Tuesday, March 21, 2023

My Thoughts on The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

About:

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

My Thoughts:

The year is 1925, the city is New York, during the time of Prohibition and Egyptian mania. Crime is rampant and forgeries are on the rise. Detective Joe Caravello is looking into this crime scene and wanting to get answers. Especially after his ex-partner and best friend for years has ended up in jail and telling him to let a certain investigation go. Not to look into it any further. But why and what is he hiding?

Dr. Lauren Westlake has a very prestigious job. She is the assistant curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Egyptian department. At that time everything was Egypt and very wealthy people were determined to expand and get exquisite pieces for their own private collection. They have paid some high prices, but not all of their art is real. Someone is a very good forger, but not good enough for Lauren to see the small differences as she assists Joe in his case.

Family secrets, corruption, and a rekindling of a friendship to something more propel this story into a riveting read as we enter the wealthy and elite homes and their collections. Also, Egyptology has always fascinated me and so I was pleasantly surprised with the way Author Green pulled this story and all of its moving parts together.

I received a copy of this novel from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Jocelyn Green (www.jocelyngreen.com) inspires faith and courage as the bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including the Christy Award-winning The Mark of the King and Drawn by the Current and her On Central Park series.

My Thoughts and More on Faith Lights a Flame by Loni Kemper Moore

About the Book

Book: Faith Lights a Flame

Author:Loni Kemper Moore

Genre:Clean Historical Fiction

Release date: April 2022

Love and Forgiveness…

Seventeen-year-old Francesca “Chessa” Campbell would give anything to have her perfect family back. Instead, her father faces a death sentence, her mother takes ill, and her heritage suddenly makes her the target of prejudice in the small 1920s New Mexico town. Then a single act irrevocably changes her life forever…and rescue comes in the unlikely form of her new teacher, Walker Smythe.

Hoping to earn enough money to finish college and forget the woman who broke his heart, Walker Smythe rides a train for three days from Indiana to the Texas Panhandle to become a cowhand. Instead, he accepts a teaching position in Clayton, New Mexico, to replace a man dismissed in disgrace. Even though Walker secretly questions his faith, friends call him straight as an arrow — and he is. At least, until he is permanently disabled and realizes the only woman who has caught his attention is one of his students.

Thrown together by fate and circumstance, Walker and Chessa must forge a life together. But will the drought hitting the American southwest and dust storms swirling across the plains rip them apart? Find out in this compelling story of faith, love, and the power of forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story that takes place during the 1920's in a New Mexico town. This is the first time I have read a 1920's story outside of a big city. This novel is about a young woman, Chessa Campbell, who deals with a lot that life has thrown her. The book starts out with her father on trial for murder and the family's circumstances only go from that scenario to worst.

Chessa is part Mexican, and she already has dealt with prejudice, now she must deal with the stigma of this murder trial. You would think that all that her family has gone through they would make some positive changes. That is not the case and many times during this time of prohibition, alcohol becomes a problem.

The author does not shy away in some of the circumstances that plague Chessa. There is a rape and a miscarriage along with attempted murder, etc. So, this is quite a story. There are some lighthearted moments throughout, especially in the very interesting way that she and her future husband, Walker Smythe meet.

Even after they marry Walker and Chessa have trials and tribulations to contend with. The marriage kind and the outside world that wants to wreak havoc on them. This is a very drama filled story of one family and their marriage's survival. Many dramatic characters add to this story as well.

I was provided a copy of the novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Loni Kemper Moore is a sports cheering, Diet-Pepsi sipping, Rocky Mountain adventure-seeking kind of girl. She wants to share God’s beautiful love through life’s ugliness with remarkable women around the globe.

A preacher’s kid, her wanderlust was fueled by hearing missionary stories. She’s visited a dozen countries learning from other cultures while experiencing a sort of “minority” feeling. Although she attended several schools as a minority and her DNA test returned a percentage African, she’d never presume to claim such status.

She completed a bachelor’s degrees in Education and Biblical Studies at the former Denver Baptist Bible College and graduate work in Education at the University of Evansville.

A Jesus following history nerd, she was named Leonnie Sue for dead people. Leonnie was her great-grandmother whose died in the Influenza pandemic, and Sue is a common name on the family tree, dating to the 1640’s when Susanna Dean stepped off a ship in Korea, Maine.

Her writing came alive when the crazy Covid time forced her to flip through diaries and family albums. She was specifically struck by a memory of visiting her grandmother during the 1995 O.J. Simpson trial, shocked to hear her say, “He’s innocent!” What followed was a tale of her as a 14-year-old testifying in her father’s murder trial. As Loni put the story on a computer, her imagination expanded to become Faith Lights a Flame.

When she’s not writing, she’s a technical support engineer for a product called Cherwell, named for the river near Oxford which T.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis walked. During a trip to the company office in Swindon, UK, she visited the Child and the Eagle Pub where Tolkien and Lewis’ writers group met.

She’s also mom to Adam. a mechanical engineering student; traveler with dear “Hugsband” Robert an embedded engineer; thrilled by her GrandMiracles, Naomie, Zemira and their parents Becca and Anthony.

Loni’s experiences of loving history, learning to trust God through tragedy, and being the granddaughter of ranchers put this story close to her heart. Her grandparents’ love for God and each other helped them survive the Dust Bowl and provide guiding examples for life.

More from Loni

Why I Wrote “Faith Lights a Flame”

I visited Grandma James’ retirement apartment. A news channel distracted us and blared the familiar report of a retired football player’s homicide trial of his ex-wife and friend.

“O. J. Simpson is innocent!” My petite grandmother settled on her couch with ankles crossed.

My jaw dropped. “What? I’ve heard many people talk about him, but you are one of the few I’ve heard say he’s not guilty.”

An hour later her tale of being forced as a fourteen-year-old to testify in her father’s murder trial in 1920’s New Mexico, shifted the way I viewed her. Dreams, laughs and tears filled me with admiration and desire to be like her.

But twenty-four years later, when my brother-in-law, Ray returned from China, an alarming disease, COVID Flu, invaded my awareness. For Christmas he gave us hand-sanitizer, boxes of K-95 masks, and advice to purchase more Vitamin D and an oxygen concentrator.

COVID rumors and Ray’s comments frustrated me as much as the story I hadn’t finished. I pushed aside those thoughts to reminisce, surrounded by binders, diaries and books penned by family members. Good times outweighed the bad.

My Covid fears diminished in light of additional stories of those who maintained strength through the deadly Spanish Flu Pandemic, a hostile Dust Bowl, the devastating Depression, and unbelievable heartbreaks.

I pictured reunions where older ladies and cowboy-hat-wearing men covered tables with their arduous work just like troubles of youth were covered with laughter. How did they do that? Could I use their skills to survive the Covid pandemic?

Having lost dear relatives and friends, I know that COVID was costly indeed, but writing stimulated my faith through those uncertain times. I envisioned book of love and survival which became Faith Lights a Flame loosely based on the saga told by my grandmother.

My prayer is your faith will burn like a flame as we travel along on a fictional journey through decades of beloved memories. Please let me know what you think.

“Faith does not quench desire, it enflames it.” Thomas Aquinas

–Loni Kemper Moore

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 8

Texas Book-aholic, March 9

Connie’s History Classroom, March 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14

Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, March 15

Cover Lover Book Review, March 16

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 17 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 18

For Him and My Family, March 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 20 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 20

Pause for Tales, March 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Loni is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24dba/faith-lights-a-flame-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse

About the Book

Book: A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 3, 2023

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This book starts off with a young twenty-year-old Ruth Anniston convincing her parents of her dreams. To one day wed and have children, but first to have a little adventure first. So, she sets off to the west and becomes a Harvey girl. Which she is quite successful with. Until one fateful day thirteen years later, she is attacked by a mountain lion scarring her both on the outside and inside. A few years later her scars have faded, though she wears makeup to cover them up on her face, she still has a very weak leg that she walks with a limp. Will she ever be normal again? And what about marriage and children? Who would ever want her now, and if they did it would only be out of pity. So, she keeps telling herself.

Frank Henderson now the head chef at the El Tovar, at the Grand Canyon, has cared and loved Ruth even before her accident. He has just been waiting for the right moment to tell her. But they always seemed interrupted. Either in the moment or in life. Now they both have been tasked with finding out why the El Tovar's accounts don't add up. Little do either of them know that there is one who is set on vengeance against the Harvey empire and will stop at nothing, including harming others, to see that vengeance fulfilled.

I found this story resonating with me as how often, like Ruth, do we want things to go back to normal when life's disruptions happen or when pandemics take place. Many times. But I think normal is only in our viewpoints. What may be normal to us may not have been normal to someone else. Both Ruth and Frank were fighting unknown outside forces, and inside known ones. Both were questioning who they were and where they belonged. Were they good enough, able to be loved? And that is where grace comes in, God's grace to see us through our trials.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

More from Kimberley

It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.

Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.

Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.

Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Karen Baney Reviews, March 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

deb’s Book Review, March 13

Cover Lover Book Review, March 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 15

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 15

Blogging With Carol, March 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 16

Betti Mace, March 17

Connie’s History Classroom, March 17

She Lives to Read, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

Stories By Gina, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 19

Batya’s Bits, March 20

Splashes of Joy, March 20

Pause for Tales, March 21

EmpowerMoms, March 21

Through the Fire Blogs, March 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Book Looks by Lisa, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the full SECRETS OF THE CANYON series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24b79/a-mark-of-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Love's New Beginnings by Penny Zeller

About the Book

Book: Love’s New Beginnings

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: December 13, 2022

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In this prequel to the Wyoming Sunrise series, this story is all about new beginnings. Both our hero and heroine are looking to start on a life path that will help them in their respective careers. They both are quite young and both of them are starting out in professions that will take some patience and perseverance.

Lydie is young and will be the town's schoolteacher. This is her first time off on her own as well as her two Aunts are staying in a town over. They had been with her every step of the way since her parents' early deaths. They believe in her so Lydie should believe in herself that she can do this.

Solomon is the new reverend, and he is young, at only twenty-one, he must show the town he is up to this position. But it is going to take patience and grit and he must also silence the voice of his grandfather in his head. A grandfather that didn't really care for him in the first place. He also lost his parents at a very young age.

Solomon and Lydie have a comical first meeting and it will take some work on Solomon's part to smooth things over. But as the smoothing comes so does the becoming of friends that will lead to more. These two new to town young people will have some growing up to do.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, blog, and on Facebook.

More from Penny

Stagecoach etiquette, a casket for sale in the mercantile, and mock turtle soup were just a few of the items included in Love’s New Beginnings. Research is always fun for historical novels, and I even discovered that some people ate skunks back in the “olden days.” Not a regular delicatessen, but they did eat them on occasion. After reading about the ingredients for mock turtle soup and discovering about skunks for dinner (aka supper), I’m even more grateful for enchiladas and regular plain ol’ hamburgers. Historical romance novels are a delight to read, but is Love’s New Beginnings the book for you?

If you love…

To read love stories

Stories set in the late 1800s

Settings in the Wild West in small western towns

Sweet romance and tender love stories

Plentiful humor

Character-driven plots

Faith element organically interwoven into the story

Scenes that tug at the heartstrings

Hilarious antidotes tucked within the pages of a novel

To curl up and escape into the lives of book characters

Realistic plot lines

Close-knit families

Clean and wholesome reads

Memorable characters who stay with you long after the last page

Then Love’s New Beginnings is indeed the book for you!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

Vicky Sluiter, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Cover Lover Book Review, March 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 7

EmpowerMoms, March 7

Connie’s History Classroom, March 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 11

Splashes of Joy, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 12

Holly’s Book Corner, March 13

lakesidelivingsite, March 14

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24949/love-s-new-beginnings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 10, 2023

My Thoughts on Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

About:

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

My Thoughts:

Police Chief Autumn Long lives in a quiet little town in Alaska, where pretty much everyone knows one another. As for the outsiders, it is a good place to hide. This story is one that is full of secrets.

Autumn is fighting to keep her job. She is not only fighting to keep from losing the job she loves due to a disgruntled councilman, but she is also trying to keep her town safe. In recent days there have been way too many strangers passing through, and too many dead bodies showing up.

Grier Brenner is one of those who came to this small Alaskan town to hide. He has his reasons, and he is trying desperately to not fall for the brave yet intriguing police chief. But they have an undeniable connection, so he will protect and help her as much as he can. But she can never know the real reason he is there or who he really is.

Both Autumn and Grier are in danger, and it seems nothing they do is going to see them out of this situation alive. Unless they lay down their guards and trust one another. That is so hard for them to do. This was a very adrenaline rich story with unknown dangers stalking these two and those they cared about around every dark corner. Can these two handle the truths that will be revealed?

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

My Thoughts on Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith

About:

When the greatest joys she has ever known are stripped away, the first woman must find the courage to face an unknown future

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on one whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to another like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. Her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Then everything changes.

Through one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the only home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but also with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling an epic story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

My Thoughts:

I cannot imagine how hard it may be to write a story about Eve. She lived a life that none of us can imagine, and yet due to her and Adam's choices, we are all affected to this day.

This story begins before the fall and shows us what it might have been like to live in perfect peace and harmony with God and nature and your spouse. We follow Eve's life through the fall, the first days and weeks after, all the way up to the end of her life. Some of the things that really stood out to me was what it would have been like to have your life so changed, that there was no going back. To lose your home and the closeness with your husband. To lose the relationship with God. She nor Adam knew what the first birth would be like. Nor could they have understood the pain of one child killing another. Watching the whole world turn more evil and the realization that these are your kids, your grandkids. Wow.

The evil thoughts of Lucifer towards God's most precious were chilling. The plans he devised were disturbing. But he is all that is evil. Yet, he is predictable, and he has already been crushed.

Of all the other stories I have read about Eve, this one tackled her story in a very human and realistic way showing me that she was a woman with hopes and dreams trying to carve out life after such a glorious beginning and after a most horrible choice. May we all learn a lesson or two from our first parents' lives.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther's Story, Miriam's Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, and Daughter of Eden. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

My Thoughts and More on In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel

About the Book

Book: In Spotlight and Shadow

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: February 1, 2023

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.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In Spotlight and Shadow, we are treated to a wonderful dual timeline that interconnected and had me anticipating each story. Usually there is one story that is my favorite, but not this time. Both stories captured my attention and begged met to keep reading and know their secrets.

This story was about some big secrets, both of them have our young heroines searching for answers and the meaning of their lives. Especially since these said secrets seem to have shaped them and their decisions for far too long. Are they forever to walk alone, just out of reach of the men they love? Or are they worth far more than they ever imagined? Especially since both Sophie and Elise had painful pasts. And their men, Sterling and Pierson, both heroes in their own right and swoony to boot.

If you are looking for a mystery and romance that has actresses, detectives, country music singers, and violin players, then look no farther and lose yourself for a little while in this delightful tale.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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.

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.