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Only Sofia-Elisabete: A Magical, Coming-of-Age Historical Romance That Sweeps from Spain to Scotland
A lyrical, magical tale of romance and adventure that sweeps from Spain to the Scottish Hebrides in the year 1825.
Can a girl who wants to heal others heal her own heart?
“A rich, original, and engrossing drama featuring a remarkably engaging hero.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Spain, 1825. The young and poetic Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, a British-Portuguese girl, lives in a world of restrictions and expectations, where repression is the order of the day. Her acts of freedom are to find humor in the absurd and to see magic in the mundane. The girl is drawn to a longing to heal others, but her own heart is troubled. Once abandoned by her mother, she struggles to trust people, and doubts whether she’s worthy of love. When her mother attempts to sell her into an arranged marriage, she feels betrayed.
With family ties pulling her in different directions, Sofia-Elisabete rebels against tradition by running away. Ferdinand VII’s Spain is certainly no female paradise for one so bold as she, or a girl who is forever finding trouble and prone to misadventure. Sofia-Elisabete loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro, who treats her as an equal and can offer her a new life in England. But Kitt is torn between family duty and his love for her. Can she ever let go of her past and trust Kitt’s love and the healing power in her hands?
A heartfelt and funny coming-of-age story, this historical romance is blended with magical realism.
Can a girl who wants to heal others heal her own heart?
“A rich, original, and engrossing drama featuring a remarkably engaging hero.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Spain, 1825. The young and poetic Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, a British-Portuguese girl, lives in a world of restrictions and expectations, where repression is the order of the day. Her acts of freedom are to find humor in the absurd and to see magic in the mundane. The girl is drawn to a longing to heal others, but her own heart is troubled. Once abandoned by her mother, she struggles to trust people, and doubts whether she’s worthy of love. When her mother attempts to sell her into an arranged marriage, she feels betrayed.
With family ties pulling her in different directions, Sofia-Elisabete rebels against tradition by running away. Ferdinand VII’s Spain is certainly no female paradise for one so bold as she, or a girl who is forever finding trouble and prone to misadventure. Sofia-Elisabete loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro, who treats her as an equal and can offer her a new life in England. But Kitt is torn between family duty and his love for her. Can she ever let go of her past and trust Kitt’s love and the healing power in her hands?
A heartfelt and funny coming-of-age story, this historical romance is blended with magical realism.
357 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2021
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
8 books29 followersI'm a writer of literary historical fiction, women's fiction, and coming of age fiction. My WIP is a low fantasy Regency romance. I take delight in the sublime and the ridiculous, the extraordinary and the everyday, the magical and the mystical, and the wisdom that can be extracted from it all. My novella, Something About Lizzy, is the Grand Prize Winner - Shorts, 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards, and also a B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree. My novella, My Cousin Darcy, is a B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree and the Silver Medalist for Best Audiobook 2023, The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. My previous works include: Only Sofia-Elisabete (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), which was named to Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2021 and honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion; I, Sofia-Elisabete: Love Child of Colonel Fitzwilliam (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), which was named to Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2018; Twelfth-Night Cake & the Rosings Ghost, which was a finalist in the 2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards in the UK. In 2021, my short story, “Goya’s Muse,” was published in The Copperfield Review Quarterly. Join me on Bluesky at @robinkobayashi.bsky.social
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 21, 2021
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Only Sofia-Elisabete is the third book in the Sofia-Elisabete Stories, a series that focuses on Sofia-Elisabete, Col. Fitzwilliam’s love child with a Portuguese bolero dancer he met while fighting on the continent. In the first book, I, Sofia-Elisabete, Love Child of Col. Fitzwilliam, we are introduced to little Sofia and accompany her adventures through the magical interpretation only a child can have of live. The second book, Twelfth-Night Cake & the Rosings Ghost is a novella that takes Sofia Elizabete and Col. Fitzwilliam to Rosings Park where they spend Christmas and try to solve the mysteries of the past, still with a magical view that is quite appropriate for a seasonal story. And finally on this third installment we see Sofia as a grown young lady of 15 living in Spain with her mother and discovering what it means to fall in love.
Sofia-Elisabete will once more travel across several European countries meeting many different people and finding herself in many difficult situations. The author brought some interesting details into the story, namely bringing well-known characters such as Goya into the plot. I was entertained by Sofia’s adventures, but I confess that the moments I loved the most were the ones where she was living with a loving family member. Tito was a very pleasant surprise and Col. Fitzwilliam’s company, while sad at times was also endearing.
My favorite aspect of this book was the entire storyline of Col. Fitzwilliam. Even if I was a little sad and disappointed with his character in the beginning of the book, I realized there was a valid reason behind his actions, and I loved seeing the struggles his character had to go through, and the strength he had to have to return to his loving family. His relationship with Sofia-Elisabete was as endearing as in the previous books, and I was only sorry it came only at a later stage in the book.
Only Sofia-Elisabete is written in the same magical realism style the first two books were written and even though I do like the uniqueness of this writing style, which I had only encountered in Latin American authors before, I found it more appealing when the narrative was presented to the reader by the eyes of a small child. As this story portrays a young lady who is old enough to fall in love and marry, I sometimes felt that her magical view of the world was a little incoherent with her life and responsibilities. Nevertheless, the blur between fantasy and reality is a characteristic of this writing style and it was very well done, so readers who are particularly fond of magical realism will certainly love this story.
Summing up, Only Sofia-Elisabete continues the story of a dear character that readers will find hard not to love, and whose journey the reader will want to continue to follow up. It’s magical realism writing style brings a uniqueness to the story that most will find innovative and captivating, and that admirers of the genre will certainly love. I recommend this book particularly to readers who enjoy this writing style.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Only Sofia-Elisabete is the third book in the Sofia-Elisabete Stories, a series that focuses on Sofia-Elisabete, Col. Fitzwilliam’s love child with a Portuguese bolero dancer he met while fighting on the continent. In the first book, I, Sofia-Elisabete, Love Child of Col. Fitzwilliam, we are introduced to little Sofia and accompany her adventures through the magical interpretation only a child can have of live. The second book, Twelfth-Night Cake & the Rosings Ghost is a novella that takes Sofia Elizabete and Col. Fitzwilliam to Rosings Park where they spend Christmas and try to solve the mysteries of the past, still with a magical view that is quite appropriate for a seasonal story. And finally on this third installment we see Sofia as a grown young lady of 15 living in Spain with her mother and discovering what it means to fall in love.
Sofia-Elisabete will once more travel across several European countries meeting many different people and finding herself in many difficult situations. The author brought some interesting details into the story, namely bringing well-known characters such as Goya into the plot. I was entertained by Sofia’s adventures, but I confess that the moments I loved the most were the ones where she was living with a loving family member. Tito was a very pleasant surprise and Col. Fitzwilliam’s company, while sad at times was also endearing.
My favorite aspect of this book was the entire storyline of Col. Fitzwilliam. Even if I was a little sad and disappointed with his character in the beginning of the book, I realized there was a valid reason behind his actions, and I loved seeing the struggles his character had to go through, and the strength he had to have to return to his loving family. His relationship with Sofia-Elisabete was as endearing as in the previous books, and I was only sorry it came only at a later stage in the book.
Only Sofia-Elisabete is written in the same magical realism style the first two books were written and even though I do like the uniqueness of this writing style, which I had only encountered in Latin American authors before, I found it more appealing when the narrative was presented to the reader by the eyes of a small child. As this story portrays a young lady who is old enough to fall in love and marry, I sometimes felt that her magical view of the world was a little incoherent with her life and responsibilities. Nevertheless, the blur between fantasy and reality is a characteristic of this writing style and it was very well done, so readers who are particularly fond of magical realism will certainly love this story.
Summing up, Only Sofia-Elisabete continues the story of a dear character that readers will find hard not to love, and whose journey the reader will want to continue to follow up. It’s magical realism writing style brings a uniqueness to the story that most will find innovative and captivating, and that admirers of the genre will certainly love. I recommend this book particularly to readers who enjoy this writing style.
June 19, 2021
Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, is a 15-year-old, British-Portuguese girl and natural granddaughter of the Earl of Matlock.
In 1825, she lives in Spain with her mother and stepfather.
She struggles against the culture which allows women minimal education and no freedom.
She loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro and hopes for a life with him.
When her family try to sell her into an arranged marriage with an unpleasant elderly nobleman, she feels betrayed and decides to strike out on her own.
So begins a perilous journey across Spain and France, with the aim to re-join her English family.
I will be honest, I initially struggled with this book and almost abandoned reading it. Perseverance paid off however as it is an enjoyable read.
The author is not kidding, describing this as magical realism. It is seriously weird in places, but when you realise that the character has heat-stroke and a concussion, it makes more sense!
This is an epic journey both figuratively and literally, which
sweeps from Spain to the Scottish Hebrides.
There is betrayal and loss, love and acceptance, rebirth and a happy ending! What more could you want?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
In 1825, she lives in Spain with her mother and stepfather.
She struggles against the culture which allows women minimal education and no freedom.
She loves a Scotsman, Kitt Munro and hopes for a life with him.
When her family try to sell her into an arranged marriage with an unpleasant elderly nobleman, she feels betrayed and decides to strike out on her own.
So begins a perilous journey across Spain and France, with the aim to re-join her English family.
I will be honest, I initially struggled with this book and almost abandoned reading it. Perseverance paid off however as it is an enjoyable read.
The author is not kidding, describing this as magical realism. It is seriously weird in places, but when you realise that the character has heat-stroke and a concussion, it makes more sense!
This is an epic journey both figuratively and literally, which
sweeps from Spain to the Scottish Hebrides.
There is betrayal and loss, love and acceptance, rebirth and a happy ending! What more could you want?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
May 31, 2021
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
30th May 2021
TITLE: Only Sofia-Elisabete
AUTHOR: Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
Star Rating: *****
‘ A very enjoyable historical romance packed full of memorable, fully-formed characters. Highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I'm a big reader. And, in terms of books, I’m happy to have a go at almost any genre. But, over the years, I have found myself migrating towards historical novels, in particular romance. So Only Sofia-Elisabete was right up my street. Set in the 1800s, the story follows the ups and downs of Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, a girl destined to marry the man her mother wants her to. When she runs away, she falls for a Scotsman, Kitt Munro. But can she let go of her troubled past and trust the man she's fallen for?
This coming of age novel is strong in many ways. To begin with, the author's knowledge of the time and place is excellent. Set in the 1800s, the protagonist starts her journey in Spain and ends it in the Highlands of Scotland. This shift of setting is well-handled, and the author shows excellent writing prowess in bringing the different ways of life to light. As a result, it's very easy to get lost in the story. There's also a good flow to the speech and, for the most part, the pacing is excellent.
All in all, this is a gem of a book, and I'd happily recommend it to anybody who is a fan of historical novels - particularly Pride and Prejudice; note that the protagonist’s last name is Fitzwilliam! Like me, I think most readers will enjoy the charisma of the characters, the ups and downs of the romance, and the strong sense of time and place. I'm often on the lookout for a new author to enjoy. I think I just found one!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
30th May 2021
TITLE: Only Sofia-Elisabete
AUTHOR: Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
Star Rating: *****
‘ A very enjoyable historical romance packed full of memorable, fully-formed characters. Highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I'm a big reader. And, in terms of books, I’m happy to have a go at almost any genre. But, over the years, I have found myself migrating towards historical novels, in particular romance. So Only Sofia-Elisabete was right up my street. Set in the 1800s, the story follows the ups and downs of Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam, a girl destined to marry the man her mother wants her to. When she runs away, she falls for a Scotsman, Kitt Munro. But can she let go of her troubled past and trust the man she's fallen for?
This coming of age novel is strong in many ways. To begin with, the author's knowledge of the time and place is excellent. Set in the 1800s, the protagonist starts her journey in Spain and ends it in the Highlands of Scotland. This shift of setting is well-handled, and the author shows excellent writing prowess in bringing the different ways of life to light. As a result, it's very easy to get lost in the story. There's also a good flow to the speech and, for the most part, the pacing is excellent.
All in all, this is a gem of a book, and I'd happily recommend it to anybody who is a fan of historical novels - particularly Pride and Prejudice; note that the protagonist’s last name is Fitzwilliam! Like me, I think most readers will enjoy the charisma of the characters, the ups and downs of the romance, and the strong sense of time and place. I'm often on the lookout for a new author to enjoy. I think I just found one!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
June 19, 2021
Only Sofia-Elisabete by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi keeps you guessing as to what Sofia will say or do next. She lived with her noble father for the first five years of her life in England. Living with her mother in Spain made Sofia miss her father's patient demeanor more, and Sofia longed to go back to him. When Sofia-Elisabete becomes a young woman, she finds there are many restrictions placed on her. After her stepfather gambles their home away, she is expected to do her best to procure a loan for the family. She finds her family has no problem using her as a pawn in their lust for material goods and prosperity. Sofia-Elisabete found the man she loves, but can they find a way through the expectations of their families?
I found Only Sofia-Elisabete enthralling as the principal character faces many challenges. Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi hasn't just written a novel. She has created a character that has come alive with dreams, disappointments, and a wish to live a life she loved, with whom she loves. The author skillfully places hardships in Sofia-Elisabete's life, which seems too heavy for such a young woman. Her resourcefulness and spunk get her through one trial and often into another. This novel has a refreshing change of scenery from most historical romance. I finished feeling as if I walked by Sofia's side as the story unfolded. I highly recommend this novel as a rare and becoming gem. It is a journey that will capture your heart and endear you until its mystical ending.
Written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
I found Only Sofia-Elisabete enthralling as the principal character faces many challenges. Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi hasn't just written a novel. She has created a character that has come alive with dreams, disappointments, and a wish to live a life she loved, with whom she loves. The author skillfully places hardships in Sofia-Elisabete's life, which seems too heavy for such a young woman. Her resourcefulness and spunk get her through one trial and often into another. This novel has a refreshing change of scenery from most historical romance. I finished feeling as if I walked by Sofia's side as the story unfolded. I highly recommend this novel as a rare and becoming gem. It is a journey that will capture your heart and endear you until its mystical ending.
Written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
September 11, 2021
Overall Rating = 4.83
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
Set in 1825, this third novel in the series sees a teenage Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam living in a world of constraints and expectations in Spain. To escape an arranged marriage, she runs away and falls in love with a young Scotsman. Their relationship is tested by family honor and obligations, and Sofia-Elisabete has to learn to trust not only the man she loves, but her own instincts in a dangerous environment.
This story is told through the eyes of Sofia-Elisabete, and her vision of the world, although at times frightening and disheartening, is also remarkably delightful. The author deftly uses humor to highlight the protagonist’s situation and to entertain the reader. Sofia’s charm and sense of adventure captivated me throughout, and her passion and intelligence were beguiling. The descriptions of the characters and the settings in this novel are exceptionally well researched and written, solidly drawing the reader into the era of the early 1800s. The addition of the right amount of humor, superstition, magic, and fantasy gives the story a special twist and accentuates Sofia’s appeal. This is a highly recommended historical coming-of-age story that would be enjoyed by a wide audience.
Sublime Line: “Only Sofia-Elisabete is an original and highly captivating historical romance with the perfect blend of humor and magic to make it difficult to put down.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
Set in 1825, this third novel in the series sees a teenage Sofia-Elisabete Fitzwilliam living in a world of constraints and expectations in Spain. To escape an arranged marriage, she runs away and falls in love with a young Scotsman. Their relationship is tested by family honor and obligations, and Sofia-Elisabete has to learn to trust not only the man she loves, but her own instincts in a dangerous environment.
This story is told through the eyes of Sofia-Elisabete, and her vision of the world, although at times frightening and disheartening, is also remarkably delightful. The author deftly uses humor to highlight the protagonist’s situation and to entertain the reader. Sofia’s charm and sense of adventure captivated me throughout, and her passion and intelligence were beguiling. The descriptions of the characters and the settings in this novel are exceptionally well researched and written, solidly drawing the reader into the era of the early 1800s. The addition of the right amount of humor, superstition, magic, and fantasy gives the story a special twist and accentuates Sofia’s appeal. This is a highly recommended historical coming-of-age story that would be enjoyed by a wide audience.
Sublime Line: “Only Sofia-Elisabete is an original and highly captivating historical romance with the perfect blend of humor and magic to make it difficult to put down.”
July 30, 2021
What an immensely imaginative and utterly unique story! It is truly unlike anything I've ever read before. Although it is tied to a secondary Pride and Prejudice character, it is far beyond the staid realm of typical JAFF stories. Only Sofia-Elisabete is impressively well-researched, and those factual elements completely immerse the reader in vivid settings with vibrant character voices. The enchanting and spirited heroine narrates a rapid-fire yet whimsical tale that is action-packed as well as emotional and includes captivating details of Spanish and Scottish cultures. Highly recommended for readers who will enjoy historical romance beautifully blended with magical realism using poetic prose that is wildly entertaining and engaging.
April 17, 2023
This is a wonderful coming of age story set in 19th century Spain with a memorable heroine, Sofia-Elisabete. The author does a terrific job painting a vivid picture from another time and place. These details set this story apart, as does the character of Sofia-Elisabete who is young, charismatic and determined to choose her own path when options for women are very few. It was lovely to see the spirited but immature girl grow into adulthood. I also enjoyed the magical realism scenes sprinkled throughout the story. Sofia-Elisabete embraces the magical world just beyond us as she struggles with hardship and gradually comes into her own. And after all she must endure, the end is beautiful and extremely satisfying. Highly recommended.
February 22, 2023
Loved this journey with our intrepid Sofia Elisabete. Here she matures into a young woman and finds the love of her life. Great adventure full of cultural and historical details as she journeys through Spain and Scotland. I feel that for all that her parents were not always there for her, she was blessed with very interesting grandfathers. Here we meet Tito who is as loving and interesting as her Fitzwilliam grandfather was in the first book of the series. I’ve learned much from these books not to mention how much I’ve enjoyed the storyline. Highly recommend.
August 14, 2021
Imagination keeps her going and draws others to her.
The reality is some understand her and others do not.
Sometimes Sofie believes her own tales. She meets a man who needs her imagination.
This book is well told and very poignant.
The reality is some understand her and others do not.
Sometimes Sofie believes her own tales. She meets a man who needs her imagination.
This book is well told and very poignant.
June 20, 2022
We are proud to announce that ONLY SOFIA-ELISABETE by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
May 27, 2021
A portrait of a young lady, striding through a picturesque time and many picturesque places.
July 2, 2021
In this Pride and Prejudice prequel, it is now 1825 and Sofia, love child of Colonel Fitzwilliam is living with her mother, Dona Marisa and her family in Andalucia. At nearly 15, head-strong Sofia is bored and wants adventure. Can she survive the oppressive regime she lives in to find happiness or will she take action, whether it is wisely done or not.
An entertaining and well-written story with an interesting main character and a varied cast of secondary characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written story with an interesting main character and a varied cast of secondary characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
Story started with Sofia-Elisabete getting her fortune read by a gypsy. Then the adventures of a teenager laced with imagination and reality.
This is my first story from this author and enjoyed it very much. The story was enticing from beginning til the end. I felt the heartaches but the optimism of the characters. (Though some facts made me cringe - arranged marriages and age they marry etc) One will enjoy the love, heartaches, struggles and finally the road to happiness of this teenager.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first story from this author and enjoyed it very much. The story was enticing from beginning til the end. I felt the heartaches but the optimism of the characters. (Though some facts made me cringe - arranged marriages and age they marry etc) One will enjoy the love, heartaches, struggles and finally the road to happiness of this teenager.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews