The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law (Light & Life Series #1 of 3) [B1137]

2022 PB in nice clean condition. "This book draws all the emotions out of you. I went from tears to snorting with laughter. It was both lighthearted and heart breaking, yet it inspires me to live my best life!"-Michelle Cox. When Hollywood auctioneer Emsley Wilson finds her famous grandmother's diary while cleaning out her New York brownstone, the pages are full of surprises. The first surprise is, the diary isn't her grandmother's. It belongs to Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law. Johanna inherited Vincent van Gogh's paintings. They were all she had, and they weren't worth anything. She was a 28 year old widow with a baby in the 1800s, without any means of supporting herself, living in Paris where she barely spoke the language. Yet she managed to introduce Vincent's legacy to the world.

The inspiration couldn't come at a better time for Emsley. With her business failing, an unexpected love turning up in her life, and family secrets unraveling, can she find answers in the past? "This book was so much more than I had expected, and I had high expectations... one of the most beautiful stories I've read in years."-Kaela Stokes. "It touched something in my soul."-Audrey McDonald.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "More of a romantic book than I expected. Glad for the dual storylines because just one wouldn't have kept me reading. I am inspired to go read the book about Vincent Van Gogh that has been on my shelf."; "Best read about artist's lives. I recommend this book to friends who like art, and like history as well.

I like the headings on each chapter and the many quotes."; "Wow! This story was so well-written and grabbed me from the first page. I love historical fiction books that focus on women lost to history and this one did not disappoint- watch out Marie Benedict, Marta Molnar is a force!"; "I really enjoyed reading this story about (yet another) woman in history I knew nothing about. I Googled her to enhance my reading, immersive experience. And, the backstory of the author's journey with this writing project is equally inspiring. After a prolonged beginning few chapters, (at least for me) it started to gain speed and then I was hooked. A little bit contrived, a little bit sappy with Emsley's more modern story, I loved 19th century Johanna and her indomitable spirit."