I loved this book. When I first picked it up I was very wary of it. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. I mean, I’m not a fan of ghost stories. They’re not my cup of tea. But this one is different and it’s not just any ghost. It’s a historic ghost and an old story.

So of course I had to read it. And once I got into the story I couldn’t put it down. I have to confess it was almost annoying that I couldn’t just have the story of Hedda. I wanted her story! And yet I also really did like Dini’s story too but I hated jumping back and forth because it always left me wanting more from the storyline I had just left.

I know that’s the sign of a good book and it really is one! You’re going to love this book as you travel along with Dini to find out the true story of the Menger Hotel and what happened to Hedda Krause.

Dini has always liked Hedda’s story. It’s one she loves to tell and that includes the story of Sallie White. Because how can she tell Hedda’s story without telling the story of Sallie? The poor servant girl who was murdered right there outside the hotel and is said to haunt the hotel.

And Hedda’s story includes Sallie. Not that she ever knew her, but that she had an experience that involved the ghost of Sallie White. Dini has the journal of Hedda and has read it so much she’s got it memorized. But when a handsome young man shows up with clues of his own she is all too eager to take on Hedda’s story to prove whether there was or was not a ghost.

I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

A haunting timeslip novel about the choices we make and the things we hold dear.

In the present time, Dini Blackstone is a jane-of-many-trades working multiple jobs as a haunted tour guide, to birthday party magician, who has an obsession with the mystery of Hedda Krause. When a descendent of the detective who investigated the case comes to town, they work together to unlock the secrets of the past.

The story also follows Hedda Krause, a widow plotting her next step after the death of her wealthy husband. Hedda is haunted by what is believed to be the ghost of Sallie White, but will her own secrets be revealed?

I don't think that I knew what to expect with this book, I've been a longtime fan of Allison Pittman, but this one was quite different. The characters are well crafted, and the transitions between past and present day are well executed, as I found that I was intrigued both stories equally. The author does an excellent job of spinning a ghostly tale, and I must admit that I had no clue where this would go.

Overall, while there were so many things done right, I have come to the conclusion that ghost stories aren't my thing. Also I will note that the Christian themes were lighter in this book, while the modern day main characters are Christians the book doesn't dig a whole lot farther than that, and there is a sensual scene that doesn't go all the way, but it is implied that it very well could have. So while I did find many things to enjoy about this book, as a whole this one just wasn't for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a captivating beginning to this new series! I’m always on the lookout for stories that are going to give me interesting characters to become invested in, and that’s definitely what this story delivered, particularly in Dini and Quin. Not only did I become intrigued by the mystery they were seeking to unravel but I also became deeply invested in the development of their relationship, made all the more enjoyable for all the ways it departed from your typical garden-variety romance. Dini is not your average romance heroine, either in personality or circumstance, and that was as refreshing as Quin’s appreciation for everything that was uniquely Dini.

The historical aspect of this story is told through excerpts from Hedda Krause’s self-published account of her life from the day she arrived at the Menger Hotel, and these excerpts are shared at the same time as Quin is reading them for the first time. There are Gothic overtones to the earlier parts of Hedda’s story as she recounts her encounters with the ghostly Sallie White, but as her story progresses the focus shifts to some of the mystery surrounding her personal circumstances and the relationship that is developing between herself and the detective investigating her theft.

I have to confess I didn’t quite feel convinced about the way Dini and Quin eventually solved the mystery of Sallie White and the theft from Hedda; it seemed a little far-fetched to me that they managed to work out some of the things they did. But maybe I would understand it better on a second reading. Or maybe it’s simply that I have some unanswered questions—speaking of which, did we ever find out who Yolanda was? I feel like that was an important issue to resolve…

But as I said, Dini and Quin’s romance was tender and authentic, and I enjoyed the author’s note at the end, which helped peel back an extra layer or two on the story and why she took certain characters in the directions she did. The Lady in Residence will appeal to readers who enjoy stories with an element of mystery, particularly fans of authors such as Jaime Jo Wright.

The Lady in Residence is a split time who done it that keeps you guessing to the very end. How do you solve a mystery that occurred a century before? And how will that knowledge impact the present day? This story kept the pages turning with intrigue, fascinating history, and a possible budding romance.. Throw in a magician and her slight of hand magic and it is anyone's guess what will happen next..
Dini grew up on the road and in hotel rooms, following her magician parents from show to show and town to town. With no long term residence or friends to connect with, she forms a special bond with her mother. Together they learn of a story filled with lost love, new beginnings, and a particular ghost with it's own horrific story. This particular lady lived a century before and wrote her own book as an account of the events that took place in a hotel in San Antonio. When Dini loses her parents, this book is one of her last links to them. That and the magic she learned at her father's side. Now she is the magician, as well as ghost tour operator, meeting all sorts of people from all over the USA. But she never expects to meet a link to her favorite book and past-time, trying to figure out the mystery left behind in the book. The big questions for Dini are how did the ghost appear, what happened to the author, and how does a serious detective fit into the whole thing. But letting this great grandson into her life is a huge step. Since her parents' deaths Dini has had a very hard time letting people get close. Her circle is very small and she likes it that way. But what starts as a very hesitant meeting quickly turns into something that could be much more, if only she can look past her resistance to others. Quin finds some fascinating papers and family information while cleaning out a family home. While he is traveling in San Antonio, he checks out the hotel mentioned and ends up on a ghost tour with Dini. She may have some answers to the interesting artifacts Quin uncovered, and be able to fill in the holes to the story he sees developing before him. Dini shares a book with him, a fascinating tale that brings Quin and Dini together on the hunt for the answer to the mystery it contains. It also starts to bring them closer together but they live in different cities and different states. Will they find the answer to the big mystery? And will they find a new story for them to write together?
Allison Pittman brings these characters to life, pulling the reader into their hunt for answers to a century old mystery .The reader finds themselves trying to look behind the curtain for the secrets to the magician's tricks and to hopefully find someone sneaking a kiss or daring a look into their apprentice's eyes. An engrossing read that is hard to put down and easy to enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When I read the premise of The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman, I was intrigued. I love dual/time novels with a bit of romance and mystery. This book offered those elements and more.

Dini Blackstone is a magician who is also a tour guide who gives ghost-walk tours. Her favourite ghost story is of Hedda Krause. A wealthy widow who stayed at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio in 1915. While Hedda is a fictional character, the Menger Hotel is, in actuality, known to be one of the most haunted hotels in America.

Dini meets a descendant of the detective who originally investigated Hedda's claims. The two of them begin a journey of uncovering the mystery of whether Hedda was a great con-artist or if she was actually robbed.

I was conflicted with this novel. The idea of it appealed to me. I love dual-time romances and a good mystery. But, this book started to lose its appeal for me when it became too convoluted. It didn't help that the romance felt rushed. For example, in one paragraph, Hedda and the detective are in a booth in the Menger bar discussing a Dicken's novel, and in the next, they are kissing. I felt like I had stepped out of a movie and come back and missed something.

The romance between Hedda and the detective was too rushed and felt unnatural. As did the romance between Dini and Quinn. I felt no connection to any of the characters. The lack of Christian content was also a letdown. While the characters do mention God once in a while, He was not central to the story. And while it seemed the author was trying to imply that coincidences are part of God's plan, it fell somewhat flat in delivery. I wanted to like this book. I really did. But it was hard.

The author certainly did her research into the era and her descriptions of the hotel and Sallie's "hauntings" are exciting and mysterious. You could quite literally picture everything. For those who like gothic themes and ghost stories, this book might intrigue you.

What an interesting book! A dual timeline book set in 1915 with Hedda Krause and 2017 with Dini Blackstone. Loved the Mystery with some romance. I was very intrigued by this storyline. I’ve been to San Antonio and now I want to go back and visit The Menger.

One part of the book that stood out was when Hedda’s book is being read… I loved when Hedda break’s the fourth wall… for example she says “put your hand before your eyes and snap your fingers..” It actually made me do just that! You’ll see when you get to that part! Wondering how many readers will do that!

I read this book and also listened to this book using the Kindle Text to Speech feature. As a side note the Kindle Text to Speech feature is amazing and I love that they added new voices!!!

Look for the next two books in the Doors to the Past Series to be released soon.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

"The Lady in Residence" by Allison Pittman to be totally entertaining and this split-time novel really draws you into the stories of its main characters, strong and interesting women each in their own right. Whether it is the young widow Hedda Krause, whose tragic story brings her to the Menger hotel where she encounters Sallie White's ghost or the modern-day story of the fifth generation magician Dini Blackstone that draws you in more; you cannot help but be captivated by the winding story, vivid details, and interesting characters. Pittman is a master of nuance and seeing all the details collide and intersect is truly magical.

Pittman's personal experience in the Menger hotel brings so much to life, her own visit was delayed and impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown and is referenced in the Author's Note at the end of the novel. As an installment in the "Doors to the Past" series that will take us to a variety of American landmarks, it truly does this historic hotel and mysterious tale a true justice. I found the "ghost walks," "magic shows," and the haunting experiences with Sallie White to be a lovely way to parallel past and present. I love the way Pittman drew Dini into an unexpected love story and that Quinn Carmichael's appearance on the scene has its own twists and turns. I really was left wanting more each time I set the book down. Dini's independence juxtaposed with Hetta's reliance on others was truly fascinating. The opposing experiences with "happy endings" and love was dynamic and so well done.

The author's note, and ideas explored in her interview below, gave exciting details and insights into her experience at the American landmark, and to the story itself. I found it interesting that Pittman self-proclaimed "I don't believe in ghosts" and yet she felt the pull to tell a tale of haunting and found a way to tell the story of Sallie White (despite the fact that "there's no happy ending there") as part of a larger story. "Sallie haunts Hetta, Hetta haunts Dini." The "Russian doll nesting structure" to the story and the "bridging of haunting and obsession" is what Pittman describes in the author's note, and in my mind is exactly what she achieved! The stacking of the stories, each reliant on the other, was masterfully done. I found her approach to the story what made it even more interesting. To hear Pittman say that she is usually very in control of her characters, she "keeps them on a tight leash" and takes them through the story by her own design; but then admits that "Hetta came with her own voice" and she could almost hear her audibly as she typed, WAS SO COOL! What a wild experience for Pittman and it translated so well into this story. I myself am not typically one for "ghost stories" either, but this story was beautifully crafted. Reading her author's note helped me understand my own unexpected experience with the story so much better.

I rotated between a digital copy of the book and the audiobook which was an added enjoyment. I loved hearing Dini's name pronounced, like the end of "Houdini" and there was something about the magical tale that came to life with the narration by Cybil Johnson

Thanks to Celebrate Lit Bloggers for my digital copy of the book. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lady In Residence by Pittman. It is a dual time novel but a very different one. Bringing together the story of two women who lived 100 years apart in San Antonio, “The Lady in Residence” tells about the lives of present-day Dini Blackstone, a young woman who gives ghost tours and does tricks for birthday parties and etc. Hedda Krause who finds a home in the Menger Hotel {which is still in San Antonia today} after her husband dies. His children kicked her out when he died and with nowhere else to go, she chose to take up residence in this hotel, Possibly to find another husband. She has to make her money last as there will be no more and where will she find work? When Dini, who is obsessed with the story of Hedda, meets Quin Carmichael, a man with a box of relics from Hedda’s life, the two dig deeper into Hedda’s mysterious story. There are so many turns to read about in this great novel. We even read of a ghost who roams the hotel and torments Hedda. Pittman does an incredible job of blending the two stories that span a century, inserting enough enigma and romance to intrigue the reader. You will not be disappointed in this time slip novel. …
Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review

The Lady in Residence
by Allison Pittman
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Fiction
Christian | Romance | Women's Fiction
Pub Date 01 Feb 2021


I am reviewing a copy The Lady in Residence through Barbour Fiction and Netgalley:


Will they be able to break the legacy of sadness at the Menger Hotel?


Hedda Krause is a young widowed musician when she checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband. Unfortunately her plans end up being derailed when she is lured into a long dark hallway by a ghostly apparition, only to go back to her room to find her jewelry has been stolen.




Hedda falls under suspicion immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but there are true ghost enthusiasts who bring her pieces of jewelry in hopes of luring the ghost to appear again.




Dini Blackstone is a fifth generation musician performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection in 2017. Her favorite tale by far is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story. After Dini meets Quinn Carmichael the great-great grandson of the detective of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration.


Will Dini be able to see another side of Hedda’s story? One that is worthy of God’s Grace.


I give The Lady in Residence five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I love time slip stories because it gives me a glance into the past as I watch it connect to the present. I read the author’s notes at the end and appreciate how much research she did. I have been to San Antonio many times but have not heard of the Menger Hotel. I am going to make sure on my next visit that I will make sure I visit the place that was front and center in the story.

I also was surprised to find out that one of the characters was about a real person. I’m not giving away who that is, but oh what a tragic life they had. I love how the author weaved a beautiful story from a tragic event. Her imagination gives readers a ghost that seemed so real. I loved both time periods but I have to say I enjoyed the past so much more. Hedda was my favorite character in the book. She lived a life that was lonely and had very few friends. I understand the title so much more after reading the book. Hedda came upon hard times and became a reclusive woman who never ventured out of the hotel. Her encounter with a ghost made others think she was crazy.

As we go to the present we meet Dini and Quin. Their connection was intriguing and I liked how they methodically unraveled the mystery. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction grew. I really didn’t like Dini’s job as a magician. I couldn’t quite get why she chose that job except for the fact it was something that generations before her had done as well. She seemed a bit scattered at times and I never was able to connect with her.

Quin was a good character and with his connection to Hedda via a relative, it sparked interest between him and Dini. The author does a good job of giving clues to where the story was going and I loved how it all came together. Although it did wrap up nicely, I wanted a little more. I wanted more of Hedda and her struggles. I wanted to stay in the past because for me that was where the meat of the story was. The story does make me think of how important each person is. As we find out how a life was taken in a horrific way, I thought of how that tragedy changed many lives. Each of us is here for a reason and in the story Hedda comes to understand that her purpose was to finally forgive those who had treated her unkindly and to finally grasp thst she is important.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion

SPOOKTACULAR. Oh. Wow! I loved this one, yall! If you are at all into "ghost" stories or the legends of old buildings...pick this one up. This was so so so fun. I'm pretty confident in saying that sensitive readers won't have a hard time with this one. There is even a warning shot given before a chapter that has details that are a bit more aggressive in nature. I really appreciated that as I am a huge wimp. This is the first of a new series from Barbour Publishing called Doors to the Past and you bet your bottom dollar I will be reading all of them. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free eARC.

Having read only one other book by Allison Pittman, and that being several years ago, I wasn't sure what to expect from The Lady in Residence. But knowing it was a time-slip story, which I thoroughly enjoy, I was eager to read it. Hedda and Dini's stories are a blend of magic and romance and Pittman does a great job going back and forth between their tales. As the stories unfold, readers find a mystery at a historic hotel (The Menger is now on my bucket list of places to visit!) and a glimpse into the world of magicians. Add in romance during both time periods and the pages almost turned themselves. Readers who like time-slip romance mysteries will not want to miss this one. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I read a complimentary copy of the book, given to me by Barbour Publishing, and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

I found this time slip novel to not be what I expected. The Christian aspect was rather obscure. The contemporary female lead, Dini, is a magician with basically no Christian influence in the novel. The contemporary male lead, Quinn, is a Christian but with little faith impact in the story line. I found it rather unbelievable that the two of them would experience an intense budding romance. I did not really find them nor the ones in the historical part of the story to be engaging characters.

I was pleased to find out a bit about Sally White, a chambermaid at the Menger Hotel, and her murder in 1876. I do wish there had been more about her, however. Residents of the Menger claim the hotel is haunted by White so Pittman aimed to write a novel with a haunting in it. She created Hedda, a character staying at the hotel a century ago and who has what appears to be haunting experiences. Currently, Dini and Quinn seek to explain the seemingly historical paranormal events as well as solve the theft of Hedda's jewels.

I was disappointed that there wasn't more historical information and description contained in the narrative itself. Pittman's historical note at the end helped clarify fact from fiction. I do hope future books in this series are more information about the actual event around which the fiction is developed.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Confession: I almost didn't finish this book, nearly stopping midway through after the chapter that comes (suitably) with a warning-cum-"permission to skip this chapter" note.

'The Lady in Residence' (at least through that chapter) is not one to read at night, that's for sure! I made that mistake, and it nearly proved my downfall. But, true confession, I saw on Goodreads that Jaime Jo Wright had read it, and her 5-star review encouraged me that yes, this is Christian fiction; no, the author doesn't believe in ghosts (be sure to read the note at the end); and that maybe I should give it another go. I'm glad I did!

Yes, it has ghosts. (I'd missed that on my first pass of the book description.) And "The Chapter" with a content warning was suitably creepy, especially--again--at bedtime, when everything seems a little darker and scarier. But man, that aside … what a read! I fell in love with the two main characters (and truly, everyone needs a Bert in their lives). Both their journeys as characters, and the mystery surrounding Ms. Krause, were both fascinating.

Most of all, my favorite part of the reading process was having been to San Antonio myself in 2018. I stayed at the Emily Morgan Hotel (which actually got mentioned in 'The Lady in Residence'! Yay!); visited the Alamo and extensively explored its grounds; and in fact went by the Menger Hotel on a walking tour! There's nothing like having actually visited a place to bring it to life on the page. Love, love, love … and now I'm ready to visit San Antonio again (in nice, fall-ish weather).

You'll note that 'The Lady in Residence' is part of the 'Doors to the Past' series--that being said, each installment is standalone (so, just my style, haha). No need to read them in order!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman is a historical fiction book. The book goes back in forth from 1915 to current times. Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel in San Antonio back in 1915. She soon finds out that one of the workers was murdered years before and her ghost roams the Hotel. During one of the scary times, she leaves her room and her expensive jewelry is stolen which leaves her financially destitute.

Dini Blackstone is a magician who does parties and ghost tours in the city. She checks into the same Hotel in 2017 and soon meets Quinn Carmichael. They find they have connections to Hedda and the historic hotel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is my fourth book by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. I call it two stories in one book. A split timeline. The characters from each story were engaging. I loved Dini and Quinn’s story but I also loved reading Hedda’s story. I loved that the author let us know there were some facts that were real. A great plot, a mystery, a romance and intriguing with a faith thread. I recommend this book if you want to read something that will keep you flipping those pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All my opinions are my own.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Release date February 1, 2021.***

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I found this to be a very enjoyable book...it's to be the first in the "Doors to the Past" series.

Historical "gothic" stories have recently been kind of hit or miss with me, but this one was definitely a hit. I also liked how the story was presented...almost like getting two stories for one 😊. The main story centers on Dini Blackstone and Quinn Carmichael, two characters that I'd LOVE to read more about.

Allison Pittman is currently a new-to-me author, but I hope to have that remedied soon.

This is a little different from what I expected, but, when based on an idea from a true story... Fact with fiction.. A winner! She lost her husband, her home and her financial security. I liked how she made the best of her situation. Moving into a hotel seemed lke a good move until she found she was being haunted by the resident ghost! I liked the old history mixed with the present. Interesting characters. With some surprises in the ending!

This was an amazing mystery/Christian Ghost story. I was involved in both parallel stories. The characters were interesting and the storylines captivating.

The story of Hedda Krause was a fascinating way to drive both storylines, with her story interspersed through out the chapters. It set up the meet cute and subsequent relationship building in a seamless manner.

Dini, our heroine had a fascinating story. Her back story definitely connected her to Hedda.

I liked the Christian message that was throughout the pages. The growth and development of the characters and relationships was fascinating. The reveals were surprising. I was absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to read this book.

I received an early copy through Netgalley and this is my honest review

Enchanting time slip/ christian love story/ historical fiction based on a true story/ghost story.
What more could you put into a book. Page turner for sure - had to see this mystery through!
Being set in one of my favorite cities in one of my favorite hotels didn't hurt a bit either. Visiting MiTerra through the books eyes brought the sounds, smells and tastes of on of the best restaurants ever! Had me wanting to ma a trip soon!
This would be a great book club book.