Book Review | In Spotlight and Shadow

Barbour, Books Review, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Novels, Romance, Split Time, Writing Spot

Today’s book review features

In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel.

About the Book

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.

From Goodreads

Author Information

Discover more about Rachel Scott McDaniel at: rachelmcdaniel.net.

Danielle’s Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.


In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel is part of Barbour Publishing’s Doors to the Past series.

I’ve been enjoying this series, but when I learned Rachel Scott McDaniel would add another book to the collection, I couldn’t wait to read it. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Not only do I love the 1920s setting, but the author has a way of weaving suspense, mystery, and romance that makes for a delightful read.

In Spotlight and Shadow fits this description perfectly. I loved the mystery, the setting, and the way the two timelines wove together. Plus the two romances were so sweet and the characters so easy to root for.

If you love 1920s romance with a bit of suspense and a dual timeline, then definitely grab a copy of In Spotlight and Shadow! I highly recommend it!

Don’t miss In Spotlight and Shadow First Line Friday post!
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