About the Book:
OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT
BY HEIDI ELJARBO
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Series: Soli Hansen Mysteries, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery
In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.
“Artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can’t-put-down, first-class literary voyage.”–Melissa Dalton-Bradford, bestselling author of Global Mom
Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.
But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.
Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.
In this dual timeline novel, Heidi Eljarbo paints a vivid picture of what people are willing to do in desperate times. With unforgettable characters and rich historical details, Of Darkness and Light will keep the reader mesmerized until the last satisfying page.
Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Katherine Neville, and Kate Mosse.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Praise for Of Darkness and Light
“Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths.”–Pauline Isaksen, bestselling author of Dying for Justice
“Of Darkness and Light will reel you in and keep you hooked until the end.”–Mette Barfelt, bestselling author of The Solvik Series
Review:
Soli Hansen's life changed when the German troops invaded Norway in 1940. For four years Soli has seen the consequences of the occupation; however, she was still able to go to art school and find work at a small art shop in town. One day on her way to work, Soli finds that the shop helper, Mrs. Gunderson has died right outside the shop in a terrible accident. Inspector Nikolai Lange brings Soli in for questioning and leads her to believe that Mrs. Gunderson's death was a murder related to the artwork in her shop. Soli is intrigued and continues to help Inspector Lange. Soli is brought into the Norwegian resistance as she discovers the Nazi's plan to confiscate all of the valuable artwork from Jewish homes. When Soli and the underground discover a priceless Baroque piece, Soli is willing to risk everything to keep the artwork safe and out of Nazi hands.
Of Darkness and Light is an intriguing and inspiring murder mystery set in World War II Norway. I don't think that I have ever read about the German Occupation of Norway, so I was very interested in reading about the effects on the country. I did know of the Nazi's collection of artwork, but did not know that it extended into Norway or of the resistance dedicated to protect it. Through Soli, I was able to see the deep appreciation and beauty of the artwork that she fought for. The point of view also briefly switched to the artist, Caravaggio in 1607. Caravaggio's story was equally fascinating and I enjoyed learning about the chiaroscuro technique that he made prominent. I was constantly amazed by Soli's persistence, bravery and dedication to the cause. The mystery was well created and complex with a murder, hidden artwork and unknown intentions. Soli and the underground resistance members are definitely characters that I want to visit again.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT
BY HEIDI ELJARBO
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Series: Soli Hansen Mysteries, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery
In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.
“Artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can’t-put-down, first-class literary voyage.”–Melissa Dalton-Bradford, bestselling author of Global Mom
Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.
But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.
Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.
In this dual timeline novel, Heidi Eljarbo paints a vivid picture of what people are willing to do in desperate times. With unforgettable characters and rich historical details, Of Darkness and Light will keep the reader mesmerized until the last satisfying page.
Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Katherine Neville, and Kate Mosse.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Praise for Of Darkness and Light
“Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths.”–Pauline Isaksen, bestselling author of Dying for Justice
“Of Darkness and Light will reel you in and keep you hooked until the end.”–Mette Barfelt, bestselling author of The Solvik Series
Review:
Soli Hansen's life changed when the German troops invaded Norway in 1940. For four years Soli has seen the consequences of the occupation; however, she was still able to go to art school and find work at a small art shop in town. One day on her way to work, Soli finds that the shop helper, Mrs. Gunderson has died right outside the shop in a terrible accident. Inspector Nikolai Lange brings Soli in for questioning and leads her to believe that Mrs. Gunderson's death was a murder related to the artwork in her shop. Soli is intrigued and continues to help Inspector Lange. Soli is brought into the Norwegian resistance as she discovers the Nazi's plan to confiscate all of the valuable artwork from Jewish homes. When Soli and the underground discover a priceless Baroque piece, Soli is willing to risk everything to keep the artwork safe and out of Nazi hands.
Of Darkness and Light is an intriguing and inspiring murder mystery set in World War II Norway. I don't think that I have ever read about the German Occupation of Norway, so I was very interested in reading about the effects on the country. I did know of the Nazi's collection of artwork, but did not know that it extended into Norway or of the resistance dedicated to protect it. Through Soli, I was able to see the deep appreciation and beauty of the artwork that she fought for. The point of view also briefly switched to the artist, Caravaggio in 1607. Caravaggio's story was equally fascinating and I enjoyed learning about the chiaroscuro technique that he made prominent. I was constantly amazed by Soli's persistence, bravery and dedication to the cause. The mystery was well created and complex with a murder, hidden artwork and unknown intentions. Soli and the underground resistance members are definitely characters that I want to visit again.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
About the Author
Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of Catching a Witch. She 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.
If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of Catching a Witch. She 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.
If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
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