The thing I appreciate most is when authors can take something like "hauntings" and explain it in the end in a way that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the book, but makes me feel better about something I disagree with. It reminds of of Jaime Jo Wright books.

This is a first read of Pittman's and it won't be the last.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Personally I found this too be too dark for my tastes.

I didn't finish it though I attempted to pick it up several times so I don't know all of the content so no warnings.

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman

This was based on a true story. Gothic style is not my favorite but I guess it was okay in this one. The mystery and dual timeline made it interesting. Faith elements were laced in the story that I liked and not preachy. Overall it was a good read. I picked up this book several times before finishing it.

Thank you netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rating: 3.8 stars

Mixing storylines from 1915 and 2017, the connections grow between magician Dini Blackstone and Hedda Krause as well as between Quinn Carmichael and his great-great grandfather. Dini’s obsession with Hedda, the titular “lady in residence,” and the mysteries around her stay at Menger Hotel bring Quinn to her San Antonio ghost tour. As he shares the items left to his family and they explore the tale in a rare copy of Hedda’s memoir, they grow closer to each other and to solving the puzzle of Hedda’s haunting and the theft of her jewels.

Obsession, haunting, faith, events and people not being what they seem. In The Lady in Residence, Allison Pittman has created two singular women and woven an intriguing mystery from the past with a sweet story of modern romance and detection. There was so much to enjoy in this first entry in the multi-author Doors to the Past series, and it is no wonder that they led off with a book by Allison Pittman.

Recommended.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley that I requested and voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve read a few of the books in the Doors to the Past series so was looking forward to going back and reading the first one. I enjoy reading dual timeline books and the author does a good job with this aspect. The connection between the two storylines was handled well. And I really enjoyed the contemporary time period. This is a bittersweet tale and the end helps you to see how this blends Hedda’s and Dini’s stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

So, I delayed reading this one because of the premise. I don't tend to select ghost stories, since I know they don't exist and not everyone tells them the way I prefer - the focus on the mystery behind the ghost rather than the ghost itself (Jaime Jo Wright being one I know I can read).

I picked up this one, mainly because it was an ARC I still needed to review. It started out well with promise and the mystery was captivating enough to continue with the story, and I loved Quinn and his outlook on ghosts and bringing the Bible in as well.

There was just a lot of smaller things which I did not agree with (personal references), and which is why I would probably not recommend this book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Thank you to Netgalley for an opportunity to read and review this ARC. This is a dual-time novel that alternates between 1915 and 2017 and it is a fascinating look at reality versus illusion. It's a good book to get lost in! This book is also a new series called Doors to the Past and it uses American landmarks as settings. I am excited to read more books in this series.

It’s hard for me to think of anything I liked about this book. The mystery would have been great if it hadn’t been focused on ghosts for ninety-nine percent of the time. I love a good split-time mystery and have read many of them, but this one missed the mark for me.

My favorite thing about this book was how the cover hit the right haunting tone for the story I found on the pages.

Neither lead was one I could root for. Hedda, the lead in the historical thread, started out sweet if slightly manipulative but quickly became a gutter-mouthed, alcoholic, loose woman with very little moral compass to guide her. Dini, the lead of the contemporary thread, started off quirky and unique but swiftly morphed into a manipulative control freak who wouldn’t even let her dinner date – a man she just met – order his own food, going so far as to insist the waitress bring different food than what he had requested. She also demanded twice that they pause their conversation so they wouldn’t be interrupted by the waitstaff at a restaurant – which was quite ironic.

The ghost angle was way too much for me. It was unrealistic and over-the-top, and I couldn’t connect with it.

Why is “sticky” an “immature” word? If we were talking about a grown-up calling her sister “sissy” or a grown-up calling Spaghetti-O’s “Bascetti-O’s,” I could understand completely. However, “sticky” applies to many things (such as tape, honey, glue, and gum) that people of all ages use, including adults. “Sticky” is a valid and adequate way to describe them; there is nothing inherently or remotely “immature” about the term or how it was used in the context within the book. Yet, the character claimed it was an “immature” word.

There was some confusion about the hot and cold water situation for me. The POV in question was set in 2017, so the hot and cold water knobs would have been assumed to be separate unless it was stated that they were together in a single handle that one would lift up and down to turn on and off, respectively. Yet, it was claimed “the bathroom was kind of like a time machine” with “separate handles for the hot and cold water.” Perhaps the author meant “separate spigots” or “separate nozzles,” for that really would have been a throwback. But “separate handles” was quite commonplace in 2017, as it is now in 2021.

There was a moment that got really uncomfortable for me. It had the characters getting much too physical on a bed than was appropriate in their unwed status.

I really had hoped this book would be fantastic to kick off the Doors to the Past series. This was one of my most anticipated series, but now I’m hesitant to read the rest of the books, because this one was such a struggle for me.

One thing I did like about this story was that the historical thread was presented as if the POV character were writing a book. That was an interesting presentation, one I haven’t seen very often. This was well done, and it played well in the contemporary thread too, in that the leading character had a copy of said book.

Content: alcohol (excessive), bars, tattoos, expletives, lewd insinuations, nudity, tobacco, profanity

Dini Blackstone lives a solitary life in San Antonio. Orphaned as a preteen, Dini carries on the family business of illusion and magic through her career. She also works as a storyteller for a ghost story tour company in San Antonio. She has been intrigued by the story of widow Hedda Krause, a lady in residence at the Menger Hotel back in 1915. Hedda may have captured Dini's attention as she, too, was alone in the world and looking for acceptance. Thankfully, Dini is of stronger character than impressionable Hedda. The Menger Hotel has its own ghost story of murdered Sallie. Hedda believes she encounters Sallie and it haunts her early widowhood months, including through the theft of Hedda's personal effects.
Into the modern day story arrives Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson of the San Antonio detective from Hedda's case. He has access to journals of his great-great-grandfather and those bring Quinn and Dini into acquaintance.
Thanks to Barbour Fiction for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.

Another masterpiece by Allison Pittman. Beautifully written. Interesting story line. Excellent character development. Mysterious. Intriguing. Spellbinding. Highly recommended. Five stars.

First sentence: The tour ended where it began--in the courtyard of the Alamo, the fortress bathed in white light, flags snapping in the nigh sky.

Premise/plot: Dini Blackstone is a tour guide--among other things (like a magician)--obsessed with one particular (local) ghost story. Hedda Krause, the "lady in residence," wrote a memoir before her death chronicling her haunting experiences at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. She was haunted by the ghost of Sallie White--and subsequently robbed of all her valuables. Her robbery case was investigated by Irvin Carmichael. Dini has read the memoir hundreds of times. When Quin Carmichael--a descendent of Irvin Carmichael--comes to town with some of his family's things--a notebook, a box, a photograph, etc. The two set off to reinvestigate this cold case. Was Hedda Krause truly haunted by Sallie White (a maid murdered by her husband at the threshold of the hotel)? Or was she the victim of a dark prank? Was the end-game to rob her all along?

Will Dini and Quin find they have more in common than a ghost story?

My thoughts: Is The Lady in Residence a dual time line novel? Maybe. I can see it being argued both ways. Technically, the past story line is just the reader reading a memoir that the two main characters are reading (or rereading as the case may be). Readers aren't really privy to anything not recorded in her published memoir. This is more a book inside a book. I'll add if my memory is accurate. There might be a couple of pages towards the end of the story where readers do get a more proper flashback of sorts. But I can't recall if this is still part of the memoir OR if it's not. This is part of the whole big reveal section of the book.

Is it a romance? Yes. Somewhat. Dini definitely has her romance. Hedda had hers. But not every romance ends in a happily ever after. Romance isn't the primary focus of the novel. The focus is on this ghost story, on this unsolved mysterious robbery case in the past. The driving of the novel is trying to determine how truthful Hedda Krause was.

The Lady in Residence doesn't quite fit in with your traditional Christian romance. Nor does it fit in with your typical secular adult romance. It is published by a Christian publishing company. The intimacy of couples are a bit too detailed, too described, definitely hinting at MORE than your typical Christian read. Yet by secular standards it wouldn't be considered smutty or steamy. It's just a bit awkward not fitting in fully with either camp.

The character of Hedda Krause was intriguing. So much was left UNSAID. And I did question what was said. She's a mysterious character and I can see why Dini found her memoir so compelling. Reading between the lines, I think Hedda's past definitely had some darker #metoo vibes. I think her life was HARD.

The Lady in Residence is the first book in the Doors to the Past series along with being my first time reading a book by Allison Pittman. Set in 1915 and the present in San Antonio, this dual-time novel centers on the Menger Hotel. Dini Blackstone has been fascinated from childhood with the story of widow Hedda Krause and stolen jewels at the haunted Menger Hotel. That story has inspired her career as a magician and host of ghost tours. When an out-of-town guest Quin approaches Dina on her ghost tour with a desire to learn the story of Hedda Krause and a box of artifacts from Hedda's life, Dina cannot resist, and together they seek to investigate Hedda's story. Pittman uses Hedda's autobiography to tell her story, and that helped propel the story forward. Overall, it was an enjoyable read but the mystery was not as complex as I would like.

I have to say that this was one of my most favorite books to date! I just love when I come across a book that grabs me so quickly as this one did. Ms. Pittman did a fantastic job of researching and providing such wonderful History of San Antonio and the Alamo.
I love historical fiction stories in general. The storyline of this book took many plot twists and turns, and the ending was truly a surprise to me. It was easy to wonder what truly happened in a couple of scenarios that were not entirely explained. Some of the storyline was left to the imagination.
I especially loved that, in the end, Dini had an unexpected connection to the history of the story. This tied together the entire story so incredibly! This was a fantastic book, and I will be seeking more by Allison Pittman in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“I am simply waiting for that which I have lost to be found and to make its way home where its partner is buried beneath a new foundation.” – Mrs.Krause

There is something sad and chilling about this quote. When Hedda Krause says it, I felt a deep sadness for the woman who never left The Menger Hotel. She moved in, hoping to find a new husband right away, but things happened that left her in fear of walking out the doors. The haunting is rather chilling and the author put me right in Hedda’s mind so I could experience the fear first hand.

Dini (think Houdini) idolized Hedda’s story but only because she identified with the woman’s life…in some way. Dini is a dog with a stick when it comes to solving the mystery of the lady. Maybe feels that the answers to her life rest in Hedda’s? Who knows but Quinn definitely gives Dini some perspective, and a little more to daydream about. (Yum)

The jump between past and present is effortless as the author plants the reader right in the middle of the time period she wants you in, without loosing the reader. I did want more in the romance department, but I know that isn’t the goal of this book. It’s a story of two women, looking for their place in the world and that was beautifully accomplished.

I was given an ARC from the publisher. A REVIEW WAS NOT REQUIRED but freely given.

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman is book 1 in Barbour’s Doors to the Past series. Written as a time slip, the past and present stories intertwine. Part ghost story, part family mystery, and part romance, this book has someone for many readers’ tastes. With wonderful writing, it will keep your attention throughout. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I have always been a fan of Allison Pittman’s books. Entertaining, insightful, well-researched — all of these superlatives can be attached to her latest novel, The Lady in Residence. In this split-time novel, the setting is key. The historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio is host to one of the characters while it serves as a reference point to the other. Pittman’s use of its history and storied past sets up a shivery ghost story that kept this reader turning the pages. The book is told in alternating narratives. The present day is 3rd person POV focusing on Dini Blackstone, a twenty-something magician intrigued or obsessed with one of the Menger’s past guests. Hedda Krause is the lady in residence referenced by the title. Her story is told using excerpts from her memoir — but can it be trusted? As the stories unfold, the reader becomes immersed in both Hedda and Dini’s stories. Seemingly vastly different, they both struggle with their place in the world. I liked both characters equally. Besides the ghost story that is woven throughout the novel, there is a romance as well. And I loved that in the end both women come to terms with who they are and their value to God.

For fans of a good mystery, an historical setting, and a sweet romance, The Lady in Residence cannot be beat! Recommended!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

You’re in for a treat with The Lady in Residence if you are a fan of time-slip novels. This is a very well written story. The author does a great job with the character creation There was a good amount of ghostly creepiness and some romance thrown in for good measure.

The book is only 239 pages. It is a quick read and delivers exactly what this new series from Barbour promises: time-slip fiction based on mysteries surrounding American landmarks (for this setting is at the San Antonio's Menger Hotel which is near the Alamo). I really enjoyed the historical thread the most. The character of Hedda Krause was especially vivid. Be sure to read the Author's Note in the back of the book. Allison Pittman successfully weaves the two timelines into a fascinating story that kept me guessing until the very end. I am looking forward to the next in Barbour series.

I would like to thank the author, Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hate to say this, but this is the first book by Allison Pittman I have read. Must read more.

The concept of The Lady in Residence is that of Hedda Krause, a woman newly widowed and penniless, with nowhere to go but to a city where no one knows her. To live is a grand hotel as if she is of wealth, virtue, and importance. But Hedda soon finds that she has some value that others envy and will do what it takes to make her think it is all far beyond her imagination. Irvin Carmichael is a detective for San Antonio on his way to Washington for a new job, but taking this one last call on his last night of work, changes his life forever. When he meets Hedda she starts encompassing his very thoughts, much like the ghost of Sallie White does hers. It is through this "robbery" that brings them together.

Dini Blackstone is a magician, child of performers, obsessed with the story of Hedda Krause, and has had a crush on Irvin Carmichael. Quin is in town to sell his latest software to help teach adults math, but also to venture to the Menger Hotel to try and figure out what the box of stuff he found in his great-great-grandfathers closet. And so the adventure, and love story, begins - of Hedda Krause and Irvin Carmichael. But also, the story of Dini Blackstone and Quin Carmichael.

Story was so good I was reading every free moment I had. I love stories like these with a dark twist, but not too dark. It definitely caught my attention and kept it. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

I truly enjoyed the book for the most part. I have never read anything by Allison Pittman and the storyline and cover photo intrigued me. I requested to read and review this book through Celebratelit.com and was thankful to be chosen. The book is listed as a Christian book but it took quite a long time for anything Christian to be introduced and then it was not much other than the main male character says he's a Christian and a few references to his attending church. The book was clean and mostly held my interested so if you're scared by the Christian aspect, don't be. The story is a little bit mystery and a little bit love story. A couple of times I felt it bogged down a bit, but not badly. The characters were quite well developed and the story flowed well. I had an ARC copy so there were a couple of errors but nothing to make it hard to read. I assume these will be corrected for the final text. I look forward to the next Allison Pittman book I read.

The past and present merge and intertwine...

It's been a long time since I've read an Allison Pittman novel but when I saw that The Lady In Residence was a dual timeline story I just couldn't resist. Then, I discovered it was the first book in the multi-author Doors To The Past series from Barbour and I was even more excited!

I really enjoyed this book. It was different, it was fun, a little eerie at times, and it was intriguing. The dual timeline was well done, each layer tying in nicely with the other thread. One of the things I found quite interesting was the Allison Pittman's choice of making this novel a little on the bittersweet side. Not everything is tied up in a neat bow with a trip down the aisle. I can tell you that it successfully kept The Lady In Residence from being just another cookie-cutter historical romance novel.

The mystery in this book was great! It kept me puzzling things out and trying to guess where things would go next. Oh, and one of my absolute favorite things about this book was the modern girl's profession in magic. So different and so fun!

The Lady In Residence was a great start to the Doors To The Past series and I can't wait to read the next one! And I'll definitely be looking for other books from Allison Pittman as well...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)