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A Time Traveler's Journey #1
Haunting Highland House
She’s looking to escape her man troubles. Instead, she finds the man of her dreams. There’s only one problem. He’s dead.
Living in a haunted house and uncovering a gateway in time were not in the job description when Samantha Merrill agreed to be the property manager of Highland House. Old photos of the reclusive master of the manor captivate her, yet she’s terrified when he appears out of nowhere. How can Robert Pennington be making love to her by the parlor fireplace when he died over a century ago?
Robert Pennington is a powerful industrialist charged with caring for an ailing father, a meddling mother, and two wayward siblings. Weary of his burdens, he longs for change. Is he ready for a woman from the future? His disciplined world turns upside down when the mysterious Samantha Merrill crashes his sister’s birthday ball. He is wildly attracted to this intriguing beauty, but is it magic or mischief motivating her? When Sam vanishes before his eyes, he knows only one thing for certain. He wants her back.
Living in a haunted house and uncovering a gateway in time were not in the job description when Samantha Merrill agreed to be the property manager of Highland House. Old photos of the reclusive master of the manor captivate her, yet she’s terrified when he appears out of nowhere. How can Robert Pennington be making love to her by the parlor fireplace when he died over a century ago?
Robert Pennington is a powerful industrialist charged with caring for an ailing father, a meddling mother, and two wayward siblings. Weary of his burdens, he longs for change. Is he ready for a woman from the future? His disciplined world turns upside down when the mysterious Samantha Merrill crashes his sister’s birthday ball. He is wildly attracted to this intriguing beauty, but is it magic or mischief motivating her? When Sam vanishes before his eyes, he knows only one thing for certain. He wants her back.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Hills
20 books275 followersKATHRYN HILLS...Best-selling romance author, ghost hunter, dog lover, and iced coffee addict. She’s hauntingly romantic unless she’s writing sweet. From graveyards to country inns, get ready to explore spooky mysteries and have some sexy fun!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 7, 2016
You'll be hearing a great deal about this new author!
I was given an ARC of Haunting Highland House for an honest opinion and review, and I am so thankful I was because Kathryn Hills' debut novel is definitely a winner.
Set in New England in the present--and 100+ years prior-- this is a story of a love that survives the vestiges of time, war, death, and change.
When Samantha Merrill arrives at Highland House as the new event manager, she feels a tiny sense of familiarity and a little niggle of uncertainty. Has she been here before? Things look familiar, but they...don't and aren't. An orphan raised by two much older adoptive parents, Sam knows nothing of her life before the age of 4. Pretty soon she starts to doubt her sanity when she's confronted with what she thinks is the ghost of Robert Pennington, the original owner of the now historic museum. But he's not a ghost. He's a living, breathing, powerful man. And he wants Samantha; almost-- if not more than-- she wants him.
Sam's life quickly spins out of control, traveling back and forth through time to meet with Robert, his family and friends. When she discovers a terrible event will befall his family, she wrestles with telling him and potentially changing the future, or allowing events to proceed as they already have.
I don't like spoilers so I leave the plot line there, but this book utterly captivated me from page 1 until the very last page. And what a last page!!!!! I'm usually fairly good at knowing how a book ( or TV show!) ends, but Ms Hills' ending totally blew my mind! And in a great, great way.
Mark my words, you 'll be hearing a lot about this wonderful author from now on.
Haunting Highland House gets 5 well deserved stars from me!
I was given an ARC of Haunting Highland House for an honest opinion and review, and I am so thankful I was because Kathryn Hills' debut novel is definitely a winner.
Set in New England in the present--and 100+ years prior-- this is a story of a love that survives the vestiges of time, war, death, and change.
When Samantha Merrill arrives at Highland House as the new event manager, she feels a tiny sense of familiarity and a little niggle of uncertainty. Has she been here before? Things look familiar, but they...don't and aren't. An orphan raised by two much older adoptive parents, Sam knows nothing of her life before the age of 4. Pretty soon she starts to doubt her sanity when she's confronted with what she thinks is the ghost of Robert Pennington, the original owner of the now historic museum. But he's not a ghost. He's a living, breathing, powerful man. And he wants Samantha; almost-- if not more than-- she wants him.
Sam's life quickly spins out of control, traveling back and forth through time to meet with Robert, his family and friends. When she discovers a terrible event will befall his family, she wrestles with telling him and potentially changing the future, or allowing events to proceed as they already have.
I don't like spoilers so I leave the plot line there, but this book utterly captivated me from page 1 until the very last page. And what a last page!!!!! I'm usually fairly good at knowing how a book ( or TV show!) ends, but Ms Hills' ending totally blew my mind! And in a great, great way.
Mark my words, you 'll be hearing a lot about this wonderful author from now on.
Haunting Highland House gets 5 well deserved stars from me!
December 16, 2017
Holy Cow! This book was amazing!! A classic romance with a twist that's infused with some ghostly hauntings that turn out to be a doorway from one time into another. I could NOT put this one down! And the end... oh, yeah! It's funny, because I typically am not a huge paranormal fan but this one had just the right amount to keep me interested without being too heavy handed with it. Highly recommend!!
February 15, 2019
I love, love, love it! I'm a big sucker for originality and this book has it in droves! The concept is intriguing and the characters are well-crafted and likable. Samantha Merrill and Robert Pennington will both draw readers in and have them (the readers) rooting for the two of them. The book itself is well-written and easy on the eyes (larger print). It is a nice, quick read and leaves the reader wanting more. I cannot wait to read more of Kathryn Hills's books in the future!
January 15, 2018
I loved this book and highly recommend it. Two lovers--one from modern day, the other from the late 19th-century--who defy the odds to build a life together. Set (mostly) in New England, this story has everything: romance, mystery, time travel, and wonderful historical details. I was really pulling for the characters, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 9, 2016
I found this book on netgalley while looking for something new and different. The title caught my eye and the blurb reeled me in. The haunted New England historic home setting sounded exactly like what I was looking for. So, I requested the book and received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
And, honestly, I FLIPPIN LOVED IT. The hauntings in the past and the present and the house shrouded in mystery area all wonderful. The atmospheric elements of the seasons, the water, the topography, and the interior of the spaces are well developed and easy to visualize. I loved getting to know the secondary characters in the past and the present, learning how the town changed, and particularly how house was used and changed at each point in time.
While the odds were stacked against Robert and Samantha, a major understatement, I loved how their romance developed and grew. Seeing how each of them experienced being a fish out of water made me think of all those times I wished I had been swept back into the past (trust me, it was a constant wish for a lot of my childhood). The question of how they would get their happily ever after kept me turning the pages and curious to know what would happen next. And, while there are still a few questions – how his mother reacted, what was Eddie’s future, etc – I love that the epilogue answered a few of the big questions. Talk about an amazing ending! WHEW! That last page is a doozy!
And, oddly enough, the part that has stayed with me the most has little to do with the story, but is about house itself. While reading the book, I wondered where the line was of historic home vs event space. And, once I finished, I wonder how that line might have shifted. I’ve worked in a few historic homes and the two spaces were always very separate. The museum employee side of my brain says that no employees would ever consider sitting on the historic furniture and the kitchen would not have been updated. What were their tours about – the house and family? So, if that is the case, why was it the events manager the person that lived there instead of a curatorial care taker? Why not in a separate house so they could interpret the staff’s quarters? Was that a stipulation of the family to put Samantha in that job (much like the key)? Which, of course, got me to wondering about how the mission statement of Highland House shifted once Robert made efforts to better preserve the house. Were the furnishings different since Eddie’s family didn’t have to buy them? Did Robert’s private office reappear? What about the rose gardens? But, this is a happy set of questions that my brain is having fun mulling over. It doesn’t cause any negative feelings and, really, it just makes me love the book even more since it tickles both the romance reader and museum professional sides of my brain.
So, to recap, if you like a ghost/haunting time-travel romance, particularly set in an historic home, I highly and enthusiastically recommend this book. Go read it!!!
And, honestly, I FLIPPIN LOVED IT. The hauntings in the past and the present and the house shrouded in mystery area all wonderful. The atmospheric elements of the seasons, the water, the topography, and the interior of the spaces are well developed and easy to visualize. I loved getting to know the secondary characters in the past and the present, learning how the town changed, and particularly how house was used and changed at each point in time.
While the odds were stacked against Robert and Samantha, a major understatement, I loved how their romance developed and grew. Seeing how each of them experienced being a fish out of water made me think of all those times I wished I had been swept back into the past (trust me, it was a constant wish for a lot of my childhood). The question of how they would get their happily ever after kept me turning the pages and curious to know what would happen next. And, while there are still a few questions – how his mother reacted, what was Eddie’s future, etc – I love that the epilogue answered a few of the big questions. Talk about an amazing ending! WHEW! That last page is a doozy!
And, oddly enough, the part that has stayed with me the most has little to do with the story, but is about house itself. While reading the book, I wondered where the line was of historic home vs event space. And, once I finished, I wonder how that line might have shifted. I’ve worked in a few historic homes and the two spaces were always very separate. The museum employee side of my brain says that no employees would ever consider sitting on the historic furniture and the kitchen would not have been updated. What were their tours about – the house and family? So, if that is the case, why was it the events manager the person that lived there instead of a curatorial care taker? Why not in a separate house so they could interpret the staff’s quarters? Was that a stipulation of the family to put Samantha in that job (much like the key)? Which, of course, got me to wondering about how the mission statement of Highland House shifted once Robert made efforts to better preserve the house. Were the furnishings different since Eddie’s family didn’t have to buy them? Did Robert’s private office reappear? What about the rose gardens? But, this is a happy set of questions that my brain is having fun mulling over. It doesn’t cause any negative feelings and, really, it just makes me love the book even more since it tickles both the romance reader and museum professional sides of my brain.
So, to recap, if you like a ghost/haunting time-travel romance, particularly set in an historic home, I highly and enthusiastically recommend this book. Go read it!!!
January 21, 2026
Haunting Highland House is a captivating blend of time travel, historical romance, and supernatural intrigue that delivers both emotional depth and escapist charm. With its haunted manor setting and irresistible cross-century romance, the novel draws readers into a story where longing transcends time and love refuses to stay buried.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its romantic tension. Samantha Merrill’s journey begins as an escape from modern-day heartbreak, but quickly becomes something far more dangerous and intoxicating when she encounters Robert Pennington, a man bound to another century. Hills skillfully balances sensuality with mystery, allowing the paranormal elements to heighten not overshadow the emotional stakes. Robert’s rigid, duty-bound world contrasts beautifully with Samantha’s modern independence, making their connection feel both forbidden and inevitable.
Equally compelling is the atmosphere of Highland House itself, which functions as more than a backdrop it is a catalyst. The haunting, the time gateway, and the slow unraveling of secrets create a sense of wonder that keeps readers turning pages. Haunting Highland House will strongly appeal to fans of time-slip romances, ghostly love stories, and historical romance infused with fantasy. It is romantic, mysterious, and deeply satisfying for readers who believe love can defy even death and time.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its romantic tension. Samantha Merrill’s journey begins as an escape from modern-day heartbreak, but quickly becomes something far more dangerous and intoxicating when she encounters Robert Pennington, a man bound to another century. Hills skillfully balances sensuality with mystery, allowing the paranormal elements to heighten not overshadow the emotional stakes. Robert’s rigid, duty-bound world contrasts beautifully with Samantha’s modern independence, making their connection feel both forbidden and inevitable.
Equally compelling is the atmosphere of Highland House itself, which functions as more than a backdrop it is a catalyst. The haunting, the time gateway, and the slow unraveling of secrets create a sense of wonder that keeps readers turning pages. Haunting Highland House will strongly appeal to fans of time-slip romances, ghostly love stories, and historical romance infused with fantasy. It is romantic, mysterious, and deeply satisfying for readers who believe love can defy even death and time.
April 14, 2025
Haunting Highland House is a sweeping time travel romance that is truly unforgettable. Kathryn Hills writes spooky romance like none other and Haunting Highland House is even better. The world-building is flawless. The historical accuracy is impressive. The romance carries the reader on an emotional-filled journey. But it’s the characters that make Haunting Highland House an unputdownable read.
When it comes to time travel romance, I have high expectations. I hold every story up to the greatest time travel romance written, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. Haunting Highland House is even better, I’m pleased to report. Kathryn Hills’ immersive writing thrust me into the story. The dialogue made me smile. But it’s the romantic in me that had me falling in love with these characters and this story. I didn’t want to leave.
If you love time travel romance as much as me, then get a hold of Haunting Highland House right now. You’ll soon be whisked away in the best written time travel romance out there.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
When it comes to time travel romance, I have high expectations. I hold every story up to the greatest time travel romance written, A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. Haunting Highland House is even better, I’m pleased to report. Kathryn Hills’ immersive writing thrust me into the story. The dialogue made me smile. But it’s the romantic in me that had me falling in love with these characters and this story. I didn’t want to leave.
If you love time travel romance as much as me, then get a hold of Haunting Highland House right now. You’ll soon be whisked away in the best written time travel romance out there.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
July 7, 2019
I found this book discounted on Amazon via my wish list; this is my honest review.
-I read book #2 before book #1. I highly suggest anyone to read the books in order. I'm hoping #3 is on its way out soon.
-I read the book in two long sittings. I couldn't help myself, this is a great story.
-Time travel in Regency time stories are my favorite but it must be done right; a bit like writing two POVs and linking both together. Hills has the knack of pacing the story at the right speed, linking the chapters one after the other, back and forth present/past.
-I liked the way people from one century could feel or see what was happening in the other and actually do something about it, without knowing they were real people.
-I also liked how people evolved in their thinking about the possibility of time travelling. Well done.
-I loved, loved, loved the epilogue. I was dreaming it would be something like this and it was!
-Editing needs another pass but nothing serious or anything to keep you off track.
-I read book #2 before book #1. I highly suggest anyone to read the books in order. I'm hoping #3 is on its way out soon.
-I read the book in two long sittings. I couldn't help myself, this is a great story.
-Time travel in Regency time stories are my favorite but it must be done right; a bit like writing two POVs and linking both together. Hills has the knack of pacing the story at the right speed, linking the chapters one after the other, back and forth present/past.
-I liked the way people from one century could feel or see what was happening in the other and actually do something about it, without knowing they were real people.
-I also liked how people evolved in their thinking about the possibility of time travelling. Well done.
-I loved, loved, loved the epilogue. I was dreaming it would be something like this and it was!
-Editing needs another pass but nothing serious or anything to keep you off track.
September 13, 2021
Escaping from a harrowing past, Samantha Merrill takes the opportunity offered to her as property manager of Highland House.
But Highland House has secrets and a past of its own and as she spends her first night alone in the House, it comes alive and a mysterious handsome man appears out of nowhere.
Robert Pennington is a powerful Industrialist, caring for his family with burdens of responsibility resting on his broad shoulders. Handsome, wealthy, honourable, there is only one problem, he lives in the eighteenth century, whereas the beautiful Samantha lives in the present.
Falling for each other from the beginning, how can they be together... only time will tell.
Kathryn Hills cleverly and expertly weaves time-travel, adventure, and romance together in this grippingly addictive, passionate love story.
These wonderfully believable characters are brought to life with humour, emotion and detail.
Beautifully written, I couldn't put it down.
But Highland House has secrets and a past of its own and as she spends her first night alone in the House, it comes alive and a mysterious handsome man appears out of nowhere.
Robert Pennington is a powerful Industrialist, caring for his family with burdens of responsibility resting on his broad shoulders. Handsome, wealthy, honourable, there is only one problem, he lives in the eighteenth century, whereas the beautiful Samantha lives in the present.
Falling for each other from the beginning, how can they be together... only time will tell.
Kathryn Hills cleverly and expertly weaves time-travel, adventure, and romance together in this grippingly addictive, passionate love story.
These wonderfully believable characters are brought to life with humour, emotion and detail.
Beautifully written, I couldn't put it down.
August 27, 2024
3 Stars
Haunting Highland House is about a haunted house set in Boston. Present-day, Samantha Merrill, shows up to replace the previous property manager. She escapes a bad relationship, hoping to find the man of her dreams. Only, she does find him — a strange likeness to a ghost. Wealthy Robert Pennington is a powerful industrialist, taking one look at Samantha has him ensnared in her “spell”. They both feel a strong, fiery connection. Mysterious time traveling and secrets shroud the house, spanning centuries. Can they solve it, and overcome their differences?
This was a spicy, short book — I'm a sucker for a time traveling trope! I love it when she goes back in time — I just wish it happened more often. I love Robert and his protectiveness. Samantha is a good heroine too. The ending — what a shocker! I see there's another book after this, I might have to read it.
Haunting Highland House is about a haunted house set in Boston. Present-day, Samantha Merrill, shows up to replace the previous property manager. She escapes a bad relationship, hoping to find the man of her dreams. Only, she does find him — a strange likeness to a ghost. Wealthy Robert Pennington is a powerful industrialist, taking one look at Samantha has him ensnared in her “spell”. They both feel a strong, fiery connection. Mysterious time traveling and secrets shroud the house, spanning centuries. Can they solve it, and overcome their differences?
This was a spicy, short book — I'm a sucker for a time traveling trope! I love it when she goes back in time — I just wish it happened more often. I love Robert and his protectiveness. Samantha is a good heroine too. The ending — what a shocker! I see there's another book after this, I might have to read it.
December 25, 2025
I recently finished your book and wanted to personally reach out to tell you how much I enjoyed it. The originality of the concept immediately drew me in, and the characters, particularly Samantha Merrill and Robert Pennington, were thoughtfully developed and truly engaging. I found myself genuinely invested in their journey.
Your writing style is polished, accessible, and a pleasure to read, making the story both immersive and memorable. It was a quick yet satisfying read that left me eager for more. I am genuinely interested in your work and look forward to reading your future projects. I will certainly be reaching out, as your storytelling has made a strong and lasting impression on me.
Thank you for sharing your work with readers. I wish you continued success and look forward to what’s next.
Your writing style is polished, accessible, and a pleasure to read, making the story both immersive and memorable. It was a quick yet satisfying read that left me eager for more. I am genuinely interested in your work and look forward to reading your future projects. I will certainly be reaching out, as your storytelling has made a strong and lasting impression on me.
Thank you for sharing your work with readers. I wish you continued success and look forward to what’s next.
January 13, 2017
What a wonderful debut novel! I must say I did not expect so much from this book, however, I am so happy to write that it surpassed my expectations. The book is well written and has a wonderful plot. The characters are great inside this one. I enjoyed the way it unfolds and was captured to the extent of not wanting to put it down. The author has done a great job with this time travel romance. It has mystery, passion, life, and family as well as the regular elements that will keep you involved in the story itself. I look forward to more from this author! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
November 24, 2019
Haunting Highland House was a lovely time travel romance set in New England. What’s not to like?!
The main character, Samantha, was great at being thrown into uncharted territory, and I loved that she had stomach problems (like me!) and not everything was perfect. That sounds a little bad, but it’s nice to read about a character who has issues like everyone else.
I only wish that the book was longer so I could read more of it. If you’re looking for a book to cozy up to this winter, give this one a try!
The main character, Samantha, was great at being thrown into uncharted territory, and I loved that she had stomach problems (like me!) and not everything was perfect. That sounds a little bad, but it’s nice to read about a character who has issues like everyone else.
I only wish that the book was longer so I could read more of it. If you’re looking for a book to cozy up to this winter, give this one a try!
April 28, 2019
A time travel romance set in the present and the mid-1880s centered on an old New England house. What really stood out for me about this novel was that when Samantha (“Sam”) travels back in time, her brief visits jump around in time, so you have this fascinating situation where Robert (the ghostly owner) experiences Sam out of sequence - each time they meet, she’s at one stage of their relationship and he’s at another. I really, really liked this non-linear development of their relationship.
February 22, 2018
Great time travel romance!
This was my first time travel novel and I was delightfully taken between modern day and yesteryear! Well written with a breakneck pace I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
This was my first time travel novel and I was delightfully taken between modern day and yesteryear! Well written with a breakneck pace I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
July 27, 2018
I loved this book! I enjoyed the New England setting, the time travel, and the romance. I really liked the characters, and am looking forward to reading more about them in future books in the series. A really fun read!
November 5, 2023
This story tugged on my heart strings multiple times over. Robert Pennington is absolutely swoon-worthy. The author does a wonderful job keeping the suspense going through the story. I had no idea how Robert and Samantha were going to end up together. This was such a romantic book!
October 25, 2025
Great blend of a ghost story and time travel. As an historian myself - I felt the author did appropriate background research to provide the book with realistic settings and customs from the past. I want now to read the rest of the series.
February 5, 2017
An interesting romance that includes time travel. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a read a like to the Outlander series (this one is much shorter with less historical emphasis).
March 23, 2020
I couldn't put this book down until my e-reader died and I was forced to recharge.
What comes next for the Pennington's and the rune stones. Please tell me more books are on the way.
What comes next for the Pennington's and the rune stones. Please tell me more books are on the way.
November 2, 2016
This was one of the absolute best books I have ever read. I receive emails from various sites that give me the basic information on all the newest books to read, and normally I have so many emails and not enough time, so I just delete most of it, but on this day, I opened the email and scrolled down to see, "Haunting Highland house" I had this feeling deep inside as though I would be traveling back in time along with the main character, to this house that felt like home. So many books I read are good, but very few books that suck you into the point where you can see and feel everything along with the characters in front of you. I was so immersed in this book, I lost all sense of time in the real world. Allow this book to take you back in time to a place and a man that one might only dream of.
July 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this story, it was a nice break from my normal preferred genres. While not a huge fan of romance, I am a huge fan of historical/time travel/mystery. I loved how the author brought the story to life, actually brought you in to the setting, made it seem as if you were there with the characters, It made me think and stay engaged in the story, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next!! I can't wait for the next book, I have to see how the tangled web weaves!
December 4, 2016
A great first book i really liked this book had me hooked right from the start and could not put it down.I really liked Robert and Sam and i really enjoyed their story recommended to all,i cant wait to see what she fetches us next
November 28, 2016
G tree at adveture
I love the time travel piece. I look forward to another bookwhere Sam parent go in search for her and take Kristie with them so she can meet Eddie.
I love the time travel piece. I look forward to another bookwhere Sam parent go in search for her and take Kristie with them so she can meet Eddie.
December 20, 2017
Eerie, magical, and mysterious. Love how the characters are woven into this mesmerizing plot with beautiful descriptive writing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews