Sunflowers Beneath the Snow

by Teri M. Brown

A Ukrainian rebel. Three generations of women bearing the consequences. A journey that changes everything.

When Ivanna opens the door to uniformed officers, her tranquil life is torn to pieces - leaving behind a broken woman who must learn to endure cold, starvation, and the memories of a man who died in the quintessential act of betrayal. Using her thrift, ingenuity, and a bit of luck, she finds a way to survive in Soviet Ukraine, along with her daughter, Yevtsye. But the question remains, will she be strong enough to withstand her daughter’s deceit and the eventual downfall of the nation she has devoted her life to? Or will the memories of her late husband act as a shadow haunting everyone and everything she loves, including Ionna, the granddaughter that never knew him?

In Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, Teri M. Brown explores the tenacity of women, showing that even in grueling circumstances, they can, and do, experience all the good things life has to offer - compassion, joy, love, faith, and wonder.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Historical, Ukraine, Literary Fiction

332 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M Brown came into this world with an imagination full of stories to tell. She now calls the North Carolina coast home, and the peaceful nature of the sea has been a great source of inspiration for her creativity.

Not letting 2020 get the best of her, Teri chose to go on an adventure that changed her outlook on life. She and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to
Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. She learned she is stronger than she realized and capable of anything she sets her mind to.

Teri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author who loves word games, reading, bumming on the beach, taking photos, singing in the shower, hunting for bargains, ballroom dancing, playing bridge, and
mentoring others.

You can join her newsletter list and get her exclusive list The 10 Historical Fiction Novels That You’ve Never Heard of That Will Bring You to Tears: https://deft-pioneer-4478.ck.page/d5f...

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about family and the challenges of living under communist rule. We first meet Lyaksandro in 1973. The story ends in 2021 and in between we also meet his wife Ivanna, their daughter Yevt. Yevt will marry Danya and they will have a daughter named Ionna. I especially appreciated the explanation that Ionna gets from her babyusha (Ivanna) about the love that the Ukraine people have for the sunflower. Even in the winter they find ways to appreciate their special flower. Despite the oppression of the communist party machine, this family persists in their faith. While reading this book I had some thoughts about how I would like the story to go. How foolish I felt when I discovered that this book is based on true events. Real people lived this story and we are privileged to meet them on the pages of this book. An impressive debut novel that I hope will get plenty of attention. I want to thank Teri M. Brown for making a digital copy of this book available so that I could provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Teri M Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sunflowers Beneath the Snow is a testament to the will and perseverance of women who embrace challenge and refuse to give up." -Feathered Quill

"deeply character-driven...superb" -Readers' Favorite

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown is a beautiful book about love, courage, compassion and faith.

This book covers the time period from 1973 to 2021 - taking the readers through the lives of 3 generations of women facing the most harrowing of situations that life has to offer but yet, somehow, never give up or lose sight of what is important. Author T.M.Brown takes the readers through a plethora of events that this book showcases, Right from living under communist rule to facing the punishment for a betrayal committed by one of the family members and the rest having to live with the consequences.

This is an epic family saga that is beautifully written and intellectually expressed. I would strongly recommend it to all readers of historical fiction, women's literature and literary fiction about families under communal rule. This book is a must-read!

You can also read this review on my book blog: www.thereadingbud.com

[Fran Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book to read right now!
It's a saga of three generations of tough Ukrainian women, all finding their own ways of surviving -- and of loving their country.
What I especially appreciated is that each of the main characters -- Ivanna, her daughter Yevtsye, and the granddaughter Ionna -- is a strikingly original person. Ivanna, for instance, is a dedicated Communist as her story begins in the 1970s, a point of view we don't see much in the West. Ionna, interestingly, takes a summer job as a camp counselor in the U.S., another unusual plot twist. Along with the politics of Ivanna's and Yevtsye's husbands, these different points of view will give readers important insights into the complexity of Ukrainian history --- plus a beautifully written, page-turning story.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often that a historical fiction novel collides violently with our present!

This novel gave me a deeper appreciation of what’s going on in Ukraine at the moment. It focuses on three generations of women; the husband of the oldest is a spy who has been compromised and he’s been given the choice of dying on the spot or leaving Ukraine without his family. He chooses and readers follow the family to see how this decision affects them all. Not only do we follow the three generations, but we also see the evolution of Ukraine and the generational problem it has had with Russia.

I appreciated that the author reminded those readers who are far removed from this country that despite Soviet rule, there were those who still found joy. Despite horrible circumstances, they still had dreams and worked on keeping them alive. Because this is a character-driven novel, I could imagine myself in the characters’ shoes and I could relate, because, in some small measure, I’ve experienced loss, too, and I’ve made a choice, many times, to make the best of a bad situation.

The characters really got to me! I got so frustrated with the grandmother for ‘settling for’ and being ok with being stuck and not accepting change. I sided with her daughter in disbelief over her mother’s actions. Regardless, I do wish I could be more like the granddaughter because she believes in herself so completely. I’m glad the author allowed us a glimpse behind the curtain so that we could understand her characters and their humanity because I appreciated them more, knowing that there’s always way more to someone than what they’re willing to show.

I loved the insight the granddaughter brought when she questions what the big deal is - she hasn’t lived it and she doesn’t understand it. It’s like a big winter coat she wants to shed because it’s warm enough now. She doesn't want the weight of ‘it’ with her. I also enjoyed how the author showed us how different generations viewed the Soviet occupation; those with memories who are emotionally attached and those who have facts only because they weren’t there.

Living in academia, I only get the textbook version of history so it’s always a welcome change to read stories based on research from those who've lived it. I got more of an idea for what’s happening in Ukraine and I feel more connected after reading this novel.

The author created the necessary environment to foster empathy and showed that empathy and compassion, when knit together, are the essential ingredients against war and hatred. This is a fantastic debut offering and will be instrumental in helping many understand the situation at present in Ukraine. I'm sorry it took me so long to read it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new novel takes place in Ukraine from 1973 - 2021. It's a deep look at three women. Grandmother Lyaksandro, who believes that the Russian communist party is taking care of the people of Ukraine. Despite the food shortages, her allegiance is to the Communist leadership. Her daughter, Yevt, longs for freedom from Communist rule. Her daughter, Ionna, loves her life in modern day Ukraine but longs to leave and see the world. All three of these women are living in a totally different political society and have opposing views. The one thing that they all have in common is that are all brave and resilient.

In 1973, Lyaksandro's husband disappears leaving her with a small daughter. Despite the hardships she and her daughter face on a daily basis, especially the lack of food, she continues to believe strongly in the Communist party. Her daughter Yevt, disagrees with her mother. She marries a college professor and they are jubilant when Russia is ousted from their country. Despite the fact that they think their lives will be totally free, there is still a lack of food and fewer opportunities to better themselves. When their daughter is born, she bonded more with her grandmother than her mother. The household is divided with her grandmother's trust in Russia and her parents belief in a capitalistic form of government. Ionna has to make her own decisions and face the world on her own terms.

This novel is beautifully written and well researched. The views of all three of the main characters represents what was going on in Ukraine during this time periods. It shows the tenacity of women who even under difficult situations can still live their lives with joy, faith and love for each other.

This book was very timely. As the Russian troops invade Ukraine with a goal of bringing the country back into Russia's ownership, the Ukrainians fight to keep their freedoms.. I knew very little about this country and leaned a lot about their past history and what life was like under Communist rule. The past history gave me a better understanding of what is going on in that part of the world today.

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

This is a book about family and the challenges of living under communist rule. We first meet Lyaksandro in 1973. The story ends in 2021 and in between we also meet his wife Ivanna, their daughter Yevt. Yevt will marry Danya and they will have a daughter named Ionna. I especially appreciated the explanation that Ionna gets from her babyusha (Ivanna) about the love that the Ukraine people have for the sunflower. Even in the winter they find ways to appreciate their special flower. Despite the oppression of the communist party machine, this family persists in their faith. While reading this book I had some thoughts about how I would like the story to go. How foolish I felt when I discovered that this book is based on true events. Real people lived this story and we are privileged to meet them on the pages of this book. An impressive debut novel that I hope will get plenty of attention. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*

[Debra]

A debut novel, based on a true story could be taken from today's headlines. A compelling three generational family story based in Ukraine tells a simplified version of the country's history from the 1970's to the 1990's and to the 2016 through the experience of the Rosomakha family. You see the effect of the Soviet Rule as it affects this family, then the country's independence in the 90's to the Russian takeover in Crimea in 2014.
A major thread of the book is loyalty to the family and the party. Christianity is discussed, not in a preachy way but in what does or doesn't believe in. A fierce love of family continues through the book.
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and the title is very creative. The book is easy to read, with a couple of surprising twists and is tied together in the end. I would recommend this book for book clubs, bible studies, young women groups or simply for the joy of reading.

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow the lives of three generations of Ukrainian women: a grandmother, a mother, and a daughter who are raised under communist rule, in a free Ukraine, and in America. Reading this book, while conflict between Ukraine and Russia has erupted is a bit eery and reeks of deja vu. The parallels between the pages and the news are at times uncanny.
1970s: Ivanna is a true comrade believing she is doing her part to aide her country in functioning properly. Though times can be tough, she is a believer in the communist system, where everyone is of the same class. Despite losing her husband suddenly, making life drastically harder and more uncomfortable, she stays true to her beliefs in the political system.

1990s: Yevtsye, Ivanna’s daughter, raised under communist rule, believes Ukraine can be so much more if free from the USSR. She, like many highly educated, believes in the power of democracy and a free-market economy. Her subversive politics infuriate her mother, but also help her to find love.

2021: Ionna, Yevtsye’s daughter is raised in a divided household. Her parents westerns views directly conflict with her grandmother’s and Ionna often struggles to see the difference in their politics in her daily life. It is her chance to become a camp counselor in America that opens her eyes to what life is like without the history of oppressive rule.

Ultimately this is a book about the perseverance of women. Despite their varying political beliefs and their struggles to not only survive, but thrive, Ivanna, Yevtsye, and Ioanna’s love for each other never falters. This was and interesting and eye opening read about the collapse of the Soviet Union, which I honestly don’t know much about, since I was too young to properly remember and not young enough to have studied it. Don’t let the “meh” cover fool you, this is a novel worth reading.

Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of three Ukrainian women (grandmother, mother, and daughter) traces the way in which politics and history affect the way women were raised under varying political systems, and the problems each of them faces.
The grandmother (Ivanna) grows up believing faithfully in the Communist system, even when the evidence of her own eyes tells her that not only is it not working, but it's stolen her husband from her.
The mother (Yevtsye) grows up with a much better education (often true in Communist countries) and a better life in some ways, except for social conditions that mean people around her have no food and few opportunities.
The daughter Ionna goes to America as a camp counselor and finds that she's treated as an unwelcome foreigner, so runs away to find the Ukrainian community in Brighton Beach, who finally help her until she gets a visa to stay.
The book showed me a picture of Ukraine and its people that I knew almost nothing about. In these days when the country is under threat again from the Russian government, I found it particularly relevant. Recommended for book clubs.

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a digital copy of this book on behalf of Rosie Amber’s book review team #RBRT. Thank you to Rosie and to the author, Teri M. Brown for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow is a historical fiction novel based on true events spanning three generations of Ukrainian women during the time period between 1973 and 2021. These incredibly strong women are family and we see the very real day to day struggles of differing political opinions, living in a harsh climate and surviving life under a communist regime, where such nutritional necessities such as milk or bread may or may not be available each day to those who can stand in line in the hopes that there may be some left when it is their turn:

“Today, for the third in a row, she had been unable to obtain bread or milk. Despite her ration coupon, the supply had run out long before the line. Her building suffered as well, having had no heat for a better part of the month. There was nothing left in her flat to burn. She supposed that was true of the entire city, so going out in search of fuel was futile, and potentially deadly, as thousands succumbed to hypothermia.”

We see first hand from Ivanna’s perspective how difficult it is to raise a child under such a harsh regime without a father to help put food on the table – she has been told her husband was having an affair and is now dead. In fact he was a political rebel who was discovered and had to make the hard choice between fleeing to London, leaving his beloved wife and daughter behind, or staying and being shot. In this way the scene is set for an uncompromising emotional roller coaster of a family story.

Ivanna’s daughter, Yevt sees herself as a nationalist – more traditionally Ukrainian than her stubborn, party line following mother – Yevt’s religious belief and desire for a traditional wedding put her at odds with the State and drive a wedge between her and Ivanna. Her husband Danya explains to her the difference between Western capitalism and President Gorbachev’s economic policies and we see the beginnings of revolution against the party line amongst the students at the university in which Danya works. This eventually spills over into independence for Ukraine and the collapse of the Soviet Union as a background to Yevt’s pregnancy, the difficult reunion between herself and her mother and her postpartum depression.

The third woman whose story is featured in this novel is Yevt’s daughter, Ionna. Following Ivanna’s death the relationship between headstrong Ionna and her mother Yevt becomes strained as she questions everything relating to religious faith, unfaithfulness in marriage and the history between Russia and Ukraine. A trip to the USA to work as a camp counselor helps her to get some perspective and think about her priorities, meanwhile tragedy strikes in the form of Russia invading Crimea with terrifying results which lead to a new life and amazing coincidence for Ionna!

In light of recent events in Ukraine, I found the background to the history of the relationship between the two nations very interesting:

“Russia hasn’t wanted Ukrainian sovereignty from the very beginning. They’ve been contesting our freedom since we claimed independence before you were born. The only reason, and I mean the ONLY reason Yeltsin agreed to our independence was doing so was the only way for him to defeat Gorbachev. Unless the 1922 Union Treaty was dissolved, Gorbachev would remain in power. Ukrainian President Kravchuk insisted the new treaty gave every state veto power rather than creating some kind of confederation. Yeltsin gave in, but he wasn’t happy.”

The sunflowers of the title are the national flower of Ukraine, beautiful flowers which somehow manage against all odds to survive the harsh winter and oppression of the snow, much as these women survive the harsh effects of living under communism.

“These flowers understand the importance of looking heavenward to find hope and then spending time each day looking down to reflect upon their lives.”

I would recommend this story to anyone curious about the relationship between Russia and Ukraine who enjoys strong female lead characters. It is often raw and eye opening and the relationships and characterisation are extremely well-written and really believable!

[Scott Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I write, Russian troops are invading the independent nation of Ukraine. This backdrop compelled me to hurry up to read this book for insight into the current conflict, and I am glad I did. It tells a complex tale of three generations of Ukrainian women trying to make a life amidst international strife. The coincidences are stultifying, but the author claims that the general narrative is true. The story reminds us of the enduring power of faith and family, the potential for good in human relationships, the need for undying perseverance and hope, and the impact of geopolitics on the life of individuals.

The story begins in 1973 as a father is whisked away from his family for spying on the USSR in the Soviet Republic of the Ukraine. Neither he nor his immediate family would learn of the other’s true fate as he was relocated in England. Instead, each side was told a fiction about the other’s death. Nonetheless, their individual stories live on in Brown’s slowly building narrative.

The mother and her only daughter survived near-starvation. Growing up, the daughter eventually secures an education and a job as a scientist at a university. She meets and marries a university professor who has silent sympathies towards capitalism, the West, and a Christian faith. They have one daughter who eventually ends up in America for a summer project. At this point, Russian military action against the Crimean Peninsula commences in 2014, and the plot – filled with coincidences and even a sense of providence – takes off towards a resolution from there.

This story is definitely sympathetic to the plight of Ukrainian nationalism and cynical about Russian intentions. It gave me additional insight into the geopolitical situation on the ground and how political and historical animosities impacted individuals. Thus, this work is timely and can be read as a preface to the stories we now see on the news. It will lend understanding into current events for those who may not have closely followed recent history.

But that is not all this story consists of. It reminds me of how the flames of faith continued to burn in the hearts of those under the “godless” rule of Soviet communism. It bespeaks of a nobility of being human and a dignified goodness about our lives interwoven from global politics to personal circumstance. In this narrative, the religious element plays an essential spark to these traits, but is not overbearing. The book is pro-faith, but not an evangelization. Readers need not be organizationally religious to appreciate Brown’s narrative, but an openness to some kind of “higher power” is, I think, necessary in order not to fight it. Religious and spiritual readers will love it, and I hope it will achieve some kind of following on the margins as well. The deft and hopeful storytelling encourages us to persevere in openness to what tomorrow might offer.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book is part historical fiction and part family story.

As the author shares in her notes at the end of the book, the basic premise of this story is true. And what an amazing account it is.

This book is set from 1990-2016 and tells about three generations of Ukrainian women, Ivanna, Yevtsye, and Ionna. These relationships in themselves make for a beautiful and entertaining story.

This book also tells about the political history in the Ukraine during this time as the Ukraine goes from Communist to trying to become a democracy. It also tells about Russia invading the Ukraine in the summer of 2014.

In this book I learned a lot about the history and conditions of the Ukraine while at the same time enjoyed the relationships that this book so exquisitely shares.

There is a little twist in the book about Ivanna’s husband that in itself is worth reading the book.

This is a book I won’t soon forget and one I highly recommend to all those interested in political history and family sagas.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about three generations of Ukrainian women and the changing of a nation with political and social upheaval. A grandmother who grew up with the Russian communist ways, her daughter and the granddaughter who comes to America. All living with different situations and different time periods in Ukraine. This was a powerful story with strong characters. A timely book as we watch the news seeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and we collectively pray for the people. A beautifully written story that I think all book clubs would like.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story about three generations of Ukrainian women. It couldn’t be more timely as the world watches in horror the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops.

The novel tries to be balanced and presents different opinions of the state of Ukraine before and after independence from the former Soviet Union.

Highly recommended.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow by Teri M. Brown is an incredible debut novel.

The author tells the story of a Ukranian family during the time period of 1973-2021.
This family is one of great strength, and resilience.
Make no mistake, this is a character driven story that does not disappoint.

The book was well researched and brought this historical fiction novel to life.
This novel is so relevant in todays culture.

Not to mention this was based on true events. The atrocities the family faced, but they persisted.

The characters were complex, sincere, and strong.

A novel that stayed with me for a while.

[Amanda Steinmetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me. At first it was a bit of a slow read and I didn't quite understand why the author had chosen to break the book up into the parts that she had. But by the end, I really enjoyed this book and understood why and think it was a great choice.
This story is broken into 3 parts, but all 3 tie together. Each part is titled after each woman in this family (ultimately mother, daughter, granddaughter). When I first read the titles I figured it would be each woman's story - instead it ended up being about each woman's growth. The parts are not clear cut, but neither are their lives. Their lives consist of turmoil, trial, and triumph.
Each woman growth happens through not just their part, but even as the others grow. when I realized this was probably Teri M. Brown's intent, I had a new level of appreciation for the story and the book. Or as was said some in the book, 'the windows of my mind were cleaned.'
I knew very little of the situation in Ukraine and even Ukraine itself - this book drove me to read the Wikipedia page on the history of Ukraine. A book that challenges you and teaches you something is a bonus.
I won't spoil anything, but the story coming full circle really touched my heart. A family ultimately reunited is the perfect ending to any story.
The one thing I wish was a little about how she came across this story which she gave a beautiful life. All that is said is it came from her friend - I guess because of the story it would have been a nice insight to how perhaps they became friends. But I guess she's leaving that up to our imagination.

Overall, this ended up being a beautiful story and I agree that Teri M. Brown does a good job of exploring

the tenacity of women, showing that even in grueling circumstances, they can, and do, experience all the good things life has to offer - compassion, joy, love, faith, and wonder.

.

Thank you Teri M. Brown for providing me with an Advanced Copy of this book. I look forward to seeing what other stories you give life to.

[N.A. Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow recounts the lives of three generations of women in Ukraine: grandmother, mother, daughter. This is the author’s first book, and she has created a deeply emotional portrayal of each of these women. ‘Sunflowers beneath the Snow’ is a phrase spoken by the grandmother, but to me, these three women are the sunflowers.
Ivanna, the grandmother, has spent the majority of her life under Communist rule, where everything from food to housing is strictly regulated. She doesn’t know her husband, Luyaksandro, is spying for an anti-Communist group, and when the group informs him he’s been identified, they give him the choice to be sent out of the country or be outed, which would lead to the arrest and possible death of his family by the state police. He chooses to leave without a word to his family.
When her husband disappears, Ivanna is told he is dead at the hand of his lover’s husband, and she feels bitterly betrayed. She now must to try to support herself and her daughter with nothing but a menial job, scarce food, and cold, mean living quarters. She uses ingenuity and determination to ensure their survival, but somehow she never stops believing in the necessity and fairness of the Communist government.  As her daughter, Yevtsye, grows up, she develops political, religious, and societal opinions different from those of her mother, from whom she becomes estranged. She meets and marries Danya, a teacher of physics at the university, and after years of trying, they have a daughter, Ionna.
Ionna is born into a world different from those of her grandmother and her mother, since by that time, Ukraine has been independent from Russian for some years – although the country is still dependent of Russia for virtually everything and is run by corrupt politicians. She proves a contradiction to both her mother and grandmother and dreams of seeing and experiencing the world outside of Ukraine. Her eventual travels lead to a surprising outcome.
The author writes with great realism of living in Ukraine during that period of time. She reaches deep to portray the tenacity, determination, and deeply felt emotions of these women, in the face of the different and continual challenges in their lives. This book should be of particular interest to readers, given the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. The history described by the author explains a great deal of what is happening now.  This reader lived in Czechoslovakia when it was part of the Soviet Union, and the author has hit the nail on the head of what it is like to live in a country under Russia’s control.
The only problem I had with this book was some prolonged descriptions of the women’s emotional states or considerations of Ukrainian politics. This slowed the forward progress of the story and tempted me to read ahead.
This is the author's first book and, overall, I think she’s written a winner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction in a historical setting, especially in the recent history of Eastern Europe.

[Rebecca Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I really struggled reading this book. I put it aside several times, not because the writing wasn’t great, but the story was so slow and not holding my attention. Once I started reading about the granddaughter and her visit to the United States, my interest was piqued. I’m so glad I didn’t put the book away because it was such a fantastic, unexpected ending! Well done, Teri!

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly timely book to read given the crisis in Ukraine right now, making it all the more powerful and touching. The book follows three generations of women as they grapple with family, love, loss, war, separation and the ties that bind. The story first begins with Lyaksandro, a father who makes heart-wrenchingly difficult decisions filled with deceit that impacts generations to come. Next, we meet Lyaksandro’s wife Ivanna as she tries to survive Soviet Ukraine with her young daughter, Yevtsye. We learn Yevtsye’s story as she breaks free from her mother’s beliefs, yet hangs onto their relationship as she attempts to build a new life for herself after Ukraine’s independence. And ultimately, we meet Ionna, Yevtsye’s daughter, as she struggles to find her own way, yet stay connected to her family as once again, Ukraine is torn apart. Readers will instantly bond with the characters, become entrenched in the story and likely ponder what comes next for the family AND for today’s Ukraine, too.

[Viki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you’ve been passing Russian secrets, and suddenly your handlers tell you you must leave the country immediately? If you try to go home for your wife and daughter, you’ll all be killed! Such is the dilemma that sets off a heartbreaking chain of events for Lyaksandro’s wife, daughter, and granddaughter. Living in Ukraine, still under Soviet rule is made even more difficult when the head of the house disappears. Now that the family is smaller, they are forced to move into smaller quarters, with less rations. Trying to stay one step ahead of starvation becomes a way of life. Even as the daughter and her husband fight for independence, the mother remains steadfastly loyal to the Communist party.
While the story of Ivanna and her daughter is fictional, it was all too real for thousands of people. But granddaughter Ionna’s story is real, and inspired by a real person.
I was deeply moved by this story, and surprised to learn that this is Teri M. Brown’s debut novel! Oddly enough, it was published and released about a month BEFORE the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and at that time, no one knew that the sunflower was the national flower. In the title, it’s meant to be symbolic of the family ties that struggle to survive, even under the most difficult circumstances.
I HIGHLY recommend reading this very timely book!

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of historical fiction. Some of my favorite books have been written by Phillipa Gregory, Anthony Doerr, C.W. Gortner and now, I can add Teri M. Brown! 'Sunflowers Beneath the Snow' gripped me from page one and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know three generations of strong, resourceful women as they navigated life during the communist rule of Ukraine. Experiencing life through the eyes of Ivanna, Yvet, and Ionna couldn't be more timely as I currently watch the news unfold over the present political turmoil in the Ukraine.

[D.K. Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They said, ‘These flowers understand the importance of looking heavenward to find hope and then spending time each day looking down to reflect upon their lives.’ Before long, you could find sunflowers everywhere, even in the winter!”

An incredibly time-appropriate novel considering what is happening to Ukraine at this moment. This novel spans the time period from 1973 to 2014, another time in history when Soviet aggression shadowed over Ukraine, and the joyous time when the country sought independence from the Communist regime.

When the story opens, we are introduced to Lyaksandro, whose name means ‘defender of men’, and his involvement in the underground rebellion against Soviet Russia; but as happened often during those days when spy against spy resulted in lives being threatened, Lyaksandro finds himself separated from his wife and daughter and sent to live a live of anonymity in a witness protection program after those under the KDB discover his treason.

Left behind are his wife, Ivanna, and daughter, Yevtsye, in a country trying to find its own identity, struggling through the harsh winters of dependence on the Party and seeking a way to emerge, to bloom, from the snow. Lyaksandro’s decisions affect and echo throughout their lives, fanning out to even his granddaughter, Ionna, whose modern and independent spirit reflects the strong Ukrainian people after finding their own grounding after years of suppression.

Each generation reveals another step towards Ukrainian independence and each woman depicts the struggles the country, itself, faced in finding its own voice.

First, we have Ivanna, whose life changes when Lyaksandro disappears. After presented with a ‘lie’ about what happened to him, his supposed ‘death’ and the sordid story the regime comes up with to tell her, she loses all hope and becomes a woman set to autopilot, mindlessly accepting the Party rules, and enduring starvation, cold, and the emptiness of betrayal. Still, every day, she trudges to her assigned job, lives in her assigned housing, and collects the meager rations handed out in the food lines – all without question.

Second, we have Yevtsye, the young daughter of Lyaksandro, who remembers her father in a vague way since she was just a child when he disappeared from their lives. Growing up, she refuses to believe anything negative about him, but relegates him to her own desire for hope. His actions, and her mother’s actions, result in her blooming into a life she might have never known as she becomes a well-revered scientist seeking the cure for cancer, and she meets the love of her life, Danya, who helps her find her faith amidst the atheistic world of Communism and his character gives the needed historical and political element to explain what is happening in the world around them.

“We did it,” he announced joyfully. “Ukraine has seceded from the Soviet Union and claimed its independence!”

“Tension about our independence has existed every day from our declaration to the present because, fundamentally, Russia believes its role is one of protector over everyone else, and this protection comes at the expense of everyone else’s freedom. You can see this in how they have dealt with NATO over the years and with the EU.” - a quote from Danya as he debates the issue with his daughter, Ionna.

As their lives continue down their path, independence bursts through the melting snow like sunflower seedlings reaching for the sun when Ukraine declares its independence in 1994. Both Danya and Yevtsye are overjoyed with the sudden prospects, but the change is another harsh blow to Ivanna who spent her entire life believing in the rightness of the oppressive regime. A rift tears mother and daughter apart, leaving a vast canyon which appears irreparable and impassable.

Third, we have Ionna, the granddaughter, who represents the full blooming sunflower reaching for the sun; and the one thing which bonds all three women back together. Ionna’s relationship with her babusya, Ivanna, is a beautiful and sweet part of the storyline – a linking of the old ways and the new and how special the bonds of a granddaughter and her grandmother can be. Even later, when Ionna suffers unbearable loss, it is her grandmother’s strength that helps her through and that courageous Ukrainian spirit which forges her new life in a new country.

When Ionna seeks to make her own life, even taking on becoming a camp counselor in North Carolina in the US, suffering her own hardships of racial injustice and bullying, she discovers the connection to her heritage reaches out across the ocean, and she discovers family she never dreamed possible if she had stayed in the Ukraine. When Russia comes against Ukraine for the first time in 2014, the Crimea peninsula, Ionna is restricted on returning to Ukraine and she finds her way to a Russian and Ukrainian community in Brighton Beach in New York. Here she rediscovers her identity and a family she never dreamed possible if she had stayed in Ukraine. Not only that, but all of the answers about her grandfather’s disappearance in the 1970s comes full circle, giving incredible closure to her mother, Yevtsye, and meaning to her own life.

Ms Brown does a brilliant job in depicting the strength of these Ukrainian women under the most trying of circumstances, and how hope emerges in the midst of war. This is a time-appropriate story of compassion, love, perseverance, family, resilience, faith, and how the actions and decisions of oppressive governments, or any government, can have life-altering consequences for the ordinary citizens who are just trying to live their lives. The theme that things always change, that nothing ever stays the same, is a powerful message, with the main characters showing how perseverance and courage help us all as human beings to brave the next morning.

“Life has a way of turning out the right way. I always say that everything turns out okay in the end. If it isn’t okay, it isn’t the end.”

*****

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow” receives five stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Sunflowers Beneath the Snow,” an epic story beautifully and frankly told, author Teri M. Brown has created a rare read full of struggle, endurance, and redemption. Reminiscent of Mark T. Sullivan’s “The Last Green Valley,” this novel tells the story of a family living in Ukraine during Soviet rule and then Ukrainian independence. Spanning three generations and at least as many rulers, the family of Lyaksandro Hadeon Rosomakha lived a mostly simple life in these treacherous times.

Lyaksandro left his wife Ivanna and their daughter Yevtsye one night without saying a word. He never returned, leaving his family devastated emotionally, financially, and politically. Spanning the years from 1973 through 2021, this tale focuses on life for Ivanna and Yevtsye, then additionally, Yevtsye’s husband (Danye) and daughter (Ionna).

As a Westerner who remembers the USSR under Soviet rule, the divided nation of Germany, the Cold War, and the countries known as The Soviet Bloc which included Ukraine, this story not only held my attention but sent me back to times mostly now forgotten. The media, politicians, authors, and Hollywood all told us that it was a difficult time to live in Eastern Europe. This novel doesn’t just tell us how difficult it was, but rather immerses us in the brutality, the desperation, and the absolute fear of those uncertain times.

Written with an unflinching eye for detail, “Sunflowers Beneath the Snow” is many things. It reminds the reader of times gone by with an eerie foreshadowing of current events. It portrays the depth and determination of a people who chose to remain steadfast and stand on their own. But perhaps it best reminds us of the indomitable spirit of humans facing extreme conditions, and how they choose to rise above circumstances that seem insurmountable. This story illustrates strength, character, hope, and repentance in startling and vivid ways.

Fans of historic fiction as well as general fiction driven by intriguing characters will find this an excellent read. It is well-written and gutsy, yet courageous and captivating. Be sure to read the short author’s note found at the end of the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow follows the story of Lyaksandro and Ivanna from 1973 to 2021. Lyaksandro is in an untenable situation. His cover as a spy for Ukraine has been blown. He is considering ending his own life to protect his wife, Ivanna and daughter, Yevtsye (Yevt) from the Russians. A way out is offered, but he must cut ties with his family completely and leave them thinking he has betrayed them in the most painful way possible.

Ivanna finds the strength to move forward, to provide for Yevt and herself under the harsh conditions of Soviet rule. In spite of their difficulties, though, Ivanna is a believer in the Communist system. As Yevt grows, she doesn’t always agree with her mother, and she marries a man who shares her subversive beliefs. They have a daughter, Ionna, who shares a wonderful bond with her babusya Ivanna even as she grows into beliefs of her own and goes out into the wider world.

But this is not only the story of three women and the efforts they make to maintain family and some kind of stability in difficult times. It is the story of the Ukrainian people, fighting to throw off oppressive Soviet rule and bloom as an independent country. Ivanna clings to her belief in the Soviet system. Yevtsye insists that there is a better way, that Ukrainian independence is the path forward. Ionna actually leaves her country and sees for herself that there is more than the harsh reality of life under the shadow of the USSR.

And though they didn’t share the same beliefs and sometimes fought over their differences, Ivanna, Yevt, and Ionna are all strong women who care deeply for their family. They adapt to difficult circumstances, find ways to keep their relationship in good order even when they disagree, and do what is necessary to keep moving forward.

Brown has clearly done her research, and the story she shares here resonates with today’s headlines of war between Russia and Ukraine. I knew that Russia had previously invaded Ukraine, but I didn’t know any of the details. I learned about it reading this story. I suspect there are people like Ionna, who were out of their country and now find themselves stranded, far from loved ones, unable to return. I can’t imagine what a struggle that is, and Brown writes her characters in such a way that you feel the hurt they feel. The true story on which this book is based must be remarkably compelling.

Brown’s writing style is easy to read, too. The pages flowed, and I stayed up reading until I dropped my Kindle on my face on more than one occasion. She covers sensitive political and personal topics – the reality of Soviet control, family members who disagree with each other, racism – with grace and flashes of humor, too.

The story portrays struggles, but also has a beautiful ending. I won’t spoil it for you here. Go support the author – buy her book and find out for yourself! But it had me reaching for the Kleenex, I’ll say that. I wouldn’t say this is strongly Christian fiction, but faith in God definitely plays a role.

Five stars for a story that both packs an emotional punch and educates the reader about historical events. Well done, Teri Brown! I look forward to reading more of your books.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author. All opinions are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

[Thomas Riddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three generations of women take on surviving in a country that they are devoted to- even if the odds are strongly stacked against them.

It starts in 1973. A man places a gun to his own head. He contemplates his death as the result of being a spy for Ukraine and against the brutal regime of the USSR. He was forced to desert his family and now they will have to endure without him. They'll also had to come to grips with a narrative told to them about his demise that increases their anguish and turns them off to a man they once loved.

Ivanna must now find a way to survive in the impoverished Soviet country of Ukraine and she must do it for herself and her young daughter Yevtsye. During the years that follow, she watches her daughter grow into a woman, who develops her own political, religious and societal opinions. Yevtsye's point of view differs greatly with that of her mother, but of course love remains but so do the conflicts. While all this threatens to tear their family apart, Ukraine is on the verge of collapse, and everyone involved is thrusted into the eventual consequences of war. As Ivanna ages, still haunted by the memories of her late husband, she soon becomes a grandmother to Ionna, who is central to her life.

Three generations of women take on surviving in a country that they are devoted to- even if the odds are strongly stacked against them. Born of tenacity and determination, they don't give up.

Being a timely piece of writing, with the atrocity of war now hammering Ukraine; I was entertained by the story, and I learned much about the people of Ukraine. I could not put it down and finished it in record time.

This story pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It was riveting and the writing was masterful. Teri Brown may be floating in the clouds after reading all of these five- star reviews but she'll need some heavy shoes to keep her at the keyboard- because she has the stuff of a best-selling author.

This is a top shelf book and a must read!

[Emma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Topical, moving recent history fiction - Ukraine


A mother, daughter and granddaughter tell their stories of growing up in Ukraine and living through being part of the Soviet Union, achieving independence for Ukraine and onwards. Although there is plenty of hardship endured by these three strong women, this is a story of love, survival and family. It is also the story of a people, and their country. In the Author Note at the end, Teri M Brown says “the basic premise of the story is true”.

This moving and powerful story takes place between 1973 and 2016, moving through 3 generations of one family. Ivanna’s husband, is trying to bring back the “old traditional Ukraine” by carrying out small acts of defiance, not realising the enormous changes these deeds will bring. Ivanna works hard to provide food and comfort as we see life through her eyes during the hardships of living in Ukraine during the Soviet Union era. We then move to Ivanna’s daughter Yevtsye’s, and later onto Ionna’s, the granddaughter of Ivanna.

Through this moving tale the reader is given the political history of Ukraine – just enough to understand what is going on, and provide context. The details of everyday life including food available, shopping, how a child’s name is chosen (in this family anyway) and the realities of achieving freedom from the Soviet Union are all included in this fast moving story. The writing is easy to read, even if some of the contents are hard hitting. These 3 women are ordinary people, living everyday lives but their story has a depth and resonance that has got me telling so many people about this book, and these characters.

5*s from me as I have learnt so much about Ukraine and its people from this book, whilst being completely involved with the characters from start to end. The lives of these people were (are) hard, but this is a story that needs to be heard, and one that will stay with me a very long time. Outstanding book, and I recommend it highly.

[Patty W Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought this book at one of the author's live events. If you can see her in person, don't miss it!

Teri M. Brown has written a timely novel that started with a conversation between her and a family friend. That friend was Ukrainian and the rest is history, so to speak. As the story opens, you meet Ivanna and her husband, Lyaksandro. Turmoil is pulling their lives apart. Ukraine was a dangerous place to be in the 1970’s. It was under Soviet rule, but the rumblings of independence were growing. All Ivanna knows is that her husband is dead and now she and their young daughter, Yevtsye, are alone.

Ivanna works hard to provide for the two of them. Yevtsye excels in school and is given a job at the university. Life is a little easier for them. After Yetti falls in love with Danya, their marriage pulls the two women apart, as the fight for Ukrainian independence continues to grow.

Danya and Yevtsye want Ukraine to be free but Ivanna has grown up under the Soviet rule and believes in the system. Eventually Danya and Yetti have a little girl, Ionna, who will challenge all of their beliefs. This story will give you a good look at life in Ukraine and will bring in focus the perservance and hard work of the Ukrainian people.

I don’t want to spoil the ending, but let’s say it will both surprise and please you. This is a really good story and Teri weaves her knowledge with great fictional tension to bring a tale of a family torn apart and their struggle to survive. It’s a tale of three strong women and what they do to keep their family together. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A big 4.5 Stars!

[Kathryn Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that stays with the reader long after the last word is read and book is closed.

A story that centers around human preservalence and the inner strength that is solely tested time and time again. It is also a story that shows the importance of relationships and how love clearly defines these relationships.

The characters of the story have depth that often are overlooked. These characters are believable so it is easier to relate to them on some level. Also the plot is vividly rich with it's descriptions.

I strongly recommend this book and excited to see what this writer releases next. It was one of those rare gem of a book that I was sad to see end.

[Michele Dorland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Timely Story

This is the story of three generations of Ukrainians spanning decades of political and social unrest in the Ukraine. It is beautifully written. The characters are three dimensional. The storyline and plot are remarkable. Learning about the lifestyle and suffering of the Ukrainians and the division of the population during both the time they were part of the USSR and once they became an independent nation was extremely educational. Although this is historical fiction, the story is based on facts and reality of the daily lives , oppression, joy, and traditions of the Ukrainian people. It was especially interesting to me since I am of Ukrainian descent.