want to find out more detail of the characters back stories, so I can see myself reading the previous books in the series. I can not wait for the next one.
It's a fair read at 480 pages, but when a story is this enjoyable who wants it to stop. Very happy to recommend this historical fiction book.
Spoiler free review!
My first Anton du Beke book, who is always being recommended to me by my cousin. Yes this is book 5 of the Buckingham series, but you do not need to have read any of the others to delve in and enjoy this book.
It took me a chapter or three to settle into this novel, there are a lot of characters to familiarise yourself with. But if you've read the previous books you won't have that settling in feeling.
I was totally absorbed by the 1940's setting, the novels main focus is the Buckingham Hotel, London.
With it's fabulous ballroom, its professional dancers and musicians. You really felt the glamour. But, I equally enjoyed the goings on of life in the post room or housekeeping. That mix of society along with life outside of the hotel during word war II, it really gave depth to the historical setting of this book. It really did make me want to find out more detail of the characters back stories, so I can see myself reading the previous books in the series. I can not wait for the next one.
It's a fair read at 480 pages, but when a story is this enjoyable who wants it to stop. Very happy to recommend this historical fiction book.
October 10, 2022
The members of staff at The Buckingham Hotel, London are carrying on as normal for all the guests staying there.
It’s September 1940 and with bombs raining down every night, the staff do a magnificent job of keeping the guests happy, even if it’s down in the bunkers.
Billy Brogan is working the post room and hopes he has finally found love.
Raymond De Guise is home on leave from Dunkirk and is so busy helping out elsewhere, he’s not striking the right balance with his wife, Nancy.
It was lovely to be back at The Buckingham Hotel with all the glitz and glamour. I enjoyed seeing new as well as old characters.
I love the author’s style of writing, I felt as though I was there in the ballroom, watching the dancing and at the other end of the scale, I could feel the fear of the unstable place that England was and the trepidation of the characters with the regular bombings.
I do hope the author doesn’t stop at this book and writes more in this series as they are such good stories.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s September 1940 and with bombs raining down every night, the staff do a magnificent job of keeping the guests happy, even if it’s down in the bunkers.
Billy Brogan is working the post room and hopes he has finally found love.
Raymond De Guise is home on leave from Dunkirk and is so busy helping out elsewhere, he’s not striking the right balance with his wife, Nancy.
It was lovely to be back at The Buckingham Hotel with all the glitz and glamour. I enjoyed seeing new as well as old characters.
I love the author’s style of writing, I felt as though I was there in the ballroom, watching the dancing and at the other end of the scale, I could feel the fear of the unstable place that England was and the trepidation of the characters with the regular bombings.
I do hope the author doesn’t stop at this book and writes more in this series as they are such good stories.
My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2022
My first experience of an Anton du Beke novel & the author’s voice shines through loud and clear. It’s a glitzy, & at times dramatic, romp through blitz-torn London in 1940 & specifically through The Grand Hotel.
To be honest it took me a good few chapters to get into it as there are ALOT of characters to get your head around (thankfully a character list is included) but once you’ve got them sorted you really start to care for them. There are four main plot lines but one timeline so it is not too complicated to follow. The buzz surrounding the hotel ballroom & the author’s inside knowledge of the dancing world really helps build the atmosphere & I suspect many characters may be based on real ones….I particularly loved the final climatic few chapters. All lose ends neatly tied makes for a great wartime read. Take a bow Mr Du Beke!
To be honest it took me a good few chapters to get into it as there are ALOT of characters to get your head around (thankfully a character list is included) but once you’ve got them sorted you really start to care for them. There are four main plot lines but one timeline so it is not too complicated to follow. The buzz surrounding the hotel ballroom & the author’s inside knowledge of the dancing world really helps build the atmosphere & I suspect many characters may be based on real ones….I particularly loved the final climatic few chapters. All lose ends neatly tied makes for a great wartime read. Take a bow Mr Du Beke!
November 21, 2022
Unfortunately I was only able to give this book 3 stars because it was edited so badly that I almost couldn't read it. Apart from 'there' instead of 'their' and 'it' instead of 'it's ' every age had word or words removed from the correct place and put in several lines above where they should be. This completely ruined the flow of the words and made it difficult to read and enjoy.
The story is of Raymond Du Guise, who in 1940 is home from the war for a spell having injured himself. He was the toast of the Buckingham Hotel's Grand Ballroom, and is going to host One Grant Night to raise much needed money for the war effort. However, Raymond is driven, after the death of his brother, to go out every night to help on the streets with the ARP going to bombed out areas and tackling fires. His wife Nancy is not happy as she is carrying his baby and is concerned she will end up a widow.
Add to the mix some war profiteering, some love found in old age, someone brought to madness by war's losses, and it would have been quite a good story if it wasn't for the editing.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
The story is of Raymond Du Guise, who in 1940 is home from the war for a spell having injured himself. He was the toast of the Buckingham Hotel's Grand Ballroom, and is going to host One Grant Night to raise much needed money for the war effort. However, Raymond is driven, after the death of his brother, to go out every night to help on the streets with the ARP going to bombed out areas and tackling fires. His wife Nancy is not happy as she is carrying his baby and is concerned she will end up a widow.
Add to the mix some war profiteering, some love found in old age, someone brought to madness by war's losses, and it would have been quite a good story if it wasn't for the editing.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
November 21, 2022
Unfortunately I was only able to give this book 3 stars because it was edited so badly that I almost couldn't read it. Apart from 'there' instead of 'their' and 'it' instead of 'it's ' every age had word or words removed from the correct place and put in several lines above where they should be. This completely ruined the flow of the words and made it difficult to read and enjoy.
The story is of Raymond Du Guise, who in 1940 is home from the war for a spell having injured himself. He was the toast of the Buckingham Hotel's Grand Ballroom, and is going to host One Grant Night to raise much needed money for the war effort. However, Raymond is driven, after the death of his brother, to go out every night to help on the streets with the ARP going to bombed out areas and tackling fires. His wife Nancy is not happy as she is carrying his baby and is concerned she will end up a widow.
Add to the mix some war profiteering, some love found in old age, someone brought to madness by war's losses, and it would have been quite a good story if it wasn't for the editing.
The story is of Raymond Du Guise, who in 1940 is home from the war for a spell having injured himself. He was the toast of the Buckingham Hotel's Grand Ballroom, and is going to host One Grant Night to raise much needed money for the war effort. However, Raymond is driven, after the death of his brother, to go out every night to help on the streets with the ARP going to bombed out areas and tackling fires. His wife Nancy is not happy as she is carrying his baby and is concerned she will end up a widow.
Add to the mix some war profiteering, some love found in old age, someone brought to madness by war's losses, and it would have been quite a good story if it wasn't for the editing.
September 25, 2022
What an enchanting story! I was immediately swept up into the glamour of the ballroom and the dramas of London wartime during the blitz. Where uncertainty, terror and strength were constant fellows but the good people of the Buckingham Hotel maintain their camaraderie and spirit in the face of it all. It was a beaut of a read.
I’ve never read any of the series so far (a mistake I intend to rectify stat! I loved this one so much, I immediately went out and bought the one set before this and am making my mission to get all the others in this series too!). Anton is sure an absolute natural writer and one where you effortlessly slip into the times and story he has created. It was a fantastically written historical fiction and I loved it from start to finish.
I loved getting to know the characters and despite not having read the others, it didn’t hinder me too much. He did a fab job of bringing me up to speed with anything that may have happened in the previous books and my enjoyment wasn’t hampered. Although I can’t wait to read the others now! I can’t get enough of this setting.
With the fearless Raymond de Guise and his (poor suffering) wife Nancy, Vivienne who is left holding the baby and reeling from the events of Dunkirk. Billy Brogan who finds himself in somewhat of a pickle, and his sister Annie begins her employment at the Grand.
The lovable Mrs Moffatt tackles her own affairs of the heart and hints of scandal sweep into the ballroom. Whats more to want? It had sparkle, intrigue and entertainment from start to finish.
It was a beautiful book and one no doubt, I will certainly reread again in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I’ve never read any of the series so far (a mistake I intend to rectify stat! I loved this one so much, I immediately went out and bought the one set before this and am making my mission to get all the others in this series too!). Anton is sure an absolute natural writer and one where you effortlessly slip into the times and story he has created. It was a fantastically written historical fiction and I loved it from start to finish.
I loved getting to know the characters and despite not having read the others, it didn’t hinder me too much. He did a fab job of bringing me up to speed with anything that may have happened in the previous books and my enjoyment wasn’t hampered. Although I can’t wait to read the others now! I can’t get enough of this setting.
With the fearless Raymond de Guise and his (poor suffering) wife Nancy, Vivienne who is left holding the baby and reeling from the events of Dunkirk. Billy Brogan who finds himself in somewhat of a pickle, and his sister Annie begins her employment at the Grand.
The lovable Mrs Moffatt tackles her own affairs of the heart and hints of scandal sweep into the ballroom. Whats more to want? It had sparkle, intrigue and entertainment from start to finish.
It was a beautiful book and one no doubt, I will certainly reread again in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
February 4, 2023
Sometimes it takes time for someone to find their groove and get going, it happens to the best of us. Thought this was very much the case for this book and the series generally.
I thought books one to four were very average to slightly above average. However, the process for writing this book was clearly different and the stylistic differences made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I thought books one to four were very average to slightly above average. However, the process for writing this book was clearly different and the stylistic differences made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
February 6, 2023
Another heart-warming story of the Buckingham Hotel and its staff. You can really hear Anton's voice coming through.
March 30, 2024
Book 5 of 6 in the Buckingham series, the war has progressed to the London Blitz and I felt the descriptions of the nightly raids were illustrative, but also heartening to see the hotel try to carry on with business as usual despite the war happening right outside.
July 24, 2024
Least favourite to the extent I listened to first 11 chapters then jumped to final three. Found this book dark and depressing. Aware that during WWII so expected to be sombre. However I lost connection with characters I have really enjoyed in previous books. Here is hoping next book is lighter.
May 23, 2025
Loved this book! Very well written and beautifully British!! FYI Cathy is so annoying
May 2, 2024
Very descriptive book, and quite harrowing in places. Great writing by Anton.
March 10, 2023
Took me a while to get into this but once I did I enjoyed it and felt all loose ends were tied up nicely ready for book one of Antons new series to start.
May 9, 2024
Another enjoyable one in the series
January 15, 2024
Finally managed to finish this on my kindle. It was a good book. On to the next one.
September 15, 2024
this book was entertaining and I loved anton,s writing in this book I felt I was connected to the book in a way that I was transported to the world of when the world war 2 started I felt so on the edge reading it I loved that it shown women that they have been portrayed in a book before some books have been foucused on men for a while and they may feel like they are the boss . but this book shown that men and women are treated with respect I have put the book on hold because I felt tense when reading it .
March 5, 2023
Another brilliant book by Anton.
This is book 5 in this series & it's still going strong.
I know he's started writing a different series, so I hope I don't have to wait too long for another Buckingham Hotel book. I love them. The characters are real to life & the storylines are good.
It's 1940 & the war is still raging.
Raymond de Guise is still at home recovering from his injuries at Dunkirk, but he's restless & joins the ARP, although he's not really healed enough to do anything, but he feels useless doing something to help the war effort.
His wife Nancy is concerned & would like him to be at home in the evenings & in the fallout shelter with her. Rather than her be alone,worry about him & get little sleep. But he won't hear of it.
She also has a surprise of her own.
Billy Brogan, who got injured at Dunkirk & can no longer fight for his country,due to his crippled leg, has returned to the post room at The Buckingham Hotel. However, he ends up with a dilemma he has to sort out, which involves his girlfriend's, uncle Ken. NOT SAYING MORE SO I DONT SPOIL IT.
Billy's sister Annie, comes back home from the countryside, where she was evacuated. Billy manages to get her a job at the hotel, in housekeeping, but it doesn't all go according to plan. Vivienne, Raymond's sister-in-law, is still coming to terms with Artie's death & trying to be a good mother.
Mrs Moffat, head of housekeeping, is still pursuing her friendship with Archie Adams, the pianist & band leader at the hotel They are getting on really well & enjoy afternoon teas together.
She gets to see her son Malcolm, now & again, as he's a pilot in the Australian airforce & flies over London trying to keep the enemy at bay.
There"s the usual goings on at the hotel. Royalty from other countries are flocking there for the duration of the war, so the hotel manages to keep busy.
Other hotels in London are not happy, especially The Imperial, that the Buckingham has got the lion's share of hotel trade, & are going out of their way to try to grab trade from them, by any under-handed means possible.
I look forward to the next book in this series & I'm sure Antons' new series will be just as good as this one.
This is book 5 in this series & it's still going strong.
I know he's started writing a different series, so I hope I don't have to wait too long for another Buckingham Hotel book. I love them. The characters are real to life & the storylines are good.
It's 1940 & the war is still raging.
Raymond de Guise is still at home recovering from his injuries at Dunkirk, but he's restless & joins the ARP, although he's not really healed enough to do anything, but he feels useless doing something to help the war effort.
His wife Nancy is concerned & would like him to be at home in the evenings & in the fallout shelter with her. Rather than her be alone,worry about him & get little sleep. But he won't hear of it.
She also has a surprise of her own.
Billy Brogan, who got injured at Dunkirk & can no longer fight for his country,due to his crippled leg, has returned to the post room at The Buckingham Hotel. However, he ends up with a dilemma he has to sort out, which involves his girlfriend's, uncle Ken. NOT SAYING MORE SO I DONT SPOIL IT.
Billy's sister Annie, comes back home from the countryside, where she was evacuated. Billy manages to get her a job at the hotel, in housekeeping, but it doesn't all go according to plan. Vivienne, Raymond's sister-in-law, is still coming to terms with Artie's death & trying to be a good mother.
Mrs Moffat, head of housekeeping, is still pursuing her friendship with Archie Adams, the pianist & band leader at the hotel They are getting on really well & enjoy afternoon teas together.
She gets to see her son Malcolm, now & again, as he's a pilot in the Australian airforce & flies over London trying to keep the enemy at bay.
There"s the usual goings on at the hotel. Royalty from other countries are flocking there for the duration of the war, so the hotel manages to keep busy.
Other hotels in London are not happy, especially The Imperial, that the Buckingham has got the lion's share of hotel trade, & are going out of their way to try to grab trade from them, by any under-handed means possible.
I look forward to the next book in this series & I'm sure Antons' new series will be just as good as this one.
October 17, 2022
✨𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒛✨
𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒃:
September 1940. As the skies split apart and bombs rain down on London, it's all the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel can do to keep their guests in the luxury they're accustomed to, and evoke the magic of the Grand ballroom for them each night. Home on leave and still reeling from the tragic events at Dunkirk, the dashing Raymond de Guise struggles to define his role in this new world, and to do his duty both to his country, and his beloved wife Nancy- who needs him now more than ever. With profiteers skulking the London streets, and devious rivals plotting the Buckingham's downfall, the hotel staff must all hold onto what matters most- and decide where their loyalties lie. As the bombing intensifies and Christmas fast approaches, somehow the show must go on...
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This was my first introduction to Anton Du Beke’s writing, having normally been accustomed to watching him on my television screen during the Autumn months dancing and judging away, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Surprised not only by the rich storytelling but by the way Du Beke’s charming writing is filled with glorious characters who you can’t help but feel emotion for.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Ballroom Blitz, especially its vivid descriptions and various settings. From the glamour of the ballroom with Archie Adam’s music playing for all the guests to enjoy, whilst watching the enchanting seasoned dancers of the Buckingham Hotel waltz away, versus the harsh juxtaposition of outside the hotel doors, where the war ridden streets of London awaits full of looters, air raid sirens, bombs and last but especially not least the brave volunteers for the war effort.
Although I haven’t read the prequels to this book I still felt as though I could pick it up and follow the story without feeling muddled, though that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t mind reading the start of Raymond De Guise’s, Nancy’s as well as the other staff members stories.
Thank you @orionbooks and @mrantondubeke for my advanced reader copy. The Ballroom Blitz is out now ✨
𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒃:
September 1940. As the skies split apart and bombs rain down on London, it's all the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel can do to keep their guests in the luxury they're accustomed to, and evoke the magic of the Grand ballroom for them each night. Home on leave and still reeling from the tragic events at Dunkirk, the dashing Raymond de Guise struggles to define his role in this new world, and to do his duty both to his country, and his beloved wife Nancy- who needs him now more than ever. With profiteers skulking the London streets, and devious rivals plotting the Buckingham's downfall, the hotel staff must all hold onto what matters most- and decide where their loyalties lie. As the bombing intensifies and Christmas fast approaches, somehow the show must go on...
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This was my first introduction to Anton Du Beke’s writing, having normally been accustomed to watching him on my television screen during the Autumn months dancing and judging away, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Surprised not only by the rich storytelling but by the way Du Beke’s charming writing is filled with glorious characters who you can’t help but feel emotion for.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Ballroom Blitz, especially its vivid descriptions and various settings. From the glamour of the ballroom with Archie Adam’s music playing for all the guests to enjoy, whilst watching the enchanting seasoned dancers of the Buckingham Hotel waltz away, versus the harsh juxtaposition of outside the hotel doors, where the war ridden streets of London awaits full of looters, air raid sirens, bombs and last but especially not least the brave volunteers for the war effort.
Although I haven’t read the prequels to this book I still felt as though I could pick it up and follow the story without feeling muddled, though that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t mind reading the start of Raymond De Guise’s, Nancy’s as well as the other staff members stories.
Thank you @orionbooks and @mrantondubeke for my advanced reader copy. The Ballroom Blitz is out now ✨
October 12, 2022
I blooming LOVE this series, now on the fifth book. Do yourself a favour, if you haven't already and go back and start from book one and read in order. There is a LOT going on and you will enjoy the series best if you do that!
So... we are now right slap bang in the middle of the war. 1940. The Buckingham Hotel is a haven for waifs and strays - posh ones, wealthy ones, exiled ones, and the staff, thinned down as you would expect, are still expected to maintain the luxury they guests demand, including the Grand Ballroom.
Outside the hotel, London is also suffering. Not only from the real evil enemy and their bombings, but also closer to home from looters and profiteers. Raymond de Guise, home on leave and still affected by the death of his brother, is desperate to help so he joins a night watch. Helping him find his feet there is Cathy who has her own troubles which we soon discover.
And then there's Nancy, holding the fort at the Buckingham, promoted now and trying to juggle work and what is going on with Raymond. We also catch up with Billy Brogan who gets himself in a bit of a pickle, and Mrs Moffat who makes a decision. The gang is definitely all here, even Helene pops back. But I won't spoil things for you, I will just say that the author definitely puts both his readers and his characters through quite a lot in this book. I was proper exhausted when I finished. Heart in my mouth a few times along the way, I can tell you. But, as I was approaching the end, I had my own dilemma. I really, really NEEDED to know what happened. But, at the same time, knew that the end of the book also marked me having to say goodbye to the characters again for a while. Characters who I have grown to know and love during our 5 books together. Ones I am going to miss until next time...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... we are now right slap bang in the middle of the war. 1940. The Buckingham Hotel is a haven for waifs and strays - posh ones, wealthy ones, exiled ones, and the staff, thinned down as you would expect, are still expected to maintain the luxury they guests demand, including the Grand Ballroom.
Outside the hotel, London is also suffering. Not only from the real evil enemy and their bombings, but also closer to home from looters and profiteers. Raymond de Guise, home on leave and still affected by the death of his brother, is desperate to help so he joins a night watch. Helping him find his feet there is Cathy who has her own troubles which we soon discover.
And then there's Nancy, holding the fort at the Buckingham, promoted now and trying to juggle work and what is going on with Raymond. We also catch up with Billy Brogan who gets himself in a bit of a pickle, and Mrs Moffat who makes a decision. The gang is definitely all here, even Helene pops back. But I won't spoil things for you, I will just say that the author definitely puts both his readers and his characters through quite a lot in this book. I was proper exhausted when I finished. Heart in my mouth a few times along the way, I can tell you. But, as I was approaching the end, I had my own dilemma. I really, really NEEDED to know what happened. But, at the same time, knew that the end of the book also marked me having to say goodbye to the characters again for a while. Characters who I have grown to know and love during our 5 books together. Ones I am going to miss until next time...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 4, 2024
I have been looking out for Anton du Beke's books for my Mum and, of course, decided to read it before passing it on. I gather I am starting on book five of a series - thank you, Goodreads, for the heads up!
The book didn't immediately grab me; there were so many strands to pick up, with multiple storylines to follow. I could imagine this book being turned into a whole television series. There was a lot packed in. As I got into it it began to gather momentum so that I continued to read it until the end. The book finished by tying many storylines up in a very satisfying ways.
If you're looking for great literature, this isn't for you. Nonetheless, it reflects the realities of London on World War II with what seemed to me to be both historical and psychological accuracy. I imagine it to be written by ghost-writers (just a guess) and still, the book leveraged du Beke's experience as a dancer well throughout.
I have a second book by du Beke to read and I will certainly read it, maybe even next, whilst I'm on a roll. I will ask my mother how much she enjoyed these books before buying any more.
The book didn't immediately grab me; there were so many strands to pick up, with multiple storylines to follow. I could imagine this book being turned into a whole television series. There was a lot packed in. As I got into it it began to gather momentum so that I continued to read it until the end. The book finished by tying many storylines up in a very satisfying ways.
If you're looking for great literature, this isn't for you. Nonetheless, it reflects the realities of London on World War II with what seemed to me to be both historical and psychological accuracy. I imagine it to be written by ghost-writers (just a guess) and still, the book leveraged du Beke's experience as a dancer well throughout.
I have a second book by du Beke to read and I will certainly read it, maybe even next, whilst I'm on a roll. I will ask my mother how much she enjoyed these books before buying any more.
October 11, 2022
We're back to glitzy Mayfair and the Blitz is in full swing. Raymond de Guise is temporarily back in London after surviving Dunkirk. Hi brother, Artie, was not so lucky.
To feel that he is still doing something for the war effort, he decides to join the ARP and spends his evenings going towards the bombed areas rather than running away from them. Nancy is left at home, so they don't see much of each other.
Life goes on at the hotel, Nancy's brother Frank is with the dance troupe. Billy is also back from the war after being injured at Dunkirk and is running the post room.. His budding romance with Marie Lou causes him all sorts of problems,, not just the romantic kind.
The Hotel faces the threat, not only from the war, but from the other hotels trying to poach their customers and discredit the hotel. As usual they approach a member of the team who they feel might be a weak link and easily exploited......
I've loved reading this series.
To feel that he is still doing something for the war effort, he decides to join the ARP and spends his evenings going towards the bombed areas rather than running away from them. Nancy is left at home, so they don't see much of each other.
Life goes on at the hotel, Nancy's brother Frank is with the dance troupe. Billy is also back from the war after being injured at Dunkirk and is running the post room.. His budding romance with Marie Lou causes him all sorts of problems,, not just the romantic kind.
The Hotel faces the threat, not only from the war, but from the other hotels trying to poach their customers and discredit the hotel. As usual they approach a member of the team who they feel might be a weak link and easily exploited......
I've loved reading this series.
March 15, 2023
I have really enjoyed this books and this series from Anton Du Beke. It's been fascinating seeing the characters grow over the 5 books and if this is to be the last book in this series then it's come to a fairly satisfying conclusion. There are a few new characters to this book and actually overall there are lots of characters to keep track of however there is a helpful page of the characters' names and who they are at the beginning of the book which you can refer to and wish more authors would do this. The book only lost a star for me because I felt the repetition of full names of characters was unnecessary and a little inconsistent. I also would have liked one more chapter on Raymond and Nancy starting the next part of their lives together but hopefully this has been saved for another book! Overall I have enjoyed this series and I have already bought the next book from this author for his next series.
October 13, 2025
I was surprised to see a book by Anton on the village hall book swap shelf, despite the fact I’ve watched Strictly from the start. And I wasn’t tempted to pick up, so it sat there for a while. It was only when a reading theme of music and dance that I considered it, as I have very little at have that fits the bill. I had no idea it was part of a series, not that it really matters as it stands so well on its own. I should have guessed from the title it was based during the war, but for some reason that came as a bit of a surprise. Weirdly there isn’t a huge amount about dancing, it’s more about their lives outside of the hotel dance floor. It does take on a couple of big topics, the blackmail of a member of staff so that we would steal food from the hotel and the warden who lost her husband to be and transfers her love onto someone else. It was a ok read, although not generally my type of thing.
October 10, 2022
Plot: Its September 1940 and bombs are threatening London. The staff at the Buckingham Hotel are trying to carry on as normal and give their honored guests a magical stay. Raymond De Guise is on leave from the army after Dunkirk and the distance between himself and his wife, Nancy seems to be growing. He cant seem to find the right balance between family and his duty to his country. As members of the staff at the Buckingham Hotel become involved in underhand schemes and plots to bring the hotel down the war around them rages.
Review: This is the fourth book in this series and none of them have disappointed so for. It was a great page turning and it was such a lovely feeling catching up with all our favourite characters again. It was well written and covered quite a few poignant subjects. I have everything crossed that Anton will write a further book in the series.
Review: This is the fourth book in this series and none of them have disappointed so for. It was a great page turning and it was such a lovely feeling catching up with all our favourite characters again. It was well written and covered quite a few poignant subjects. I have everything crossed that Anton will write a further book in the series.
October 11, 2022
"The Ballroom Blitz" is the latest in the ongoing saga of the Buckingham Hotel and it's Grand Ballroom. This novel covers the first half of the first London Blitz from September through to December 1940. Those who survived Dunkirk, including Raymond de Guise and Billy Brogan, are struggling to come to terms with their injuries and the loss of comrades. These days they would be recognised as suffering from PTSD. However, there has also been an effect on those left behind on the Home Front.
A number of different strands are interwoven to good effect. My only criticism would be that it might be difficult to read this as a stand-alone novel, you really have to read the whole series to get the best understanding of the characters and their relationships. Recommended.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
A number of different strands are interwoven to good effect. My only criticism would be that it might be difficult to read this as a stand-alone novel, you really have to read the whole series to get the best understanding of the characters and their relationships. Recommended.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
October 12, 2022
Returning to the Buckingham Hotel and to the varied characters within, now feels like a comfort and it is always nice to see how they are progressing during the war.
This book seemed more intense compared to the others, due to the bombs falling, air raid sirens constantly unsettling the hotel and characters putting themselves on the line. From Raymond on patrol each night, Billy working with unfavorable characters and Mrs Moffatt putting her heart before her work (this was the most heartfelt part of the book where her & Archie are found dancing amongst the rubble 🥰), the book saw people of the hotel doing what they had to do in order to survive.
The ending for me was lovely to witness the community feel of the hotel and the ending is left on a cliffhanger, which makes you eager for the next book to be written and to return back to the hotel and to see the aftermath of the war.
This book seemed more intense compared to the others, due to the bombs falling, air raid sirens constantly unsettling the hotel and characters putting themselves on the line. From Raymond on patrol each night, Billy working with unfavorable characters and Mrs Moffatt putting her heart before her work (this was the most heartfelt part of the book where her & Archie are found dancing amongst the rubble 🥰), the book saw people of the hotel doing what they had to do in order to survive.
The ending for me was lovely to witness the community feel of the hotel and the ending is left on a cliffhanger, which makes you eager for the next book to be written and to return back to the hotel and to see the aftermath of the war.
October 13, 2022
The Buckingham Hotel, London in September 1940. Raymond de Guise is on leave after being rescued from Dunkirk. He’s struggling and doesn’t know what he can do, when he can’t go back to his unit or to his old life as a ballroom dancer. This, the next book in this series, has all the old troupe as well as a few new characters. The writing gives you get the feel of London in the Blitz, the good, the bad and the downright ugly side that shows people at their worst, making money from the misery of war. There are several different threads to this story, which are all pulled seamlessly together, making it a really enjoyable read. I liked the fact that you could hear Antons voice in the writing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 10, 2022
This book was just magical, it transports you to 1940s London in the time of the blitz and how the show must go on at the Buckingham Hotel. Can they keep the magic alive in the ballroom?
It follows the lives of the hotel staff, which kept the book moving at a fast pace and the writing style really made you feel like you were there. The characters were so relatable and likeable and had such spirit. While i loved Nancy and Raymond i think my favourite had to Billy and his sister Nancy.
There was love and heartache, profiteers, double crossing, treachery, danger, rivalry and spirit aplenty.
While wartime tales are not always my go to genre this book pulled me in and i just could not put it down.
It follows the lives of the hotel staff, which kept the book moving at a fast pace and the writing style really made you feel like you were there. The characters were so relatable and likeable and had such spirit. While i loved Nancy and Raymond i think my favourite had to Billy and his sister Nancy.
There was love and heartache, profiteers, double crossing, treachery, danger, rivalry and spirit aplenty.
While wartime tales are not always my go to genre this book pulled me in and i just could not put it down.
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