Book Review!! Quillan Creek and the Little War: Time Stones Book I by Ian Hunter #QuillanCreek #YoungAdult #FantasyBooks #FantasySeries # #YardeBookPromotions #BlogTour

Quillan Creek and the Little War: 
Time Stones Book I 
By Ian Hunter

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the start, I was pulled into the story with its blend of danger, mystery and discovery.

Jessie is an easy character to root for. Thrown out of her own time and into an unfamiliar past, she reacts with believable shock but also quiet determination. Watching her try to make sense of a harsher, wilder world while still holding on to her compassion makes her journey especially engaging.

The frontier setting, rooted in the lands of the Haudenosaunee tribe, is one of the real highlights. Vast forests, clear lakes and scattered settlements create an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and threatening. There’s a constant sense that history is in motion and that every step the characters take could change more than just their own fate.

This book is utterly beautiful not only in its story but also in the language used; it is evocative and mesmerising. Moments of quiet reflection are just as powerful as the scenes of danger, perfectly captured when Nishkamich gently tells Jessie:

“Your home is here, but it is not to be seen.” Nishkamich’s voice was gentle, and made her look up.
“The lake, these hills, this place is well known to you. But it is not as you know it. Look around you, search the land, the water, the sky, there is nothing of your world here. Your senses are true, trust them. Do they not tell you this is a different place?”

Looming over everything is a relentless antagonist driven by greed and a hunger for power, hunting the Time Stones across centuries. That pursuit adds a constant undercurrent of tension, reminding you that this journey isn’t just wondrous, it’s dangerous, and failure would have devastating consequences.

The other travellers through time add real strength to the story. They begin wary and uncertain, but slowly a deep trust forms between them. Their growing bond brings warmth to an otherwise perilous journey, and Nishkamich’s guidance adds a thoughtful, spiritual weight to everything that happens.

When I reached the final page, I genuinely wanted more. If you enjoy time-travel adventures with strong characters, rich atmosphere and a touch of ancient magic, this is well worth picking up.

***

Publication Date: 3rd August 2018

Publisher: MVB Marketing-und Verlagsservice des Buchhandels

Print Length: 281 Page

Genre: Historical Fantasy 

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.

Praise

"...the kind of book that one would forgo sleep to finish." 

The Coffee Pot Book Club

"...fantastical and riveting." 

booklife 

"...an exciting adventure for readers with unforgettable companions." 

The Book Commentary 

You can pick up your copy on Amazon. This book can also be found on #KindleUnlimited.

Ian Hunter

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.

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Book Review!!! The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo #HistoricalFiction #blogtour #YardeBookPromotions @HeidiEljarbo @maryanneyarde

The Relic Keeper
By Heidi Eljarbo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was drawn into The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo almost immediately. There’s something about the tone of this book that feels calm and reflective, yet emotionally engaging. I found myself slowing down as I read, really taking in the setting and the moments between the characters. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t rush you, and I appreciated that from the very start.

What stayed with me most were the characters and how real they felt. I cared about the main character right away, and watching his journey unfold was both heartbreaking and hopeful. The relationships in the story felt genuine, especially the way small acts of kindness and guidance can slowly change someone’s life. Nothing felt overdone — it all felt honest and believable.

I also loved how the historical setting was handled. It added depth and texture to the story without taking away from the emotional core. The details felt natural, helping me picture the world without ever feeling like I was being given a history lesson. The themes of faith, art, and second chances were woven in so smoothly that they just felt like part of life in that time.

By the time I finished the book, I realized how much it had stayed with me. The Relic Keeper is thoughtful, warm, and quietly powerful, and it left me feeling moved in the best way. I’d happily recommend this to anyone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction, and it’s an easy five-star read for me.

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.

You can pick up your copy on Amazon. This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited

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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Book Review!! The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson #TheUnquietSpirit #paranormal #Romance #blogtour #YardeBookPromotions #cosymystery @penny_hampson @maryanneyarde

 

The Unquiet Spirit 
(Spirited Encounters Book 1) 
By Penny Hampson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the start, I was drawn into the story, with its mix of mystery, romance and emotional healing.

Kate is a really easy character to root for. After a personal loss, she moves to Cornwall and inherits an old house, hoping for a fresh start. Naturally, the house has other ideas.

The house is one of the highlights of the book. It’s quietly creepy, full of history, and feels as though it has a character of its own. The atmosphere is so well done that I could easily picture the rooms and feel that constant sense of unease in the background.

Tom was another character I liked a lot. He comes across as reserved at first, but there’s much more to him as you get to know him. The romance between him and Kate is swoon worthy, but never in an over-the-top kind of way.

When I reached the final page, I was genuinely a bit sad it was over. If you enjoy paranormal stories with heart and strong characters, I’d definitely recommend it.

Trigger warning: emotional abuse by partner.

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.

Praise:

“The Unquiet Spirit” by Penny Hampson is an enthralling paranormal romance that weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural. In this captivating tale, readers are drawn into a world where love transcends the boundaries of life and death, unveiling a profound connection between the living and the restless spirits that linger in the shadows.

Yarde Book Promotion

You can pick up your copy on Amazon. This book can also be found on #KindleUnlimited.

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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Book Review!! Rough Diamond - Rough Justice by Avien Gray

Rough Diamond – Rough Justice 
By Avien Gray

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rough Diamond – Rough Justice by Avien Gray hooked me pretty quickly. From the start, it felt clear this wasn’t going to be a story with easy answers or neat resolutions. The whole book sits in that uncomfortable space between what’s legal, what’s right, and what feels fair, and I liked that it didn’t shy away from that.

The characters were the biggest strength for me. They’re flawed, messy, and feel like real people rather than heroes or villains. The main character especially made some choices that had me stopping and thinking about what I’d do in the same situation. Even when I didn’t agree with certain decisions, I still understood where they were coming from, which isn’t always easy to pull off.

The pacing worked well. There were tense moments that made me want to keep reading, but also slower parts that let the story sink in instead of rushing from one dramatic moment to the next. The darker tone gave the whole book a sense of realism, and the way justice was handled felt complicated in a good way — not everything is fair, and not everything gets wrapped up cleanly.

The ending really stuck with me. It didn’t give that simple, satisfying feeling, but instead left me thinking about the characters and their choices long after I finished. This is the kind of book that lingers in your head. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes morally complex stories, flawed characters, and books that don’t treat justice as black and white.

Trigger warnings: violence, murder.

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?

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

You can pick up a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books.

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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Blog Tour - Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski

 Poinsettia Girl 

By Jennifer Wizbowski

Publication Date: October 18th, 2025

Publisher: Historium Press

Pages: 336

Genre: Historical Fiction

Venice, 1710

Poinsettia Girl is based on the story of Agata de la Pieta, an orphan musician of the Ospedale de la Pieta.

Ten-year-old Agata's world is shaken at the sudden death of her mother. Left only with her egregious father, a working musician in Venice, her ailing grandmother sends her to the well-known orphanage, hidden from everything she's ever known.

Agata auditions for the conservatory style music school where music is both salvation and spectacle. Hidden behind ornate metal grates, adorned with poinsettias in their hair, the singers are veiled in mystery, their ethereal music drawing noble audiences, including gilded young men who see them as treasures-not only for their sound but as coveted marriage prizes.

Just as she reaches the height of her musical journey, a marriage proposal from someone outside the audience tempts her with the promise of a new life-a return to the old neighborhood she's longed for and a home she barely remembers. Torn between the music that has defined her and the hope of belonging to a family, Agata must confront the most profound question of her life: is her purpose rooted in the music that shaped her, or in the love that might free her?

Excerpt

Margarita closed the door to her bedroom and entered the hall with some of her spunk back in her step. She needed those afternoon naps more than she had in all her years in the Pietà. Every day, when early afternoon came, she’d feel her shoulders slumping and her patience waning, ready to shut out the worries around her and blow her bedside candle out.

She would never admit that to anyone. It would make her sound old, and then there would be all their fussing. While her schedule no longer consisted of classes, private lessons, or choral rehearsals, it was as full as the girls in new lace collars. She still had hers, that lacy shawl, a little more cream than stark white- one could never stop the cycle of aging. She would wear it when special occasions called for it: a full choir for a dignified guest or a celebration, but mostly, it hung in her closet, a trophy of her femininity, not the public image of virginal and ethereal but the honest image: persevering, unruffled and wise.

The Pietà took careful measures in recording the names, titles, entrances, and exits of every woman who spent any time behind its protective walls. Some listings were short, poor, sick babes that only lasted a night or diseased women who spent their final days cared for with the dignity society did not give them—others, like herself, whose decades were sub- marked by all her different roles in the Pietà. The path was different for everyone. Some women did not possess the musical predisposition to train for the Coro, which is why they tested every foundling’s aptitude by the age of eight.

The less musically inclined girls trained in textile arts or medicine, with the potential of working in the Pietà’s ground-floor ventures in their later years. The hospital administered vaccines and cared for the unwanted, while the textiles area had a successful laundering and hat-making business.

In her current assignment, she was listed as Discrete, a nice way of inferring: a retiree with no more obligations to the Coro—and as Margarita internally joked, whom they decided to keep around a bit longer instead of shipping off to a convent. Indeed, she was worth more than the average old woman slippering around.

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Jennifer Wizbowski

Jennifer Wizbowski spent her childhood days lost among the spines of her favorite books. Inspired by the daffodil fields of Wordsworth and the babbling brooks of Shakespeare, she earned her bachelor’s in English literature, a minor in music, and a secondary teaching credential, then wrote freelance for local business journals, taught in classrooms, and authored a Teen and Tween column for a parent magazine—all while raising her family.

As those years ended, she knew it was the right time to pursue her lifelong aspiration of bringing her own books to life. She now devotes herself to illuminating everyday women’s stories often lost in the shadows of history, revealing how they became heroines of their own time and place.

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