The Fires of Bride
"Set in the remote Scottish island with a rambling castle and a ruined monastery harking back to more matriarchal times, The Fires of Bride is Ellen Galford's second novel. The author of the rollicking Moll Cutpurse spins a tale of misty legend and mysterious reality in this one. Maria, a visiting artist from the mainland, arrives and is quickly seduced by the island's strange charm. Is it her affair with Catriona -- clan chieftan, doctor, witch -- that makes it impossible for her to leave? Or is it the inspiration of a place where women have, since Viking times, fought off male marauders?" -- Publisher's description.