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…
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.
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.
Publisher: self-published
Page Length: 260 pages
Genre: Historical fiction, Mystery, Romance
Writing Interview questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
Brushstrokes from the Past is a dual timeline novel, and I’ve combined three things I love in this book; the seventeenth century, WWII resistance, and art history. Historical fiction can be great entertainment for those who have a passion for history. I certainly love revealing human nature, culture, emotion, and drama in a historical setting. Relationships between people, the juxtaposition between good and bad, and the struggle to do what is right in a country occupied by a ruthless enemy trigger this story. In addition, there’s the intriguing world of art preservation during WWII and the lives of the artist and model in the 1600s.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Brushstrokes from the Past is part of a series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are more enjoyable when read in order as the story progresses.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Caring, willing to learn, courageous.
I’ve chosen these three words because in this series, Soli—who has eidetic memory and can remember everything she’s ever studied about art history—has taken the choice to use her knowledge to help preserve artwork from falling into the wrong hands. She takes a leap into the unknown and learns how to help her country by thwarting the plans of the enemy.
What are you currently working on?
A fun Christmas romance from the latter half of the 1800s.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
That every author—new or experienced—will write many drafts before the finished manuscript is done. And, also, that having a great editor who teaches you the craft through excellent editing and who helps polish your story is a must for all authors.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love being outside. The beauty and serenity of nature is a gift. I walk my dog in any kind of weather and live in a country with four distinct seasons and plenty of rain and snow.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew it had to be something creative. I grew up in a home with a father who painted and designed, and he was always full of ideas. My mother sewed and was super crafty. They both shared their love of books, stories, and music with me. So, I wanted to write, design costumes, and paint pictures. I even thought about interior design or becoming an architect. I’ve combined my passion for history and art with storytelling, and I love it!
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
After spending the evening on one of our local beaches with three granddaughters, I made grilled cheese sandwiches with fried eggs on top for all of us. I’d rather be eating Mexican.
What would be a perfect day?
What are things I love? Hugs, smiles, and feeling grateful and content with what I have. A perfect day is when the joy of making someone else happy spills over on yourself.
What is the best part of your day?
I like Mondays because it starts a new, exciting week, and I enjoy normal days more than vacation because that’s when life has its real moments and when I learn the most. It’s enjoying the simple things…quiet morning when I write and organize my day, walking the dog in the middle of the day, and evenings when I watch series on TV with my husband and we fall asleep on the couch.
Either or!
Tea or coffee:
Herbal tea. I never drink coffee but occasionally love a cup of hot chocolate.
City or country:
Country—but close to a small town. I live an hour south of Oslo on a small island. I can walk to the beach or our small town in minutes, and the woods with deer, squirrels, and countless birds are right outside the door. We even have a sheep farm next door.
Social Media or book:
I love reading a book and disappearing into a different time and learning from people then and their experiences.
Thank you for hosting Heidi Eljarbo with such an interesting interview today. xx
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