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Isle Fincara Trilogy #2
The Priest's Wife
When her husband the priest dies, Morag loses more than her life partner. With him goes her home and her place in the community. When her identity is also called into question, she sets out on a quest to find herself anew.
Meanwhile, the new priest brings with him a religion that seeks to sweep away the mix of Celtic myth and Christian story that has sustained the islanders for many years.
In the conflict that unfolds, each is challenged to know themselves more deeply, and at last to recognise the new roles that await them.
The second of A G Rivett's Isle Fincara Trilogy, set on an island in a fictional world that is like, and unlike, our own of a thousand years ago.
Meanwhile, the new priest brings with him a religion that seeks to sweep away the mix of Celtic myth and Christian story that has sustained the islanders for many years.
In the conflict that unfolds, each is challenged to know themselves more deeply, and at last to recognise the new roles that await them.
The second of A G Rivett's Isle Fincara Trilogy, set on an island in a fictional world that is like, and unlike, our own of a thousand years ago.
325 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 24, 2025
The Priest's Wife
by A. G. Rivett is the second book in the Isle Fincara Trilogy. In the first book John, with a zippered jacket, travels back in time to the Celtic lands we know by other names. His experience is the amazing (modern man of 2000's, landing in the 1000's ish) leap of faith to learn entirely new language, culture, lifeways and decide his future. . .
This second book centers on Morag, a mother who was never a mother - but who stands in as nurturer to many. She is facing the difficult transition to being a widow after a lifetime of married years. She has her adopted son to face life ahead, and she's soon to be a grandmother. Still her marriage made room for life in a strict patriarchy because of her husband's belief in her as a woman, as capable and empowered to a degree beyond that of their local and regional communities. Her husband, the community's beloved priest has died. She is alone. She cannot even remain living in the home they shared for their long years together. A new priest will move in and need that space which has ever been dedicated to the community's spiritual leader. She has lost her partner, her role and her purpose.
Some of the overarching themes are patriarchy/matriarchy systems, the way societies receive new inventions and innovations - and why when belief systems are pitted against each other, whole nations are required to assimilate or be massacred. It is a limited view humans have - only a few years, and so much knowledge dies with each generation - we can never know all of what has happened. This story shows the beginning of one belief system deciding another is obsolete, untrue, maybe even evil - and so begins the onslaught, the early days and struggles. All of this comes through Morag's viewpoint as she changes and accepts new roles beyond the Priest's Wife. . .
Morag's story is all that I wanted after having finished the first book. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the third in this series, which is scheduled to release in 2026. I will be hunting it down! (And so should you. . .just sayin'!)
*A sincere thank you to A. G. Rivett, Pantolwen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ThePriestsWife #NetGalley
This second book centers on Morag, a mother who was never a mother - but who stands in as nurturer to many. She is facing the difficult transition to being a widow after a lifetime of married years. She has her adopted son to face life ahead, and she's soon to be a grandmother. Still her marriage made room for life in a strict patriarchy because of her husband's belief in her as a woman, as capable and empowered to a degree beyond that of their local and regional communities. Her husband, the community's beloved priest has died. She is alone. She cannot even remain living in the home they shared for their long years together. A new priest will move in and need that space which has ever been dedicated to the community's spiritual leader. She has lost her partner, her role and her purpose.
Some of the overarching themes are patriarchy/matriarchy systems, the way societies receive new inventions and innovations - and why when belief systems are pitted against each other, whole nations are required to assimilate or be massacred. It is a limited view humans have - only a few years, and so much knowledge dies with each generation - we can never know all of what has happened. This story shows the beginning of one belief system deciding another is obsolete, untrue, maybe even evil - and so begins the onslaught, the early days and struggles. All of this comes through Morag's viewpoint as she changes and accepts new roles beyond the Priest's Wife. . .
Morag's story is all that I wanted after having finished the first book. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the third in this series, which is scheduled to release in 2026. I will be hunting it down! (And so should you. . .just sayin'!)
*A sincere thank you to A. G. Rivett, Pantolwen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ThePriestsWife #NetGalley
July 25, 2025
The Priest's Wife by A. G. Rivett is the second book in the Isle Fincara Trilogy. In the first book John, with a zippered jacket, travels back in time to the Celtic lands we know by other names. His experience is the amazing (modern man of 2000's, landing in the 1000's ish) leap of faith to learn entirely new language, culture, lifeways and decide his future. . .
This second book centers on Morag, a mother who was never a mother - but who stands in as nurturer to many. She is facing the difficult transition to being a widow after a lifetime of married years. She has her adopted son to face life ahead, and she's soon to be a grandmother. Still her marriage made room for life in a strict patriarchy because of her husband's belief in her as a woman, as capable and empowered to a degree beyond that of their local and regional communities. Her husband, the community's beloved priest has died. She is alone. She cannot even remain living in the home they shared for their long years together. A new priest will move in and need that space which has ever been dedicated to the community's spiritual leader. She has lost her partner, her role and her purpose.
Some of the overarching themes are patriarchy/matriarchy systems, the way societies receive new inventions and innovations - and why when belief systems are pitted against each other, whole nations are required to assimilate or be massacred. It is a limited view humans have - only a few years, and so much knowledge dies with each generation - we can never know all of what has happened. This story shows the beginning of one belief system deciding another is obsolete, untrue, maybe even evil - and so begins the onslaught, the early days and struggles. All of this comes through Morag's viewpoint as she changes and accepts new roles beyond the Priest's Wife. . .
Morag's story is all that I wanted after having finished the first book. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the third in this series, which is scheduled to release in 2026. I will be hunting it down! (And so should you. . .just sayin'!)
*A sincere thank you to A. G. Rivett, Pantolwen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ThePriestsWife #NetGalley
This second book centers on Morag, a mother who was never a mother - but who stands in as nurturer to many. She is facing the difficult transition to being a widow after a lifetime of married years. She has her adopted son to face life ahead, and she's soon to be a grandmother. Still her marriage made room for life in a strict patriarchy because of her husband's belief in her as a woman, as capable and empowered to a degree beyond that of their local and regional communities. Her husband, the community's beloved priest has died. She is alone. She cannot even remain living in the home they shared for their long years together. A new priest will move in and need that space which has ever been dedicated to the community's spiritual leader. She has lost her partner, her role and her purpose.
Some of the overarching themes are patriarchy/matriarchy systems, the way societies receive new inventions and innovations - and why when belief systems are pitted against each other, whole nations are required to assimilate or be massacred. It is a limited view humans have - only a few years, and so much knowledge dies with each generation - we can never know all of what has happened. This story shows the beginning of one belief system deciding another is obsolete, untrue, maybe even evil - and so begins the onslaught, the early days and struggles. All of this comes through Morag's viewpoint as she changes and accepts new roles beyond the Priest's Wife. . .
Morag's story is all that I wanted after having finished the first book. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the third in this series, which is scheduled to release in 2026. I will be hunting it down! (And so should you. . .just sayin'!)
*A sincere thank you to A. G. Rivett, Pantolwen Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ThePriestsWife #NetGalley
October 23, 2023
A G Rivett's "The Priest's Wife" sweeps readers away on a poignant voyage to an imagined island nestled somewhere between the shores of Scotland and Ireland. Within this realm lies a world that is comforting in its familiarity and exquisitely unique in its beauty. As the second installment of the Isle Fincara Trilogy, Rivett adeptly crafts a narrative that is touching and moving while also teeming with emotional depth.
At its heart, the story revolves around Morag, a woman whose life takes a profound and unexpected turn when her husband, the priest, passes away. In the wake of this loss, Morag finds herself not only bereft of her life partner but also displaced from her home and her cherished place in the community. The abrupt shift in her circumstances thrusts her identity into uncertainty, setting in motion a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Woven into Morag's exploration of self is the arrival of the new priest, bearing a religion that challenges the island's longstanding blend of Celtic myth and Christian traditions. The collision between tradition and change becomes the crucible for a conflict that compels each character to explore deep into their innermost selves, confront their beliefs, and unveil the fresh roles that await them.
"The Priest's Wife" immerses readers in the emotional core of the characters. Morag's struggles and triumphs are vividly depicted, forging an intimate connection between readers and her personal journey. Her quest for self-discovery resonates deeply, as she navigates the turbulent waters of grief, identity, and transformation, evoking relatability and inspiration.
Rivett's words were thoughtfully selected to construct a narrative that is immersive and emotionally resonant. The imaginary island setting springs to life with captivating vividness, serving as a spellbinding backdrop to the characters' individual odysseys. Rivett's capacity to transport readers to this singular world requires artistry and ingenuity that underpin the creation of this novel.
The collision between the islanders' time-honored beliefs and the religious influences yields an additional layer of depth, igniting contemplation about the ever-evolving essence of faith and the consequences of change on communal bonds.
"The Priest's Wife" investigates the profound themes of identity, faith, and transformation. A G Rivett's storytelling is rather remarkable, and the narrative's emotional resonance will leave an impression on readers. This is a novel that touches the soul and also invites introspection into the intricate webbing of our own lives.
"A G Rivett's 'The Priest's Wife' is an exploration of identity and transformation that will touch your heart and linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page." - A Journey of Self-Discovery.
"In the world of 'The Priest's Wife,' grief and resilience collide in a narrative that's as moving as it is thought-provoking." - Where Grief Meets Resilience.
"A beautifully crafted tale of faith, change, and the enduring spirit of the human soul, 'The Priest's Wife' is a prime example of emotional storytelling." - Faith, Change, and the Human Spirit.
"With emotionally resonant prose, A G Rivett invites readers to an imaginary world that feels astonishingly real. 'The Priest's Wife' is an immersive journey of self-discovery." - Immersed in an Imaginary World.
"Morag's quest for identity and the clash of traditions make 'The Priest's Wife' captivating and thought-provoking while challenging the heart and mind." - A Quest for Identity.
"Step into the world of 'The Priest's Wife' and be prepared to be moved, inspired, and forever changed. A G Rivett's storytelling is powerful literature." - Moved, Inspired, Forever Changed.
"The clash between tradition and change in 'The Priest's Wife' is a universal theme that resonates. A G Rivett's novel is evidence of the enduring human spirit." - Tradition and Change.
"A G Rivett's 'The Priest's Wife' is a work of art that beautifully weaves life, love, and transformation. This is a story that will stay with you." - Weaving Life, Love, and Transformation.
At its heart, the story revolves around Morag, a woman whose life takes a profound and unexpected turn when her husband, the priest, passes away. In the wake of this loss, Morag finds herself not only bereft of her life partner but also displaced from her home and her cherished place in the community. The abrupt shift in her circumstances thrusts her identity into uncertainty, setting in motion a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Woven into Morag's exploration of self is the arrival of the new priest, bearing a religion that challenges the island's longstanding blend of Celtic myth and Christian traditions. The collision between tradition and change becomes the crucible for a conflict that compels each character to explore deep into their innermost selves, confront their beliefs, and unveil the fresh roles that await them.
"The Priest's Wife" immerses readers in the emotional core of the characters. Morag's struggles and triumphs are vividly depicted, forging an intimate connection between readers and her personal journey. Her quest for self-discovery resonates deeply, as she navigates the turbulent waters of grief, identity, and transformation, evoking relatability and inspiration.
Rivett's words were thoughtfully selected to construct a narrative that is immersive and emotionally resonant. The imaginary island setting springs to life with captivating vividness, serving as a spellbinding backdrop to the characters' individual odysseys. Rivett's capacity to transport readers to this singular world requires artistry and ingenuity that underpin the creation of this novel.
The collision between the islanders' time-honored beliefs and the religious influences yields an additional layer of depth, igniting contemplation about the ever-evolving essence of faith and the consequences of change on communal bonds.
"The Priest's Wife" investigates the profound themes of identity, faith, and transformation. A G Rivett's storytelling is rather remarkable, and the narrative's emotional resonance will leave an impression on readers. This is a novel that touches the soul and also invites introspection into the intricate webbing of our own lives.
"A G Rivett's 'The Priest's Wife' is an exploration of identity and transformation that will touch your heart and linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page." - A Journey of Self-Discovery.
"In the world of 'The Priest's Wife,' grief and resilience collide in a narrative that's as moving as it is thought-provoking." - Where Grief Meets Resilience.
"A beautifully crafted tale of faith, change, and the enduring spirit of the human soul, 'The Priest's Wife' is a prime example of emotional storytelling." - Faith, Change, and the Human Spirit.
"With emotionally resonant prose, A G Rivett invites readers to an imaginary world that feels astonishingly real. 'The Priest's Wife' is an immersive journey of self-discovery." - Immersed in an Imaginary World.
"Morag's quest for identity and the clash of traditions make 'The Priest's Wife' captivating and thought-provoking while challenging the heart and mind." - A Quest for Identity.
"Step into the world of 'The Priest's Wife' and be prepared to be moved, inspired, and forever changed. A G Rivett's storytelling is powerful literature." - Moved, Inspired, Forever Changed.
"The clash between tradition and change in 'The Priest's Wife' is a universal theme that resonates. A G Rivett's novel is evidence of the enduring human spirit." - Tradition and Change.
"A G Rivett's 'The Priest's Wife' is a work of art that beautifully weaves life, love, and transformation. This is a story that will stay with you." - Weaving Life, Love, and Transformation.
October 12, 2023
- I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book given to me by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own -
A try at yet another feminist telling of spirituality set in a Celtic small town about thousands of years ago - and it’s quite good. While it definitely has its flaws (especially concerning the storytelling, which gets a bit dry when nothing of importance happens for quite some time and the protagonist Morag keeps on going on little side quests, but it feels more like a linear line of “to do lists” where she needs to face one obstacle to get to the next and so on), the writing style is good and mirrors the dialect spoken at the time, which makes reading it really interesting.
The magical realism makes the story feel more alive and interesting and the imagination of deities and their protectors is quite captivating. The whole novel tries to work with more modern labels to imply diversity and does an okay job with it.
In the end it’s a captivating story about a strong woman trying to find her place in a world that is still too patriarchal to grant her the freedom and security she wishes for, and a story which imagines a reality where she does.
A try at yet another feminist telling of spirituality set in a Celtic small town about thousands of years ago - and it’s quite good. While it definitely has its flaws (especially concerning the storytelling, which gets a bit dry when nothing of importance happens for quite some time and the protagonist Morag keeps on going on little side quests, but it feels more like a linear line of “to do lists” where she needs to face one obstacle to get to the next and so on), the writing style is good and mirrors the dialect spoken at the time, which makes reading it really interesting.
The magical realism makes the story feel more alive and interesting and the imagination of deities and their protectors is quite captivating. The whole novel tries to work with more modern labels to imply diversity and does an okay job with it.
In the end it’s a captivating story about a strong woman trying to find her place in a world that is still too patriarchal to grant her the freedom and security she wishes for, and a story which imagines a reality where she does.
November 8, 2023
I enjoyed The Seaborne and longed for the second part of the trilogy, The Priest’s Wife. When it came, I was not disappointed. The glossary of names and occasional reference (without repetition) to the first book enabled me to pick-up, from where I left-off with ease. I found myself going to bed ridiculously early to discover what happened next to the bereaved and role-less priest’s wife.
A story like this, so rooted in nature, community, spirituality and intuition makes me wonder what we miss in our busy, noisy, compartmentalised lives that are dominated by facts, individuality and materialism.
I particularly liked Morag’s finding of the waif, Sorcha, and how their new, isolated home became a haven for those in need.
A story like this, so rooted in nature, community, spirituality and intuition makes me wonder what we miss in our busy, noisy, compartmentalised lives that are dominated by facts, individuality and materialism.
I particularly liked Morag’s finding of the waif, Sorcha, and how their new, isolated home became a haven for those in need.
November 6, 2023
We have the delicious habit of reading books out aloud to each other and just finished The Priest's Wife. What a treat! We enjoyed the glimpses of how a strong woman in difficult circumstances finds her place and power within a very patriarchal society, how a holistic spirituality interacts with a restrictive religion. The characters in the book are described with a nuance that moves the reader beyond 'good and bad' and allows a common humanity to be seen, even in 'villains'. We loved it! Can't wait to read another story from the Isle Fincara.
Cornelia Featherstone and Sylvia Robertson, Findhorn
Cornelia Featherstone and Sylvia Robertson, Findhorn
November 7, 2023
This novel evokes a profound sense of the beauty of place and the community bound to that place. The reader is drawn in and, in a way, joins the characters on their journey. If the setting is a putative thousand years in the past, the underlying themes are contemporary. Modern counter-cultural aspirations run alongside the question of the relationship of religion and society, of evangelisation and enculturation. The Priest’s Wife allows the reader space to meditate on these and other themes, without forcing conclusions.
November 7, 2023
The Priest’s Wife is another beautiful and sensitively-written narrative by A.G. Rivett. Imbued with the author’s love of nature and its wild and elemental forces that shape and govern Island life and its spirituality, it makes for compelling reading and leaves the reader impatient for more. This book will strike a resonant chord with modern-feminist readers and, in a post-Christian society, those interested in alternative ancient faith traditions.
Benedict Thwaite, Lampeter
Benedict Thwaite, Lampeter
October 25, 2023
This is actually book 2 of The Isle Fincara Trilogy, but the first book that I've read in this series and indeed by this author.
I would normally not read books out of order, but sadly didn't have time to grab and read book 1 before this one.
I feel that this book still worked well as a standalone, although I definitely feel like I would have gained more from the character development than I did on this read through.
When Morag's husband (the priest) passes away, she is not only grieving her loss, but also displaced from her home as the new priest arrives.
When a stranger arrives, claiming to be a prophet, with stories of Morag's mother - she decides to go on a journey to discover where she came from and the truth of these stories.
I found this an interesting read - despite not being religious myself, I enjoy reading about this era where Christianity was just evolving and the contrast here between the traditional paganism that existed on the island previously and the new ideas coming through with the new priest.
Morag was such a strong character and although set in a completely different time, I found that she was still very relatable.
Her journey to discover her identity and to find a place in which she fitted in this new world, was profound and moving.
Also dealing with the topic of mental health, which was sensitively done and well written.
I'm keen to catch up on this series and have since got hold of book 1 - The Seaborne - and hope to get chance to read both of these ready for the final book of the trilogy.
I would normally not read books out of order, but sadly didn't have time to grab and read book 1 before this one.
I feel that this book still worked well as a standalone, although I definitely feel like I would have gained more from the character development than I did on this read through.
When Morag's husband (the priest) passes away, she is not only grieving her loss, but also displaced from her home as the new priest arrives.
When a stranger arrives, claiming to be a prophet, with stories of Morag's mother - she decides to go on a journey to discover where she came from and the truth of these stories.
I found this an interesting read - despite not being religious myself, I enjoy reading about this era where Christianity was just evolving and the contrast here between the traditional paganism that existed on the island previously and the new ideas coming through with the new priest.
Morag was such a strong character and although set in a completely different time, I found that she was still very relatable.
Her journey to discover her identity and to find a place in which she fitted in this new world, was profound and moving.
Also dealing with the topic of mental health, which was sensitively done and well written.
I'm keen to catch up on this series and have since got hold of book 1 - The Seaborne - and hope to get chance to read both of these ready for the final book of the trilogy.
November 8, 2023
The Priest’s Wife is the second in the Isle Fincara trilogy but also works as a stand-alone novel.
The story is set over a thousand years ago, at a time when Christianity is starting to clash with old beliefs. It takes place on an Isle Fincara, an imagined island that has elements of Scottish and Irish culture, belief and tradition.
The story centers around Morag, the Priest’s Wife. However, when he dies and her life changes, she sets out on a journey to discover herself and forge a new identity.
It felt like a very authentic historical fiction in its depiction of a Celtic civilisation and lifestyle on the cusp of new religion. There were moments of magic and myth, but these felt more like a deeply personal religious experiences, rather than turning the novel into a crossover with the fantasy genre.
This novel is unique in its voice, storytelling and setting. Whilst it’s a slow burner, it’s a novel that feels warm and personal and is very gentle. There were some times where I did wonder whether I would continue to the end, just because it didn’t quite have the bite I would have liked and isn’t driven by action or adventure. Yet it still has a sense of pace and purpose, and it always pitches up some new, creative twist.
Morag is a warm, likeable character who I was rooting for. She’s an older protagonist but her determination, resilience and willingness to learn makes her affable, and she continues to evolve throughout the whole of the novel.
There were also other stories threaded throughout, such as Dhion, who comes to the Island as a traveller from our age (a story explored in the first book - which I haven’t read). There was also Father Aiden who brings with him the new religion and is pitted against a town that are content to keep their balance between the new and the old. I would have liked to hear more about Father Aiden and seen more conflict introduced between the religions as this is a catalyst that was extremely significant in history, and is incredibly interesting.
This book is perfect for cosy autumnal nights. It’s humbling, warm and an excellent journey back to a historical period that doesn’t seem, in my experience, to be a forerunner on bookshelves.
The story is set over a thousand years ago, at a time when Christianity is starting to clash with old beliefs. It takes place on an Isle Fincara, an imagined island that has elements of Scottish and Irish culture, belief and tradition.
The story centers around Morag, the Priest’s Wife. However, when he dies and her life changes, she sets out on a journey to discover herself and forge a new identity.
It felt like a very authentic historical fiction in its depiction of a Celtic civilisation and lifestyle on the cusp of new religion. There were moments of magic and myth, but these felt more like a deeply personal religious experiences, rather than turning the novel into a crossover with the fantasy genre.
This novel is unique in its voice, storytelling and setting. Whilst it’s a slow burner, it’s a novel that feels warm and personal and is very gentle. There were some times where I did wonder whether I would continue to the end, just because it didn’t quite have the bite I would have liked and isn’t driven by action or adventure. Yet it still has a sense of pace and purpose, and it always pitches up some new, creative twist.
Morag is a warm, likeable character who I was rooting for. She’s an older protagonist but her determination, resilience and willingness to learn makes her affable, and she continues to evolve throughout the whole of the novel.
There were also other stories threaded throughout, such as Dhion, who comes to the Island as a traveller from our age (a story explored in the first book - which I haven’t read). There was also Father Aiden who brings with him the new religion and is pitted against a town that are content to keep their balance between the new and the old. I would have liked to hear more about Father Aiden and seen more conflict introduced between the religions as this is a catalyst that was extremely significant in history, and is incredibly interesting.
This book is perfect for cosy autumnal nights. It’s humbling, warm and an excellent journey back to a historical period that doesn’t seem, in my experience, to be a forerunner on bookshelves.
October 11, 2025
When her husband Hugh the parish priest dies, her adopted son Dhion—a time-traveller from the future introduced in Book One, The Seaborne—his wife Shinane and the other villagers help Morag with her loss. Shinane is carrying new life—twins.
Morag has lost her husband and come Bride’s Day will have to vacate the priests’ house. She has lost her place in the mediaeval Scottish/Irish island’s society and even feels alienated from her new grandchildren. She travels to Kimmoil, her birthplace two days north, on a quest to discover the identity of her own mother. Aided by the mystical Guardians of the Island, she embarks on a spiritual awakening.
She finds the welcome in Kimmoil less than warm; the town is suffering from an outbreak of scurvy. She meets the daughter of her half-brother, Sorcha, unloved as she had been, and Morag brings the girl back with her.
After Hugh’s death, the villagers look to Morag for pastoral and ritual care. ‘Ye’re the priestess, Auntie,’ says Sorcha. But when the new priest Aidan arrives, he tries to pull the parish away from their traditional druidic beliefs and customs, now deemed heretical, and butts head with the shareg (headman). The lives of Aidan and Morag reach a crisis point.
Beautifully written and evocative of the culture of the time. No anachronistic language intrudes upon the beautiful picture. We see a misty, green world, where the Otherworld of the Sidhe is not so distant from life among the living.
A doctor, crofter and ordained minister himself, Rivett understands well the tight relationship of the peasants to the land and the seasons, and the religious ideas and practices of the period. The contrast between the ‘nature-affirming’ Celtic faith and the ‘nature-denying’ Catholic is very much part of the dynamic between Aidan and Morag.
The review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
Morag has lost her husband and come Bride’s Day will have to vacate the priests’ house. She has lost her place in the mediaeval Scottish/Irish island’s society and even feels alienated from her new grandchildren. She travels to Kimmoil, her birthplace two days north, on a quest to discover the identity of her own mother. Aided by the mystical Guardians of the Island, she embarks on a spiritual awakening.
She finds the welcome in Kimmoil less than warm; the town is suffering from an outbreak of scurvy. She meets the daughter of her half-brother, Sorcha, unloved as she had been, and Morag brings the girl back with her.
After Hugh’s death, the villagers look to Morag for pastoral and ritual care. ‘Ye’re the priestess, Auntie,’ says Sorcha. But when the new priest Aidan arrives, he tries to pull the parish away from their traditional druidic beliefs and customs, now deemed heretical, and butts head with the shareg (headman). The lives of Aidan and Morag reach a crisis point.
Beautifully written and evocative of the culture of the time. No anachronistic language intrudes upon the beautiful picture. We see a misty, green world, where the Otherworld of the Sidhe is not so distant from life among the living.
A doctor, crofter and ordained minister himself, Rivett understands well the tight relationship of the peasants to the land and the seasons, and the religious ideas and practices of the period. The contrast between the ‘nature-affirming’ Celtic faith and the ‘nature-denying’ Catholic is very much part of the dynamic between Aidan and Morag.
The review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
October 24, 2023
The second book in a Trilogy, The Priest's Wife is a contemporary fantasy novel by an author who is brand new to me. I had no idea what to expect from this book when I began reading. I kept my mind open and just allowed the story to flow.
We are introduced to Morag, a priest's wife, who lives in a town that respects her due to her status. One day, a stranger arrives, one who is of untidy appearance. He claims he is a prophet and tells Morag of a mother who she doesn't know anything about. Then her husband becomes ill and makes her a priest so he can have the sacrament as he is dying. Now she is a priest but also wants to discover if the 'prophet' was right. What follows is her journey to her birth place to try to solve the mystery of her mother.
A skilfully written story of one woman and her journey to discover herself. A.G. Rivett writes in such a way that I felt like I was inside Morag's head. Her struggles to find her place in life and accept the changes that she is faced with. It's a senstive portrait in some ways and one which made me feel I knew Morag totally.
The characters are so well fleshed out, and the residents of the town made me actually feel like they really did care. The way the author weaves religion into the novel, showing the fight between christianity and their traditional paganism, makes it a layered and interesting read for me anyway.
The exploration of mental health is another sensitively handled subject. I felt that the author treated it as if he cared, and that was apparent. These subjects are important and the more they are highlighted in books, maybe they will become easier to talk about. It's a novel that's well-written, with sensitivity but also bravery.
Thanks to Helen Richardson PR and the publisher for the copy of the book.
We are introduced to Morag, a priest's wife, who lives in a town that respects her due to her status. One day, a stranger arrives, one who is of untidy appearance. He claims he is a prophet and tells Morag of a mother who she doesn't know anything about. Then her husband becomes ill and makes her a priest so he can have the sacrament as he is dying. Now she is a priest but also wants to discover if the 'prophet' was right. What follows is her journey to her birth place to try to solve the mystery of her mother.
A skilfully written story of one woman and her journey to discover herself. A.G. Rivett writes in such a way that I felt like I was inside Morag's head. Her struggles to find her place in life and accept the changes that she is faced with. It's a senstive portrait in some ways and one which made me feel I knew Morag totally.
The characters are so well fleshed out, and the residents of the town made me actually feel like they really did care. The way the author weaves religion into the novel, showing the fight between christianity and their traditional paganism, makes it a layered and interesting read for me anyway.
The exploration of mental health is another sensitively handled subject. I felt that the author treated it as if he cared, and that was apparent. These subjects are important and the more they are highlighted in books, maybe they will become easier to talk about. It's a novel that's well-written, with sensitivity but also bravery.
Thanks to Helen Richardson PR and the publisher for the copy of the book.
November 21, 2023
This is one of those rare books that captures the life of the spirit lived out through a community that is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings of hills, rivers, and sea. I loved the character of Morag and found her journey into empowerment very credible and moving. Counterbalancing this mature woman who finds her true self is the delightful character of young Sorcha, a child whose destiny is to connect with the powerful natural forces of the landscape. While Morag represents a woman whose empowerment is lived out in her community, ethereal Sorcha represents the spirit world of the island, whose presence is increasingly threatened by the forces of the new paternalistic religion invading the community.
I really enjoyed the depiction of the community's spirituality and reverence for nature which was captured and sustained by the gentle pace of the narrative. And running through the whole book, I could feel myself in the rugged and beautiful landscape of the island. The book engages us in the lives of its characters, while at the same time evoking a contemplative experience.
I really enjoyed the depiction of the community's spirituality and reverence for nature which was captured and sustained by the gentle pace of the narrative. And running through the whole book, I could feel myself in the rugged and beautiful landscape of the island. The book engages us in the lives of its characters, while at the same time evoking a contemplative experience.
October 29, 2023
I liked the growth of Morag, the priest's wife, throughout the book. I appreciated that it wasn't all positive and that the author addressed the negative too. The pacing of the book was a little off, in my opinion. You had a lot of buildup, which was slow and nothing happening, with a little bit of important scenes, and then right at the end, everything gets resolved. It felt like the author had suddenly ran out of words and needed to wrap up quickly.
May 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Priest's Wife. I looked forward to entering the mystical, mysterious world each time I picked up the book. A world both old and new, foreign and familiar, a magical mix of ancient and newness. The characters were believable, A.G. Rivett understands what it means to be human and describes the natural world and our relationship with it very well.
Beautifully written with a satisfying end, a great follow-up to his first book, The Seabourne.
Beautifully written with a satisfying end, a great follow-up to his first book, The Seabourne.
November 15, 2023
The Priest's Wife was all I had hoped for, and more. The isle and the island-life of the community of people so beautifully imagined by A. G. Rivett in The Seaborne, continues to draw me in. Morag is magnificent. Watching her story unfold was a gift. I await the final book in the trilogy with great anticipation.
Shirley Barr, Forres
Shirley Barr, Forres
May 14, 2024
An excellent sequel. Extremely well written with solid characters. A very real description of grief and hope.
November 7, 2023
Both books of the Isle Fincara Trilogy want to be read several times: first as a good yarn, a page turner, books for staying up all night to find out what happens next. Then, as a story from the oral tradition, for reading aloud and slowing down into the deep breath of the story, into the fabric of time and place. In the third reading, ask questions of the book, and find answers from the different characters for our time, our lives, and our world.
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