First of all thank you Barbour Publishing, Netgalley and, of course, thank you Rachel Scott McDaniel for the ARC of In Spotlight and Shadow! I really appreciate it!

Now the honest review of this book:
I really love all the characters, especially the two protagonists, Elise and Sophie.
(Sterling has my heart 😭❤️)
The romance felt so real and I really glad for that because nowdays all the romance feels the same unrealistic thing.
The plot-twists are responsible for making me stay up late reading!
The historical part isn't much present, and it is a good thing for the bookworms that don't like this genre very much!
The writing is so good and I love the representation of faith in God on this book! So releatable!
Overall it's a very good book!
God bless! 💗

Split-time mystery with not one, but two second-chance romances.

The roaring twenties timeline starts with a bang - a sidelined actress, her jilted fiancé-turned-private-eye, a mysterious string of thefts, and some quite eccentric characters. In the modern day, we have a control-obsessed young woman fighting off greedy suitors, trying to discover her passion and plan her career, and working hard to keep her gambling grandmother from making her reunion with her high school best friend (and maybe crush) awkward. All while trying to discover her own history.

I really enjoyed the romance aspect of this book - both of the romances. And that takes a lot for my logical, romance-jaded mind to admit. But the leading ladies were awesome characters, and the leading men were just amazing. Put them together, and even I was enjoying the mushy scenes. The family mystery aspects were also interesting - as soon as the secrets were revealed, they made sense. But I didn't guess them ahead of time. Also, the characters were just a lot of fun to spend time with. Now I really want to read Rachel's other book that involves Elissa and Cole (I think I got those names right).

The main "Mirage" mystery wasn't my favorite - once pieces were revealed, the rest of the plot was amazing. But it wasn't particularly interesting until the big reveal. Additionally, sometimes the story would just feel like it was missing something (more of a vague sense than something I can put my finger on).

However, by the end, none of that mattered. The ending made up for my complaints with the middle of the story, and I ended up thoroughly enjoying the book. I'm looking forward to reading more by Rachel Scott McDaniel!

Content: Moderate romance (stays clean, though), mentions of past affairs, some random side characters who make lewd comments, and a few implied mentions of other characters of questionable repute possibly sleeping around (implied in discussion, never anything on screen or with POV characters). Mentions of drinking. Mild violence (including mentions of abuse), especially near the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and a positive review was not required.
Though, of course, it's hard not to give a positive review for a book like this . .

[Review also posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christian Book Distributors].

A cute duel time story!

I love how it all came together in the end!

A little crime and mystery in one time and a little self discovery in the second!

This story is amazing! I have been a fan of this author for awhile and this story is a wonderful example why! Rachel Scott McDaniel weaves two timelines so seamlessly, creating deep characters you care for and can identify with. The leading women characters are brave, kind and talented. The heroes are dashing and supportive. The mysteries were also so well written. It kept me guessing about how everything would end up relating together. I felt transported to both settings as they came to life from the author's beautiful writing. I underlined so many things as well throughout the book. You will not want to miss this one, especially if you are a fan of romance and/or historical fiction!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This dual time -line story has all the makings of a wonderful movie. The synopsis of the book gives readers details of what the story is about so I won’t go into too much of that. What I do want to talk about is how the author seamlessly ties us back and forth from the past to the present. I usually have a favorite of which I like most in stories like this. In this book I adored both the past and present so much I couldn’t decide if I wanted to stay with Sophie or go with Elise.

What really grabbed my attention was how both women yearned for acceptance They felt like castaways from their parents and desperately wanted to prove they were worth loving. Sophie dreamed of being famous on stage but instead was propelled to stardom for something else. I couldn’t believe all the emotional pain she endured as she tried to solve the mystery of the stolen jewelry. I loved how Sophie had such a big heart and was willing to sacrifice herself at times to protect those she cared about. The author does an incredible job of describing the era with details of the theater and all its hype. Dreams were made on stage as well as hearts broken when others try to dash their hopes. I especially loved the clever plot twists and was quite surprised who “The Mirage” was. One final note about this part of the story must acknowledge the dashing romance that one only dreams about. Make sure to pay extra attention to Sophie and the man who stands beside her through trials and helps her understand who has always loved her unconditionally.

Elise is our present day heroine who needed answers to who her father was. It has been something she has wanted to know all her life. The mystery for her really starts when a mysterious package arrives. It doesn’t say who it is from but there are hints that it has something to do with her father. I liked how Pierson comes back into Elise’s life and helps her solve the mystery that she received in the mail. Both of them are dealing with acceptance and being enough but I think Elise still holds on to the fact that she never felt wanted. She purses a dream that she thought would please her mother. What she realizes is that it was not really her dream at all. As the story unfolds we see how she has trust issues and keeps Pierson at a distance because she doesn’t believe he will stay around.

The book is rich in history, mystery and a yearning to find acceptance. What I love about the story is how the author illustrates that God accepts us and loves each of us unconditionally. When we finally get to a place where we can accept ourselves, God is able to unlock pain from the past and shower us with hope and a new understanding of what love is.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

In Spotlight and Shadow is the 11th Doors to the Past book. This is a series of standalone novels written by various Christian authors, and as such, it is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. (All I have read have been great, and I would still highly recommend checking them out either way.)

There are two things that I know are going to be true when I hear of a new Rachel Scott McDaniel's book. First of all, I know the cover is going to be absolutely stunning. More importantly, I know that the story within its pages will be just as beautiful as well. This one was no exception. This dual-timeline novel weaves the past (1920s) and present together beautifully, drawing the reader into both stories and the connection between them. It had the ideal blend of romance, mystery and historical detail that Rachel does so very well.

If you enjoy historical romance or dual-timeline novels, this is certainly one worth adding to your reading list!

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

In Spotlight and Shadow is part of the Doors to the Past series. I've read several by different authors and they've all been very enjoyable. The setting of Pittsburgh was great because I've not read any books set there and it was nice to learn a little history while enjoying a dual time lined mystery and romance. I really loved both Elise and Sophie and read as fast as I could to find out the ending. This was my first book by Rachel Scott McDaniel but it definitely won't be my last!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 1 February 2023.

In Spotlight and Shadow was the first book I have read by the author Rachel Scott McDaniel. Although it is not the type of book I generally enjoy, it was captivating. I would 100% recommend.

In Spotlight and Shadow is Rachel Scott McDaniel’s contribution to the multi author series, Doors to the Past. It is, also, one of my favorites I have read from this series. I was quickly engrossed in this book and getting to know the two main characters, Elise and Sophie, who were from two different times. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what the 1920s looked like in Pittsburgh, PA. I loved every single page.

I am giving In Spotlight and Shadow five stars. I believe readers, lovers and fans of clean historical fiction and those with dual time lines. I am looking forward to the next installment from the Doors to the Past series, Candice Sue Patterson’s The Keys to Gramercy Park.
I received a paperback copy of In Spotlight and Shadow from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I have greatly enjoyed Rachel Scott McDaniel’s books, and In Spotlight and Shadow is a great split-time story that will definitely entertain readers. I enjoyed both timelines; I never felt like I preferred one storyline over the other. I especially loved the 1920s setting and all the intrigue of that time period. I’m looking forward to reading more from Rachel! 4/5 stars

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

Rachel Scott McDaniel proves once again with In Spotlight and Shadow why she’s one of the best at writing dual time period romances! From the beginning, I was pulled into the glitz & glam world of the 1920’s Pittsburg theater scene. Sophie Walters, an actress striving to get noticed in the cutthroat world becomes famous when she’s accused of being The Mirage, a mysterious jewel thief. She turns to her former fiancé Sterling Monroe, an ex cop, now private investigator to help clear her name.

In modern times, Elise’s dream of playing her violin with the PIttsburg symphony is hampered only by her fears. She’s tired of disingenuous boyfriends, being stuck in her current life, and being too afraid to go for her dreams. She’s ready for a change. When her former childhood friend and country music star heartthrob returns for his grandmother’s 80th birthday party, there’s a sizzling attraction there. But, Elsie can’t forget that he ghosted her years before. When she receives a mysterious package from the father she’s never met, she’s intrigued by the contents which include a playbill of an old Broadway star and an emerald necklace that looks anything but fake. As she and the famous Pierson Brooks try to solve the mysteries of the past, they may uncover more than they bargained for.

Loved the twists and turns this story took! Both romances are second chance and I loved discovering each clue as to why things didn’t work out the first time. Pierson melted my heart with his use of “darlin” and his teasing humor. I loved the contrast between him and Elise’s more practical nature. Sophie and Sterling have that constant undercurrent of passion between them. There’s a lot of unresolved hurt and misunderstanding. I loved it when Sophie finally opens up as to why she left and her reasons make the story even more intriguing.

The mysteries in both time periods completely drew me in. I loved the way the stories intersected and how Elise and Sophie both had similar journeys. There were a lot of things I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed the surprises along the way. All of the characters were so endearing. Other than the main characters, I especially enjoyed Meredith and the meddling grandmothers. I loved the way faith was naturally woven into the story. The messages of love and forgiveness were powerful.

If you enjoy dual time period novels or historical romance/mystery with an inspirational message, I highly recommend this book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Why I chose this book: The cover and the description, honestly. But once I opened the front cover, I was hooked by the first lines. This is my first Rachel Scott McDaniel book.

Type of Book: Christian Romance but I would also add Suspense/Mystery

Overall: I'm in love. It's been awhile since I've devoured a book. I did my best to slow down and appreciate this story but I just couldn't put it down! Ya'll know I love a book with great tension and this story has it in abundance. I am not a huge fan of the time jump books; it's not the first genre I'd jump to so when I say I'm in love with this story, that's saying something. The writing is tight and the characters are fantastic. Oh, the romance--it's just right. Nothing showy, just that tension and awkwardness and everything that makes you shout as a reader that they need to connect and get on the same page but they don't and so the story drags you deeper until you just can't hold your breath anymore and you must come up for air. (sigh). I'd read this story again and again.

The hooks were amazing and perfectly cast. The background info was perfectly placed within scenes. You get a little dose of character background in just the right portion and placement. I loved everything about it.

Was there anything I caught as an editor? Yeah, some things that after I sat in it was like, "wait...but what about___." But in the midst of reading the story, it wasn't enough to pull my attention away from what was happening.

Favorite Quotes/Characters: The entire cast gets a standing ovation.

Lines that I totally related to and laughed with:

"While the rest of the world made decisions at 5G speed, her pace was more AOL dial-up."

"she didn't know his hopes and dreams, if he wanted any children, or his method of changing a toilet paper roll."

And the hooks! Like this end of chapter line: "It was safer to allow him to believe the lie. Because the truth was far worse."

Bookshelf worthy? YES. (Already on my shelf. Come on over and borrow it and we can sip tea and talk about everything we loved about it.)

Teenability: Yes, I will let my teen daughter read this. While steamy in a tension "will they, won't they" kind of way, there isn't a lot of showy things that I would suggest need skipping. This is a perfect swoon-worthy, makes you sigh romance. I might suggest older teen rather than tween but that depends on your child and you. Happy reading!

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

Such beautiful writing, descriptive without being wordy, witty and intriguing. The dual timeline is so well done, both parts engaging with their own twists and turns. The story has good historical detail and four main characters that are easy to like. I especially enjoyed the witty banter between Elise and Pierson. Sophie and Sterling have a much different but still enjoyable relationship and the connection of both stories is both surprising and beautiful. In Spotlight and Shadow is an all around enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for honest review.

A request to read this book arrived in my email from Barbour Books Publishing. The cover looked appealing, as if it was about an actress from the past. Without reading the summary of the book, I wasn’t far off! This is an astonishing story of two amazing women!

First, you have the modern day Elise. Stage frightened violinist who wants to honor her late mother’s memory by being in the Pittsburg Symphony. She got a ton of practice from a sweet lady, Melinda, who happened to also teach a cute boy, Pierson. These days, Elise works behind a camera doing marketing. She attends a bash for Pierson’s grandmother, not expecting the now popular country singer to even show his face let alone actually bumps into him outside.

Pierson is trying to overcome some negative press he received recently and chose to take a month off to hang out back home, hoping no one would recognize him. He finds a way to spend a ton of time with Elise and easing her out of her stage freight all while she agrees to help him remake himself. No one really expects their childhood friendship to rekindle so easily.

Heinz Hall, the former Loew’s Penn Theatre, Elise works at happens to be where Sophie was once an actress. Sophie was the understudy to the main character. She was once engaged to policeman, Sterling, but left him at the altar all those years ago. She had her reasons and kept that secret all these years while she was in New York trying to be the daughter her well-known actress mother would be proud of. Except Greer didn’t want anything to do with her even though she followed Sophie back to Pittsburg,

I love how this book was put together. It’s engaging and full of unexpected twists. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of how the stories come together miraculously. How authors come up with these ideas is beyond new but I’ll continue reading their creativity and enjoy every moment!

I so enjoyed this read! (Admittedly, even more so as it was on the heels of a mediocre-to-me read...so nice to pivot so quickly into one I immensely enjoyed.)

This is the fourth book I've read by McDaniel, and her first contribution to the _Doors to the Past_ series (all standalone books--yay!). (And, if you were curious, all four reads have been five-star reads for me!) She does a great job at managing the historical and present-day elements, keeping my interest equally in both. I learned a lot about Pittsburgh, as well--a place I'm really not familiar with and hadn't been on my radar. I may not be on the next flight out there, but Heinz Hall sounds lovely! ... I actually just googled it, and "oh, wow!" Beautiful!

A great read, one I very much enjoyed. Plot, character development, faith element weaved throughout--loved it all. 5/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have enjoyed the books in the Doors to the Past series. I like how they jump between what happened in the past and what is happening in the present. I loved how this story had both Sophie and Elise connected to stage performing. I loved the mystery in this story and how the storylines wove together. I liked seeing Sophie and Elise overcome some of their fears as they worked to solve the mystery in their respective timelines. I also liked the romances that both of them had and that each of the couples worked together to solve this mystery. I thought this was a good book and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

For fans of dual timeline stories, In Spotlight and Shadow is the book for you! Rachel Scott McDaniel is at her best in this fabulous novel with storylines set both in the 1920s and present day. The romance, flirty banter, and the mystery that intertwines both storylines keep readers engaged throughout the entire novel. The spiritual truths Rachel Scott McDaniel shares remind us of God's never ending love for us. This is a book that readers will not want to miss!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Present day - A mysterious package with a mini violin, a bulky coat and playbills from 1927 at the Loew’s Penn Theatre delivered to Elsie, a creative marketer and a violinist. What on earth could it all mean? How can she possibly figure this all out, including the mystery found between the lining and the outside of the coat and will the knowledge affect her dream to become a second chair violinist?

Sophie is an actress, usually an understudy, hoping to make it big one day. But there seems to be an endless mystery behind what is going on in her life. Is it possible that the unknown in 1927 will shed light on the riddle in Elsie’s time?

The wonderful mystery in this edition of Doors to the Past was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Elise and Sophie lead similar lives in two different times. Both are not acknowledged by their birth fathers. Both want to know their pasts but and a bit scared to find out the truth.
Sophie is a struggling actress who had to leave her groom at the altar to save his life. Elise's best friend abandoned her for 10 years. They both have to learn to make amends and come to grips with their past and realize that they are important and special to God they He created them and loves them dearly.
Get your copy and find out about the hidden connections and an Emerald necklace.

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

This book was fascinating to me. I enjoyed how that author added different layers of the mystery throughout the story. Then at the end the final picture was revealed! My favorite character by far was Pierson, so dreamy!

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