What do you think?
Rate this book
The Resistance Art Club: The WWII prequel to Of Darkness and Light - A sweeping historical novel of courage, friendship, stolen art, and love
The tension in Europe is rising. The world is on the brink of disaster.
Oslo, 1939. Secretary Heddy Vengen spends her evenings in a basement, secretly learning how to break codes. When she assists those who evacuate art collections from the National Art Gallery, she has her first encounter with the war situation.
Only days after Hitler’s army marches down Karl Johan’s Street in Oslo, German soldiers storm into her office and make it their own, cementing Heddy’s determination to do more to oppose the occupants. Driven with a fierce desire for freedom and a deep compassion for her beautiful country and its people, she joins the resistance movement and leaps into dangerous, covert operations whenever she’s needed.
During this time, she meets Sverre, a spirited undercover fighter whose resolve is as firm as hers. Bold and seemingly fearless, he faces every mission with personal optimism and masterful skill, and over a short while, he and Heddy grow close.
As war intensifies, Heddy learns not only to be loyal and pledged, but also, she discovers the meaning and importance of true friendship, especially during times of armed conflict when making the right choice could mean the difference between life and death. Heddy chooses her friends and associates carefully, surrounding herself with only a few men and women she can fully trust. She becomes acquainted with the painter Edvard Munch, an extraordinarily talented and private artist. Will he open her eyes to where to look for a missing painting?
The Resistance Art Club will take you on a gripping and suspenseful journey through the streets of Oslo during WWII, and the unforgettable characters are certain to stay with the reader long after they finish the story. This is for those who enjoy historical fiction with authentic details, and is the perfect read for fans of Kate Quinn, Deborah Swift, Rhys Bowen, Pam Jenoff, Kathleen McGurl, and Laura Morelli.
This novel is a prequel to the award-winning dual timeline series Soli Hansen Mysteries, a continuing story about an art historian who works undercover in Norway during World War 2. Heddy plays an important role in all four books.
Soli Hansen
Of Darkness and Light
The Other Cipher
Hidden Masterpiece
Brushstrokes from the Past
Oslo, 1939. Secretary Heddy Vengen spends her evenings in a basement, secretly learning how to break codes. When she assists those who evacuate art collections from the National Art Gallery, she has her first encounter with the war situation.
Only days after Hitler’s army marches down Karl Johan’s Street in Oslo, German soldiers storm into her office and make it their own, cementing Heddy’s determination to do more to oppose the occupants. Driven with a fierce desire for freedom and a deep compassion for her beautiful country and its people, she joins the resistance movement and leaps into dangerous, covert operations whenever she’s needed.
During this time, she meets Sverre, a spirited undercover fighter whose resolve is as firm as hers. Bold and seemingly fearless, he faces every mission with personal optimism and masterful skill, and over a short while, he and Heddy grow close.
As war intensifies, Heddy learns not only to be loyal and pledged, but also, she discovers the meaning and importance of true friendship, especially during times of armed conflict when making the right choice could mean the difference between life and death. Heddy chooses her friends and associates carefully, surrounding herself with only a few men and women she can fully trust. She becomes acquainted with the painter Edvard Munch, an extraordinarily talented and private artist. Will he open her eyes to where to look for a missing painting?
The Resistance Art Club will take you on a gripping and suspenseful journey through the streets of Oslo during WWII, and the unforgettable characters are certain to stay with the reader long after they finish the story. This is for those who enjoy historical fiction with authentic details, and is the perfect read for fans of Kate Quinn, Deborah Swift, Rhys Bowen, Pam Jenoff, Kathleen McGurl, and Laura Morelli.
This novel is a prequel to the award-winning dual timeline series Soli Hansen Mysteries, a continuing story about an art historian who works undercover in Norway during World War 2. Heddy plays an important role in all four books.
Soli Hansen
Of Darkness and Light
The Other Cipher
Hidden Masterpiece
Brushstrokes from the Past
- GenresHistorical Fiction
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2026
About the author
Heidi Eljarbo
21 books105 followersHEIDI 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 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.
If you would like to know more, please visit:
Official Author Website:
https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheidie...
https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/
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 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.
If you would like to know more, please visit:
Official Author Website:
https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheidie...
https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a prequel to the Soli Hansen books and presents a thorough and fascinating background story about Heddy, the leader of the Resistance Art Club. The genre of this novel is a combination of Historical Mystery and Historical Romance, set during the time when the Nazis invaded Norway. Heddy is a clever and believable character, one who is dedicated to saving the artwork of Norway from the plundering of the greedy and destructive Nazis. To do so, she has to plan clandestine meetings, organize a band of helpers and infiltrate the enemy’s homes in order to try to discover where stolen art is being hidden. I was so enthralled with the story and the realistic portrayal of the setting and characters that it was easy to immerse myself in the story, gasping at Heddy’s courageous exploits and on the edge of my seat when she is about to be found by the Nazi commander. This book also presents the romance that is developing between resistance leader Sverre and Heddy. Their story is told with emotional depth as the two face constant danger and separation even as they work separately to complete missions. The entire story is expertly plotted and gives a unique perspective about what was happening to the everyday people when Nazi troops came in and occupied the land, taking over houses and government buildings without any thought to the sovereignty of the nation or the will of the people. The mystery about the painting that Heddy is relentlessly seeking is intriguing and makes a compelling addition to the story. I wanted to find out the name of the artist, the title of the painting and like, Heddy, I really wanted to know where had been hidden. I was captivated by the mystery as much as I was with the characters. The author does a remarkable job of bringing history to life and including artwork within the framework of the story, even having Heddy meet the master artist Edvard Munch. This is an exciting page turner with a fast pace, insightful information that is woven into the plot, and a strong message of resilience and undaunted courage. A brilliantly written novel that affirmed the importance of love, art, and patriotism in an era of unrest and uncertainty, this is a breathtaking and gripping story. The author has such a beautiful way with words, describing the emotion of the characters as well as the beauty of the artwork. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough as its rich, descriptive details and authentic research make it an extremely powerful and must-read tale.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Resistance Art Club tells Heddy and Sverre's story and serves as a prequel. I loved reading their story, but it was complicated and fascinated me from the beginning. I read the story in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down.
Sverre is an outstanding character full of courage, strength, and determination to carry out the most dangerous missions. Heddy is also courageous and determined. Their story is inspirational and uplifting, especially since it is happening during WWII. As you might guess, the resistance faces dangerous conditions, suspense, and times of desperate measures.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Sverre is an outstanding character full of courage, strength, and determination to carry out the most dangerous missions. Heddy is also courageous and determined. Their story is inspirational and uplifting, especially since it is happening during WWII. As you might guess, the resistance faces dangerous conditions, suspense, and times of desperate measures.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2026
The Resistance Art Club by Heidi Eljarbø is a perfect mix of history, suspense, friendship, romance, and art. Even after I finished the book, I found myself thinking about all the incredibly brave people who knowingly put themselves in extremely dangerous situations to protect their families, friends, country, and culture.
As the war spreads through Europe, there are rumours and preparations in case it reaches Norway. We are introduced to Heddy and follow her journey as she becomes part of a resistance group working to save valuable works of art from the hands of the occupiers. Along the way, she meets new friends she can trust with her life, as well as “her” Sverre, who is also working for the resistance.
Heddy goes undercover in art shops and secret private auctions, desperately trying to learn more about art so that she can help uncover the valuable art treasures that have mysteriously disappeared. With soldiers everywhere, she is constantly finding new places to sleep, both to protect her friends and to avoid being caught.
As she gains more experience and becomes increasingly determined, she also finds herself deeper and deeper in danger. The resistance needs someone they can trust completely—someone who truly understands art. Sverre reluctantly mentions his sister, Soli, a young art expert, but he does not want his sister to be dragged into anything dangerous.
This book is the perfect prequel to the Soli Hansen series and sets the tone for what is to come. It gives us a deeper understanding of the people, events, and history that shape Heddy and her friends, as well as Soli, before she later enters the story.
As the war spreads through Europe, there are rumours and preparations in case it reaches Norway. We are introduced to Heddy and follow her journey as she becomes part of a resistance group working to save valuable works of art from the hands of the occupiers. Along the way, she meets new friends she can trust with her life, as well as “her” Sverre, who is also working for the resistance.
Heddy goes undercover in art shops and secret private auctions, desperately trying to learn more about art so that she can help uncover the valuable art treasures that have mysteriously disappeared. With soldiers everywhere, she is constantly finding new places to sleep, both to protect her friends and to avoid being caught.
As she gains more experience and becomes increasingly determined, she also finds herself deeper and deeper in danger. The resistance needs someone they can trust completely—someone who truly understands art. Sverre reluctantly mentions his sister, Soli, a young art expert, but he does not want his sister to be dragged into anything dangerous.
This book is the perfect prequel to the Soli Hansen series and sets the tone for what is to come. It gives us a deeper understanding of the people, events, and history that shape Heddy and her friends, as well as Soli, before she later enters the story.
September 29, 2026
The Resistance Art Club is the prequel to the Of Darkness and Light series written by Heidi Eljarbo. I know that no matter what series I pick up by her, I am going to go on an adventure, and I am going to learn more about art history.
This story was such a fun journey to go on. At the start of WWII, Norway was about to be invaded by the Nazi’s. Heddy begins to help save the famous artwork in the museum, shipping it off to hide it from the Germans. When the Germans invade, Heddy finds herself put in charge of the Resistance Art Club, which is a group of people trying to save art and rescue it. Heddy finds herself in some scary positions and needs to lean into the help from other resistance fighters and nationalists. I loved getting to explore the story behind art during WWII, while also getting to learn more about painters. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can not wait to jump into the rest of this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This story was such a fun journey to go on. At the start of WWII, Norway was about to be invaded by the Nazi’s. Heddy begins to help save the famous artwork in the museum, shipping it off to hide it from the Germans. When the Germans invade, Heddy finds herself put in charge of the Resistance Art Club, which is a group of people trying to save art and rescue it. Heddy finds herself in some scary positions and needs to lean into the help from other resistance fighters and nationalists. I loved getting to explore the story behind art during WWII, while also getting to learn more about painters. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can not wait to jump into the rest of this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
September 29, 2026
In this prequel to the Soli Hansen Mysteries, Heidi Eljarbo has crafted another intriguing story for fans of the historical fiction series. As with all the books in the collection, the blend of artwork, character development and historical facts offers readers a fascinating tale, this time set in WWII Norway.
This fast-paced story takes us back to the beginning, when war threatened, and Oslo citizens began to prepare for the worst. Heddy Vengen is already doing her part, but when new demands are placed on her, this courageous young woman doesn’t hesitate to face the dangers to defend her beloved country and its treasures.
This story will delight existing fans of the Soli Hansen mystery series, along with new inductees to the ‘club’. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author, and this is my honest review.
This fast-paced story takes us back to the beginning, when war threatened, and Oslo citizens began to prepare for the worst. Heddy Vengen is already doing her part, but when new demands are placed on her, this courageous young woman doesn’t hesitate to face the dangers to defend her beloved country and its treasures.
This story will delight existing fans of the Soli Hansen mystery series, along with new inductees to the ‘club’. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Back to the beginning.
The prequel to the fabulous Soli Hansen Mysteries series, takes us back to Heddy's beginning as leader of the Resistance Art Club during World War Two, and their aim rescue and hide as much of Norway's famous artwork as possible.
A lot of the characters from the series are introduced, and the covert work they perform is quite dangerous as they risk their lives for their country.
This book is well written and researched, suspenseful and contains many actual events and people, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for lovers of this genre.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The prequel to the fabulous Soli Hansen Mysteries series, takes us back to Heddy's beginning as leader of the Resistance Art Club during World War Two, and their aim rescue and hide as much of Norway's famous artwork as possible.
A lot of the characters from the series are introduced, and the covert work they perform is quite dangerous as they risk their lives for their country.
This book is well written and researched, suspenseful and contains many actual events and people, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for lovers of this genre.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2026
If you loved the Soli Hansen Mystery series, you don't want to miss this fabulous new prequel. This one not only provides the background for the underground resistance movement to save Norway's precious artworks from the Nazis, but it also stars the fascinating Heddy Vengen. Even better, we meet Soli's older brother, Sverre, a fearless resistance fighter from the very beginning of World War II. The inclusion of Edvard Munch, a longtime Oslo resident, as a character was brilliant. I've always loved his work, so learning the backstories of his famous artwork was an unexpected bonus. The Resistance Art Club was much more than I expected and made me want to reread the whole series. I highly recommend it.
October 4, 2026
This was my first introduction to the series and I am now hooked. Not only does the author draw you into the setting of WWII in Europe, she presents the characters in a compelling and compassionate way. The characters lead you through the story in a way that makes you feel like you've entered a time machine and transported back in time. The unique take of using art to share about the resistance brought history to life in a way that I won't forget. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews