I really enjoyed this book. It had a different feel to it then a lot of books I read. It goes back and forth between present day and chapters of a book that was written by a woman who lived at the Menger Hotel in 1915. In present day Dini is a magician who is fascinated by/obsessed with Hedda Krause. Hedda claimed that a ghost lured her from her room and when she returned all of her jewels had been stolen. Dini meets Quin who's ancestor was the detective that investigated the robbery. Together they try to figure out what happened.
I found this book very interesting and a bit creepy at times but highly enjoyable and hard to put down.
This book was reviewed on the Literary Club Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185/episodes/12732054 ( )

Dini gives tours at the Alamo and is a magician like many in her family. She is also obsessed with the tale of Hedda Krause, who wrote a self-published book on a haunting at a hotel in San Antonio. She meets the great-great-grandson of the detective who had something to do with a case involving Hedda, and together they search for the truth behind her story. The book is quite suspenseful in places. I liked both characters, Dini and Quin. The hotel, The Menger, is real and is supposed to be haunted. ( )

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

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

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 have always been a fan of Allison Pittman’s books. Entertaining, insightful, well-researched — all of these superlatives can be attached to her latest novel, The Lady in Residence. In this split-time novel, the setting is key. The historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio is host to one of the characters while it serves as a reference point to the other. Pittman’s use of its history and storied past sets up a shivery ghost story that kept this reader turning the pages. The book is told in alternating narratives. The present day is 3rd person POV focusing on Dini Blackstone, a twenty-something magician intrigued or obsessed with one of the Menger’s past guests. Hedda Krause is the lady in residence referenced by the title. Her story is told using excerpts from her memoir — but can it be trusted? As the stories unfold, the reader becomes immersed in both Hedda and Dini’s stories. Seemingly vastly different, they both struggle with their place in the world. I liked both characters equally. Besides the ghost story that is woven throughout the novel, there is a romance as well. And I loved that in the end both women come to terms with who they are and their value to God.

For fans of a good mystery, an historical setting, and a sweet romance, The Lady in Residence cannot be beat! Recommended!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )