You know what I love about Rachel Scott McDaniel? I mean besides everything lol. Her stories are based in Pittsburgh. One of the settings, although a small one, is the very hotel that my family and I stay at whenever we visit Pittsburgh. It was just so cool to read those scenes and be able to see it in my mind as clear as day, since it was a place I was so familiar with!!
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About the Book
In Spotlight and Shadow Author Rachel Scott McDaniel
Published by Barbour Publishing
on February 1, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General
Pages: 256
Amazon | GoodreadsA 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.Don’t miss other great books in the Doors to the Past series:
The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman
Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham
Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse
Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel
Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels
High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt
Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik
A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma
Laura's Shadow by Allison Pittman
Passages of Hope by Terri Haynes
In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel
The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson
My Perspective
McDaniel is always a favorite to read. Her stories have so much depth, mystery, laughter, and more. In Spotlight and Shadow is no exception. Not only the mystery of each time period separately, but the mystery of how the two worlds would collide. Let me say this, it was done perfectly.
I really can’t say which time period I enjoyed reading more, probably both the same. In historic time I loved reading about Sophie and Sterling and the mystery of the Mirage. There were so many time McDaniel surprised me with these little plot twists, and honestly I couldn’t get enough of them! I can’t really gush on this without giving spoilers, so I will just say they were so well done, I didn’t expect most of them, and they made the book so much better.
But then there was Elise and Pierson, and well, swoon. Pierson is just such a fantastic hero. All the star qualities you swoon over, but also vulnerable at times, and real. I’m talking like chef’s kiss good here guys. There are so many parts of their story that I loved, and all of them are spoilers, so……I can’t really comment lol. BUT trust me when I say they are a fabulous couple. The mystery over Elise’s father came to a conclusion I was not expecting, but boy did I love. In fact, it made me tear up a bit.
McDaniel has been on my radar since her debut novel and I just cannot get enough of her stories. I highly recommend In Spotlight and Shadow. There’s love, mystery, danger, second chances, and so much more. Historic and contemporary fans alike will fall in love with this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorite Quotes
“No, child. Don’t apologize for your existence. God formed you in your mother’s womb and call you His.”
“There’s no music without you.”
God didn’t see her as a mistake but as the apple of His eye.
God’s plan hadn’t seemed to make sense, but then again, neither did sheet music at first glance.
Forget cusses, snow was the worst four-letter word.
Because no one second-guessed their second guesses more than her.
But no, Elise Malvern didn’t just have cold feet, they were frostbitten.
It was quite tiresome getting arrested every night of the week.
What have you stuffed in that thing? The Pittsburgh offensive line?
“Darlin’, you couldn’t resist my sweet talk if I made an effort.”
Secrets left piled upon one’s soul held the power to crush it.
“If God doesn’t view you as an outcast, what right does anyone else have to do so?”
“I crushed on you when you had a mullet and sported a faded Pokemon T-shirt.”
About the Author
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.
What interests you about this story?
Sounds very interesting.
It is!!!
I look forward to reading this.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!