The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo - a review (5 Stars)

 

Book Review: 5 Stars

I don’t think I’ve ever connected so deeply with a supporting character the way I did with Padre Benedetto in The Relic Keeper. Angelo is already such a compelling character, struggling to survive in a harsh world, but it’s Benedetto who truly transforms the story for me. From the moment he appears, there’s this calm, steady presence about him — he doesn’t scold or lecture, he simply sees Angelo for who he could be, not who he has been.

Benedetto’s kindness is quiet but incredibly powerful. He offers shelter, trust, and guidance at exactly the right moments, and watching Angelo respond — slowly, cautiously, but genuinely — is incredibly satisfying. It’s the little things that stayed with me: breakfast offered instead of punishment, patience when Angelo falters, encouragement when he shows a glimmer of hope. Benedetto doesn’t just give Angelo a safe place; he gives him the tools to understand that his past doesn’t define him and that he can make different choices.

I also loved how Benedetto’s influence ripples through the story. He’s the reason Angelo begins to see the world differently, to notice beauty and possibility where he had only seen survival before. His wisdom and steady heart feel like a lifeline, and it reminded me how one thoughtful, compassionate person can change the course of someone’s life entirely. 

If you enjoy stories about growth, hope, and the quiet power of compassion, this is absolutely a book to pick up. The Relic Keeper isn’t just about Angelo’s journey — it’s about the people who help us become the best version of ourselves, even when we don’t realise it at the time. Padre Benedetto alone makes this one unforgettable.

About the book

The Blurb

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.

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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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The Colletta Cassettes by Bruno Noble

Liguria, Italy. Summer 1978.

The Kentish family are on holiday in idyllic medieval village of Colletta. Sixteen-year-old Sebastian is smitten with Rosetta, the hotel cleaner and waitress, much to his snobbish mother's dismay, while his younger brother and their fellow hotel guests are obsessed by the World Cup, hosted by the murderous military junta in Argentina.

The boys' father, Peter Kentish, has very different motivations for the trip. An investigative journalist, he spends much of his time interviewing a mysterious American, a disillusioned ex-CIA agent.

As Kentish uncovers the shocking extent of Operation Gladio, he delves into some of Italy's darkest secrets. Darker still is the involvement of the USA. Those complicit will do anything to ensure that the truth is buried. For good.

Giveaway to Win 3 x Stacks of 5 Inkspot Publishing books (UK Only)

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*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize

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Bruno Noble study Philosophy and French literature at Southampton University.  A circuitous route selling advertising space in financial magazines took him to the City where, amongst other things, he wrote markets and investment reports while impatient to write a novel.  His first, ‘A Thing of the Moment’, was published by Unbound in 2018, and his second, ‘The Colletta Cassettes’, was published by Indie Novella in 2022 before being re-published by Inkspot Publishing in 2025.  

Having enjoyed working collaboratively with other writers when he joined the Collier Street Fiction Group in 2021, Bruno started a part-time (two-year) Creative Writing M.A. at Birkbeck University in 2024.

The Unquiet Spirit by Penny Hampson - a review.

 

Book Review: 5 Stars

I really enjoyed The Unquiet Spirit for its quietly creepy atmosphere and slow-burn paranormal mystery. The haunting never feels overdone, but instead slips into the story in subtle, unsettling ways that kept me turning the pages. 

What stood out to me was how thoughtfully the ghostly elements were handled. The strange happenings build gradually, creating tension through mood and atmosphere, and there’s a genuine sense that the spirit has a story that needs to be told. And when it is told, it left me in tears.

Alongside the supernatural storyline, the characters feel warm and grounded, which keeps the book balanced and easy to sink into. The Unquiet Spirit is an engaging, atmospheric read with heart as well as hauntings, and it left me keen to continue the series. A solid five-star read for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance fiction.

About the book

The Blurb

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.

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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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Dark is the Night by Rachel Evans

 

In Nazi-occupied Holland, a mother and son fight to survive.

When his sister Lotte dies of blood poisoning, Casper Van Doujke leaves his island home of Terschelling for Amsterdam. Blaming himself for Lotte’s death, he studies to become a doctor.

Meanwhile, his mother Elske Van Doujke’s quiet mourning for her daughter is interrupted when the Nazis occupy Terschelling. When a face from the past returns to the island, Elske has a final chance of happiness. But can she take it?

Mother and son join the Dutch resistance, risking everything for their people as they live through occupation and famine. In her remote cottage, Elske shelters young Dutch men trying to escape to England and Allied airmen attempting to avoid capture. In Amsterdam, Casper works as a doctor for the resistance and falls in love with the fiancée of his cell’s leader.

But when the war threatens those closest to them, Elske and Casper are forced to make impossible choices just to survive.

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Rachel Evans

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always written stories (which I kept in a shoe box beneath my bed). Having cerebral palsy, I found an escape in writing and I still do. After doing a BA (Hons) in English and French and an MA in Modern Languages Research, I trained to be a newspaper journalist. I now work as a teaching assistant in a primary school where I share my love of writing with the children I teach. In my free time, I spend every moment I can writing. Escaping to the past, especially World War II, helps me cope with the stresses of life in the present.  

https://www.instagram.com/rachelevansauthor/

The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave by Sarah Rodi

A spicy, forbidden love Viking romance

Their forbidden tryst…

Is treason!

Helena’s spent her life preparing to be the Byzantine Prince’s bride. But when his cruel disinterest turns her position perilous, she finds salvation in fierce warrior Viggo. As the Prince’s personal guard, he knows her betrothed like no other. Could Viggo help her win his affections?

Only, Helena swiftly discovers the man she craves is not her husband-to-be…but thrillingly rugged Viggo! To act on their desires would be committing treason. Getting caught could be fatal. And yet, resisting their illicit connection feels like a fate worse than death…

Excerpt

The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave is set in 10th century Constantinople, where skilled Viking warriors fought for emperors in return for great riches, and the royal princes picked their wives at bride shows. 

The story begins when the bishop’s daughter, Helena, is chosen. Prince Marianos must marry to sire an heir, and Helena must wed to save her family from financial ruin, but during their first moments alone, the prince’s charming façade drops, and Helena’s ideas of a romantic union are shattered.

She is surprised when his Varangian commander, Viggo, is kind to her, despite his belief that she is marrying the prince for wealth and status. As Viggo helps her to win over the prince’s affections, she soon discovers it is not the prince’s heart, but that of his right-hand man she cares about, but any attraction between them is forbidden, and Viggo must resist temptation – he needs the wedding to take place to receive his coin and help his pregnant sister...

In this scene, it’s the eve of the wedding, after the dress rehearsal, and Viggo is helping to prepare Helena for the ceremony – and her first kiss...

***

Viggo dropped his hand from her face and Helena felt him step away.

‘I can’t,’ he said, his voice gruff, his eyes still focused on her lips.

She wrinkled her nose, feeling vulnerable about her request—hurt that he was rejecting her. She tipped her head to one side. ‘Do you want me to look like a fool in front of all those people?’

‘Helena…’ His voice sounded desperate. ‘You are Marianos’s bride.’

‘And you said you cared about me. That you would help me.’

He gave a sharp shake of his head. ‘Not with this.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because it wouldn’t be right. It would be treason to kiss you.’

‘It would be a betrayal not to. How can you send me out there, in front of the enormous congregation, not knowing what to do? I’ll bump his nose, or knock his teeth.’ She tried to smile, but it crumbled.

He softened and stepped back towards her, raising his hand again, smoothing his thumb over the corner of her lips, and she felt her breathing quicken. ‘You won’t, Helena. You can’t get this wrong. Besides, you’re in a place of worship, it will be brief.’

‘How brief?’ she said, looking up at him. ‘So brief no one will notice? Or ever know?’

His eyes narrowed on her and something passed between them, a mutual understanding. He glanced towards the door, the need for discretion, to avoid detection, imperative, before turning back to her. He stared down at her, his ebony eyes searing hers, and her breath hitched.

As if his decision was made, his fingers slowly stole round her neck and twisted into her hair, making her shiver. Then gently, unbelievably, he drew her face towards his. She stopped breathing altogether. Her eyes fluttered shut as she waited for the touch of his skin and she gasped at the contact as their lips brushed, his mouth carefully pressing against hers.

She felt sudden heat. It was as if time stood still and she leaned in, wanting to linger, tender feelings rushing through her, needing to get closer, and then he abruptly pulled away. He dropped his hand from her jaw and she opened her eyes, feeling unsteady as she stood there looking up at him.

‘There,’ he said, moving briskly away from her. ‘You’ll be fine.’

‘Good,’ she whispered, nodding, reaching out to hold on to the altar rail, shocked at the disturbing feelings rushing through her. ‘Thank you. You were right. There really is nothing to it.’

He swung back to look at her.

‘I don’t know what I was worried about. To think I was concerned about a little kiss.’

Fire blazed in his eyes. The same fire that had erupted inside her—like a burning, desperate need. She knew it was destructive, that it threatened to destroy everything, but right now, in this moment, she didn’t care. And when he gripped her wrist, pulling her back towards him, bringing her up against his chest, hard, she gasped, thinking neither, it seemed, did he.

‘Did I disappoint you?’ he said.

And before she had chance to answer, he took her face between his hands and the impact of his mouth on hers again was explosive. This time, his lips were firm, moving with purpose, and he opened her mouth with his to kiss her fully. His hot silky tongue swept inside and she gasped at the erotic invasion of his tongue. She felt a frisson of heat ripple through her and her whole body trembled.

She thought about pulling back, thinking that she ought to, concerned someone might see them, but she couldn’t. She didn’t want to. She was lost to him. And instead, her fingers splayed out against his chest as she sank into him, allowing his hands to move slowly over her shoulders and down the curve of her back, to press her closer, crushing her breasts against him and deepening the caress of his kiss.

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Sarah Rodi

Sarah Rodi has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her grandad, or devouring love stories from the local library. Sarah lives in the village of Cookham in Berkshire, where she enjoys walking along the River Thames with her husband, her two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over 20 years, but it has been her lifelong dream to write romance for Mills & Boon. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy ever after. You can contact her via @sarahrodiedits or sarahrodiedits@gmail.com. Or visit her website at sarahrodi.com

Rough Diamond, Rough Justice by Avien Gray - a review

Book Review: 5 Stars

Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a fast-paced international thriller that dives deep into the worlds of espionage, organised crime, and power. The story follows Cain, a former MI5 operative whose life shifts dramatically after a failed operation and a series of unexpected events pull him into the dangerous diamond trade.

Cain is a confident, highly capable protagonist—intelligent, observant, and comfortable in violent situations. He’s charming and skilled, but there’s a clear darkness beneath the surface that keeps him interesting and unpredictable. The supporting characters, from loyal allies to manipulative antagonists, add depth and tension without slowing the story down.

The novel’s global settings are vividly drawn, especially its South African locations, where wealth and danger sit side by side. The pace rarely lets up, blending action, intrigue, and moral grey areas into a story that feels both cinematic and grounded.

Overall, this is a gripping thriller with strong characters and relentless momentum—ideal for readers who enjoy high-stakes plots and complex leads. 

About the book

The Blurb

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

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

Universal Buy Link:
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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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The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

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?

Review

The Alpine Fortress stands out not just for its fast-paced plot but for the strength and clarity of its characters. At the heart of the novel is Ivanna, a federal policewoman whose life is upended when she discovers a mysterious map among her late grandfather’s belongings. Ivanna is a compelling character because she isn’t written as a conventional action hero—she’s thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human. Her motivations are relatable, and her courage feels authentic rather than contrived.

Beside her is Matteo, a mountain guide and officer, whose expertise transforms him from a supporting figure into one of the story’s moral anchors. Matteo is calm under pressure, deeply loyal, and guided by a strong sense of justice. His intimate knowledge of the Alps is crucial, but what truly makes him memorable is the steadiness of his character. He brings warmth and reliability to the narrative, balancing the intensity of the unfolding mystery. Through Matteo, the novel explores themes of trust, responsibility, and quiet heroism. He is the kind of character whose presence elevates every scene in which he appears.

Opposing them is the shadowy, ambitious antagonist known as “the Argentinian”, whose pursuit of hidden Nazi treasure drives much of the plot’s tension. While dangerous and unpredictable, he remains believable—driven not just by greed but by a strategic cunning that makes him a genuine threat. 

The combination of Ivanna’s emotional depth, Matteo’s unwavering integrity, and the antagonist’s dangerous ambition gives the novel a dynamic, character-centred core. Their interactions and clashing motivations make The Alpine Fortress more than a thriller—it becomes a story driven by human choices, strengths, and flaws.

Amazon

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.

Connect with Rowena:

Website: https://www.rowena-kinread.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenakinread

Twitter / X: https://x.com/RowenaKinread

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rowena.strittmatter

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