Firstly, I love this cover! It is stunning!

Rachel Scott McDaniel is a phenomenal writer! Her writing is so visceral, detailed, emotional, and full of heart, and she seamlessly weaves the two plot-lines throughout this book together at just the right moments.

Elise and Pierson in the more present timeline, and Sophie and Sterling in the past, both have a second-chance romance aspect to their stories. This book truly has so much in it: romance, mystery, moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, and so much more! There are may similarities that tie the two stories together, and some parts had me guessing up until the very end.

If you enjoy Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, and / or Dual-Timeline Novels, I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading what Rachel Scott McDaniel writes next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing - Barbour Fiction for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I loved the witty banter, mystery, and faith elements of this story. I was pleasantly surprised by appearances of characters from another story by this author as well as revelations I didn't see coming. This is a fast-paced book I look forward to returning to.

In Spotlight and Shadow is an excellent tale of two women, separated by a century, whose lives resemble each others' so much, it’s uncanny. I loved watching Elise uncover the past and allow history to give her hope for a future! Both timelines are very well-written and expertly woven together. You’ll not regret reading this tragic, yet heart-warming tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm not even sure where to begin with this book. Dual timeline. Old stage props. A jewel theft. Second chance romance. Celebrities. A detective. A journey to find a birth parent. Chasing dreams. So many almost kisses. Meddling Grandmas


This book had it all and more. I don't know how the author does it, but I loved both timelines. I truly couldn't fathom how the pieces would fit together and the timelines would connect, but she weaves the story so well that it keeps you coming back for more. You can also tell when an author enjoys and puts a lot of effort into the history of a story. This book had elements of history that brough depth to the timeline.

Sterling and Sophie work together when she is set up as the jewel thief. But they have a less than happy backstory-can they get passed the awkwardness and clear Sophie's name?
Elise and Peirson, childhood best friends, work together to solve a mystery. But they haven't spoken to each other in years after a heartbreaking moment causes Elise to pull away. Can they put that moment aside and solve the mystery?
I loved the way Rachel wrote these second chance romances. The way each hero encouraged and protected the heroines. The almost kisses. The angst. The flirting. The laugh out loud moments.

I enjoy mystery and intrigue, but I often find myself picking out the villain halfway through the book. However, Rachel Scott McDaniel has a way of keeping me guessing all the way to the end. I had no idea who the true Mirage was until they were revealed

In Spotlight and Shadow
by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Pub Date 01 Feb 2023
Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance


The center of attention is devoted to a gem of a mystery



Experience a new series of historical romances and adventures through Doors to the Past.



Elise Malvern is prone to letting people down. She was engaged to her former boyfriend, who hoped to marry her. Her grandfather hoped that she would take over the family auction business. Most of all, she has disappointed herself. What is the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist if she is too afraid to audition for a position with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra? She spends her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall in the wings, but she never performs on stage. She discovers an old stage prop by accident. There is more to the paste necklace than meets the eye, according to her instincts. Whether it is a good idea or not, she accepts the assistance of a childhood friend, who just happens to be a country music megastar. Elise and Pierson share a history; one she does not wish to repeat. As they become more involved in the mystery, things become more complicated, including her heart.


 
A century ago...


Sophie Walters dreams of starring on the stage, having her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into a career as an actor is more challenging than she expected. After ruining her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. From behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew's Penn Theatre, she observes her dreams passing by. It is only now that she has been given the opportunity to shine in the spotlight, but not because of her talent. Her rise to fame is the result of one terrible mistake. Apparently, she is suspected of being a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. It is none other than Sterling Monroe, the man she jilted at the altar five years ago, who she pleads for assistance.


I give In Spotlight and Shadow five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A story of intrigue which follows two timelines and has a mysterious connection. The mystery has twists and kept me captive.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the books in the “Doors to the Past” series. The dual time line aspect is done well and the characters are well developed. While a romance, it is clean and not too syrupy sweet. I enjoyed the way the characters grew and realized their true potential. The twists and turns of the mystery has you hooked and anxiously waiting to find out what will happen. Great Christian focus of God’s grace. A great addition to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Two timelines at once made for an interesting read. Each timeline was a good story on its own . And it wasn’t until the last few chapters that the connection between the two stories were revealed. I appreciated the Christian references scattered throughout the book. I enjoyed the Vauderville era the most. I am glad to have had an opportunity to read a book by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thru net galley with no obligations.

A FANTASTIC read! I have loved each and every one of Rachel's novels so far. She is a wonderful storyteller, and her books are unputdownable. This dual time mystery was one that I simply devoured. It had more than one jaw drop moment for me and some great twists to the story that I did not see coming. Simply put-Rachel has become one of my favorite authors! Can't wait for more of her stories!

This is book 11 of the Doors to the Past Series, Historical Christian Fiction. This is the story of Elise and how a necklace has a history from the Pittsburgh Symphony and Sophie, an aspiring actress. Elise is in the present and when she does an internship finds this piece and wants to know more about it. When she and country megastar, Peirson (also from her past) decide to team up and research this prop, the adventure begins. What does this necklace mean? Does it play apart in Elise future? Will Elise and Peirson forgive the past and maybe find a future?

If you love a good mystery that will be in the present and take you to the past, read this book. This is a great addition to the series! I love these stories because they keep you guessing until the very end. This is book 11 of the series, however, can be read as a stand alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising

What a great book! The more I read, the harder it was to put down! The story was so creative that I couldn't have even guessed what all was going to happen! There were 2 couples, in different times, who were given a second chance at love. The author was brilliant: the romance was all in the words, usually spoken by the guys, with a few marvelous kisses! Faith played an important role. Solving significant mysteries were thrown in! The ending was so worthy of the rest of the book! Now to read the next book by this author!
I very much appreciate being able to read this complimentary book. The thoughts expressed above are my own.

Dual time. Musicians, actresses, thieves, and love interests. Heartbreak, family, and forgiveness. I love the way the two stories seemingly magically merge. Wonderful characters and a plot that kept my interest. I will look for more from this author and also the other stories in the Doors to the Past series. Moniqua Plante did a great job narrating the book, which made for a delightful listening experience.

“In Spotlight and Shadow” has everything I’ve come to know and love in a Rachel Scott McDaniel story! An intriguing mystery with unexpected twists. A fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning. Multifaceted characters that endear themselves to the reader. Romance crackling with tension. Witty dialogue that zings off the page. Atmospheric prose that transports the imagination. And a thread of faith that pulls the whole story together and leaves the reader feeling encouraged when they reach The End.

Through the interwoven stories of Elise and Sophie, McDaniel explores themes of identity and belonging with such tenderness and truth that I was moved to tears more than once.

If you enjoy dual time novels and suspenseful family dramas, “In Spotlight and Shadow” is sure to be your cup of tea!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

What An Interesting Storyline!

First off this whole series is standalone. This dual timeline story is captivating and will draw you in. It had me hooked from the beginning. The characters were interesting and the mystery was intriguing.

I will be seeking out more books by this author as well as the other books in the Doors of the Past.

*Audiobook: Narrated by Moniqua Plant. She did a wonderful job narrating this book. I always appreciate a voice that is easy to listen to and allows you to not be distracted by too many different voices and accents.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Current day Elise is an aspiring violinist with stage fright and a childhood friend/country mega star Pierson is helping her get over her stage fright for an audition. They are also trying to figure out who her father is.
Sophie is an aspiring actress who ran away from her fiance on their wedding day to return to Pittsburgh to find fame but unfortunately her fame is because she was framed as a jewel thief. The detective investigating the case is none other than her ex-fiance Sterling.
I found this story hard to follow with a slow start and the two timelines that I couldn't connect together in the beginning of the book. BUT 70% in and I was hooked I didn't want to put the book down! I ended up really loving the characters and their stories and trying to figure out what was happening. This book has historical fiction, romance, and mystery all in one.

“. . .Elise Malvern didn’t just have cold feet, they were frostbitten. Too frozen to run after anything out of her comfort zone.”

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a dual-time story with elements of both romance and mystery. Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania both in the 1920s and the present day, this book features actress Sophie Walters and violinist Elise Malvern. The author has blended the two stories well and created some realistic, engaging characters. I enjoyed the character development and the messages of forgiveness, faith, and following your own dreams.

“In the center of life is the word if, but don’t let that keep you from living.”

The historical aspect was interesting, and I appreciated the author’s notes at the end of the book telling a little of the history of the Loew’s Penn Theater and its renovation in the 1970s as the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

I had a hard time getting into this dual time story. There were similarities between the two centuries' stories that made it difficult to remember which time frame I was reading. People who are interested in theater or symphonies in the past centuries will enjoy the book! The book begins with modern day Elise Malvern receiving an unexpected proposal of marriage! Her response was priceless! Elise's goal is to play the violin in the Pittsburgh Symphony. Sophie is an actress in the historical time frame of the book. Jewels are being stolen at the theatre! You will be surprised at the connections between the two stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This was my first Rachel Scott McDaniel book, and then I bought her Mobster's Daughter because I enjoyed this so much.
What I loved.
It's dualtime.
Centered around actors and musicians in the past and present.
A famous singer/celebrity and a violinist.
An actress and a policeman?
Mystery. Stolen jewels.
A hidden past.
Unknown father.
Lots of mystery and intrigue that kept me wondering and going "Ohhh wow" throughout the book. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

"Secrets left piled upon one's soul held the power to crush it. I didn't want to hold on to them any longer. It was time to tell the truth." In Spotlight and Shadow, Rachel Scott McDaniel.

The newest book in the Doors to the Past series from Barbour Publishing, In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel features the historic Loew's Penn Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is a dual timeline plot with storylines set in the 1920s and present day, each featuring a heroine with many secrets and a hero who's part of her past.

This novel has something for every reader to enjoy - intrigue, romance, humor, family tension, music, and backstage theater drama. I loved the ways the storylines were linked and was invested in solving the mysteries in both. The elements of faith woven into each plot felt natural and gave them more depth and meaning.
Playing classical orchestral music featuring violins while reading this novel created the perfect ambiance for my reading sessions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I loved this dual timeline novel set in Pittsburgh in the Roaring 20s and in the present. Elise and Sophie invited me into their stories and I willingly cheered them on. I was happy to see that faith in the Lord is first in the lives of several characters even when they have doubts due to their circumstances. Each of the two women has a mystery to solve, one being a matter of the heart and the other to keep her out of prison. Each has a man from the past reenter their lives. Neither wants to risk another broken heart.

The history and descriptions of Loew’s Penn, now Heinz Hall, and some of the 1920s entertainers are outstanding. Characters are uniquely designed and most are very likeable. The combination of valuable spiritual lessons, intriguing mysteries, and unexpected romance made it a captivating read.

Several years ago, Elise lost her best friend/date on prom night and never heard from him again. She sees Pierson’s grandmother, Dorothea, regularly, as she is a good friend and cardplaying buddy of her own grandmother, Grancy. Pierson is now a Grammy award winning country singer who Elise did not expect at Dorothea’s 80th birthday party. Until they literally ran into each other.

Elise seems to be strong and confident, yet hides many self-doubts. Her mother died when she was a teen, and since then it was a goal to get second chair violin for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the last position her mother had. She won’t tell anyone why she did not apply for it when it opened again, even though she still practices many hours. Pierson describes her as a storyteller with a camera for her medium, very apropos with the work she does for her marketing internship.

Elise never knew who her father was. Her mother would never discuss him with anyone. The question is front and center in her heart again when she receives a mysterious package that includes a violin Christmas ornament inscribed that she is never without his love, from her father. Whether she is ready to search for him is one of her challenges.

Sophie has dealt with acting rejections from Broadway to Hollywood and returned to Pittsburgh. Loew’s Penn Theater was opening in 1927 and her best friend told her of their need for actresses for the live show preceding nightly silent films. She had only seven lines in the play but was an understudy for the female lead.

The homes of two separate, prominent couples who had been at Loew’s Penn were robbed. The only thing stolen was the expensive jewelry the wives wore that evening at the theater. Sterling, now a PI, was hired to find the thief dubbed The Mirage. Suspects include those working at the theater. When Sophie dropped her bag on her way out one evening, one of the stolen bracelets fell from her bag. Everyone, including Sterling, saw it and many say she is The Mirage. Sophie was once engaged to Sterling and without giving a reason, left him at the altar on their wedding day.

I was completely surprised at who the father of Elise was, as well as who The Mirage was. There are other surprises, including that surrounding a valuable heirloom piece of jewelry. The ending for the story of each woman was very satisfying. I highly recommend this to women of all ages who enjoy well-written Christian fiction with spiritual values, mysteries, and possible, clean romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.