In Spotlight and Shadow, by Rachel Scott McDaniel is a split-time novel that tells the story of Elise Malvern who’s trying to get up the courage to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony without falling in country superstar Pierson Brooks.
In 1920s Pittsburgh, Sophie Walters is desperately trying to find the jewel thief known as the Mirage before she hangs for the crime. To do so, she has to work with Sterling Monroe, the man she jilted at the altar five years earlier.
In Spotlight and Shadow was such a fun read! Swoony characters, funny banter, and strong spiritual themes woven through both plots.
The characters in the 1920s gives us an inside look on life in the theater. What would it be like to play a thief on-screen when everyone thought you did that on the side?
It was an interesting premise and I enjoyed how Ms. McDaniel wove the mystery into the historic setting.
In the modern setting, Elise and Pierson were such a sweet couple even if it took a while for Elise to realize it. I fell in love with Elise’s character on page one. I enjoyed the way Ms. McDaniel developed the character by using modern-day references to give us a glimpse into how her mind worked.
I enjoyed this story. The two timelines were woven seamlessly together and I liked how the two stories blended to make one.
In Spotlight and Shadow will remind readers that our worth and value comes from God. He gives us gifts and blessings so we can bless others.
If you enjoy second chances, friends to more, or rock star romances, give In Spotlight and Shadow a try.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
About In Spotlight and Shadow
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.
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About Rachel Scott McDaniel
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. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.