Sunday, October 19, 2025

Review: In Spotlight and Shadow

In Spotlight and Shadow In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Usually when I read a dual-time, one of the two timelines draws me in more. This time I was totally engaged in both timelines.

In the past story line, Sophie with her desire to be the leading lady, was caught in the middle of a jewelry mystery. Then add the conflict of her ex-fiance popping back into her life, who she for unknown reasons left at the altar, there were enough questions to answer to keep you wanting to go back to follow Sophie in her search for the truth.

Elise was fun and the opening scene had me all in smiles and was a great way to introduce her quirky personality. Her quest to find out more about the mysterious necklace sent her on interesting adventures to find answers to questions she did not know she had. The chemistry between her and Piersan also had me in tension to see how it all would end.

The author just grows in her talent and her stories keep getting better.

The audiobook was also well narrated and entertaining.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*


View all my reviews

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.


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

About the author:



Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance with heart, mystery, and humor. When she’s not dreaming up swoony heroes or happily-ever-afters, you can find her chasing adventures in Ohio with her husband, two amazing kids, and an endless supply of chocolate. Rachel loves hiking trails almost as much as plot twists and is always on the hunt for the next great story … or snack. Connect with her at 
www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com or on your favorite social media platform!

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