Sofia's Story

Portraits in Blue #4

by Penny Fields-Schneider

Sofia's Story is the fourth book in the Portraits in Blue Series. Through Sofia's eyes we learn about her heartbreak and shocking reactions to the death of her child. We share her fight to regain her sanity and to rebuild her life, and gain insights into why she left the man she loved.

Genres: Historical Fiction

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2022

About the author

I 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!

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fourth book in the series, and it pretty much wraps up the story, which starts off in Australia, goes to Europe, then all over the place during the war, and ends up in Australia. Sofia is a wife, mother, nurse, and a very determined person. The story is based on history, and it's one of those stories that you can't put down. And when you finally finish it, it stays with you. Penny Fields is a wonderful writer, and I look forward to her next couple of books that are in progress. It seems to me that most of her life is spent researching times and events -- to make sure that her writing is accurate and interesting. I feel as though I know her well.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia’s Story: Portrait in Blue Book Four is by Penny Fields-Schneider. This is the final book in this series and it is absolutely fantastic.
This book tells what happened when Sofia leaves Melbourne and how it seems she just disappeared. Her heart is broken over the death of Scotty and the thought that Jack blames her. She packs a suitcase with borrowed clothes and leaves. She goes to St. Patrick’s to see the priest but the church is closed. As she waits, it starts to rain and she gets scared. She develops amnesia about Scotty and what happened. Eventually, she ends up in a women’s shelter and then in a mental hospital. One of the doctors wants to do a lobotomy on her while another does not. He thinks she can be saved without being that drastic.
Her adventures take her to London and on a long and painful journey to the past. She endures the Civil War in Spain and then gets caught up in World War II. Will she ever find her way back to Jack or will he even want her? Has he gone on with his life?

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional read.

Following the tragic death of her son, Sofia disappears, leaving her bereft husband behind.
This very emotional story tells of her battle with grief, and her journey of healing.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, and this one did not disappoint.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved this series. From the beginning I was captivated by the characters and felt an immediate connection to them. It was a series that kept me engaged the whole time, wanting things to work out, hoping someone would survive, emotional at some happenings, elated at others. I was happy with the ending - it gave closure to the series in a special and significant way. I am delighted that author, Penny Fields-Schneider, decided to turn to a writing career. A talented and creative author, and she is an Aussie! Looking forward to reading more from Penny.

[Kyla Schneyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

you must read the whole series!

As tears fill my eyes, Penny takes you deep into Life’s never ending rollercoaster of Joys, tragedies, loss, discovery, and into the deepest places of our Hearts! Her characters are so real and developed that they may never leave me. Combined with historical accuracy of the times, it’s difficult for me to find words to recommend this Trilogy! Read it and explore your own depths! Thank you, Penny Fields-Schneider

[Kathryn Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Frustration to Elation

Hearing Sophia's story was so frustrating at first, and I'm a therapist! Emotions need to be processed & trauma makes that journey harder. I wish the author would have tied in the Spanish beliefs of magic & guilt as part of the heritage & story. Great resolution of emotions in the midst of WWII ~ thank you, Penny!

[Maggie Neumann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have now read all four books in the series ‘Portraits in Blue’. I would actually score them 7/10 rather than 3 stars as I score 4 and 5 stars to books that have really moved me and would thoroughly recommend. With this series, I found the books interesting and I did enjoy them but for me they are not a ‘must read’.

[Wendy Dohnt · Rating 5 out of 5]

portraits in blue

Exceptionally written historic fiction, into the art world and WW2. I couldn’t get enough and cried tears mingled with love, joy and relief through the final pages of Sofia’s story.

[Linda Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating finish to the series

I loved Sofia’s story. Interesting to see the part women played in the war. Her tragic past led to a commitment to help.

[Kim Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It was a beautiful book, which explains Sofia's side of the story. It was a lovely ending to the Portraits in blue series. Loved all 4 books.

[Penny Fields-Schneider]

Sofia's Story the fourth book in the Portraits in Blue series, provides answers to questions that could not be ignored. I had never planned to write this book. In fact, when I began writing, the story that came to me had a working title of 'Portraits in Blue'. It was the journey of a young man who'd navigate life and love as he'd travelled across the world. When I began writing, I knew tragedy was looming.
Because that story grew so big, I broke it into two, hence 'The Sun Rose in Paris', and 'Shattered Dreams' were born!
And when I wrote the final pages of 'Shattered Dreams', I knew that I couldn't leave readers with an ending so tragic. Hence came Book 3, 'Searching for Sofia'.
As I came to the closing pages of 'Searching for Sofia', I knew some big questions remained unanswered. Where did Sofia go? Why did she leave Jack? Questions too big for simplistic answers to be tacked onto the end of 'Searching for Sofia', I decided it was time to hear Sofia's voice. Her journey unfolded in ways I never imagined. The research has been fascinating, and she has made wonderful friends along the way.
I hope that you will enjoy reading 'Sofia's Story' as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding historical novel. I thought it was well-written and very engaging. I hadn't realized that it was the conclusion of a series, but if you haven't read the previous books, you won't have any problem reading this one by itself.

It starts in Australia where a joyous young mother experiences a heartbreaking, life changing experience. She has a break with reality and finds herself trying to return to her home in Spain to be with her father and brother. This is the timeframe when WWII is about to break out.

Through the kindness of many strangers, Sofia is rescued and kept safe. Sofia finds that she must change course and rises to meet the challenges of the era. It is a beautifully crafted story of loss, love, and life that spans multiple years.

I enjoyed the story and I would recommend to anyone from a young adult to mature audiences.

I received an advance reader copy of the book. This is my honest review.