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The Relic Keeper
By Heidi Eljarbo
By Heidi Eljarbo
Publication Date: 18th November 2025
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 162
Genre: Historical Fiction
Praise
“The Relic Keeper” ultimately stands as a radiant celebration of hope, kindness, and the beauty that emerges when wounded souls dare to reach towards the light. It is a story to savour, reflect upon, and carry with you — an unforgettable addition to Eljarbo’s heartfelt repertoire of novels that bring history to life.
Yarde Book Promotion
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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.
From the first pages of The Relic Keeper, it became clear that this was not simply a historical story, but a deeply personal journey shaped by hardship, faith, and the slow work of becoming something more than your past. I went in without clear expectations and found myself drawn into a focused, quietly powerful narrative that held my attention from beginning to end.
At the heart of the story is Angelo, a boy whose rough edges are a direct result of a hard and unforgiving life. He makes poor choices, reacts defensively, and often lets fear guide him, but these flaws never feel exaggerated or convenient. Instead, they make him human. Watching Angelo struggle—sometimes against others, often against himself—made it easy to care about where his path would lead.
What impressed me most was how patiently his growth unfolds. There is no sudden transformation or dramatic moment where everything falls into place. Change comes slowly, through small decisions and gradual shifts in perspective, and each step forward feels earned. That restraint gives his journey a sense of honesty that stays with you.
The historical setting is vivid without ever becoming heavy. The details of 17th-century Italy ground the story firmly in its time while leaving space for the characters to breathe. Angelo’s world feels narrow and confining at first, and the way that world expands—both physically and emotionally—is handled with care and clarity.
Art weaves quietly through the story, serving as a mirror for Angelo’s inner change. One particular encounter with a painting stands out as a turning point, not because it is loud or dramatic, but because it is deeply sincere. In that moment, you can feel his perspective begin to shift in ways he doesn’t yet fully understand.
Themes of faith and redemption are present throughout, but they are never forced. Rather than being explained outright, they emerge naturally through choices, consequences, and moments of reflection. This subtlety makes them feel meaningful and accessible, regardless of the reader’s background.
The supporting cast adds depth without overwhelming the story. Padre Benedetto, in particular, is a steady and believable presence. His patience and quiet consistency offer Angelo something rare—a reliable influence that doesn’t demand instant change, but believes in it nonetheless.
Despite its shorter length, the book feels complete and thoughtfully paced. Each chapter flows naturally into the next, and nothing feels rushed or unnecessary. The story takes exactly the time it needs to tell itself.
By the final pages, The Relic Keeper had left a strong impression on me. It is a reflective, character-driven historical novel with a clear emotional arc and a great deal of heart. I would gladly recommend it to readers who appreciate quiet growth, meaningful themes, and stories that linger long after they’re finished.
This novel is available on Amazon.
Read with #KindleUnlimited
Heidi Eljarbo
HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
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