Saving Sofia

The Russo Sisters #1

by Linda Seed

He’d give his life to meet her. He just didn’t think it would actually come to that … Sofia Russo thinks the cute guy in the life vest is just another tourist taking one of her Central Coast kayak outings. When an accident nearly turns him into shark bait, she learns that her client—an English professor from the local university—is an admirer who only signed up to get close to her. Sofia has had a rough time since her parents’ deaths, and her budding relationship with Patrick Connelly comes as a welcome relief. As they grow closer, she begins to think he might not be the only one in need of rescue. Saving Sofia is the first book in Linda Seed’s Russo Sisters series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2019

About the author

I write funny, sexy contemporary romances full of friendship and family. My books are set in Cambria, a small town on Central California’s rugged, breathtaking coastline. At a time when close personal relationships are increasingly hard to find, I aim to write a better world full of the kind of love, loyalty, and companionship that we all long for. Connect with me at https://lindaseed.com/ or sign up for my newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor... to get access to exclusive content and special deals.

Reviews

[Ema Hack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Seed's new novel Saving Sofia is the first in the new Russo Sisters series. This heartrending story is about one young women's overwhelming grief at the loss of her parents particularly her mother's death and how it affects her relationship with the man she loves. When Sofia Russo rescues Patrick Connelly from drowning little did she realize he would become the love of her life? He is everything she never thought she would want yet he manages to crawl under her skin and become the man of her dreams. You would think that once they found each other all would be honey and roses and it could have been except for Sofia's overwhelming grief. Just how Sofia and Patrick deal with this obstacle to their happy-ever-after is the basis to this heartwarming story. A story you will want to read.

I received this free Advance Readers Copy and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beatiful story. Loved the characters, specially how sweet is Patrick. The best book I've read from this author so far.

[Anaïs Vermeir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik had dit boek gekozen omdat
- het eruitzag alsof het nog enigszins avontuurlijk was (enkel de eerste 30 pagina's)
- het goeie reviews kreeg (niet op gelet dat het maar 384 reviews waren).

Het boek zat vol clichés en onrealistische zaken.
- Sofia voelt zich te dom voor Patrick. Patrick voelt zich te lelijk voor Sofia en wordt dan maar lid bij de plaatselijke fitness. Tegelijkertijd wordt er benadrukt hoe populair Patrick is bij de vrouwen en hoe hij dat totaal niet beseft. Zelfs de vrouw van zijn beste vriend maakt constant opmerkingen in die richting. Cringe.
- Sofia en Patrick maken irrationele beslissingen en veronderstellingen zonder ook maar enigszins met elkaar te overleggen. In een goeie relatie is het heel normaal om na een misverstand weg te gaan zonder iets te zeggen, het vliegtuig te nemen en elkaar enkele maanden niet te spreken. 🤪 Uiteindelijk wacht Patrick Sofia op aan haar werk als een stalker in plaats als een volwassene contact te proberen leggen. Zij maakt hier helemaal geen probleem van en is zelfs blij hem te zien. Iets met grensoverschrijdend gedrag?
- Na 2 maanden zijn ze er zeker van dat ze elkaars ware zijn. 🤢 Er moet dan ook meteen getrouwd worden. Lekker moderne visie. Het grote probleem van Sofia is dat ze niet wil trouwen omdat haar ouders het niet meer kunnen meemaken. 🤧 Plots vindt ze een map met een huwelijk voorbereid door haar mama en ziet ze een huwelijk wel helemaal zitten.
- Sofia voelt zich schuldig voor de dood van haar vader en niemand mag tegen haar zeggen dat dat op niets slaat. Ze heeft sinds de dood van haar ouders niet meer gehuild. Wat is ze, een robot? Het duurt totdat Patrick haar een aantal zelfgeschreven gedichten voorleest over hun liefde. Plots kan ze opnieuw huilen en over haar gevoelens praten en is alles opgelost. Magie 🧙‍♀️

To be fair, ik was beter gestopt na 100 pagina's maar ik dacht elkaar dat het nog beter zou worden. Spijtig genoeg werd het naar het einde toe alleen maar erger.
⭐️⭐️

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much angst!

Unfortunately I could not relate to the heroine Sofia in this story I found her totally unlikeable. Patrick the male lead was an interesting foray into the male psyche but he too managed to get on my nerves I wanted to shake him and rattle his brain. From this you will deduce that I am not happy and that results in 2⭐️⭐️ Stars from me. However do not take my word for it read it for yourself and make up your own mind.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2019)! 🎁

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially read Linda Seed’s first novel, “Moonstone Beach” because it took place in my favorite place, the California Central Coast, but immediately got hooked on her well-rounded characters and story lines. Since then, I’ve read all of her remaining seven novels and eagerly awaited the release of “Saving Sofia.” I was not disappointed! With “Saving Sofia,” Ms. Seed has once again created characters that are grappling with the real-life issues of loss, grief, relationships, family dynamics, and above all else, love. The dialogue and the interactions of the characters are true to life and I loved watching the relationship between Sofia and Patrick unfold. Ms. Seed also threw in a few surprises that I hadn’t thought of, which made the journey even more fun. As I’ve said in other reviews, if you want a quick escape to the California Central Coast where you’ll hang out with some great new friends, Linda Seed’s novels are the stories for you. I’m looking forward to seeing which Russo sister will be the focus of Book 2!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the start of this story, with Patrick totally falling for Sofia, whom he sees in the coffee shop, and tracking her down to find out what she does (kayaking lessons and excursions). And then Patrick, who can't swim and is terrified of the water, puts himself completely out there and signs up for a lesson and the hilarity that follows! The beginning totally caught me off guard and I found myself laughing out loud throughout a lot of the book

I really felt the pain that Sofia was experiencing with the earlier loss of her parents and her inability to move on and let herself be happy. The interaction between the 4 sisters felt so real. Linda Seed does a great job of bringing that emotion out in her writing.

I had already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books in the Russo Sisters series of books so I went on a Linda Seed reading binge and finished up the Delaneys of Cambria series before starting the Russo Sisters books, just in case there was any overlap involving any of the characters. You definitely didn't NEED to read any of the previous Cambria books, including the Main Street Merchants stories but they all do a lovely job of describing the Cambria area and introducing characters from the town that it's fun to read them all. I read this book in one day - absolutely nothing else got done around my house that day!

[Judy Samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Sofia is the first book in Linda Seeds Russo Sisters Series.

The perfect way to introduce us to the Russo family and all their trials and tribulations. This book will capture your heart with the friendships and family bonds, while mostly focusing on Sofia and dealing with her past. Sofia saved Patrick Connelly’s life or was he saving her from being sad. Destined to find “The One” or is the one right in front of you?? Keep reading, because you will find a little funny, a little sad with some sexy romance and you too will finish this book in a day. A light book that will have you wondering how many men are willing to put themselves out there to find true love. This is definitely one of my favorites.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series.

Sofia has had a hard time since the death of her parents. She has not overcome her grief and hides it from her sisters. She has not been able to move forward. Patrick is a professor, can't swim and knows nothing about kayaking. He was so taken with Sofia the first time he saw her that he signed up to go on a kayak tour. He had a short lesson on how to handle a kayak. He has an accident and almost drowns. She saves him. Is Patrick what she needs to go forward? Will they fall in love? This story is both heartwarming and funny with a little romance. Well written. Enjoyable from start to finnish. I recommend it.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sofia and Patrick really are opposites in so many ways! They have quite a memorable first meeting which leads to another opportunity to spend time together. Each trying to please the other one but so many failed dates which are pretty funny! Once they open up to each other and realize how they are both trying to do what they think the other person wants, they are finally able to have a successful date. Over time the relationship grows, while Patrick is still socially awkward, he is so genuine in his love for Sofia and trying to help her past the grief that holds her back from truly loving and moving forward. Such a wonderful story about the power of love! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Cathi Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Sofia: The Russo Sisters Book 1" by Linda Seed was a great start to a new series. i was given this book in exchange for an honest review and honestly i had a hard time putting it down. Sofia meets Patrick after he signs up to go kayaking and nearly drowns. Patrick doesn't know how to swim and only signed up for the outing so he could get close to her. He is way out of his comfort zone. Sofia asks him to go for a drink with her. And one thing leads to another and they start seeing each other. Sofia has had a rough time showing any type of emotions since her parents death. Can Patrick break down the walls that Sofia has put up??? Read "Saving Sofia" to find out!!!!

[Wendy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Sofia had me laughing out loud, and then crying into a tissue. These characters were so well written - human and realistic. Sofia has issues from her parent’s deaths that she has put off dealing with. With the help of Patrick and her sisters, she faces the past and works through her feelings. Patrick is a saint (he stayed with Sofia as she worked out these issues a lot longer than I probably would have). I loved him! I can’t wait to read about the next Russo sister in the series. They are such a close and loving family. I have read many Linda Seed books and they have all been great.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

free ebook
i like it takes place in cambria and slo cal poly where he works as english prof.
she was teaching kayak lessons, he had seen her in the market and found out and signed up for her class, he thought she was so pretty. but he was not athletic and hurt himself. he had to be taken to the hospital. he was ok but she felt bad. they went out and he tried to go on a hike with her but he almost passed out.
they had a hard courtship, she was grieving the loss of her parents. but she had 3 sisters to help her, they all lived in the parents house in cambria.
at the end he proposes and she accepts.

[Pat Allen]

Sophia's struggle

This romance between an English university Professor and a stunning Italian kyak instructor, one of four sisters, starts with drama when he is hospitalized for attempting to learn her skills to try to get to know her.
She is attracted to his nerdy different ways, compared to previous body-builder types. Worth reading.

Her inability to process her parent's death causes her to struggle to come to terms with possibly making a future with him.
The fact that they slept together for about a year before getting married bothered me since so few people obey God in this regard. Despite that, I liked this clean, well-edited writing style and easy reading novel.

[Deb Diem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saving Sofia is a contemporary romance by Linda Seed. Ms. Seed has produced a book that is entertaining. Sofia has her own kayak tour business that keeps her busy during the season, the rest of the year she picks up odd jobs. Patrick is a college professor. Sofia and Patrick's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice and a little more angst than I care about. This story was a little drawn out but overall it's an okay read. Saving Sofia is book 1 of The Russo Sisters Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series from Linda Seed is now out. The Russo Sisters, Saving Sofia is the first one. As with Linda's other books, this is also based in Cambria.

Linda continuously writes such quality pieces of work. I am biased when it comes to Linda's. You don't want to miss this one.

This is Sofia' s story, Sofia runs the kayaking in the summer, Patrick is an English Profesor who cannot swim but... risks his life to get to know Sofia. Will true love find its way? Or will fate take a turn? Want to know what happens? Grab your copy today you will not be disappointed. I honestly loved this, I also felt I was there too!! excellent, I highly recommend this book.

I was privileged to receive this book as an advanced copy & am choosing to review it voluntarily and this is my honest review.

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author.

I really enjoyed the story which was about four sisters who lived together in their
parents home. Their Mom had died of cancer and a couple of months later their Dad
died in a car accident.

Three of the girls seemed to be able to move on, but Sofia was having a hard time.

Patrick, a university professor, wants to meet Sofia.

The story is centred around these two people.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story

This was a very sweet story. Has a little Hallmark movie feel but that's ok. Sofia is 28. She lost her parents in tragic ways when she was 26 and hasn't been able to deal with the loss. Patrick, a professor at a local college, sees Sofia and decides to try and meet her. Patrick is a very unique character. He has some very strong insights despite his feeling he doesn't get women.
They do meet and how their relationship develops is interesting.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Hero

Seems like the contemporary romance heros are mostly tall, handsome billionaires or musclebound firefighters whose self-assurance approaches on arrogance.This one is very different, and in many ways very realistic.The story problem is unusual, as is the resolution. I thought a few pages were a bit didactic, but otherwise this is first rate.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sofia Russell provides guided kayak tours of her local beach area and lives with her three over achieving sisters. When English Professor, Patrick Connelly signs up for one of her tours so he can meet her, the slightly clutsy prof ends up in the E.R. They begin a relationship that scares Sofia and is very much out of Patrick's comfort zone, but eventually they get it right. Mostly clean.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to have a hero who wasn't an alpha or a billionaire. He was a wonderfully socially inept academic who was sweet and thoughtful. The heroine was a beautiful woman who didn't go to college and had some heavy emotional hang ups. putting these two together made for an interesting story and some ups and downs on the way to their HEA.

[HolidayHabit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started out enjoying this but as it went on I became more and more detached from the characters and their problems. By the end I wasn’t really feeling their relationship. It seemed like really hard work, more like they were forcing it rather than desperately in love. And then the story just seems to end abruptly, like the author didn’t know how to bring it to a close.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Sofia had issues to overcome here but what person doesn't really. She found the love of Patrick to help her see the ways that her sisters couldn't help her see. Cannot wait to read about the next Russo sisters adventure.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to a new family in Cambria. Love to know what’s going on and meeting new book friends. Looking forward to reading the about the other Russo sisters. Funny, sad, romantic. What more could there be?
I received this free Advanced Readers Copy and I am freely posting this review.

[Emilie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading!

Very interesting topic. Sofia's inability to deal with certain topics and how she worked through them was well crafted by Linda Seed. I am looking forward to the rest of the Russo Sisters books.

[Mireille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and Sofia’s journey through her grief. I loved the interaction between her and Patrick. I thought of them as a Penny/Leonard relationship (Big Bang Theory) it had its funny parts and overall an enjoyable read.

[Lee Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family’s

Dynamics and how support helps the different feelings of loss for each one. Any experience will be different. For each of the relatives. This shows how despair can ruin lives but rescued by family member and continued support.

[Kathryn Munsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabs you!

Have plenty of tissues handy! This story was full of emotions. It dealt very well with some hard subjects. And the love story woven in between was so sweet, Patrick is so perfect.

[Catherine Geist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This book was a fun read. The story is good & well written. It is about 4 sisters &the issues of there parents death. It is a fun read & a lot of suspence how the 1 sister is dealing with love & guilt.

[Lillian Casciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Sofia

Really liked the book's storyline,but Sofia's character was in my opinion was hard to believe. She not wanting to marry the sweet man she loved because her parents were no longer living. Enjoyed the book otherwise! Would read more Linda Seeds novels.