Happy Tuesday Bookworms!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Relic Keeper
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 18, 2025
Genre: Christian Inspirational Historical Fiction
Once a thief, always a thief?
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. The boy knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence.
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 Tozzo’s 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. Using invisible threads, Heidi Eljarbo weaves together her fictional stories with historical figures and real events.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
My Review
I read The Relic Keeper on a night that I was in desperate need of an escape, and this story not only nourished my mind but my soul as well. The teachings of Padre Benedetto pierced me like they did Angelo, and I found myself pondering his words long after I read. I am in a time when my faith is being tested, and his words reminded me that God loves me regardless of my own feelings.
There is not one novel that I’ve read by Heidi Eljarbo that hasn’t touched my spirit. Her writing is truly poetic, and I connect to it in such a powerful way. The Relic Keeper is no exception with its masterful word pictures, creating literary artwork in my mind’s eye. The painting that was the inspiration for this story is one of my favorite pieces of artwork, and now when I gaze upon the Adoration of the Child, I will think of this story.
Padre Benedetto was one of my favorite characters in this story, but Angelo also had my heart. “The longing to live an honest life was not merely wishful thinking but a quest, one Angelo worked on every day.” I admired the young man’s heart and tenacity and could see my own longing mirrored in his words.
There are tender scenes and views of what unconditional love looks like fleshed out. The ending had me sighing in contentment, and in that moment, all was well. This was another novel that has made this holiday reading season all the more special, and I am so grateful for Heidi and her amazing storytelling.
Also Available
About the Author
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.
Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of The Relic Keeper and a $20 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
This looks like a very enthralling read. Thanks for sharing.
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