| 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.
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.
Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Mystery / Romance
Release date: February 1, 2023
Release date: February 1, 2023
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
Sometimes the present mirrors the past...
I love a good mystery and I love history. I also enjoy dual timeline stories and books set in the 1920s. So, what happens when you blend all of those elements into a single book? Well, you get Rachel Scott McDaniel's last novel...
I'll be honest right at the start, In Spotlight And Shadow has got to be one of my favorite books in the Doors To The Past series. It had just the right balance of mystery/intrigue and heartfelt emotion as Rachel Scott McDaniel skillfully wove the layers of past and present together. It also had the most spectacular historical building as the common denominator between the dual timelines. But what really captured my attention, aside from the careful unveiling of decades of secrets, was the parallel struggles of the two girls as they must face their own fears and insecurities – and pain from the past.
I quite enjoyed In Spotlight And Shadow and this 11th Doors To The Past novel really kept me flipping those pages. While I did guess the thief's identity, there were quite a few secrets and motivations that flat out surprised me along the way. This book was the perfect way to spend a lazy winter day...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives In Spotlight And Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel a 4.5 Bark rating.
I love a good mystery and I love history. I also enjoy dual timeline stories and books set in the 1920s. So, what happens when you blend all of those elements into a single book? Well, you get Rachel Scott McDaniel's last novel...
I'll be honest right at the start, In Spotlight And Shadow has got to be one of my favorite books in the Doors To The Past series. It had just the right balance of mystery/intrigue and heartfelt emotion as Rachel Scott McDaniel skillfully wove the layers of past and present together. It also had the most spectacular historical building as the common denominator between the dual timelines. But what really captured my attention, aside from the careful unveiling of decades of secrets, was the parallel struggles of the two girls as they must face their own fears and insecurities – and pain from the past.
I quite enjoyed In Spotlight And Shadow and this 11th Doors To The Past novel really kept me flipping those pages. While I did guess the thief's identity, there were quite a few secrets and motivations that flat out surprised me along the way. This book was the perfect way to spend a lazy winter day...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives In Spotlight And Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel a 4.5 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Rachel
HISTORY OF THE LOEW’S PENN/HEINZ HALL THEATER
The Loew’s Penn theater in Pittsburgh opened its doors on September 6, 1927. Thousands of Pittsburghians crammed the streets hoping to enter. Those who were fortunate to claim a seat gasped at the grandeur of what that has been billed the ‘Temple of Cinema.’ The new hotspot in the Steel City was regarded as the most magnificent theater between New York and Chicago.
 | The Loew’s Penn was five stories high and could seat over 3,000 guests. The grand lobby had a 50-foot-high vaulted Venetian ceiling, gilded Corinthian columns, and two spectacular chandeliers. The crystal for the chandeliers was imported from Vienna. From silk drapes to artwork by Renaissance masters to Italian marble staircases the theater seemed more like a museum than a cinema palace. As for the entertainment, the night began with a live stage show followed by a silent film feature. |
Attendance averaged around 60,000 theatergoers a week. And with an admission charge of $.50, the theater made around $30,000 a week. Which was a substantial fortune during the 1920s. The theater hosted live stage shows and they also brought in national acts including Paul Whiteman and the Rhtyhm Boys featuring Bing Crosby. Also Buster Keaton and Eddie Cantor graced the stage.
| Over the years, the allure of the Loew’s Penn faded, and the theater fell into disrepair, finally shutting its doors in 1968. The Howard Heinz Endowment purchased the building, saving it from demolition. After a 16-month renovation that had cost over $11 million, the doors opened yet again under the new name of Heinz Hall. The plush red carpet is bold and beautiful, but also a subtle nod to … you guessed it … Heinz Ketchup. The grand lobby features the original marble flooring as well as the two 15-foot chandeliers. The main auditorium seats 2,661 guests. Heinz Hall is now the home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra it also hosts concerts and Broadway touring companies. |  |
 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. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Just Your Average reviews, February 26
Rebecca Tews, February 26
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deb’s Book Review, February 28
Simple Harvest Reads, February 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
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Remembrancy, March 2
Connie’s History Classroom, March 2
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Christina’s Corner, March 5
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6
For Him and My Family, March 6
Through the Fire Blogs, March 7
Bigreadersite, March 7
lakesidelivingsite, March 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8
For the Love of Literature, March 8
Blossoms and Blessings, March 9
Holly’s Book Corner, March 9
Labor Not in Vain, March 9
Book Looks by Lisa, March 10
Pause for Tales, March 10
Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26
Just Your Average reviews, February 26
Rebecca Tews, February 26
Where Faith and Books Meet, February 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 27
deb’s Book Review, February 28
Simple Harvest Reads, February 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 1
Blogging With Carol, March 1
Remembrancy, March 2
Connie’s History Classroom, March 2
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3
Betti Mace, March 3
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4
Cover Lover Book Review, March 4
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 5 (Author Interview)
Christina’s Corner, March 5
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6
For Him and My Family, March 6
Through the Fire Blogs, March 7
Bigreadersite, March 7
lakesidelivingsite, March 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8
For the Love of Literature, March 8
Blossoms and Blessings, March 9
Holly’s Book Corner, March 9
Labor Not in Vain, March 9
Book Looks by Lisa, March 10
Pause for Tales, March 10
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