Yarde Book Promotions "Blog Tour" - 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?

Amazon & other good bookstores!

Review

If you’ve ever wanted a story that thrusts you head-first into danger, diamonds, and the sort of moral tangles only a former spy could stumble into, Rough Diamond, Rough Justice serves it all with fierce, relentless momentum.

From the opening pages, you’re plunged into a world that sparkles on the surface but cuts sharply underneath. The protagonist isn’t your neatly polished hero — he’s something far more compelling: skilled, battle-scarred, and desperately trying to outrun the shadows that haunt him. 

The novel blends espionage, high-stakes action and raw emotional intensity with impressive confidence. One moment you’re soaking in sunlit, glittering settings; the next, you’re locked in the tension of a covert operation or the crushing bleakness of a prison cell. Each shift lands with purpose, pushing the story forward and deepening the character in ways that make you genuinely anxious for his survival.

What truly stands out is how immersive the journey feels. The action isn’t merely exciting — it’s visceral. The quieter moments aren’t simply pauses — they’re pressure points. And the pacing? Let’s just say this book has no intention of giving you breathing space. Every chapter feels like opening a door you’re not entirely sure is safe, but which you cannot resist stepping through.

There are moments when the rapid turns and globe-trotting intensity threaten to overwhelm — yet that’s part of the thrill. The chaos doesn’t feel accidental; it mirrors the fractured life of a man trying to carve out justice in a world where every truth comes barbed.

Fast-paced, gripping, and brimming with emotional punch, Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is the sort of thriller that shines brightest under pressure. You’ll gasp, you’ll fret, and you’ll almost certainly keep reading far later than you planned.

Five Stars

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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Book Review: Dreams of Peace: A gripping wartime family saga: THE CALDWE (Caldwell Sisters, 4) by Rowena Summers

 

The war is drawing to a close, but life for the Caldwell sisters is far from peaceful.

Still waiting for her fianc, James, to return from fighting in North Africa, Imogen focuses her attention on driving for the Auxiliary Territorial Service General. Between work and looking out for her sisters, she soon finds she has very little time left over to worry.

Meanwhile, Elsie continues to nurse her husband back to health, finally content with her quiet family life in Yorkshire. But she is nostalgic for happier times, before the war, and longs to be reunited with her sisters again.

Daisy is also desperate for an end to the war she fears for her love, Glenn, and longs to see him return home safely. In these uncertain times, she needs all the support Imogen and Elsie can give to her.

When yet another tragedy befalls the Caldwell family, will the sisters be able to lift each other up to carry on?

Amazon

Review

When I started Dreams of Peace by Rowena Summers, I expected a pleasant wartime story, but it quickly turned into something much more moving. Set as the Second World War is drawing to a close, the novel looks at what happens after the fighting begins to end. Peace might be on the way, but for the Caldwell family life is still uncertain and full of challenges. From the first few chapters I felt drawn into their world and wanted to know what would happen to them all.

The story centres on the three Caldwell sisters, and each of them has her own struggles to face. Imogen is busy serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service while desperately hoping her fiancé will come home safely. Elsie is trying to care for her injured husband and rebuild their life together, even though nothing feels the same anymore. Daisy, the youngest, is living with constant worry about the man she loves. I enjoyed getting to know all three women and seeing how differently they handled fear, hope, and responsibility.

What really stood out to me was how real the emotions felt. Summers shows that the end of a war doesn’t magically make everything better. Families are tired, relationships have changed, and people have to learn how to live normal lives again. There were moments in the book that felt quietly heartbreaking, but there were also plenty of warm and hopeful scenes that balanced everything nicely.

I also appreciated the way the historical setting was handled. The everyday details of life in the 1940s felt natural and believable rather than forced in for effect. Rationing, work duties, and the long wait for news from loved ones are all woven into the story in a way that made me feel as if I was really there with the characters. The writing style is gentle and easy to read, which suited the family-focused nature of the book.

By the end, I felt genuinely attached to the Caldwell sisters and satisfied with how their journeys unfolded. Dreams of Peace is a warm, thoughtful novel about love, family, and finding strength in difficult times. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong characters and plenty of heart, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

In a quiet town beneath the stars (a poem)

In a quiet town beneath the stars,

A child was born where hope lay thin,

No crown, no throne, no royal guard—

Just love wrapped warm in Bethlehem.

The angels sang what hearts had missed:

That God drew near in human frame,

A fragile cry, a mother’s arms,

The mighty clothed in meekness came.

He came for shepherds, lost and tired,

For broken souls and searching eyes,

For every heart that aches for peace

And lifts its prayers into the skies.

No golden gifts could match this grace,

No power rival heaven’s choice—

The Word made flesh, the Light of life,

Arrived as mercy, not as noise.

So every Christmas, candles glow

To tell the world what love has done:

That God is with us, here and now,

In Jesus Christ, His holy Son.

Audio Bookclub (December 2026) The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan and narrrated by Henrietta Meire

 

A long-lasting friendship

Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other …

A perfect Christmas escape

At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point.

The start of a brand-new story…?

Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter?

Amazon

Review

Listening to The Christmas Book Club felt like settling down with a cosy blanket, a warm drink, and the gentle hum of Christmas in the background. From the opening chapter, the audiobook creates a comforting, festive atmosphere that is easy to sink into. Sarah Morgan’s storytelling is warm and inviting, making this a perfect seasonal listen.

The narrator delivers an excellent performance, bringing each character to life with clarity and charm. The voices feel natural and distinct, and the pacing allows the story to unfold smoothly. Nothing feels rushed, which makes it easy to relax and fully enjoy the experience, as though you’re sitting right there with the characters.

At the heart of the story are Claudia, Erica, and Anna, and their long-standing holiday tradition of reading and discussing a book together each Christmas. This book club is more than just a festive habit; it’s a symbol of their friendship and the bond they share, even as life pulls them in different directions. Watching how this tradition brings them back together is both touching and reassuring.

The festive setting adds an extra layer of magic without overpowering the story. Snowy streets, twinkling lights, and quiet Christmas moments are woven in beautifully, creating a cosy backdrop that perfectly complements the warmth of the friendships at the centre of the novel.

Sarah Morgan’s writing works especially well in audio format. The dialogue flows naturally, and the narrator captures both humour and emotional depth with ease. The conversations during the book discussions feel authentic and intimate, adding to the sense that you’re listening in on real friendships rather than fictional characters.

Overall, The Christmas Book Club is a five-star audiobook that delivers comfort, heart, and festive charm. It’s a story about friendship, tradition, and the importance of taking time for the people who matter most. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cosy, feel-good Christmas listen that stays with you long after it ends.

Winter ( a poem)

 

The morning wakes in silver light,

Frost tracing patterns overnight.

The world is hushed, the air held tight,

As winter softly settles in.

Bare branches wear their coats of white,

Footprints stitch paths where robins flit.

Cold clouds drift low, but fires are lit,

And warmth grows bright in every home.

The wind hums through the quiet lane,

A song both lonely and serene.

The year exhales, the days turn clean,

And time feels slower in the cold.

Yet in this calm, a promise sleeps—

Of longer days and skies reborn.

For even in the frozen morn,

Spring waits beneath the snow.

Between worn pages (a poem)

 

Between worn pages, worlds unfold,
A quiet spark in ink and gold.
They lend us wings, they lend us light,
A whispered guide through day and night.

In every line, a door ajar—
Step in, step out, return from far.
For all the places one heart seeks,
A lifetime waits within the sheets.

Winter Moon (a poem)

 The winter moon hangs pale and high,

A lantern in a frozen sky,

Its quiet glow on fields below

Turns every drift to silver.

It slips between the leafless trees,

A watchful eye in icy breeze,

And shadows stretch in midnight blue

Where frost begins to shimmer.

The world feels still beneath its light,

A breath held long in deepest night,

As if the earth itself has paused

To listen to its glowing.

And though the dark may linger long,

The moon hums out a gentle song—

A whisper soft as winter wind,

A hint of something warming.