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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book
Title: The Dutch Muse
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Genre: Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance
A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.
Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.
For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.
Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.
Amsterdam, 1641
Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist.
Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.
This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.
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EXCERPT 1:
Amsterdam, 1973
“The beam above the doorway looks like it’s been painted to resemble marble. Why would rich people want fake stuff?” Pippa asked. “Surely, both Rembrandt and the owner of this place could both afford the real deal.”
“They probably could, but marbling was very popular during the seventeenth century. We can still see a lot of it in old palaces and churches. The painting technique was applied to chimney pieces, staircases, columns, and many other things.” Fabiola tapped her lip. “I bet that doorway goes to the anteroom. At least, that’s the way it is in Rembrandt’s house.”
Pippa narrowed her eyes. “An anteroom?”
“Rembrandt conducted his art dealing business in a room like that. He received customers and discussed commission for paintings—all over a glass of wine.” Fabiola turned to the back wall and sighed. “And look at that door with the rounded archway. I’m telling you, they’ve designed everything to take after the old master painter’s home.”
Pippa nudged Cary. “She’s going into a history trance. We’ve been here all but five minutes, and I’ve already learned everything I need to know about baroque interior and art dealing. Hurry, we need to rescue her.”
Fabiola laughed. “Stop it. I’m just in awe that someone has gone to such lengths to make their home a replica of Rembrandt’s. It’s fascinating.”
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EXCERPT 3:
Amsterdam, 1641
“Now, when you leave, don’t be a stranger,” Rembrandt said. “You have been a most excellent assistant, and you will do well.”
“Any final piece of advice to send me on my way? I am both eager and perhaps bold in assuming I’ll see success in my future. At the same time, I am merely your humble student.”
Rembrandt laid his hand on Ferdinand’s shoulder. “The training you received in Dordrecht before you came here provided you with an excellent foundation, and I have taught you everything you need to know to have great success as a painter. You have sucked up every lesson, mastered each skill, and been as pliable as a new branch in spring. My advice would be to never become an old branch, dry through and through; one that easily breaks because he cannot bear to be shaken. Be docile and teachable, always learn, continuously develop a better way to use your paint and brushstrokes to become worthy of the title master painter. That said, you are your own ruler now. Twenty-five years old and merely ten years younger than myself…we are much alike, you and I, Ferdinand. We both chose our profession at an early age—or rather, I would say a life of painting chose us. Go forth, now. Let Ferdinand Bol take charge of his own destiny.”
“Thank you, Master Rembrandt. I am highly indebted to you for your generosity.” He stood and placed his flat-top hat on his head.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
More in This Series:
About the Author
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 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.
Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will each receive their choice of any one paperback from the Fabiola Bennett series plus a $20 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Sounds like a fabulous read.
ReplyDeleteSounds great.
ReplyDeleteA captivating and fascinating novel that is a real treasure. Anne
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing about The Dutch Muse today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the excerpts!
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed these excerpts as well.
DeleteThis is going to be such an absorbing read, and I'm interested in learning more of the history.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteIm looking forward to checking this book out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really interesting read.
ReplyDelete