The Inspiration for the Magic Stones

In early research, I read about the Stone of Destiny, or the coronation stone, traveling through Scotland and stopping at Dunstaffnage Castle, Oban, Scotland. Dunstaffnage Chapel in the Woods and the castle’s long, turbulent history laid the foundation for my series, Stones of Iona.

When I read about the Stone of Destiny and its rumored birthplace, Iona Isle, I asked myself, what if the stone was magic? What if many stones were magic, and what would that mean? As I delved into research on Scotland, I found that many of the people’s beliefs link to its folklore. These rich stories of worlds beyond ours became essential in capturing this country, its people, and its culture and bringing them to life.

After drafting the first three books in the seven-book series, a trip to Scotland in June 2023 provided an inspiring view of Scotland and her people. I feel even more connected to the characters and their stories after visiting locations featured in the series… Dunstaffnage Castle, Chapel in the Woods, Iona Isle, Iona Abbey, and Dunollie Castle.

Why should readers read this book?

Stone of Love, Book 1, Stones of Iona Series is a swoon-worthy time-travel romance set in Scotland and an “add it now” for anyone’s reading list. Outlander readers will clamor for more after reading this one!

Come discover how a simple magic Fae stone can save the realms as an American scholar starts a new life by renovating a Scottish chapel as a Fae’s prophecy sends her through time into the arms of the modern Scottish Laird, posing as his ancestor who must find a magic Fae stone to bring order to the realms.

Next in the series…. Stone of Fear, Book 2, Stones of Iona Series, coming summer 2024 and look for the Christmas companion book to the series, Thistle in the Mistletoe coming Holiday’s 2024.

About Margaret Izard

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

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About the Book

Stone of Love Stones of Iona Book 1 by Margaret Izard

Genre: Paranormal Romance

After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again?

Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae.

Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love.

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