The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven (The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy) by Jennifer Ivy Walker - a review

Book Review: 4 Stars

Arthurian fiction has always carried a darker thread beneath the legend—ambition, betrayal, and the uneasy struggle for power—and The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven captures that atmosphere well. From the start there’s a sense that the royal court is not the safe place it appears to be, and that hidden dangers are quietly shaping the lives of those within it.

Issylte is an engaging character to follow. She begins the story surrounded by expectations and political pressure, yet there is a quiet strength about her that gradually emerges as the story unfolds. Watching her begin to understand both the dangers around her and her own abilities makes her journey particularly compelling.

The wider cast also brings a lot to the story. Ronan in particular stood out to me. His loyalty and steadiness give the narrative a welcome sense of warmth, and his connection with Issylte feels genuine. Tristan’s storyline adds the knightly element with tournaments, rivalry, and honour-bound duty, though at times he felt more like a supporting character than the central hero the narrative suggests.

There is also a strong thread of Celtic magic running through the book. Avalon, prophecy, and the sense of older traditions still shaping the world give the story a mystical atmosphere. Queen Morag appears more as a shadow hanging over the court, adding another note of danger in the background.

One small issue I did notice was that certain phrases and descriptions appear repeatedly throughout the book. After a while this becomes a little noticeable and slightly tiresome, especially when the same ideas are expressed in similar ways.

Readers should also be aware that this is quite a sensual novel, with several explicit love scenes woven into the story. These moments add a passionate edge to the relationships and give the book a stronger romantic element alongside the magic and intrigue.

About the book

The Blurb

In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from the ruthless Black Widow Queen.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.

Can their passion and power prevail?

Praise

“A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense.”  

Finalist Award from Reader’s Choice Book Awards

“I loved the world-building, the drama…fantasy settings from actual places like France, Ireland, and Britain.”

Jennifer Ibiam, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

“An incredible tale of love, courage, sacrifice, and the everlasting fight between good and evil.”

Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

“Her world building skills are masterful. Her rich storytelling and blending of genres will delight readers and fans of paranormal, historical, and romance alike.” 

Author Avis Adams

“A wildly romantic adventure, filled with the stuff of legends.”  

Author Helen Johannes

“A new rival for Marion Zimmer Bradley’s crown.”

SandDancer Publications

“The world-building is second to none.”

N.N. Light’s Book Heaven

“Her wording is precise, lyrical, and beautiful, and character depictions are vivid and enthralling.”

Author Barbara Bettis

“An example of historical romance at its best.” 

Coffee Pot Book Club 5-star Editorial Review

“This beautiful fantasy novel captured my full attention from start to finish. Jennifer Ivy Walker infuses espionage, betrayal, love, magic, and danger throughout the story. The end left me yearning to read the sequel.” 

Stephanie Chapman for Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

Universal Buy Link: 

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Jennifer Ivy Walker

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferivywalker.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-ivy-walker

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/bohemienneivy

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Ivy-Walker/author/B0B91R2MJZ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22671046.Jennifer_Ivy_Walker

Quetzalcoatl: Time Stones Book II by Ian Hunter - a review

 

Book Review: 5 Stars

Quetzalcoatl: Time Stones Book II was easy to settle into, and it didn’t take long to feel pulled back into the story. The book quickly reconnects you with the characters and the world they’re moving through, and before long the journey starts to widen in interesting ways.

What stood out to me most was how much the story focuses on the characters rather than the mechanics of the time travel. Jessie still feels like the centre of things, but she’s clearly dealing with the weight of decisions and situations that aren’t easy to manage. Tiponi, Kesejowaase and Abe each bring something different to the group, and the relationships between them feel genuine. There are moments where trust wavers and people aren’t entirely sure what the right thing to do is, which makes their interactions feel believable.

The Time Stones themselves are also handled in an interesting way. They don’t feel like an easy answer to problems. If anything, they seem to add another layer of uncertainty. The characters know the stones are powerful, but they also understand that using them can lead to consequences they can’t fully predict. That keeps the tension quietly present throughout the story.

I also enjoyed the historical elements woven into the book. The references to early voyages and the encounters between different cultures help give the story a strong sense of place. It feels like the characters are moving through a world that is changing and expanding, which adds an extra layer of interest to the journey.

Even in the calmer parts of the book there’s a sense that something important could happen next. That feeling kept me turning the pages, long into the night.

About the book

The Blurb

Jessie Mason lives with her nose in the pages of history. But she is discovering that the past is a dangerous place where she doesn't belong, and knowledge alone is not going to save her.

Jessie’s life has become a series of terrible challenges. Now she must lead her friends in the hopeless task Grandfather set them: hunt down and destroy the Time Stones. But her leadership has already failed. Tip has left them and Abe has simply disappeared, while she and Kes are trapped in the heart of an ancient empire in turmoil.

Thrust into a fractured, threatened Mexica nobility, Jessie is immersed in a way of life, fascinating and disturbing in equal measure, yet powerless before the approaching Conquistadors and the impending clash of cultures.

Even as the fabulous city of Tenochtitlan descends into savage violence, Jessie’s determination to succeed is undiminished. But with world history taking a new, bloody direction before her, she is finally forced to decide which is more important: continuing the task or simply surviving.

Universal Buy Link:

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Books have been an important part of my life as long as I can remember, and at 54 years old, that’s a lot of books. My earliest memories of reading are CS Lewis’, “The Horse and His Boy” – by far the best of the Narnia books, the Adventures series by Willard Price, and “Goalkeepers are Different” by sports journalist Brian Glanville. An eclectic mix. My first English teacher was surprised to hear that I was reading, Le Carré, Ken Follett, Nevil Shute and “All the Presidents’ Men” by Woodward and Bernstein at the age of 12. I was simply picking up the books my father had finished.

School syllabus threw up the usual suspects – Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Hardy, “To Kill a Mockingbird” – which I have reread often, and others I don’t immediately recall. By “A” level study, my then English teachers were pulling their hair out at my “perverse waste of talent” – I still have the report card! But I did manage a pass.

During a 35 year career, briefly in Banking and then in IT, I managed to find time, with unfailing family support, to study another lifelong passion, graduating with an Open University Bachelors’ degree in History in 2002. This fascination with all things historical inspired me to begin the Time Stones series. There is so much to our human past, and so many differing views on what is the greatest, and often the saddest, most tragic story. I decided I wanted to write about it; to shine a small light on those, sometimes pivotal stories, which are less frequently mentioned.

In 1995, my wife, Michelle, and I moved from England to southern Germany, where we still live, with our two children, one cat, and, when she pays us a visit, one chocolate labrador. I have been fortunate that I could satisfy another wish, to travel as widely as possible and see as much of our world as I can. Destinations usually include places of historic and archaeological interest, mixed with a large helping of sun, sea and sand for my wife’s peace of mind.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://ianhunterwrites.com

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07KPKWG1C

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20335698.Ian_Hunter

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Love lost in time by Cathie Dunn - a review

Book Review: 5 Stars

Love Lost in Time was one of those books that’s very easy to fall into. From the start, the story pulls you in without demanding too much effort, even though it moves between two very different time periods. The transitions feel smooth and clear, so you’re never left confused about where — or when — you are.

I really enjoyed how the past and present storylines work alongside each other. The historical sections are rich and atmospheric without feeling heavy, while the modern-day setting feels familiar and grounded. Maddie’s experiences — dealing with her mother’s house, settling into village life, and stumbling across unexpected discoveries — are especially engaging and feel very real.

The pacing is steady and well balanced. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a small emotional moment, a hint of mystery, or a slow build of tension. The archaeological and historical elements add a lot of interest, and when the supernatural touches start to appear, they’re subtle enough to feel intriguing rather than over the top.

The relationships in the book develop naturally and take their time, which makes them feel believable. There’s a nice mix of romance, trust, and emotional growth that adds warmth to the story without taking over.

This book is an immersive, enjoyable read that blends history, mystery, and romance in a way that feels effortless. I finished it feeling genuinely invested in the characters.

About the book

The Blurb

A reluctant daughter. A dutiful wife. A mystery of the ages.

Languedoc, France, 2018

Historian Madeleine Winters would rather research her next project than rehash the strained relationship she had with her late mother. However, to claim her inheritance, she reluctantly agrees to stay the one year required in her late mother’s French home and begins renovations. But when she’s haunted by a female voice inside the house and tremors emanating from beneath her kitchen floorboards, she’s shocked to discover ancient human bones.

The Mediterranean coast, AD 777

Seventeen-year-old Nanthild is wise enough to know her place. Hiding her Pagan wisdom and dutifully accepting her political marriage, she’s surprised when she falls for her Christian husband, the Count of Carcassonne. But she struggles to keep her forbidden religious beliefs and her healing skills secret while her spouse goes off to fight in a terrible, bloody war.

As Maddie settles into her rustic village life, she becomes obsessed with unraveling the mysterious history buried in her new home. And when Nanthild is caught in the snare of an envious man, she’s terrified she’ll never embrace her beloved again.

Can two women torn apart by centuries help each other finally find peace?

Love Lost in Time is a vivid standalone historical fiction novel for fans of epoch-spanning enigmas. If you like dark mysteries, romantic connections, and hints of the paranormal, then you’ll adore Cathie Dunn’s tale of redemption and self-discovery. 

Any Triggers: Implied attack on a female character. Some minor fighting scenes.

Praise

"From the richness of Charlemagne's court and the regret of a daughter, as she stands over her mother's grave, to the realisation of an enemy and a skeleton under the kitchen floor, Love Lost in Time: A Tale of Love, Death and Redemption by Cathie Dunn is the unforgettable story that traverses two very different times."

The Coffee Pot Book Club, 5* Editorial Review

"The narrative is ripe with emotions as two independent women are pulled in unexpected directions... Both landscapes are beautifully penned for readers to easily get lost in. Additionally, the storylines are engaging, and each helped bring a satisfying conclusion to the other. An enjoyable tale about love, sacrifice, and self-discovery."

Historical Novel Society

"The historical details are beautiful, and a book which could easily feel oppressively sad is cleverly lightened with the use of romance and a satisfying ending. Well written and easy to read, the historical side may be a little more compelling, but the contemporary details add a layer that cannot be ignored!" 

In'DTale Magazine

"In Love Lost in Time, Ms Dunn creates a fascinating balance between a tragic love story set in the Visigoth empire of the eighth century, and a very modern historian on a quest to find her own personal history in picturesque Languedoc...

Thoroughly researched and beautifully told, both stories complement each other in narrative power and colourful scene-setting; and in the dual narrative the main characters are compelling - each a product of destiny and following their fate, regardless of the cost.

Fans of Kate Mosse will relish this book..."

Discovering Diamonds Reviews

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https://mybook.to/LoveLostTime 

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Cathie Dunn

Cathie is an Amazon-bestselling author of historical fiction, dual-timeline, mystery, and romance. She loves to infuse her stories with a strong sense of place and time, combined with a dark secret or mystery – and a touch of romance. Often, you can find her deep down the rabbit hole of historical research… 

In addition, she is also a historical fiction book promoter with The Coffee Pot Book Club, a novel-writing tutor, and a keen reviewer on her blog, Ruins & Reading.

After having lived in Scotland for almost two decades, Cathie is now enjoying the sunshine in the south of France with her husband, and her rescued pets, Ellie Dog & Charlie Cat. 

She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Richard III Society, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.cathiedunn.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathie.dunn1

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cathie-dunn

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cathie-Dunn/author/B005IHAXH0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5066224.Cathie_Dunn

Circus Bim Bom: A Cold War Adventure by Cliff Lovette - a review

 

Book Review: 5 Stars

This felt less like reading a novel and more like being handed a backstage pass to something unpredictable and slightly dangerous. One minute you’re watching glittering performances under the lights, the next you’re standing in a dim corridor listening to secrets you’re not sure you were meant to hear. That constant shift between public spectacle and private chaos gives the book a unique, slightly dizzying energy.

What really struck me is how often the story refuses to pause, even when everything is going wrong. Arguments, fear, desire, politics, exhaustion – none of it is allowed to stop the performance. The message is clear and oddly moving: whatever is breaking behind the curtain, the show must go on. That stubborn insistence on continuing creates both tension and a strange kind of hope.

The book is also unusual in the way it pulls in other media. Musical references and scannable links dotted through the story invite you to actually listen to the songs the characters are dancing to or remembering. Sometimes I wasn’t quite sure what to make of those moments, but they made the experience feel interactive and alive, as if the story was bleeding into the real world.

It’s messy, bold, theatrical and hard to categorise. More than a neat plot, it offers an experience: part circus, part political satire, part intimate character drama. By the end it doesn’t tie everything up, but instead leaves you hanging in that charged silence between acts, clearly making space for the next book.

Unsettling, inventive and surprisingly heartfelt, this is a five-star read for anyone willing to step into the ring and let the spotlight find them.

About the book

The Blurb

Soviet circus performers arrived in America hoping to build cultural bridges. Instead, they became unwitting pawns in a Cold War game of international intrigue.

When the first privately owned Soviet circus arrived in 1990 in America as the Soviet Union disintegrated, its elite performers expected to build cultural bridges through spectacular shows. Instead, this prestigious troupe faced a perilous journey through Cold War America.

Circus director Yuri had to navigate treacherous waters where American mobsters, Soviet agents, and political forces circled like predators. Young aerialist Anton dreamed of becoming a clown against his family’s wishes, while forbidden romances and unexpected connections bloomed between Soviet performers and Americans who saw past the ideological divide. As high-stakes conspiracies threatened to tear the circus family apart, they had to choose between the authoritarian chains of home and the uncertain promise of freedom.

As the Ringmaster reminds us, “The best Soviet stories are like vodka—they burn with suffering, intoxicate with conflict, keep you stewing in reflection, and yearning for your heart’s desire.” This genre-bending tale explores whether human connection can transcend ideology—and whether storytelling can bridge the divides that separate us.

Universal Buy Link: 

https://books2read.com/u/3Gj0B8

Cliff Lovette

Father, storyteller, and dog lover living in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with London curled at his feet. Cliff Lovette is an entertainment lawyer who learned about the real Circus Bim Bom in 1991 when the circus's American road manager became a client at his Atlanta law firm. Circus Bim Bom: A Cold War Adventure is the first book in his debut duology

Social Media Links:

Website: https://bimbombookclub.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRingmaster-n7y

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ringmaster606

Linktree: linktr.ee/TheRingmaster606

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bimbimbookclub

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cliff-Lovette/author/B0GHLLRQY2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244611518-circus-bim-bom

 Join the Bim Bom Book Club - https://bimbombookclub.com/

Members receive:

• Discounts on Gifts and Merch

• Exclusive glimpses into the self-publishing journey

• Previews of historical curiosities about Soviet circus life that didn't make it into the book

• Exclusive "Rabbit Hole" bonus stories and other literary surprises

• A front-row seat to the book's development and launch

• Sign up for Free

What Makes This Novel Different

Circus Bim Bom offers an innovative multimedia reading experience. The novel includes 45+ YouTube links to period music, historical speeches, and cultural moments embedded throughout—readers can listen to the actual songs characters dance to as they waltz, and watch Reagan's Brandenburg Gate speech as it's referenced in the text.

The companion website (www.bimbombookclub.com) extends the story beyond the page:

• Character Avatars: 25+ talking video introductions where characters speak directly to readers

• Re-Imagined Circus Posters

• Book Club Experience: Interactive forums, live chat, and community discussions

• Historians Room (under construction): A space for Cold War history buffs to fact-check the novel, explore primary sources, and debate historical accuracy

Tour Schedule - Join the Circus Train  - https://bimbombookclub.com/media/

Wolf of the Nordic Seas (Valiant Vikings Book 2) by Jennifer Ivy Walker - a review

Book Review: 5 Stars

Wolf of the Nordic Seas was a really enjoyable read and easy to get pulled into from the beginning, even though I haven’t read the first book in the series. The story works well on its own and gives enough background to feel settled in the world without being confusing.

Njörd is a strong, duty-bound warrior with more depth than you might expect, and Elfi is confident, capable, and very much her own person. Their relationship develops at a comfortable pace and feels natural, shaped by shared challenges and growing trust rather than rushed moments.

The plot moves along nicely, balancing action, romance, and touches of mythology without dragging. There’s always something happening to keep things engaging, and I stayed invested in the characters right through to the end.

If you enjoy Viking-inspired romance with adventure and heart, Wolf of the Nordic Seas is well worth a read and works perfectly well even if you’re new to the series.

About the book

The Blurb

Named after the Norse God of the Sea, Njörd grew up sailing, swimming, and fishing the fjords of Norway. Endowed with extraordinary senses, speed, and strength, he became known as Wolf of the Nordic Seas, leading lucrative Viking raids from the Baltic shores to the Black and Caspian Seas. When a Viking völva foretells his future through a seidr vision, Njörd learns that his fate and his mate—the siren with the sea goddess eyes—lie on the alabaster coast of Normandy in the distant Land of the White Chalk Cliffs.

Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir is a skilled shieldmaiden who seeks vengeance against the ruthless Frankish count who killed her brother and abducted her father in an attempt to seize her clifftop castle. But rather that submit to the count’s relentless demand for her hand in marriage, Elfi allies with Richard the Fearless—the Viking Duke of Normandy— and the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.

As Elfi and Njörd discover startling secrets about their respective pasts, they find that the three Norns have entwined the threads of their fates not just as political allies, but as mates destined to fulfill a divine prophecy.

Wolf of the Nordic Seas— book 2 of the Valiant Vikings series set in tenth century Normandy— is a sizzling, scintillating blend of historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and steamy Viking romance!

Praise

“This thrilling tale promises to sweep readers off their feet and take them on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Viking lore.” Five Stars

Yarde Book Promotions

“…Walker's textured history and atmosphere, whether it is a sacred grove or ethereal caves, create a world that feels both mystical and real, pulling readers into another unforgettable journey. Very highly recommended.”

Readers’ Favorite

Universal Buy Link: 
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Jennifer Ivy Walker

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferIvyWalker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferivywalkerauthor
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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferivywalker
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Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/bohemienneivy/

List of Books by Jennifer Ivy Walker

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

The Lady of the Mirrored Lake

The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight

Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle

A Celtic Yuletide Carol                                                                     

The Witch of the Breton Woods

Flames of Flamenco

Amour in Avignon

Dragon of Denmark                                                                                  Wolf of the Nordic Seas                                                                             Falcon of the Faroe Islands

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Quillan Creek and the Little War: Time Stones Book I by Ian Hunter - a review

 

Book Review: 5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book for the way it brings the past to life with such quiet confidence. Rather than feeling like a distant historical backdrop, the world of the Haudenosaunee feels close, lived-in and real, as if you’re walking the forests and shorelines alongside the characters. The sense of place seeps into every chapter and kept me completely immersed.

What stood out to me was how respectfully and thoughtfully the culture and daily life are portrayed. Small details of hunting, trading and community life build a picture of a balanced world on the brink of change. The story doesn’t turn this into a history lesson, but instead lets you experience it through the eyes of young people trying to understand where they now stand.

Alongside that rich setting runs a thread of magic and danger that adds urgency without overwhelming the heart of the story. The mysterious stones and the shadow pursuing them raise the stakes, yet the focus remains on trust, courage and finding your place in an unfamiliar world.

This is an engaging, atmospheric read that is especially well suited to a young adult audience and will strongly appeal to teenagers who enjoy adventure with depth. It left me both thoughtful and eager to continue the journey, a solid five-star read for anyone who enjoys immersive historical fantasy.

About the book

The Blurb

Jessie Mason lives with her nose in the pages of history. But she is about to discover that the past is a dangerous place where she doesn't belong, and knowledge alone is not going to save her.

In Jessie’s troubled life her aunt is the only constant and comfort she has. But when she inexplicably disappears, and Jessie uncovers her mother's Time Stone, that unhappy life turns unreal and terrifying.

She is summoned to a world in crisis, 250 years in her past, to three unlikely companions, and the aged Onondaga shaman, Nishkamich, who promises an education in the powers of the stones which they each possess.

Over one glorious summer, Jessie reluctantly settles to village life and the developing bond with her prickly friends, until they are forced to accept that their stones are being hunted through history.

But in the depths of winter, their friendship, their wits, and the very limits of their endurance, will be tested by an unforgiving Nature as war finally erupts around them.

Universal Buy Link:

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Books have been an important part of my life as long as I can remember, and at 54 years old, that’s a lot of books. My earliest memories of reading are CS Lewis’, “The Horse and His Boy” – by far the best of the Narnia books, the Adventures series by Willard Price, and “Goalkeepers are Different” by sports journalist Brian Glanville. An eclectic mix. My first English teacher was surprised to hear that I was reading, Le Carré, Ken Follett, Nevil Shute and “All the Presidents’ Men” by Woodward and Bernstein at the age of 12. I was simply picking up the books my father had finished.

School syllabus threw up the usual suspects – Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Hardy, “To Kill a Mockingbird” – which I have reread often, and others I don’t immediately recall. By “A” level study, my then English teachers were pulling their hair out at my “perverse waste of talent” – I still have the report card! But I did manage a pass.

During a 35 year career, briefly in Banking and then in IT, I managed to find time, with unfailing family support, to study another lifelong passion, graduating with an Open University Bachelors’ degree in History in 2002. This fascination with all things historical inspired me to begin the Time Stones series. There is so much to our human past, and so many differing views on what is the greatest, and often the saddest, most tragic story. I decided I wanted to write about it; to shine a small light on those, sometimes pivotal stories, which are less frequently mentioned.

In 1995, my wife, Michelle, and I moved from England to southern Germany, where we still live, with our two children, one cat, and, when she pays us a visit, one chocolate labrador. I have been fortunate that I could satisfy another wish, to travel as widely as possible and see as much of our world as I can. Destinations usually include places of historic and archaeological interest, mixed with a large helping of sun, sea and sand for my wife’s peace of mind.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://ianhunterwrites.com

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07KPKWG1C

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20335698.Ian_Hunter

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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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