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Portraits in Blue #2
Shattered Dreams
Jack gains the life he dreams of – dedicating his days to painting, with a loving family of his own. He believes he has found perfection. But can anybody be immune to tragedy and heartbreak?
Launching onto the train to join Sofia and Andres as they travel to southern Spain, Jack has no thought for the responsibilities that await him on the other side of the world. All he knows is that he isn’t ready to leave the woman who’d captured his heart in Paris.
For Jack, life is perfect on the twins’ farm in Málaga, with its sweeping views of the Mediterranean; sharing the enduring charm of a Spanish lifestyle with Sofia and spending his days painting with Andres. Even so, misunderstandings and complications arise, and Jack has doubts about his future.
Personal tragedy and a decline in economic circumstances force Jack and Sofia to leave Spain and they travel across the world to Australia, seeking financial security and family connections.
Before long, the heady lure of Melbourne’s art world beckons and, falling under the spell of the charismatic but dominating Justus Jorgensen, Jack and Sofia embrace his dream to build an artists’ colony, ultimately living at Montsalvat – a place whose buildings are modelled on seventeenth century Europe and where residents live cooperatively, freed from the constraints of social conventions. The arrival of their long-awaited baby, Scotty, fulfils their dreams and Jack has never felt happier.
While the bohemian lifestyle of Montsalvat proves stimulating, Jack and Sofia are increasingly disturbed by the darker side of Jorgensen’s personality. They make plans for a fresh start, in a home of their own. Tragically, their excitement turns to heartbreak as a shocking accident befalls the colony, threatening to rob Jack of all that he loves, testing his very sanity.
Portraits in Blue – Book 2: Shattered Dreams is the second volume of a trilogy that traverses bohemian art worlds, including the Bloomsburys’ Sussex, Hemingway's Paris, Picasso's Málaga and the Montsalvat artists in Eltham, in an epic tale of passion and heartbreak amid art, family and true love.
You may like to first read Portraits in Blue – Book 1: The Sun Rose in Paris
See the continuation of Jack’s story in Portraits in Blue – Book 3: Searching for Sofia
Launching onto the train to join Sofia and Andres as they travel to southern Spain, Jack has no thought for the responsibilities that await him on the other side of the world. All he knows is that he isn’t ready to leave the woman who’d captured his heart in Paris.
For Jack, life is perfect on the twins’ farm in Málaga, with its sweeping views of the Mediterranean; sharing the enduring charm of a Spanish lifestyle with Sofia and spending his days painting with Andres. Even so, misunderstandings and complications arise, and Jack has doubts about his future.
Personal tragedy and a decline in economic circumstances force Jack and Sofia to leave Spain and they travel across the world to Australia, seeking financial security and family connections.
Before long, the heady lure of Melbourne’s art world beckons and, falling under the spell of the charismatic but dominating Justus Jorgensen, Jack and Sofia embrace his dream to build an artists’ colony, ultimately living at Montsalvat – a place whose buildings are modelled on seventeenth century Europe and where residents live cooperatively, freed from the constraints of social conventions. The arrival of their long-awaited baby, Scotty, fulfils their dreams and Jack has never felt happier.
While the bohemian lifestyle of Montsalvat proves stimulating, Jack and Sofia are increasingly disturbed by the darker side of Jorgensen’s personality. They make plans for a fresh start, in a home of their own. Tragically, their excitement turns to heartbreak as a shocking accident befalls the colony, threatening to rob Jack of all that he loves, testing his very sanity.
Portraits in Blue – Book 2: Shattered Dreams is the second volume of a trilogy that traverses bohemian art worlds, including the Bloomsburys’ Sussex, Hemingway's Paris, Picasso's Málaga and the Montsalvat artists in Eltham, in an epic tale of passion and heartbreak amid art, family and true love.
You may like to first read Portraits in Blue – Book 1: The Sun Rose in Paris
See the continuation of Jack’s story in Portraits in Blue – Book 3: Searching for Sofia
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2020
525 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Penny Fields-Schneider
15 books115 followersI have loved reading all of my life, living in school libraries, and like 'Matilda' walked up the steps of the Camberwell library as a five year old, where the very kind librarian gave me a library card and allowed me to borrow 'Ping'.
I always thought I had a book inside me, bursting to be released, and in 2017 the muse revealed herself! The Sun Rose in Paris came, almost fully formed and I combined things that mattered to me: a passion for art, a yearning to travel, a desire to remember a family tragedy that would be lost in time and a beautiful romance. One book became two, and then I knew it needed a little more, so came book three. But unanswered questions still remained... why did she go and where? Hence Sofia's Story was written.
The writing journey has taken me into some wonderful research journeys, interact with people all over the world, and feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment!
It has also led to a growing list of books that I must write! If only there were 48 hours in a day!
I always thought I had a book inside me, bursting to be released, and in 2017 the muse revealed herself! The Sun Rose in Paris came, almost fully formed and I combined things that mattered to me: a passion for art, a yearning to travel, a desire to remember a family tragedy that would be lost in time and a beautiful romance. One book became two, and then I knew it needed a little more, so came book three. But unanswered questions still remained... why did she go and where? Hence Sofia's Story was written.
The writing journey has taken me into some wonderful research journeys, interact with people all over the world, and feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment!
It has also led to a growing list of books that I must write! If only there were 48 hours in a day!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 11, 2020
An incredible journey.
Leaving Paris to head home to Australia, Jack spontaneously leaps onto the train taking him to Malaga, along with Sofia, the girl he has fallen in love with.
Following a tragedy in Spain, Sofia and Jack head to his home in Melbourne.
It's not long before they are drawn to Montsalvat, an artist's colony at Eltham in Victoria.
The author's attention to detail, and her research are to be commended.
This is a very emotional read, and I can't recommend highly enough.
Leaving Paris to head home to Australia, Jack spontaneously leaps onto the train taking him to Malaga, along with Sofia, the girl he has fallen in love with.
Following a tragedy in Spain, Sofia and Jack head to his home in Melbourne.
It's not long before they are drawn to Montsalvat, an artist's colony at Eltham in Victoria.
The author's attention to detail, and her research are to be commended.
This is a very emotional read, and I can't recommend highly enough.
November 9, 2020
Changes
Life can change in an instant. Worth a read for the life of artists and their family. Never expected tragedy.
Life can change in an instant. Worth a read for the life of artists and their family. Never expected tragedy.
January 18, 2021
What a wonderful story and what an extremely tragic end.
Jack gained the trust of his parents by moving from Spain back to Australia and as time passed on he got a new job. His interest in Art never died and Sofia helped him in finding the best Art Gallery to pursue his passion for art alongside a full-time job.
They were blessed with a sweet kid who they named "Scotty" but tragedy strikes them. The fire broke out in the house and Jack forgot the presence of his son in his cabin. Sofia wasn't home and on her return misery struck her like a long-lost friend. What that tragedy was? Find out in reading this book.
Sofie is gone at the end and Jack has started his search for her.
I am waiting for the third part like anything. I wish I have had it in my Kindle right away.
Jack gained the trust of his parents by moving from Spain back to Australia and as time passed on he got a new job. His interest in Art never died and Sofia helped him in finding the best Art Gallery to pursue his passion for art alongside a full-time job.
They were blessed with a sweet kid who they named "Scotty" but tragedy strikes them. The fire broke out in the house and Jack forgot the presence of his son in his cabin. Sofia wasn't home and on her return misery struck her like a long-lost friend. What that tragedy was? Find out in reading this book.
Sofie is gone at the end and Jack has started his search for her.
I am waiting for the third part like anything. I wish I have had it in my Kindle right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
It dragged for me. I made myself finish but I'm not going to read the 3rd one.
July 10, 2021
Another fascinating page turner as was The Sun Rose in Paris
Not a negative about this series: love researching the history of the Artistic time, the characters from it so delightfully developed by Penny Fields-Schneider, Montsalvat, locations from Spain to Australia and frankly on and on. So much to learn while escaping in this great series! Give the series a go! Cheers
Not a negative about this series: love researching the history of the Artistic time, the characters from it so delightfully developed by Penny Fields-Schneider, Montsalvat, locations from Spain to Australia and frankly on and on. So much to learn while escaping in this great series! Give the series a go! Cheers
May 13, 2021
Loved this series
I feel like Jack and Sophia are friends of mine. I have so enjoyed getting to know them. I will miss them.
I feel like Jack and Sophia are friends of mine. I have so enjoyed getting to know them. I will miss them.
June 12, 2022
Shattered Dreams: Portraits in Blue Book Two is by Penny Fields-Schneider. This is another amazing book; although it didn’t quite pull me as far into the book. I was easily able to take breaks and come back to the book. That is, until the end.
Jack and Sophia managed to get Andres back to Malaga in spite of his being so ill. Being back home made him get somewhat better; but he was never to get back tohis pre-illness state. While Jack settled into the life on the Finch, Andres helped him learn to deal with all the chores he needed to know. Sophia ran the gallery and baked goods to sell. Both Jack and Andres would go into the studio during the afternoon and paint to their heart’s desire. They would paint for the gallery and sell their paintings to the tourists while their real work was kept in the studio.
Andres took every chance he could to suggest to Jack and Sophia that they should consider going to Australia because the political situation In Spain was getting worse and bad times were to come. Sophia rejected all suggestions that she leave their home and the place where they grew up and where their father was buried. However, when Andres died, both Sophia and Jack were overcome with grief. As they adjusted to life without Andres, his words kept coming back to them. Finally, they packed up and sailed for Melbourne.
Would they find their home here? Would Jack find his desire to paint return and improve even more? Would Jack’s parents accept Sophia?
Jack and Sophia managed to get Andres back to Malaga in spite of his being so ill. Being back home made him get somewhat better; but he was never to get back tohis pre-illness state. While Jack settled into the life on the Finch, Andres helped him learn to deal with all the chores he needed to know. Sophia ran the gallery and baked goods to sell. Both Jack and Andres would go into the studio during the afternoon and paint to their heart’s desire. They would paint for the gallery and sell their paintings to the tourists while their real work was kept in the studio.
Andres took every chance he could to suggest to Jack and Sophia that they should consider going to Australia because the political situation In Spain was getting worse and bad times were to come. Sophia rejected all suggestions that she leave their home and the place where they grew up and where their father was buried. However, when Andres died, both Sophia and Jack were overcome with grief. As they adjusted to life without Andres, his words kept coming back to them. Finally, they packed up and sailed for Melbourne.
Would they find their home here? Would Jack find his desire to paint return and improve even more? Would Jack’s parents accept Sophia?
June 14, 2020
Great writing/good series.
This second book of the series is so interesting as Jack and Sofia arrive in Australia, his home country, in the 1930's to start a new life. The young couple and become caught up in an art movement and communal lifestyle in Elfstam as they work amongst others who are drawn to the flamboyant Master Justus Jorgenson.
The vision of a community dedicated to art is based on an actual village in Australia that stands today. The hypnotic Master leads with enthusiasm and philosophy that draws his followers into a cultish lifestyle. Eventually cracks appear in his vision which has drawn Jack and Sofia so thoroughly in as they begin a family.
The plot is fantastic and focuses mainly on the life within the commune. So much to keep me engrossed in reading the history, culture and society there. We are it through mainly Jack's eyes. The ending is earth shattering, and I can hardly wait to the next book in this enthralling series.
I will definitely recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance. Art historians would very likely enjoy this book as well.
This second book of the series is so interesting as Jack and Sofia arrive in Australia, his home country, in the 1930's to start a new life. The young couple and become caught up in an art movement and communal lifestyle in Elfstam as they work amongst others who are drawn to the flamboyant Master Justus Jorgenson.
The vision of a community dedicated to art is based on an actual village in Australia that stands today. The hypnotic Master leads with enthusiasm and philosophy that draws his followers into a cultish lifestyle. Eventually cracks appear in his vision which has drawn Jack and Sofia so thoroughly in as they begin a family.
The plot is fantastic and focuses mainly on the life within the commune. So much to keep me engrossed in reading the history, culture and society there. We are it through mainly Jack's eyes. The ending is earth shattering, and I can hardly wait to the next book in this enthralling series.
I will definitely recommend to readers of historical fiction and romance. Art historians would very likely enjoy this book as well.
September 5, 2021
This is one of those books that is in the middle of a series that is difficult to write a review for. Having read the first book you pretty much know what needs to happen in book 2. Then you MUST read the final . Book 1 told you the story, so this b ftook is simply a continuation to be able to get to the climax of Jack's story and in saying that you pretty much know what has to happen in order to arrive at book 3. Realizing that I have to say that the author did a good job taking us on that journey, keeping our interest and giving us a completely different though intertwined and related story. So if you have read #1, definitely read this book. It's good, but only if combined with the others. I did learn quite a bit about Australia in the 1930's which was interesting. Lastly, it wasn't as good as the first one!
June 19, 2020
Jack is unsure of what he wants out of life and when he gets the chance to go to England he takes it. While on the trip his life is changed forever. He regains his passion for art and meets Sofia and her twin brother. They quickly become fast friends and Sofia and Jack fall in love. Due to the untimely death of Sofia's brother, the couple move back to Jacks home in Australia. The stay in contact with the artist colony and eventually become part of Monsalvat. But once again tragedy strikes and this time it might destroy Sofia and Jacks love. Great first book in this trilogy
September 12, 2024
It is a long time since I have been that into a book that I didn't want to put it down, did not want it to end, and could not wait to start the next book in the series. I truly felt a connection with Jack and Sophia and wanted their story to be a happily ever after. I don't know what is about to happen in the third book but from what I have read so far, it will be just as interesting. I like how the author has not overloaded her books with characters, and I appreciate her attention to detail, all the little things that draw you into the story. Now for book three.
September 7, 2020
This is the second book in a trilogy. Our main characters, Jack and Sophia, travel, ending up in Jack's home country, Australia. Set in the 1930s, this Bohemian lifestyle, art culture story has a very tragic ending. Art historians would love this trilogy, but it is not my favorite. Well written, believable characters. Thank you to the author, Penny Fields-Schneider, and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
I really don't understand these books going back to war and peas and Anna Karenis. It's like the teachers assigned them an essay with a minimum of 10,000 words. Stories could be told in such shorter methods and still be a really good story. I watched song sung blue yesterday yesterday I know that if there is a book it could be much shorter and still tell the amazing story that movie told. Anyway I can say I've read some of these 14 hour books. It was a good story it was but just way too long
November 7, 2020
This book I found frustratingly banal and pointless. It seemed it would never rise above petty domestic dramas, remotely relevant to anyone. Until the 96% mark when a terrible tragedy turns the book on its ear. The writing, the literary significance of the work, the characters just suddenly rise up to something bigger than themselves. But to have to plod through to that point was not fun at all.
December 30, 2020
This is an entertaining series. The characters are eccentric but realistic. It draws you into the world of artists and their attitudes towards society. The time frame of pre-world war 2 is not predominantly part of the theme, but it does give a feeling of the general social standards of the setting. This is a highly entertaining story. I am looking forward to the publication of the third book
January 13, 2023
This book followed Jack and Sofia as they leave Spain and start their lives in Australia. I don't feel this book was as interesting as the first book.
Jack and Sofia adjust to Australian life but Jack stops painting. Daily life is shown to us. First living with Jack's parents and then in an art commune. Ups and downs happen in each place. Finally they have have a little boy after a long time of trying.
This wasn't what I expected after reading the first book. I am not going to continue with the series right now.
Jack and Sofia adjust to Australian life but Jack stops painting. Daily life is shown to us. First living with Jack's parents and then in an art commune. Ups and downs happen in each place. Finally they have have a little boy after a long time of trying.
This wasn't what I expected after reading the first book. I am not going to continue with the series right now.
May 16, 2023
The Continuing Saga
I think this episode was a little too long ~ even the Editor failed to find misplaced words & punctuation. It is still an interesting read & well-researched so that we learn much of the 1930's art world. Character development is wonderful & I am starting Book 3 next,
I think this episode was a little too long ~ even the Editor failed to find misplaced words & punctuation. It is still an interesting read & well-researched so that we learn much of the 1930's art world. Character development is wonderful & I am starting Book 3 next,
June 22, 2023
I am really loving this set of books. It combines our time in Malaga with our home, Australia and my big love: art. My only reason for not putting 5 stars is because there are so many grammatical errors throughout that really spoil my experience. But, having said that, a brilliant story. I look forward to number 3
February 28, 2024
A haunting story!
A beautifully written story that will have your heart soaring one minute and will then break it the next! An amazing book that I must highly recommend! I can't wait to get my hands on book three. A very gifted author who has certainly done her research. A must read! Don't miss it!
A beautifully written story that will have your heart soaring one minute and will then break it the next! An amazing book that I must highly recommend! I can't wait to get my hands on book three. A very gifted author who has certainly done her research. A must read! Don't miss it!
October 18, 2020
The next chapter
Wonderful picture of life, both normal and not so normal. I liked following the same characters from the previous book and felt for them in their sorrow. The characters were well drawn; looking forward to the next book.
Wonderful picture of life, both normal and not so normal. I liked following the same characters from the previous book and felt for them in their sorrow. The characters were well drawn; looking forward to the next book.
August 3, 2025
Started well then when they moved into the compound it was a hundred pages of just crap related to living there and a bad director etc. I didn’t really like it and especially the ending. Probably won’t read the next book
October 15, 2020
Sequel to "The sun rose in Paris" not as good
Read
April 15, 2021This second in series was very good. I am anxious to read the third.
March 5, 2024
A lovely, tragic & heart renching story.
November 10, 2024
2nd in the portraits in blue series. Really like them
April 23, 2025
This is the second book of the Portraits in Blue series. After Sophia's brother dies, Jack and Sophia moved back to Australia. They join an artist community and have a son.
June 17, 2025
From Spain to Montsalvat; great read but might leave it at that - 2 more books in the series
May 20, 2020
Amazing work. Completely devastating 😔
July 23, 2020
Life expands as Jack and Sofia's love evolves and they mature into a loving couple, facing the joy and sorrow that comes with it.
Book two of the Portraits in Blue further flesh out the characters, bringing clarity to their world and how they choose to live. The author continues her due diligence in researching real places, people and events of the time, lending authenticity to the story. The characters continue to capture the imagination and excitement of living in the morally fluid times of the Bohemian art clan devotees. Their journey is not without challenges, but they carve out a life they love in spite of the consternation of his family and society's perception of propriety commonly agreed upon at that time in history. I eagerly await the next book to see if they manage to overcome the deepest loss and therefore, the biggest challenge, imaginable.
Book two of the Portraits in Blue further flesh out the characters, bringing clarity to their world and how they choose to live. The author continues her due diligence in researching real places, people and events of the time, lending authenticity to the story. The characters continue to capture the imagination and excitement of living in the morally fluid times of the Bohemian art clan devotees. Their journey is not without challenges, but they carve out a life they love in spite of the consternation of his family and society's perception of propriety commonly agreed upon at that time in history. I eagerly await the next book to see if they manage to overcome the deepest loss and therefore, the biggest challenge, imaginable.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews