In Spotlight and Shadow

Doors to the Past, Book 11

De: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Narrado por: Moniqua Plante

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—Peirson Brooks. Peirson 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.

©2023 Rachel Scott McDaniel (P)2023 Oasis Audio

Intriguing, romantic, dual time period mystery!

The narrator really brings Rachel Scott McDaniel’s story to life in the audiobook version of In Spotlight and Shadow. Monique Plante had the challenging task of distinguishing four different main characters and a slew of secondary characters. She does a fantastic job giving each one a distinct voice and personality. It was easy to listen to and I devoured it in several days.

Rachel Scott McDaniel proves with In Spotlight and Shadow why she’s one of the best dual time period romance writers! From the beginning, I was pulled into the glamorous world of the 1920’s Pittsburg theater scene. Sophie Walters, an actress striving to get noticed becomes famous when she’s accused of being The Mirage, a mysterious jewel thief. She turns to her former fiancé and private investigator Sterling Monroe 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. 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 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 old Broadway playbill and an emerald necklace. 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 & turns this story took! Both romances are second chance & 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 a constant undercurrent of passion between them. There’s a lot of unresolved hurt and misunderstanding. When Sophie finally opens up as to why she left, 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, 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!