I have enjoyed all three books in this series but this one was the best! I think that is because it is Helen's story and Helen is the very heart of the hotel. The days certainly are dark as the title proclaims. Not only is the country at war but Helen has to face two hugely upsetting and dramatic events that threaten her happiness, her future, and her liberty. Not wanting to include spoilers, I can say no more! A story of vindictiveness, injustice and bullying of the worst kind, but with the hint of romance and better days to come. Thete are some of the nastiest 'baddies' I have encountered in a novel for a long time. I wanted to boo and hiss panto-style every time they walked onto the page. But some wonderfully supportive and loyal characters too. I really enjoyed it.

The strong thread that runs through this series is friendship, that’s exactly what Helen Bygrove needs when things get difficult!
Helen thinks her life will be quieter without her domineering husband Douglas continually throwing out orders now that he has been conscripted. How could she be so wrong!
Without Douglas around to berate her for mixing with the lower class, Helen likes to join staff for a coffee which endears her to them even more than usual. Then when poison pen letters start going around local businesses, the equally poisonous Isabella Harvey accuses her publicly of being responsible for them. This has a devastating effect on business, not to mention for Helen herself who wasn’t too keen on the new detective inspector Toshack who she thought a door scot.
Eddie Moore tries her best to rouse support for Helen with the support of Major Thomas who takes it all very seriously. Will they get to the root of these letters! Will it be in time for Helen, not to mention her children Dorothy and Arthur.

I didn’t feel the need for the prologue as the story just comes flooding back from the beginning.
Can’t say I was too keen on Mr Rotherham or sup int Crooke. My favourite character was Eddie.
I know it was 3rd in series but I’m sure there’s room for a follow up! I live in hope

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book by this brilliant author

Lovely storyline and can’t wait to read more of their books

Oh wow this story was hard to read with all the emotions in it.
it was amazing and heartfelt I'm so glad it has a happy ending.
I don't want to give spoilers but I'm so glad of the outcome.
I hope there will be more in this series