Isabela's Way

by Barbara Stark-Nemon

For fans of Ruta Sepetys’s Salt to the Sea, this coming-of-age tale of one fourteen-year-old girl’s escape from early-seventeenth-century Portugal’s Inquisition, achieved with the help of a clandestine band of allies, will thrill and inspire.

In early-seventeenth-century Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, dangers are plentiful—especially for those of Jewish heritage. Non-Catholics have been expelled from Spain, and the Inquisition has come to Portugal to impose its prohibitions. Fourteen-year-old Isabela, an obedient “New Christian” with a talent for needlework, believes she has nothing to fear from the Inquisition. But when a mysterious woman arrives with a message from Isabela’s traveling father, the girl must leave her home and embroider her way along the clandestine network of sanctuaries created to conduct Conversos, or secret Jews, to safety.

A host of supporters and spirit guides, as well as one special young man, assist Isabela as she escapes the Inquisitors and makes her way across countries and cultures. As she travels, she learns of the danger and importance of her work, with its coded symbols, and is shocked to discover her family’s true origins.

In this enthralling coming-of-age tale of resistance, love, and danger, Isabela employs her talent and fierce determination to find her way despite the powerful forces that buffet her at every turn.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Jewish, Coming Of Age

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Every story needs a narrator, and Barbara stepped up early in life. She learned storytelling, and a fascination with the magic of language from her grandfather. He wove unforgettable tales of a former life in Germany to his family in America. Barbara learned to speak the language of her German family, and later, the signs of the deaf children with whom she worked.

An undergraduate degree in English literature and Art History and a Masters in Speech-language Pathology from the University of Michigan led to a teaching and clinical career. Everywhere, there were stories. Barbara has come to appreciate that different languages impact the form of stories, and that everyone has the need to be heard and seen.

Barbara lives and writes in Ann Arbor and Northport, Michigan

Reviews

[Julie Swanson]

I don't know how Barbara Stark-Nemon's ISABELA'S WAY can paint pictures more vivid than its beautiful cover art, but it does, many times over. Whether descriptions of Isabela's embroidery or landscapes or the weather, I could envision every color and design, feel the heat and the rain, smell the food, feel the fear. Wonderful details given in a fresh and sparse way that don't leave you feeling bogged down in description. No, this adventure, even though it must've dragged on for protagonists waiting months to hear news of loved ones, moved along at a good clip for me as a reader. As an author of middle grade and YA novels, I don't often read or enjoy adult fiction, but seeing as the main character of this novel is fourteen, I was interested not only in the story itself but in why it would be considered an adult novel. Having read it, I see why; fourteen-year-old girls in the early seventeenth century were already working and considered of a marriageable age, so Isabela seems more like a young woman and is in a much different station in life than most modern day fourteen-year-olds are. A very enjoyable and well-written novel. I liked that there was an element of romance and yet it was either innocent or entirely discreet, with things suggested rather than spelled out. The same with the violence. History's not my strong suit, so I learned a lot, too: about New Christians--what they were and what they went through, about the network of people across Europe who helped them escape persecution when the Inquisition came to seventeenth-century Portugal. This is a story populated by strong women who propel the plot forward every bit as much as their male counterparts. A good villain as well! I read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book but was not paid for this review, which reflects my honest opinion.

[Dee Andrews]

A beautifully written, emotionally layered novel about resilience, family, and the search for self. Isabela’s journey from Portugal across Spain and France to Germany feels intimate and authentic, shaped by both personal longing and the weight of history.

The settings in Portugal, Spain, and France are written in striking detail—sunlit landscapes, coastal air, and city streets that feel fully alive. A thoughtful, character-driven story that stays with you, and I loved the cover!

[Courtney Pityer]

If you are looking for a story that is historical and is a coming of age tale then this is the novel for you. I will admit that I was super excited when I received this arc because when I requested it I had a feeling ut was going to be a very interesting story and she enough I ended up being right. The story itself dealt with the subject of religious inquisitions which has been a major conflict since the beginning of time. However, despite the religious persecutions it is a lovely story about hope and friendship. The author did a lovely job of explaining that in her novel.
Our story follows the adventures of a young girl named Isabela who is living in early sixteenth century Portugal. She is considered a new Christian and despite the fact that in Spain non catholics are being forced to leave however Isabela believes she has nothing to worry about because it is very unlikely that the inquisitions will end up spreading into Portugal.
However she ends up being a little naive about her prediction. A mysterious traveler arrives with a message from her father who is traveling abroad warning her that the inquisition is coming to Portugal and that she needs to flee to safety. She ends up traveling along the boarders of various countries and learning about the various cultures. Not only is she learning about things about other people but ahe is also learning about herself as she makes the brave journey to escape persecution.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Tricia]

This is an interesting look at a period in Portugal's history when Jewish and "New Christians" were being hunted by the inquisition. It's a poignant look at the upheaval of people's lives by those who did not agree with their religion or their culture, and sadly, although we no longer have an inquisition, we have not completely outrun the prejudices that are found throughout this novel. I appreciated the way that this novel showed the human side of this, the individuals affected, and the lengths people will go to help each other in dire situations. Of course, there are villains here, but the overarching theme is the resilience of those trying to escape persecution and the kindness of those who reach out to help them.

[HalKid2]

ISABELA'S WAY presents the harrowing adventure of a talented, 14-year-old embroiderer who suddenly finds herself a target of the 17th century Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition. This is a dangerous time where kings and religious extremists are united. They force Muslims and Jews to convert to Catholicism, priests apply brutal torture techniques to root out imagined heresy, and easily-tossed charges of witchcraft lead to certain death.

Among these so-called New Christians (aka Conversos) who are forced to convert are those who genuinely embrace their new religion, as well as those who pay lip-service to conversion while secretly practicing their old religion. Isabela, raised a devout Catholic, lives among these New Christians. As tensions rise, Isabela's father (away on business) sends word she should join him in Hamburg, Germany. Her lengthy and difficult journey forms the bulk of this novel.

The novel begins more slowly, then becomes increasingly suspenseful. I was particularly intrigued by the detailed look at how people in 1605 traveled. The distance between Isabela's hometown of Abrantes, Portugal and Hamburg, Germany was more than 1600 miles; her travel took months. Communication was sporadic at best, personal safety was a continual issue, roads were rough, people often walked for long distances (especially crossing mountains), no one knew where they might end up sleeping each night, and there was no guarantee of food once you arrived. And if, in addition, you worried you might be followed, you had to lengthen your journey by traveling in an intentionally indirect path.

The trip winds up being a coming-of-age story for Isabela, who depends upon many people for support along the way, but comes to resent the ways they try to protect her from danger by withholding information. Even David, her close friend and growing romantic interest, must learn to see Isabela in a new light.

I heartily recommend ISABELA'S WAY and appreciate its realistic portrayal of what it was like to live during a period controlled by religious fanatics. (Timely, huh)

[Danelle]

Beautiful book. Beautifully written. As someone with Jewish ancestry I am drawn to stories of Jewish history. I loved that the setting was different than most historical fiction I've read on this topic--set during the Inquisition, rather than during WWII. This new (for me) setting as well as the use of Isabela's embroidery as a way to send messages really made this book stand out. The author's descriptions and imagery allowed me to easily picture all that was happening. Well written, creative, educational and suspenseful, this book is a new favorite for me.

[Bree]

Fabulous historical fiction about a time and trial that is as novel and expansive as it is endearing.

[Nancy]

People of Jewish heritage were targeted by the Inquisition over centuries, forced to convert to Christianity. Some fully embraced the new religion, but many practised their Jewish faith in secret. The Inquisitors aggressively sought out secret Jews who faced harsh punishment and cruel death sentences.

The New Christian converts fled Spain for Portugal where they were safe until the Inquisition arrived. Laws prevented the New Christians from leaving the country, taking their skills and money with them, and yet thousands fled in secret. How was this accomplished?

Barbara Stark-Nemon imagines an underground organization that aided New Christians to leave the country, providing hiding places on their journey. And, a code system to identify safe harbors or warning of active Inquisitors in town.

It is a fully plausible concept. We know about the Underground Railroad helping escaped slaves to freedom. How during the Depression, travelers seeking work had secret codes to identity welcoming houses. My ancestors were German nationalists living in Russia. Because the tsar removed privileges and rights and required military service, my great-grandfather secretly left the country for America then sent money for his family to follow. My grandmother was five years old, but recalled sleeping in barns during the day and traveling by night. I learned there was an organization at the German border to help the German refugees.

Isabela’s father is away for business when her mother dies of illness. Only fourteen, she carries on her work as an embroiderer, leaning on her best friend David for support. It is no longer safe for New Christians in Portugal, but Isabela was raised as a Christian and is unaware of her family’s true heritage. Her father has arranged for Isabela to journey to Hamburg and join him. Along the way, she is asked to ply her needle to create images that she is unaware are secret codes.

Meanwhile, David and others are on their own journey, paving the way for other New Christians, stalked by danger and aided by allies.

Isabela grows up quickly during her harrowing journey across Europe. She and her fellow journeyers are pursued by a padre from their hometown who is determined to find and punish them. He reminded me of Javert in Les Miserables, single minded and ruthless in following his prey. His hate for the Jews is relentless, and he distrusts all New Christians.

I was engaged by the story which has elements of adventure and romance, and is filled with strong men and stronger women. The historical setting is well researched.

The novel reminds us how extremism and hate have always dogged humanity, while the characters inspire us by their courage and faith.

I received a free book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Michael Godwin]

Isabela’s Way is an absorbing and inspiring historical coming-of-age novel that places a courageous young heroine at the center of one of history’s most dangerous periods. Set across early-seventeenth-century Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, Barbara Stark-Nemon combines historical detail, suspense, family discovery, and resistance into a compelling story of courage and identity.

Isabela’s journey is especially engaging because her personal talents become essential to her survival. Her skill with needlework and embroidery takes on a much deeper significance as she becomes part of a clandestine network helping secret Jews escape persecution. The coded symbols woven into her work add an intriguing element of mystery while connecting her creativity to her family’s hidden history.

The novel also succeeds as a story of self-discovery. As Isabela travels across unfamiliar countries and encounters allies, guides, danger, and unexpected affection, she gradually learns more about her heritage and finds the determination to shape her own destiny.

Readers interested in historical fiction, Jewish history, young adult and coming-of-age fiction, resistance stories, historical mysteries, and tales of courageous young women should find Isabela’s Way especially compelling. It is ultimately a story about identity, resilience, freedom, and finding the courage to follow one’s own path despite overwhelming circumstances.

[Matthew Warshawsky]

In this carefully researched and compelling novel, Barbara Stark-Nemon shines a light on Portuguese conversos, or New Christians of Jewish origin, who at great personal risk escaped prosecution by the Iberian Inquisition during the 1600s to live more openly Jewish lives in northern Europe. The detail and nuance evident throughout the book help readers today understand the conflicting worldviews of the book’s memorable actors. For example, the title character, Isabela, must reconcile a newly discovered Jewish identity with her Catholic upbringing; her travel companion and protectress, Ana Martel Gerondi, is an herbalist at a time when being so could be cause for suspicion; and the priest Padre Alvaro symbolizes uncompromising Inquisitorial zeal to stamp out heterodox beliefs. The interactions of these and other individuals across a landscape stretching from Portugal to Hamburg contribute to the impressive scope of the book as a work that makes immediate and vivid the post-expulsion history of Iberian New Christians and of others who both helped and hindered them.

Matthew D. Warshawsky, author of From New Christians to New Jews: Seventeenth-Century Spanish Texts in Defense of Judaism (Juan de la Cuesta Hispanic Monographs, 2024)

[Cindy Stein]

Isabela is a 14-year-old "New Christian" living in Portugal in 1605. Her mother has just died of the plague, and her father is traveling for business. Isabela has taken over her mother's embroidery business and is protected by her friend, David. When an older woman visits with word from her father that Isabela must leave Portugal and travel to Hamburg to reunite with her father and live in safety, she embarks on a long and circuitous journey filled with danger from a zealous priest and the Inquisition. Along the way she is helped by many good Christian allies and other hidden Jews.

This book is incredibly well researched and detailed down to clothing and aspects of the geographical settings that are part of the journey. While there is some tension in the plot, it is mostly a chronicle of Isabel's and David's travels.

I do recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the plight of news and converted Christians in the face of the Inquisition.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Betty]

I absolutely loved “Isabela’s Way.” From the first pages, I felt like I was right there with Isabela, constantly one step ahead of danger. Set during the Portuguese Inquisition, the story follows fourteen-year-old Isabela as she flees persecution and slowly discovers her own strength, courage, and sense of identity along the way.

What really stood out to me was how vivid and immersive the history felt. You don’t just learn about the Inquisition—you feel the fear, the uncertainty, and the kindness of those who risked everything to help others escape. I loved how Isabela’s embroidery is used to hide messages and communicate secretly; it was such a meaningful and creative detail.

The characters are richly drawn, the pacing is suspenseful, and the journey across Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany kept me fully engaged. This book is moving, beautifully researched, and deeply human. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters, emotional depth, and a real sense of place, this one is very special.

[Jenny]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this advanced copy.

Stars: I loved the premise of this historical fiction novel. Young Isabela, a "New Christian" living in Portugal in the early 1600s, learns she must travel to Hamburg to reunite with her father in order to escape the Inquisition. Isabela is a talented seamstress and her embroidery will help create a code for other hidden Jews who are fleeing the country.

Wishes: I wish the list of characters would have been at the beginning of the book, not the end. I had a difficult time remembering who was who. The book strayed into "and then they went here, and then they went here" territory which became tiresome. I also didn't buy a romantic relationship (or even friendship!) between a 14 year old girl and 18 year old young man. I would have liked more introspection from Isabela.

3.5 stars.

[Rebekkah]

I really wanted to love this, but I think I went into it with some misconceptions that affected my reading experience. Mainly, because the book describes its main character as a 14-year-old girl, and because it is blurbed by Ruth Behar, I thought it would be written for a middle-grade audience—it is not. The book's copy compares it to a YA book by Ruta Sepetys, but I'm not sure this is written for young adults either. The author clearly put a lot of work into researching the historical details and her passion shines through. The descriptions of those details occasionally overshadowed the plot, however. Also, I was a bit distracted by the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter, particularly when they came from authors who lived after the time period in which the book is set; it felt like they were pulling me out of the story. 3.5 stars.

[Barbara Ridley]

Historical fiction at its finest, giving readers insight into a (to me at least) little-known period of Jewish persecution in 17th century Portugal. Centered on a wonderful protagonist, 14-yer old Isabela, born to a Jewish family but raised as a "New Christian." She must flee to safety after her mother dies from the plague while her father is hundreds of miles away conducting his business in Hamburg, Germany. A large cast of characters help her on her way through an "underground railroad" of safe houses in Spain and France, while she and her travel companions are pursued by the local priest from Portugal enforcing the Inquisition. Isabela's skills in embroidery are put to good use to leave coded messages along the way. This coming-of-age story culminates in a very suspenseful final scene. A delightful read.

[Rachel]

14-year-old Isabela is a New Christian in 17th century Portugal who embarks on a dangerous journey to find safety and reunite with her father in Germany. A talented embroiderer, Isabela uses her skills to cre­ate banners with secret coded sym­bols to alert other Jewish and Converso travellers of safe escape routes. An interesting premise and a unqiue time period and setting, with a sweet element of romance. However, I had trouble keeping track of many of the secondary characters and found that the author's research showed through too much and bogged down the narrative. The use of embroidery to create secret codes and maps reminded me of The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman, set during the American Civil War.

[Beth]

I listened to the audiobook during two days of cross-country driving. The reader was not great. She had good expression and could pronounce the Portuguese, but several of her men sounded like old women, Case in point: David. And Isabella sounded like a twit. Even though she was 14 years old, she carried a lot of maturity and responsibility and shouldn’t have sounded like a petulant child. Anna sounded like Count Chocula.
And considering the subterfuge everyone was involved in and how they talked about discretion in how they should communicate among themselves, the letters they wrote were very descriptive in terms of location and using everyone’s real names. Had the letters been intercepted, their cover would have been totally blown.

[Jill Hall]

Take a journey back to 1605 with Isabela and a courageous cast of characters as they navigate the waterways and roads from Portugal to the safety of Germany, risking capture, and persecution by the Inquisition. Isabela’s exquisitely embroidered collars, caps, cuffs, and banners serve as subtle warnings, helping refugees and those who shelter them stay one step ahead of danger. Lush sensory details bring the countryside, towns, and villas vividly to life. Brimming with romance, suspense, and beauty, this novel exemplifies what makes historical fiction so compelling. I thank the publisher for an advanced copy of the novel.

[Caroline Connell]

Excellent Read for Anyone Traveling to Europe.
I look for historical novels set in places I want to visit. Barbara Stark-Nemon's ISABELA'S WAY fits the bill perfectly; the reader is taken back to a fraught time in Portugal, and nearby countries. As you're swept up in Isabela's dangerous journey, you learn about the culture and history of these places. A riveting read.
P.S. Love how Stark-Nemon uses Isabela's talent for needlework to imbue secret messages in her designs--makes me want to pick up embroidery.

[Leslie Nack]

Stark-Nemon gives us fourteen-year-old Isabela, whom we immediately fall in love with, to see the tragedy and injustice of the Inquisition of the 1600s in Portugal. She is our heroine, and we watch her grow, change, and become a woman capable of not only saving herself but also saving others as Jews flee to Germany. The tight plot lines and prose that drive the action kept me fascinated with dazzling descriptions, fleshed out characters, building tension, and intrigue.

[G.P. Gottlieb]

14-year-old Isabella is alone at home in a small town in Portugal when a mysterious woman appears with an invitation to embroider a trousseau in France. It’s 1605, and Isabella’s childhood friend, now in charge of their “New Christian” community, explains that the Inquisition has begun attacking small communities that were forced to convert from Judaism, and tells her that they must all leave Portugal as soon as possible, perhaps forever. https://www.gpgottlieb.com/podcasts/i...

[Emily]

This novel immersed me in Isabela's journey from start to finish. Throughout the story, characters looked out for each other through moments of uncertainty as love and friendships grew. The use of herbal remedies, poultices and elixirs, as well as the art of letter writing and embroidery for communication were favorite elements for me that really illustrated the story and time period. I enjoyed the journey!

[Jennifer]

Really interesting historical fiction about the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition . This is a period I dont know much about. Very engaging and exciting with lots of suspense.
List of characters at the end which I appreciate. And a note about what is based on fact.

[Joan Boonin]

Another wonderful work of historical fiction by Barbara-Stark Nemon. Her descriptive language was what first hit me as very special, setting the scenes for this gripping plot, developed based on meticulous research.

[Margaret]

So glad to give this beautifully crafted, carefully researched and gracefully paced historical novel my highest recommendation. A gripping tale. I couldn’t put it down!

[Patricia]

I was surprised by this book...after it took me a while to get into it, and to keep track of all the characters, I was sucked in to the unraveling tale.

[Teresa E.Shaffer]

Forty pages into the book it was very obvious where this book was going. Very little character development. I wish more actual history of the inquisition was included instead of none.

[Alice Heiserman]

The plot of Jews escaping Portugal due to the Inquisition is inherently dramatic. Alas, the characters do not come alive but feel stagnant. I had to force myself to finish.

[sandra]

I liked this book my only complaint was that there were too many characters with similar names that made it a little confusing at times

[David Squires]

I recently finished reading the novel Isabela’s Way by Barbara Stark-Nemon. The book is a work of historical fiction, set in early 17th century Portugal and beyond, in the time of the Inquisition.

The book is a coming-of-age story of Isabela, a 14=year old girl, who has been advised to flee Portugal and her little hometown of Abrantes and join her father, who has found sanctuary to the north in Hamburg. Isabela, like her mother before her, is a skilled embroideress. Her skills with needle and thread play an important role in the story. Her mother has died of the plague and Isabela misses both her mother and her father desperately.

Secrets about her family that have been kept from her, are revealed abruptly and they are almost too much for the young girl to take in. The story moves quickly and the book is a page-turner. There is a large cast of characters; each of whom has been drawn so clearly, that it is not too difficult to keep track of the dramatis personae.

I read this book as part of an online-book club. We are exploring a variety of books about Sefardic Jewry. So far, each of three books have had the Inquisition’s dark presence in the tales. Isabela’s Way was a read which was well-worth my time.