“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,

Absolutely loved this story! I love a good dual timeline, and this one is excellent! The characters in both timelines had journeys that I could not stop reading, and the twists through me off, which very rarely happens. I couldn't put this one done! Highly highly recommend!

#BookRevew: IN SPOTLIGHT AND SHADOW by Rachel Scott McDaniel

As my first book by this author, this one didn’t disappoint. The writing style was good and has some subtle faith elements laced throughout the story. The title of the book made sense when she referenced it in some of the lines.

This dual timeline was well done. Every chapter introduced us to Elise, in the present times, and Sophie, a century ago. Each chapter left me with questions. The mystery progressed at a good pace. I was pleased with how things tied up at the end.

I was invested as Elise and Pierson pursued their investigation about Elise’s father. They have a really good chemistry as friends. Romantically, not so much. I also wanted more individual character development. I did enjoy their musical talents. I wish I could hear Pierson sing and Elise play the violin. Sophie and Sterling on the other hand were sweet to each other and had good chemistry. Sterling was a brooding hero. He still loved Sophie despite their past. Sophie had a big heart and was always compassionate to others. The theatre life and the mystery of the theft were engaging and thrilling. But who was the “Mirage”?

Overall this was a great addition to the Doors to the Past series. It was rich in historical details. The topic of illegitimacy and parental abandonment were handled well and sincere. This was an enjoyable and cozy read. Christian romantic suspense fans will surely enjoy this book.

Rating: 4 ⭐
Series: Doors to the Past 11
Pub date: 01 Feb 2023

Thank you Barbour Fiction and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a super fun ride this book was! It was packed from start to finish with twists, turns, links between the past and the present, and things I never saw coming. And the romance was pretty top notch! In present day we have Elise, a concert violinist whose career is slowly dying from stage fright. Enter Pierson, an old flame and former best friend from the past who left her standing on prom night, only to resurface years later as a wildly popular country music singer whose image has taken a nosedive. He’s more than willing to help send her stage fright packing if she’ll help improve his public image. In the roaring 20s Sophie is an up and coming actress in Pittsburgh who is falsely accused of being a serial jewelry thief. On the case is private investigator Sterling, and they too have a history and are harboring their own secrets. These two couples are thrown together in their respective mysteries, and that proximity sure makes the sparks fly! If you like romance, the glamour and glitz of the spotlight, second chances and loads of mystery, you’ll absolutely adore this next book in the Doors of the Past series. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was not obligated to write a positive review.

I received this book free as part of the Celebrate Lit tours. I am very glad I did--just the kind of book I love to read and what a way to relax over Christmas break!

One of my favorite authors is Rachel Hauck and one of the things I love about some of her books is the dual time line. This is very similar, but I will say the historical research in this book enthralled me. I love how everything wound its way together--even if it is very unlikely, I still love it.

I also believe God does have his hand in everything so why wouldn't the two stories intertwine? The astounding ability of one seemingly minor character to forgive and love despite the wrong done to him/her touched my heart and challenged me.

I highly recommend this book if you like history, country music, and second chances.