In Spotlight and Shadow
Dual Timeline Novel By Rachel Scott McDaniel
In the 1920s, a series of jewel thefts in Pittsburgh creates chaos for Sophie Walters, who is an actress in the Loew’s Penn Theatre. The jewel thief is known as The Mirage. At one point, some of the jewels are found in her purse and she is accused of being The Mirage. To help combat this accusation, she turns to a private detective, Sterling Monroe, who she left at the altar five years ago. Despite Sterling being hurt, he helps her. In the process, though, they become closer. Is this a second chance for them? Who really is stealing jewels around Pittsburgh?
The second timeline of the novel is modern day Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall, which is the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Elise Malvern is an intern at Heinz Hall who has dreams of trying out to be a violinist for the Symphony. She is too scared to do it, so she enters a deal with her childhood friend and crush, country musician Pierson Brooks. During all of this, Elise receives a mysterious package that contains a violin ornament and an old coat with an emerald necklace (which refers to The Mirage story line). Elise thinks the package came from her father (who has been absent from her life). She decides to find out the real identity of her father, with Pierson’s help (her mother passed away years ago). Through her preparation for the violin audition and the investigation into her father, Elise and Pierson grow closer. But will Elise let the love between them blossom or will she be too scared?
I had just recently been exposed to the dual timeline novel in Christian fiction. It is growing on me. The mysteries in both timelines were very well done. The romances were sweet with enough tension and suspense to keep the reader glued to the book. Both Sterling and Pierson were very different heroes, but likeable in their own way. Sophie and Elise were likeable heroines, but very flawed women that had to overcome obstacles.
About the Author:
Rachel Scott McDaniel is a winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award. She mainly writes historical romance. She can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.
Giveaway:
Rachel is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book. Please click the below link to enter:
https://promosimple.com/ps/24705/in-spotlight-and-shadow-celebration-tour-giveaway
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story!