Handmaid's Tale meets WWII Hitler's Germany in this story about finding the truth, surviving and trying to save as many children as possible along the way.

Family secrets come out when a daughter discovers a box in her mother's closet. The truth of her parentage and what her parents did to keep her safe is finally revealed in The Sunflower House.

I've read one too many WWII era stories in my life. Most of them feel about the same plot where I struggle finding interest. Once the box with the nazi symbol was revealed in the beginning, I almost didn't want to continue. In the end, I'm glad I did.

This was my first exposure to the Lebensborn Program. I'm surprised we aren't talking about this more. Like most historical-fiction style books, my favorite part of this novel was learning something new. Yet, there are a few pain points. This is a slow story. The title misleading. I disliked the characters. The alternate timelines unnecessary.

When we switched back to the present timeline, I was confused at first. Had to remind myself that this story was really about the mother telling her origin story to the daughter. The flash forwards? backwards? happened so little and didn't add anything. I wish the author would have stuck with 'past' and focused on that storyline alone. The story could have been focused more on a love story and the conflict of trying to do good with all the bad going on.

The attempt of a love story is another sore point. I say attempt, as it's a love story, but it's drenched in shame. And that is a shame, to me. The daughter feels shame, mother feels shame ... but I'm not sure what there is to be shameful about? I get there is a lot of grey area the book is dealing with, but I didn't agree with the angle the author had the characters take and it bothered me. I struggled to see the empathy for Karl.

Karl's downfall pushed me a bit over the edge and left me feeling not the best. It was a bit out there and didn't fit the storyline.

Kudos to Allegri for bringing to light a program that isn't talked bout much. I enjoyed the author's note and this book triggered me to do my own research as well.

***Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and of course, Adriana Allegri, for a  copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publishing on Nov 12, 2024.

This book grabbed me from page one, and I read it in one sitting! Such incredible writing!
The characters are well developed, and I felt close to them and the pain they all endured in one way or another.
The story goes from present day back to WWII as the daughter of an elderly woman finds in a closet under the floorboards, a wooden box with a swastika on it. Inside are dark secrets that will come to light as Alina tells her daughter a story of her past, a story so sad and horrific yet intertwined with love. Love with an SS Officer. How can that be? The story of a home that birthed and housed children with pure Aryan blood and the cruelty that lived within those walls.
This book was so well researched that I found myself looking up the books the author mentioned in her comments at the end.
I highly recommend this book and thank St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Adriana Allegro for an advanced copy to read.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. This book was 4.5 stars for me.
I have read quite a few historical fiction novels based around this time, but none that have been based on the baby factories. While it is horrifying to think of this time in history, I thought the author was able to weave an excellent story about love, loss, sacrifice and human connections. I felt very connected to the characters and their emotions. One of those books that you want to keep reading but don’t want to end!

A captivating love story that takes place during the terrifying times of the Lebensborn program in Nazi Germany. I was engrossed throughout and saddened when the book came to an end. The author, Adriana Allegri, skillfully portrays the terror of Nazi Germany, the horrendous Lebensborn program, and the blossoming relationship between a Nazi officer and a young German woman, both of whom have their own secrets. It is obvious that the author did her research, but the story never feels dull or academic. It is a heartbreaking and yet hopeful story. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author, for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

The Sundflower House is my first 5 star read of 2024.
Adriana Allegri wrote a beautiful, heartbreaking book about a lesser known side of WW2. I had no idea Lebensborn houses were a thing. The way this book was written makes you feel like you know these characters. It brings tears to your eyes. What a moving book. I'm so glad to have read it.

"The Sunflower House" by Adriana Allegri delves deep into the heart of Nazi Germany's darkest secrets, bringing to light the chilling reality of the Lebensborn Program. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this meticulously researched debut novel follows the journey of Allina Strauss, a young woman thrust into a nightmare as she grapples with her own identity and the horrors unfolding around her.

Allegri's storytelling is both haunting and poignant, painting a vivid picture of life in a Nazi-run baby factory reminiscent of a real-life Handmaid's Tale. As Allina navigates the treacherous landscape of deceit and survival, readers are drawn into a world of unimaginable cruelty and despair.

The strength of "The Sunflower House" lies not only in its historical accuracy but also in its exploration of human resilience and the bonds of love and friendship. Allina's determination to save herself and the children in her care is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she risks everything to defy the oppressive regime and uncover the truth.

At its core, "The Sunflower House" is a love story as well, as Allina finds herself drawn to Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with secrets of his own. Their forbidden romance adds depth and complexity to the narrative, challenging readers to grapple with the complexities of morality and sacrifice in times of war.

In the end, "The Sunflower House" is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a story that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned, reminding us of the importance of bearing witness to history and never forgetting the atrocities of the past.

"The Sunflower House" by Adriana Allegri plunges readers into the harrowing depths of Nazi Germany's Lebensborn Program, where Allina Strauss, a young woman with a hidden Jewish heritage, finds herself entangled in the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s eugenics experimentations. Set against the backdrop of a sleepy German village in 1939, Allegri's meticulously researched debut brings to light the chilling reality of state-sanctioned atrocities committed in the name of racial purity.

As Allina navigates the treacherous landscape of the Hochland Home, where women of 'pure' blood are manipulated to propagate the Aryan race, she becomes a beacon of resistance amidst the darkness and as she grapples with the moral dilemmas thrust upon her, balancing the need for self-preservation with her unwavering determination to protect the innocent lives entrusted to her care.

Central to the narrative is Allina's complex relationship with Karl, a high-ranking SS officer harboring secrets of his own. Their forbidden love story unfolds against the backdrop of betrayal and sacrifice, highlighting the precarious nature of trust in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

Through poignant prose and vivid imagery, Allegri crafts a gripping tale of loss and redemption, friendship and betrayal. "The Sunflower House" serves as a haunting reminder of the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil. A compelling blend of historical fiction and romance, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.

🌻 The Sunflower House 🌻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

𝔽𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕒 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤, 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 ℕ𝕒𝕫𝕚-𝕣𝕦𝕟 𝕓𝕒𝕓𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪—𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝-𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 ℍ𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕕’𝕤 𝕋𝕒𝕝𝕖—𝕕𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕎𝕒𝕣 𝕀𝕀.

𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
The tears 😭 flowed with this one ♥️. Wow, what an amazing read.

Alina’s daughter finds a box decorated with a swastika hidden under her mother’s floorboards. Revealing a past of love, loss, heartbreak, friendships, betrayals and secrets.

Set in Nazi Germany ‘The Sunflower House’, through the eyes of Allina and Karl, tells the story of the Lebensborn program, essentially a baby factory designed to increase Hitler’s Aryan population, and the cruelties endured in those homes.

This book is one of those books that will stay in your heart for a long time. Any fan of historical fiction is encouraged to read this one.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the honour of reading an advanced copy of Adriana Allegro’s debut novel set to be published November 12,2024.

In Adriana Allegri's meticulously researched historical debut, "The Sunflower House," readers are transported to the heart of Nazi Germany, where the horrors of the Lebensborn program unfold. Allina Strauss, a young woman living an idyllic life in a sleepy German village, finds herself at the center of this dark chapter in history when her family's long-hidden secret threatens to shatter her world. As a Mischling, a child born to a Jewish mother and a German father, Allina must navigate a treacherous path, keeping her true identity a secret while witnessing the atrocities committed at the Hochland Home, a state-run baby factory. Determined to survive and save the innocent children in her care, she embarks on a perilous journey that tests her limits and forces her to confront the depths of human cruelty. But amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with his own secrets. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, risking everything to protect the children and resist the darkness that threatens to consume them. "The Sunflower House" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of loss, love, friendship, and betrayal. Allegri's meticulous research brings the horrors of the Nazi regime to life, while her compelling characters and poignant storytelling create a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience. Through Allina's journey, readers are forced to question the complexities of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A testament to the power of resistance and the transformative nature of love, "The Sunflower House" is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, World War II, and the enduring legacy of the Holocaust. Allegri's debut novel not only educates and informs but also leaves a lasting impact on the heart and mind, reminding us of the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the darkest of times

This is a very powerful read. Wonderful historical fiction. Allina Strauss life is idealistic until it’s not. Thrown into the horror of WWII she endured overwhelming circumstances and survived. Wonderful characters and storyline. This book has it all, love, friendship, suspense, intrigue, righting of wrongs, heartbreaking and heartwarming read. Highly recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy of this very well written book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

I have read many a World War II historical novel, so many, but this story was so hard to put down. Adriana Allegri wrote a beautiful love story surrounded by Nazi Germany and its reign of terror on the Jew’s. I had never heard of Lebensborn homes and the babies that came from them. Another part of the tragedy born out of hatred and fractured pride of race.

Karl Von Strassberg should have been a hard character to fall in love with as a Gruppen Fuhrer, but just like Allina Strauss, I too fell in love with him. It was nice to read a story where two Jewish Germans were able to pull off such bravery and heroism inside the Third Reich.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction!

Just finished this book today and I really didn’t want it to end. Very well written. Characters well developed. Understanding this was based on true happenings made this exceptionally good. I would highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this prerelease book for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri, from start to finish, was one I found hard to put down. This well written historical novel with a romance weaved within the story is one that will be difficult to forget. The story begins in America in 2006 as Katrine uncovers a hidden box in her elderly mothers home. Allina,her mother upon seeing that her secrets have finally been uncovered, proceeds to tell Katrina of her past and of Katrina's birth father, whom Katrina had longed to know more about. Allina recounts her life during World War II during which time she found herself at Hochland Home, part of the Lebensborn Nursery Homes dedicated to providing a place for racially pure to conceive children. This home as it turns out had a much darker truth.

I have read many good, even great, novels that describe the personal impact of the Nazi regime, but this is my first exposure to the history of the Lebensborn Program – the establishment of baby-factories to promote the expansion of Hitler’s Aryan race. The repulsive nature of the “homes” where meticulously screened women are selected to mate with soldiers is compounded by the atrocities of the research and experimentation on infants and toddlers that were “slow” or identified as less than perfect.

This heavy, emotionally charged theme is leavened by the beautiful love story of Allina, a nurse at one of the homes, and Karl, a disillusioned SS officer working simultaneously with an underground network to relocate Jewish families and children out of Germany.

The novel, which does drag in a few places, drew me into story with equal parts revulsion for the Nazi cruelty and hope for the protagonists’ triumph. Told in alternating timelines, the book addresses this difficult topic with sensitivity and compassion.

I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end of the book. It provides the foundation for her writing, illuminates the extensive research underpinning the storyline, and defines the factual basis and where she exercised creative license. This is not an easy book to read, but it is definitely worth it.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Publishing for an e-advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dual timeline story, a daughter caring for her elderly mother finds a wooden box with a swastika on the top hidden in the floorboards of her closet. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue with the story. It was a very slow start with some uncomfortable situations occurring as the mother recounts her memories to her daughter. However I am so glad I stuck with it. The way the author developed the story and showed the love that tried to prevail among the horror of the Nazi regime. The mother shares her secrets from the Lebensborn homes and the author uses creative liberties to give hope with the good that could have occurred. It is a hard read emotionally but the author does such a good job I highly recommend.

Equally heartbreaking and fascinating, the Sunflower House is a heavily researched historical fiction about one of Germany’s Lebensborn houses during WWII. I’ve somehow lived decades without learning about these horrifying baby farms. The atrocities penetrated my thoughts daily and had me returning to the book often in search of morsels of joy. Alina and Karl’s story was poignant, demanding, and at times, endearing. I wanted nothing more than for their love to transcend in the face of war and terror.

“Secrets can’t exist in the light of truth, and while the truth can be painful to hear, its lasting gift is peace.”

I reduced my rating by one ⭐️ because there were a few lulls in the story. I was simultaneously left with questions and wanting so much more for Alina, Karl, and Katrine. The dual/multiple POV was fantastic and helped me invest in most characters.

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Adriana Allegri, for this advanced e-copy!

Such an amazing historical fiction novel.
“A must-read* Get the tissues for this one.
This story follows the life of Allina, a woman during WWll who hides her Jewish ancestry to save herself. She ends up working at the Hochland Home, a nazi baby making facility.
This explores many of the cruel and deplorable things that occurred under Hitler’s reign in Germany. This book also has a beautiful love story weaved in the pages as well. This novel brings out all the feels!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan publishing for a copy for my honest review.

I am always up for a good WWII historical fiction. This is did not disappoint and gave us a different look at lives impacted by the war.

I really enjoyed reading this. I felt like certain parts dragged a bit, but overall, I liked the glimpse into a less-explored version of WWII history. The notion of a covert SS officer who worked to kill Hitler seemed a little outlandish, but it worked in the context of the story. Altogether, it was a nice, albeit emotional, read.

The majority of my historical fiction reading is in the time period of WWII. This particular story focused on Lebensborn homes. I was equally horrified and fascinated to read about this aspect of the war for the first time. The author executed a fast paced, informative, entertaining novel with undertones beyond the scope of the war. I am grateful for the love stories in the midst of all the grief to prove good things can happen in the midst of terror. It is no wonder this book took twenty years to create.