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illusie's review
4.0
This book is set in 1927 & the present, I loved both story lines. Great setting and interesting characters. The betting grandmas were funny. I enjoyed this book.
jennbehindthebooks's review
5.0
In Spotlight and Shadow is an excellent tale of two women, separated by a century, whose lives resemble each others' so much, it’s uncanny. I loved watching Elise uncover the past and allow history to give her hope for a future! Both timelines are very well-written and expertly woven together. You’ll not regret reading this tragic, yet heart-warming tale!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
My rating; 4 out of 5 stars
This is my first Rachel Scott McDaniel book, but I hope it won't be my last.
"In Spotlight and Shadow," is a dual-timeline novel that has mystery, romance, and humor.
I enjoyed both timeline stories equally.
I liked the mystery surrounding the identity of Elise's father, as well as Sophie's search to figure out who The Mirage is.
I loved the witty banter between Elise and Pierson and enjoyed the sweet confessions between Sophie and Sterling.
I'm glad I gave "In Spotlight and Shadow," a chance and hope to read more books by this author soon!
This is my first Rachel Scott McDaniel book, but I hope it won't be my last.
"In Spotlight and Shadow," is a dual-timeline novel that has mystery, romance, and humor.
I enjoyed both timeline stories equally.
I liked the mystery surrounding the identity of Elise's father, as well as Sophie's search to figure out who The Mirage is.
I loved the witty banter between Elise and Pierson and enjoyed the sweet confessions between Sophie and Sterling.
I'm glad I gave "In Spotlight and Shadow," a chance and hope to read more books by this author soon!
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
Rachel Scott McDaniel proves once again with In Spotlight and Shadow why she’s one of the best at writing dual time period romances! From the beginning, I was pulled into the glitz & glam world of the 1920’s Pittsburg theater scene. Sophie Walters, an actress striving to get noticed in the cutthroat world becomes famous when she’s accused of being The Mirage, a mysterious jewel thief. She turns to her former fiancé Sterling Monroe, an ex cop, now private investigator to help clear her name.
In modern times, Elise’s dream of playing her violin with the PIttsburg symphony is hampered only by her fears. She’s tired of disingenuous boyfriends, being stuck in her current life, and being too afraid to go for her dreams. She’s ready for a change. When her former childhood friend and country music star heartthrob returns for his grandmother’s 80th birthday party, there’s a sizzling attraction there. But, Elsie can’t forget that he ghosted her years before. When she receives a mysterious package from the father she’s never met, she’s intrigued by the contents which include a playbill of an old Broadway star and an emerald necklace that looks anything but fake. As she and the famous Pierson Brooks try to solve the mysteries of the past, they may uncover more than they bargained for.
Loved the twists and turns this story took! Both romances are second chance and I loved discovering each clue as to why things didn’t work out the first time. Pierson melted my heart with his use of “darlin” and his teasing humor. I loved the contrast between him and Elise’s more practical nature. Sophie and Sterling have that constant undercurrent of passion between them. There’s a lot of unresolved hurt and misunderstanding. I loved it when Sophie finally opens up as to why she left and her reasons make the story even more intriguing.
The mysteries in both time periods completely drew me in. I loved the way the stories intersected and how Elise and Sophie both had similar journeys. There were a lot of things I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed the surprises along the way. All of the characters were so endearing. Other than the main characters, I especially enjoyed Meredith and the meddling grandmothers. I loved the way faith was naturally woven into the story. The messages of love and forgiveness were powerful.
If you enjoy dual time period novels or historical romance/mystery with an inspirational message, I highly recommend this book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and freely given.
In modern times, Elise’s dream of playing her violin with the PIttsburg symphony is hampered only by her fears. She’s tired of disingenuous boyfriends, being stuck in her current life, and being too afraid to go for her dreams. She’s ready for a change. When her former childhood friend and country music star heartthrob returns for his grandmother’s 80th birthday party, there’s a sizzling attraction there. But, Elsie can’t forget that he ghosted her years before. When she receives a mysterious package from the father she’s never met, she’s intrigued by the contents which include a playbill of an old Broadway star and an emerald necklace that looks anything but fake. As she and the famous Pierson Brooks try to solve the mysteries of the past, they may uncover more than they bargained for.
Loved the twists and turns this story took! Both romances are second chance and I loved discovering each clue as to why things didn’t work out the first time. Pierson melted my heart with his use of “darlin” and his teasing humor. I loved the contrast between him and Elise’s more practical nature. Sophie and Sterling have that constant undercurrent of passion between them. There’s a lot of unresolved hurt and misunderstanding. I loved it when Sophie finally opens up as to why she left and her reasons make the story even more intriguing.
The mysteries in both time periods completely drew me in. I loved the way the stories intersected and how Elise and Sophie both had similar journeys. There were a lot of things I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed the surprises along the way. All of the characters were so endearing. Other than the main characters, I especially enjoyed Meredith and the meddling grandmothers. I loved the way faith was naturally woven into the story. The messages of love and forgiveness were powerful.
If you enjoy dual time period novels or historical romance/mystery with an inspirational message, I highly recommend this book! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and freely given.
_abikewrites's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley for this book.
I totally love Rachel Scott McDaniel. She has a way of reeling you in with killer first lines. I'm struck by her humor and how she writes about something as delicate as illegitimacy and true identity in a way that is so heartfelt. And how she knows how to write a good mystery
I enjoyed this book and I'd recommend it.
I totally love Rachel Scott McDaniel. She has a way of reeling you in with killer first lines. I'm struck by her humor and how she writes about something as delicate as illegitimacy and true identity in a way that is so heartfelt. And how she knows how to write a good mystery
I enjoyed this book and I'd recommend it.
jeaninetaniece's review
5.0
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, 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
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, 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