The Ballroom Blitz

Product Information

You don't need to be a Strictly fan to relish this lively read, its glamour, magic and colourful characters contrasting starkly with the privations of grey, war-torn London. 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.

Also available: One Enchanted Evening, Moonlight Over Mayfair, A Christmas to Remember and We'll Meet Again. 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. 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.

However, the process for writing this book was clearly different and the stylistic differences made it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Their usual luxuries are attended to and each night staff and dancers evoke the magic of the Grand Ballroom. 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.

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. 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.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. 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. Anton Du Beke - the King of Ballroom, Strictly Come Dancing royalty, and household name - is one of this generation's all-round entertainers.

It was a great page turning and it was such a lovely feeling catching up with all our favourite characters again. There are several stories of staff being related and so events move from one perspective to another. Raymond,on sick leave takes up a position with the ARP, in an endeavour to continue doing his bit for the war effort.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. 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. I do hope you can come along – or stream along – to one of these special events, they really are such fun (as you know, I could talk for hours! 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.