Blog Archives
Time-Travel Romance
In Stone of Hope, a man trying to save his niece and nephew travels through time and meets a brilliant archaeologist who finds herself questioning his motives. I find the setup of the novel entertaining. How did this idea start and develop as you wrote?
Dominic DeVolt’s story first came to me while I was writing the first book in the series, Stone of Love. There, I hinted at how his relationship with his sister had grown distant. Imagining what would happen after he nearly abandoned her to cope alone with their mother’s cancer and death, I realized his story needed to be told. He wasn’t shallow as he may have seemed in Brielle’s memory—just deeply wounded.
By the time I wrote the third book, Stone of Lust, Dominic’s character and backstory were well-formed in my mind: a young man who channeled his grief into Air Force training, determined to become the best fighter in the force. Meanwhile, Brielle’s journey—taking her beloved artifacts discovered in Scotland on a museum tour—created the perfect chance to move the Iona stones’ magic beyond Scotland and into another world: Egypt in the 1930s, during the height of archaeological discovery. Adding Brielle’s children, who possess Fae powers, to Dominic’s time-hopping adventure was too tempting to pass up. This development naturally led into the next two books, each featuring one of Brielle’s children as an adult.
Blending elements from some of my favorite action-adventure films—The Mummy, Night at the Museum, Romancing the Stone, and Escape from Witch Mountain—I crafted this action-packed time-travel romance, weaving in my own vision of love during Egypt’s archaeological heyday.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoy writing each character for different reasons. I wanted to include the twin niece and nephew as teenagers to add both realism and humor to Dominic’s and Moira’s struggles. It allowed me a chance to introduce them and vest them with readers.
Moira White was a delight to develop. She’s a woman with modern ideals who was raised by a beloved uncle, traveling all over Egypt on his quest for historical treasures. What young woman wouldn’t want that kind of life? She’s very much a woman ahead of her time.
Dominic, however, was more challenging. Striking the right balance between his deep emotions and the charismatic, adrenaline-junkie persona shaped by his military training was no small feat. He’s a great example of the ideal “book boyfriend”: a warrior with a soft heart, a hint of mystery, and just enough “bad boy” to keep things interesting. Finding those softer moments without losing his hard edge was a welcome challenge, and I believe I did his character justice.
What was the inspiration for the love story and the connection the characters have?
Opposites attract. Each unknowingly needs what the other offers. It’s through their journey together they find how they each bring balance to the other through their love.
Can fans look forward to a fifth installment in the Stones of Iona series? Where will it take readers?
Stone of Doubt, book 5, Stones of Iona will release March 17th, 2025. It is available for pre-order now. To view the trailer, visit YouTube. To read an excerpt of the next installment of the series visit: https://margaretizardauthor.com/stonesofiona/hope/
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Linktree | Bookbub | Amazon
Moira 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 sees her future in his love.
The Good, the Bad, and the Absurd
Into the Mist follows a woman running from heartbreak who is drawn to the mysteries behind the walls of the abandoned Victorian home she stumbles across. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the mostly rural area I live in it is not uncommon to see abandoned Victorian houses tucked away here and there along the country roads. As I began writing Into the Mist, I thought again of those lonely old mansions, some of them still standing strong, and I instantly pictured the main character Cheyenne, in her emotional distress, being drawn to one of them out of desperation. And then while she’s still reeling, experiencing a sort of disconnect from reality as she seeks to escape her own life by obsessing over the previous inhabitants of the home, which in turn leaves her susceptible to certain effects. And the story just evolved from there.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
How people cope with life’s ups and downs, in particular when ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances are jarred out of their normal lives and how they react to it — the good, the bad, and my favorite, the absurd.
Time travel fiction always intrigues me. What do you find is the key to getting it just right?
I believe the key is to focus on the characters and what they are experiencing, providing just enough explanation and detail to make it believable while not getting mired down in the methodology and technicalities of it, especially if you don’t have the necessary background and know-how. The mind-boggling and possibly long-term ramifications of time travel to me holds much more weight than any theoretical mechanism causing it to occur. The wonder of being able to step into the past, or the future, and experience it firsthand is what I think makes it truly compelling.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I do have one novel, The House on Chestnut Circle, that I recently completed coming soon. In it a man follows his ex-wife to another state to be near his son and moves into a house that soon has him embroiled in a decades-old mystery involving a woman’s disappearance. And, in addition to that book, I am also working on a collection of short stories and a dystopian novel to follow sometime after.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Cheyenne Tanner, a woman who has lost everything, journeys down a road shrouded in mist and stumbles upon an abandoned home. The aging house, once a grand Victorian mansion, is now in decline with leaning posts on an overgrown property.
Inside, forgotten moments whisper through dusty hallways, beckoning her to bygone days. But is there something more going on there than a structure slowly sinking into ruin?
Slipping into the year 1895, she encounters the owner, Augustus Moore, who is struggling to keep pace with a changing world as well as with conflicts of his own. Little does she know how closely their fates are about to intertwine, and how far she is willing to go for him.
The Dark Without
The Dark Without by T.K. Toppin plunges readers into a haunting vision of Earth’s future—a world ravaged by humanity’s excesses and the relentless effects of climate change. In this dystopia, the government holds a monopoly on technology and resources, leaving the rest of society to languish in darkness and poverty. The planet itself has become a sprawling wasteland, its landscape littered with the ruins of centuries. Amidst this grim reality, people cling to fragments of normalcy—attending school, eking out livelihoods—but an air of despair pervades. The bleakness of this setting provokes a deep existential question: what’s the point of it all?
From the start, the story grips you on an emotional level. The world Toppin paints feels disturbingly plausible, a terrifying extrapolation of today’s crises. Esme’s journal entries, recounting her family’s harrowing escape during riots, are especially compelling. These passages tug at the heart, vividly capturing the chaos and fear of displacement. The parallels to real-world struggles are impossible to ignore, adding layers of poignancy and urgency to the narrative.
The plot takes an unexpected turn into science fiction when Esme experiences what can only be described as an alien abduction—but not in the way one might anticipate. This twist is both startling and fascinating, tapping into speculative theories about extraterrestrial involvement in human affairs. While I don’t subscribe to such ideas, the book’s exploration of them is captivating. Toppin crafts a scenario that feels both imaginative and unnervingly credible, lending the story a thought-provoking edge.
Themes of government corruption and humanity’s self-destructive tendencies resonate deeply throughout the book. These elements ground the fantastical aspects of the narrative in reality, prompting readers to reflect on the parallels to our own world. Fiction like this—stories that entertain while challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths—has a unique power. In some ways, The Dark Without feels like a grown-up counterpart to The Lorax, delivering its cautionary tale with a sharp, sophisticated edge.
The ending left a strong impression on me. Dark and perhaps morbid, it feels entirely fitting for the story Toppin tells. It delivers a poetic sense of justice. This is a gripping and thought-provoking read. The emotional depth, compelling themes, and unexpected twists make The Dark Without a standout work of speculative fiction. Highly recommended for anyone ready to be both entertained and unsettled by a vision of what might come if we don’t change course.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0BT81K56W
Into the Mist
A single act of betrayal sends Cheyenne Tanner spiraling into heartbreak, prompting her to flee with no destination in mind. Lost and overwhelmed, she stumbles upon an overgrown driveway that leads to a crumbling yet captivating Victorian mansion. Drawn by its eerie allure, Cheyenne wrestles with fear and a strange compulsion to enter the house. When the door creaks open, she steps inside, unaware of the dark mysteries that await her. What secrets does this house conceal?
Into the Mist, by Sharon Mikeworth, weaves a suspenseful narrative of love, mystery, and time travel. At its heart is Cheyenne, a woman burdened by personal betrayal and emotional upheaval, who finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mansion. Her journey takes an extraordinary turn when she is transported back to 1895, where she forges connections with Gus and a vibrant cast of characters from a bygone era. Mikeworth’s writing shines with its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, skillfully blending suspense, humor, and historical intrigue. Her dynamic dialogue and nuanced tone transitions keep the reader engrossed, shifting seamlessly between lighthearted moments and raw emotional intensity. The novel masterfully fuses historical fiction, paranormal romance, and mystery/suspense into a cohesive and compelling story.
Into the Mist is a captivating tale perfect for cozy evenings by the fire, offering readers an immersive escape into Cheyenne’s world—a world both mysterious and achingly relatable. The plot twists and turns, defying expectations and keeping the suspense palpable. With its haunting Victorian setting, intricately developed characters, and enthralling narrative, Into the Mist is a must-read for fans of dark, atmospheric fiction steeped in intrigue and emotion.
Pages: 452 | ASIN : B0DN27KR4N
THE TITANIC TEST: A LOVE STORY
In a world that exalts free will, Charlie Landers feels anything but free. Born into a family of time travelers, her path feels predetermined—every moment shaped by the doctrine of mastering time. Yet, Charlie longs for simplicity, a chance to live in the present, unburdened by the shadows of the past or the uncertainties of the future. Her Junior Year Test, however, forces her into action. This high-stakes mission demands she travel back to April 15, 1912, and rescue an invaluable book from the doomed RMS Titanic. As the icy waters close in and her own purpose comes into focus, Charlie faces a profound question: is her mission to save history, or to rewrite her own destiny?
The Titanic Test: A Love Story, by Ann K. Simpson, is a compact yet deeply resonant novel, rich with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Within its pages, fictional characters intertwine with echoes of real lives, reminding us of those who once walked this earth. Simpson skillfully bridges two timelines—the familiarity of modern-day high school and the haunting reality of the early 20th century—as we accompany Charlie and her companion Quinn into history. The result is a story that challenges readers to reflect on what history can teach us, but also on what we must unlearn in our present lives.
Charlie Landers, the novel’s protagonist, is relatable and well-drawn. She embodies the frustrations and dreams of a teenager trying to balance extraordinary responsibility with a yearning for normalcy. Neither an overachiever nor an outsider, she feels like someone we know. This sense of familiarity makes her journey all the more compelling. Her companion Quinn, evolving from friend to love interest, is equally well-developed. Their dynamic—grounded, understated, and genuine—adds richness to the narrative without overwhelming the plot. The romance enhances, rather than distracts from, the story’s emotional core, and their fleeting moments together carry a quiet poignancy that resonates.
Simpson’s attention to historical detail elevates the novel. From the language and mannerisms of the early 20th century to the precise unfolding of events aboard the RMS Titanic, her commitment to accuracy is commendable. Readers will appreciate the way historical events—especially the tragedy of April 14-15, 1912—are treated with respect. The “one pebble” theory woven throughout the narrative reinforces the novel’s central tension: the weight of small decisions and their rippling consequences. This blend of action, introspection, and historical immersion keeps the pacing tight and the pages turning. Simpson reminds us that the Titanic was more than an engineering marvel; it was a vessel of dreams, carrying thousands of souls whose stories were abruptly silenced. Through Charlie and Quinn, readers are given a chance to reconnect with those lives—to feel their hope, despair, and humanity in ways that transcend time. Simpson’s storytelling captures the fragility of life, yet it also celebrates the enduring power of human connection.
This novel is more than historical fiction; it is a reflection on destiny, choice, and the lessons we inherit from the past. The seamless narrative, well-rounded characters, and meticulous respect for history combine to make The Titanic Test unforgettable. For history enthusiasts and lovers of immersive storytelling, this book is a treasure—a beautifully crafted tale that bridges time, offering fresh perspective and emotional depth in equal measure. Simpson delivers a story that lingers, reminding us of both life’s fragility and the enduring threads that connect us all.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0DK85P2VH
Stone of Hope, Book 4 Stones of Iona
Stone of Hope, by Margaret Izard, masterfully blends romance, history, and fantasy into an enthralling narrative that sweeps readers across the evocative landscapes of Scotland and Egypt. Dominic DeVolt, drawn by the mystical power of the Eye of Ra, finds himself entangled in the life of Moira White, an archaeologist whose brilliance and beauty transcend the ordinary. With his niece and nephew’s lives at stake, Dominic plunges into Moira’s excavation, a place where ancient secrets meet modern treachery. For Moira, Dominic is a puzzle—an enigmatic figure who might bring salvation or destruction. Together, they face mystical forces and personal doubts, testing whether love can bridge the vast chasm between their worlds.
The novel’s richly imagined settings elevate the story, transforming them into living, breathing elements of the narrative. Scotland’s misty hills and Egypt’s sun-drenched ruins resonate with a sense of wonder and danger, adding depth to every scene. These locations are more than mere scenery; they enhance the storytelling, immersing readers in a vibrant atmosphere that lingers long after the pages turn. Dominic and Moira’s chemistry is undeniable, igniting the heart of the novel. Their journey through love, betrayal, and sacrifice explores universal themes of trust and redemption, drawing readers deeply into their emotional struggles.
The element of time travel adds layers of complexity, intensifying the stakes and offering new dimensions to their characters. This interplay of personal growth and high-stakes drama demonstrates Margaret Izard’s skill in crafting intricate relationships that captivate and resonate. Fantastical elements weave seamlessly into the plot, enriching the story without overshadowing its central romance. Izard’s deft integration of folklore and fantasy into historical and contemporary contexts creates a dynamic, multifaceted narrative. The result is a tapestry that sparkles with magic while remaining grounded in its characters’ heartfelt struggles and triumphs.
Stone of Hope concludes with a sense of fulfillment, yet it leaves the door ajar for future adventures. This balanced resolution offers closure while tantalizing readers with the promise of more, a narrative approach that ensures the story remains vivid in their imaginations. Hope and suspense intertwine, ensuring the tale’s impact lingers well beyond the final chapter. For readers seeking a story where love transcends time and the boundaries of past and present collide in breathtaking ways, Stone of Hope offers an unforgettable escape. Margaret Izard’s expert storytelling and genre-blending prowess make this a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and romance.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B0DLBMNKHG
Confronting New Challenges
Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street follows a young man who finds out how exciting his boring small town can be when he steps beyond a mysterious door on Main Street. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One evening, I found myself in a small main street area during a fireworks display. While everyone was watching the fireworks, I was admiring the turn-of-the-century architecture. The old brownstone buildings and facades were being cast in unusual colors and shadows and it struck me as a great setting for a sci-fi type storing. Since Main Street settings seemed to always have a ‘sleepy’ connotation, the question I posed to myself was, ‘”Why does nothing happen there?” Once I answered that question, the story took on a life of its own.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
I found myself enjoying any scene where the main character, Parker, was on his own, such as his mission on the lake or exploring the decrepit house. It was at these moments when Parker could think and feel for himself without other characters intruding, and allowed me to invest more personally in everything that was transpiring.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
I did a fair amount of plotting, but before I could do that, I needed to understand what the story meant to each of the characters, whether that was Parker confronting new challenges, Doyle wrestling with his own role in society, or Cassandra coming to terms with her grief. Once I had a grip on each of them, then it was a matter of finding where their arcs landed in the story, combining them with all of the needed scenes, and making sure their stories were told.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My current project falls into the category of adventure involving light-hearted pirates, puzzles, mysterious treasure, and a few genre-bending surprises, with plans that it will be ready by next summer. I have been asked if Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street is the start of a series. Honestly, I had intended it to be a stand-alone story, however, after completing it, I realized that there is another story there. When I explored the idea a bit further, what I found surprised me, so I am definitely wanting to return to the setting of Main Street in Harding Springs soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Nothing ever happens in Harding Springs. No tragic fires on Regent Avenue. No boating disaster on the lake. No runaway carriage ever flattened the Harding Springs Auxiliary Marching Band. It’s a quiet town filled with only peaceful and pleasant days.
That’s because no one knows about the incredible secret that lies behind the door at 55 Main Street or that the fates of the town residents rest in the vest pocket of a single, solitary stranger.
But when young Parker Riley and Harding Springs newcomers Cora and Cassandra Swanson stumble upon the amazing truth, their peaceful world is turned upside down as they attempt to protect the town—and themselves—from sinister interlopers and grave danger!
LITERARY TITAN 