Review 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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Relic Keeper — A Surprisingly Lovely Read From an Author New to Me

I’ll admit it straight away: I’d never picked up a Heidi Eljarbo book before this one. I went in fairly blind, hoping for something engaging, and ended up completely absorbed. The Relic Keeper hooked me far quicker than I expected, blending history, heart, and a good dose of emotional pull.

The story follows Angelo, a young orphan who’s had more than his fair share of rough luck. Under Tozzo’s control—a thoroughly unpleasant thief who uses the boy for his own gain—Angelo’s world is bleak and crooked. And yet, he’s never portrayed as anything other than a kid who just wants a chance at something better. It’s impossible not to root for him.

Enter Padre Benedetto, who basically becomes the unexpected hero of the story. He’s exactly the sort of character you want to shake Angelo and say, “Stick with him!”—kind, reassuring, and the first person to actually believe the lad is worth something. There is a scene with some candlesticks which made me think of Les Misérables, where Padre Benedetto tells Angelo they are not cleaning them today! His influence is gentle but powerful, and it gives the whole book a hopeful heartbeat.

The highlight, though, is two-fold, the first is Angelo’s emotional reaction listening to the church choir, and the second when he sees Gerrit van Honthorst’s Adoration of the Christ Child. It’s a genuinely touching moment that shows how art can reach even the most guarded soul.

The Relic Keeper earns its five stars for being heartfelt without being soppy, historical without being dry, and moving without trying too hard. For a first read from this author, it was an absolute delight—and I’ll definitely be reading more books by Ms Eljarbo.

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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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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?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Brutal, Brilliant Knockout of a Thriller

I’m still buzzing from the aftershocks of finishing Rough Diamond – Rough Justice. From the very first page, this book grabbed me by the collar and refused to let go — equal parts brutal, gripping, and utterly relentless. There’s no gentle easing in here; you’re thrown straight into danger, moral ambiguity, and razor-sharp tension, and the story never once loosens its hold.

The pacing is fierce. This isn’t a book that dawdles or overexplains — it barrels forward with intent, pulling you through one high-stakes moment after another. I kept promising myself I’d stop at the end of a chapter, only to find myself reading far later than planned. That kind of compulsive pull is hard to come by, and this book delivers it in spades.

Cain is a protagonist who stays with you. He’s flawed, hardened, and shaped by choices that carry real weight. Watching his transformation is uncomfortable at times — violent, morally grey, and emotionally charged — but that discomfort is precisely what makes it so compelling. Cain never asks you to excuse his actions, only to understand the path that leads him there.

The atmosphere is steeped in grit and tension. The settings feel lived-in and cold at the edges, and every exchange hums with an underlying sense of threat. The dialogue crackles with dry humour and sharp edges, offering brief moments of levity before the darkness closes back in. The violence isn’t romanticised, but it isn’t glossed over either — it’s impactful, purposeful, and carries consequence.

By the final page, I felt completely wrung out in the best possible way. Rough Diamond – Rough Justice is intense, uncompromising, and unapologetically dark, yet it never loses sight of its humanity. It’s the kind of thriller that leaves a lasting impression, lingering long after you’ve closed the book. An easy five-star read for me, and I’ll be eagerly picking up whatever comes next by this author.

This book is available on multiple platforms, so whichever is your favourite bookshop, click here.

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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My five star review of It Had to Be You by Beth Moran

 

Growing up, sisters Libby and Nicky never knew who they’d find at breakfast.

Their parents fostered children of all ages, and although the girls loved playing their part in providing a safe haven, it meant that life was rarely peaceful.

Now as a single mother of two, Libby’s life is still anything but peaceful. In her work as an antenatal coach, as well as for the charity she and Nicky run for teenage mothers, Libby uses all the skills she learnt growing up surrounded by children. Her days are full, caring for her family, the mothers-to-be and the latest strays she has welcomed into her home. But in the dark of the lonely nights, Libby worries she’s falling apart at the seams.

One troubled boy and a reckless decision she made thirteen years ago still haunts her.

Two hearts that were broken, still not mended.

The time has come for Libby to look out for herself. As her family, friends and her community have known forever, Libby is one of a kind, and if she can just learn to love herself, she may be able to welcome back the love she let slip through her fingers.

Uplifting, heart-warming and irresistibly good for the soul, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Warm, Feel-Good, Heart-Squeezing Delight

It Had to Be You by Beth Moran is the kind of book that makes you settle into your seat on page one and think, “Ah, yes… this is exactly what I needed.” And honestly? It absolutely is.

Moran pulls you straight into a world full of charm, chaos, and characters who feel like the sort of people you’d accidentally overshare with at a coffee shop. Every chapter adds a new emotional spark — sometimes sweet, sometimes hilarious, sometimes the kind that sneaks up and pokes you right in the feelings. It’s effortless, comforting storytelling with just the right amount of messiness.

The pacing hums along beautifully, never dragging, never rushing — just carrying you through the heroine’s journey like a friend saying, “Come on, you’ve got to see this bit.” And the romance? Slow-burn perfection. It strolls onto the page with all the chemistry and tenderness you want, smiling like it knows exactly what it’s doing.

The characters are wonderfully flawed and loveable, the kind of cast you want to cheer for even when they’re stumbling, hesitating, or making life choices that definitely need a group chat intervention. Their warmth and humour give the story its glow, and watching their connections grow is half the joy.

A definite five stars from me: uplifting, heartfelt, and exactly the sort of book you reach for when you want comfort, charm, and a story that leaves you wearing a big, dopey grin. Perfect for readers who love romances filled with heart, humour, and hope.

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Beth Moran is the author of fourteen novels including the number one bestseller, Let it Snow. These are mostly set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she can be found most mornings walking her spaniel, Murphy. Prior to becoming an author, she worked as a biochemist doing cancer research and was an antenatal educator. While her older children have all now flown the nest, she is a foster carer for teenagers and babies so life is never boring. 

Four Stars: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

 

'Two people are less lost than one...'

There is a moment when childhood ends.

For Joseph 'Patch' Macauley and Saint Brown, it comes late one summer as Patch is abducted from their hometown. Devastated, Saint devotes her days to finding her best friend.

Held in total darkness, Patch is hopeless and alone - until he feels a hand in his. Though he never sees the girl, they fall in love. When he escapes, he's left with only her voice and name - and promises to spend the rest of his life searching for her.

As Saint's heart breaks for the boy she lost - and the man he becomes - she will shadow his journey, to uncover the truth behind who took him.

Over a lifetime driven by obsession, Patch and Saint must sacrifice everything for redemption, justice, and, ultimately, love - even if that means losing each other forever...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Dark, Dreamy, and Surprisingly Cozy Thriller

All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is one of those rare novels that manages to be bleak, beautiful, suspenseful, and oddly comforting—all at the same time. It’s like being handed a warm blanket… that may or may not be hiding a secret.

Whitaker’s writing is cinematic and emotional, the kind that sweeps you into the story before you’ve even realized you’ve sat down. He blends mystery, heartbreak, and hope with such ease that you find yourself fully invested in these characters—messy, lovable, flawed, and stubbornly human.

The plot twists are sprinkled in like seasoning: never overdone, but definitely enough to make you raise an eyebrow and mutter, “Oh, that’s what we’re doing now.” The atmosphere is moody and immersive, the kind you want to sink into with a hot drink, even while terrible things are happening on the page.

Is it a “feel-good” thriller? Not exactly. But it is the sort of story that stays with you—not because it shocks you senseless, but because it hits you right in the feelings when you least expect it.

A solid four stars: emotional, atmospheric, and wonderfully crafted. Perfect if you love your thrillers with heart, healing, and just the right amount of darkness.

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Chris Whitaker is the author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling All The Colours Of The Dark. His other acclaimed and bestselling novels include We Begin At The End, Tall Oaks, and All The Wicked Girls. 

Chris’s novels have been translated into thirty languages and have won the CWA Gold Dagger, the CWA John Creasey Dagger, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world. 

His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers. 

All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures. We Begin At The End is currently in development with A24.

Chris was born in London and lives in the UK. 

My five star review of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

 

Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor.

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am.

They don’t know what I’m capable of…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Deliciously Devious, Unputdownable Thriller Treat

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is the kind of book you start on a whim and then suddenly you’re ignoring responsibilities, meals, and possibly your moral compass because you have to know what’s going on in that house.

Millie, our underdog heroine with a mysterious past, accepts a job that seems too good to be true—and shocker! It absolutely is. The Winchester household is a carnival of red flags, with Nina Winchester at the center, gleefully waving the biggest one like she’s leading a parade of psychological chaos.

McFadden’s pacing is wickedly addictive: short chapters, sharp twists, and cliffhangers that feel like she’s whispering “just one more…” every time you try to stop reading. The tension builds until the story practically sprints toward its finale—and yes, the payoff is chef’s kiss satisfying.

What makes this a five-star ride? It’s fun. Wild. Dramatic in all the best “pop some popcorn and settle in” ways. It knows exactly what kind of twisty thriller it wants to be and delivers it with flair.

Five stars: wickedly entertaining, irresistibly bingeable, and packed with gasp-worthy moments. Perfect for thriller fans who love clever reveals, messy secrets, and books that make you say “WHAT?!” out loud.

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#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

​ Freida lives with her family and cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

To hear Freida talk about herself more in the third person, check out her website freidamcfadden.

My five star review of When The Storm Dies by Jack Cartwright

 

When the storm dies…where will you hide?

When a violent summer storm hits the Lincolnshire Wolds, the tiny village of Bag Enderby falls foul of the devastating deluge. Homes are flooded, fallen trees lie across the winding lanes, and in one picturesque valley, a terrible secret is unearthed – a woman’s body is discovered floating among the debris.

For Detective Inspector George Larson, the storm marks the beginning of a new episode. A return to where his career began all those years ago, with colleagues he hasn’t seen for a lifetime, and places that are etched into his heart. It’s as if the storm is wiping his slate clean for him to end his career in the place he loves – until his journey leads him into the heart of the crime scene, where he learns the victim’s name and memories of an unsolved murder float to the surface.

Florence Tucker suffered severe head wounds, which leaves George faced with a possibility that his new superior officer is keen to reject – is this a new investigation, or is George’s ageing mind trying to close an unsolved case that has haunted him for years?

With a community still reeling from the past, few are willing to speak the truth, leaving George with little option but to wade through the lies and deceit, and face his nightmare head on.

Why did Florence Tucker die? Who was the last to see her? And why are the locals terrified of digging up the past?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Stormy, Heart-Pounding, Absolutely Addictive Adventure

When The Storm Dies by Jack Cartwright is one of those rare thrillers that grabs you by the collar from page one and refuses to let go—even when you promise yourself you’ll just finish this chapter before bed. (Spoiler: you won’t.)

Cartwright knows how to build tension like he’s assembling a lightning rod. The story opens with a bang, plunges you straight into chaos, and then somehow keeps escalating until you’re clutching the book like it’s a flotation device. The storm at the center of the novel isn’t just weather—it’s mood, metaphor, menace, and pure narrative adrenaline.

The characters? A delightfully messy crew of survivors, secret-keepers, and people who probably should have stayed home that day. You root for them, shout at them, and occasionally want to shake them—but you’re with them every step through the swirling danger.

What makes this a five-star blast is the sheer fun of it. It’s cinematic, twisty, and paced like Cartwright had a stopwatch in one hand and a bolt of lightning in the other. The final reveal hits with such force that you might briefly forget how breathing works.

Five stars: electrifying, wildly entertaining, and impossible to put down. Perfect for readers who love their thrillers fast, their twists bold, and their storms truly unforgettable.

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Jack Cartwright is a USA Today bestselling author, based in Lincolnshire, UK.

Born in Essex, Jack lived and worked in Dubai for much of his adult life, as an IT professional, and as an international photographer.

Under various pen names, Jack has written and published more than fifty novels, won awards, and achieved the USA Today bestseller status in early 2021. ​

The Wild Fens Murder Mysteries, The DCI Cook Mysteries, and The Deadly Wolds Mysteries have all been written for TV adaptation, featuring gritty, rural locations, unforgettable characters, and powerful storylines with twists aplenty. 

After a life of travel and adventure, he has put down his roots with his wife, daughters, and dog in one of Lincolnshire's many beautiful villages. He plans to stay for good. 

My four star review of Secrets In Blood by Jack Cartwrigh

 

If you can't live with the truth, bury it...

Following a devastating encounter with a serial killer, Detective Inspector Freya Bloom is left mentally scarred. After a six-month sabbatical, and no desire to return to the bustling London streets, she accepts a position in rural Lincolnshire in search of a slower pace of life.

But with London behind her, and a new life in the wild fens of Lincolnshire before her, she finds only endless drama in her new team, a tortured romance in her only ally, and crimes so deadly even the steely determination that drove her to success is tested.

From the moment Freya’s expensive heels hit Lincolnshire soil, the push-pull relationship with her Sergeant begins. Noses are put out of joint, tempers are frayed, and more importantly, a body is discovered on a wild beach. There’s no time to make friends. If Freya is to make her mark in this remote county, she must work with the team she’s been given, and untangle the web of lies surrounding the death of teenager, Jessica Hudson.

Can Freya ditch her designer heels for wellington boots, and adapt to the country life? Can she shape her new team into something workable? And can she put her past behind her long enough to prevent a second murder?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Sharp, Thrilling, Blood-Pumping Page-Turner

Secrets In Blood by Jack Cartwright is the kind of thriller that makes you raise an eyebrow on page one and mutter “oh, this is going to be fun.” And it absolutely is.

Cartwright wastes no time dropping you into a world of hidden motives, buried truths, and characters who seem to collect secrets the way other people collect fridge magnets. Every chapter adds another layer of intrigue—sometimes helpful, sometimes delightfully confusing, always compelling.

The pacing is snappy, like the story is daring you to blink and miss something. And the twists? They appear exactly when you think you’ve figured it all out, strutting onto the page with a smug little grin.

The characters are a great mix of flawed, fierce, and “I can’t decide if I trust you but I’m enjoying this too much to stop.” It’s the kind of cast you want to follow even when they’re making questionable life decisions (which they do with gusto).

Why four stars? Because while it’s a blast to read, it barrels forward so fast at times you might wish for a tiny breather. A snack break. A moment to whisper “wait, WHAT just happened?”

A solid four stars: gripping, twisty, and devilishly entertaining. Perfect for readers who love thrillers that spill secrets, spill adrenaline, and keep you glued to the page from start to finish.

Amazon

Jack Cartwright is a USA Today bestselling author, based in Lincolnshire, UK.

Born in Essex, Jack lived and worked in Dubai for much of his adult life, as an IT professional, and as an international photographer.

Under various pen names, Jack has written and published more than fifty novels, won awards, and achieved the USA Today bestseller status in early 2021. ​

The Wild Fens Murder Mysteries, The DCI Cook Mysteries, and The Deadly Wolds Mysteries have all been written for TV adaptation, featuring gritty, rural locations, unforgettable characters, and powerful storylines with twists aplenty. 

After a life of travel and adventure, he has put down his roots with his wife, daughters, and dog in one of Lincolnshire's many beautiful villages. He plans to stay for good.