The Inheritance of Stones — Claudia Hall Christian

They were never meant to meet. Now, the fate of the world depends on their bond.When Oxford-trained archaeologist Hugh Wallace returns home to bury his grandfather, he expects grief—not secrets. But deep beneath the ancient folly on his childhood estate lies a truth guarded by his family for centuries: a set of mystical stones said to hold unfathomable power.Forced to flee across the globe with a deadly legacy, Hugh's journey takes him to Los Angeles—and to Helene, a fierce young woman with the same eyes, the same freckles, and the same haunted past. Separated at birth, united by destiny, the two are drawn into a battle far older and darker than they could imagine.Hunted by a charming monster, stalked by shadowy figures only they can see, and protected by a guardian with secrets of his own, Hugh and Helene must unravel a mystery older than history and awaken powers they never knew they possessed.The stones have chosen their carrier. The keeper must protect her.If they fail, the world will fall into chaos.*Perfect for fans of Deborah Harkness, Leigh Bardugo, and Dan Brown— Inheritance of Stones is a propulsive tale of ancient magic, found family, and the courage to choose light over darkness.