Review of The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo

 

Italy, 1620.

Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo.

Angelo knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. When he loses his master, his livelihood is shaken. Tozzo’s plunder is hidden in a safe place, but what will happen if someone comes after Angelo to get their hands on the stolen relics? More than that, he feels threatened by words he’s heard too many times; that he’ll always remain unforgiven and doomed.

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about the hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them.

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy—an artistic and audacious tale that crosses paths with art collector Vincenzo Giustiniani and the powerful Medici family.

A Five Star Read

The Relic Keeper is a character-driven historical story where Angelo, a young orphan, navigates a harsh world under the control of the cruel Tozzo. With the calm, steady guidance of Padre Benedetto and the wonder of new experiences in Rome, Angelo’s journey becomes one of hope, moral growth, and quiet triumph. Eljarbo delivers an engaging, heartfelt read that balances struggle, compassion, and small victories.

• Tender, realistic characters

• Heartfelt and emotionally rich

• Immersive historical atmosphere

• Villainous figures that heighten tension

This book is available in the following formats

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Heidi Eljarbo

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.

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Review of The Unquiet Spirit by Penny Hampson

 

She wasn’t home alone...

With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish house that had belonged to her godmother?

There’s just one problem – it comes with a ghost as a sitting tenant.

Her grumpy new neighbour, the broodingly handsome Tom Carbis, is another fly in the ointment – he seems to turn up wherever Kate goes. His dog might be friendly, but he’s definitely not.

Then the discovery of a hidden diary points Kate to a romantic mystery with links to both Tom’s family and her house’s past – a mystery that might explain the reason for her spectral lodger.

The downside? Kate needs Tom’s help to solve it and has to convince him that she is not his foe.

But working with Tom to unravel long-buried secrets has unexpected consequences, and Kate discovers far more than she bargained for.

The Unquiet Spirit is a spooky, suspense-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance.

A Five Star Read

I thoroughly enjoyed The Unquiet Spirit — it’s a captivating mix of romance and the paranormal that kept me hooked from start to finish. Kate’s move to her inherited Cornish house sets the stage for mysterious happenings and a slow‑burn connection with her intriguing neighbour, Tom. The story balances tender, emotional moments with an undercurrent of suspense, making it a charming yet eerie read that lingers after you’ve put it down.

* A compelling blend of romance and supernatural intrigue

* Engaging, relatable characters with real emotional depth

* A Cornish setting that adds atmosphere and charm

* Suspenseful yet heartwarming story that keeps you turning pages

This book is available in the following formats

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Penny Hampson

Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!

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Publication Date: 17th October 2025

Publisher: PP&M Publishing

Page Length: 245

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

Triggers: emotional abuse by partner

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Review of Rough Diamond - Rough Justice by Avien Gray

 

After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.

Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.

But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.

Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.

In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.

Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.

However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?

Trigger warnings: violence, murder

A Five Star Read

I was completely drawn into Rough Diamond from the very start, finding it a gripping and emotionally intense read that felt raw, honest, and thoroughly engaging. Avien Gray delivers a story that doesn’t shy away from darkness, yet still manages to feel deeply human and absorbing from beginning to end.

*Gritty, realistic characters who feel flawed, layered, and genuinely believable

*Strong pacing that keeps the tension building and the pages turning

*Sharp, confident writing with emotional depth that never feels forced

*A story that lingers long after the final page, making it a truly memorable read

This book is available in the following formats

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Praise

“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is a riveting spy thriller that seamlessly blends electrifying elements of espionage, adrenaline-charged action, and daring escapades.

 

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

“A gripping high-stakes thriller, “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is driven by the urgent question of whether one can ever truly escape a dark and violent past.”

The Coffee Pot Book Club

“Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence.”

Literary Titan

Avien Gray

Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.

Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.

Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.

 ‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.

 They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.

 ‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’

 And time moved on.

But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.

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Publisher: Avien Gray

Page Length: 466

Genre: Political Thrillers & Suspense / Historical Fiction

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Review of The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

 

The Other Bennet Sister 
By Janice Hadlow

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary is the middle of the five Bennet girls and the plainest of them all, so what hope does she have? Prim and pious, with no redeeming features, she is unloved and seemingly unlovable.

The Other Bennet Sister, though, shows another side to Mary. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings – is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance? And, if she finds her life lonely or lacking, that she determines to try harder at the one thing she can be: right.

One by one, her sisters marry – Jane and Lizzy for love; Lydia for some semblance of respectability – but Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins. But when that fateful day finally comes, she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all.

Five Stars

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow is a smart, tender, and deeply satisfying reimagining of Pride and Prejudice that finally gives Mary Bennet the understanding she’s always been denied. Hadlow transforms Mary from a caricature into a painfully relatable, thoughtful young woman navigating family neglect, social awkwardness, and the longing to be valued for who she truly is. With emotional insight, historical authenticity, and a clear love for Austen’s world, the novel stands confidently on its own while enriching the original story—making it a must-read for Austen fans and anyone who’s ever felt like the overlooked one in the room.

* A compassionate and psychologically rich portrait of Mary Bennet

* Faithful to Austen’s world while boldly expanding it

* Explores themes of self-worth, growth, and quiet resilience

* Absorbing, emotionally rewarding, and beautifully written

This book is available in the following formats

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Review of The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

 

In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.

What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.

The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.

Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?

A Five Star Read

The Alpine Fortress is a fast-paced thriller where a forgotten map pulls Ivanna into a dangerous chase through the Bavarian Alps. With strong characters—especially Matteo—and a gripping blend of terror and suspense, Kinread delivers an engaging, adventurous read that’s both tense and emotionally grounded.

* A gripping blend of historical mystery and modern suspense

* Strong, realistic characters

*Vivid setting

*Vile antagonists

This book is available in the following formats

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Rowena Kinread

Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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Publication Date: 12th September 2025

Publisher: Goldcrest Books

Page Length: 311

Genre: Thriller

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Review of Murder At Miller's Hotel by Kelly Mason

I was recently invited to an online audiobook book club by the amazing book blogger Oh Look, Another Book! If you have not heard of her, then I really recommend you check out her reviews as they are awesome. Anyway, November's book is Murder At Miller's Hotel. Scroll down to read my thoughts.

It’s 1924. Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall is on a relaxing hotel break to recuperate. Her nemesis is found dead in the restaurant, face down in his pea and ham soup. Can she confront her past to solve the mystery?

Lady Ellen seeks respite in the charming seaside town of Branden Bay, whilst her home, which was used as a convalescent home for war veterans, is being refurbished to its former glory. Her peaceful break takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her arch-nemesis, the enigmatic Major Albert Coltrane. Major Coltrane is found lifeless, his face submerged in his own soup after a heated and public confrontation with Ellen who finds herself accused of murder.

Determined to clear her name, she forms an unlikely alliance with Lottie Penny a hotel chamber maid and Captain Ernest Hamilton, a former patient at her convalescent home.

With her faithful Irish setter, Prince, by her side, Lady Ellen embarks on a riveting journey through hidden alley bars and the opulent music hall of Branden Bay. They strive to unravel the threads of the mystery, in race against time to expose the real killer before Lady Ellen becomes the next victim.

If you love the glitz and glamour of the era and a twisty plot, then step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide. Murder at Millar’s Hotel is the first book in the Lady Ellen Investigates series.

A Five Star Read

“Murder at Millar's Hotel: Lady Ellen Investigates” is an absolute delight from start to finish—a cozy historical mystery with charm, wit, and just enough intrigue to keep you glued to your headphones. The narrator brings Lady Ellen to life with elegance and personality, and the vivid descriptions of the grand yet shadowy Millar’s Hotel make the entire story feel like a luxurious getaway laced with danger. Kelly Mason crafts a mystery that feels both classic and refreshingly modern, with red herrings perfectly placed to keep listeners guessing.

What truly makes this audiobook shine is Lady Ellen herself—clever, composed, and unafraid to challenge expectations. Her quiet determination and sharp observations guide the listener through twists that are smart, surprising, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a longtime fan of cozy mysteries or simply in the mood for an engaging escape, this audiobook is polished, immersive, and immensely entertaining.

* A charming, clever heroine who elevates every scene

* A classic whodunit feel with modern storytelling flair

* Rich atmosphere and superb narration that make the mystery irresistible

Review of The Boy From Block 66 by Limor Regev

 

A Five Star Read

The Boy From Block 66 is a deeply moving and accessible account of Moshe Kessler’s survival as a child in Auschwitz. Limor Regev weaves historical detail with emotional storytelling, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The book’s straightforward style makes the horrors of the Holocaust understandable without ever diminishing their weight. Moshe’s resilience, the small acts of kindness that kept him going, and the friendships formed in unthinkable circumstances give the story a powerful human core. This is an important, compassionate, and unforgettable read for anyone interested in personal histories of the Holocaust.

* Powerful true story 

*Emotionally compelling

This book also available on Amazon