The Dreams we Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel Review

Title: The Dreams We Knew 

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel 

Ch: 31 plus epilogue 

Pg: 320

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Kregel

No one writes 1920s like Rachel Scott McDaniel and it just gets better with each book. I loved DelvinaI mean what’s not to love about a socialite turned private investigator in New York City. Ans of course Kent who you first meet in Walking on Hidden wings. 

Not only I am I  a sucker for 1920s set novels I’m a sucker for a good mystery and romance full of banter which The Dreams we knew has in spades along with a second chance romance.  I finished this one in one day because I had to know what happened and I loved every minute McDaniel is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman and Susie Finkbeiner novella collection review

 

With this novella collection centered around a Special wedding dress Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again. With A Heart in Disguise Clara Westlake is a seamstress in the Camouflage Corps. I thought I knew my WWI history but this is the first I had heard about the Camouflage Corps and the important job they had during WWI. That's what I love so much about Rachel's books after the Faith content and love story is that I l always something new from history.  I also loved that the dress that played a part in this story would find its way through time and to more wars for two more stories. 

 

 A Letter to Eli by Allison Pittman was set during WWII. And a possibly second chance for Betty and Eli. I did enjoy this one but it wasn't my favorite of the three. And that's on me not Allison's writing. I think I'm kind of getting burnt out on WWII romances. But if that's not the case for you then you'll also love Betty and Eli's story. 

 

And finally we have A Daffodil in the Dress by Susie Finkbeiner set during the Vietnam, this one was my favorite of the three stories in this collection. Though it's a second chance at love and not always my favorite I enjoyed it. Kate and Ike's story is just so sweet despite the tragedy of the Vietnam War. And Little Eloise is just a doll.  This story was only my second Susie Finkebeiner story but it weren't be my last. And it was also only my second Vietnam War book because there's not that much out there. Because it's one war that war and horrific and to close to recent memory.  But the author tackled that was grace. And overall I would give this collection 4.5 stars 

 

While each of these novella's are separate stories they are sewn together with a dress, faith and love.  And that makes three stories worth reading. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author . I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

 Title: Walking on Hidden Wings

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 37

Pg: 328

Genre: Christian historical fiction Christian historical romance dual time

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Kregel publisher

Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel may be her most emotional book to date. It’s also her steamiest in the sense that the couple is married, but it’s still a clean read. But you can still feel the love that they have for each other despite what they’ve been through. And the book is still faith filled.

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes is determined to find out what’s happen to her husband Warren Hayes. I love how this story plays out and is told in dual timelines. I also enjoyed learning more about wingwalking and barnstorming a lesser known piece of 1920s history and I’ve always loved planes. McDaniel never disappoints with the mystery romance and faith filled stories.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

I received a copy of this book from the author . I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

First Line Fridays

 Hosted by Reading is my Superpower

Chapter One 

"Everything around me whispered lies." 

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

 Title: The Starlet Spy

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 33

Pg: 259

Series: Heroines of WWII 11

Genre: Christian historical fiction Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Barbour

 

It was the whole female spy heroine that got me to pick up The Starlet Spy. I’m a sucker for WWII books and books with spies. Not to mention that I’ve loved all of Rachel’s previous books. And though this one is a departure from her usual 1920s dual time novels. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. And the fact that this was the first WWII novel that I read set in Sweden kept me turning pages.

I enjoyed meeting all the characters, especially Amelie and Finn. Throughout The Starlet Spy it felt like I was traveling through Sweden with Amelie and loved what she got from seeing the Northern lights which happens to be on my travel bucket list. To some readers the faith content might seem subtle, but I saw it all through the story it wove through every aspect of Amelie’s life.

And of course, I’ve not got to try Salmiak as a fan of black licorice yes I know I’m weird. Amelie Blake has become my second favorite Rachel heroine Devyn Asbury from Undercurrent of Secrets will always be my favorite as a fellow Louisville girl.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

In Spotlight and Shadows by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

Title: In Spotlight and Shadows

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 35

Pg:  256

Genre:  Dual time

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Barbour

    No one writes 1920s Pittsburgh like Rachel Scott McDaniel. I don’t know what it but every time I read one it’s like I’m in Pittsburgh in the 1920s. And In Spotlight and Shadow was no different. I am a sucker for dual time novels, and I love how Rachel weaves the historical story into the modern story in this one. Sophie Walters is a stage actress in 1920s Pittsburgh who finds herself in a bit of a pickle and the only one who can help is Sterling Monroe the man who’s heart she broke. While Elise Malvern is trying to overcome fear to become a violinist for the Pittsburgh Symphony when Peirson Brooks comes back into her life.

In dual time novels I tend to like one hero over the other but with this one I was swooning over both Sterling and Peirson equally though it took me a little bit to warm up to him, but when I did, I was hooked. I thought Sophie was a sweetheart who just needed the right person in her life to remind her that she mattered to God. I also found myself relating to Elise especially the grief of the loss of a mother. As it doesn’t ever go away you just learn to make it a part of one’s life. And sometimes music can help.

It was nice to meet Peirson after hearing about him Undercurrent of Secrets. As well as seeing Sterling again but as a hero this time. I also enjoyed seeing characters from Rachel’s previous books. So, I suggest you read her books in publication order.

One thing I noticed reading In Spotlight and Shadow was that 1920s Pittsburgh had a few things in common with 1920s Louisville but that was probably the case with most cities during that time.

I loved this one and I’m not afraid to admit that I laughed and cried with this one that’s how good it is.

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

First line Friday

 Hosted by Reading is my Super Power

January, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 

Chapter One

"History didn't haphazardly repeat itself in the chapters of Elise Malvern's life. It copy-and-pasted in the most irritating fashion." 

First Line Friday

 Hosted by Reading is My Superpower

Chapter 1

September 28, 1923 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

"Snapping Wind yanked at the letter in my hand, and my fingers tightened, the crisp edge biting into my palm." 

The Mobster's Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel

 Title:  The Mobster’s Daughter

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 47

Pg:  368

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance  

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Ally Press

    No one does 1920s Pittsburg like Rachel Scott McDaniel, and The Mobsters Daughter is more proof. It may be McDaniel’s novel yet. With Above the Fold and The Red Canary she hints at the dark Pittsburg under belly. In The Mobster’s Daughter she dives right in. I love the 1920e and I love that more authors are writing books set there.

Catarina Salvastanos becomes Kate Chamberlin to protect herself. But even a name change can’t protect her forever. But despite every she still has a heart for others especially Charlie a young boy whom she’s taken the time to know. When a threat is revealed, her books calls in Detective Everett Jennings or Rhett. I admired his morals and convictions of leaving the police department because of the corruption and not knowing who to trust. He’s now my favorite of Rachel’s heroes. He’s determined to protect Kate no matter what but when the truth comes out will he still feel the same.

But the most important thing that stands most is that The Mobster’s Daughter is about second chances and who we are In Gods sight.

I loved Kates and Rhett’s story though the ending was bittersweet it was the perfect ending for the book. I’m already looking forward to Rachel’s next book.

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy   from the author. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

First Line Fridays

 Hosted by Reading is my Superpower

Chapter one 

September 

Louisville, Kentucky 

"Some engagements end in happily ever afters, and some just end... on social media." 

 

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

 Title:  Undercurrent of Secrets

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 38

Pg:  256

Series: Doors to the Past

Genre:  Dual time Christian Historical romance, Christian contemporary romance with a hint of mystery

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Barbour

 

My history genealogy and rom com loving nerd self, loved Undercurrent of Secrets. I was hooked from the first line. I knew I needed to read it as soon as found out the setting was on a beloved landmark in my hometown The Belle of Louisville. Of which Rachel made her a character in the story as well.

I loved this dual time story that’s both a romance and a genealogical mystery. What I loved about this was both stories were intertwined. And I didn’t see Rachel’s twist coming.

Normally I tend to favor one of the stories in the dual time story. But with this one I loved both stories equally. I also found myself relating to both Devyn Asbury and Hattie Louis though Devyn was a favorite and like her The Belle holds sentimental family value to me. Though my parents didn’t get married on the Belle they did have one of their first dates there. But when it comes to the heroes, I can’t decide which one I like more I love them both equally Chase Jones in the modern time period and Jack Marshall in the historical period.

Reading Undercurrent of Secrets I felt like I was on the Belle Louisville rolling on the Ohio. I hope Rachel’s wonder story bring new attention to the Belle as well as new readers to her books.

 

I received a complimentary copy   from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. 

The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel review

Title: The Red Canary

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 38

Pg: 313

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical romance 

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

Vera Pembroke is a speakeasy singer a canary who has dreams beyond Pittsburg. That is until she witness a murder. Now it’s up sergeant Mick Dinelo to keep her safe.

I’m a sucker for books set in 1920s. I’ve always loved that decade. And nobody writes it better than Rachel Scott McDaniel. I loved the Pittsburg setting and the banter between Vera and Mick. The Red Canary gave me classic movie feels I would love to see this book as a movie.

First Line Fridays

Hosted by Hoarding Books Blog

Chapter  One

March 10, 1922

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Soot-stained windows filtered the morning light, casting an ashen shadow on the crowded courtroom and darkening the sting of judgement.”

Above the Fold review

Title:  Above the Fold

Author:  Rachel Scott McDaniel

Ch: 29 plus epilogue 

Pg:  255

Genre: Christian Historical Romance   

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance

 

Elissa Tillman wants to not only keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat but she’s wants to also run it someday even though it’s a man’s world. Cole Parker knows he messed up in the past but now he wants to prove to Elissa that’s he’s changed.

I enjoyed this debut by Rachel Scott McDaniel. I loved that Elissa wanted to do something more with her life, but more importantly I love the faith and forgiveness journey she went on. Not to mention the 1920s Pittsburg setting was something I hadn’t read before and I love a good 1920s novel it’s one of my favorite time periods in history. I look forward to Rachel’s next book.