Father Roberto and the Runaway Ring: two heartwarming cosy mysteries

by Stefania Hartley

Two heartwarming cosy mysteries featuring a young priest in a Sicilian parish—perfect for fans of Chesterton's Father Brown and Jan Karon's Mitford series.

Quintessentially cozy, clean, and thoroughly enjoyable. — Bookbub review
I was hooked from the first page. — Bookbub review

The Runaway Ring
When well-to-do parishioner, Signora Albi, asks Father Roberto to recommend a trustworthy housekeeper, the young Sicilian Catholic priest puts forward one of the parish's teenagers. Tano knows how to keep house and he badly needs a job to keep himself out of trouble.
But when Signora Albi’s precious engagement ring goes missing, she has no doubt that Tano is the culprit and that the young priest is his unwitting accomplice.
Now Roberto must find the missing ring before Signora Albi’s deadline if he is to get himself and his young friend off the hook.

The Elopers’ Escapade
There’s nothing Father Roberto likes more than praying in the empty church at night, when nobody can interrupt him. But an eloping couple has other ideas. Seeking refuge from their rival criminal families, the star-crossed lovers demand that Roberto marries them then and there. Roberto would normally turn to his superior, Father Pietro, but he’s mysteriously missing.
Can Roberto find Father Pietro and keep the Sicilian Romeo and Juliet safe from their families?

Also available in paperback and large print paperback.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Stefania Hartley, best known as The Sicilian Mama, was born in Sicily and immediately started growing, but not very much.

She left her sunny island after falling head over heels in love with an Englishman, and now she lives in the UK with him and their three children.

Having finally learnt English, she’s enjoying it so much that she now writes short stories and romance novels.

Her short stories have been longlisted, commended and won prizes, and are regularly published by The People’s Friend magazine.
In July 2020 her debut romance, Sun, Stars and Limoncello, will be published by Totally Bound.

Subscribe to her newsletter to get first news of her latest releases and offers, and receive an exclusive free short story:
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Reviews

[Genesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two short, charming, cozy mysteries. Father Roberto helps Tano get a job at Signora Albis' house. Then one of her rings disappeared and she accused Tano of stealing it. Father Roberto and Tano investigate to find the thief. The second story Father Roberto finds himself in a dilemma when a couple of elopers want him to marry them immediately. Next, Father Pietro is kidnapped, and Father Roberto is with the couple, looking for him. The book is entertaining with charming characters, funny scenes, and an annoying brother. I enjoyed it very much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Swatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight away you're swept away to Sicily and into the fascinating world of Father Roberto, the village priest. This effort-less storytelling is compelling reading with its gentle humour and various twists along the way. There are two quite different stories but in both Father Roberto finds himself helping young people of his parish.
I'm already looking forward to reading more about Father Roberto.