Review: Brushstrokes from the Past by Heidi Eljarbo

October 05, 2022

Review: Brushstrokes from the Past by Heidi Eljarbo

I'm delighted to share my review for Brushstrokes from the Past, a wonderful dual-timeline novel by Heidi Eljarbo.

It's currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Check out the other fabulous posts here.

Brushstrokes from the Past

A Soli Hansen Mystery

Heidi Eljarbo

I've been familiar with Heidi Eljarbo's award-winning dual-timeline series about art theft during WWII, but not had a chance to read any of the novels, yet. Although it's the last book in the series, Brushstrokes from the Past works well as a standalone read, as snippets of the backstory are added very nicely into the narrative. Needless to say, I'll have to catch up with the first three novels at some point.

When the preserved body of a 17th-century man is found in a marsh, it transpires he carried a sealed tube with him – with a painting by Rembrandt. Soli and her friend, Heddy, a local leader in the resistance movement, are called to help by the professor who overlooks the dig. But before they can secure the painting, the professor and Heddy vanish – and the paining is gone.

Soon, Soli has to deal with the overly curious Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Walter, and uncovers Heddy's whereabouts – at his side! Uncertain about her friend's dangerous game, Soli and her group of resistance fighters, including her fiancé, Nikolai, have to move fast – and always under cover – to find the professor and help their friend. But it's a race against time, as Heinz has plans for the painting, and for Heddy!

I'm annoyed that I haven't picked up any of the earlier titles in this fascinating series yet. The topic is unusual, and I love it. Trying to save pieces of art from the grasp of the Nazis was a dangerous, real job, and the daily threats to the lives of Soli, Heddy, and their resistance friends add a strong sense of suspense, which never really stops.

The research is impeccable, and I found myself admiring these characters for their bravery and daring, and holding my breath when they do something risky. Soli is a daring character, but her loyalty towards her friends can lead her into trouble. I loved that added sense of risk-taking, although the characters never lose their sense of fear. This adds a touch of realism. Although this is a work of fiction, it portrays the bravery and worries of ordinary people, in dangerous surroundings, very well.

But Ms Eljarbo is also not afraid to show herself critical towards those Norwegians who collaborated with and acquiesced to the Nazis and their policies, and some even espoused it. It's not a whitewash of her country's history, but a realistic assessment of what happened, and why members of the resistance after the end of the war were still wary about other people, who may have been secretly involved. I found this aspect important and honest.

The 17th-century part is shorter, but also full of adventure, and it cleverly weaves into the 20th-century story through a family link.

Fast-paced and cleverly plotted, Brushstrokes from the Past is a wonderful novel, which you want to devour as you want to know what happens next, but you also want to savour it at the same time. It makes you think about it, and the situations people faced on a daily basis, long after you finished reading.

A highly recommended read.

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Blurb:

A Historical Art Mystery

WWII and the mid-seventeenth century are entwined in this fourth dual timeline novel about Nazi art theft, bravery, friendship, and romance.

April 1945. Art historian Soli Hansen and her friend Heddy arrive at an excavation site only to find Soli’s old archeology professor deeply engrossed in an extraordinary find in a marsh. The remains of a man have lain undisturbed for three centuries, but there’s more to this discovery…

As Soli tries to understand who the baroque man was and discovers what he carried in a sealed wooden tube, problems arise. A leak reveals the finds to the notorious Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Walter, and soon, both Nazi elite and the Gestapo are after the treasure.
When Heddy and the professor disappear along with the artwork, Soli and her resistance group must find them before it’s too late.

1641. In Amsterdam, French musketeer Claude Beaulieu has had his portrait done by his close friend and artist Rembrandt van Rijn. When a band of thieves steal the precious painting, Claude and his wife Annarosa Ruber pick up their swords and a few belongings and go after the culprits.

Set in Norway during the tumultuous last days of the second world war, as well as the peak of the glorious baroque art period, these two stories are a must for readers who love historical fiction with adventure, suspense, and true love that conquers all.

Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Kathleen McGurl, Rhys Bowen, and Katherine Neville.

Buy Links:

Available on #KindleUnlimited

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/47g8Ej

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon US: https://www.amzn.com/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09ZBBRH84/

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About the Author:

Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi:

Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiEljarbo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheidieljarbo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-eljarbo-morrell-andersen-345a253a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidieljarbo/

Instagram author page: https://www.instagram.com/authorheidieljarbo/

Pinterest: https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-eljarbo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amzn.com/Heidi-Eljarbo/e/B073D852VG/