This is the second story in the Buckingham series by this Author. My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

With the threat and worry of another war possibly on the cards, as the country is recovering from the after effects of the great depression that caused problems for many people financially and healthwise. A new King is on the throne and the country is coming to terms with the changes that are happening politically. As Raymond de Guise continues to showcase his dancing skills for the residents and guests of the Buckingham. He finds that he is perfectly placed to carry out certain roles that put him in a position of both power and at times danger. In many ways he is the perfect go between, mixing with many different levels of society.

This is a read that kept me entertained both on and off the dance floor as Raymond finds himself in the thick of it. He finds himself in a romantic relationship with Nancy one of the chambermaids, that is in the early stages. She is an ambitious young woman and is well placed to help Raymond, but how far is she willing to go for love?

The story touches on many things and is much more than a romance. I will be looking forward to reading the next in the series, to see what happens to Raymond, Nancy and the other characters.

It took me several attempts to “get into” this book as the start is so slow and the list of characters at the beginning was actually slightly overwhelming as there were so many that I was worried whether I would be able to keep up with them all! I have not read the first book in the series, and perhaps if I had this would have been more enjoyable, as often with a series there is a lot of enjoyment in seeing the characters develop.
The story is set in 1937 and staged around the prestigious Buckingham Hotel in London with most of the characters being staff. The characters are diverse, in terms of class, race & background, but I felt they are quite shallow & stereotypical – there is nothing that stands out about any of them really. With an author like Anton Du Beke, dancing was going to feature heavily in the story, along with music (particularly the “dance bands” that were so popular at the time, and the often black saxophonists that starred in them). When the lead dancer returns from America, we have the introduction of “new dances” such as the jitterbug.
As well as dance, and the glamour of the Buckingham Hotel, the book features romance, drama, intrigue, secrets and lies, but also touches on antisemitism, addictions and social divides.

It wasn’t really for me, but I think this book will appeal to fans of Strictly or those who like period dramas like Downtown Abbey. It is not very historically accurate (unless your history knowledge is entirely from Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife & similar!), but it has a charm & I could see it being adapted to a Sunday evening TV miniseries!


#MoonlightOverMayfair #NetGalley

What a fabulous read again from Anton du beke. Returning to the Buckingham hotel was like seeing your best friend again .With the fabulous characters who are bought to life with fantastic writing, lots of secrets and plots are exposed that make this book a real page Turner. Think it was even better than the first novel and I can't wait for the next in the series. A 5⭐read

I was absolutely thrilled to be offered the chance to review Anton du Beke's new novel Moonlight Over Mayfair. I admit to reading the first chapter in Anton's voice but soon got over my adoration and enjoyed the book for its own merits.
Set in the magnificent Buckingham Hotel in the 1930s, it is full of diverse characters and plotlines. Nancy Nettleton is anxiously awaitng the return of her love Raymond who is visiting his mentor in Hollywood. Meanwhile, she finds herself embroiled in upper class Vivienne Edgerton's scheme to help the less fortunate of society.
Helene Marchmont is struggling to deal with widowhood and the support of her mixed race daughter. At the same time she develops a relationship with Irish businessman Arthur Regan who is challenging the anti-Irish sentiment prevalent at the time. Du Beke is not afraid to discuss the racial inequalities and political situations that existed in the 1930s and beyond.
As an historian, I loved the insight into the 1930s London in the period of the coronation of King George VI and the lead up to the Second World War. The book evokes the same nostalgia as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park, and I could easily imagine this to be made into a Sunday night series.
Dance obviously features heavily and in this book, Raymond brings new trends from America such as the jitterbug whilst also enjoying the traditional dances of the ballroom. This emphasises the period of change that Moonlight Over Mayfair encompasses.
There is a real mix of characters and personal situations. Class differences, nationality clashes, love and loss, career aspirations and family all feature in the character development. Continuity and change are key themes throughout the book and I felt that Anton du Beke treats these subjects sensitively.
There are some references to events in the recent past and it was only midway through that I discovered through Google that Moonlight Over Mayfair is actually a sequel; it therefore works perfectly well as a stand alone novel.

Very good. Anton continues to dazzle me with this series as he portrays his characters and themes with great depth even though the covers suggest something a bit lighter. Themes that run through this book such as addiction, race and class are still present in today's society even though it is set in the 1930's. Through his writing we can see that he is passionate about these themes and he presents such a strong case for the dissolution of them especially addiction as he shows how it can affect not just the person but the people around them.

This book follows the lives of the guests and staff of the Buckingham Hotel in the period just before the second world war. There is plenty to keep the reader interested as the author marries the opulence of the hotel and the seedier parts of London at that time. A whole cast of characters that you can love or hate or feel somewhere in between. There are times when i felt that the pace stalled but overall I enjoyed the world it took me into. I must go back and read DuBekes previous book and I think there is a long way that he can take this storyline in the future

A lovely story continuing from the first book. Interestingly described in the manner of the author. Recommended to those who enjoy reading this type of story.

Moonlight Over Mayfair is the second novel by the King of Ballroom himself, the always wonderful Anton Du Beke. I loved the first book in the series and I’m pleased to say this second installment did not disappoint. It was good to see the return of familiar faces along with some new ones, the story moving along at a steady pace, bringing the glitz, glamour and romance of the ballroom vividly to life.

Anton Du Beke has written an enchanting story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The perfect book to lose yourself in at the end of a long day, Moonlight Over Mayfair has everything you could possibly need from an historical romance. With memorable characters you can’t help but fall in love with, it’s a moving and uplifting read that once started you do not want to put down. The writing is delightful, transporting you instantly to the London of 1937, just as the country is on the cusp of another world war.

And if you’re a fan of TV shows such as Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, this series of books could be exactly what you need to fill the gap. Dance, romance, glitz and glamour, Moonlight Over Mayfair has it all! But it also has a more serious side, with gentle, poignant moments that will make your heart ache as you move through the story. I loved every word of this enchanting story of life at the Buckingham Hotel and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

A magical read that I would recommend.

5☆ Enchanting in Every Sense! Oozes Romance and Class I loved it!

Moonlight Over Mayfair is the second book in an Enchanting Series, but my first book.
I had no problem reading this as a standalone.

I adore Downtown Abbey and Strictly so when I read the blurb for this gorgeous book and knowing that Anton is such a gentleman on the show I had a feeling this book was going to be Enchanting, Romantic and would sweep me off my feet and I wasn't wrong.

Right from the book cover to the delightful and endearing characters this book oozes class and warmth.

There was romance, plenty of dance, drama, intrigue, mystery, secrets and lies.
I enjoyed the authentic touches to the 1930s period in which this book was set and showed Anton done his research well. The difference in social classes within the Buckingham Hotel and political references all made for an Authentic and Intriguing read.

I loved the added touch of the characters list at the start as there is alot of characters to get to grips with especially if like me this is your first encounter with them.
But don't let this put you off as there stories weave together perfectly, and I soon got to grips with everyone.

Anton Du Beke is a very talented writer and his love for dance, the characters, The Grand Ballroom and the Buckingham Hotel simply shone through.
I loved the warmth and how Anton seamlessly transported me right into the heart of The Buckingham all the glitz and ettiqute was amazing.
I can't wait for the next instalment.

Thank you to Compulsive Readers Tours and Zaffre Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I enjoyed the story but the florid descriptions and excessive use of adjectives irritated me as they were so over the top. The idea and storyline are good

Trip the light fantastic with this gorgeous, exciting and evocative historical tale set in the 1930s written by Strictly Come Dancing superstar, Anton du Beke.

London is in great turmoil in 1937. With a new king in place and the gathering clouds of war fast approaching, there is great instability and worry in London and the Buckingham Hotel isn’t impervious or immune to this great feeling of uncertainty. Having barely recovered from the repercussions of the Great Depression, it is of the utmost importance that the Buckingham Hotel triumphs over all this adversity and rises like a Phoenix to be the majestic hotel it has always been meant to be. The staff and inhabitants have got their own problems to worry about. Regardless of whether one is upstairs or downstairs or whether one dons a ballgown or a pinny, whoever walks through the doors of the Buckingham Hotel has got plenty to think and worry about.

Vivienne Edgerton is feeling restless and without purpose. She is sick and tired of this mundane whirl of frivolity which she must endure every single blasted day. Vivienne wants more from life than shopping and gossiping. She wants to do something worthwhile with her time and to do something that makes a difference in this world. A determined Vivienne finally thinks that she has found the perfect activity to invest all of her time and effort, but does she know what she is doing? Is this merely going to propel her into a calamitous path full of danger and dishonour? Or is Vivienne about to find the one thing which she was born to do?

Downstairs, chambermaid Nancy is finally beginning to feel more settled working at the Buckingham. Although she desperately hopes that her brother will also begin to share her enthusiasm for London with her, there is another fly in the ointment which is making Nancy rather blue: the absence of the man she has grown to love, demonstration dancer Raymond de Guise, who is noticeable by his absence from the Grand Ballroom of the hotel.

Dangerous secrets, forbidden love and illicit passions are always on the menu at the Buckingham Hotel, but will they deter the staff and its inhabitants from reaching for the stars? Or will hope and love always find a way?

An utterly enchanting read sprinkled with charm, romance and heart, Moonlight Over Mayfair delights from beginning to end and sweeps readers back in time and into a world of glamour and elegance which they will find themselves reluctant to leave at the end of the novel. Packed with characters who are brilliantly drawn, emotional drama that touches the heart and magic that will effortlessly transport readers to the 1930s, Moonlight Over Mayfair is an outstanding read from dance supremo, Anton du Beke.

I have a little, teensy weeny confession to make. Yes yet another one. Although I have Anton’s first book called ‘One Enchanted Evening’ on my ever growing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read it yet. What a mistake to make. Having just finished reading ‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’, I can guarantee that ‘One Enchanted Evening’ will not be on that ‘to be read’ mountain for very much longer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the Prologue I knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read and I wasn’t wrong either. I found it extremely difficult to put this book to one side for any length of time. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. ‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ was the distraction that I desperately needed and distract me it did. I was transported back in time to the late 1930s with all the sights, sounds and fashions. I tried to ration how much I read in one reading session as I wanted to prolong my enjoyment of the book but I was enjoying the book too darn much to stick to my ration. As a result I soon got to the end of the book, which I was disappointed about. I don’t mean that I was disappointed with the way in which the story concluded but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wish the book had been longer.
‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ is really well written. Anton Du Beke (my favourite Strictly Come Dancing professional) has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. He draws you into the story from the first word on the first page and keeps your attention through the story. Anton uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself- although I would draw the line at dancing because that just wouldn’t be pretty.
‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ has been compared to ‘Downton Abbey’ and although I can’t comment on that because I don’t watch ‘Downton Abbey’ but what I will say is that ‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ would be perfect for adaptation for television.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Moonlight Over Mayfair’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Anton’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

This book waltzed me away in a glamorous whirl of sophistication and style. It was a pure joy from start to finish to be immersed in the dazzling delights that Mayfair has to offer. The story came alive in vivid clarity with such ease that the pages seem to turn themselves to reveal the magic hiding beneath.

The Buckingham Hotel plays host to the world's wealthiest clientele and is the play ground for this story to be set upon. Upstairs and downstairs this narrative knows no bounds and secrets are have a way of rising to the surface. From the page boy to the manager to the patrons and guests a world of wonder is created for your eyes only and I for one could not get enough.

The elegant dancing and music weaved it's way deliciously throughout, making the story come alive with a show biz quality. Anton certainly knows his way around the ballroom but it seems he is also quite adept in the writing world and this is one story to be proud of. I absolutely loved my moment in the spotlight meeting the cast of this story and I can't recommend Magic Over Mayfair enough.

Glamorous, enchanting, and beautifully detailed, MOONLIGHT OVER MAYFAIR by Anton Du Beke is sure to delight historical fiction fans around the globe.

As the political landscape is changing, the Buckingham Hotel stands firm in its resolve to remain unchanged. From the upper echelons of society to the downstairs chambermaids, their lives and the world of dance comes alive on every page and you will get caught up in all of the drama, secrets, betrayals, and emotions that echo through the corridors of this prestigious hotel. But as war seems ever more likely and mysteries run abound, someone is listening to their every word and who knows how it all will end.

MOONLIGHT OVER MAYFAIR is the second book in this series (the first being One Enchanted Evening) and while I read this book as a standalone, I recommend that you read this series in order as it will make the characters and setting more meaningful - and why have one book when you can have two!
​Historical fiction has always been dividing for me where I have either loved it completely or was bitterly disappointed in it, never finding a middle ground and this book is no different - I loved it! The time period bursts to life on every page and I thoroughly enjoyed the different characters with their contrasting lives and problems. And then, of course, there is the dancing which is beautifully described - but I would expect nothing less from Anton Du Beke.

MOONLIGHT OVER MAYFAIR by Anton Du Beke is a wonderfully drawn story about life in the late 1930s, with characters that felt very real, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

When I agreed to be a part of this blog tour, I hadn’t realised that this book was the latest in a series, This sometimes left me feeling a little bit lost as I didn’t know any of the back stories!

However, that being said it still worked as a standalone I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found myself getting invested in the characters lives quite quickly, especially Vivienne Edgerton and Nancy Nettleton, I needed to know wether what they were planning between them was going to work. but also see how Nancy’s future was going to pan out with Raymond!

Because I haven’t read the other books there isn’t really a lot I can say about character development BUT I loved all of the characters for different reasons.

As much as whilst I was reading the book I wondered what I had missed, and also wished I had read the first, I found by the end that although it was an enjoyable read, it didn’t intrigue me enough to go back and read the first book.

I would recommend this book to any fans of Anton du Beke, and/or ballroom dancing. - it was an interesting read with an underlying mystery

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I had never read one of Anton Du Beke’s novels before. I only know him from the Saturday night dancing show, Strictly Come Dancing, so I was quite surprised by him trying his hand at writing books. Dont ask me why, because I dont know!

Had I have read Du Beke’s previous novel, I think this installment would have made more sense as it is a continuation from the first novel. Ignoring that fact for a moment, I did enjoy the premise of the book and I was pleasantly surprised by such detailed descriptions throughout.

As for the storyline, I was captivated by Vivenne and Nancy’s stories, learning about their differing outlooks on life where money was concerned.

It’s clear by this book that Anton Du Beke isnt a one trick pony, and I am intrigued to read more. A pleasing read overall.

Moonlight over Mayfair is the follow up to Anton Du Beke's One Enchanted Evening, settling back into the backdrop of the grand Buckingham. I must admit I had some ill judged preconceptions when starting the book, based on who the author is. I am pleased to say I was very pleasantly surprised by Anton Du Beke. I had expected the novel to be an easy holiday type sort of read.

Moonlight follows the lives of many people living and working within the Buckingham hotel, giving them their own personality and shows a clear insight into the different classes and positions in the Buckingham to the porters, to the dancers, to the upper management. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the novel is how Du Beke draws the reader back to the time the novel is set, including the uncertainty of war, the Kings coronation and how those events affect all of those in the novel.

As a first time Anton Du Beke reader I was pleasantly surprised, this was a brilliant novel and I would definitely read more in the future. I am pleased to note that a third Buckingham novel is rumoured to be in the works.

Thank you to Bonnier Books UK and Zaffre for the copy of the book to review.

This is the second book by Anton set at the regal Buckingham Hotel and I enjoyed this visit there just as much as my first. It was lovely to meet the same characters, Raymond, Nancy, Billy and his family, Vivienne, Helene and Maynard Charles and new characters such as Nancy’s brother, Frank.
The Buckingham remains as glamorous as before, but is fighting hard to retain its reputation and customers with the threat of another war looming...
All of the members of staff seem to have a problem or a secret they do not get out. Who will be be successful in hiding their secrets? Who will be able to resolve their problems? Will the Buckingham be able to retain its reputation and keep trading through the stormy waters?
A delightful book which I really enjoyed reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my, ever since I finished this book I keep hearing the music in my mind and sighing at an era that I simply adore. Anton Du Beke brought every page to life in his wonderful characters.
This is the second book in this series but I must admit that it is my first. Loved the list of characters which gave them a familiar ring when they appeared in the story. Set in 1937 and staged around the Buckingham Hotel it was like watching a well-oiled clock, each character a cog in the successful running and service to the customers of the time, no matter how menial a task was.
The ballroom is very centre stage in the story and the dancers that put on a show that says everything is normal here, while outside the undercurrents of unrest in Europe is never far away. There are love stories and betrayals, once in a lifetime chances and people seeking redemption. I loved all the side stories that brought everyone together. The courage and the shocking outcomes that took my breath.
I so want to find out where these peoples lives lead to in the future. Just such a tremendous read. Loved it!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

I am not one of Anton’s legion of adoring fans, so I haven’t read the first in this series. However, I love the glamour of Strictly, the beauty of dance and novels set in the 1920s/30s. I’d heard good things about this novel so thought I would give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised and would now seek out the first in this series because I think it would have been better to read them in order.

This novel returns to the Buckingham Hotel and characters established in One Enchanted Evening. In fact there’s such a long and eclectic roll all of characters that I was glad the author provided a list. There are rumours of war and George VI is now on the throne. I was impressed with how the author weaves these character’s stories within the historical framework, using period detail to bring his characters to life. For example, in parts, Raymond de Guise, is over in the US but we still hear about his life via letters as he experiences exciting new dances like the jitterbug and jive that haven’t reached England yet. I also loved how the joy of dancing is expressed through these dances and how much freedom people could express in them, compared to other ballroom dances. I also enjoyed the mix of characters from well to do hotel residents, to those that work in the hotel. It gave the novel that sense of upstairs/downstairs seen in Downton Abbey or Mr Selfridge - I could see them making good Sunday evening television.

There are a few characters to keep track of, especially if you haven’t read the first novel, so the useful character list at the front of the book helped me out. The two page prologue is a gripping and exciting to start to the novel. Dancer, Raymond, is called to say the Grand Ballroom is on fire and he plunges into the flames. Then the action rolls back to eighteen months earlier and we see the events leading up to this cliffhanger moment. The hotel guests have suffered a series of thefts at the beginning of the book, and Charles Maynard is determined to find the thief. He decides to hire a private investigator, but it is a man he can’t stand. The rest of the novel never really picks up the pace of those first two pages.

Nancy still works at the hotel and her brother Frank is now working alongside her. She also gets roped into all sorts of mischief with Miss Edgerton, daughter of the hotel’s main investor Lord Edgerton. Usually a permanent resident at the Buckingham, Miss Edgerton seems to be sober in recent months and is a rare visitor to the ballroom of late. Principal dancer Helene, has a chance of love with an Irish guest, but risks this and her job over clandestine meetings with her secret daughter. Overarching these and other characters stories is the hotel’s need for investors and Raymond is splitting his time in the US between learning new dances and finding a wealthy candidate. What will he find when he brings the wealthy John Hastings Junior to London? The other characters are involved in storylines that cover issues like addiction, racism and sexism. The main romance between Raymond and Nancy is left hanging to the very end. Will Raymond return to London permanently or has his head been turned by the bright lights of Hollywood.

Although slow in parts, I felt the novel benefitted most from the historical backdrop. It was well researched and convincingly detailed, especially the sense of tension brought about because the characters and the reader both know the clock is running down to 1939 and seismic change brought about by world war. I think there was an element of ‘seize the day’ for some characters, who clearly understand their lives will change forever. The ballroom is a glamorous diversion from those fears and I did enjoy the tension between the glamour and the more seedy aspects of criminality and debauchery, although written with a very light touch. The whole novel is a diversion, full of secrets, scandals and romance. A fun, easy read with the darker undertones of 1930s London.