Reviews

Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel

misspippireads's review

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5.0

A great book to kick off the new decade - 2020!

Jump back into the roaring 20's with Prohibition, Womens' Sufferage, and the changing of the news world. News came by competitive newspapers and over the radio. It was a race to get the latest scoop out to readers. It's also a business battle to keep the doors open and remain a relevant and thriving newspaper in the community. It's a story about fighting for truth, power, honesty, and love. There's mystery and history interwoven in this inspirational, romantic tale. I loved it. I am looking forward to more stories from author Rachel Scott McDaniel!

Time Period: 1920's
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA

Reviewed from a gift copy.

bookishwhims's review

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5.0

I started this book yesterday and I flew through it. I loved the time period and the focus on journalism. I enjoyed the theme of redemption that is weaved throughout this book..... and Cole is

reneesmith's review

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4.0

Snappy dialog, sympathetic main characters, sweet story.

randikaye's review

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4.0

If I didn't already know that Above the Fold was the debut novel from Rachel Scott McDaniel, I would never have believed it. This novel is so wonderfully written with the perfect blend of romance, mystery and faith that I would have expected from a seasoned author. It certainly has me excited to see what will come next!

Above the Fold is a historical romance taking place in the Prohibition 1920s. I haven't read many books that really put focus on that period, but after reading this one I am certainly wanting to read more, more, more! I absolutely loved this setting... what a fascinating time in history this was. And it wasn't just the 1920s, but the 1920s newsroom! I've always been rather fascinated with journalism and the history of it, so right away I was drawn into this story before even reading a single page.

The setting may have drawn me in but it was definitely the romance that kept me turning the pages... The fun banter, but obvious reluctance created a fantastic chemistry between Elissa and Cole that I absolutely loved. There was a great mystery too so naturally I enjoyed the suspense aspect of it... but really for me the romance was the star in this story. More than anything though, I just adored the character of Elissa. Her spunk and determination radiated from the pages and really made her such a lovable character. You could not help but root for her both in romance and in love. I was sad for the story to end and having to say goodbye to these two characters I'd really enjoyed.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that fans of both mysteries and romance are sure to enjoy.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

kriste's review

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4.0

Good story - looking forward to the live author chat :)

gretchenlouise's review

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5.0

I’ve always found books featuring newspaper reporters especially thrilling. This title from debut author Rachel Scott McDaniel is no exception. Elissa Tillman is out to prove to her father–and the world–that women can succeed in journalism without needing to use a masculine byline. She hadn’t figured on her competition for an above the fold headline coming from Cole Parker, the same man who broke her heart. Throw in a mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat, and this is a new release you don’t want to miss.

abigailkayharris's review

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5.0

My Review of Above The Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel
The cover, the Twenties, the blue, the blurb, the look of the characters on the cover, old flames, redemption, coming back to what you knew, journalists, all of this makes Above The Line a shockingly wonderful book. Signing up to read this on a hunch that it would be good was a smart idea, because this was good. A new author to be on the lookout for, the suspense, the romance, the newspaper, all tells a story of the past and makes me miss something I never knew -- the newspaper. I highly recommend this for readers who enjoy romance, historical fiction, or stories about newspapers and reporters.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author, all the thoughts are my own, I did not have to provide a review.

cbear550's review

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3.0

Cute and cozy debut novel

Above the fold is a cute historical romance taking place in the roaring 20's. It's set in Pittsburg and features a fun cast of characters who are all part of the world of journalism. The author did a great job of making you feel like you were there, and I enjoyed reading a time period I don't normally read.

The romance in the book was very cute, and was the focus of the story. I didn't feel that it was overly physical and it seemed to develop very naturally. The characters had a past together and I felt like the romance was realistic in that they didn't just fall back into each others arms, they really worked through things together. Another great thing about the book was how you could see the characters took their faith very seriously, and credited God for their redemptions and successes.

I felt that the non-romance part of the book, the plot with the newspaper and the crime, was a bit more confusing. It definitely fell second to the romance and it was more difficult to follow. At the end of the book when everything is resolved I had to go back mentally and try to figure out how everything could have happened. It left me a bit confused and also disappointed. When the villain was found out I had to jog my memory to remember which characters were which. That part of the story could have been done better and could have been easier to understand.

Overall, this book is a solid 3 stars that I'd recommend to fans of the 1900's, historical romance, and those who enjoy learning and reading about journalism in the past. I look forward to reading more by this author!

melmo2610's review

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5.0

This is a stunning debut! Rachel has penned a solid story with great characters. Cole and Elissa were fantastic characters and the secondary characters add much to the story as well. The newspaper business and the mystery kept me entertained and invested to see how it would all play out in the end. I had a suspicion that proved to be correct but other elements that surprised me as all the pieces came together and everything was revealed. This story was fantastic and I can not wait for more from Rachel. I would love to see a story featuring Sterling, just saying...

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

sassybookishmama's review

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4.0

What a great debut novel and I must say I need more from Rachel Scott McDaniel!! I really hope that she is in the process of writing another great story.

Above the Fold takes you back to the 1920's! I could definitely feel a His Girl Friday type vibe and I completely loved it! Cole and Elissa are great main characters with hurts that only God can heal and as He does their love for each other gets reinstated so to speak. This story truly captivates you and it has a little bit of everything in it. Love, intrigue, mystery and even that character you want to slap upside the head.

I don't want to give any spoilers but the only thing that wasn't resolved for me was Sophie and Sterling (other characters in the story) so I am hoping that her next book will be part two of this one and will let us know what happened with them!


As always all opinions are my own and if Christian Fiction is not your jam and you don't like clean reads step away from the shelf (whether virtual or real) and put the book down. But if you you are like me and love christian fiction then you will also love this and I completely recommended it! :)

Happy Reading!