Greed is a very ugly thing indeed, and will make people do things they never thought possible. I don’t know what it is about art, but people get straight up crazy about it, as is shown in Brushstrokes from the Past.

This novel is a dual timeline, the past being set in 1641, at the height of Rembrandt’s career, and the present being near the end of World War II. Both eras are intriguing to me and I can honestly say I’ve never read them both together before. I did get a little lost with the back and forth and all of the different names, but I blame not reading the rest of the series first. Not to say that you can’t read this as a standalone as I did, but I feel like I would’ve appreciated the conclusion more had I read the rest of the series first.

I loved this story as a whole, but have to say that I appreciated the 1641 timeline more than I did Soli’s time. It’s obvious the author did her research, and it gleams from the pages. I learned quite a bit about Rembrandt that I did not previously know, which I greatly appreciated, and always enjoy when reading historical fictions.

Soli’s timeline has a Nancy Drew flavor that I am so here for but I feel like I twas so squeaky clean, Soli and her friends being a little too perfect, that I did struggle to connect as deeply as I liked, but maybe that is also something that comes when you read the series as a whole. The author does a great job of filling in the gaps of the past novels, which made me want to read more of Soli’s other adventures. This was such an insane time in history, especially in Europe, the entire time blanketed in uncertainty, but then you layer even more mystery, and the tension is taut and palpable.

It’s amazing how the beauty of a painting can transcend through the times, and through the pages into words. I could see that Rembrandt painting in my mind the entire time I was reading, and it was exquisite. If you like clean historical fiction then this is absolutely perfect for you. It has a wonderful flow and a delicious flavor that I truly enjoyed.

*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. ( )

Brushstrokes from the Past is set in Norway during the seventeenth century and last year of WWII. It not only focuses on art and art styles during that time but is a work of art in itself—the history and descriptions of art pieces, the meanings behind the characters’ names, and the motivation of the resistance group.

This book captured my attention quickly. I feel as if I now know Soli. It is easy to connect with her and like her. It was just as easy to dislike the Colonel. And the emphasis on Nazi thievery and the art history is surprisingly (to me) and increasingly stimulating.

I love dual timeline stories. And I love how these stories, which take place during the mid 1600s and the mid 1900s, are wonderfully knitted together. This is the only book I’ve read in the series, but I’m pleased it doesn’t pose a problem. It works well as a standalone.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. ( )