Really 4.5 stars.

The book is far better than my initial expectations. In the first chapter, it progresses at a somewhat sluggish pace. However, shortly after that, the tempo accelerates rapidly. This particular book was among the very first historical fiction titles that my daughter delved into, and she took great delight in it. In fact, it was so captivating that it was difficult for her to set it aside.

She became completely engrossed in the story, losing track of time as she turned the pages. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters made the historical setting come alive in her mind.

Overall, this book has proven to be a wonderful choice for both my daughter and myself. It not only provides an entertaining read but also offers valuable insights into a bygone era. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction.

This book was one of my daughter's school books for the year.

We read it together, and I'm truly glad that we did.

It presents a great story about the difficult situation of the Jews during the Spanish Inquisition.

The focus is on those who ultimately managed to make their way to New Amsterdam (now known as New York) in America.

The entire story is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old Jewish girl who has been forcibly taken from her home and separated from her parents.

It's a relatively quick read, yet it's a real page turner.

The vivid description of the girl's experiences makes it easy for readers to empathize with her and understand the hardships faced by the Jews during that time.

It not only provides historical knowledge but also touches the hearts of the readers.

Overall, it's a remarkable book that I would highly recommend to others.

Read to my 13-year-old son.

It is a really good read. In this story, Isobel is a fictional character. She endured the persecution of the Catholic Church. She was taken away from her parents. However, she bravely chose to side with her people. She did this even though it meant risking her own life.

The story provides a well-written and detailed insight into the life in the 17th century under religious control. It shows us the difficulties and challenges that people faced during that time. Through Isobel's experiences, we can understand how religion influenced people's lives and decisions.

Overall, it is a great book that not only entertains but also educates. It is suitable for both children and adults who are interested in history and fiction.

I truly adored this sweet book. It was yet another outstanding choice made by Sonlight.

Sonlight has a reputation for curating excellent literary works, and this one is no exception. The story within these pages is filled with charm and warmth, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

Each character is well-developed, with their own unique personalities and traits that draw you in and make you care about what happens to them. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what comes next.

The writing style is beautiful, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life and make you feel as if you are right there in the midst of it all. I found myself completely immersed in this book, and it was a joy to read from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this sweet book to anyone looking for a great read. It is suitable for readers of all ages and is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

This book was truly exceptionally well-written.

It delved into two historic events that I had virtually no prior knowledge about and skillfully wove together information regarding them into a single captivating story.

The story centered around the kidnapped children of the Portuguese Inquisition and the arduous journey of the first group of Jewish people to establish a settlement in America.

If I had come across this story prior to my daughter's friends celebrating their bat mitzvah, this book would most definitely have been incorporated into their presents.

It serves as a powerful testament to the fact that faith can be a source of strength and guidance for individuals in the most challenging of situations.

It offers valuable insights into the past and showcases the resilience and determination of those who faced great hardships.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

We read this as part of our homeschooling studies.

It was completely new material to me, which is always a plus.

I really liked it overall. However, it could have benefited from some editing.

I noticed that there were some repetitive paragraphs that made me skip over them.

Despite that, I did appreciate that the ending wasn't neatly wrapped up with a bow.

This provided a great messaging for my 3rd/5th graders about being true to themselves in the face of adversity.

It's important for them to learn that life doesn't always have a perfect ending and that they should stay true to their values and beliefs even when things get tough.

Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it with the caveat that some editing could make it even better.

It was truly an exciting and enjoyable experience to root for Isabel, the protagonist. Watching her journey unfold was like embarking on an adventure oneself. Every step she took, every challenge she faced, made me eager to see what would happen next. Her determination and courage were truly inspiring. I found myself completely invested in her story, cheering her on with all my heart. Whether she was overcoming obstacles or achieving her goals, I was there, right by her side, in spirit. Rooting for Isabel was not just about hoping for her success; it was about being a part of her story and sharing in her joys and sorrows. It was a wonderful feeling, and I will always remember the excitement and fun of rooting for this amazing protagonist.

This is a great book indeed.

It serves as an excellent means to introduce complex and important historical topics such as the Inquisition, antisemitism, and slavery to children.

The story is engaging and presented in a way that children can easily understand and enjoy.

They are able to relate to the characters in the story, which helps them to begin to empathize with the experiences and emotions of those who lived through these difficult times.

What's more, the book manages to do this without overwhelming the children with the sheer weight of the topic.

It strikes a delicate balance between presenting the facts and allowing the children to explore and understand them in a way that is appropriate for their age and level of comprehension.

Overall, this book is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to introduce children to important historical events and social issues in a meaningful and accessible way.

Such a beautiful book! It truly captivated me from start to finish. The ending was especially wonderful, tying up all the loose ends in a satisfying and heartwarming way. What made it even more special was how the title came about based on Psalms 18. It added a layer of depth and meaning to the story that I really appreciated. As I read through the pages, I could feel the author's passion and love for the subject matter shining through. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read that will leave them feeling inspired and uplifted.

In approximately 1654, in Brazil and New Amsterdam, a young girl named Isobel faced a harrowing situation.

Unlike her older sister Maria, Isobel could barely recall her life with her parents in Portugal. She and Maria were kidnapped from their family during the Portuguese Inquisition and sent to work at a monastery in Brazil, where they were forbidden to practice their Jewish religion.

When Maria hatched a plan for their escape, Isobel was shocked to learn that they would be stowing away on separate ships bound for Amsterdam. Maria was certain that their parents would have gone there after being kidnapped.

Isobel wondered how she would endure the long voyage alone, but she held onto the hope of being reunited with her family.

This is a great story that is highly recommended to readers seeking a thrilling adventure. Additionally, readers may also enjoy the companion book "One Foot Ashore," which tells Maria's side of the story.

With its engaging plot and vivid characters, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

This was an utterly charming book. It was assigned for school reading, something that I had to read. However, I ended up reading ahead and finishing it in just two or three days. (I.e., it was that good.)

As a quick summary (without spoilers), if, for some strange reason, you read my review before the actual blurb... lol. ANYWAY, it's about this lovely, badly treated young girl who runs away. Her sister is on one ship, and she is on another. And, after being found, the Jews on the ship befriend her, and that's where the proper adventure begins.........

Now for my ratings:

- Romance - not much (although I ship her and Davi #Isthatjustme?)

- Plot - 9/10

- Humor: Not that much.... still good though!!

- Drama: 3/5

Thanks for reading my review! Please like it if you enjoyed or become friends if you're interested in the same books as me. It makes me so stupidly happy. :D

World History!

I have never learned or simply don't remember the Portuguese Inquisition.

This is an enduring story about Isobel, a young girl who was taken from her parents and sent to a monastery.

Together with her sister, they manage to escape by ship, hoping to reunite with their parents and each other.

Isobel faces hardship after hardship.

I truly love this story. It's another great pick from Sonlight.

However, I had just two problems. Firstly, the author uses the same name for two different characters. This can be quite annoying, especially in dream sequences, as the reader has to go back and figure out which "Maria" the author is referring to. Secondly, sometimes the point of view gets in the way of the flow of the story.

When time permits, we will be reading the "sister" story "One Foot Ashore".

It will be interesting to see how that story unfolds and if it has the same charm and drawbacks as this one.

Overall, despite the few issues, this story has managed to capture my attention and make me eager to explore more about the world of Isobel and her sister.