Two stories. A century apart. Each finding their own identity. Is it in their career? Their parentage? Who they love?

I enjoyed the two different stories that Rachel meshes into this amazing novel. I would just get into one world and have to switch my brain for the other by the next chapter. But that is literally my only complaint! Her characters are deep, real, and just amazing!

If you enjoy:
🎻second chances
🎻music
🎻country music superstars
🎻mysteries
🎻handsome detectives
🎻complicated family history
🎻runaway bride
🎻thieves
🎻theater
🎻1920s and present day

Then this is your next book! Thank you Rachel for accepting me on your ARC team! This is my first book by you, but it won’t be my last! I’ll be looking for more of the #doorstothepast books!

In Spotlight and Shadow was so much more than I was expecting. Mystery, dual time periods, music, and healing for the characters that touched my heart.

Elise Melvern is working at the elegant Heinz Hall as she pursues her failing musical dreams. On accident she discovers within an old stage prop a hidden necklace worth a lot of money. A clue makes her believe the sender of the stage prop is the father she never met. An old childhood friend, who happens to be a country music star dealing with negative PR, steps back into her life. As they help each other, they dig into their complicated past, as well as the mystery of the stage prop sender. I loved the lessons of love and healing their story illustrated and was completely committed to finding out all the answers to their questions and watching their romance develop.

A century earlier Sophie Walters works at the Loew’s Penn Theatre trying to work her way up in the theater world and overcome the disappointments of her past. When a gem thief targets patrons of the theater, she is forced to confront her ex-fiancé Sterling Monroe. While things are icey between Sophie and Sterling, things heat up as they work to clear her name and solve the mystery of the gem thief together. I will admit to loving second chance love stories and this one was a favorite. Rachel has a way to explaining emotions so clearly and making the reader feel all the feelings the main characters are dealing with. I loved watching these characters open up and heal their relationship as they become closer to the truth.

I loved both time periods equally and each chapter ended with me wanting to know more about each character equally. While disappointed when the story changed to the other time period, the disappointment never lasted more than a second, because I was equally invested in seeing how the story progressed in each time period and how they tied together. Rachel has a talent for writing historic romantic mysteries and weaving in Christian themes effortlessly within the lives of her characters. I always finish her books satisfied and uplifted. I loved this one and can’t wait to read it again when I get my print copy.

Two years ago, in a review for Rachel Scott McDaniel's debut novel, I wrote that I’d love to read more about the male lead character’s cousin. In Above the Fold, the lead character’s name was Cole. His cousin was called… Sterling. Did I put that Sterling together with this one? Nope. Not until Cole showed up approximately halfway through In Spotlight and Shadow.

Elise is a “creative marketing intern,” which sounds more like a social media position. She’s someone who knows her Instagram from her Snapchat, but is also a bit of an introvert. She’s a reader, she loves history, and also her city. She’s someone I immediately “got.” Her part of the tale is written from the third person perspective. In comparison, her 1920s co-star Sophie has traveled across the country in search of fame and fortune. Her story is told from the first person point of view. Their supporting act has to be the city of Pittsburgh. Heinz Hall – or the Loew’s Penn Theater in Sophie’s time – is the central location, but the historic William Penn Hotel is also featured. I walked the streets with both women, reveling in McDaniel’s descriptions of my favorite American city.

I’ve come to appreciate historical mysteries with a side of romance rather than a straightforward romance set in the past. Not only is there the question of how the couple will reach their Happily Ever After, there’s the whodunnit aspect. Did I figure out the real identity of The Mirage before they were revealed? No. The romances, especially the one between Elise and Pierce, were cute although I was surprised Peirson wasn’t recognized more often.

This is part of the Doors to the Past split time series published by Barbour. While each book is designed to stand alone, they must feature two plots – one in the present day and one in the past – which come together by the end. This is McDaniels’ second title in the series, the earlier one being set on a steamboat traveling between Louisville and Pittsburgh. As far as I can tell, it isn’t necessary to have read it although I do recommend it. I also suggest reading Above the Fold, so you can see just why I said I wanted more Sterling.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Once again, Rachel Scott McDaniel dazzles with her talent at penning sweet and snappy romance, this time with dual timelines.

Scott’s passion for Jazz Age-era Pittsburg shines in all of her books, and In Spotlight and Shadow is no exception. The William Penn Hotel comes to life in both its historic roots, as well as its contemporary state, and both are painted charmingly in Scott’s loving prose. Yet the characters are what made the book for me. In both timelines we are offered heroines who have deep wounds, yet strong spirits with loads of spunk and sparkling personalities. They are matched with complex and utterly charming heroes who are at once protective of the women they love, yet also leaving them room to be themselves.

The banter-filled dialogue is spot on. It fits in seamlessly with both the 1920s timeline, as well as the contemporary one. The fast pace of the stories will keep you turning pages, and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

In Spotlight and Shadow is a charming new novel that fans of inspirational historical romance will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

No one writes 1920s Pittsburgh like Rachel Scott McDaniel. I don’t know what it but every time I read one it’s like I’m in Pittsburgh in the 1920s. And In Spotlight and Shadow was no different. I am a sucker for dual time novels, and I love how Rachel weaves the historical story into the modern story in this one. Sophie Walters is a stage actress in 1920s Pittsburgh who finds herself in a bit of a pickle and the only one who can help is Sterling Monroe the man who’s heart she broke. While Elise Malvern is trying to overcome fear to become a violinist for the Pittsburgh Symphony when Peirson Brooks comes back into her life.



In dual time novels I tend to like one hero over the other but with this one I was swooning over both Sterling and Peirson equally though it took me a little bit to warm up to him, but when I did, I was hooked. I thought Sophie was a sweetheart who just needed the right person in her life to remind her that she mattered to God. I also found myself relating to Elise especially the grief of the loss of a mother. As it doesn’t ever go away you just learn to make it a part of one’s life. And sometimes music can help.


It was nice to meet Peirson after hearing about him Undercurrent of Secrets. As well as seeing Sterling again but as a hero this time. I also enjoyed seeing characters from Rachel’s previous books. So, I suggest you read her books in publication order.


One thing I noticed reading In Spotlight and Shadow was that 1920s Pittsburgh had a few things in common with 1920s Louisville but that was probably the case with most cities during that time.

I loved this one and I’m not afraid to admit that I laughed and cried with this one that’s how good it is.










I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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

I LOVE books that have multiple POVs across different timelines. This one takes place in 1920s, and current time, Pittsburgh PA. It was a romance with just enough mystery and suspense to make it shine amongst all of the romance books out there. It kept me guessing throughout the story, I had no idea how it was gonna all work out or how the two storyline connected. Definitely worth a read.

Read if you enjoy:
💙 Sweet Romance
💙 Fun mysteries that keep you guessing
💙 Multiple POVs
💙 Different time periods
💙 Swoony country singer MMCs
💙 Swoony detective MMCs (that's right, this book has both!)

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and views are my own.

Yinz just NEED to read this book!!

It was an absolute honor to be given an ARC of this book from the author and all of the obsessing about to ensue is purely my own and voluntarily (happily, uncontainably) shared.

Okay, yinz (you'll understand when you read the book) know I love all things music, and when there is a music themed book with characters who are musicians, it's an automatic read for me. In this story, both the hero and heroine are musicians in the contemporary time line. Pierson is a country music star, while Elise is a violinist trying to gain a second position chair with the symphony...to follow in her mother's footsteps.

In the past time line, Sterling is a detective, while Sophie an actress. Both time lines, both sets of characters are couples with a past, which I do so enjoy those kinds. They already know so much about each other and there's much to work through and it just leads to a satisfying end.

The mystery that tied the two time lines together was so intriguing and made it very hard to have to stop reading some nights. And, man, is it extra tortuous when some amazing revelation is made but then it switches to the other time period. Ugh!! I'm pretty sure I let out an audible "WHAT?!" at least once, if not twice. Talk about surprise.

I liked how Sterling had to come to believe Sophie when he realized she was, indeed, telling the truth about why she left him at the altar. It was exciting the way the Mirage (jewel thief) was exposed. It was precious how Pierson helped Elise overcome her stage fright, and I loved the way Elise and Pierson didn't care about the paparazzi around their growing relationship, and the way they both chose each other when it absolutely mattered the most. And those kissing scenes...oh my!

I'm not sure if I've ever read a split time novel that only had the female's POV in both time periods, but I really enjoyed it. For some reason I find the heros to be even more intriguing when we don't get their POV.

In summary, an amazing novel for the historical, romance, and music loving reader, who appreciates a well pulled off split time novel...of which I believe McDaniel is the queen!!

Will definitely be getting a copy and re-reading in the future!

Oh my, this was such a fun read! Swoony characters, funny banter, and two mysteries made this dual-time mystery a compelling read.

I fell in love with Elise's character on page one and waited with bated breath as she finally clued into the way Pierson felt about her.

I also enjoyed the historic time-line as Sophie and Sterling reconnected while they tried to solve the mystery of the jewel bandit.

Ms. McDaniel expertly wove the two timelines together giving the reader a glimpse into the history of Pittsburgh and the Lowe Penn Theatre.

In Spotlight and Shadow will remind readers that our existence was ordained by God who formed us in our mothers' wombs and called us His.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I read Undercurrent of Secrets last year and loved it so I just knew I had to read this book when it released this year. This book had all the five star things! It is a split timeline story which was written seamlessly. I don’t want to give anything away, but there was such a fabulous connection between the two timelines. I loved both Sophie and Elise (the historical and contemporary heroines). I am also always a sucker for friends to more so I loved how Elise and Pierson had known each other since they were kids and had a history. I truly loved the second chance romances in both storylines and they are just in time for Valentine's Day which is right around the corner. The author did a beautiful job tying in the faith thread in the story without ever sounding preachy. We all need the reminder that we are beautifully and wonderfully made by God and He is the loving father we can always depend on.

I should say that historical is not my go to genre so it says a lot when I am drawn into the historical side of the story as much as the contemporary and I definitely was in this book. The setting was perfect and the story was complete with romance, family secrets, and mystery.

I was provided a copy of this story by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

"I had dreams of stepping out from the shadows of my past and into the spotlight of my dreams."

The past: Sophie wants to make it as an actress. When her role as a jewel thief is suspected to be true in real life, can she find a way to prove her innocence? I loved that the main male character's name is Sterling. Something precious that lasts does not have to have the glitter or shine to be beautiful!)

The present: Elise wants to carry on her mother's dreams. Her life was cut short, and Elise knows she is supposed to play in the symphony. If only, she could find the courage to get up on stage as she paralyzed every time she tries to play in front of an audience. Can only friend help her to make some progress?

A primary location is this split timeline story is the Loew's Penn Theatre/Heinz Theater. I loved all of the real-life history that played out in this fictional story. Many of this author's books have been set around the city of Pittsburgh, and this has helped me to appreciate this part of the country.

There are so many parts of this book that I enjoyed. The one-liners that made me laugh. Her heroines' abilities to get themselves in predicaments. Glimpses into what happens when we trust God fully with our lives. A bit of a mystery runs through both the past and the present in this one. I was quite surprised on both parts.

Lessons learned on identity were some of the strongest ones. By the end of the book, both of the heroines who were struggling felt secure with who God made them to be, even with the uncertainties in their pasts. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the discoveries for yourself.

I loved, loved, loved this book!!!

If you enjoy a bit a history, mystery/suspense, romance along with elements of faith, this one is a must read! Although the books are mostly only connected by the past and present themes, this series has been quite enjoyable. I was provided with an advanced copy through NetGalley. I wanted to read the book. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read by Rachel and what a book to start off with. I throughly enjoyed this spilt time novel. The stories of the main woman were intriguing and fully captured my attention. I love how Rachel connected these two women and their history. What a fun book. The message of God being a good Father is one that is beautifully woven into the entirety of this story.



* I received an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I adored this book. It was everything I wanted and more. I love dual time books that can weave together a beautiful tapestry of a story and make you wish they just wouldn't end. This was one of those. Also the banter between the two couples was fantastic!

My second novel by Rachel Scott McDaniel and I’m giving it a 4⭐️.
It was another mystery with with a dual timelines and second chance romance.
The writing good and laughed out loud whenever Elise was around. I loved her sense of humor and found her delightful. The romance was sweet. This was an inspirational work that was grounded on God and his grace and I enjoyed it.
Thanks Barbour Fiction via NetGalley.

In Spotlight and Shadow, by Rachel Scott McDaniel, is part of the Door to the Past series by Barbour Publishing. This is a series of stand alone stories written by different authors that focuses on different parts in American history. This is a dual time-line story that takes place in 1927 and present day. Sophie is an actress at the Loew's Penn Theater when a series of burglaries are connected to the Theater and she is suspect. The detective on the case is non other than the man she left at the alter. Present day Elise is working on a project connected to the theater and mysteriously receives a box connected to it. Inside the jacket she finds a piece of jewelry that sends her searching for answers. Meanwhile Elise is working on a special music performance.

This was an enjoyable story to read. It is well written with mystery that kept me reading it and trying to find out the connection to the jewelry. I enjoyed the rebuilding of friendship of Elise and childhood friend/country music megastar Pierson I was totally surprised by the ending.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. This is my honest review.

Another hit from the Doors to the Past series. In Spotlight and Shadows is a wonderful dual timeline novel. Set in the 1920s, we find mystery, a jewelry thief and second chance romance. In present day, we find rekindled friendship, addressing stage fright anxiety, uncovering a mystery and sweet romance. Some may find duel time line novels confusing, but I love them. It’s like two stories in one book. The connection and history is always a puzzle to piece together. The characters are very enjoyable and fun to get to know. The mysteries are intriguing and captivating. The author does a great job of explaining, describing and writing a interesting and compelling story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh, my goodness, this story! From beginning to end, I was drawn into this book. I loved both timelines, all the characters, the witty banter, as well as, what felt like, real life-like drama. There were twists and turns, some things I didn't see coming and I enjoyed every minute of it!

In 1920, Sophie Walters is an actress whose only desire is to see her name in lights. But when more than her acting career appears in the spotlight, she's less than thrilled. Enter stage left, the man Sophie left at the alter 5 years before...who just happens to be investigating the crime she's found herself wrapped up in. This just might be her opportunity for forgiveness and second chances.

Elise Malvern is a present-day violinist, trying to walk in her mother's footsteps. When she receives a mysterious package that begins a search for her birth father, she accepts help from her childhood friend and crush, as well as country music star, Pierson Brooks. Elise and Pierson are led on a path of self-discovery, mystery, and intrigue. As well as being thrust into spending quite a bit of time in each other's company. Where that leads in quite fun!

These two timelines are unfolded in a perfect package that has a lot to offer, a lot to teach, and a lot of enjoyment!! And absolute winner!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful dual-time novel! I was invested in both stories and loved the connection between the two. Ms. McDaniels inserts historical details that bring to life 1920's Pittsburg, with its glittering world of theater and the shady underworld of speakeasies and gambling dens. With the theatre, Heinz Hall formerly Lowe’s Penn Theatre, as an awe-inspiring backdrop to both stories. Both Sophie and Elsie have an interesting connection to the theater.

The second-chance romance in both stories is a roller coaster ride of emotions, both with swoon-worthy heroes that lend a helping hand as they seek to solve mysteries, each with interesting trails of secrets that eventually tie together in a satisfying conclusion.

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

I have said it before, and I will say it again— no one does the 1920s like Rachel Scott McDaniel! She consistently delivers five star reads with perfect pacing and just the right amount of romance, mystery, action, and humor. In Spotlight and Shadow is no exception! The second chance romance trope is not normally one I gravitate to, but Rachel Scott McDaniel delivers two excellent second chance romances in this dual timeline romance without creating unnecessary and belabored angst or miscommunication between the couples. Add in jewel heists, mobsters, a country singer hero, and a love of the theatre and you get an exciting mystery worthy of the roaring 20s and a riveting modern day search for hidden history. In this story, Rachel Scott McDaniel speaks biblical Christian truth to readers through the journeys of her characters, who go through relatable struggles to find contentment and purpose in Christ. I so appreciated the happy endings that all of our heroes and heroines received after some difficult hardships and exciting plot twists! Rachel Scott McDaniel hits the nail on the head every. single. time. Don’t miss this exciting dual timeline adventure featuring both the roaring 20s and a contemporary country music fairytale!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

I tend to be a little picky about dual-timelines, often preferring one POV over the other. So when I picked this one up, I was curious be unsure what to expect. I was pleasantly impressed! I ended up loving both timelines! This one caught my by surprise, and instantly grabbed my attention. A beautiful story.

I absolutely loved this book! It was so good! I loved the dual timeline and was so invested in both stories. I loved the mystery in both stories and how things slowly unfolded until the reader knew the whole story. I also loved how the two stories eventually linked and came together full circle. I highly recommend this one and had a hard time putting it down! Loved the characters. Loved the little bits of history that were in it as well.