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Doors to the Past #1
The Lady in Residence
Can a Legacy of Sadness be Broken at the Menger Hotel?
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
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?
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
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?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
66 people are currently reading
2676 people want to read
About the author
Allison Pittman
32 books654 followersAllison 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
February 13, 2021
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/...
'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/...
November 8, 2020
Visions of a spirit that reside in a historic hotel are always on the top of my list for haunting heaven. A Lady in Residence will leave the reader turning pages faster than they can drift away into the darkness of the Menger Hotel. The vivid mystery is delicious and even a few goosebumps might find their way onto the reader’s arms. A high recommend from me!
**I was given an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are 100% mine.
**I was given an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are 100% mine.
October 5, 2021
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
I was hesitant to read this book, but it sounded interesting and different from my normal reading material, so I thought I’d give it a chance.
The cover perfectly captures the haunting quality of the story. The air of mystery was well written.
Those are about the only positive things I have to say, unfortunately.
Dini got super controlling in chapter six. She insisted that a waitress bring different food for Quin than he requested, not giving him a choice about it. She demanded twice that he pause the conversation so they wouldn’t be interrupted by the waitstaff at a restaurant—which was quite ironic.
Dini claimed that “sticky” was an “immature” word. As far as I know (as an editor, writer, and student of the English language), “sticky” is an adjective that anyone on the planet can use, children and adults alike. In fact, it perfectly describes many things that adults use, such as glue, honey, gum, and syrup. “Sticky” is a valid and adequate way to describe them; there is nothing inherently or remotely “immature” about this term. I’ve personally heard many, many adults use this word without the hesitation and awkwardness that Dini used as she stumbled over an odd hangup about an everyday, common word. If we were talking about “Sissy” as a nickname for a sister or “B’ketti-O’s” in place of “Spaghetti-O’s,” I could completely understand the use of “immature” to describe the term.
“The bathroom was kind of like a time travel… separate handles for the hot and cold water.” This POV takes place in 2017. In real life, it’s currently 2021 at the time I’m writing this review. In both of those years, the separate handles (or knobs) for hot and cold water are a normal option, alongside the single-handle choice. They are still sold at local and leading hardware stores (such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot). I don’t understand how Dini saw it as a huge sign that the décor was like taking a “time machine” trip into a past era. Now, if she were talking about “separate taps” or “separate faucets” or “separate spigots” for hot and cold water, this would be a “time machine” sort of thing, at least in America, as they are found only in vintage homes and haven’t been used in other newer builds in many decades.
Hedda was fun to root for maybe for two of her chapters. After that, I really struggled greatly with finding a single reason to cheer for her or even to care about her. The more I learned about her, the more I wondered why her story was even being told.*
*I acknowledge that this could just be my personal taste.
Hedda ended up being a gutter-mouthed, alcoholic, loose woman. Not very good character traits, and definitely not what I prefer to read about in a leading lady. At first, she had appeared sweet, if a bit manipulative. The façade soon fell away, though, and her true colors were revealed. She drank like a fish every chance she got, frequenting the hotel bar—enough to become super close with the ebony-skinned barkeep, which would have been beyond scandalous in her day, especially when they shared a kiss. She seemed to do more polite drinking when she was in company, but her preference when drinking alone was hard liquors.
At one point, Hedda was asked if she frequented the bar or drank often in her room. She immediately and firmly denied both. Many previous scenes claimed the opposite. Therefore, Hedda was also a liar, which I cannot stand in a leading lady at all.
Ghosts were a huge feature of this book. Yes, that was indicated in the back-cover copy. What seemed to be more prevalent in the blurb was the air of mystery. What was definitely stronger in the story was the emphasis on the ghosts. I’m not okay with that in Christian fiction, especially because of the verse that Quin recalls: “When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.” That’s biblical proof that ghosts do not exist; therefore, they are figments of people’s imaginations and a device used by the devil to confuse people from the truth.
Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me. I am hopeful that the remainder of the series will contain some keepers that are much more to my personal taste.
Content: nudity, expletives, lewd insinuations, tobacco, alcohol (excessive), bars, tattoos
I was hesitant to read this book, but it sounded interesting and different from my normal reading material, so I thought I’d give it a chance.
The cover perfectly captures the haunting quality of the story. The air of mystery was well written.
Those are about the only positive things I have to say, unfortunately.
Dini got super controlling in chapter six. She insisted that a waitress bring different food for Quin than he requested, not giving him a choice about it. She demanded twice that he pause the conversation so they wouldn’t be interrupted by the waitstaff at a restaurant—which was quite ironic.
Dini claimed that “sticky” was an “immature” word. As far as I know (as an editor, writer, and student of the English language), “sticky” is an adjective that anyone on the planet can use, children and adults alike. In fact, it perfectly describes many things that adults use, such as glue, honey, gum, and syrup. “Sticky” is a valid and adequate way to describe them; there is nothing inherently or remotely “immature” about this term. I’ve personally heard many, many adults use this word without the hesitation and awkwardness that Dini used as she stumbled over an odd hangup about an everyday, common word. If we were talking about “Sissy” as a nickname for a sister or “B’ketti-O’s” in place of “Spaghetti-O’s,” I could completely understand the use of “immature” to describe the term.
“The bathroom was kind of like a time travel… separate handles for the hot and cold water.” This POV takes place in 2017. In real life, it’s currently 2021 at the time I’m writing this review. In both of those years, the separate handles (or knobs) for hot and cold water are a normal option, alongside the single-handle choice. They are still sold at local and leading hardware stores (such as Lowe’s and The Home Depot). I don’t understand how Dini saw it as a huge sign that the décor was like taking a “time machine” trip into a past era. Now, if she were talking about “separate taps” or “separate faucets” or “separate spigots” for hot and cold water, this would be a “time machine” sort of thing, at least in America, as they are found only in vintage homes and haven’t been used in other newer builds in many decades.
Hedda was fun to root for maybe for two of her chapters. After that, I really struggled greatly with finding a single reason to cheer for her or even to care about her. The more I learned about her, the more I wondered why her story was even being told.*
*I acknowledge that this could just be my personal taste.
Hedda ended up being a gutter-mouthed, alcoholic, loose woman. Not very good character traits, and definitely not what I prefer to read about in a leading lady. At first, she had appeared sweet, if a bit manipulative. The façade soon fell away, though, and her true colors were revealed. She drank like a fish every chance she got, frequenting the hotel bar—enough to become super close with the ebony-skinned barkeep, which would have been beyond scandalous in her day, especially when they shared a kiss. She seemed to do more polite drinking when she was in company, but her preference when drinking alone was hard liquors.
At one point, Hedda was asked if she frequented the bar or drank often in her room. She immediately and firmly denied both. Many previous scenes claimed the opposite. Therefore, Hedda was also a liar, which I cannot stand in a leading lady at all.
Ghosts were a huge feature of this book. Yes, that was indicated in the back-cover copy. What seemed to be more prevalent in the blurb was the air of mystery. What was definitely stronger in the story was the emphasis on the ghosts. I’m not okay with that in Christian fiction, especially because of the verse that Quin recalls: “When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.” That’s biblical proof that ghosts do not exist; therefore, they are figments of people’s imaginations and a device used by the devil to confuse people from the truth.
Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me. I am hopeful that the remainder of the series will contain some keepers that are much more to my personal taste.
Content: nudity, expletives, lewd insinuations, tobacco, alcohol (excessive), bars, tattoos
February 5, 2021
The Lady in Residence is a time-slip novel about Hedda Krause who is convinced that a ghost stole from her and the inability to prove her innocence and her sanity.
2017: Dini Blackstone a fifth-generation magician is obsessed with Hedda Krause doesn't believe that she could maybe be telling the truth. Someone did, in fact, steal her jewelry just not a ghost. She meets Quin Carmicheal the great-great-grandson of the detective, Irvin Carmicheal who investigated the case regarding Hedda Krause, and together they discovered what really happens, and in the process, they find love most unexpectedly.
I liked the character of Dini Blackstone, I felt her character was real and sad, but I was able to feel a connection to her. She felt a connection to Hedda through her own loss of her parents years earlier, and the author uses this to connect her loss to that of Hedda, who first loses her husband and all that she loved, to a life of obscurity. This novel had an air of bittersweetness that never quite left me. But it wasn't until the end that I saw how essential this nostalgia was integral to Hedda's story but also to Dini's as well so that we could experience this heart-rending and fitting ending.
My gratitude to Barbour Fiction and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
2017: Dini Blackstone a fifth-generation magician is obsessed with Hedda Krause doesn't believe that she could maybe be telling the truth. Someone did, in fact, steal her jewelry just not a ghost. She meets Quin Carmicheal the great-great-grandson of the detective, Irvin Carmicheal who investigated the case regarding Hedda Krause, and together they discovered what really happens, and in the process, they find love most unexpectedly.
I liked the character of Dini Blackstone, I felt her character was real and sad, but I was able to feel a connection to her. She felt a connection to Hedda through her own loss of her parents years earlier, and the author uses this to connect her loss to that of Hedda, who first loses her husband and all that she loved, to a life of obscurity. This novel had an air of bittersweetness that never quite left me. But it wasn't until the end that I saw how essential this nostalgia was integral to Hedda's story but also to Dini's as well so that we could experience this heart-rending and fitting ending.
My gratitude to Barbour Fiction and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 29, 2021
Just my type of book.
Things that go bump in the night,a whispering voice calling in the dark hotel corridor .
Reading this first book in the Doors to the Past series may cause you chills.
This is a time split novel bouncing between the Menger Hotel in 1915 , San Antonio,Texas and 2017 where we meet a woman with a variety of jobs including giving ghost walk tours also in San Antonio .
As we delve further into the mystery we become aware of the connection between past and present.
I look forward to reading more books in this exciting series.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Things that go bump in the night,a whispering voice calling in the dark hotel corridor .
Reading this first book in the Doors to the Past series may cause you chills.
This is a time split novel bouncing between the Menger Hotel in 1915 , San Antonio,Texas and 2017 where we meet a woman with a variety of jobs including giving ghost walk tours also in San Antonio .
As we delve further into the mystery we become aware of the connection between past and present.
I look forward to reading more books in this exciting series.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 31, 2020
Time-slip novel fans? You’re in for a treat with The Lady in Residence. This is a well written story. I must start by gushing about the historical portion. I loved it! The characters jumped right off the page for me and the setting created a perfect atmosphere. It played like a movie in my mind. There was plenty of romance and just the right amount of creepiness. The contemporary side kept my interest right to the end.
I did dock a star, however, due to the spiritual aspect of this story. This has nothing to do with the ghost theme. It was handled well, and I will not include any spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it to see how that all works out. What I wanted to see more of was a stronger biblical perspective when it came to the characters themselves. They generally started lukewarm and ended that way. I don’t expect fiction novels to preach, but I do care about the messaging a reader receives, often implicitly, from a story (particularly one labelled as Christian fiction). There were certain attitudes and perspectives that I did not agree with and was hoping to see resolved by the end. Overall, I still recommend this novel, but I challenge you to think about these characters and how they face (or should face) their challenges at a deeper level. Done my preaching ;).
I did dock a star, however, due to the spiritual aspect of this story. This has nothing to do with the ghost theme. It was handled well, and I will not include any spoilers, so you’ll just have to read it to see how that all works out. What I wanted to see more of was a stronger biblical perspective when it came to the characters themselves. They generally started lukewarm and ended that way. I don’t expect fiction novels to preach, but I do care about the messaging a reader receives, often implicitly, from a story (particularly one labelled as Christian fiction). There were certain attitudes and perspectives that I did not agree with and was hoping to see resolved by the end. Overall, I still recommend this novel, but I challenge you to think about these characters and how they face (or should face) their challenges at a deeper level. Done my preaching ;).
January 22, 2021
1915 and 2017 San Antonio, Texas
Engaging start to the Doors to the Past Series!
This novel is set primarily in the historic Menger Hotel. In 1915 a young widow, Hedda Krause, is distancing herself from her step sons and is nearly destitute. She has enough means to keep herself afloat and living at the hotel.
In 2017, magician Dini Blackstone makes a living doing magic shows and giving ghost tours. She is obsessed with Hedda's story and finds a kindred spirit in the great, great grandson of the investigator that worked on Hedda's theft case.
While both threads kept my interest, I enjoyed the contemporary thread just a bit more. Loved the musical nods to the 70s, snippets of humor and references to San Antonio icons.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Engaging start to the Doors to the Past Series!
This novel is set primarily in the historic Menger Hotel. In 1915 a young widow, Hedda Krause, is distancing herself from her step sons and is nearly destitute. She has enough means to keep herself afloat and living at the hotel.
In 2017, magician Dini Blackstone makes a living doing magic shows and giving ghost tours. She is obsessed with Hedda's story and finds a kindred spirit in the great, great grandson of the investigator that worked on Hedda's theft case.
While both threads kept my interest, I enjoyed the contemporary thread just a bit more. Loved the musical nods to the 70s, snippets of humor and references to San Antonio icons.
My gratitude to publisher Barbour for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2021
This is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. Unlike so many other duel narratives, I found myself fully invested in both the past and present stories. This is the first title I've read by this author, and I certainly look forward to reading more!
May 5, 2021
I hate to say this, but this is the first book by Allison Pittman I have read. Must read more.
The concept of The Lady in Residence is that of Hedda Krause, a woman newly widowed and penniless, with nowhere to go but to a city where no one knows her. To live is a grand hotel as if she is of wealth, virtue, and importance. But Hedda soon finds that she has some value that others envy and will do what it takes to make her think it is all far beyond her imagination. Irvin Carmichael is a detective for San Antonio on his way to Washington for a new job, but taking this one last call on his last night of work, changes his life forever. When he meets Hedda she starts encompassing his very thoughts, much like the ghost of Sallie White does hers. It is through this "robbery" that brings them together.
Dini Blackstone is a magician, child of performers, obsessed with the story of Hedda Krause, and has had a crush on Irvin Carmichael. Quin is in town to sell his latest software to help teach adults math, but also to venture to the Menger Hotel to try and figure out what the box of stuff he found in his great-great-grandfathers closet. And so the adventure, and love story, begins - of Hedda Krause and Irvin Carmichael. But also, the story of Dini Blackstone and Quin Carmichael.
Story was so good I was reading every free moment I had. I love stories like these with a dark twist, but not too dark. It definitely caught my attention and kept it. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
The concept of The Lady in Residence is that of Hedda Krause, a woman newly widowed and penniless, with nowhere to go but to a city where no one knows her. To live is a grand hotel as if she is of wealth, virtue, and importance. But Hedda soon finds that she has some value that others envy and will do what it takes to make her think it is all far beyond her imagination. Irvin Carmichael is a detective for San Antonio on his way to Washington for a new job, but taking this one last call on his last night of work, changes his life forever. When he meets Hedda she starts encompassing his very thoughts, much like the ghost of Sallie White does hers. It is through this "robbery" that brings them together.
Dini Blackstone is a magician, child of performers, obsessed with the story of Hedda Krause, and has had a crush on Irvin Carmichael. Quin is in town to sell his latest software to help teach adults math, but also to venture to the Menger Hotel to try and figure out what the box of stuff he found in his great-great-grandfathers closet. And so the adventure, and love story, begins - of Hedda Krause and Irvin Carmichael. But also, the story of Dini Blackstone and Quin Carmichael.
Story was so good I was reading every free moment I had. I love stories like these with a dark twist, but not too dark. It definitely caught my attention and kept it. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
March 28, 2021
Not really sure what rating I should give this...I would put it somewhere between two and three...
After reading this book, I am left with a lot of conflicting thoughts and feelings on it, and am honestly not quite sure how to address it all. To put it shortly, this book was not really my cup of tea. I don't read a lot of ghost stories as it is, but it wasn't even that aspect that was the problem for me. The writing style itself was good, and I could appreciate how the modern time's heroine was unique and had her own quirks. But there were a lot of views that while subtle, I didn't really care for. And the faith thread was extremely weak, bordering on the non-exisitant side. I'm actually rather surprised that this was published by a Christian Publisher at all - it wasn't what I would expect from the publishers. Definitely more like a general market novel.I don't want to fill my review with negative things, but for the benefit of looking back at my review myself and giving a bit of a content warning, I will try to briefly mention what I didn't care for. I obviously don't care for ghosts, as I believe that they are demons, not spirits that are to be messed around with. I had more of a problem with the lack of Christian content and how the character's lived - I was flabbergasted when it was revealed at the very end that Dini was supposed to be a Christian. Nothing portrayed of her life throughout the book suggested anything of the sort. The only mention that the hero character was a Christian was that he went to church. I was also unsettled by how Dini dressed (very skimpily) but more so how she was so proud of that. And yet made the distinction that she wouldn't dress that way for the kids magic shows she performed...Both heroines of the past and present timelines were very self-confident in their looks which doesn't have to be negative, but it struck me as a very flesh-driven aspect. Dini dressed in a very provacative manner, and was proud when she made guys stumble, basically. So that was disappointing and frustrating to me. I might expect that from mainstream characters, but when she was supposed to be a Christian...it just wasn't shown in any of her actions. I didn't deeply connect to either storylines. I was interested to see how it was resolved, but admit I had to force myself to finish it. Again, I'm sorry to not have been able to give it a positive review. The cover is lovely and attention-grabbing. The story just wasn't for me. Maybe if it had been published by a general market publisher, I wouldn't have been expecting more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
After reading this book, I am left with a lot of conflicting thoughts and feelings on it, and am honestly not quite sure how to address it all. To put it shortly, this book was not really my cup of tea. I don't read a lot of ghost stories as it is, but it wasn't even that aspect that was the problem for me. The writing style itself was good, and I could appreciate how the modern time's heroine was unique and had her own quirks. But there were a lot of views that while subtle, I didn't really care for. And the faith thread was extremely weak, bordering on the non-exisitant side. I'm actually rather surprised that this was published by a Christian Publisher at all - it wasn't what I would expect from the publishers. Definitely more like a general market novel.I don't want to fill my review with negative things, but for the benefit of looking back at my review myself and giving a bit of a content warning, I will try to briefly mention what I didn't care for. I obviously don't care for ghosts, as I believe that they are demons, not spirits that are to be messed around with. I had more of a problem with the lack of Christian content and how the character's lived - I was flabbergasted when it was revealed at the very end that Dini was supposed to be a Christian. Nothing portrayed of her life throughout the book suggested anything of the sort. The only mention that the hero character was a Christian was that he went to church. I was also unsettled by how Dini dressed (very skimpily) but more so how she was so proud of that. And yet made the distinction that she wouldn't dress that way for the kids magic shows she performed...Both heroines of the past and present timelines were very self-confident in their looks which doesn't have to be negative, but it struck me as a very flesh-driven aspect. Dini dressed in a very provacative manner, and was proud when she made guys stumble, basically. So that was disappointing and frustrating to me. I might expect that from mainstream characters, but when she was supposed to be a Christian...it just wasn't shown in any of her actions. I didn't deeply connect to either storylines. I was interested to see how it was resolved, but admit I had to force myself to finish it. Again, I'm sorry to not have been able to give it a positive review. The cover is lovely and attention-grabbing. The story just wasn't for me. Maybe if it had been published by a general market publisher, I wouldn't have been expecting more.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
did-not-finish
February 5, 2021I 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.
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.
February 7, 2021
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.
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.
January 3, 2021
The Lady In Residence is a dual time line story set in historic San Antonio Texas. This is a fascinating story that kept me turning the pages. You'll find this tale to be a mystery in history with magic and romance!! The characters jump off the page and into your heart. The author did a beautiful job segueing back and forth from modern time to the early 1900s. This is the first book I have read by this author and will be making a goal of working on her back list for the upcoming year. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be telling my friends to put it on their TBR immediately. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
January 22, 2021
A riveting start to a whole new dual time series from Barbour.
With a name like Marilyn Houdini Blackstone, Dini could not have chosen a better vocation than magician. She is also a tour guide in San Antonio, Texas. Part of her tour is the Menger Hotel and the legend of Hedda Krause. Dini does research and is caught up in the story of Hedda and the ghost of Sallie White based on the history of the Menger.
Ms. Pittman tells a fabulous story of the present and Dini meeting Quin Carmichael on her tour. Quin just happens to be the great great grandson of the detective who investigated Hedda’s long ago robbery.
The author takes a ghostly story and gives us further intrigue by having Dini and Quin pour through artifacts from the case.
I enjoyed the present day sections for the way the characters recognize God’s hand. “ 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 banter and budding romance were great, as was the setting with Dini’s quaint apartment and music choices. The past was deftly crafted using the memoirs of Hedda. Then the whole was brought together to a satisfying end.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
With a name like Marilyn Houdini Blackstone, Dini could not have chosen a better vocation than magician. She is also a tour guide in San Antonio, Texas. Part of her tour is the Menger Hotel and the legend of Hedda Krause. Dini does research and is caught up in the story of Hedda and the ghost of Sallie White based on the history of the Menger.
Ms. Pittman tells a fabulous story of the present and Dini meeting Quin Carmichael on her tour. Quin just happens to be the great great grandson of the detective who investigated Hedda’s long ago robbery.
The author takes a ghostly story and gives us further intrigue by having Dini and Quin pour through artifacts from the case.
I enjoyed the present day sections for the way the characters recognize God’s hand. “ 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 banter and budding romance were great, as was the setting with Dini’s quaint apartment and music choices. The past was deftly crafted using the memoirs of Hedda. Then the whole was brought together to a satisfying end.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
February 6, 2021
4.5 stars
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.
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.
April 15, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
A dual timeline with a ghost story set in a famous hotel in Texas. There is a bit of mystery and romance and the first in the Doors in the Past
It was a good read but I was craving a much more gothic type sleep with all the lights on sort of vibe. However, I really enjoyed the author's note and would certainly be interested in reading the rest of the series.
Publication Date 01/02/21
Goodreads review published 15/04/21
A dual timeline with a ghost story set in a famous hotel in Texas. There is a bit of mystery and romance and the first in the Doors in the Past
It was a good read but I was craving a much more gothic type sleep with all the lights on sort of vibe. However, I really enjoyed the author's note and would certainly be interested in reading the rest of the series.
Publication Date 01/02/21
Goodreads review published 15/04/21
November 11, 2021
So, I delayed reading this one because of the premise. I don't tend to select ghost stories, since I know they don't exist and not everyone tells them the way I prefer - the focus on the mystery behind the ghost rather than the ghost itself (Jaime Jo Wright being one I know I can read).
I picked up this one, mainly because it was an ARC I still needed to review. It started out well with promise and the mystery was captivating enough to continue with the story, and I loved Quinn and his outlook on ghosts and bringing the Bible in as well.
There was just a lot of smaller things which I did not agree with (personal references), and which is why I would probably not recommend this book.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
I picked up this one, mainly because it was an ARC I still needed to review. It started out well with promise and the mystery was captivating enough to continue with the story, and I loved Quinn and his outlook on ghosts and bringing the Bible in as well.
There was just a lot of smaller things which I did not agree with (personal references), and which is why I would probably not recommend this book.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Read
February 25, 2021Allison Pittman is one of the most versatile authors I know. Whether she's writing about The French Revolution, the Dust Bowl, Mormon pioneers, a baseball story, or a contemporary Christmas novella, she always crafts unique, three-dimenstional characters and layered storylines. The Lady in Residence is no different, and with its haunting theme, it will appeal to fans of Jaime Jo Wright. At only 239 pages, it's a quick read and delivers exactly what this new series from Barbour promises: time-slip fiction based on mysteries surrounding American landmarks (in this case, the San Antonio's Menger Hotel near the Alamo). I enjoyed the historical thread the most, as the voice of Hedda Krause was especially vivid. Be sure to read the Author's Note in the back of the book.
November 29, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author and it was so interesting! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the whole setting for it was fascinating. What I love about this series is that some part of it is based on facts.
Dini was such an interesting character. Her past really set her up to really be a solitary person. She needed just the right man to show up in her life for her to really learn about living. Living, unlike Hedda Kraus. Quinn is just the man and I loved how he understood Dini in such a short time.
Then there's Hedda Kraus from the past and wow, that was such an interesting part of the story. I could totally see her storyline happening in the past. Living in a hotel after losing a husband back then was totally believable.
Weaving in the ghost story into both periods was interesting and I appreciated how the author explained it in a way that we know there's no such thing as ghosts.
*I received the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Dini was such an interesting character. Her past really set her up to really be a solitary person. She needed just the right man to show up in her life for her to really learn about living. Living, unlike Hedda Kraus. Quinn is just the man and I loved how he understood Dini in such a short time.
Then there's Hedda Kraus from the past and wow, that was such an interesting part of the story. I could totally see her storyline happening in the past. Living in a hotel after losing a husband back then was totally believable.
Weaving in the ghost story into both periods was interesting and I appreciated how the author explained it in a way that we know there's no such thing as ghosts.
*I received the book for review. This is my personal opinion.
February 4, 2021
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.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
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.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
March 10, 2021
This Split-Time Book Has Me Eager to Read More
In what is a potential stroke of literary genius, Allison Pittman has told a dual-time story that leaves you wondering why it is so believable and so impossible at once. Every bit of it that shouldn't make sense, feels inauthentic, or has some other "flaw," actually works perfectly in the setting that the author has put it.
As Pittman says in her Author's Note, the story has an unreliable narrator. That makes all the difference. Had we been meant to take it all as fact, I'd be singing a different tune. Indeed,The Lady in Residence is a rare example of this literary device in Christian fiction, and I for one loved it.
So where does that leave us? Two fascinating stories woven around one small true crime. Characters who are both loveable and deplorable. I imagine some readers will not like Dini, but oh, boy do I love her. She's so blessedly real, broken, socially awkward, and eager for a chance to live a "regular" life while being her total self at the same time. In other words, she's a perfect picture of some part of all of us whether we admit it or not.
Do I have issues with the book at all?
I do. Despite excellent writing, some seriously great characters, a fabulous combination of plots, and the wisdom not to rush the telling, there are problems.
First, while the spiritual content is subtle, it is there. We see a man's spiritual growth through his admission of past flaws and present focuses. However, one of those past flaws is still a big problem. He completely neglects any focus on Dini's faith or lack thereof.
Add to that a couple of (in my opinion, anyway) over-the-top sensual scenes that frankly cut to black at the last possible second it seems and yeah. There are problems. Actually, the sensuality level is high regardless. That part was disappointing. Still, they're skippable.
The Lady in Residence is recommended for lovers of illusion, history, ghost stories (or not!) and split-time novels. Not recommended for those who don't like to have to skip intimate-leaning scenes and the investigation of paranormal activity.
In what is a potential stroke of literary genius, Allison Pittman has told a dual-time story that leaves you wondering why it is so believable and so impossible at once. Every bit of it that shouldn't make sense, feels inauthentic, or has some other "flaw," actually works perfectly in the setting that the author has put it.
As Pittman says in her Author's Note, the story has an unreliable narrator. That makes all the difference. Had we been meant to take it all as fact, I'd be singing a different tune. Indeed,The Lady in Residence is a rare example of this literary device in Christian fiction, and I for one loved it.
So where does that leave us? Two fascinating stories woven around one small true crime. Characters who are both loveable and deplorable. I imagine some readers will not like Dini, but oh, boy do I love her. She's so blessedly real, broken, socially awkward, and eager for a chance to live a "regular" life while being her total self at the same time. In other words, she's a perfect picture of some part of all of us whether we admit it or not.
Do I have issues with the book at all?
I do. Despite excellent writing, some seriously great characters, a fabulous combination of plots, and the wisdom not to rush the telling, there are problems.
First, while the spiritual content is subtle, it is there. We see a man's spiritual growth through his admission of past flaws and present focuses. However, one of those past flaws is still a big problem. He completely neglects any focus on Dini's faith or lack thereof.
Add to that a couple of (in my opinion, anyway) over-the-top sensual scenes that frankly cut to black at the last possible second it seems and yeah. There are problems. Actually, the sensuality level is high regardless. That part was disappointing. Still, they're skippable.
The Lady in Residence is recommended for lovers of illusion, history, ghost stories (or not!) and split-time novels. Not recommended for those who don't like to have to skip intimate-leaning scenes and the investigation of paranormal activity.
April 1, 2021
Allison Pittman has long been one of my favorite authors. To this day, I still remember reading her Sister Wives series, and wishing that there were more stories like it being written within the Christian fiction genre. Her style of writing has always stood out in my mind as being refreshingly unique.
I was intrigued when I read this book's synopsis as 1) it's a split-time novel and 2) there's jewelry involved (like, lots of jewelry). What I failed to fully comprehend at that time was that I would be reading a ghost story. Very different indeed, especially in Christian fiction! I have never been one for paranormal tales, tv shows, etc. so I read through with a great deal of skepticism. My hesitancy was shortly proven to be overblown as these aspects are really just a subplot to the greater story. That greater story was getting to know Hedda Krause and Dini Blackstone on a personal level, and how their circumstances shaped their character.
I loved that Hedda's story was told in an autobiographical style. She controlled her own narrative, and deciphering her words was left up to future generations. Dini and Quin both shared a love for this long-unsolved mystery, and their chemistry was electric - both in their approach to Hedda's words and to each other.
The only thing that kept me from giving this novel 5 stars was that the Christian messaging was watered down at best. I kept hoping that I would get to a moment with more depth, but it never came, and the book overall felt like more of a mainstream novel.
I am excited to read more from this new series by Barbour - Doors to the Past - and very curious to see what historical secrets and stories that will bring. Bravo to Allison Pittman for getting us off to a great start!
I was intrigued when I read this book's synopsis as 1) it's a split-time novel and 2) there's jewelry involved (like, lots of jewelry). What I failed to fully comprehend at that time was that I would be reading a ghost story. Very different indeed, especially in Christian fiction! I have never been one for paranormal tales, tv shows, etc. so I read through with a great deal of skepticism. My hesitancy was shortly proven to be overblown as these aspects are really just a subplot to the greater story. That greater story was getting to know Hedda Krause and Dini Blackstone on a personal level, and how their circumstances shaped their character.
I loved that Hedda's story was told in an autobiographical style. She controlled her own narrative, and deciphering her words was left up to future generations. Dini and Quin both shared a love for this long-unsolved mystery, and their chemistry was electric - both in their approach to Hedda's words and to each other.
The only thing that kept me from giving this novel 5 stars was that the Christian messaging was watered down at best. I kept hoping that I would get to a moment with more depth, but it never came, and the book overall felt like more of a mainstream novel.
I am excited to read more from this new series by Barbour - Doors to the Past - and very curious to see what historical secrets and stories that will bring. Bravo to Allison Pittman for getting us off to a great start!
January 31, 2021
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.
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.
April 9, 2021
I give this a 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for Goodreads. This is definitely one of the most unusual stories I have read. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the contemporary thread was probably my favorite of the two. The story is interesting and I wanted to see how it ended, but I never really connected with the characters or the storyline. "Ghosty" stuff in a Christian Fiction novel was a bit jarring to me so that's probably a big part of my personal disconnect with the book. I also would have liked to see more of a faith thread in the book. That was lacking in my opinion. The ending was good and I enjoyed seeing the mystery solved and the pieces finally come together. Interesting read!
December 23, 2020
This took me a few chapters to get into the story, and it was a bit confusing at times. But overall, it was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the time slip and gothic angles to the story. The characters were well-crafted. I didn't quite understand the cover, as it doesn't seem like the best fit for the story. I've never read anything from Pittman before, but I'd be willing to check out future books, as well as the other books in this "Doors to the Past" series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
February 25, 2021
I am surprised with how my interest waned by the time I read two thirds the way through. For some reason I felt a shift in the story, or rather an antimax that jolted me into not caring about knowing how the ending was going to be worked out. The romance didn't sound believable and seemed a bit formulaic.
The Christian aspects were too obscure at least for me it was. I don't like overly preachy books but this was barely in the genre. A little confusing at times. I could easily have given the book two stars but I felt generous and gave it three. Apparently many people enjoyed the book and rated it highly. Sadly I was left wanting more.
The Christian aspects were too obscure at least for me it was. I don't like overly preachy books but this was barely in the genre. A little confusing at times. I could easily have given the book two stars but I felt generous and gave it three. Apparently many people enjoyed the book and rated it highly. Sadly I was left wanting more.
March 2, 2021
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.
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.
February 10, 2021
4.5 stars
"I am known, affectionately, as the Lady in Residence."
Like the characters themselves, this book has a mind of its own, taking readers deep into unknown territory while maintaining an atmosphere of authenticity and tenderness that is both unexpected and altogether endearing.
For instance, consider Hedda Krause; young, widowed, trying to navigate a new existence; fleeing the home of her deceased husband and his mangy sons, ending up as a resident of the glamourous Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas with a trunk full of clothes, valuable jewelry, and a reasonable amount of cash. Perhaps lured into thinking way too much about the local lore surrounding the horrific death of an hotel employee Sallie White, (whose unfortunate demise by the hands of her lover took place in front of the Menger), she begins to feel Sallie's presence in more ways than one.
Years later, a lovely young illusionist moonlights as a tour guide for the Alamo Haunting Spirits Ghost Tour. She too is a bit obsessed with the cruel details encircling the spirit of Sallie White and the widow who supposedly lost all of her earthly possessions to the wraith. When an unassuming high school math teacher crosses her path carrying a box full of his great-great-grandfather's memorabilia about Hedda Krause, Dini Blackstone sits up and takes notice, for Quin Carmichael's ancestor was none other than the detective who was assigned Hedda Krause's case.
Quite frankly, the uniqueness of both timelines is stunning. Each and every character, whether real or imagined, exudes depth. They impressively maintain their individual ambience; adding rich flavor, clever provocation, and raw emotion, literally making the story come to life. Never mind trying to figure it all out, I am not even certain they knew what was going to happen next until, like their readers, the final page was turned.
"I am simply waiting for that which I have lost to be found and to make its way home . . . . . "
"I am known, affectionately, as the Lady in Residence."
Like the characters themselves, this book has a mind of its own, taking readers deep into unknown territory while maintaining an atmosphere of authenticity and tenderness that is both unexpected and altogether endearing.
For instance, consider Hedda Krause; young, widowed, trying to navigate a new existence; fleeing the home of her deceased husband and his mangy sons, ending up as a resident of the glamourous Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas with a trunk full of clothes, valuable jewelry, and a reasonable amount of cash. Perhaps lured into thinking way too much about the local lore surrounding the horrific death of an hotel employee Sallie White, (whose unfortunate demise by the hands of her lover took place in front of the Menger), she begins to feel Sallie's presence in more ways than one.
Years later, a lovely young illusionist moonlights as a tour guide for the Alamo Haunting Spirits Ghost Tour. She too is a bit obsessed with the cruel details encircling the spirit of Sallie White and the widow who supposedly lost all of her earthly possessions to the wraith. When an unassuming high school math teacher crosses her path carrying a box full of his great-great-grandfather's memorabilia about Hedda Krause, Dini Blackstone sits up and takes notice, for Quin Carmichael's ancestor was none other than the detective who was assigned Hedda Krause's case.
Quite frankly, the uniqueness of both timelines is stunning. Each and every character, whether real or imagined, exudes depth. They impressively maintain their individual ambience; adding rich flavor, clever provocation, and raw emotion, literally making the story come to life. Never mind trying to figure it all out, I am not even certain they knew what was going to happen next until, like their readers, the final page was turned.
"I am simply waiting for that which I have lost to be found and to make its way home . . . . . "
April 8, 2021
4.5
SPOOKTACULAR. 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 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.
SPOOKTACULAR. 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 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.
December 6, 2022
The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman
This was based on a true story. Gothic style is not my favorite but I guess it was okay in this one. The mystery and dual timeline made it interesting. Faith elements were laced in the story that I liked and not preachy. Overall it was a good read. I picked up this book several times before finishing it.
Thank you netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rating: 3.8 stars
out now
This was based on a true story. Gothic style is not my favorite but I guess it was okay in this one. The mystery and dual timeline made it interesting. Faith elements were laced in the story that I liked and not preachy. Overall it was a good read. I picked up this book several times before finishing it.
Thank you netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rating: 3.8 stars
out now
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