The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman is a time slip romantic mystery based on a true story. This book was unlike any I have read. About a third of the way through it, I almost put it down. I am so glad that I did not.

This is the story of Hedda Krause in the early 1900’s and Dini, Marilyn Houdini Blackstone, of present day. How cute is it for a fifth generation magician to be named Dini, short for Houdini? It is set in San Antonio, Texas and based on the murder of Sallie White. The characters are intriguing. Hedda reminded me of an old movie actress. I loved her spunk and attitude. Dini was a different character with a lot of issues. She was obsessed with Hedda. I had difficulty relating to her.

Dini works various jobs, most of them in the magic field. She also narrates ghost tours at the Menger hotel. This gives her a chance to talk about poor Hedda and Sallie. Gil, the bartender at the hotel, is a friend and shares this interest.

This is where I almost quit reading. Granted, there is not a lot of Christian messages or lessons in this novel. There are some, but they are lightly sprinkled. It seemed odd to have a Christian book about ghosts, bars, cigarette smoking, and common-law marriages. It is based on a real life happening, so perhaps that is why it is gritty.

I felt better about reading this book after seeing the author note at the back of the book. It says, “A confession. I love a good ghost story. Do I believe in ghosts? No, at least not in the restless spirit of the dead variety. Ghosts are memories. Stories. When I hear stories about a haunted house, I don’t care about the current bumps in the night; I want to know the story of the person behind those bumps and why the story has lived long after the soul.” She even had in the story that we are not supposed to believe in ghosts.

Author Pittman has an inviting style of writing. Her stories grab the attention of readers quickly and retain it. This was no exception, I have long finished the book and am still pondering it. There are many twists and turns to make it exciting. The mystery begs for solving. I found myself going back to reread certain sections after I had finished the book wondering why I did not catch a certain thing. Everything get tied up nicely at the end of the book.

I recommend this is adult readers that enjoy gothic, mysteries, and time slip novels. There is a light Christian message. I enjoyed both story lines. They are extremely well connected. This would make a great selection for a book club, although there are no discussion questions. It would be fun to talk about this in a group.

I rated it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

3.75 stars- I have read several of Allison Pittman’s novels. Her stories are always original and cover a wide range of times and topics. This was the first book in a new series by Barbour about real American landmarks. It is two stories rolled into one- Dini and Quin in modern day San Antonio and Hedda and Irvin in early 1900’s San Antonio.
The Menger Hotel in San Antonio is home to the ghost of Sallie White. One night in the early 1900’s, Sallie began a series of visits to guest Hedda Krause and eventually stole her jewels. Many years later Hedda wrote a memoir telling the tale of her experiences with Sallie and Irvin Carmichael, a young detective investigating the theft. In present day San Antonio, magician Dini is obsessed with Hedda’s story and can’t believe her luck when Irvin’s great-great grandson Quin shows up at the Menger Hotel wanting to learn more about his ancestor and Hedda’s story. Is Hedda’s story true?
I thought the way the author split the story timeline was very creative. We got to read Hedda’s story straight from her memoir and follow Dini and Quin’s story in present day. The tale of Sallie and the experiences that Hedda went through during her many years at the Menger Hotel were intriguing. The author did a great job of ratcheting up the suspense with the tale of Sallie White. Dini and Quin were an endearing couple full of quirks. Overall, it was an entertaining tale of what if’s and how someone’s story from so long ago can still affect others today.
I look forward to reading more stories in this series and learning about other places in the US. I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. It seemed strange to read a Christian book about a ghost. But I kept going. I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me, there is a logical explanation for everything.

I enjoyed Dini’s quirky, awkwardness and Quinn’s nerdiness. They made an unlikely, yet perfect, match.

The author did a wonderful job and tying up all the loose strings, and there were a lot. My brain kept scrambling to try and make sense of everything and Allison put it all together beautifully.

I am excited that this is a new series Barbour Publishing is putting out. I already plan on reviewing the next book. Can’t wait!

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

It was 1 am all was quiet all were asleep and I wanted a chamoy raspa (snow cone). At 2 am I got creeped out and wanted to hide under my blanket. Both reactions were brought on by the mix of ghosts of the past and San Antonian food (I wanted tortillas several times too) during this book Bravo Allison Pittman for bringing a smile to my face as I dove into San Antonio, Tx culture. A delicious thought-provoking novel reminding us that our decisions today will come back as haunting memories when we regret our choices.

If you enjoy ghost stories I recommend this well written time slip book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

The Lady in Residence is a great start to Barbour Publishing new Split in Time series Doors to the Past. In the Lady in Residence, Hedda Krause takes up full time residency in the San Antonio hotel Menger Hotel after becoming in a young widow of a wealthy man, but was just left with enough to live on. A ghost takes up trying to scare Hedda from the hotel, but she refuses to leave her home.
Dini Blackstone is a magician in 1917 and loves the autobiography of Hedda. So, when she meets Quinn Charmichael, a descendant to the investigator who helped in Hedda's case, she is quickly interested. Together they set out to find out the reals story of the haunting of Menger Hotel.
I enjoyed The Lady in Residence and I found both stories compelling. I am looking forward to the next books in the new series.
I have received a copy of this book complimentary through NetGalley and the publisher, but all opinions are my own.

This split-time novel is set in San Antonio at the Menger Hotel. The contemporary time line features Dini Blackstone a young magician who grew up with touring magician parents leading her to be independent, self-sufficient and a loner along with Quin Carmichael, a descendant of a main character in the historical time line. The story focuses on the self-published journal of Hedda Krause that is in Dini's possession. Hedda was a widow who lived at the Menger Hotel where murdered Sallie White was said to haunt. Hedda becomes involved with Quin's 5th great grandfather, Detective Carmichael, because of several events involving Hedda and the supposed ghost of Sallie White.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story based on true events as I have visited the Menger Hotel several times. It still maintains its historic feel and you can well imagine a visiting ghost. My favorite relationships were those between Hedda and Bert, the hotel bartender, and Dini and Quin. Both Bert and Quin seemed to keep Hedda and Dini grounded. The explanations as the story progressed dealing with the idea of "ghosts" from a Christian perspective was wonderfully developed. Based on Psalm 146:4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them." and from the story: "God brings people in and out of a life. Or in and out of a place. Guess He wanted you and me to stay." The twist in the ending definitely supports this.

An enjoyable and intriguing read.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Ghosts, magic, romance, history, mystery…now you could almost repeat those words since you get a double dose in this book. One story line from the era of 1915, the other 2017. A widow, Hedda Krause arrives in San Antonio with only a trunk of dresses, some jewels, and a little cash. Hopefully she can attach herself to a new, rich husband. Her plans are thwarted by a ghostly presence. Can Detective Carmichael solve the crime when the jewels go missing?
Modern day Dini Blackstone is a 5th generation magician, who also gives historical tours, her favorite the ghost walks about Hedda. Quinn Carmichael, great-great- grandson of the Detective arrives to learn what he can about items he has discovered in a box.
You have two stories running throughout the book that will hold your interest. Both stories have surprising endings. At least to me they did. So, I recommend that you pick up the book and read.

I love the old stories that are often connected to old landmarks. Allison Pittman pens a captivating tale filled with ghosts, jewel thieves and romance in this split time story surrounding the historic Menger hotel in San Antonio. While there are a few goosebump moments in the story, the author's reference to ghosts merely being the memories and stories from the past formed the story.

Present day Dini has always been intrigued by the century old mystery of the mysterious lady in residence, Hedda Krause, and the supposed haunting that shadowed her and changed her life. While I enjoyed Dini's story, it was Hedda's voice and story that entranced me and kept me eagerly turning the pages until I reached the end. The author expertly ties the two stories together in a satisfying conclusion.

Highly recommend! I am looking forward to reading more books in this new series published by Barbour.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was one that I really tried to get into, but sadly just did not enjoy. The characters in this book were all completely off putting. The historical heroine was absolutely distasteful. I could not empathize or root for her in any way. I could not identify with her mindset to loiter in a “haunted” hotel and try to connive her way into having random men pay for her livelihood. She just seemed like a manipulative alcoholic awaiting her next mark.
The contemporary story line offered no relief from the strangeness of the historical story. The main heroine was absolutely obnoxious, rude, and socially awkward. Not only was she inexplicably obsessed with this random “ghost story” she was weird in every single aspect of her life and personality. My frustration at her interactions was a large reason why this book was a miss. The details of Hedda’s story were so spread out and it took far too long for any real items of interest to work their way into the details of her story that many times I was curious as to what the point of her story even was.
I found the romance between the characters to be hard to believe. They didn’t seem to click in my opinion and it was hard to imagine anyone being attracted to Dini with her abrasive personality. I am always up for a mysterious read, but this one had too many obstacles to overcome for me to enjoy it.

The Lady in Residence

This book was quite intriguing. It's a stray from my normal reading choice but the ties to another time period quickly pulled me in. Ms. Pittman is quite the writer and successfully bounced us back and forth between modern and historical worlds and the events of that time. I look forward to finding this hotel on my next visit to San Antonio.

I was captivated with the tale of Hedda Krause and her life. Equally so with the young Dini, her illusion skills and approach to life. She has the ability to seclude herself from others but is quickly drawn to Quin who is visiting the area. His family is tied into the story nicely. His life is a contrast to Dini's in so many ways.

I appreciate the character of Quin and what he stands for. While there was Scripture scattered here and there I found it a little odd, the writer's draw to the other spirit world. The book is clean and and was quite interesting. A bit of mystery, history and romance. There were times I read long into the night having difficulty putting it down.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for this preview.

EXCERPT: Only later would I mark how he watched my approach with both sadness and trepidation.

'Oh!' I exclaimed, dragging up some vestige of coquettishness. 'A late Christmas present for me?'

'Yes,' he said, refusing to meet my eye. 'Take it as such. I won't be charging you. Truth be told, I don't know if I should give it to you at all.'

And then he was gone, disappeared like a puff of dark dust. Upon closer inspection, I saw the package had been wrapped, sealed and tied with the string circled three times around. Unable to open it with my own power, I walked to the desk and asked Mr Sylvan to lend me his letter opener. Silver and sharp, it weighed heavy in my hand as I sliced through the string and along the sealed edges.

'It's my Christmas portrait,' I said as much to myself as to Mr Sylvan. I unwrapped the layers and uncovered the image printed on heavy paper. I felt myself frown at first. Haley had promised a tint, but I saw nothing but ordinary black and white.

Then the image blurred in my trembling hand.

'Mrs Krause?' Mr Sylvan's voice lurked beyond the roaring of the rush of blood in my ears.

I dropped the image to the desktop and braced my hands beside it. A sob caught in my throat, perfectly timed to Mr Sylvan's un-Sylvan-like gasp.

The Christmas tree it seemed, had failed in its spell to protect me from the ghost of Sallie White. For there she was, in the photograph. Right behind me. Her hand resting on my shoulder.

ABOUT 'THE LADY IN RESIDENCE': Young widow Hedda Krause 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. Her plans are derailed when a ghostly apparition lures her into a long, dark hallway, and Hedda returns to her room to find her precious jewelry has been stolen. She falls immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again.

In 2017, Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician, who performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection. Above all, her favorite 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. But then Dini meets Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson 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. Can Dini see another side of the story that is worthy of God’s grace?

MY THOUGHTS: An enjoyable read, but not a particularly gripping or memorable one. I guess I was expecting more 'gothic' atmosphere.

The Lady in Residence is a combination of romance and a 'paranormal' mystery set over two timelines. I enjoyed the characters of Dini and Quin, but I found Hedda to be quite cold and calculating. Although I guess that had I found myself in her circumstances in that time, I might be much the same.

I have to admit to skimming large tracts in the second half of the book when my interest began to wane and it seemed that we were just rehashing old ground. So I may have missed it, but I can't recall seeing any reference to 'true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again'. If there are indeed references to this, please don't hesitate to correct me.

I found the author's notes at the end of the book most interesting. 'There's a Russian nesting doll structure to The Lady in Residence. Sallie haunts Hedda, Hedda haunts Dini,' which explains the central theme of the novel perfectly. That and obsession.

'The story of Sallie White is true, and the details of it depicted in The Lady in Residence fall in line with the newspaper accounts of the time.'

Pittman also talks about the beauty of the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, calling it 'historically exquisite, but there is a sense of heaviness to it too.'

So please do read the Author's note, but not before the book as it contains at least one spoiler that I can think of.

⭐⭐.8

#TheLadyinResidence #NetGalley
#contemporaryfiction #historicalfiction #christianromance #mystery #paranormal

'She fixated on the idea that a man who had sisters knew how to be kind to a woman.' - I snorted at this! I have three brothers and they spent most of our days enjoying making mine miserable!

THE AUTHOR: Allison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.

DISCLOSURE: Thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing a digital ARC of The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

A duel timeline book that captures your attention and doesn't let go! This is a new Author to me and I will definitely be checking her other books out!

This was an enjoyable romantic historical mystery. This takes place in the present but we get to hear what happens in the past through a book written by Hedda Krause. Hedda was a very interesting character from the past that Dini is obsessed with. Dini knows the book that Hedda wrote forward and backward and then she meets Quin who says he has information she has never seen. There are many twists and turns and a ghost. This was a very enjoyable story and I really enjoyed the ending. I received a copy of this book from Barbour publishing for a fair and honest review that I gave of my own free will.

I decided this book just wasn't for me. It didn't catch my attention, and when I got about 25% into the story and I was still bored, bogged down by the modern setting and not yet convinced that I could be made to care about the historical ones, I decided to not add a low rating to this book - which is just not my thing! - and move along. No reason to just finish it so I can be negative!

I need to get better at reading blurbs, too, as somehow I just ... entirely forgot that it was time slip! Which is a frustrating genre for me, and now one I should be trying without first hearing a LOT of good things about it from other people.

What a fascinating story. This is the first book I have. read from this author. I was pleasantly surprised, even though I thought it was going to be a regency romance. This story is about two women from two different generations of time. Jedda in the early 1900’s and Dini in more present day. Both have very interesting stories that weave together. It is a historical mystery and a sweet romance rolled in to one. It takes place in San Antonio, Texas. I know little about this town but now I’m intrigued about the haunted mysteries that have taken place. The history is well researched and delicately shared. I was pulled in to this mystery and couldn’t put it down. The characters are interesting and well defined. I felt a large variety of emotions throughout this book. It held me captive right until the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lady in Residence is the first book from the new Doors to the Past series. It is, also, Allison Pittman’s contribution. Wow! This book has to be my favorite that I have read by her to date. It is so very good. I love the mysterious Menger Hotel setting. I love going from present day to the past and back to the present day again. The suspense was great that kept me intrigued and not want to put the book down.

The Lady in Residence will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction and dual time lines. I will be eagerly waiting the other books from the Doors to the Past series. This one was a great introduction for it.

I received The Lady in Residence from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book has chills and romance. Dini is a magician and tour guide that is obsessed with Hedda Krause, a woman from the past and her stay at the Menger Hotel. It is local legend. When she meets Irvin Carmichael the Fifth A.K.A Quin, he flips her world upside down. The story of Hedda is within the story of Dini and Quin. There were a few times I had chills from the suspense and mystery surrounding Hedda. This was an interesting book with its two intertwining stories of love and tragedy.

A bit confusing at first, but everything fell into place quickly for me. An interesting plot with quirky characters all drawn to the Menger Hotel. Dini Blackstone is a tour guide at the Alamo, who is obsessed with the Hedda Krause mystery. Hedda Krause, recent widow, cast out on her own with little resources, haunted by Sallie White. Quinn Carmichael, great grandson of the detective from the past that was involved with Hedda Krause. Travel from the future to the past and back. Does the Hotel Menger hold the clues - or is it tied up in the present or the past. Quite the mystery, which I did enjoy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Lady in Residencec is the start to collaboration of the present and the past in The Doors to the Past series. I don’t know if it was divine intervention or just perfect time, but I started reading this while watching Alias Grace on Netflix. The story follows two women over a century apart: Hedda Krause, a young widow staying at the Menger Hotel, and Dini Blackstone, a magician who gives ghost tours. The stories collide when Quinn Carmichael, a descendent of the detective in charge of the case of Hedda Krause’s robbed room, embarks on one of Dini’s ghost tours.

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story?! Or an unsolved case?! Pittman seamlessly intertwines the lives of Hedda (1915) and Dini (2017), while walking readers through the solving of the mystery. The chapters alternate between Hedda and Dini. As the story advances, the reader starts to see similarities between Hedda and Dini. Both girls are slowly falling in love…and with men who happen to be related! While the case was never solved, Dini and Quinn believe with her knowledge of Hedda’s novel and his family heirlooms, they can solve the case of who Sallie, the ghost, really is, and why she stole Hedda’s jewelry from her late husband.

The Lady in Residence is a story of two women who find themselves finding more than they ever wished and coming to terms with the truth of Sallie. Pittman expertly weaves together the past and the present in a story of love, mystery, and the paranormal.