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)

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?

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Published Jul 14, 2022

404 pages

Average rating: 7.07

419 RATINGS

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metateacher

Feb 14, 2025

9/10 stars

This historical fiction was eye-opening. Who knew that Vincent Van Gogh almost died a complete unknown. Were it not for his sister-in-law whose tenacity brought his art to light. So often we judge things and people by the standard de jour instead of opening our eyes and hearts to creativity and ingenuity. The writing was fine. Even the story of Emsley, at first, was intriguing, however this part of the book became irrelevant -- a little too cheap romance novel. Ignoring that, I would recommend this book for the story of Johanna Bonger and to entice one to learn more about the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh.

Gayle.von

Aug 14, 2025

9/10 stars

I loved the book and learned so much while be continually engaged.

Karen Jarrett

May 14, 2025

8/10 stars

I loved learning about Vincent Van Gogh. I would have preferred not having the fictional character storyline intertwined with the true story.

LulutheK

Nov 13, 2024

5/10 stars

Johanna Borger's story was interesting, and the author developed her character. I would have liked more detail about her life and less about the "current day". I really wasn't sure why the author needed the current day story other than the need for as an author in ouor club put it, the "bodice ripper" scene.

CA Judy C

Oct 07, 2024

9/10 stars

Fascinating! Who knew it was a woman that brought Vincent’s work to the world!?