I want to thank St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me
to read and review an ARC of The Sunflower House by author Adriana Allegri.
“Every mother of good blood is a sacred asset of our existence.”
It’s 1938 and Hitler is encouraging pure aryan women to bear as many children as possible. Hochland Home is one of many facilities in Germany helping to raise these children under strict supervision. The Lebensborn Program gave these children out to approved parents. The children who were not perfect were subject to medical experimentation and extermination.
Some tried to help. If they were caught, torture and even the firing squad awaited them. Allina and Karl did everything they could.
The book is gut wrenching.
The Sunflower House is scheduled to be published November 12th, 2024.

This text is a unique story about the little known Lebensborn program during the Holocaust. Although this is not a 'true' story, the facts and events are; they're just carried out by fictional characters who represent hundreds, if not thousands, of very real people. Karl and Allina's stories are as horrific as they are inspirational. During one of the darkest times in world history, there shines a glimmer of hope for life, love and survival. Told from a handful of viewpoints, and moving through time from now to then and back again, this story is unlike any other. The Reich attempted to assure a robust population after the war by encouraging select Aryan woman to bear as many children as possible via Nazi officers. Unfortunately, many of the children were not up to the Reich's standards and were not welcomed into awaiting German homes, so a solution had to be found. Each character's story unfolds and intertwines in such a way that it's difficult to know who to like and who to loath. Ultimately, in Allina's words, "secrets can't exist in the light of truth," are the words that will forever stick in my memory.

Allegri has thoroughly researched so many aspects of this text and shares many sources for those who wish to learn more.

My rating - 5 stars! What a phenomenal story! I have an inquisitive mind regarding WWII history and have gone down the usual routes! This story is different in that, how a woman managed to survive the destruction of her village to the SS only to be forced into service in a state run baby factory and uncovers, to her horror the notorious Lebensborn home! This story starts off in horror of the destruction of her village … to navigating her way around the SS soldiers who are constantly around the home to meeting and falling in love with Karl and finding out that they have more in common than the SS uniform he wears.

The author has spent almost 20 years researching this novel …. which is part historical, part fiction. I thought I had read it all, with all the different stories that are out about the Holocaust … but the horrors in this novel will stay with me for a very long time! If you are interested in Historical fiction you will thoroughly enjoy this novel!

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel and give an honest and unbiased report.

Another good book about WWIi and the atrocities that happened under Himler’s direction
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

Being a huge fan of historical fiction, I devoured this book. I had never heard of the Hochland Home or the Lebensborn Program. No matter how much I read about the Holocaust time frame, I’m continually horrified at the cruelty and inhumanities done against humans. It is hard to imagine that some women actually agreed to and signed up for this program.

This is not a difficult holocaust book to read as many are. It is an uplifting combination love story blended with truths and historical facts. The authors research is immense. In the acknowledgement the author writes that this book was 20 years in the making.

The mission and belief of the Nazi communist party was that they must reproduce the next generations quickly and keep the genetic lines pure. Women were recruited, there was a comprehensive and intensive interview into bloodlines to qualify for this program. It was an honor to serve the Fuhrer and produce as many babies as possible. Awards and privileges were given to the women who produced many healthy children. They lived in a nice home, were well fed (during this time when food was scarce for many) and children taken care of. They simply had to procreate, reproduce and breastfeed the child. The rest was done for them.

The problems arose when many of these children, due to understaffing and neglect were deemed slow and disabled. No good German family wanted to adopt a child with disabilities. The book doesn’t go into gory detail on this but the children were either disposed of or entered into an experimental testing program to determine why so many were slow.

Allina is the heroine in this story. She meets and falls in love with a Karl a German officer. The story is told in two time lines. It is an uplifting, enlightening story of resilience and of the good in people. If you are a fan of historical fiction as I am, don’t miss this one. Great read.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a ARC of this phenomenal book.

I received a copy of the book "The Sunflower House" from Netgalley. The book takes place during the start of world war 2 and the Holocaust. Allina had a good life growing up. then the Holocaust happened. Allina finds out her birth mother was Jewish making her one quarter Jewish. She is forced to work at a home that has women who are pregnant for Hitler to have "pure German babies' who are placed in German homes. Allina works as a nurse. during her stay she comes up the another floor of "home" to find there are children there toddlers, babies pre-school age who are "reject's they are neglected and treated cruely. Allina decides she needs to rescue these poor babies. when she meets Karl who supports Hitler' but is actually part Jewish himself but hiding this secret. He pretends to be for the maniac Hitler but really wants to help Allina with these neglected rejected children. they start of a place called "The Sunflower House" to rescue these kids. they both face danger if it is found out they are protecting these kids and they are each part Jewish. the book is based on real life events. the characters are fiction but represent the real like horror that went on and the heros who try to help these kids.

Adreana Allergri has created an excellent addition to the many novels describing WWII. In this double timeline "current" time is just a frame to explain the past, but the past characters are very well-rounded and believable.

Wow! This heartbreaking, heroic tale is a MUST read and one that will surely be talked about for a long time. I have read and loved many books based on WWII, but I've never read anything quite like this. This story is based on Himmler's Lebensborn eugenics program that took place during Hitler's regime. Women were encouraged and rewarded to breed like animals for their country in order to create a 'master race' of Aryan children with the hopes of ensuring that the Nazi population will survive and be even stronger after the war. This alone makes me sick, but what they did to those poor children! The lucky ones were left to be neglected and abandoned. Lucky may not be the right word choice, but compared to what happened to the other children, it's suitable. I cried and wanted to puke at the same time. The horrors of Hitler never cease to upset me. I think I felt every emotion while reading this story. It was beautifully written and engaged me from the start. I think this will be a top historical fiction read of 2024. Looks like it releases in November, so preorder and add to your TBRs now! I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!

This was a heartbreaking story too read but one of truths of the horrors that heinrich himmler did..

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri is about the Lebensborn program in Nazi Germany.This is a must read story.

Thank you st Martin's press and netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and isn't influenced by anyone else

I was very intrigued to read this because it’s not my normal go to book. I’m so glad I took the plunge because this was beautiful. It’s one of those books that will sit with you for awhile. It was beautifully written too.

I have read many historical fiction books that focused on Nazi Germany and the men or women at concentration camps. However, this book was very different in that it focused on young mothers and babies. I had never heard about the Lebensborn program. While the topic was heartbreaking, the story in this book was told with grace. If you like heartfelt stories about WWII, this one is for you.

What a gut wrenching story! The Sunflower house takes place around world war 2, and follows Allina. Her world gets turned upside down and next thing you know she is working at a nazi run baby camp. Will they found out her secret? Or will she make it out unscathed? Will she find love again?

This was my first historical fiction and I have to say I am hooked. The emotions scream out of the pages at you and Adriana does an amazing job writing this book. You feel as if you are walking alongside Allina. My heart breaks for anyone who had to actually go through this time period, I cannot image the strength it took these women. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri The novel is an excellent historical novel that was informative about the complexities of the Lebensborn program in Nazi Germany. The novel focused on the on the emotional impact of the program, centering on the Sunflower House, Allina and Karl's involvement. The story is a heartbreaking and emotionally charged read but offers hope especially with little Otto's story.

Thank you to the author, Adriana Allegri, Sara Eslam, St. Martin's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

In a sleepy German village, Allina Strauss’s life seems idyllic: she works at her uncle’s bookshop, makes strudel with her aunt, and spends weekends with her friends and fiancé. But it's 1939, Adolf Hitler is Chancellor, and Allina’s family hides a terrifying secret—her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling.

One fateful night after losing everyone she loves, Allina is forced into service as a nurse at a state-run baby factory called Hochland Home. There, she becomes both witness and participant to the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s ruthless eugenics program.

Wow. Just Wow. I love historical fiction that is set in times and places I know little about. While we've all read tons of WW2 fiction, this one is different. It stands out with the excellent writing, the new perspective, the topic of the Lebensborn project, and the outstanding characters. Heart wrenching, yet even hopeful through all the terrible aspects of history. I'm a huge Kristin Hannah fan, and I think this would appeal to anyone who likes that type of writing. Absolute gem! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

The Sunflower House is a heart-wrenching story of survival, love, and compassion. Adriana Allegri’s debut novel describes the Lebensborn Program, a real Nazi-run baby factory, and the lengths that a young nurse and her husband go to save the children.

Allina, a victim of Nazi cruelty, ends up as a nurse at the Hockland House. She cares for the babies of women who give them up for adoption to Nazi families, their sole purpose to perpetuate the Aryan population. She discovers the program’s rigid and neglectful child-rearing methods and vows to save the children. While there, Allina falls in love with an SS officer who shares her secrets, and life becomes more complicated. As the story unfolds, their love is tested, and even greater sacrifices are made.

I like that The Sunflower House is a story within a story when Katrine discovers that her mother, Allina, is not the person she has known all these years. Allegri did extensive research in portraying the horrors of Nazi Germany, adding strong characters, suspense, and raw emotional content. I thank Net Galley for allowing me to read and review The Sunflower House. #NetGalley, #The Sunflower House #historicalfiction

Loved this book! Another look at the horror that took place during this time. Great story, characters and very well written. A story of triumph and sadness. Would definitely recommend. Thank you to netgalley for letting me give an honest review of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! This book. Stayed up way too late, then got up to read more before work. And was late to work.
The story opens with middle aged Katrine discovering a box hidden in her mother’s floor boards- a box with a Nazi swastika . Her mother had refused to discuss her past- or Katerine’s father, but perhaps she decides, its time for the secrets to end. I found the story beautifully told, and completely captivating.

I love stories of complicated morally grey characters- the more research I do on history, the more I learn- It’s never as simple and black and white as school history books led us to believe. Real life is ALWAYS much more nuanced than we would be led to believe. I have read so many WW2 stories of historical fiction- but this one is a story between a NAZI SS officer, and a young German woman who works at a eugenics baby factory ( ala Handmaids) where Arian children are born to supply the thousand year reich. Not your typical storybook heros.

Just as the USA and UK had ALOT of people who felt Hitler wasn’t so bad, (and actively supported Germany in the 30s and 40’s) there were also alot of Germans who were against Hitler and his plans. To survive, they must outwardly show support. Even as they must do the unthinkable, many brave men and women used whatever means they had available to resist, and combat the evil all around them. However, no matter what was done to subvert the evil, the participants must live with the knowledge that its never going to be enough. Guilt they will carry to their graves.

A sad, realistic and satisfying ending, get some Kleenex.

Personal note- It’s 2024 and the worlds power hungry villains are once again in plan sight- I cant help but seeing shades of the 1930s. Inciting fear, and telling us exactly what they have planned. We stand by and say nothing for fear of angering them. Perhaps, we have learned nothing, doomed to repeat history’s mistakes.

The Sunflower House, Adriana Allegri
Summer 2006
Ramsey, New Jersey
“The box unlocks with a soft snick and I lift the lid, inhaling the sweet vanilla of old paper and ink. Inside is an odd jumble of items. German newspaper articles. A heavy gold locket, engraved with an A in ornate script. An opera program from a 1939 production of Richard Wagner’s Siegfried at the Bayreuth festival. A pile of letters, the envelopes stiff and specked with age. There’s also a photo of Mama in a ruffled nurse’s apron – my mother was a nurse? – and surrounded by a group of children seated cross-legged on the floor. The children look sick, their expressions are listless and her smile is too tight to be genuine…”(Pg.9)
Opening that box unfurls the passionate story of Allina Gotlieb. Having done detailed research into a lesser-known aspect of Nazi heinousness, Adriana Allegri gives us a historically accurate narrative filled with love, grief, and tenacity. The Sunflower House reveals the Lebensborn program designed to produce “pure” Aryan children. Hochland Home in Steinhoring was a Lebensborn home. “A baby factory.” (Pg.56)
Written with duel storylines, one set in 2006 and the other in the late 1930s, the story reveals what happened to the young orphaned Allina. With masterful characterization, we hear her innermost feelings and feel her pulse. “My mother prayed this way. She could picture Tomas here so clearly, with one arm around Irene’s shoulders and the other on her pregnant belly. That image sent a sharp yearning deep inside, both from the sweetness of the connection she felt, here in this dark, damp basement among friendly strangers, and bitter certainty that she’d never know more of her parents. As she let her mind drift into nothingness, time seemed to melt into the voices swirling around her and in the beautiful cadence of each prayer.” (Pg. 217)
The book’s extraordinary sensory imagery brings the story to life. “As he gazed across the winter landscape, the silence settled over them like a blanket. The icicles clinging to the roof’s edge melted slowly in tinkling plops and as the tree branches released their heavy burdens, they showered the ground with shimming powder” (Pg.122)
Without giving away the twists and turns of this fantastic historical fiction, I want to comment on Hochland Home’s child-raising rules. ““Play and touch would overstimulate,” Schwester Ziegler said crisply, as she steered Allina out of the nursery and down the hall.” “Developing an attachment serves neither mother nor child.” (PG 82) The Nazi government dictated this approach to childrearing. Yesterday, serendipitously, the front-page article in our local newspaper on May 10, 2024, JHS student overcomes challenges on the road to graduation.” The article is about a young man who has been in 22 different foster homes. “I was diagnosed with something called RAD…reactive attachment disorder.” “That condition prevents a child from forming healthy relationships with people, including parents and other family. It can stem from emotional neglect or abuse at an early age, and cause children to have trouble managing their emotions” Thus, the approximately 25,000 “perfect Aryan babies” tragically may have not been so perfect.
Sunflower House is a masterpiece of historical fiction, beautifully written, and extremely well-researched. Kudos to Adriana Allegri. I fervently hope she is working on more stories.

The Sunflower House by debut author A. Allegri is a historical fiction novel. Set in the late thirties of the 19hundereds in Germany the book tells the story of Allina and Karl.
Intriguing, well written, a good story that I enjoyed reading.

So many emotions after reading this book, which I literally could not put down. I’ve read quite a few historical fiction books set during WWII, but none that focused (or even touched base) on the Lebensborn Program. I quickly found myself researching this horrifying program while reading. Your heart will break, but this book is so worth it. I highly recommend the journey.