I was completely captivated by The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman ! I knew nothing about it when I began reading, but the cover intrigued me. I assumed the novel would feature a noble woman in a 17th century British manor house. I’ve never been happier to be very wrong!

This dual timeline novel features the real historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. In 1915, Hedda Krause seeks refuge at the Menger after her husband dies and her stepchildren expel her from the family and her stately home. Several shocking events happen to Hedda, and her stability and honesty are seriously questioned.

In 2017, Dini Blackstone, a fifth generation magician, performs at parties and leads San Antonio ghost tours. She’s fascinated with the legend of Hedda Krause and has devoted years to researching her. When Dini meets someone with a direct connection to Hedda’s legend, the pieces of the story slowly come together.

This novel is the first in the Doors to the Past series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I do not normally read this genre. I was not sure what to expect. Furthermore, I felt good about reading this book after finding an author interview where Allison 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.” I also enjoyed hearing about her stay at the Menger Hotel and all that she gleaned there. After that, I was ready to plunge into reading about adventures which took place in the hotel.

I was surprised on many levels at the depth of character, the richness of the story and the time-slip style in which the author penned this novel. Readers meet Dini Blackstone in San Antonio, Texas in 2017. She is a magician comes from a long line of them and works odd jobs to make ends meet, like magic shows for birthday parties, where she shows off her many talents such as performing card tricks. One of her favorite jobs is giving ghost tours at the Menger hotel. She is obsessed with Hedda Krause and delights in telling people about poor Sallie White who was murdered at the hotel and of a widow, Hedda Krause, who is robbed after moving into the hotel with all her worldly possessions.

Dini meets a man on a tour that has the same obsession with Hedda Krause and Detective Carmichael. Just so happens this man’s name is Quin Carmichael, he is the great, great grandson of Detective Carmichael who investigated the theft at the hotel. He wants to get the facts straight hoping to get to the bottom of the mystery around Hedda’s valuables.

In 1915, Hedda Krause moves into the hotel. Her robbery story is hard to believe, since she says it was done by the ghost of Sallie White. Hedda writes her experiences down in a memoir type book, she calls it, The Haunted Life of Hedda Krause Published by the Author Herself.” Quinn and Dini read the book and join forces in hopes of solving this case once and for all.

I liked how the author gave readers a heads up about listening to the details of Sallie White’s murder. One character says to the other they could stop reading right now if they are squeamish and don’t want to know about the murder. It gives the reader a chance to skip over that part too if they do not want to know. Even if you read that part it is not so detailed and/or gruesome you have to stop reading. Grin!

I recommend reading the note to readers first to help set the stage for this intriguing story based on true events. I enjoyed both story lines and how they are connected. I liked the surprises the author has for readers in both timelines, combined with just the right amount of clean romance and a splash of creepiness, and suspense that keep you turning the pages trying to discover what happens next. This novel would work well for your book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

I was super excited when Barbour Fiction announced the Doors to the Past series because each book will be set at a different American landmark. I'm especially looking forward to Pepper Basham and Kimberley Woodhouse's contributions to the series but I wouldn't think of skipping the first installment! 

This book is a time split novel with both the past and modern-day storylines set in and around the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. Readers first meet Houdini "Dini" Blackstone as her tour group is returning to the Menger Hotel. To say Dini is obsessed with the history of Hedda Krause (the hotel's Lady in Residence) and Sally White would be an understatement so when she discovers that the great (x5) grandson of the FBI agent who investigated her case shows up at the hotel, the game is afoot. Dini and Quin Carmichael set to unraveling the mystery of Hedda's haunting and robbery. As they work closely together, their interests stray beyond their mutual love of history and towards the possibility of a shared future. 

I had mixed feelings about this story. Pittman has crafted a well-paced story with engaging dialogue and scads of history. Her protagonist Dini is both interesting and eccentric. Having grown up as the child of traveling performers, she moonlights as a magician whenever she's not leading ghost tours. Her preoccupation with Hedda Krause was born from the stories her mother used to tell as they moved from place to place. While Dini performs magic for various audiences, the author repeatedly mentions that her tricks are only illusions. In the same way, she presents the haunting of the Menger as a mystery to be solved rather than focusing on a spiritual element. Despite these admirable qualities, I was unable to find a personal connection with the characters which dampened my enjoyment of the book. Doubtless, there will be plenty of readers who will find that connection.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Good/Average -- I liked it/found it to be entertaining.

Delightful and unexpected! The premise alone was intriguing, but the delivery was outstanding. A dual timeline story that captivates the attention of the reader from each perspective. On one end is Hedda Krause in 1915 and on the other end is Dini in modern times. Both women in the same space during different times create an impressive story. Hedda’s mystery draws the eye of Dini, a magician, and the search is a seamless tale to find resolution and closure. The faith strand adds a layer of richness that is not to be missed. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Wow! Simply wow! This book kept me awake long into the night, a ghost story that I could actually feel good about reading, characters whose stories tangled themselves in my mind refusing to let me rest until I got answers. Was Hedda's early 1900s story of abuse, love, loss, fear, and determination wrapped
up in Dini's contemporary story of being orphaned, living a life dominated by isolation, fear, and determination, or was it the other way around? Who was the most haunted, the most obsessed? I encourage readers who enjoy just a touch of the macabre alongside an old mystery and a bit of romance to read The Lady in Residence, preferably at a time when they've got several uninterrupted hours to immerse themselves in the tale.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Lady in Residence from Barbour Books via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed her are my own.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect going in to this book. I’m not one for ghost stories and my only experience with this author was a DNF. But The Lady in Residence was a pleasant surprise that totally sucked me in and had me reading every spare second I had, finishing less than 24 hours after I began.
The historical was written as excerpts taken from the heroine’s autobiography. And the author gave Hedda such a unique voice that honestly captivated me. Her story is unveiled slowly and I won’t spoil it by saying anymore.
The contemporary heroine was definitely unique as well, you don’t often run into young female magicians! Dini hadn’t had an easy life but I admired the way she had carved her own place in the world. I loved watching her introduce Quin to Hedda’s story and was totally invested as they pieced together the mystery! Quin and Dini made an interesting couple and I wasn’t sure they fit at first but honestly by the end I was totally rooting for them!
This book definitely fascinated me and wasn’t what I was expecting-in a good way! This series has the history nerd in me fully hooked and I can see myself adding a lot of historical landmarks to my bucket list!

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Fiction for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is a time slip story. In 1915 beautiful Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel hoping to snag a new husband. She is rich with some jewels and beautiful dresses. Things heat up when she claims to see a ghost, and the ghost stole her jewelry. In 1917 Dina, who is a magician and a ghost walk tour guide, meets Quinn, who is the great-great grandson of the detective who investigated the crime. Together they try to figure out what really happened, using some old documents left by the detective. I liked this book-it took me a few chapters to figure it out, but once I did I was hooked. I also liked the setting of the Menger Hotel and Dina's unusual jobs. I recommend this book if you like historical fiction and mystery.

In truth is beauty and beauty is truth. That is all ye need to know - Yeats

But what is the truth? 1915 finds Hedda Krause, a new widow, moving into the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. Her stay there, originally to be a short one, becomes absolutely fascinating - what of this is true and what is an illusion?

2017 finds Dini Blackstone, a tour guide taking visitors from all over the world on ghost walks or thrilling folks with ‘magic’ at parties. Growing up in a magicians world she has a special affinity to stories of great intrigue, like the Memoir of Hedda Krause. Quin Carmichael is the great-great-grandson of Detective Irvin Carmichael, an important part of the story of Hedda Krause. The detective’s old shoebox holds important clues to this mystery.

What follows is a time-slip novel of discovery into the cold case of the missing jewelry and the possible clearing of Hedda’s name. This is a fabulous story that will keep you wondering right up till the end.

An ARC was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Wow, Wow, Wow! This book is just awesome and page turner! This book takes you back and forth from present to past. When Hedda becomes a widower, she makes a plan to move to the Menger Hotel and stay there until she fits a new husband. She never thought her plans would be squashed when she sees the hotel ghost and all her jewels are taken one night. That was in 1915, now in 2017 Dina, a ghost tour guide, has been researching for many years about Sallie the ghost that Hedda saw and where the jewels are. While one day at the hotel she meets Quinn, who has ties to past, will he have the answers she is looking for? What happend that night at the hotel with Hedda? Is the hotel really haunted?

I would recommend this to anyone that wants a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a book that you can't put down, I stayed up late into the night because I just needed to know what happens. The story has so much going on and twist / turns that it is hard to review without spoilers. I just loved this book and want more!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

An incredibly intriguing ghost story that'll leave you turning pages as quickly as you can read the words. This time slip novel is wonderfully written with enough spook to give you goosebumps, enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough romance to satisfy! Dini Blackstone, a modern-day magician, named after Houdini himself, gives ghost tours in the evenings to share her obsession with the story of Hedda Krause and Sallie White. When Quin, the Great-great-great grandson of Irvin Carmichael, the detective involved in Hedda's story, comes to town, the two spark up a friendship. They spend their time together learning, sharing, and filling in missing parts of Hedda's story. Their friendship turned more, is absolutely delightful. I enjoyed their shared story and attraction brought them together. Everything about this book is enjoyable and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this new Doors to the Past series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

"The Lady in Residence" by Allison Pittman is really good! 5⭐. I couldn't put this book down! I had to know what happened and how it would end. I even teared up and laughed out loud. I also loved the characters and the modern romance! So good.
Thank you to Netgalley & Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Delightful romantic mystery. Allson Pittman weaves a magical tale with ghosts, romance and time shift all blended together in a captivating tale of unlikely romance between a slightly nerdy teacher and a very quirky girl who does magic shows. Blend in a historical hotel with the guests and history of folks who lived 100 years earlier and you have a story to keep you awake and listening for sounds you usually ignore. Romance is not usually my favorite genre but this one was mixed with historical and just wonderful.
Thanks to NetGalley for early ebook copy. #NetGalley

** “I had a value far beyond rubies and a Father in heaven who saw past my faults and would loosen the pain that bound me.” **

Allison Pittman delivers a delightful time-slip novel with “The Lady in Residence,” the first in the Doors to the Past series by multiple authors.

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 works as a fifth-generation card trick illusionist, and Hedda Krause who finds a home in the Menger Hotel after her husband dies.

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 — including a ghost who may have robbed the widow.

As Dini and Quin learn more about Hedda and her connection to Quin’s relative, the two find themselves drawn closer and closer. By solving the mystery of Hedda, will the two find a new beginning themselves?

Pittman does an incredible job of blending the two stories that span a century, inserting enough enigma and romance to intrigue the reader. She creates intriguing characters with unseen connections.

She also fills “The Lady in Residence” with several great themes, like starting over; a haunting is just something that stays with you; we all have value; and the need for finding respectability. It also reminds us that God has a plan for each of us and is purposeful in His plan. As Quin tells Dini: “Coincidence and fate are random. I’m a math person. I don’t do random. God is purposeful. We live in an equation of His design.”

“The Lady in Residence” will delight readers. Fans of time-slip novels, like those by Kate Morton or “Set the Stars Alight” by Amanda D., as well as historical fiction will love this story.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Author Allison Pittman keeps readers spellbound in an incredible journey to uncover the mysterious haunting of the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, TX, a popular historic landmark. Moving between the story of widow, Hedda Krause, in the early 1900’s, and modern day magician, Dini Blackstone, this story immerses readers in a tale rich in history, romance, passion and intrigue! It is a must-read for readers who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries!

Pittman completely enraptured me with The Lady in Residence. I could hardly put this story down! From the very first chapter, I was hopelessly immersed in both the characters and the story line. By the end of the story, I wanted to weep, I wanted to shout for joy, and I certainly didn’t want it to end. The Lady in Residence was a thrill to read and has already made its way to my top ten list for 2021!

Pittman brings the Menger Hotel to life with the timeless, tragic tale of widow Hedda Krause who's story was broken and beautiful. I became quite fond of her as I viewed her through excerpts Pittman masterfully penned as Hedda in her final years, telling her own story in a book.

As a reader who is always fascinated with time-slip novels, I loved the present day aspect of this story as well! Dini Blackstone and Quin Carmichael were perfectly quirky, charming and relatable. Pittman matched those characters well and built a passionate, fantastic tale around them of history and romance. I could say so much more, but I don’t want to give too much away!

The Lady in Residence is well written, expertly planned, beautifully delivered and it was rich in history, romance and intrigue. The faith-based elements are subtle and add to the story in a soft, inspiring way without detracting from the historical or contemporary timelines. Pittman delivers just a hint of an edge to this story, making it feel quite contemporary and even passionate, while still maintaining clean reading. I believe both religious and secular readers will enjoy this captivating book. Fans of author Jaime Jo Wright will especially enjoy this story. This book is appropriate for ages 15+.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

This was a great historical fiction tale that I couldn’t put down. I liked the stories of both Hedda and Dini and found them to be interesting characters. I enjoyed the dual connected timelines and the references to San Antonio.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Working as a magician and tour guide, Dini has researched the story of Hedda Krause. In 1915, widow Hedda Krause checked into the Menger Hotel with the goal of finding a rich husband. After she starts hearing things and seeing a ghostly apparition, she is robbed and loses all of her jewelry. She immediately claims that the ghost is responsible for the theft. Detective Carmichael investigates the story, and begins to fall for Hedda Back in the present, a great great grandson of Detective Carmichael shows up, bearing pictures, his notebook, and answers.

Throughout the story, the characters were dynamic and well formed. However, the story itself was a bit lacking. My biggest criticism is that there was not enough of a connection between the big reveal and the actual story. This was a bit of a bummer, and really took away from the story. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 5
Plot development: 5
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 5
Ease of Reading: 5

Overall rating: 5 out of 5

The Lady in Residence is a story that will surprise you, excite you and leave you joyful. This is a dual story about two different souls but with a shared humanity.

Told in dual narration with past and present story lines the author manages to weave together a very real, very human story that left me in awe and will leave you the same.

In in the past, 1915, Hedda Krause finds herself in need of shelter and space as her husband has died and her stepchildren no longer care for her. She finds herself at the Menger Hotel. Here she lives her life, and we experience along with her the highs and lows and twists and turns of her life until the end.

In the same place in a different time, 2017, Dini Blackstone is a magician that is also fascinated and maybe a bit obsessed with the history and people of the Menger Hotel. She spends her free time researching and trying to understand the past. Hedda’s story catches her eye and she tries to delve deeper into the mystery of this woman, her past, her secrets and her death.

The author really creates a magical journey for not only both characters but also the reader as well. The story is presented in such a way where the reader is connected to and desperate to find out the truth, to help understand and maybe help heal some of the past.

I thought the characters were well developed and were intriguing personality wise and the atmosphere the hotel provides really adds to the story. I do not normally enjoy past and present stories but this one was written so well; I had no issues going back and forth and following along. The journey is amazing, and the ending is memorable. This was a pleasure to read. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and I am laving my honest review. 4.5 stars.

Allison Pittman’s The Lady in Residence is a breathtaking novel with mystery, romance, and just the right amount of tension.

Pittman creates this delicious tension as she slowly reveals bits and pieces of Hedda’s story interspersed with Dini’s. I love how Hedda’s story was “excerpts” from her memoir, especially since that very memoir is one of Dini’s most treasured possessions.

And because Dini knows the story of Hedda and the reader doesn’t, I found myself relating even more to Quin. His perspective isn’t even shown in the novel, but I could relate to each question. Could understand his quest for answers. He and the reader both catch up to Dini’s extensive knowledge about the same time. And I was on the edge of my seat as they tried to solve the ultimate mystery: What really happened the night Hedda was robbed?

And Pittman also does a great job with characterization. She gives Dini all these quirks that make her unique, and she doesn’t even have to fully explain them. Once I learned more of Dini’s backstory, the quirks began to make sense. I thought this was genius on Pittman’s part.

As for the spiritual element, Quin and Delia have a great discussion about how life can seem like a set of coincidences but is actually arranged by the deft hand of God.

Overall, The Lady in Residence is an expertly written tale historical and contemporary fans alike will enjoy. One of my favorite dual timeline novels to date.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Unforgettable story! The characters in this story are wonderful and embed themselves into your very being. I was pulled in immediately, the obsession with Hedda became mine. The mystery and intrigue of this story wraps itself around your mind, so many twist and turns. I caught myself wanting to jump to the end just to find out how the story ended. I’m so glad I didn’t because each page of this book is a gem. The unraveling of what really happened and all the circumstances that lead up to present day was mind blowing. A old romance and a new romance that have common ground will leave the reader’s chin dropping in aww! This is a story that will be embedded into mind until I can walk through the Menger hotel myself some day!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.