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The Burning of Isobel Key

by Jen McConnel (Goodreads Author)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 109 ratings · 52 reviews

Lou is in the middle of a quarter-life crisis. Ever since college, she’s lacked direction, working as a clerk in a local bookstore. But when she quits her job just before the winter holidays, Lou must do some serious soul searching to overcome her fears of straying from the mainstream. On a whim, she accompanies her best friend, Tammy, to Scotland for the winter holidays,...more

Paperback, 288 pages

Published September 14th 2012 by BrightFish Press

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Community Reviews

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Nov 15, 2012 Chantelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

You definitely can't beat a free kindle book, and if it keeps me engaged enough that I keep coming back to it so I can finish it, that's another win right there.

However, I did find the writing stilted and awkward from time to time, especially the dialogue between Lou and her best friend Tammy. But again, overall, it was a free kindle book with an interesting story line and characters in whom I was sort of invested. So that's a good thing. I don't know that I can give it 4 stars, my inclination...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Patrice Caldwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Burning of Isobel Key is the first "New Adult" book I've read (that was actually labeled so). And as such I was very excited and at the same time putting on my "critical glasses" to see if books in the new genre would live up to all the praise they've received. A few hours later with no recollection of any bathroom or food breaks, I had finished the book and...I LOVED IT!!!

The book follow's, Lou, who is in a quarter life crisis: at age 27 she has no job and has no idea what she wants to do w...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Taylor rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, waste-of-time

I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I really wanted to like this book. Scotland- yes! Witches- yes! A twenty-six year old girl looking for love- sure, seems like I could related to that...but I didn't. The main character,Lou, is a twenty-six year old college grad who works in a bookstore, lives with her childhood best friend/roommate in Boston, and has over-bearing wealthy parents in Connecticut that pay her bills for her. The book begins with Lou in a "dark place" or "quar...more I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I really wanted to like this book. Scotland- yes! Witches- yes! A twenty-six year old girl looking for love- sure, seems like I could related to that...but I didn't. The main character,Lou, is a twenty-six year old college grad who works in a bookstore, lives with her childhood best friend/roommate in Boston, and has over-bearing wealthy parents in Connecticut that pay her bills for her. The book begins with Lou in a "dark place" or "quarter-life crisis" because she quits her job in a sudden whiny fit of "I can't take this store anymore!" Lou being unemployed without a clue of what she wants to do (except go home, for some reason going back to her rich parents is a HORRIBLE idea to Lou), is supposed to trigger sympathy from readers but instead I only wanted to punch Lou in the face. At least you have the option to go home to mommy and daddy, so suck it up and move on with your life!

Then, her successful roommate Tammy gets a promotion at work and the two are off to Scotland. Lou and Tammy's relationship is a very strange one to me. Tammy is definitely a leader, and Lou is a follower, who silently loathes that her own submission to Tammy. Again, instead of relating to Lou, I was only annoyed by her. I actually, found myself sympathizing with Tammy that she got stuck with such a stuck-up friend on vacation. And, come on, "Tammy leaned against the door, key in hand, and it took all of Lou's willpower not to throttle her friend and leave the alcohol sodden body there on the wet street." Tammy definitely should have brought a better friend with her.

The story improves greatly in the second half, once Lou becomes dedicated to her ridiculous search for clues regarding the life and trial of the "witch" Isobel Key- a search triggered and led on by Lou's dreams and unexplained feelings that this is more important than looking for a job or what she's going to do with her life when she gets home...

All in all, the story was entertaining, especially if you're interested in the historical witch hunts. I found the writing style and plot structure very immature, with all of the just perfect "coincidences," filler dialogue, and even random and unnecessary characters. Though this book isn't particularly long, it could have been much shorter and to the point if the author had cut out all of the irrelevant details. For example, there's an entire paragraph about how embarrassed Lou is that she hasn't seen the movie The Wizard of Oz when Brian refers to it, and the reasons why she hasn't seen it, and now maybe she should see it since Brian has. Yeah...no one cares. There were some other lines that just made me laugh at the author's exaggerated attempts to be creative, like "she felt a pang of worry deep in her spleen." I may only currently be a student in the medical field, but I'm pretty sure that your spleen is not where you feel pangs of worry lol.

I may recommend this book to young readers who won't be too irritated by the writing, but probably not since it is not really a young adult book. (less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Kayleigh Grian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, arc, ebooks-owned

*Disclaimer: I did receive a free ARC copy of the book to review. However this did not influence my review in any way*

In her debut novel, The Burning of Isobel Key, Jen McConnel transports readers to the beautiful land of Scotland where she shows us the lives of two different women with so much in common, yet separated by centuries. Louisa begins to feel like a complete failure when she quits her dead-end job right before the holidays. She has no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her li...more *Disclaimer: I did receive a free ARC copy of the book to review. However this did not influence my review in any way*

In her debut novel, The Burning of Isobel Key, Jen McConnel transports readers to the beautiful land of Scotland where she shows us the lives of two different women with so much in common, yet separated by centuries. Louisa begins to feel like a complete failure when she quits her dead-end job right before the holidays. She has no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life, and as her mother keeps reminding her, at 27 she isn’t getting any younger. To make matters worse, her best friend Tammy seems to have her life completely together, to include an amazing job that even sends her to Scotland on business. When Lou tags along she begins a spiritual and emotional journey that will change her life forever. Isobel Key was a healer who was accused of witchcraft in the 1600s and was burned at the stake for her crimes. Can Lou solve the mystery of what really happened all those years ago and allow Isobel’s soul to finally rest in peace?

This book has a little bit of everything all rolled into one. There is mystery, romance, a touch of paranormal/occult, as well as a bit of history thrown in for good measure. I loved that it was set in Scotland because it was an angle on witch trials that I hadn’t viewed before. I love doing research on the Salem trials (as wells as other American witch hunts) and never thought to check out any of the trials in Europe, so it was a nice change for me. The folklore and stories peppered throughout the novel were a great touch as well.

I found I also related to Louisa very well. A lot of her insecurities are the same ones I’ve faced for decades. The spiritual questions she faced are those I’ve often asked myself. But above all I can definitely relate to being close to 30 and still having no idea where you are headed or what you really want for yourself. And who hasn’t had a close friend that seemed to have it all figured out, the one we held a touch of envy because they seemed so perfect? The characters are very well written and have multiple layers to them.

Overall I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read, no matter the genre preference.
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Oct 21, 2012 Liana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received a free PDF copy of this book for a blog tour. However, it did not influence my review in any way.

So, as I have said above, I didn't really think of the Blog Tour as I was reading this book. Honestly, it was pretty good! It passed by pretty quickly for 259 pages( Been reading big books lately). I didn't even skim and scan, either. (Which I pretty much do for most ebooks I receive if I lose interest in them.)

So, the narrating is a bit interesting. It alternates between Modern Day,...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very quick read, so if you need something light to get your mind off things, it's perfect for that. It's a mix between chick-lit/romance/historical/semi-paranormal. Chickrohissemparmance. For taking place in Scotland, I was disappointed at the lack of bodice ripping and swarthy men in kilts with big thighs. Isn't that obligatory? So the "Highland Fling" was very tame, and the friendship between Tammy and Lou seemed to be the main focus, with a little "finding yourself" sprinkled in. Lou's unique...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Burning of Isobel Key was a very good book. It takes place in both the past and the present but not in a way that becomes monotonous or confusing. Each time place is clearly notated and neither time gets jumbled into the other. Although for some reason, I felt the past story to be more easily readable and actually a more interesting portion of the book. I basically found the portion that takes place in the current to be a little predictable and maybe a little less thought out in terms of the...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Rachel Marks rated it 4 of 5 stars

The contemporary new adult genre is not what I usually tend to read. I normally lean towards the paranormal and fantasy, however, there are times when I step out of my vampire/werewolf comfort zone and try something new. It is rare for me to find contemporary fiction that I truly enjoy, and The Burning of Isobel Key by Jen McConnel is one of those rarities.

Author Jen McConnel takes you on Lou’s journey as she travels to Scotland on a vacation. There amongst the castle ruins Lou learns about the...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Danielle Young rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 While this book is not my usual book I have to say that the story definitely had me intrigued. I love stories that involve witches but the witches in this story were not the typical supernatural witches we have come to know and love. Instead we are transported to a time when normal people are accused of being a witch because they are just a little bit different. Much like the Salem witch trials in the United States this book focuses on the witch trials of Scotland.

I really enjoyed following...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Vibina Venugopal rated it 4 of 5 stars

The lives of Isobel from the early age and Lou come to a cross road in the most unexpected circumstances..
Isobel is a caring and a kind midwife/healer who lived in the late 17th century..Brought up in a family filled with love and warmth...She is only too glad when she has a baby sister but by twist of fate and horrible choice she spends the rest of her life all alone in a cottage away from the town on her natural talent of healing and being a midwife...With her sister's second pregnancy(both s...more The lives of Isobel from the early age and Lou come to a cross road in the most unexpected circumstances..
Isobel is a caring and a kind midwife/healer who lived in the late 17th century..Brought up in a family filled with love and warmth...She is only too glad when she has a baby sister but by twist of fate and horrible choice she spends the rest of her life all alone in a cottage away from the town on her natural talent of healing and being a midwife...With her sister's second pregnancy(both she was not allowed to assist) and her subsequent death ,everything seemed to blur away.. This eventually coincides with the witchcraft being banished by the royal family..But Isobel has nothing to worry about or that's what she thinks...But what if none believe in her innocence..
The other part of the novel is about Lou who has no plans in her life..Quitting her job as a cashier in a bookstore her life looks bleak with nothing around her to push her forward.That is until her best friend takes her to Scotland for New Year..There she meets Brian a handsome guide and the flame ignite and they live happily ever after..Haha no no !!!! I just just kidding the happily ever tale after has to wait until our Lou who has developed an interest in the life after death and her fascination for orbs take her to the story of burning of Isobel Key.. Lou finally finds a purpose in her life a renewed reason to her otherwise dull life...
The book swings from Isobel's life to the present day,though Lou's part had Brian and the picturesque highlands , I loved Isobel's era and her part more..I didn't mean that I skipped Lou's but I rushed through to know what happened to Isobel..
I just loved each and every character of the novel, what appealed to me was the other characters were just as memorable as the main character..Tammy was ever vivacious loving friend who complemented the otherwise shy Lou..When time strikes to take someone with her for an official trip to Scotland,Tammy didn't have to think twice on her choice...Brian the charming and handsome Scottish came along as a soft breeze gentle yet strong..Lou's mother a bossing character who plays a cameo also came as an amusing character...McConel had created a perfect set to stage the lives that gets intertwined after sometime ..The character developed slowly in front of the reader's eye that created a bond between them..Romance too slowly developed and I was thankfull to the author for not overdoing it...I loved it and finished it in a single row..I am already looking out for the sequel..I would definitely recommend to the people who are deep into New adult genre..(less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Novareylin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I have to admit, I started reading this, getting into the characters not thinking a thing about the title, and then it hit me! This girl you’re getting to know is the girl that is going to be burned! I wanted to put the book down straight away!!! But it was so compelling, her story drove me on, hoping against hope for a better outcome. But the interesting part of it all was that although you’re getting to know Isobel who lived back in 1667, you’re also getting to know Louisa, who lives in the pr...more I have to admit, I started reading this, getting into the characters not thinking a thing about the title, and then it hit me! This girl you’re getting to know is the girl that is going to be burned! I wanted to put the book down straight away!!! But it was so compelling, her story drove me on, hoping against hope for a better outcome. But the interesting part of it all was that although you’re getting to know Isobel who lived back in 1667, you’re also getting to know Louisa, who lives in the present day and how their lives collide.

Most of the story is about Louisa with some peppered in chapters on Isobel. It’s never difficult to understand who you are reading about. You know immediately firstly because of the chapter titles but also because each girl is totally different. I loved the yin/yang portion of this although I wanted more and more about each and Jen McConnel just gives you enough and then switches! It was maddening but brilliant!

Isobel is a lovely person who cares about people but sadly something happens early in her life, or late if you’re back in the 1600′s, that makes her sort of swear off men. Now imagine, a twenty five year old living alone in a cottage, five miles outside of town. People are going to talk. It may not be straight away but I knew it was coming sooner or later, I just didn’t know how. What I didn’t like about this portion of the story was what happens between the sisters. It doesn’t make sense to me that they are so close but Margaret would choose to hurt Isobel. It just doesn’t completely mesh for me.

Louisa is also a bit of an introvert. She hasn’t dated in years, since her last relationship, and doesn’t plan to but her friend Tammy keeps pushing her to do just that. Tammy as you can probably imagine, is quite the opposite of Louisa which didn’t bother me until Tammy starts pushing religion onto Lou. It’s VERY frustrating to say the least. Again, it didn’t totally mesh. Why would someone be so unwilling to believe in the occult (tarot readings, scrying, etc) because she’s a Christian and yet she’s totally willing to sleep with guys. A little bit of an annoyance for me, but something that didn’t totally distract from the story. I just wanted Lou to tell her to shove it! But being a good friend Lou keeps her feelings to herself and keeps quiet, most of the time.

Although Tammy distracted me a little, the rest of the story was amazing. Louisa finding out about Isobel was interesting and from there on the story just got better and better. Both Louisa and Isobel are strong women and they are wonderful to read about. The ending was exactly what I was looking for. Honestly I was quite worried about how this was going to end and there was something missing until, quite literally, the last sentence but Jen McConnel brings everything together wonderfully!

This was a book I could not put down and although I am a huge fan of the paranormal and historical fiction, this was something a bit different from the normal read. It was intriguing and keeps you wondering what is going to happen, even after you put together that one of the main characters is definitely going to be burned to death. It’s the story of how Isobel got there that kept me wanting to continue, and the story about how Louisa decided to finally start making decisions for herself! Fabulous read!

More exciting is the news that the sequel to this, The Key Inheritance, is scheduled to be published January 15th!!! Nearly in time for my birthday! I can’t wait to see what Louisa has gotten herself up to!(less)

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Jan 24, 2013 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a great book that hit just about every emotion on the scale! Historical fiction isn't generally one of my preferred genres, but this was really a blend of both historical and contemporary times. Lou and Tammy head to Scotland for the holidays on what was a working trip for Tammy. Lou is a bit of a mess, floundering in her life and unsure of where she is going. On a tour, Lou and Tammy meet a gorgeous Highlander named Brian, who inadvertently changes Lou's life. It is by chance that she...more This was a great book that hit just about every emotion on the scale! Historical fiction isn't generally one of my preferred genres, but this was really a blend of both historical and contemporary times. Lou and Tammy head to Scotland for the holidays on what was a working trip for Tammy. Lou is a bit of a mess, floundering in her life and unsure of where she is going. On a tour, Lou and Tammy meet a gorgeous Highlander named Brian, who inadvertently changes Lou's life. It is by chance that she learns about Isobel and researches her story during the time of the Scottish witch trials. It is then that her life truly changes.

Things to love about Isobel Key...

The cast. The cast is rather small, but it allows you to really get to know the characters. Lou is more than a little unsure of herself, both in life and in love. I really liked her, easily able to empathize with her. Tammy (the BFF) is the epitome of a young, successful woman, completely confident in ways Lou is not. She annoyed me with her judgments throughout the book, although she began to change towards the middle to end of the book. Brian is the sexy Highlander that Lou falls for, although she assumes she has no chance with Tammy nearby. I really liked Brian's character, sweet and kind and no misogyny in sight! Isobel was a character that, for much of the book, was hard to get a handle on. There were parts that made her seem like the victim, others when you had to wonder if she truly was evil. Great suspense! The other characters, though minor, were equally realistic and added a lot to the story.

The storytelling. The way that the author used the back and forth between times essentially told two stories, both Isobel's and Lou's. Although the two wove together to help create Lou's story, Isobel's story was also complete, telling us more of Isobel than just those parts that applied to Lou. It was great to be able to have Isobel as a whole person, with her own complete story.

The witchiness. I love that the portrayal of witchcraft was accurate. Too many times, witchy fiction gets the details wrong or stereotypes it and it changes the feel of the story in a negative way.

The angst. I like how the tension was handled between Tammy and Lou in regards to Lou's Wiccan faith. It was a major conflict point throughout the book and I like that it was used as such and not as a platform that could have taken away from an amazing story.

I like a book that makes me feel, and Isobel Key definitely made me feel. I loved Lou, although her sometimes "wishy washy" demeanor made me want to scream. Tammy frequently annoyed me, as she was supposed to. She reminded me so much of people I have known with her somewhat "holier than thou" attitude. Lou's adopted parents drove me insane, and reminded me a lot of Paige's parents in The Vow, overbearing and controlling. The point is whether you loved them or hated them, these characters drew you into the story. This book really told the story of the witch trials in an interesting way and I enjoyed it from cover to cover!

This review was originally posted at http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multif....(less)

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Oct 05, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: betrayal, friends-to-lovers, genre-sci-fi-fantasy, genre-thriller-suspense-mystery, genre-historical

In a moment of clarity gone awry, Lou walks out on her job preparing for the nervous breakdown she more than likely will have once it all sinks in. When her best friend announces that they are going to Scotland for the Holidays, the timing couldn’t be better. A perfect diversion and an exciting adventure are just what she needs at the moment. Lou finds herself immersed in a mystery about the history behind the innocents who were accused of witchcraft in the seventeenth century. Upon her discover...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Pragya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, review-request, own-kindle, new-adult

3.5 stars

Doesn't that cover look amazing? As is the book.

I think this is my introduction to the genre of New Adult and I liked it very much.

Wow! What a book. Enthralling, scintillating and just beyond words.

As my habit of not reading a book blurb goes, I thought this would be one of those books about going to a new city and finding the love of your life but the title did confuse me. Not for long though when I came to know that this one was not one of 'those' books.

I like how the book shifts betw...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Charity Bradford rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun little read. McConnel did a nice job comparing the fear of witchcraft with modern day Wiccan beliefs. Lou's soul searching came across as real and believable. Ultimately, her search for herself leads her to find more than she ever hoped for.

I really enjoyed the back and forth between the present and the past. In fact, I believe I enjoyed Isobel's story more than Lou's. I wanted more of that story, the details, the every day. Kudos to McConnel for her twist ending. You expect one t...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Pereza rated it 5 of 5 stars

The story begins with Lou quitting her job at the store she’s been working at for a number of years. She knows she can find better with her college degree. Her best friend, and roommate, Tammy was just given a promotion and assignment in Scotland. This is the perfect time for a vacation for Lou. Plans have been made and they reach Scotland.

Tammy has a few meetings to attend when they first arrive, but they schedule a guided tour of the Highlands. During their tour, both women take a liking to...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Krystal (at) Krystal's Enchanting Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

After finishing The Burning of Isobel Key, I am hoping that I can explain how I feel about this book in a way that you can understand because honestly it was simply amazing. It is hard to find the right words because there are so many emotions flowing through me right now. This book has made me angry, laugh, and cry and even made my heart flutter in anticipation.

The Burning of Isobel Key is about a young woman named Louisa and her quest to find the truth about the witch trials that happened in S...more After finishing The Burning of Isobel Key, I am hoping that I can explain how I feel about this book in a way that you can understand because honestly it was simply amazing. It is hard to find the right words because there are so many emotions flowing through me right now. This book has made me angry, laugh, and cry and even made my heart flutter in anticipation.

The Burning of Isobel Key is about a young woman named Louisa and her quest to find the truth about the witch trials that happened in Scotland. The beginning of the book however starts with her quitting her job and then joining her friend Tammy, which has gotten a promotion at her job, on a business trip to Scotland. On their trip, Tammy and Lou learn about the witch trials and Lou wants to find out more about what happened and to try to clear the witch’s name, if she can. While on a tour, they meet the handsome Brian, which is their tour guide. He helps Lou and Tammy learn more about the trials and the history of St. Andrews. Lou finds papers about a woman named Isobel Key and she starts to feel some type of connection with her. She starts learning more and more about the trials and the witch Isobel Key which begins Lou on the journey to self discovery, love and learning about her rich heritage that she didn't even know she had.

The one thing that I really loved about this book is the amount of knowledge the author used when writing about the different things to do with Wicca. Weather the author herself is Wiccan I have no idea but to read a book that talks about Wicca and it being correct is a thing with me. I hate to read books that seem like the author took no time to do any research on the subject and just use stereotype information that really has nothing to do with true Wicca or Witchcraft. I have much respect for Jen McConnel for this one thing alone.
When it comes to the book overall, seriously it was, for lack of a better word, amazing. It broke my heart with what happened to Isobel and what lead up to her death. I feel so connected to Lou and can understand her struggles throughout this book. McConnel is able to write characters that a person can relate too and understand in ways that you could not possibly imagine. Reading this book, I felt what the characters felt and for me, that is a hard feat to accomplish but McConnel knows what she is doing. Another thing that made this book really great for me is the changing from Lou to Isobel to Lou and then back. You would think it would complicate things but honestly it flowed together so seamlessly that it all tied together.

The only really bad thing about this book is that I finished reading it and there isn't any more to read. I want more! I would love to see this story continue and see what happens with the characters in the story. I am sure that is how most everyone feels after reading a book that they loved but it would be awesome if this story did continue into a series.

This is one book that I am so grateful that I had the pleasure of reading and honestly, it is worth every penny. I expect much more great books from this author and can't wait to read them.

Disclosure Notice
I received a free copy in exchange for my personal and honest review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.(less)

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Sep 25, 2012 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars

McConnel interweaves Lou’s modern day narrative of frustration as she deals with her own stalled life into Isobel’s story as she battles fear, ignorance and bigotry in the 1600′s. The alternating chapters echo one another brilliantly as the story unfolds in all it’s complexity. These are real characters, with real faults and real needs. The sections pertaining to Isobel were undoubtedly my favorite, rich in context and detail. Truly engrossing historical novels are not always easy to pull off an...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Noree Cosper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult, great-books-from-great-authors, paranormal-romance

First, I have to say the opening scene really grabs you. It leave you with a feeling of discomfort but you want to know more. Isobel's entire story really tugged at my heart.

I was really able to connect with Lou. I too have struggled to find my place in the world. And that's what this book is about. You get to journey with Lou as she finds herself and comes to terms with her religion.Of course I would be remiss to mention, but this is a book with a Wiccan main character. We need more of these!

I...more

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Sep 29, 2012 Thomas Winship rated it 5 of 5 stars

“The Burning of Isobel Key,” the debut novel by Jen McConnel, is a well-crafted piece of fiction. It bounces between the present and the distant past, telling the stories of two women—both of whom are searching for purpose, understanding, and love.

Lou is a directionless, somewhat unmotivated, bookstore clerk who embarks on a trip to Scotland—a holiday/vacation/soul-searching sojourn—immediately after quitting her job. Of course, little does she know how much that trip will change the course of h...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Nancy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Wow. What a disappointment. With all the good reviews, I thought this would be a sure bet for some snack-like reading. Lots of elements I usually like in a fun read: shifting time lines, Scotland as setting, historical mystery and "witches" (however they're defined).

I can find nothing to recommend this book, honestly. Poorly drawn characters, tons of pointless detail unrelated to moving the story forward, stilted and silly dialogue. Amateurish on every level--the plotting and dialogue feel like...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Nancy (The Avid Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jen-mcconnel, bewitching-book-tours, read-in-2012

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of The Burning of Isobel Key from the author for a review via Bewitching Book Tours.

Lou was almost 27 years old when she quit her job at the bookstore. She was just fed up with the customers. They was always asking some question or another that didn't make much sense. The day that she walked out was no different from any other day. Lou had a degree from Duke University and didn't know what she wanted to do with her life...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Vicki Scullion rated it 2 of 5 stars

Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed reading this novel. The plot was interesting, and I liked the mix of historical and modern scenes. Witch hunts are compelling reading from an anthropological point of view, and the ending to this novel offers a satisfactory explanation of how Isobel became accused of being a witch, although we can't really understand today how something as unfair and primitive as witch burnings could ever have happened. However, I wasn't particularly fond of the main charact...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Anastasia [I'm Wonderstruck...] rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: recommended-by-friends, own, ebook

“When Lou travels to Scotland, she’s a mess. She’s twenty-six, unemployed, and unsure of herself. It doesn’t help that she’s traveling with Tammy, her best friend, who is everything Lou is not.

At first, the trip pushes Lou towards the brink of depression, but then she meets Brian, a handsome local tour guide. When Brian tells the tourists about the countless witches burned in Scotland, Lou starts to listen. And when she discovers information about Isobel Key, one of the victims of the seventee

...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Sophie Moss rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. I read it over a period of a few days and looked forward to picking it up each night. It's the kind of book you want to curl up with at the end of the day and let the rest of the world fall away. I particularly enjoyed the historical sections of the story. They were very well written, well researched and compelling. I found myself worrying about Isobel throughout the day and looking forward to picking up the book each night to see what would happen. I will definitely...more

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Dec 30, 2012 Darlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: witches, womyn, text-to-speech-enabled, romance, scotland, redemtion, pagan, wiccan, lending-enabled, kindle, kindle-books-i-own, free

My husband just finished reading this and suggested that I would like it. Rather than pick up another in my 'currently reading' list I started this one. He was right. It was a very good book. I loved the characters and the adventure they went on.

I loved that the author introduced Wiccan beliefs and gave light to the chance that other belief systems may have credence. I thought it was realistic how the friend responds to her BFF's growth to another way of thinking.

This book is full of ideas to th...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Karen Fowler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very nicely done. The juxaposition of past and present were well-done, never jarring or hard to follow. And both time lines were brought nicely together near the end.

My heart ached for Isobel and all that befell her. I was drawn to most of the characters in a similar way. The interaction between the characters felt "true" and complex, like it should. Particularly, the interaction regarding pagan/ Christian beliefs was very well thought out by the author and added another layer of "realness" to...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enter the world of the past and bring on the memories to the present.

It's almost the holidays, and Louisa found herself jobless after she decided to quit her job in a bookstore. Her bestfriend, Tammy, however, seemed to have gotten all the luck in the world. Soon, when Tammy asked Louisa to go with her on a business trip to Scotland, she was happy to accompany her without telling her bestfriend her predicaments. And soon her quest for her spiritual self unfolded.

The beautiful and enticing countr...more Enter the world of the past and bring on the memories to the present.

It's almost the holidays, and Louisa found herself jobless after she decided to quit her job in a bookstore. Her bestfriend, Tammy, however, seemed to have gotten all the luck in the world. Soon, when Tammy asked Louisa to go with her on a business trip to Scotland, she was happy to accompany her without telling her bestfriend her predicaments. And soon her quest for her spiritual self unfolded.

The beautiful and enticing country of Scotland served as a backdrop to this enchanting tale of two equally brave women who might be related to each other even though they are centuries apart.

In the 1600s, Isobel Key was accused of witchcraft after her sister mysteriously died of childbirth in the hands of a physician. Incidentally, her brother-in-law was also killed that night by the attending physician but it was Isabel who was blamed. Following this, she was burned at the stake and her bones were laid on a railroad crossing, preventing her to rest in peace.

Present time, Louisa is having a hard time seeking peace of mind. During her trip in Scotland, she met a handsome tour guide who seemed to like her bestfriend, Tammy. Afraid that she might just be on the road to nowhere, she devoted her time searching for answers about witches and burning rituals that happened many centuries past. Soon her interest was peaked when she learned about Isobel Key. The burning desire to discover what really happened that fateful night was what drove Louisa to go to castles and libraries, in the hopes of finding the answers to her questions.

This book is definitely one of the best I've read which involved witchcraft /Wiccans which have always intrigued me. Honestly, the first time I heard about this, it instantly reminded me of this one episode on Smallville where Lana Lang was possessed by the witch Isobel Thoreaux who died when the village people burned her on a pole. I thought the book has something to do with that episode. But after reading the first few chapters, it was a completely different story and I like this book much better.

Cheers to author Jen McConnel for a successful debut. She delivered her characters very well and she has crafted a story that was very engaging and in-depth. I can declare that I am now one of her fans. I look forward to reading the Key Inheritance soon. (less)

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Mar 30, 2013 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-request, kindle-books

I am a huge historical fiction nut but rarely do I find the time to sit down and be able to enjoy one so when the author asked me to read and review her book that happens to be chalked full of rich historical detail and in the YA/New Adult genre, I jumped at the chance.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good story where a character learns and grows throughout. Where something drastic happens that changes their life for the better. Where they finally come about and learn who they are and what the...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Beth Cutwright rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book immensely as there has always been a lure for me to the Salem witch trials. I enjoyed the characters and could relate to Lou and Tammy's best friend relationship. And I loved Brian the tour guide.

I liked how chapters about the modern day vacation in Scotland was interspersed with interludes reverting back to the 17th century and the life and times of Isobel Key.

And it seemed like modern day folk of St Andrews had some insight into Lou's bloodline, even if she knew nothing abo...more

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About Jen McConnel

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. Since then, her words have appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Sagewoman, PanGaia, and The Storyteller (where she won the people’s choice 3rd place award for her poem, “Luna”).

She is also a former reviewer for Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA), and a proud member of SCBWI, NCWN, and SCWW.

A Michigander by birth, she now lives...more

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