Isabela's Way: A Novel

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

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau]

This book was very dry and did not hold my attention. DNF.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Monica Starkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word: terrific! The writing is fluid, the story engrossing, the characters unique and interesting, the history enlightening.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Barbara Vinocur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. Very well researched about a time and places I knew little about; the 1700’s during the time of the Inquisition. Isabela is a 14 yr old girl living in Portugal and has learned the art of embroidering. The symbols in her designs are used as a way to communicate as she flees from her home and makes the long and dangerous way to Hamburg, Germany where her father waits for her.. This book has excitement, a little romance and good character development. There are quite a few characters and the author has included a list in the back of the book of who they are. That was helpful and I referred to it a lot. Also, she included a map of the routes Isabela and others took. That was helpful also.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is Padre Alvaro hot on the trail of Isabela de Castro Nunez? In the early 17th century, having purged Spain of “Secret Jews", the Spanish Inquisitors moved on to Portugal. The exodus of New Christians (Conversos) would deprive the municipality of Abrantes of “their tax contributions and many services they’ve provided to the town…Permanent, bureaucratically organized tribunals of clergy and laymen in Spain and Portugal…were intended to detect Jews…forcibly converted.” Portugal now housed many pockets of Conversos after the Edict of Expulsion from Spain in 1492. It would be wise to relocate to welcoming cities such as Hamburg, Amsterdam or Venice…but how?

Noting dangerous times in Abrantes, Gabril de Castro Nunez traveled to Germany to find new markets for his textile trade. Upon the death of his wife Mariem from the plague, his fourteen year old daughter Isabela, a budding embroideress, was left with no parent to guide her. With only a full cupboard of her mother’s embroidery threads, she would have tall shoes to fill! Inquisitors were determined to blame the New Christians for the devastation and loss of life caused by the deadly fever. Through a network of safe houses that Gabril tried to establish, Isabela’s safety was left in the arms of friends and strangers who risked their own lives. The intent was to reunite Gabril and Isabela in Hamburg, Germany. First things first. Isabela had to quietly exit Abrantes.

“Your job will be enormous and dangerous, David de Sousa. Isabela will travel first, but you will be asked to convince other New Christians to leave by ones and twos. I will send a contact…You must tell no one…” These were the words of Ana Martel Gerondi, a dye maker and healer, thereby considered to be a heretic.

With a basket of embroidery supplies and her personal belongings, Isabela exited Abrantes, giving the illusion that she would return after traveling and working at the estate of a French nobleman in Irouleguy. She had been commissioned to embroider delicate patterns and provide assistance in creating the nobleman’s eldest daughter’s trousseau. Isabela’s skill as an embroideress would help support her journey. Her heritage had been withheld from her, a secret that must be kept under wraps.

At the start of her journey, a scroll of designs had been given to her, a sampler that needed to be committed to memory. The secret codes would be embroidered on cuffs, belts and headdress ornaments. Flag embroidery would follow. ”Isabela’s embroidered messages would pave the way for an intricate system of safe havens for escaping Jews and New Christians.”

David de Sousa, four years Isabela’s senior, was a close friend and confidant. David left Abrantes with his two sisters in tow, traveling by a different circuitous route; by foot, boat, even cart while hidden in barrels. The farmer was transporting his pigs who followed behind the cart. Isabela was able to send sporadic messages to David on pieces of linen with special symbols meant for only him. She was safe…for now. Padre Alvaro exceeded his authority by his obsessive, relentless pursuit of Isabela, David and Ana Martel Gerondi. Would they fall into his widening net as he tried to infiltrate the clandestine network? There was danger at every turn.
Thoroughly researched and masterfully detailed, the journey of Portugal’s Sephardic Jews, hopeful of being able to worship freely, was brought to the forefront by author Barbara Stark-Nemon. Using genealogical research, she traced her ancestor who was born in Abrantes, Portugal in 1586 and died in Hamburg, Germany in 1655. Knowledge of her ancestor’s quest, enhanced and personalized a read of historical fiction.

Highly recommended.

Thank you Caitlin Hamilton Marketing and Publicity, for She Writes Press for the Print ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane K. Davidson]

In Isabela’s Way, Barbara Stark-Nemon has woven a tapestry that gives us so much: a coming of age saga, a hero’s journey, a tale filled with wise, strong women who love and guide the young on their pilgrimage of discovery. We are caught up in the terror of persecution for one’s faith and the intrigue and drama of the Inquisition. As we follow Isabela and David and Ana Martel across Portugal, Spain, France and eventually Germany, we are caught up in the drama of their flight to safety. I have read Barbara Stark-Nemon’s other books and loved them, but this one had me turning pages and holding my breath as I worried, along with the characters, about what their fate would be. This is a must read - a literary tour-de-force.