Heidi Eljarbo
Historical Fiction Author
Welcome to my website!
With a lifelong passion for history, I am happy to share my excitement and joy of the past with you. In my books, I hope to show how people handle life's ups and downs. I love historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love
and others you don't want to go near.
If the story has elements of hope, magic, and romance amid challenging times, the better.
I hope you'll enjoy my tales. I certainly love writing them.
Heidi
Ways to connect
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery
*New Series*
This is the first book in a new dual timeline series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from the much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.
Come back to the nostalgia of the groovy seventies and the classical Georgian era of the eighteenth century.
1973. Art historian Fabiola Bennett sees herself as a prudently observant deer who becomes a daring and even mischievous lioness if the situation calls for it. And that’s exactly what’s required when greedy criminals steal, forge, and tamper with treasured artwork. When the crooks add murder to their list of crimes, the chaos is complete.
A mysterious note is delivered anonymously at the door of the National Gallery in London, and the director immediately calls Fabiola’s office in Oslo and pleads with her to come without delay. The message is confusing, but it seems one of her favorite eighteenth-century portraits is in trouble.
Fabiola hops on the first plane and meets up with her vibrant side-kick Pippa Yates and the ever-loyal Detective Inspector Cary Green from New Scotland Yard. But she is not naïve enough to think untangling the purpose and meaning of the mysterious note will be as simple as a walk in Hyde Park. These things never are.
1750. Newly married Robert and Frances Andrews, members of the landed gentry of Suffolk, England, hire young and talented Thomas Gainsborough to paint their wedding portrait. Their desire is a lovely conversation piece showing their wealth and class, an artwork to remember them by for generations to come.
Little do they know the gifted artist portrays their personalities exactly how he perceives them, and the artistic symbolism is not as flattering as they’d hoped for. Even the looming clouds in the distance promise a troublesome future.
The second book about art historian Fabiola Bennett -
Coming on 28 May 2024!
This is the second book in a dual timeline art mystery series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.
Assisi, 1973.
On art historian Fabiola Bennett’s first day in Assisi, a local gentleman takes her aside to ask for advice about a painting that has wondrously appeared in the basilica’s bell tower.
So much for enjoying relaxing days filled with dining on pasta and gelato.
Soon, Fabiola and her besties, Pippa and Cary, are thrown into a shrouded mystery and caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, theft, lies, and attempted murder, all of which overshadows the postcard-like charm of the small, historic town.
Rome, 1511.
Life is going well for Teodoro Nicoletti. Since he was a young man in Florence, he has worked and learned alongside the most-favored artist Raphael.
When Pope Julius II commissions Raphael to paint several frescos in the reception rooms of the Vatican Palace, Teodoro follows his master to Rome and discovers firsthand the admiration and rivalry between Raphael and two other reigning artists: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
But the prickliest thorn in Teodoro’s side is his beloved Elisabetta’s father. The old man is determined to keep his youngest daughter from becoming Teodoro’s wife.
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“Once again, author Heidi Eljarbo leads readers through the highs and lows of the art world. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s…sure to be a new favorite for historical mystery fans.”
-Lynn Morrison, author of the Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries
Heartwarming Christmas
Proper and sweet romances
with drama, wit, and finding true love.
Set in different countries and at different times.
NEW!
Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society
“A delightful mystery about finding what was lost and the power of friendship. Eljarbo’s lovely writing brings the quaint Norwegian village alive through a cast of characters that will charm the reader from beginning to end.” —Julie Daines, bestselling author of Eleanor and the Iron King
Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.
It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.
In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor. Fans of Rhys Bowen, Julie Klassen, Kathleen McGurl, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley will be delighted with this new novel.
Soli Hansen Mysteries
Each novel can be read as a standalone, but they are more enjoyable when read in order as the story progresses.
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Courageous Clara Dahl
To some, her strength could mean life or death.
Each novel can be read as a standalone, but they are more enjoyable when read in order as the story progresses.
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“A highlight for me in descriptive writing."
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“Artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can't-put-down, first-class literary voyage."
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“I'm simultaneously and sublimely entertained, enthralled, and edified.”
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"The overarching theme of finding (and fighting for) light in times of darkness was a great backdrop for this novel
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that skillfully juxtaposes good and evil like a chiaroscuro painting."
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"Absolutely incredible! I inhaled this in one sitting, it's just that good!"
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"This author is one to watch! …quickly this story and characters captured my interest.”
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“Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths."
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“A mystery which weaves in human themes, history, and art seamlessly."
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“A reward for any reader who adores quality World War II Historical Fiction.”
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“Depiction was absolutely fabulous.”
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“A book definitely deserving of your time.”
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"Smooth flowing narrative combined with beautiful, detailed imagery.”
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“I appreciate and admire the author’s knowledge and careful adherence to facts.”
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“Depicted with stunning atmospheric elements.”
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“Vibrant characters, a deftly woven plotline, and historical texture that makes you never want to put it down.”