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Heidi Eljarbo
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Of Darkness and Light: A Soli Hansen Mystery Book 1 (Soli Hansen Mysteries) Kindle Edition

by Heidi Eljarbo (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 190 ratings
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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.

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

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 4
    Soli Hansen Mysteries
  2. Print length
    263 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    May 12, 2020
  6. File size
    2828 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Of Darkness and Light
"A fresh and compelling read! One feels instantly transported to WWII Norway and into the intimate world of the irresistible main character, Soli. From front to back cover churns a nonstop, multi-layered plot weaving post-war street savvy with high Italian art; espionage with friendship; murder with survival ... all through artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can't-put-down, first-class literary voyage."-Melissa Dalton-Bradford, author
Of Darkness and Light is a thrilling novel filled with suspense and intrigue. Ms. Eljarbo's novel delves into the mysterious world of art preservation during WWII. The country of Norway is the backdrop for this illuminating novel with stunning descriptions of a beautiful country and people living under the rule of the Third Reich. Filled with fierce determination, a genuine love of art and a courageous heart, the main character, Soli turns heads and hearts. I am anxious to see what she will do next. Another great read!-Linnea Shaw
"When literature, with all its narrative and drama, is combined with instructive material such as history, art, science or even math, then I'm simultaneously and sublimely entertained, enthralled and edified. This combination of artistic elements converges in author, Heidi Eljarbo's, latest story of heroine, Soli Hansen."-Jana Pawlowski
"Excellent plot and great research."-Randiloves2read
"The overarching theme of finding (and fighting for) light in times of darkness was a great backdrop for this novel that skillfully juxtaposes good and evil like a chiaroscuro painting." -Bruce Jacobs, author
"Absolutely incredible! I absolutely will be counting the days until the next one is released. I inhaled this in one sitting, it's just that good!"-Passages to the Past
"This author is one to watch! I was awed by how quickly this story and characters captured my interest. Gripping storytelling, and you won't want to put this one down till the breathtaking end."-Christina Boyd, author
"What would you have done to preserve art masterpieces from falling into the hands of the German Nazis? Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths."-Pauline Isaksen, author

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B086RNG5SX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 12, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 12, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2828 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 263 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

About the author

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Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking their Wheaten Terrier in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

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

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
190 global ratings
In the heat of war there are always hero's willing to risk everything for a righteous cause.
5 Stars
In the heat of war there are always hero's willing to risk everything for a righteous cause.
I loved the book, "Of Darkness and Light", because it gave me a new perspective into the lives of the average person during a time of war. I found myself wondering what I would have done if I were in the shoes of the main character in this book. I have heard so many tales of the Nazi occupation but never even thought of the hardships that the people of Norway had to endure. It is not talked about as much as other countries, but should have been. The attention to detail gives a vivid picture of what could have been if this were a true story. It blends facts and fiction beautifully. I love art, history and a good story involving heroes. This book had all of these. It also has twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the book. In my opinion it is well worth reading.Pat Baldwin
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Top reviews from the United States

Julie P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing dual-timeline mystery
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
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I love books set during WWII, and I chose this one for that very reason. Although the setting is somewhat secondary to the mystery; I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Eljarbo knows her art and art history and it shows.
One person found this helpful
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MN reader
4.0 out of 5 stars Invasion of Norway
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2022
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I really liked this Historical Novel. I learned a lot about Germany's invasion of Norway and the Author''s addition of personal stories affected by it. The murder gave it a bit of mystery to keep you guessing. I hope she does a sequel.
3 people found this helpful
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K Mac
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart stopping and so very real!
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
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This book takes the reader straight back to the horror of World War II, and to the efforts of the "common folks", who had to live with the reality of such terror and disruption in their daily lives. A hard book to put down midway, I had to read it in one sitting! Reminded me of the stories from my Scandinavian relatives and their Resistance efforts. Added interest is all the background on the artists and art theft. Love this series!!
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Another country's fight in WWII
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2023
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This was a great story especially how the Nazi's started off by allowing some freedom to remain and then became horrible there too. Good story and well told.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Of Darkness and light
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
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It was hard for me to get into this story as I am not into art history and some of the actions taken by the occupiers seem a bit glossed over.
One person found this helpful
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Miranda KH
5.0 out of 5 stars Saving art from the Nazis
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
I’ve read that art is what makes us human, and you could literally feel Soli Hansen’s passion for saving it in this incredible novel!

If you’re familiar with the story of the Monuments Men, you know that, during the World War II era, there were dedicated men and women who risked their lives to save Europe’s treasured art pieces from the Nazis. This novel is set in Norway and provides a fabulous perspective into both the resistance movement in general and the effort to save some of the treasured artifacts housed in the country.

I’m not typically a fan of dual-timeline novels, but the way the author wove together the story of the Italian painter Caravaggio and Soli’s effort to save some of his work - while wrapped up in a murder mystery - was superb. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars WW2 in Norway
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
I'm addicted to WW1 and WW2 stories about the average citizen who flies way above average for their country. I've read so many books how war has affected Britain, France and even Spain's civil war. This is interesting historic fiction.
3 people found this helpful
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Richard Baldwin
5.0 out of 5 stars In the heat of war there are always hero's willing to risk everything for a righteous cause.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved the book, "Of Darkness and Light", because it gave me a new perspective into the lives of the average person during a time of war. I found myself wondering what I would have done if I were in the shoes of the main character in this book. I have heard so many tales of the Nazi occupation but never even thought of the hardships that the people of Norway had to endure. It is not talked about as much as other countries, but should have been. The attention to detail gives a vivid picture of what could have been if this were a true story. It blends facts and fiction beautifully. I love art, history and a good story involving heroes. This book had all of these. It also has twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the book. In my opinion it is well worth reading.
Pat Baldwin
Customer image
Richard Baldwin
5.0 out of 5 stars In the heat of war there are always hero's willing to risk everything for a righteous cause.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2020
I loved the book, "Of Darkness and Light", because it gave me a new perspective into the lives of the average person during a time of war. I found myself wondering what I would have done if I were in the shoes of the main character in this book. I have heard so many tales of the Nazi occupation but never even thought of the hardships that the people of Norway had to endure. It is not talked about as much as other countries, but should have been. The attention to detail gives a vivid picture of what could have been if this were a true story. It blends facts and fiction beautifully. I love art, history and a good story involving heroes. This book had all of these. It also has twists and turns to keep the reader guessing throughout the book. In my opinion it is well worth reading.
Pat Baldwin
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One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Renny deGroot
5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Perspective
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
I loved this story set in Norway - it's a different view of WW2 and blended the traditional story of hardships faced by a country under occupation with a coming of age story that can resonate with modern readers. The desire to keep one's head down to just get through, at some point confronts us all and how we choose, determines our fate. This novel was fascinating and relevant. I highly recommend it.
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Thalia
5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting and fascinating read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2021
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I knew nothing of what happened in Norway in the war years and this was an eye opener on the suffering the Norwegians. I enjoyed the book being in two time zones and found reading of the character of Caravaggio fascinating. The journey to get the painting to safety was a
fraught with danger and the Norwegian weather made you feel cold. An excellent read, which I can recommend.
One person found this helpful
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Christine Boos
4.0 out of 5 stars Promising series
Reviewed in Germany on December 17, 2023
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Actually a 3,5*. I did enjoy this rather short novel, and felt it enthralling. I also found it interesting and informative as to the art side of it. On the other hand, the main character was sometimes irritating because even after 4 years of war, she still didn't fully comprehend what that meant!!!! Otherwise, quite entertaining and will definitely try book 2 of the series.
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Lynn Morrison, author
5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling and wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2020
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On its surface, this book is a wonderful mystery which will keep you guessing right up until the culprit is revealed. Underneath, this book is a story about how people can evolve and change, how different people confront challenges in different ways and how good can triumph over evil, but with a cost.
If you are looking for a mystery which weaves in human themes, history and art seamlessly, please read this book.
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Kristian JSW
5.0 out of 5 stars A well written murder mystery in an art context
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2020
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What a marvelous book! Well written. An enjoyable story that only spans a good week. A murder mystery in an art context. I look forward to reading the next book.
One person found this helpful
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