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Portraits in Blue #3
Searching for Sofia
Having experienced tragedy beyond his imaginings, Jack tries to put his life back together again - first by finding healing at Heide, under the gentle, if somewhat intense, guidance of art enthusiasts - Sunday and John Reed, then by committing to life as a war-artist in the mountains of Crete. Despite his experiences, Jack never forgets the love that haunts him and which tests his sanity to the limits.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
485 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2021
269 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Penny Fields-Schneider
12 books119 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 10, 2021
I was expecting a lot out of the third part but unfortunately it didn't impress me at all. The war story mixed with family emotions failed to work for me. However, I would want to read the last part to know about Sofia's story.
I wouldn't deny that writing style was so flawless in this book and it had some impressive sentences and dialogues but then I was expecting more stunning out of it.
It surely disappointed me.
I wouldn't deny that writing style was so flawless in this book and it had some impressive sentences and dialogues but then I was expecting more stunning out of it.
It surely disappointed me.
February 13, 2021
A very well written and descriptive story.
I loved the first two books in this fabulous series, and this one did not disappoint.
Following a disastrous fire at the art colony of Montsalvat, where Jack and Sofia lost their son, Sofia disappears, and Jack is on a quest to find her.
The reader is taken on an incredible and heart-wrenching journey from Melbourne to the Middle East and Greece during the atrocities of World War II.
The writing is so descriptive, the characters (fictional and real) are extremely credible, and the authors knowledge of the art world is extensive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am very pleased to learn that there is another on the way.
Very highly recommended.
I loved the first two books in this fabulous series, and this one did not disappoint.
Following a disastrous fire at the art colony of Montsalvat, where Jack and Sofia lost their son, Sofia disappears, and Jack is on a quest to find her.
The reader is taken on an incredible and heart-wrenching journey from Melbourne to the Middle East and Greece during the atrocities of World War II.
The writing is so descriptive, the characters (fictional and real) are extremely credible, and the authors knowledge of the art world is extensive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am very pleased to learn that there is another on the way.
Very highly recommended.
May 31, 2021
Portraits in Blue
I so enjoyed reading the Portraits in Blue. I loved walking the streets of London and Paris visiting landmarks I've seen as in my travels as well as locations I would yet love to go. The details of painting are absorbing and the descriptions of war carry the reader onto the the battlefield. As I was transported into the lives of painters and soldiers I also felt myself changing in years, as the main character changes. The joys , horrors and sorrows the main characters feel produce smiles, chuckles and tears throughout the books. I would love to use the story as a travel guide to share the walks of the main characters.
I so enjoyed reading the Portraits in Blue. I loved walking the streets of London and Paris visiting landmarks I've seen as in my travels as well as locations I would yet love to go. The details of painting are absorbing and the descriptions of war carry the reader onto the the battlefield. As I was transported into the lives of painters and soldiers I also felt myself changing in years, as the main character changes. The joys , horrors and sorrows the main characters feel produce smiles, chuckles and tears throughout the books. I would love to use the story as a travel guide to share the walks of the main characters.
May 11, 2021
What A Great Read
Book 3 of this series was a good as Book 1. I can't wait for Sofia's Story. I have been to Spain & Paris h felt so connected to the books.
Book 3 of this series was a good as Book 1. I can't wait for Sofia's Story. I have been to Spain & Paris h felt so connected to the books.
March 27, 2021
Loved the three Book Series
This one was a little harder to read knowing it dealt with loss. It had an excellent ending. One thing I would like to say to authors is to spend more time at the end with the positive. That is especially true with this book and all the war endured. There were only a few pages of happiness at the end would like more.
This one was a little harder to read knowing it dealt with loss. It had an excellent ending. One thing I would like to say to authors is to spend more time at the end with the positive. That is especially true with this book and all the war endured. There were only a few pages of happiness at the end would like more.
June 16, 2022
Searching for Sofia: Portraits in Blue Book Three is written by Penny Fields- Schneider. This book is really good. It does have several parts which are really slow and a little tedious when you want to get on with the story.
Jack woke up at his mother’s house and was immediately hit with the remembrance that his son was dead. He had not known Scotty was asleep in the house when he tried to save some of their things. He knew that Sofia blamed him and she was staying away from him. Jack did not know what to do. Everyone told him that Sofia just needed time; but he needed time too, time and Sofia.
After the funeral was over and things had settled down, Jack went to see Sofia only to learn that she was gone and no one knew where she was nor where she would be going. Jack is determined to find her; but all his leads lead to nothing.
Margaret, their friend, tries to be there for Jack; but the one moment she let her own feelings get involved, Sofia sees them and believes Jack was going to leave her for Margaret and in her turmoil, she leaves first.
Jack learns Sofia is on a ship headed to London and then to Spain. Then she simply disappears. Jack is devastated. Can he learn from this?
Jack woke up at his mother’s house and was immediately hit with the remembrance that his son was dead. He had not known Scotty was asleep in the house when he tried to save some of their things. He knew that Sofia blamed him and she was staying away from him. Jack did not know what to do. Everyone told him that Sofia just needed time; but he needed time too, time and Sofia.
After the funeral was over and things had settled down, Jack went to see Sofia only to learn that she was gone and no one knew where she was nor where she would be going. Jack is determined to find her; but all his leads lead to nothing.
Margaret, their friend, tries to be there for Jack; but the one moment she let her own feelings get involved, Sofia sees them and believes Jack was going to leave her for Margaret and in her turmoil, she leaves first.
Jack learns Sofia is on a ship headed to London and then to Spain. Then she simply disappears. Jack is devastated. Can he learn from this?
September 4, 2024
One of the best books I have read this year, a great ending to the Portraits in Blue Trilogy! Congratulations on a good series.
I absolutely loved the Portraits in Blue series
I read all 4 books. I even had to wait several months to get Sofia's story then reread Searching so I could get myself back in touch with the story. Surprisingly having to wait to put it all together was ok.
The characters kept their strengths throughout.
Good writing and excellent coordination of plots and historical incidents. I loved the whole storyline! I will look for more of Penny's work
Thank you Penny
I absolutely loved the Portraits in Blue series
I read all 4 books. I even had to wait several months to get Sofia's story then reread Searching so I could get myself back in touch with the story. Surprisingly having to wait to put it all together was ok.
The characters kept their strengths throughout.
Good writing and excellent coordination of plots and historical incidents. I loved the whole storyline! I will look for more of Penny's work
Thank you Penny
June 23, 2021
Losing both the lives of his life made the artist within retreat. The world at war drew him like a flame. With the comrade of other dedicated Australian solders came the continued battles to be faced. Sofia was always with him in spirit.
He had been acknowledged as the artist to record the truth about the war. At times this allowed him to visualize each event in his service with truth and dedication to the reality of war.
Injury found Jack back in Australia and another life to adjust to. All through the years, Sofia's spirit kept him company. His ability to paint had long ago returned and that kept him company during his ups and downs.
This book can stand alone, I the trilogy has been amazingly written. I have recommend it to friends without reservation.
☺
He had been acknowledged as the artist to record the truth about the war. At times this allowed him to visualize each event in his service with truth and dedication to the reality of war.
Injury found Jack back in Australia and another life to adjust to. All through the years, Sofia's spirit kept him company. His ability to paint had long ago returned and that kept him company during his ups and downs.
This book can stand alone, I the trilogy has been amazingly written. I have recommend it to friends without reservation.
☺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2021
I thought the name of this book should have been "Jack Goes To War" as it has very little to do with his search for Sofia. I realized at the sudden ending that the name was only a hook to get you to buy the next book about Sofia, which I will not be doing. The author should have woven the two stories together..what she was doing while he was 'looking' for her. SPOILER ALERT As it was, Sofia wasn't even in this book until the last 5 seconds, then you're expected to buy her story. Also there were a lot of long ramblings about the war that had nothing to do with anything. I think I skipped through about 50 pages or more overall. This started out so promising but ended up disappointing.
June 16, 2023
Hearts Shattered ~ Grief Groans
This is an incredible story of the aftermath of heartbreak and all consuming grief, as well as the unanswerable questions about where that leads lost people. It is also a story of never ending love and the hope that it sparks. Relishing the story of Jack's frustrated search for Sofia, learning about the WWII theatre of Greece, Crete and the Australian art world, there is much historical data to absorb.
This is an incredible story of the aftermath of heartbreak and all consuming grief, as well as the unanswerable questions about where that leads lost people. It is also a story of never ending love and the hope that it sparks. Relishing the story of Jack's frustrated search for Sofia, learning about the WWII theatre of Greece, Crete and the Australian art world, there is much historical data to absorb.
September 23, 2024
I am completely in hooked with this series. What an amazing talent the author has, in being able to make us feel like we know these characters on an intimate basis. My heart aches for Jack in his search for Sophia, and I so desperately wanted them to be reunited. I also understood a little of the reasons why Sophia may have disappeared and not made contact [purely supposition on my part]. I was happy with the ending but am now ready to read "Sophia's Story".
February 28, 2024
Devastating, but beautifully told!
You'll need the hankies for this one, but don't be put off, the ending is beautifully exquisite!
Having read books one and two, I desperately needed to read book three. My word! What a rollercoaster of a read. The writing and attention to detail are sublime. Highest recommendations!
You'll need the hankies for this one, but don't be put off, the ending is beautifully exquisite!
Having read books one and two, I desperately needed to read book three. My word! What a rollercoaster of a read. The writing and attention to detail are sublime. Highest recommendations!
February 11, 2021
Better Editing
Somebody should have done a better job of editing for this story. Some words appeared and had no context to the story. Some words were added that were unnecessary to the sentence. The story was good but the above were distracting.
Somebody should have done a better job of editing for this story. Some words appeared and had no context to the story. Some words were added that were unnecessary to the sentence. The story was good but the above were distracting.
July 23, 2023
Although I wanted to finish to learn how it ended, I basically figured out it would end with Jack and Sofia (and their daughter, Adrenna) finding one another. Too much extraneous info about war and battles. Not sure I need to read Book 4 , Sofia’s Story.
February 12, 2023
Outstanding read
The emotions and warmth that shine through this book are outstanibg. 3rd book in series have loved every one.
Brilliant author
The emotions and warmth that shine through this book are outstanibg. 3rd book in series have loved every one.
Brilliant author
March 5, 2024
A beautiful book.
July 1, 2024
Cretes war hero’s
This book focused on the Allied soldiers forgotten on Crete. It has a lovely ending.
It also talks about attitudes towards art in Australia
This book focused on the Allied soldiers forgotten on Crete. It has a lovely ending.
It also talks about attitudes towards art in Australia
February 25, 2025
Enjoyed this one in the series but joy as much as the first two
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May 10, 2025After their son is lost in a terrible fire, Sofia is very distraught. Jack spends the whole book looking for her. He enlists and ends up marooned on Sicily for a year.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews