In this dual timeline story, events and ideas are connected to the Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. In modern day, Elise is an intern who is trying to pursue her dream to be a violinist to honor her late mother. She is used to people she loves to walk away so when someone walks back into her life, she is perplexed. She puts up her walls but Pierson continues to tear down walls she didn’t even know that she put up.

In the second timeline, Sophie is an actress at the Lowe’s Penn Theatre. When jewelry is stolen by an audience member, Sophie finds herself named as the Mirage. This accusation brings several people back into her life. Will she be able to convince the city of Pittsburgh that she isn’t the Mirage?

The two stories were equally as interesting. The author made it hard to wait another chapter to see what would happen in the life of one character. Then the next thing we know that we are wrapped into the next character without wanting to step away from the book at all.

I had never read books from this author and I was grateful to be introduced to her. I enjoyed the banter between Elise and Pierce because it felt realistic. My favorite aspect was the theme of forgiveness and starting over in relationships. As in real life, not everything was easily tied off with a bright bow.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

In Spotlight and Shadow, we are treated to a wonderful dual timeline that interconnected and had me anticipating each story. Usually there is one story that is my favorite, but not this time. Both stories captured my attention and begged met to keep reading and know their secrets.

This story was about some big secrets, both of them have our young heroines searching for answers and the meaning of their lives. Especially since these said secrets seem to have shaped them and their decisions for far too long. Are they forever to walk alone, just out of reach of the men they love? Or are they worth far more than they ever imagined? Especially since both Sophie and Elise had painful pasts. And their men, Sterling and Pierson, both heroes in their own right and swoony to boot.

If you are looking for a mystery and romance that has actresses, detectives, country music singers, and violin players, then look no farther and lose yourself for a little while in this delightful tale.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Sometimes the present mirrors the past...

I love a good mystery and I love history. I also enjoy dual timeline stories and books set in the 1920s. So, what happens when you blend all of those elements into a single book? Well, you get Rachel Scott McDaniel's last novel...

I'll be honest right at the start, In Spotlight And Shadow has got to be one of my favorite books in the Doors To The Past series. It had just the right balance of mystery/intrigue and heartfelt emotion as Rachel Scott McDaniel skillfully wove the layers of past and present together. It also had the most spectacular historical building as the common denominator between the dual timelines. But what really captured my attention, aside from the careful unveiling of decades of secrets, was the parallel struggles of the two girls as they must face their own fears and insecurities – and pain from the past.

I quite enjoyed In Spotlight And Shadow and this 11th Doors To The Past novel really kept me flipping those pages. While I did guess the thief's identity, there were quite a few secrets and motivations that flat out surprised me along the way. This book was the perfect way to spend a lazy winter day...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

This book was fine, started out as a dual timeline story about old timey actors in Pittsburgh and a modern story of a young violinist in Pittsburgh searching for her past. Both women have an old love show back up in their lives. I didn't notice this was a Christian book until after I started it, so it took me a while to notice why there were so many God references and why both of the main characters didn't seem very fun. But the book was cute and fine.

Two young women, a century apart, but oh, so very much alike. Both are performers, they both long to feel accepted, and they both have been in possession of the same emerald necklace. Could there be even more connections between Sophie Walters and Elise Malvern?

In Spotlight and Shadow is laden with history, mystery, and romance. I enjoyed the author's notes that explain the history of Loew's Penn/Heinz Hall Theatre, the Pittsburgh landmark where Sophie and Elise both perform. I also appreciated the inspiring faith message that's woven throughout the plot. Sophia and Elise must learn to let go of their pasts, believe that they are worthy, and trust God to see them through.

These two stories alternate between the 1920s and the present but Rachel Scott McDaniel ties both of them together flawlessly! I look forward to reading more of her writing and I'm also excited to read more books in the Doors to the Past series. I recommend In Spotlight and Shadow to all who enjoy Christian dual-time novels.

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

I am a huge fan of dual-timeline historical fiction novels and this one cements why! They’re amazing! This book is part of the Doors to the Past series. It’s quite the series! But you’re in luck because while they are all in the same series they do not have to be read in order so you can just start with this one!

In this book, we start with Elise who is in modern times. She has a habit of letting people down and isn’t quite sure of herself or what she’s going to do with her life. It’s while she’s interning at Heinz Hall that she starts to become more confident but that’s through working with a good friend to solve the mystery of a prop she found. Or at least she thinks it’s a prop.

Jump back in time to see another young lady who was in this hall and affected by the necklace.

Such a great novel! I loved all the characters and it moved along at quite the pace as you try to figure out the connections and the mysteries while also sighing at the romances.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The newest book in the Doors to the Past Series is a delightful mix of romance, intrigue, and suspense in a split time format. Elise Malvern has only one goal in sight. She wants to be a violin player in the Pittsburg Pennsylvania symphony. Her best friend growing up, Pierson Brooks, has made it big as a country singer; but when he returns home, he only has one thing on his mind: Elise. Sophie Walters, many years earlier, was a second rate actress who always was cast as a villain. But in Sophie's dreams, she was meant to be the leading lady. The connection between Sophie and Elise was a necklace. But what is the story behind the necklace that creates a link between Sophie and Elise?

This was a very interesting dual timeline as it is close to the end before the two stories become connected. Each story in it own satisfied everything a reader could desire: romance, suspense, intrigue, historical content, and humor. Add to that amazing heroes and solid thread of Christian faith, and this book sparkles from start to finish. Another winner from Rachel Scott McDaniel.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Had this book not been part of Barbour’s Doors to the Past series, I might not have chosen to read it, and that would certainly have been an unfortunate oversight. Topics such as jewel theft, fame, and city life usually do not appeal to me, and, truth be told, romance has never been at the top of my list either. Having read “Undercurrent of Secrets” and “Above the Fold,” however, I had no doubt that Rachel Scott McDaniel would write another compelling novel that I would read from cover-to-cover in two sittings, and “In Spotlight and Shadow” was precisely that!

Bringing together two young women with storied pasts, Sophie Walters from 1927 and Elise Malvern from the present, “In Spotlight and Shadow” is as much a tale of contrasts as it is parallels. Beyond the title itself, the interplay between light and darkness creates a chiaroscuro effect throughout the narrative, highlighting the two protagonists as each wrestle with the heartache of past love and the pursuit of their burgeoning careers. Elise is a creative marketing intern at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, but she feels her true place is on stage as a violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra—if only she had the courage to audition. Sophie, on the other hand, is an actress who didn’t make it in Hollywood and instead performs a minor role at Loew’s Penn Theatre—to become Heinz Hall decades later—until she is suddenly cast into the limelight under suspicion of being a jewel thief who has earned the moniker The Mirage. The shadows of the past overtake the present for both women when Elise’s former best friend and now country music star Pierson Brooks unexpectedly crashes back into her life and the man whom Sophie abandoned at the altar turns out to be the one investigating her case.

Rachel McDaniel employs the theme of courage and perseverance in the midst of adversity as a means of demonstrating a timeless truth: that regardless of circumstances or identity, God loves us and is faithful to use all things for our good and His glory when we put our trust in Him. As Sophie reflects to herself after remarking to a coworker that the world has many weak imitations of love, “But love in its full strength was something we found only in God.” Likewise, amidst struggles and reopened wounds from the past, Elise comes to an undeniable realization: “She needed to trust in God’s faithfulness to bring her through.” Sometimes our plans don’t turn out the way we thought they would or even should have, but when we surrender our lives to the Lord, we find that nothing is wasted, that it is all strung perfectly together into a harmonious symphony uniquely ours.

McDaniel also incorporates interesting lore about Pittsburgh into this dual-timeline story, and as someone who grew up an hour away from the city, the familiar locales add an extra level of enjoyment. Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of this story, though, is the gambling grannies, whose well-intentioned scheming stirs up more trouble than their grandkids bargained for. Indeed, there is a wide-ranging cast who are full of surprises for both their fellow characters and readers alike. Even if this isn’t your preferred genre, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give “In Spotlight and Shadow” a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I am always a little wary when it comes to dual time fiction. In most of the split-time novels that I have read, one of the storylines–usually the present day one–falls flat. So I went into this book not having overly high expectations. And I came out of it wishing that it never ended.

Rachel Scott McDaniel did a wonderful job balancing both storylines. In both, the plotlines, the characters, the settings, etc., are developed fully. I felt like I got to know each character personally and was able to share in all of their experiences, struggles, and in each mystery.

I loved both Elise’s and Sophie’s stories. Both of them are unique in their own ways, but they are also similar. They both deal with past relationships resurfacing, pursuing dreams they believe they want, and solving mysteries that each each have their own consequences.

This is my first novel by McDaniel, and it definitely won’t be my last. Five out of five stars, McDaniel is a brilliant writer, skillfully interweaving the past with the present, knowing how to keep her readers hooked and turning the pages.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

I loved this story of faith and romance and intrigue. I loved Elise and Sophie. I loved that each of these women learned about themselves and their families through the past and the present. I loved all of the minor characters in the story also. I think that this has been one of my favorite books in this series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Two women find the courage to face their pasts and embrace love.

A fast paced read with two riveting plots that bind together across time. Elise is a violinist who discovers a secret in an old coat, while working to face her fears with the help of an old friend. Sophie finds herself in the middle of a jewel theft, and the only one who can help her prove her innocence is the man she left at the altar.

An engaging read from the start, I liked how the author gave Elise and Sophie distinct voices, it really added to the story, giving it a depth of character. I liked that Pierson offers to help Elise, and how he is honest about his mistakes. Elise struggles with her identity, and feelings of not being good enough. I liked seeing her and Pierson together despite their initial hesitations. I especially liked the mystery and suspense of Sophie's story, I admired her courage and faith.

Overall, this was a well done dual-timeline novel, with a riveting plot, gripping characters, romance, and faith. A page-turning read that is well worth our time!

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

This book was simply breathtaking!
I'd say this book definitely is tied with "The Mobster's Daughter" for my favorite book that Rachel has written so far!
(The Mobster's Daughter is my #1 favorite fictional romance read of all time, so this is seriously saying something!)

In Spotlight and Shadow is a lovely split-timeline historical romance and is a clean Roaring Twenties novel, which are honestly pretty hard to find.

Elise and Sophie in their respective decades, were so very relatable, funny and loveable.

The author also did a wonderful job of depicting people of different classes and backgrounds and showing the psychological effects their home life and parents (or lack thereof) had on each of them.

I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review.
I'm gladly doing so though!
The thoughts and opinions above are my very own.

McDaniel is always a favorite to read. Her stories have so much depth, mystery, laughter, and more. In Spotlight and Shadow is no exception. Not only the mystery of each time period separately, but the mystery of how the two worlds would collide. Let me say this, it was done perfectly.

I really can't say which time period I enjoyed reading more, probably both the same. In historic time I loved reading about Sophie and Sterling and the mystery of the Mirage. There were so many time McDaniel surprised me with these little plot twists, and honestly I couldn't get enough of them! I can't really gush on this without giving spoilers, so I will just say they were so well done, I didn't expect most of them, and they made the book so much better.

But then there was Elise and Pierson, and well, swoon. Pierson is just such a fantastic hero. All the star qualities you swoon over, but also vulnerable at times, and real. I'm talking like chef's kiss good here guys. There are so many parts of their story that I loved, and all of them are spoilers, so......I can't really comment lol. BUT trust me when I say they are a fabulous couple. The mystery over Elise's father came to a conclusion I was not expecting, but boy did I love. In fact, it made me tear up a bit.

McDaniel has been on my radar since her debut novel and I just cannot get enough of her stories. I highly recommend In Spotlight and Shadow. There's love, mystery, danger, second chances, and so much more. Historic and contemporary fans alike will fall in love with this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have truly come to love Rachel’s dual timeline stories. They have such wonderful depth and development of story that I get utterly lost in them. Sometimes to the detriment of other things but I’m definitely not sorry about it. This story is certainly one of her best with two mysteries to solve and two love stories to redeem. I loved the tension she created by changing between the stories with each chapter - what perfect way to keep readers invested. I also loved that the redemption theme carried into the faith journeys of the characters. And the way everything was carefully revealed by the end….*sigh* so much to love here!! I highly recommend you get this marvelous book on your TBR to read very soon. It’s definitely going on my reread often shelf because it’s truly that good.

I received this complimentary E-book from the author via NetGalley. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This cover art! Stunning! In Spotlight and Shadow delivers two delightful tales in one. Each with a unique flavor, these connected timelines complement each other nicely.

And the characters! Elise and Sophie are flawed, highly credible heroines, and effortless to connect with. I empathized with Elise from the very first scene, where she untangles herself from an unfortunate web during her lunch break. I love the humor throughout her story. And how fun it is to journey back to the jazz era and become acquainted with Sophie! It comes natural to root for her. (And Pierson and Sterling make me swoon.)

I can’t choose a favorite between these incredible timelines or heroines. They are both captivating. Though a century apart, these two women share similarities, and some aspects of their personalities felt familiar, reminding me of my younger self.

This author has a strong and enchanting writer’s voice, delivering a tale so vivid it plays like a movie in my head. Her style is approachable, with believable characters, witty dialogue, and heaps of sass, wit, romance, faith, mystery, history, and tenderness.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Emotional depth, delightful characters. Love the way the whole story came together and the way stories overlapped through the years. The characters are challenged with forgiveness and heartbreak. They can choose to hope and pray that their second chance works out, and that God will be there for them through it all. Finding out that you are wanted and loved shines a spotlight to crowd out the shadows stalking the pages. Never forget that you belong.
I received a copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review . All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In Spotlight and Shadow is written by Rachel Scott McDaniel. This is part of the Doors to the Past Series. The series is written by multiple authors but they share the split time element in their stories. I have read all the books in the series. They are all phenomenal. In this story we meet Elise (present day) and Sophie (1920's). Both women have some amazing stories to tell and it was fun to read how their lives intersected.

Elise lost her mother while she was a teenager. She was raised by Pap and Grancy, her grandparents. She helps in the family business, an auction house. She has dreams of becoming a second chair violinist like her mother but is always so overcome with stage fright that she has never auditioned. One day, while she is taking pictures and telling the story behind the historic Heinz Hall - a box full of old playbills and a duster coat shows up. There is also a violin ornament that has a message on it it and states its from her father. She has no idea where it came from. Country Music Start and former friend, Pierson Brooks offers to help her sort it out. Together they embark on trying to uncover Elise family history.

Sophie Walters left her fiancé, Sterling at the alter and moved on to become an actress. She has a small part in a play when wealthy patrons jewels start to go missing. The thief is dubbed the Mirage. Sophie is pulled in for questioning, by her former fiancé. Suddenly it appears that someone is trying to frame Sophie. Sterling and Sophie are working together and trying to put the past behind them when things take a shocking turn.

This author has a way of drawing you in within the first few pages. Her research allows her to bring the past to life. I loved learning about Heinz Hall. The author mentions at the end of the book what is true and what is not - and that helped to bring everything full circle. The story is well written. The characters captivating.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel might be my favorite in the Doors to the Past series (which says a lot because there have been some great books in the series already).

With dual-time stories, I usually lean more toward liking the contemporary couple, but in this case, I liked both couples equally. That might be because I’ve seen one of the historical characters in a previous book by McDaniel (but don’t worry, you’re not going to be lost if you haven’t read that other book).

McDaniel’s attention to detail around the history of the Heinz Hall and the life of a stage actor is so well done, I felt like I was living in the era alongside Sophie. And the way the author tied the mystery together between the two eras as well as gave us peeks into the struggles of entertainers in both time periods hit the perfect note.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

In Spotlight and Shadow by author Rachel Scott McDaniel is a dual time Christian novel of second chances. It is Book 11 in the Doors to the Past Series, but it definitely may be read as a stand alone. This is rich in history, romance, and mystery. It is a real page turner.

The stories here are for Sophie and Sterling as well as Elise and Pierson. Set in the 1920s, Sophie is an actress. Her hero is dreamy Sterling. Modern day Elise is a savvy, sassy woman. I loved her! Pierson is a country music star, another dreamy guy.

My preference in books leans more toward historical, but I thoroughly enjoyed the contemporary side of this one, also. It did not take long for me to become invested in this this fabulous novel and its interesting characters. I enjoyed the way Author McDaniel writes. Her book flowed effortlessly between the two stories and time periods. There are some twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

The Christian inspirational message was beautiful and very relatable. The women are remarkable in this novel. I want to be their friend. Conversations sounded authentic in both time periods. The scenes and descriptions swept me out of my loveseat and into the book. A few times I became emotional as I read, but I cry at a good commercial, too. Needless to say, this is a very good book.

I highly recommend this captivating novel. It would be a perfect choice for a book club or lovers of split-time books. Be sure to read the author notes at the end. There are acknowledgements, too. It gets a 5 star review from me. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.

The Doors to the Past series delivers again with another well-crafted dual timeline story. It opens in modern day Pittsburgh, with Elise stressing about whether she'll ever win approval - in a relationship or professionally. She wants to earn a spot playing violin in the symphony but her stage fright is so bad she's terrified to audition. Her friend sets up the audition for her, and the same day a mysterious package arrives for Elise - and she's convinced that the valuable piece of jewelry hidden inside is a clue to her father's identity. When Elise goes to visit her music teacher and mentor, she's shocked and embarrassed to find her high school crush there. Pierson disappointed her years ago, and now he's a big country star. But he seems determined to help her over the stage fright, help her track down the clues to her father's identity, and maybe rekindle more than just a friendship between them.

The historical timeline takes place in the 1920s, in the theater in Pittsburgh. Sophie is a hopeful stage actress with a mysterious past, and when some valuable pieces of jewelry are stolen from theatre patrons, it seems she may be connected. To her dismay, the detective working on the case is none other than Sterling, the man she left at the wedding altar with no explanation. As Sophie is framed for the thefts, she must try to make things right with Sterling, and eventually decide to reveal her secrets in order to clear her name and catch the real thief.

The jewelry is the piece that ties the two stories together, but the common theme is that both ladies are struggling to find their identity and worth amid rejection and uncertainty about their parents. Both Elise and Sophie question whether the relationship with their respective beaux can survive the pain of the past and the questions about who they really are. Both storylines take a few unexpected turns along the way as the main characters change and grow.

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