The Last Witch in Edinburgh By Marielle Thompson

In The Cailleach's Embrace, set in an alternate Edinburgh of 1824, women live in constant fear of being condemned as witches. The city’s oppressive patriarchal society makes every woman a potential target, where invoking the wrath of the wrong person can lead to a tragic end. Nellie Duncan, a beautiful and solitary woman, finds herself drawn to the Rae Women’s Apothecary, where she meets the fiery and enigmatic Jean Rae. At the apothecary, Nellie discovers a community of women embracing their power and independence through the worship of the winter deity, the Cailleach.

As Nellie immerses herself in the craft of witchery, she develops a deep connection with Jean and a passion for nature-based magic. However, their newfound strength attracts the attention of an ancient enemy determined to dismantle the Cailleach’s power and unleash patriarchal violence. When disaster strikes, Nellie is forced to flee, spending the next two centuries in hiding.

Now, with love rekindling her courage, Nellie returns to a world where oppression has evolved, and the fight against the patriarchy is far from over. Confronting her past and facing new threats, Nellie is resolved to resist, fight for justice, and harness her magical inner strength to awaken others to the power of resistance.

The Cailleach's Embrace blends witchcraft, queer romance, and Scottish folklore into a lush, atmospheric narrative that explores the profound struggle for agency and the enduring quest for personal empowerment in the face of systemic oppression.