Heidi Eljarbo

I have recently awakened a hunger to find out more about my ancestry. There is a lot of mystery when it comes to where I come from and I want to shine a light on the past to find a deeper meaning within myself. Reading The Warmth of Snow reminded me that I can still be true to who I am without knowing the past, but that finding out the truth can lead to new life beyond my imagination.

Erica’s story is one of tragedy that gives serious Cinderella or Ever After vibes. She is an orphan that has been taken in by her evil aunt and uncle for nefarious reasons and subjected to verbal and emotional mistreatment, a fact that made my heart ache. Erica is such a sweet soul and does not deserve such treatment, and reading about the abuse is heartbreaking.

Austin is no stranger to heartbreak himself, having just returned from war with a debilitating disability, as he is no longer able to walk, and because of this he carries a heavy air of depression at his lot in life. A chance meeting puts him in the presence of Erica, who is a ray of sunshine in his darkness, and in one another they find what each other needs.

I loved this book so much! There is a sense of familiarity that surrounded my senses as I read this novel, like there was an invisible and instant connection between myself and this narrative, invoking something deep within me. There is something truly magical when you feel this kind of connection with a story, almost like it’s your own in some ways.

Heidi Eljarbo is one of my favorite authors as she has such a talent with connecting readers with her characters, making them almost become one as they traverse the characters unique journey together. I identified with both Austin and Erica in some form or fashion, further connecting me to their story, and I couldn’t get enough, so much so that I practically read this novel in one sitting.

This is a story of two souls that bring out the best in one another, showing that together you can overcome any adversity victoriously with love, and it is one I cannot recommend enough.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited with JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (más)

I really enjoyed this heartfelt historical romance novel. I loved that it was a shorter read but that there will still so much to the story and that everything was answered and wrapped up in the end. Erica was taken in by her aunt and uncle when she was orphaned and she has never really felt accepted and the questions about her parents are never answered. But following in her fathers love of art, she has made some cards that she is handing out to bring some joy to others. Having one card left, it is suggested she drop one by Castle Linborg. This one small act of kindness is about to change her life in the most unexpected way. This painted card is just what may get her the answers she has always sought and also be the saving grace for the count of Linborg. I would recommend this as a heartfelt holiday read! Really enjoyed this one. Thank you to JustRead Tours for the invite and to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (más)

I am a huge fan of the Soli Hansen Mysteries series and was so excited to see that the author was doing a spinoff series featuring Soli’s daughter, Fabiola. Soli taught Fabiola everything she knew about art history and her daughter is not only following in her footsteps when it comes to vocation, but she is also keeping solving mysteries in the family as well.

It’s 1973 and Fabiola is in London admiring one of her favorite paintings and shocked when she realizes that the painting that she is looking at is actually a forgery. With the help of her detective friend Cary and best friend Piper, Fabiola embarks on a journey to find the missing art piece and catch the thief.

This novel is a dual timeline that gives the reader a glimpse into the past, telling the story behind the painting Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, the artist and his life, and the subjects that the painting was based off of. I was transported back to eras where I did not yet exist, yet the author did a masterful job of making these worlds come alive for me. The small details made the greatest imagery, allowing me to see a glimpse into the past. Even though we do not get to see Soli in this particular novel she is mentioned frequently, as she is now a legend in the art history field, a fact that put a smile on my face. It also makes me want to go back and finish that series!

This is a very well done spinoff that has the same heart and spirit as the original series, something that I appreciate and enjoyed. The characters feel fresh and the world building is phenomenal. The overall flow is perfection and I ate up every historical tidbit about Gainsborough and his painting, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.

I loved that Fabiola, Cary, and Piper work as a tremendous trio, giving a lightness and sense of humor to the narrative while also working together as a team to solve a mystery. I know absolutely nothing about art, but after reading this novel my curiosity is piqued. The stories behind both the artist and the paintings themselves is utterly fascinating to me. I truly cannot wait to see what adventures this series is going to take us on.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (más)

Given how much I'm into Christmas novellas and how amazing the book cover of this one is, it's kind of a wonder that it took me over a year to finally read this one I had on my Kindle.

As romantic as this story set in the '70s turns out to be, I personally wouldn't think of it as a romance novella. The heroine spends much of the time with just herself and her dog, reflecting on the family life she had as a child. It's an easily paced read with plenty of contemplative moments, and I'd say that family is the key focus.

Also, while I admittedly enjoy my share of holiday schmaltz, this isn't a corny or sappy story. The emotional quality here is real and relatable without being overdone. I mean, at least a time or two, the story sort of snuck up on me when it twinged my heart.

While grief is a prominent theme, the read is warm and inviting with its own kind of Christmas magic. Great for fans of wholesome holiday stories. I definitely plan on reading this author again.… (más)