This is a gripping and mysterious dual time-line romance, that is almost impossible to put down. The plot was captivating, and the characters just came alive on the pages. It felt like I was watching a love performance, not just reading words on paper.

I loved how both POVs were second chance romances. All that history and angst between the pairs, and amidst the suspenseful backdrop, made for an addicting read. I can't wait to read more from this author.

n 1927, Sophie Walters is an actress who portrays a jewel thief on stage. Then the jewels of several wealthy theater patrons are stolen, and Sophie is believed to be the thief dubbed The Mirage. Now she's out to clear her name with the help of the man she stood up at the alter.
In the present, Elise Malvern leads a predictable life. She plays the violin and she photographs antiques for the family auction house. Then her high school best friend and crush -- who, by the way, has become a country music star -- drops back into her life almost a decade after standing her up at prom. Both have broken families and damaged pasts that have affected their relationship thus far, but they are about to hunt down the answers to explosive family secrets, discover a secret parent, and uncover a tapestry of connections woven by God.
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review, so I'll be through. First thing to mention is something I am a stickler about as a criminal justice nerd and former student: robberies are when one person deprives another person of their physical property by using force or fear. Burglaries are unlawfully entering a building to commit a crime. No matter how many times the stolen jewelry is referred to as a series of robberies, they're burglaries.
Now, I loved Sophie's charm and wit in the historical sections. She is smart, sharp, and compassionate. I love her love for Sterling and how she cracks his hard exterior. She is courageous and generous with everyone. I've been on a roll with guessing book villains, but I had no flippin' idea where this was headed. The results were satisfying.
As for the present, I love how ordinary and relatable Elise is. She is also very funny with her retorts and inner monologue. And she doesn't come off as a devastatingly beautiful heroine, but someone who is probably pretty without standing out too much. I love how her friendship with Pierson started and enjoyed their banter. He came across as ridiculously swoony at times, but his celebrity status could explain that. I do not understand why he has to live in Nashville for his career when his loved ones are all in Pennsylvania. I mean, he can sing across state lines, can't he?
Each chapter ended with a bombshell, keeping me engaged in each timeline.

1920s and present day Pittsburgh

Well done time slip novel! The two threads connected and details about the connection unraveled as the story progressed.

In the current day timeline, I LOVED the banter between Elise and Peirson. So much fun. Elise' dream is to play her violin in the Pittsburgh Symphony. Unfortunately, she has debilitating stage fright. Country music star Peirson shows up after a decade of absence. The two had a lot of tension and enlightenment to work through.

In the Jazz Era, Sophie aspires to be the leading lady on stage. With stolen jewels and fingers pointing to Sophie as the culprit, she's in a tough spot. I loved the two gambling grandmothers in this thread.

The four main characters were all appealing and humanly flawed. The mystery aspect of the novel provided twists.

Another well written novel by a talented author. Historical details included enrich the pages.

I LOVED In Spotlight and Shadow! Rachel McDaniel is an incredible story teller. I was literally hooked from the first page all the way to the very last word! Normally, in a dual time novel, I prefer one story over the other, but in this case, I loved them both equally.

Can I just say that Rachel McDaniel knows how to write heroes?! Sterling and Pierson were both totally swoon worthy! It would be impossible to choose whom I liked better. I also really loved Elise and Sophie too! I've read so many snarky, unlikable female characters lately, so it was such a joy to read about ones who are kind, smart, and likable. I loved both of these stories, the relationships in them, and how they beautifully connected at the end.

This story has it all- romance, laugh out loud moments, mystery, some tense moments, and great characters. I seriously didn't want this book to end. It's definitely one of my top reads of 2022! Don't miss this story - or any other story penned by Ms. McDaniel!!! They are all excellent and not to be missed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light. All the stars!!

"In Spotlight and Shadow” is set in present day and in 1927. Both timelines are sets revolve around the Loew’s Penn Theatre in Pittsburgh. Elise is working on a project concerning the history of the Loew’s Penn Theatre when she receives an donation of an old prop coat that appears to be from her unknown father. Sophie has returned to the Loew’s Penn Theater after leaving her fiancé at the altar due to a threat to his life. She is now in the middle of a jewelry theft investigation headed by her former fiancé.
Both stories build on each other. Elise’s was easy to relate but I had difficulty with Sophie. I found it took several chapters for her character to fit in the present day storyline. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read. The twist at the end made the slower start of Sophie worthwhile.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review.

#InSpotlightandShadow #NetGalley
A beautifully written book, written in two different time periods. Sophie lives in the roaring twenties, and has a secret, one she never wants to divulge.
Elise, has dreamed of playing her violin on stage, but doesn't think it will ever happen.
Two stories, that had me reading to find out what would happen next.

Another fantastic novel from Rachel Scott McDaniel! I loved both storylines in this split-time set in Pittsburgh. The characters were easy to root for and the romance parts were swoon-worthy! I loved how little pieces of the story were revealed throughout the book. It was perfectly paced. McDaniel is an author that I immediately read when something new comes out and she always delivers!

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel
#11 in the Doors to the Past series
Publication Date: February 1, 2023 by Barbour Publishing
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
5 Stars!

Summary/Description
A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage -- Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? 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. Whether a good idea or not, 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. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.
A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. 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.

In Spotlight and Shadow is beautifully written by multi-award-winning author of Christian romance, Rachel Scott McDaniel. I highly recommend In Spotlight and Shadow to everyone who wants to read superbly written romance and/or historical fiction. This dual-timeline novel is set in present day and 1927. With the author’s impressively descriptive writing style, our senses are immediately engaged with every word as it leaps off the page. The depth of each story and how the stories intertwine result in sweet and exhilarating perfection.

The main characters -- Elise, Pierson, Sophie, and Sterling -- are developed multidimensionally with strengths and weaknesses. Due to many reasons each of them tugged on my heart strings. They clearly demonstrate that cultivating friendships, sharing each other’s burdens, and being selfless truly matter.

Marvelously witty banter, splendid bits of humor, delightful musical analogies, and integrated Biblical truths make In Spotlight and Shadow a beautiful novel. I would love to detail the beautifully tangible truths shared throughout this book but, of course, it would be best for each reader to discover these priceless gems for himself/herself!

Fabulous twists spun throughout the mysteries kept my attention and made my fingers turn the pages more and more quickly!

I appreciate the eArc of In Spotlight and Shadow received from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley.com. I was not required to write a review or paid to do so. The words above are my honest review. When In Spotlight and Shadow is released (02.01.23), I will post this review to Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com, my blog, and each of my social media platforms.

#InSpotlightandShadow #NetGalley #Rachel Scott McDaniel #BarbourPublishing

With more cliffhangers than the Rocky Mountains, I can definitely see this as a contender for one of my top reads in 2022! Usually in dual timeline books, I have a preferred storyline that I’m always ready to get back to when they switch POV, but I was immersed in both of these equally! Though for different reasons. The contemporary was so easy and fun to read, despite the heaviness of the search at times, and the historical timeline was so atmospheric and gripping. I really enjoyed the entirety of both casts of characters.

This is just a really good read, dual timeline at its best, and a must read whether you’re into this type of book or not. If you like historical angles, or mystery, or family sagas, or sweet romance whatsoever, this book is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story was about two story lines that transpired on two timelines. Two females with different stories that kept me reading. There was no good place to stop...No way to say "just one more page." A mystery and a good romance times two! Have now added this author to my must read list.

Oh my heart♥️♥️ this book was so beautiful and I loved every word of it!!

Elise and Sophie both had such beautiful stories but both were filled with deep hurt and betrayal. Rachel Scott McDaniel nearly moved me to tears (which isn’t an easy thing to do) with these amazing stories! I have definitely found another favorite author♥️

“I’d do anything for you.”

“There’s no music without you.”

This was the first book I’ve read by Rachel Scott McDaniel and it certainly won’t be the last! I enjoyed it immensely and I think everyone should give it a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for giving me the honor of reading this amazing book before the release date. I was asked to give an honest review. These are all my personal opinions.

"In Spotlight and Shadow" has two stories, one set in present day and one set in 1927 in Pittsburgh. Elise's mother died when she was young, and she never knew who her father was. Sophie's actress mother doesn't want news of her affair getting out, so she won't acknowledge Sophie as hers or identity Sophie's father. This has left both women feeling unwanted, unworthy, and like the people they love will abandon them. Elise's childhood best friend also abandoned her. She understands why he had to leave so suddenly but not why he shut her out.

Sophie left her love at the altar to save his life and only recently returned. She plays a jewelry thief in a play, but then audience members have jewelry stolen and her ex is hired to discover the thief. They ended up working together to uncover the thief and stop a major criminal. She finally explained why she left him, and their relationship slowly mended.

Elise loves telling stories with her pictures. A current project on the history of (Sophie's) theater leads to her receiving an anonymous donation of an old prop coat with a valuable necklace hidden inside. Her childhood best friend helps her track down the owner of the necklace and the identity of her unknown father as a way to help her learn how to move outside her comfort zone. As they spent time together, they worked through old hurts. He was more concerned with Elise's healing than in justifying his behavior. He showed her through actions that he's changed.

Both couples were good for each other and built each other up. They were likable and acted realistically. They had relationship challenges that they worked through which helped them grow as people. The women learned to find their worth in God's love rather than feeling like they had to prove their worth through their skills. They also learned that God's the best father and won't leave them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel with an interesting mystery and realistic relationships.

Wow! What doesn’t this story have?! There’s not one but two storylines! There’s a mystery that will have you trying and trying to puzzle out how it all connects, and thanks to the two timelines, it’s quite intriguing to follow! And the romance, *sigh*, where to start, swoony men, lovable strong women, and alll the tropes. Best friends, celebrity, second chance, and so many more. The romance of this book is so intense, and you will love it all.
Now let’s not forget the writing! Rachel Scott McDaniel is such a wonderfully talented author. She not only transports you to a different time but the story is so beautifully told, it feels like you’re there. The depth of the story is astounding, the history and how much I learned had me thrilled to keep on reading and the characters had me hooked.
This is a story with so many layers, when you think you’ve uncovered them all, there will be more. To the very end. It’s fantastic!!

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

Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: mild; not gruesome, part of the mystery side of the story.
Language: none

This dual time period novel focuses on a jewelry thief during the early 1900's in a vaudeville theater in Pittsburgh. Fast forward to the present, when Elise is sent a mysterious box which will tie her to the past. I found the history of the theater and the performances intriguing. I really enjoyed Elise and Pierson's story. The author did a great job keeping reader's interest until the end.

I had no idea I was picking up a dual timeline novel, but I’m not mad about it.
I feel like dual timelines can either be really bad or really good, and this one definitely fell under the good category!

One of the timelines is the roaring twenties in Pennsylvania, and the author did a great job capturing that era!
The other timeline is current day, also in Pittsburg.

If you like dual timelines, second chance romance, a trip into history, mysteries with stolen jewels, family, forgiveness and God this is a great book to read!!
There were a couple twists among the mystery that make this story fantastic

This is a dual time frame read. An emerald necklace begins a search into the past. Mystery intrigue, villains, and more will have you tuning the pages.

There is also romance, heartache, and rejection.

The characters are well developed. Even with going back and forth between years, the story still flows well.

God’s plan hadn’t seemed to make sense, but then again, neither did sheet music at first glance. To most, it only looked like varying dots smattered across lines. But those notes were deliberate, placed for a specific purpose. And when all strung together, a song was created. He was the masterful composer of Elise’s life, a beautiful melody to her days. By His grace, she was more than willing to sing along. ~ Elise


My first Rachel Scott McDaniel book and wow! I was skeptical because dual timelines don’t usually keep my attention, the jumping back and forth can get tedious and distracting but not this one!

There were so many wonderful things about this story: two second chance romances, several mysteries to solve, surprising twists, family secrets to expose and best of all, the theme of forgiveness, using your talents to bless others, and having a Heavenly Father to trust and lean on when your earthly one is nonexistent. It was intriguing and interesting. Beautiful presented. Now I just need to read Above the Fold because I want to know more about Cole and Elissa.

“I’ve filled my life with many things, and I can walk away from all of it. But I won’t walk away from you.” ~ Pierson

Thanks to Netgalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

#rachelscottmcdaniel #inspotlightandshadow #christianfiction #timesplit #historicalfiction #historicalromance #cleanromance #netgalley

In Spotlight and Shadow is another skillfully executed dual-timeline jewel from super-talented storyteller Rachel McDaniel and a fitting addition to Barbour’s wonderful Doors to the Past series! This fast-paced read, splitting its time between modern day and 1920s Pittsburg, features two enthralling second chance love stories steeped in mystery and adventure. Both storylines drew me in quickly and kept me engaged. While each timeline follows its own journey, they complement and enrich each other merging beautifully in the end. The memorable characters captured my heart. Elise and Pierson along with Sophie and Sterling are two of my favorite fictional couples. Rich historical detail adds authenticity to the fictional tale. Witty banter, bits of humor, and musical analogies enhance the read. I especially appreciate the thoughtfully integrated spiritual truths concerning finding one’s worth in God. I think fans of mystery, romance, and history will love this book as much as I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Publishing via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A dual-time novel set in Pittsburgh. Present-day Elise Malvern receives a proposal, complete with fake engagement ring, from a recent boyfriend who has ulterior motives. Her “fake” acceptance sets the tone for the novel. Elise is a violinist with stage fright who doesn’t know who her father is. Her high school boyfriend stood her up for prom and is now a country music star.
Sophie Walters was an actress in the 1920s who had to disappear right before she was to marry. Her jilted groom comes back into her life when he investigates jewel thefts at the theater. She doesn’t know who her father is and her mother refuses to acknowledge her.
A lot of similarities exist between the two women, but you don’t learn how they connect until the end. I often skip ahead to the ending to see if I want to read the whole book. Not in this case. I read straight through and enjoyed it.

Masterful mystery. I think I just found a new favorite author.

This split-time story bridges modern-day Pittsburgh and a vaudeville theatre in the roaring 20’s as two women, a century apart and both rejected by men in their lives, battle to realize their true worth, true dreams, and true love.

In the modern-day storyline, I really liked how no-nonsense marketing musician Elise is. Still mourning her mom, she embarks on an adventure to find her birth father with the help of her high school “sweetheart” Pierson, who just so happens to be a country music star who drives a truck (😍).

In the historical timeline, Sophie also grieves a mom she doesn’t really know AND battles to reclaim her reputation after being a runaway bride, rejected actress, and suspected jewel thief. I liked Sterling despite his doubting her. In fact, both leading men in this novel were charmingly protective!

I could not predict where the story was going next and although the modern-day side was slower to me (might be my steadfast affection for historicals, though), the twists at the end sucker-punched me!

Add in some poker-playing grannies who bet car washes and peanut M&M’s and my only complaint was I wanted more Grancy and Dorothea!