After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failures of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.The murder of a … murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she’s a serious journalist. But there’s a catch—she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.
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Oh my word! This novel is absolutely phenomenal! I absolutely adored every moment of Elissa and Cole’s story. I was swept away into another time from the moment I started reading, and I was completely absorbed in the story, to the point that I even forgot I was reading and instead felt that I was living the story alongside the characters, a true mark of a magnificent writer!
Everything about this book made my heart soar, and I found myself caught between not wanting to stop reading and wanting to delay finishing because I didn’t want it to end, the most delightful dilemma a bookworm can face!
Above the Fold touched my heart deeply in so many ways, especially the message that we are enough because we are God’s children and our identity is only to be found in Him and who He made us to be, which is a reminder that my heart was thirsting for!
From page one I was blown away by the beautiful writing, when I grow up I want to write as well as this author does!
I seriously loved everything about Above the Fold, it’s most definitely one of my favorite reads of 2019, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Above the Fold is a total must read that is not to be missed!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Nothing beats the energy of a busy newsroom or the thrill of pursuing a hot lead. At least that’s how it is for aspiring journalist Elissa Tillman. But when the path to the perfect scoop leads to danger, self-doubt, and a competition with the man who once broke her heart, she will have to trust God more than her own investigative prowess, because there’s much more at stake than a byline.
Although it is set in the Roaring 20s, Above the Fold provides a timeless depiction of young adulthood: the allure of idealistic dreams, the pressure of family expectation, the first sting of failed ambition, and the longing for lasting love. Protagonists Elissa and Cole process their shifting landscape through their faith, in a manner just as applicable to contemporary believers as it would have been to those a century ago.
That being said, the setting IS the 1920s, and McDaniel does an excellent job capturing the Prohibition Era vibe pulsing through multiple strata of Pittsburgh society. Equally immersive is the novel’s mystery subplot, newsroom tropes, and lively side characters. Also, the romantic chemistry between the main characters is, by turns, sweet, witty, and charmingly reminiscent of Russell and Grant in His Girl Friday. Finally, the inspirational message of finding identity in God is expertly threaded throughout the plot.
All in all, Above the Fold is a smart, uplifting, and entertaining debut novel, and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book was such a treat! What a fabulous debut novel! An exciting plot combined with characters that felt real made this book a page turner for me. I absolutely loved the writing style and the plot kept me guessing until the final pages! Twists and turns, oh my! Cole is my hero! His confidence and sense of humor were the perfect combination! Elissa was passionate and driven, and while I might have wanted to thump her pretty head a time or two, she was a solid character that I was able to connect with in spite of her flaws. Cole and Elissa’s chemistry was a fun and frustrating mixture providing plenty of entertainment whenever they matched wits. The mystery aspect of this story was intriguing and the faith elements woven into the story felt natural and not forced, so I felt like there was a great balance! I loved this story! I would definitely recommend it!
I’m absolutely looking forward to future novels by Rachel Scott McDaniel!
Above the Fold is a story that words will not do it justice. The author has formatted this story in a way that captivates you with a mixture of Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Fun Charm and Faith in God which in return molds and blends it together forming this amazing story.
Set in Pittsburgh in the 20s, when alcohol was a number #1 thing and newspapers raced to get the story first to keep their papers running; two young people Elissa and Cole find themselves in a story of a Mysterious Murder. Both eager to find out who did it and their love and drive of a story they are put to the task of finding the answers. And at the same time find the answers to heal their broken hearts. While saving the Review, her family’s newspaper.
I loved this story from beginning to end. Kept you reading to find out what happened next. With their witty romantic moments and their serious ones, this book will pull you into it’s pages. Author Rachel did an amazing job and as her debut book I am intrigued to read more from her. She did an excellent job in blending all together throughout the story.
I received a copy of the book from the Author/Publisher for my honest personal opinion. I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed.
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Rachel Scott McDaniel is the bee’s knees!
I fell in love with McDaniel’s writing when I read her hidden gem of a book, “The Red Canary.” Her atmospheric prose and flair for historic detail hooked me from page one, and by The End, I was adding her other titles to my Bookbub wishlist.
I just finished reading her debut novel, “Above the Fold,” and I’m pleased to report it was everything I’d hoped and more! McDaniel’s evocative writing makes the Roaring Twenties come alive, and her multifaceted characters zing off the page. Cole and Elissa’s snappy dialogue and sleuthing shenanigans made for a fun, fast-paced plot, and the murder mystery kept me guessing to the very end.
And by guessing, I mean Rachel Scott McDaniel totally got me with that doozy of a plot twist! As a voracious reader, I can usually spot a twist coming a mile away, but this one was executed so deftly, that when it was revealed, my cloche hat flew away with my blown mind.
Having heard good things about Above the Fold, I was eager to read Rachel Scott McDaniel’s debut novel. It was quite good and I enjoyed it. I was quickly drawn into the drama of Elissa and Cole’s relationship, one that certainly had its ups and downs. The author writes well of the plight of a woman trying to succeed in what has traditionally been a man’s world, and of the gritty subject of alcoholism. And amidst the scenes of 1920s Pittsburgh speakeasies, courtrooms, and the newsroom, the author blends in a thread of faith in God–the God who can give new dreams and who is bigger than any of our failures. Readers who enjoy, historical romance with a bit of suspense will not want to miss Above the Fold. I look forward to reading more from Ms. McDaniel.
5 things from Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel
1) Elissa is a woman in a man’s world, trying to prove her worth at her father’s newspaper.
2) Cole is back as The Review’s star reporter. He intends to get a fresh start on life and to win back Elissa’s heart
3) An eccentric inventor’s murder, a contest to get the headline, and a dying newspaper.
4) 1920’s Pittsburgh, prohibition and speakeasies
5)”Cole stood in the doorway, his shirtsleeves pushed past his elbows, his hair mussed like he’d fought the wind rather than assisted Jay with the press. Not fair. Dishevelment increased his attractiveness when it lessened hers.”
What a delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt like I was right in the middle of 1920’s Pittsburgh! I love how faith was folded effortlessly into the story. There was mystery, intrigue, and renewed love. I look forward to reading more from this author!
3.5 stars
“Cole had been the only one who’d seen her for who she really was, and he’d abandoned her for it.”
So when Cole Parker not only returns to Pittsburgh, but lands a desk right next to hers in her father’s newspaper office, Elissa Tillman begins to relive the humiliation of her past . . . . right smack in the middle of her present. But maybe there’s hope; a little friendly competition never hurt anyone and Elissa is determined not to let the handsome big city reporter turn her head even the tiniest little bit, or to outscoop her for the story that will finally put her name beneath a headline.
When Cole Parker returns home carrying a boatload of regrets, his main objective is to determine whether or not his mistakes have caused irreparable damage to the heart of the loveliest girl in Pittsburgh, his girl; or at least she used to be. Elissa will hardly speak to him, but she sure did jump into his arms when . . . .
This entertaining debut is delightfully romantic; “sparks” fly everywhere amidst a “who done it” kind of case that will duly impress the most seasoned of readers. However, there are also significant life lessons tucked away in small corners between these pages, solidifying this story’s place “above the fold”.
I can’t believe Above the Fold is Rachel McDaniel’s debut novel! I really enjoyed this well written story. The setting, the roaring 20s, is such a fun one to read and this story is romantic and fun and has a great mystery!
I loved Cole. He was determined, humorous and he was so in love with Elissa. It did take me a bit longer to warm up to Elissa, but once I did, I was sold on them being together. I really loved her growth during the story. And, their whole pen thing was so sweet. I loved it!
I’m looking forward to whatever Rachel McDaniel’s brings us next! I’m really wanting a character from this story to get his own! Excellent debut!
Gaining traction in the world of newspapers is challenging. Almost a century ago for a woman to have momentum as a reporter was almost impossible. Learning about all that was involved in the land of journalism in the Roaring Twenties was enlightening.
This book has a little bit of everything that I like … a compelling storyline, suspense, romance and relationships that matter including both family members and mentors.
Topics tackled include forgiveness, second chances, recognition of others’ input in our lives, humility, openness and one that can be lacking in today’s society: journalistic integrity.
This is a well-done debut Christian fiction novel. I look forward to reading more from Rachel Scott McDaniel in the future!
What a stunning debut novel. Very well written and well edited. This book has it all…a swoon worthy hero in Cole and a very wonderful heroine in Elissa, a wonderful romance, some mystery and suspense set in the roaring 20’s and around a newspaper. I truly enjoyed this book and after seeing it talked about on social media then finding it at Walmart I am so glad I gave it a chance.
What an absolute gem of a debut! I love me some roaring 20s, but never truly thought of humble Pittsburgh as being a hub for speakeasies, crime, and suffragettes. I loved the accuracy to detail in the surroundings, the true air of history capturing all of the critical issues without getting bogged down by too much, and the rekindled relationship between Elissa & Cole (let’s hear it for second chance romances!). I also really appreciated the flawed nature of both of the star characters—Cole’s demons and Elissa’s never ending quest for perfection—and how they each knelt led to the feet of God to cast their burdens upon Him. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, and can’t wait for more from Rachel Scott McDaniel!
I did not realize that Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel was her first book. I am impressed! Elissa lost the love of her life to a journalism job in the city and feels she needs to prove herself to her father. The time period is the 1920’s and the Suffragette Movement is happening. She is working as a secretary at her dad’s newspaper trying to keep it afloat.
Cole, the heartbreaker moved to the city to work as a journalist, but never forgot Elissa. His plan was to return when he made a name for himself, terrible things happen, and he turns to the bottle. When her dad hires Cole, he challenges the both of them to write a front-page story. In the end they rekindled their relationship and eventually fall in love. I love the spiritual undertone; Cole’s character shows us that God is the God of second chances and how we see Him.
The 1920’s is a neat time period and the author did a wonderful job writing the book. If you enjoy reading historical romance than this book is for you.
I look forward to reading more books from the author. I received a copy of Above the Fold from Just Read Tours in exchange for honest opinion.
You guys! You guys!! YOU GUYYYYYYSSS!!
Oh, this book is absolutely one of my favorites of all time!! Debut author, Rachel Scott McDaniel nails it and I am ready for more!!
This story has it all! Swoon-worthy hero, flawed but steadfast in his purpose and love. A heroine full of gumption, tenacity, and raw but endearing insecurities. The plot is divine with mystery, twists, humorous wit, and the kind of one-liners that’ll remind you why the old black and white movies of a bygone era are treasures. The writing was superb making it hard to believe this was Ms McDaniel’s introduction into the world of fiction but I can tell you that I am a fan!
The narrative of our lives is His to pen.
Captivating from the beginning to the end.
Perfect Elissa was living life under the enormous load of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations she had ignorantly placed on herself. I admired her strength of her and character in fighting and standing up for those who couldn’t stand for themselves. In a time when post women were relegated to the background she choose to be and act different and that was endearing. Her heart for the paper was so wonderful to read about and I love how she was ready to do anything to save the paper.
Her relating with Cole was hilarious almost throughout the book. They knew how to get on each other’s nerves but their loyalty to each other was profound.
I enjoyed reading how Cole decided to change his lie with God’s help. It was so sweet when he decided to write his wrongs at his own peril.
Together they are my best liteary partners. They were just like a well oiled machine working in perfect tandem.
The saving grace of God was one of the most precious themes to me of this book.
Their second chance at love, and in saving the newspaper house was so heartwarming and reassuring of the love and miracles of God.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
This was a great historical romantic suspense story I loved the characters Elissa is trying to make a career in journalism in a time that Women are not usually in that line of work. Cole was her childhood friend and her competition to get a story in the paper but they must work together they have great chemistry. I loved that it is set in the 20’s and has great twist and turns. I am looking forward to more by this author.
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
She thought her dream was within reach, but his dream might get in the way of all her plans.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Rachel Scott McDaniel, but I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised. This new-to-me author that has blown me away with her talent, making me happy to have Above The Fold as my first read of 2020.
From page 1, I found myself surrounded by an era Consumed in speakeasies, women’s rights to vote, and women who wore fringed dresses while sporting bobbed haircuts. The early 1900’s saw great change in our American History, and Elissa and Cole were right in the middle of it.
Elissa’s determination made her a force to be reckoned with as she chased her goals to become more poised, more lucrative, more perfect. I saw every single woman in this character. We try so hard to be more than what God created us to be and in turn, telling God that what he creative wasn’t good enough. Like some many women, Elissa struggled to listen to the right voices; voices that will encourage and uplift.
Cole is a man who as determined as Elissa, but having all ready achieved success in the work force, he is focused on success in another part of his life. The poor guy was up against every hurdle possible in his journey to attain his most desired dream. His back story is a touching one. It’s a story of over coming great odds to be the man his is and longs to be.
Above The Fold is a captivating story of romance, mystery, and redemption. You cannot go wrong with adding this book to your TBR list. (Or grab a copy now and start reading.)
**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The positive thoughts expressed are not required but freely given.
Rachel Scott McDaniel did an excellent job of creating a beautiful love story and keeping us in suspense throughout. I highly recommend this for your next read.
First and foremost this book is amazing. It is a great debut novel for the author. The cover is stunning. The story draws you in right away. It’s set in the 20’s – and I read it in the beginning of the 20’s… HAHA. The characters have great chemistry. There is a mystery with twists and turns and non stop action. Elissa is a strong, staunch supporter of the women’s rights movement. She wants to become a reporter herself. – I was a little worried about how I felt about her in the beginning – but then she became my favorite. Why did she become my favorite. The obstacles that she has to overcome in this story. Work with someone who broke her heart, trying to make a name for yourself when you know that is not the “proper” thing to do….. Cole broke Elissa’s heart – can they work together to solve a murder?
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
My Thoughts on Above the Fold:
Debut novel alert! I see a lot more coming from this author. Loved learning all about they why and how behind this book and really enjoyed it.
This book is set in the 20s which normally isn’t an era I’m super fond of. Really did not like the fashion of the era so I don’t read a lot of books about it. What a silly reason! Anyway, this was a great book.
Our main character is a suffragette and she’s a working woman who wants to go into the man’s world instead of staying behind her secretary desk. She wants to write for the newspaper and not just the society column. When a newsworthy murder comes up she sees it as her way to get her story published and not just published but above the fold! Unfortunately, she’s going to have to compete for it. And it’s not just with anyone. It’s with the man who moved away and took her heart with him.
Such a fun storyline. Easy to read and easy to follow. Not a lot of mystery and I found that I knew what was going to happen but still a really good read and one I’d recommend to others.
The characters were great! You could almost see this as a movie playing out on the pages before you.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.