It's been a whirlwind of a month. November seems to have just arrived--that is, until I look at the calendar. My parents always told me that time seems to move faster as one ages. They were RIGHT! Wasn't last month January, 2024???
Ah, well... it's been a memorable year. My fourth book (WEST OF SANTILLANE) launched in March and my husband and I bought our first camper. I hope all of you--my readers--have similar milestones that you've added to 2024.
As we enter December and begin the exciting and crazy-busy Holiday rush, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving (for those in the U.S.) and for my friends in other countries, a blessed Christmas and Hanukkah. I hope you've been able to pick out a few good reads from my blog-posts this year. I look forward to more reads, reviews, and guests on the blog for next year, too!
This week, I want to welcome author Heidi Eljarbo, by featuring her beautiful book, THE PARIS PORTRAIT. For those of you who love a good historical mystery, be sure to get your hands on this one! I have a feeling it would make an ideal winter read with a cup of cocoa, a fire in the hearth, pajamas, and a blanket!
READ ON, everyone!!!
ALL ABOUT THE BOOK
Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?
Paris, France, 1973. After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family.
On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.
Versailles, France, 1789. Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time.
But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before.
Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.
This is Heidi Eljarbo’s third dual timeline novel about Norwegian art historian Fabiola Bennett—a captivating spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.
ALL ABOUT HEIDI
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.
CONNECT WITH HEIDI
Twitter (X): @HeidiEljarbo
BUY THE BOOK!!!
***To purchase, click on the bookcover for the link***
Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family! Thank you so much for hosting Heidi Eljarbo with her fabulous new release, The Paris Portrait, today.
Take care,
Cathie xo
The Coffee Pot Book Club