This book is centered during the beginning of the reign of the Nazi regimen. The story follows a young woman who is thrust into the belly of the beast as a caretaker to infants that are a product of Nazi ideology. In her attempt to try to rescue herself and as many children as possible she meets a soldier who has the same aspirations.

Adrianna Allegri's writing style is truly enthralling. The storyline was so captivating to follow that I couldn't put it down. The author writes the book in so much detail that the imagery created a vivid movie inside of my head. There were times when I could feel the main character's pain and wished that I could assist her in her journey.

I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to read this book. It is not something that I would have considered but took a chance on and appreciate the fact that it brought me out of my normal genre. I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!

"You're my partner in crime," he said. "My brilliant recruit. And the most precious."

Boycott. As a Muslim and mother to black children. We demand an apology. It’s a shame such a big company will stand for such atrocities, end this boycott. Issue a public apology.

I finished this book in 3 days once started. The story is heartbreaking, gut wrenching but beautiful. I was both fascinated and appalled while reading but regardless of the emotion, I could not put this book down. I am still thinking of this love story and the journey of Allina, our main female character. This historical romance, takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of a Lebensborn Nurse in Germany during the reign of Hitler. I will warn that the content at times is heavy and could be triggering but each component of this story adds to the development of both the plot and the characters and served a purpose in the creation of this piece of art. While I have a few critiques as I would for any amazing book, (what book lover doesn’t) it’s an easy 5 star read for me.

This is an emotional, well detailed story that truly had me glued to the book. I loved how this novel was told through the main character to her granddaughter.
The Lebensborn home was the primary focus and was tragically true happening during World War II.
It was so well researched and explained that I felt as if I was in the midst of this terrible time as I was reading each page.
I had no idea of all that happened in Germany during this time and the horror thay occurred!
This is an incredible, heartbreaking and heartfelt historical fiction novel that is a must read for everyone to see understand the past times.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @St. Martin's Press for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

This book has left me speechless. An emotional story set in Nazi Germany containing secrets, love, horror, truths and death. I was taken into one of Germany’s Lebensborn houses during WWII. This is a book that will stay with you!

LOVED this book, we always doubt that one person can charge the world but? This is another side of Horror of war. How you do what is right even if it put you in danger. Not aways as we seam!

WOW! This novel will stay with me for a long time! Part mystery, part love story, Its a tale of two young people beautifully woven into the most despicable event in our history. I've read a lot of books set during the WWII era, but knew next to nothing about the Lebensborn project. All the best books leave you wanting to know more, going down a virtual rabbit hole of knowledge. This is one of those books. The exceptional story telling will have you grabbing for the tissues.

In her debut novel, Adriana Allegri sets the bar high for historical fiction. As Hitler becomes Chancellor, Allina Strauss’s quiet life is ended when a group of Nazis terrorize and kill several in her quiet village. After enduring severe abuse herself, she is brought to Hochland Home. What she will witness there may devastate her, but she will also learn that not all German soldiers are evil. Some are willing to sacrifice all for the children. Skillfully researched and told with great care and insight, she explores the little-known history of Hitler's haunting and ironically dehumanizing Lebensborn program and its goal of mass-breeding racially fit babies for the master race. The engrossing plot, richly drawn characters, a twist of romance, and underlying horror makes this book one that lingers in the reader’s mind.

As someone who has read a lot of WW2 historical fiction books, I have not encountered a book woven as this one centered around the Lebensborn project. There were many aspects to The Sunflower House that I felt were unique. The backgrounds of Allina and Karl, the officer life (and the wives as well) and everything surrounding the girls and children. I really enjoyed the writing. The way emotions and friendships were shown was something that stood out to me. Really enjoyed this one!

This novel had me captivated from the first chapter. I'm an avid reader of historical fiction, especially those written about WWII and the Holocaust. This one was completely different from those I've read before. I had never read or heard of the baby factories to rebuild the German race.
Allina and Karl's story was an excellent example of how individuals made extraordinary dangerous decisions during this time to try to help those in need. The story, which begins tragically, turns romantic while completing their dangerous mission brought tears to my ears quite often.
Thank you for telling this story! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction!!

In 2024, I’ve really been trying to vary my reading genres. So when I spotted this gorgeous cover on NetGalley and saw it was a historical fiction I took a chance! The description had me hooked immediately: a sort of Handmaids Tale house being set in holocaust times. I thought dang how dark and was intrigued immediately. When I came to the end of the book and learned in the authors note how much of the story was based in fact I was shocked.

After losing her home and village shortly after discovering secrets surrounding her origin, Allina is traumatically brought to Hochland House: a home for unwed mothers and those wanting to carry officer babies. She’s immediately thrust into a nurse role in the middle of a cause she does not believe in. Hochland House holds its share of secrets. But she is not the only one who isn’t a true believer…could it be possible to make a change?

Ever since "The Nightingale" was published, I have held it as the high standard of WWII fiction and each book I read I inevitably end up comparing it to the high emotional impact it had on me. "The Sunflower House" may have just replaced it! It has been so long since I have read such an impeccably researched, emotionally stirring book set in WWII such as this one. Another point in its favor was the originality of the subject - not many novels have been written about the vile Lebensborn program, but it existed and more should know about this horrifying fact in history. A wonderful and brave heroine rounds out the stellar plot and I could not put it down! I hope this book becomes a huge success - it was great to read another excellent WWII book! Highly recommended for all historical fiction lovers, but especially Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, and Martha Hall Kelly fans!

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.