Sung in the Shadows

Author: Crystal Caudill
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Art of Love & Danger #2
Pages: 328
Release Date: March 17, 2026
Publisher: Kregel Publications

When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal, with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.

With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.

Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms.

As the line between what's real and false grows fainter, will Ezekiel's and Nora's faith and love overcome?

---

Reviewer: Bill Varela

Crystal Caudill’s books always leave me at the edge of my seat with a need to find out more about the story. This one was no different, and I would say it has been one of my favorite ones by her. The story was captivating and intriguing from the very start. I thought after the time jump things were going to slow down, but nope. It kept me flipping through the pages all throughout the story. 

Nora has suffered a lot throughout her life, so when Ezekiel comes into her life. She is not having it because her life has not proven to give or keep what/whom she wants. I loved seeing Ezekiel pursue her and stay by her side even though she fears her “crazy” will send him packing.

I am a reader who loves romance in a story. So when the book does not have as much romance as I am used to yet keeps me enthralled, I know the author has done her magic with the plot. There is romance in the book, but that was not what I wanted to know most about. It was the plot.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Be gentle with her but don't give up. She's a hard one to get to know, but I think it's because she fears being known. She had a harrowing childhood."

Nora Davis had experienced quite a harrowing childhood, to the extent that her parents relocated, changed their names, and kept Nora as far away from the music performance world as possible. In some ways they were successful, with her mother tucked away in an asylum and her father working as an accountant, they never imagined that a besotted man would unknowingly turn the clock back towards danger.

Visiting his mother once a week at Longview Asylum, stage manager Ezekiel Beaumont had the unique pleasure of listening to Nora Davis sing under her mother's careful tutelage. When he was finally able to gain her attention (albeit with the help of a maniacal cat!) she expressed no interest in friendly conversation, much less his flirtatious antics. To his credit, Ezekiel could demonstrate unadulterated persistence and quickly realized that the lovely young woman carried the sort of heavy burdens that she was never meant to bear.

This story wields a worthy sword; cutting through pleasantries with deft precision, exposing raw wounds and deep fears, maneuvering steadily through the darkness of hopelessness and into the brilliant arena of truth. Nora and Ezekiel painstakingly learn how to transfer their burdens to the only One who promises rest for their souls, but in the interim . . . . . there is an amazing story to be told!

---

---

Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Y’all, this has to be my favorite book of the year so far! A story that will leave you thinking about it long after it has over. 

A story that sort of reminds me of Phantom of the Opera. 

This book will have you eagerly turning the pages long into the night. You know me. I don’t like putting a book down until it’s done. Especially when Nora and Ezekiel have a story to tell me.

Love, hope, and forgiveness are the themes throughout the story. Also redemption. 

I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t want it to end.

Caudill has done well with the toughest of subjects and how it affects other family members, not just the public. That has to be hard. 

This just proves that music absolutely soothes the soul! Ive always said that myself. 

There are evil characters that I don’t like and what they did to the Davis family. For me, I call it jealousy. 

I really recommend this novel. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. 

5 stars for a wonderful job well done!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Kregel Publications through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.

---