Sandra's Book Club: Blog Tour: STONE OF FAITH by Margaret Izard

STONE OF FAITH

Margaret Izard

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GENRE: Paranormal Romance

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BLURB:

The heart’s most extraordinary battle is the one fought for love.

Haunted by a family legacy that threads magic through the ages, Captain Ewan MacDougall and his ghostly crew sail between worlds—freeing enslaved people. A worthy goal, yet he longs for what eludes him—true love. When he crosses paths with a legendary siren of the sea, bound to a cruel, power-hungry madman, Ewan finds the woman destined to claim his heart.

Trapped and forced to use her voice to lure ships into the clutches of evil, the spark in Ewan’s eyes awakens hope in Lorelei’s soul—a chance to break free and protect her Fae family. Yet, the wicked monster holding her captive will stop at nothing to kill the human who touches and loves her as no one has ever done before.

Will the fated connection they share break the chains of dark magic or claim two more victims in a quest to find the Stone of Faith?

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Excerpt Three:

“Come lass, let me hold ye.” Ewan sat and settled her onto his lap. He took her in his arms, and she rested her head on his shoulder like she had when they lay side by side before. She hummed without magic as he rocked her a bit, content in his care.

“My da holds my ma this way when she’s sad.” He squeezed her once. “My ma says his care chases her tears away.” Lorelei exhaled, thinking of home and her people.

The humans were so different. “What is your family like?”

Ewan chuckled. “A pain in the ass sometimes.” She sensed a teasing manner in his response. He took a deep breath and let it out. “Loving, caring, kind people they are.” He chortled. “I have a sister, a twin. We got into so much trouble when we were young.” A whisper tickled her ear. “Still do.” She smirked, thinking of her eleven sisters and all the antics they pulled in their youth.

The teasing reminded her that Ewan had mentioned someone earlier. “Who’s Mrs. A? Your mother?”

Ewan grunted. “She acts like it, but no. She’s the housekeeper, but more than that. She’s family.”

The way he said that word family seemed to resonate in his soul. His feelings reached her, what the meaning that the word was to him. Sure, in her realm, she had her sisters and her father. But the way Ewan spoke of his. The way his emotions vibrated, spoke of so much more. She craved that—wanted more than anything to have someone feel that way about her and her about him.

Ewan sat back till their gazes came even. “Ah, see, lass.” His thumb skimmed her cheek. “No more tears. That’s how I like to see yer face, Lorelei, tearless.”

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How do your characters evolve in the story?

Ewan MacDougall’s Evolution

Ewan starts as a haunted man—bearing the MacDougall legacy, the weight of family sacrifice, and the pressure of retrieving the Stone of Faith. His sense of duty is sharp, but he carries self-doubt about whether his strength is enough to stand against the forces that destroyed generations before him. His initial identity is tied to service, lineage, and survival.

Through his connection with Lorelei, Ewan softens without losing his steel. He begins to see himself not only as a warrior but as a man with a heart, worthy of love and loyalty. His sense of humor and tenderness emerge in private moments with her, showing readers his depth. He also confronts the dragon-fire in his blood and the pull of the Fae, embracing both sides of his heritage instead of fearing them.

By the climax, Ewan has transformed into a true leader—one who no longer serves only for duty’s sake but for love, faith, and hope. He accepts the mantle of protector, not just of his people but of Lorelei. His soul bond with her confirms that his worth is not measured only in victory, but in devotion and sacrifice.

Lorelei’s Evolution

Lorelei begins as a trapped siren, bound to serve dark forces by using her voice against her will. Though outwardly powerful, inwardly she feels powerless and resigned to fate. She masks vulnerability with allure and strength, but her hope has nearly extinguished.

Meeting Ewan sparks the first real defiance in her heart. His refusal to see her as a monster forces her to look at herself differently. With him, she discovers her identity beyond being a tool of enchantment—her compassion, her courage, her longing for freedom. Her arc shifts from object of captivity to active heroine.

Lorelei claims her voice fully—no longer as a weapon of the enemy, but as her own power. She sings for freedom, love, and the breaking of chains. By embracing her bond with Ewan, she evolves into a queenly figure, a woman of agency and strength who helps turn the tide of battle. Love does not weaken her—it empowers her to rewrite her destiny.

Their Relationship’s Evolution

Sparks fly from the beginning, but their bond is forged in tension. Ewan sees past the siren’s beauty into the soul beneath; Lorelei sees in him the rare man who does not seek to use her but to understand her.

Their relationship grows in moments of trust—sharing food, stolen laughter, and perilous journeys. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it is trust and sacrifice that deepen their connection into love.

Their bond is tested when Lorelei risks everything to break free of her chains, and Ewan risks everything to protect her. Their love becomes the weapon against the dark Fae’s corruption.

Together, they embody the book’s theme—faith. Faith in love, in destiny, and in one another. Their evolution from haunted warrior and trapped siren to soulmates united by choice completes their arc, leaving them as both lovers and leaders.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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

Or www.margaretizardauthor.com

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The Stone of Doubt Book Swag Box

Inside the box

Teardrop Lab Sapphire Necklace

Signed copy of the book.