Egyptian mythology holds a unique and enduring power over our imagination, blending mystery, grandeur, and spiritual depth. In Stone of Hope, this mythology is not just window dressing; it’s a living, breathing force that shapes the story’s characters, conflicts, and themes. By weaving Egyptian mythological elements into the narrative, Stone of Hope captures the timeless allure of Egyptian lore, proving that its magic is as potent today as it was thousands of years ago. This enduring fascination ensures that the myths enrich the story and connect with readers on a deep, almost primal level.
The Allure of Egypt
Egypt’s rich tapestry of gods, symbols, and artifacts, like the Eye of Ra and the Ankh cross, serves as a potent backdrop. The setting itself is a mythical canvas. I chose the story’s location for several reasons. Dominic DeVolt, Brielle’s charismatic brother first introduced in Stone of Love, book 1, needed his story to match his personality, larger than life. I also felt his story needed to occur someplace other than Scotland. His only tie to the country was his sister and while I could have made it work, it didn’t fit since their relationship had been strained for years. The link between Brielle’s promised museum tour from Stone of Love provided a natural progression in the series and the perfect place to start Dom’s story outside of Scotland. And what better place to time travel than Egypt’s greatest unearthing age, the 1930s, and the historic boom of discovery of the ancient tombs of the dead?
The Timeless Appeal of Mystery
Egyptian myths are shrouded in a veil of mystery, thanks to untranslated hieroglyphs, lost texts, and enigmatic rituals. This sense of the unknown infuses the novel with suspense and wonder, keeping readers on edge as they unravel the mysteries alongside the characters.
Egyptian myths often explore universal themes—love, betrayal, sacrifice, and the quest for eternal life. Stone of Hope draws heavily on these themes, using mythology as a lens through which the characters confront their desires and fears. Whether it’s Moira’s battle with destiny, Dominic’s fight to protect his loved ones, or Evie’s (Dom’s niece) awakening to her magical potential, their struggles are echoed in the myths surrounding them.
The Mystical Power of Artifacts
Artifacts like the Eye of Ra and the Ankh cross aren’t merely historical relics but vessels of magic and meaning. The Eye of Ra, a symbol of protection and divine power, serves as a literal gateway between worlds, connecting the modern era to the mysteries of 1930s Egypt. Meanwhile, the Ankh, the ancient symbol of life, plays a pivotal role in Moira’s nemesis, Pierre Lenoir and his obsession with gaining power via a mummy’s quest for immortality, emphasizing the eternal struggle between life, death, and the afterlife.
Within the Stone of Hope, The Eye of Ra is more than a portal—it’s a symbol of vision and connection.
Fae Lore Meets Egyptian Myth
I worked hard to masterfully blend two rich mythological traditions—Celtic and Egyptian—creating a unique and expansive magical system that heightens the stakes, deepens the lore, and enriches the narrative. This fusion isn’t just decorative; it intertwines both cultures’ symbols, legends, and magical philosophies, forming a cohesive world where ancient forces collide.
By weaving Celtic and Egyptian myths together, Stone of Hope creates a layered magical system that drives the plot and enriches its thematic core. The interplay between structured and chaotic magic, destiny and free will, and past and future ensures that the story resonates on both an emotional and mythical level, promising a rich tapestry for the reader.
Egyptian mythology in the novel revolves around artifacts like the Eye of Ra and the Ankh cross. These symbols connect to divine forces, providing power tied to history, protection, and the afterlife. Egyptian magic heavily relies on physical objects and rituals, often associated with legacy and permanence.
In contrast, the Celtic influence brings a more fluid, nature-bound magic. With their ties to elemental forces and spiritual energy, the Fae represent a more instinctual and chaotic form of power. Their abilities, such as Aodhán’s (Evie’s secret Fae helper) use of energy spheres, emphasize manipulation of the unseen and ephemeral.
I’ve used the interplay of these systems to enrich the story, as characters must navigate and reconcile the often-conflicting rules and consequences of each magical tradition, providing the needed tension to create a page-tuner experience for the reader.
Love Across Space and Time
The romance between Dominic DeVolt and Moira White is the cornerstone of Stone of Hope, illustrating how love can transcend time and vastly different worlds. Their relationship blends the rugged determination of a modern-day special operations soldier with the intellect and independence of a 1930s archaeologist, creating a passionate and deeply poignant dynamic.
Dominic and Moira are polar opposites in many ways, yet within their differences, I’ve created a magnetic connection.
As a military man, Dominic is pragmatic, protective, and action oriented. His instincts for strategy and danger make him a natural leader, but they also mask a profoundly emotional and vulnerable side.
On the other hand, Moira is fiercely independent and driven by a passion for knowledge. Her work as an archaeologist in a male-dominated field during the 1930s showcases her resilience and intellect, qualities that immediately intrigue Dominic.
Their romance builds on this interplay of strengths. Dominic admires Moira’s courage and brilliance, while Moira is drawn to Dominic’s unwavering dedication and his ability to see beyond her professional façade to the woman underneath.
I crafted their romance to be more than a love story—it’s a testament to the timelessness of human connection—a theme you’ll see in all my romance books. Their relationship bridges eras, cultures, and personal struggles, proving that love can flourish even in the most extraordinary circumstances. Together, they exemplify how love can heal and inspire, creating a partnership that is as enduring as the myths and histories that brought them together.
I hope you enjoy Stone of Hope, book 4, Stones of Iona Series, as much as I enjoyed writing it. The research provided a great opportunity to bring an adventure to life while telling a love tale as rich in meaning as it is in emotion. In my heart, true love transcends all space and time, and I hope Dom and Moira’s story alights this in you as it has for me.
Now, I’ve added another “bucket list trip” to my agenda: the pyramids of Egypt.
Title Stone of Hope, book 4, Stones of Iona Series
Author Margaret Izard
Genre Paranormal Romance
Publisher Wild Rose Press
Book Blurb
Only through hope can one find true love.
In a twist of fate, he’s shown her beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.
She fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?
He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She’d do anything for his love.
Excerpt
“Why, look at what you have found, my dear. Another tomb in the Valley of Kings. Why does this make it your duex or trois?” His French accent grating.
Moira huffed. She knew what Pierre’s goal was, and she vowed not today. “Third. And the last one you will steal out from under me, from my family.”
Pierre shook his head, tsking, but still held the gun pointed at her face. “Oh, my dear. So sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing. Tragic circumstances lead to—accidents.”
Moira raised her hand to wipe the dust from her face.
Pierre grabbed it. “Ah, ah, ah, dear. No sudden movements. Wouldn't want an accident happening again.”
Perrie gripped her wrist and stepped closer as the gun went to her cheek. “Such a jolie thing. It would be such a waste.” He wrestled her arm behind her back, twisting it, forcing Moira to arch her back.
Taking advantage of the position, Pierre rubbed his chest against hers. “A single young woman like yourself, alone in the world.” He bent close as their breaths mingled. The onions he’d eaten soured her stomach.
Moira turned her head to the side, but Pierre used the gun barrel to force her to face him. “Join me, Moira. Let's be partners. I’ve always wanted you, even when your uncle was my partner. I always wanted the beautiful, young Moira.” He kissed her lips and stayed connected, trying to insert his tongue into her mouth.
Moira kept her mouth shut. When he lifted his lips, she spat in his face.
Pierre’s reaction came swiftly. He dropped her hand and slapped her hard. Moira kept her head turned from the force of the blow.
He flipped her around, shoving her into the wall, and pressed his body against her back. “Bitch, have it your way, then.”
Pierre glanced to his thug in the shaft, speaking in Arabic, “Tamin al-haffar, wajma amalha. lakchaf ho alaan ley.” Secure the dig and gather her workers. The find is now mine.
Moira, understanding, struggled against his hold. “No, the find is mine. I registered it with the historical foundation. I have a permit and all. It's legal. I'm twenty-one. You can’t take it from me.”
Pierre ground his hips into her. His rock-hard erection dug into her rear, making Moira almost throw up.
Laughing, Pierre replied, “Silly girl, I’ve already taken it. Sadly, you didn’t file the permit correctly. Tsk, tsk. I filed it when the authorities released it—for errors.” Pierre leaned against her, whispering in her ear, “You should have taken my offer, girl. Now you lose it all, just like you lost your family.”
Wind blew her face and Moira shivered as the memory faded. Standing at a new dig in Tanis, Egypt she took a fortifying breath. A day didn’t go by she wasn’t reminded of that dig, of what Peirre had done. If it weren’t for Nubi and his village, New Gourna nearby, she’d never made it out of the Valley of the Kings alive. They’d treated her like family allowing her to stay until Pierre and his thugs left the valley. With her find packed and cataloged for filing as his.
It wasn't until that day that she learned of his true intent all those years ago when her uncle trusted him as his partner. All the times they’d lived in tent cities. The old man, Pierre, lusted after her. She shuddered as she shook off another chill.
That was five years ago, the last time Pierre stole a dig from her. Over time, she’d had many other projects, minor compared to the Ramesses II son’s tomb. Finds that were her own, under her name. She sighed and brushed her wayward hair away from her tanned face. The deep auburn curls were always unruly with a mind of their own.
She never returned to the United States after her parents’ death. Uncle Ben had been a famous Egyptian archeologist and raised Moira on digs. Her uncle’s death had rocked her world, tipping it upside down. She was always suspicious of the circumstances of his death. With Uncle Ben’s death, she’d lost her last family and had to make her way at twenty-one.
Five years later and much wiser, she’d begun her next dig. One she hoped held the promise of a great find. Her eyes roamed the hills. Other archeologists who’d tried this area claimed it held no significance. But she felt differently. There were discrepancies in the tomb labeling. In her heart, she felt this would be the next significant archeological find.
She turned to Nubi and the men from his village she’d hired at trade rates, not slave rates like Pierre.
Taking a deep breath she gave the order for her next dig. “Nubi, I feel it. We may discover something spectacular.”
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Giveaway -
Enter to win an epic bookish swag box celebrating the release of Stone of Hope by Margaret Izard. Inside the box is the following:
Eye of Ra/Ankh Cross gem necklace
Signed copy of the book.
Large Stone of Hope book bag
Small Stone of Hope book bag
Insulated wine glass with Stone of Hope logo
Dublin shot glass with etched Stone of Hope logo
Stone of Hope bookmark
Stone of Hope recipe card
The Wild Rose Press (publisher) 2025 calendar (While supplies last)
Open internationally
Runs January 3 - February 20
Winner will be drawn on February 21, 2025
Author Biography
Margaret Izard is a multi-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.
Readers can email me at: info@margaretizardauthor.com
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