I have read all of Rachel's books and I have never been disappointed. They have all been excellent and intriguing and this one definitely rose above the top. I think she has such a knack for writing dual timelines that completely draw you in. There is always a bit of everything from mystery to humor, twists and of course swoon worthy romances!!

Although I thoroughly enjoyed both timelines I must admit that I have been waiting for this 1920's timeline since Rachel's first book Above the Fold. (If you haven't read it yet you must!!) I was so glad to have resolution to Sterling and Sophie's storyline. It was great getting to know Sophie better and why she acted the way she did in the first book. The jewel thief twist was perfect in this storyline!! We get to see some past characters and that was just like the cherry on top for me!

We do have to talk about the present timeline... whew the characters chemistry is on fire!! The almost kisses between her and Pierson had me at the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed their storyline as well and I could've read a whole book just about them. The growth that Elise goes through in the story is amazing. She truly grows not only within herself but with God. She starts seeing herself the way God sees her and realizes that she needs to live her life and not follow after someone else's dream. This is all due to Pierson challenging her which I found completely swoon-worthy!

Both timelines were amazing and I didn't know how in the world they were going to connect to each other but they did. There were twists I didn't expect which is always a good thing when reading a book. I read this way past my bedtime and it was completely worth it!

Overall I loved this book but honestly I have loved every book that Rachel has written. She is one of my favorites. The way she writes is enjoyable to read because she truly grabs you. I laughed, awaited in suspense and even shed some tears while reading. The faith thread was present and I love that she puts God in the center of all her stories. I for one can't wait to read what she pens next!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

"In the center life is the word if, but don't let that keep you from living."

Another fabulous novel by Rachel Scott McDaniel! I loved how she's melded the glittering, intriguing, shadowy world of 1920s Pittsburgh with equally fascinating historic city of modern day. Each timeline is rich, complex, and filled with surprises while the characters are touchable, relatable, and oh so lovely. This delightful combination of history, mystery, romance, and faith needs to be on every fiction fan's to-read list.

Sophie's first person voice from the 1920s is ambitious, lively, and friendly though a bit nostalgic and heart-broken. Sterling is a brooding hero, wanting to forget the past but stuck on his love for the woman who left him. Their paths intertwine as a jewel thief runs rampant in the city and investigation leads Sterling to the theater where she works.
Elise's third person voice from the present time is quirky, witty, disillusioned, and fearful. I adored Pierson so much in this story. His tender heart, unwavering loyalty to those he holds dear, and persistent pursuit of Elise are swoon-worthy. How he works tirelessly to help Elise overcome stage fright and find her birth father makes him a knight in shining armor.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

This book was so good. For starters, music has always been a passion of mine. I grew up playing a few different instruments as well as singing, so anything with a huge music focus has my attention.

And who isn't fascinated by the Roaring 20s? The clothing, the styles, the class, the prohibition, the corruption. It's all just utterly captivating.

So when you add suspense, humorous banter, witty comebacks, and romance to all of the above? Plus a couple mind blowing plot twists??? You have yourself a book that must be read! I'm glad I had already preordered it!

Thank you so much to Rachel Scott McDaniel and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to review this wonderful book! A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

Read it for the:
-Dual timeline (roaring 20s / present)
-second chance romances
-mystery plots
-celebrity romance
-plot twists

Steam: clean, kissing only
Content: mentions of past adultery, domestic abuse, light violence, past abandonment by parent
Final rating 4.5/5

This book is worth the hype. It is especially, two stories of second chances at love, two timelines, and two mysteries, with seemingly no connection, in one book. Needless to say, I applaud the author for her clever plotting and the delivery of a meaningful message at its conclusion.

I enjoyed all characters and found their life struggles to be realistic. I loved that there was no repetition in the plots, and each romance and mystery was original. The romance was sweet but did not lack chemistry or emotion. The author used foreshadowing wonderfully, leaving the reader clues about the outcomes of the mysteries without outright revealing them, which was refreshing to see. Yet, the plot twists were still surprising and unexpected in my experience.

I also like that, while there was talk of religion, it was kept light and uplifting, being used as a hope and moral ground for the characters. Hard topics were touched on and discussed but done so respectfully, and once again, added a dash of realism that served to ground the story, while still maintaining an overall light tone.

Two very different stories, one wonderful book. Who doesn’t love a bargain?

“In Spotlight and Shadow” by Rachel Scott McDaniel is without a doubt my favorite book that I’ve read in January. It has depth, heart, faith, and PLENTY of romance😍 I don’t often read historical fiction, but Rachel has officially won me over to the genre.

ISAS is a historical fiction, dual timeline novel set near Pittsburgh, PA. I absolutely LOVED reading all of the fun historical facts Rachel wove into the story and it is now a personal goal of mine to visit Heinz Hall in real life🤩 One timeline in the story is set during the Roaring 20’s and I loved every second of it! The fashion, lingo, and theater performances that Rachel incorporated into the story all added to the authenticity of the time period❤️ Bing Crosby made a cameo appearance which I thought was super fun!

What I loved most about this story was the character development and faith elements. Elise’s journey in search of her father tore my heart in two, but the novel’s conclusion stitched it back together in the absolute most beautiful way. This story truly was a testament to God’s goodness, redemption, and grace🙏🏻❤️

The mystery that the story surrounds kept me fully engaged and wanting more the entire time!! I truly was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the jewelry thief was😲 The resolution to the mystery was totally unexpected and perfectly satisfying🤩 Bravo!!

I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. If for nothing else, read it for the romance😍 The witty banter was impeccable and the swoony kisses were top-tier… just swipe to see one of my favorite quotes from the book🥹😭😍❤️

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Definitely a 6/5🌟 for me!!

What a lovely historical mystery and modern day story wrapped up in one book! I loved the little true history bits woven through this story, and it makes me want to visit Pittsburgh to see the sights from this story, especially after reading the descriptions at the end of the book for what was actual history. The mystery in the historical portions of the book kept me guessing at who the Mirage could be. I did not fully predict the resolution to that situation at all. The historical theater parts wove together so well with the modern day story. It was so fun to see it all come together at the end to reveal who did each thing, how it all fit together, and how it all impacted the lives of the characters in the modern story. This is my first book by Rachel Scott McDaniel, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of her books. I highly recommend this book for a reader looking for a sweet love story, a historical mystery, or just a lovely story to help them escape from reality for a while.

I requested a copy of this book for review. The thoughts and words expressed here are wholly my own.

A wonderful dual timeline book that tells the stories of two young women a century apart. Rachel Scott McDaniel weaves both stories together beautifully with arcs of redemption. I loved both characters' stories and the mysteries surrounding each of them. Elise and Sophie are both just trying to figure out who they are and whose they are. A good read especially for lovers of historical fiction.

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

This was my second book by Rachel and I really liked it! I loved the two story lines and how they connected, I thought both male characters were dreamy and charming. The 1920’s storyline was so fun during the roaring 20’s and the story of The Mirage. However, I felt like the mystery aspect was a little on the cheesy side and how it was solved.
The story was a little slow to suck me in and I kept getting the 2 storylines mixed up because I feel like all the names could’ve been from either time period, but that’s a total me problem! Great Christian fiction! Will continue to read her books!

fun mystery with a nice setting. i didn’t know it was a series but i may pick up one of the others at some point. the time jump added a fun element to the book.

This book is told in dual timelines. Both stories are interesting. I liked both but think the one in the past was my favorite. It’s another good addition to this series.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

This dueling timeline had me completely pulled into the story and eagerly wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
Rachel Scott McDaniel has a unique style of writing 1920s and contemporary romance that makes the characters relatable, the situations page turning, and the stories full of hope.
I loved it.
I was pulled in and eagerly flipping pages to see how everything was going to unfold.
She had me hooked!
And the romance had me feeling all the feels!
I loved the message of second chances and hope beyond past disappointments. I loved how she had her characters connected over the story in a way that held so much meaning and made the theme of the book that much richer.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys split time novels, 1920s with a dash of mystery. And anyone who enjoys a second chance romance!

I love time travel or books connecting different family members over time, but even though the first chapter was very good, because I am not very interested in theatre, it did not hold my attention. However, theatre lovers will enjoy this book. Thank you for the opportunity to review it.

What a great dual timeline story! This book has it all; mystery, romance and enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a story filled with history, mystery and romance. You are transported back to 1927 and you meet Sophie - a stage actress, who left her police officer fiancé at the alter. Upon a string of jewel thefts, who should return to her life but her now-private detective ex? And she’s a suspect!

In present-day, Elise receives a mystery present from a father she has never known - and comes face to face with her best friend, who she hasn’t spoken to in years. Inside the gift, is a coat labeled “Sophie Walters.” But how is it all connected?!

There’s mystery, intrigue, adventure, tall dark and handsome men, overcoming fear, theater, art, music, jewelry theft, and so much more. Great read.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley to read and review. All views and opinions are my own.

What an adventure! I love the author’s writing in the 1920’s but I was equally captivated to the present day. I loved all the characters and mysteries and how they weaved together. This book had everything that I love: old time theater, music, Christian themes, strong characters with vulnerabilities, swoony men, and a riveting mystery. It was hard to put down. Easily five stars!

This book was so intricately woven, it was just amazing! Rachel Scott did a wonderful job of transitioning between characters and I found myself taken between time periods beautifully. I literally couldn’t put it down and needed to know what was going to happen next in the characters story lines. I was literally dying to find out where things were headed and I was not disappointed. The love stories in the book were so swooney and adorable. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

*I received aa copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.

okay well I've already found one of my favorite reads of 2023. so that's great.

I wish I knew how to properly articulate how delightful this book was for me. After reading (and loving) McDaniel's Undercurrent of Secrets, I knew I wanted to check out her next "Doors to the Past" installment, and I'm so glad I did, because I loved this one even more! The characters, the atmosphere, the romance, the mystery, every single piece was just perfect.

I enjoyed the modern and historical timelines equally! I loved following both Elise and Sophie, both of whom are caught up in mysteries, but also in second-chance romances. (whether you prefer a "we were friends as kids and had mutual crushes and now we're back in the same city and dealing with those feelings" plot or a "i left him at the altar oops" plot, there's one of each in here so... 10/10 I loved it) ((literally I squealed out loud several times because they're just so darn CUTE I can't even))

also I fully fell in love with both Pierson Brooks and Sterling Monroe, where might one find one of them? asking for a friend ;)

Five stars for sure from me. I already can't wait to see what McDaniel has in store next!

Content warnings for mentions of extramarital affairs, traumatic loss of parents, and lots of kissing, lol (but nothing further than that)

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

Dual timeline Perfection! Both timelines have a mystery to solve, packed with twists and turns, things I didn't see coming, witty dialogue with humor, second-chance romance with plenty of romantic tension and a high swoon factor, and wonderfully written historical details. This book was a page-turner for sure.

1920, Sophie Walters is an actress, who longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more complicated than she imagined. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.

Present Day, Elise Malvern is a photographer and has a habit of letting people down. Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Pierson Brooks. Pierson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat.

I enjoyed how both storylines unfolded and I was absolutely absorbed in the story. Both heroines are wonderful with relatable flaws and weaknesses they struggle to overcome. The story and the settings are brilliant. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It was a story that was delivered perfectly in just about every way.... this book is a winner in my eyes, and I can't possibly recommend it enough. Delivers the message of worth and value found in Christ alone.

Clean Read-lots of kissing, (but nothing further than that)

thank you, NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a wonderful dual timeline novel by Rachel Scott McDaniel! Filled with ALL the feelings, this book had a little bit of everything. A good (overlapping) mystery in both timelines, a sweet romance in both timelines, a solid plot line, seamless transitions, and a wonderful message about finding your worth in God. There were some laugh-out-loud-moments, and some cry-moments and great character development in some already stellar characters. In the modern timeline, Elise has the dream of playing in the Pittsburgh symphony orchestra, if she can ever get over her stage fright. Meanwhile, she's working an internship at Heinz Hall and one of her marketing ploys pulls her into the history of the building. In the past timeline, Sophie is an actress working the debut season at Loews Penn theater, which later becomes Heinz Hall. Elise and Sophie have many things in common across the timelines, not the least of which is their sense of not-belonging and not knowing their worth. I loved how the characters who were already likable at the beginning really shined through by the end and I also appreciated how the author brought the timelines together at the end. All in all, this was an excellent story and one I'd heartily recommend. Special thanks to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

In Spotlight and Shadow - a great split time story. I enjoyed the characters and both storylines. However, I think I was more drawn to the historical timeline with Sophie and Sterling. Rachel did a wonderful job taking the reader back and forth between the 2 worlds and I absolutely love the connections that brought everything together.

I received a netgalley copy for early review. My opinions are my own,