The Last Light over Oslo: A Novel

by Alix Rickloff

Overview

Based on true events, this gripping historical novel set in Norway and Sweden in 1940, follows one of the first female US Ministers, Daisy Harriman, and her niece as the two are unexpectedly caught up in the German invasion of Norway.

Cleo Jaffray was an American. A war in Europe had nothing to do with her. She told herself that right up until the man she loved went missing in Poland and Cleo was forced to turn to the only person who might be able to help—her aunt Daisy, the US Minister to Norway.

Daisy Harriman has never shied away from a challenge, be it canvassing for women’s suffrage or driving Red Cross ambulances in WWI, so as only the second woman ambassador, she is determined to prove the naysayers wrong and succeed in her post. When her disgraced niece Cleo lands on her doorstep, penniless and demanding help to find her lost lover, Daisy must balance her responsibilities as a diplomat with her desire to help her family.

Their search for answers is interrupted when Germany invades Norway and the pair find themselves on the run in a countryside that is quickly becoming a battleground. Then as Daisy is given the task of escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her young children to America, Cleo’s lover resurfaces with a story that doesn’t add up and dangerous enemies on his trail.

This riveting historical novel, based on the astounding life of Daisy Harriman and a real-life royal rescue, vividly captures a desperate time and a fearless heroine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063286214
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	565,671

About the Author

Award-winning historical fiction author Alix Rickloff’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War. With inspiration like that, what else could she do but write her own stories? She lives in Maryland in a house that’s seen its own share of history so when she’s not writing, she can usually be found trying to keep it from falling down. .

Editorial Reviews

"A riveting story set in Norway in 1940, which brilliantly captures the growing sense of menace as the Nazis take control of the country. Daisy Harriman and her niece Cleo are true originals – feisty, brave, and vulnerable at the same time. Fast-moving and vividly described, The Last Light Over Oslo is a triumph!" — Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author

"Wonderfully atmospheric and beautifully written, The Last Light Over Oslo is the riveting story based on a real life heroine: Daisy Harriman, the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, who was charged with escorting the Norwegian Crown Princess and her young children to America to keep them safe from the invading Nazis. The Last Light Over Oslo is utterly absorbing—I could not put it down!" — Christine Wells, Internationally bestselling author of THE PARIS GOWN

"Compelling and fresh, Rickloff pulls you into the complicated lives of Cleo and Daisy, two women who don't know the meaning of the word "No", their determination and loyalty at once admirable and dangerous. A thrilling read from beginning to end." — Noelle Salazar, USA Today Bestselling author of The Roaring Days of Zora Lily

“The Girls in Navy Blue had me smiling from first page to last! … Alix Rickloff pens a lovely coming-of-age tale: brave women making waves in a war-torn world.” — Kate Quinn on The Girls in Navy Blue

“Rickloff spins a tale of friendship, loyalty, and secrets…an endearing account of the first women in the navy and how they proved themselves worthy.” — Booklist on The Girls in Navy Blue

“A beautiful coming of age under fire story that will live with the reader long after the book is over. This is truly WWI fiction at its finest.” — Aimie K. Runyan, international bestselling author of The School for German Brides, on The Girls in Navy Blue

“This extraordinary novel follows the stories of strong women who undertake struggles and become stronger for it.” — Library Journal on The Girls in Navy Blue

“The Girls in Navy Blue is a nostalgic and eye-opening journey into the almost forgotten story of the women who served in the U.S. Navy during World War One. Rickloff has written a riveting reminder that the bonds of found family can be stronger than blood.” — Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms

From the Publisher