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The Sunflower
“It has been said, ‘Seek not your destiny for it is seeking you.’” So begins this new and powerful novel from Richard Paul Evans, #1 bestselling author of The Christmas Box , The Walk series, and more.
In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancé broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancée are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again.
In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancé broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancée are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2005
164 people are currently reading
4357 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
226 books6,475 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,249 reviews
January 5, 2009
I would add this book to the Top 5 list but I don't know what I would kick off! It is all I can do to not start reading it again...right now and I jusr finished it. It was a good mix between a love story, adventure and finding a purpose in this world. It is a quick, easy read.
May 2, 2008
I'm not a big fan of modern romance novels, but "The Sunflower" was a basically clean, easy read that kept me entertained on a day spent curled up on the couch with a cold.
That being said, it's probably not one I'll re-read: a little too cliche. Porcelain beauty who faints at the sight of spiders falls for manly man with a gloomy past who wields a machete and has a soft spot for orphaned children... Love at first sight, twists of fate, one nursing the other during a terrible illness, etc. The romance part of the book seemed to take itself a little too seriously, considering the setting. If Evans had wanted to write a serious book, I would have preferred he focus on the orphanage and the children. Instead, he placed them in the middle of a fictional romance as a vehicle for bringing the characters together and making their lives emotional.
The chapter breaks every two pages for the last third of the book and the grammatical errors became a little annoying, too.
That being said, it's probably not one I'll re-read: a little too cliche. Porcelain beauty who faints at the sight of spiders falls for manly man with a gloomy past who wields a machete and has a soft spot for orphaned children... Love at first sight, twists of fate, one nursing the other during a terrible illness, etc. The romance part of the book seemed to take itself a little too seriously, considering the setting. If Evans had wanted to write a serious book, I would have preferred he focus on the orphanage and the children. Instead, he placed them in the middle of a fictional romance as a vehicle for bringing the characters together and making their lives emotional.
The chapter breaks every two pages for the last third of the book and the grammatical errors became a little annoying, too.
October 22, 2010
Summary: In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancé broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancée are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again.
This was a simple book. Nothing particularly overwhelming or underwhelming. His novellas (because I have a hard time categorizing them as novels), are thin on substance -- he has enough material to hold your attention for one afternoon, but not for any extended period of time. His characters are likeable, but not very three dimensional. And some of the plot twists seem contrived. One problem I had with this particular story was his use of food. The characters are in the jungle, mountains and cities of Peru, but they seem to be eating very American food – pizza, spaghetti, garlic bread. I want to trust the writer and believe that the Peruvians really eat these things – but it was a stretch for me.
This is the second Richard Paul Evans’ book that I have read, and I don’t think I need to read another.
This was a simple book. Nothing particularly overwhelming or underwhelming. His novellas (because I have a hard time categorizing them as novels), are thin on substance -- he has enough material to hold your attention for one afternoon, but not for any extended period of time. His characters are likeable, but not very three dimensional. And some of the plot twists seem contrived. One problem I had with this particular story was his use of food. The characters are in the jungle, mountains and cities of Peru, but they seem to be eating very American food – pizza, spaghetti, garlic bread. I want to trust the writer and believe that the Peruvians really eat these things – but it was a stretch for me.
This is the second Richard Paul Evans’ book that I have read, and I don’t think I need to read another.
February 3, 2008
I learned what it might be like to go on a volunteer vacation. Reading the book made such an adventure doable and survivable for me.
What helped make it more real was going to the author's website and seeing video footage from El Girasol. That was cool!
I really liked this book. I love happy endings!
What helped make it more real was going to the author's website and seeing video footage from El Girasol. That was cool!
I really liked this book. I love happy endings!
January 28, 2008
I read this for book club and probably wouldn't have picked it up other wise. But, I enjoyed it. Don'tcha just love that about book club!? It was a quick read with a sweet love story. The reality of the world is sometimes hard to read about, but it is good to take the blinders off for a second and recognize that my problems aren't the worst the world has to offer. It certainly stirred up my "Momma-bear" feelings for all those children who do not feel safe and loved.
August 11, 2019
"Seek not your destiny for it is seeking you."
"There are times, it seems, that God throws a cosmic switch that moves the tracks beneath us, hurling our lives headlong in a new and uncertain direction. Of these times just two things are certain: It's best we don't know what's ahead. We can never go back." From my experiences within my life, this statement is so true. It's an insight I wished I had way back when.
The characters in this story do not have any idea what lays ahead for them. They both thought their lives were headed in one direction but as circumstances and decisions were made -- their lives completely changed. Richard Evans is a master of bringing people together under extraordinary circumstances.
"There are times, it seems, that God throws a cosmic switch that moves the tracks beneath us, hurling our lives headlong in a new and uncertain direction. Of these times just two things are certain: It's best we don't know what's ahead. We can never go back." From my experiences within my life, this statement is so true. It's an insight I wished I had way back when.
The characters in this story do not have any idea what lays ahead for them. They both thought their lives were headed in one direction but as circumstances and decisions were made -- their lives completely changed. Richard Evans is a master of bringing people together under extraordinary circumstances.
August 3, 2013
I was disappointed with this book. The description at the back showed so much promise, but it did not live up to it at all. Though the story may have potential, the characters and their interactions with each other are unrealistic and often idealistic, as are some situations. The ending is completely far fetched. I like happy endings, but the author really tried too hard. Everything seemed so forced. I agree that the quotes in the book are its best feature. I WANTED to love this book, but in the end I barely even like it.
May 12, 2009
This was a simply lovely book. It was a quick read, very interesting story, with realistic characters and sense of quiet truth about it. As as adoptive mom of kids from Central America, it was a reminder of the conditions faced by so many around the world, and inspires me to keep working as I can to improve the lives of kids who have not found a Forever Family, or at least a safe haven from the world's dangers.
January 7, 2020
Lovely book. I liked how the friendships between the characters and their escape to go help others when things weren't going well. And a great happy ending. A pleasure to read.
November 5, 2018
This was a good, simple binge read. After having not read in a long time, it was refreshing to read something that was easily understandable yet sweet. It wasn't necessarily a genre I enjoy, and it was a bit underwhelming, but after all that, I enjoyed it. It has some great quotes, too! Here are some of my favorites:
~
"In life, as in literature, all comes full circle".
"Absence is to love what wind is to fire - it extinguishes the small and inflames the great".
"Such fickle days of love when pain and ecstasy share the same hour".
"Feelings can be like wild animals - we underrate how fierce they are until we've opened their cages".
"The surest way to minimize your own burdens is to carry someone else's".
~
"In life, as in literature, all comes full circle".
"Absence is to love what wind is to fire - it extinguishes the small and inflames the great".
"Such fickle days of love when pain and ecstasy share the same hour".
"Feelings can be like wild animals - we underrate how fierce they are until we've opened their cages".
"The surest way to minimize your own burdens is to carry someone else's".
July 2, 2018
This book is very interesting to see what Peru is like .
October 8, 2023
A week before her big day, Christine's fiancé called off the wedding. To keep her from wallowing in self-pity, her best friend, Jessica, arranged for them to go on a humanitarian trip to Peru. There, they faced many adventures. They worked in orphanages and schools, climbed mountains, and hiked through jungles. Although Christine was by nature a cautious person, she soon learned to love the children and a very special doctor who volunteered at the Sunflower Orphanage. This true story shows that life can take you on unexpected journeys and change it forever.
June 10, 2014
This was a super slow book, with pretty basic writing. Nothing exciting or thought-provoking, really. I did want to find out how it ended, it was short, and I needed a comfort read, however. So....I got to the end and my audio cds were non-functional! I don't know how it ended! Has someone else read this and can tell me? I got to where Martin came to see her in Peru.
August 10, 2008
This book is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. Very sweet story, typical Richard Paul Evans ending.
September 28, 2008
I liked this book, it made me want to go back to the exciting giddy times of dating (specifically dating my husband.)
March 26, 2019
I bought this book two years ago, on a whim, because I liked the cover :P I haven't really read a book which tackles issues like this before.
It follows the story of Paul, a doctor (there is a very vivid scene about his time in a hospital to get the feel) turned humanitarian, and Christine, a dentist (we don't see her background in this field). It is a love story, yes, but also, just barely. It talks about poverty, child trafficking, the sex trade that children are sold into, how people live and are forced to live in places like Peru (that's where the main chunk of the story is set), and the overall guilt and overwhelming sense of responsibility you feel when you experience the other, not so privileged side of life.
I thought the writing was very simple, yet profound, and very easy to read. The imagery was very good, especially the scenes with the animals in the jungle/lakes. It was a love story, and yet, the story explores the deeper meaning under what drives a person in life. Really good book.
It follows the story of Paul, a doctor (there is a very vivid scene about his time in a hospital to get the feel) turned humanitarian, and Christine, a dentist (we don't see her background in this field). It is a love story, yes, but also, just barely. It talks about poverty, child trafficking, the sex trade that children are sold into, how people live and are forced to live in places like Peru (that's where the main chunk of the story is set), and the overall guilt and overwhelming sense of responsibility you feel when you experience the other, not so privileged side of life.
I thought the writing was very simple, yet profound, and very easy to read. The imagery was very good, especially the scenes with the animals in the jungle/lakes. It was a love story, and yet, the story explores the deeper meaning under what drives a person in life. Really good book.
July 13, 2024
I love all of Richard Paul Evan’s romances! This one was so beautiful shedding light as well on a very important global issue. Also something I appreciate about his books are the short chapters! Nothing so addicting as thinking just one more chapter because it’s short. Very uplifting and sweet read!
December 28, 2025
Original story. Very enjoyable.
April 15, 2018
I first read this book several years ago, and it quickly became one of my favourites. I’ve always found something about Richard Paul Evans’ work that resonates with me, and this was no exception. The central theme about love being stronger than pain is a true one . . . one that I’ve gone through as my own marriage has had it’s ups and downs over the past almost decade.
So when my youngest sister mentioned that she had bought this book for me, I was thrilled and thouroughly enjoyed re-reading it. This is one of my favourite books, and I’m happy that I get to have it on my bookshelf now! :)
April 2018 'review' ~ still one of my favourites . . . 'love is stronger than pain'
So when my youngest sister mentioned that she had bought this book for me, I was thrilled and thouroughly enjoyed re-reading it. This is one of my favourite books, and I’m happy that I get to have it on my bookshelf now! :)
April 2018 'review' ~ still one of my favourites . . . 'love is stronger than pain'
July 16, 2018
So this is a fun, easy read that also makes you think. I really loved the first 7/8th of the book. The descriptions of the places, the characters, the children in the orphanage. Sigh, but then the end turned predictable, sappy, unrealistic and left me feeling disappointed.
July 23, 2012
from page 269:
"As much as we wish to believe otherwise, most of life
is a reaction to circumstances."
"As much as we wish to believe otherwise, most of life
is a reaction to circumstances."
July 9, 2014
Another excellent RPE book.
This time, he takes us deep into the Amazon jungle.
I've loved every Evans book I've read!
This time, he takes us deep into the Amazon jungle.
I've loved every Evans book I've read!
May 30, 2018
I just finished re-reading this book. I like it, but it wasn't as good as when I listened to it on audio a decade ago. I think it's good to re-read or re-watch books and movies you've seen before, because hopefully, you've grown in your experiences and wisdom.
The main thing I liked in this book the first time I heard it was that I finally found a clean romance. I still appreciate that! But I also felt disappointed in this story this time around, because it promoted good works without providing a reason for doing them. Good works won't save us in the end. One promiscuous character in this story begs God not to let her latest boyfriend die, and vows that she'll do anything if He will answer her prayer- but there is never any spiritual transformation by the end. The two main characters are emotionally damaged, but seem to find healing in a very quick romance (with one another). The back cover states that the story is a testament to the "redemptive power of love."
As a Christian, however, my perspective on relationships is to consider the biblical examples of what true love is. Looking to another person to fulfill longings that only Christ can meet is a recipe for Trouble (with a capital T!) Another person can't heal our soul. Human love does not conquer all, no matter what the stories claim.
Overall, this is a good story if you're looking for a light summer read :-]
The main thing I liked in this book the first time I heard it was that I finally found a clean romance. I still appreciate that! But I also felt disappointed in this story this time around, because it promoted good works without providing a reason for doing them. Good works won't save us in the end. One promiscuous character in this story begs God not to let her latest boyfriend die, and vows that she'll do anything if He will answer her prayer- but there is never any spiritual transformation by the end. The two main characters are emotionally damaged, but seem to find healing in a very quick romance (with one another). The back cover states that the story is a testament to the "redemptive power of love."
As a Christian, however, my perspective on relationships is to consider the biblical examples of what true love is. Looking to another person to fulfill longings that only Christ can meet is a recipe for Trouble (with a capital T!) Another person can't heal our soul. Human love does not conquer all, no matter what the stories claim.
Overall, this is a good story if you're looking for a light summer read :-]
August 31, 2019
Reading the reviews and description of this book did not adequately prepare me for how deeply it would touch me.
The romance itself was cute but cliche. There wasn't a lot that was original with it and I was expecting pretty much everything that happened.
The part I loved was reading about the orphanage and the kids. It was the kind of book that made a difference in my real life. I'm so inspired to look beyond my own life and do more to make the world a better place.
The romance itself was cute but cliche. There wasn't a lot that was original with it and I was expecting pretty much everything that happened.
The part I loved was reading about the orphanage and the kids. It was the kind of book that made a difference in my real life. I'm so inspired to look beyond my own life and do more to make the world a better place.
February 4, 2018
This is a beautiful book of new beginnings following tragedies in which the main characters try to find meaning again in their lives by traveling to Peru, not just as tourists, but as humanitarians ready to serve those in need. In the midst of their adventures, they experience pain and near tragedy as they tackle problems far removed from the first world "problems" of America. As a budding romance develops, they find new hope in the "greatest of these", love. Based on a true story.
March 11, 2018
Loved the story and the adventure! Fascinating to see what Peru is like and loved that the characters were helping people there. I also liked that we get two viewpoints as his other books usually just have one.
February 5, 2024
This is the perfect book if you are looking for a quick, feel-good, clean romance. It was such a sweet story with very likable characters. I would definitely recommend this book and will definitely read it again.
February 21, 2025
It's a nice and easy read. It's not a book I would have sought out in a normal circumstance, but I found it at a thrift store, and sometimes a $1 book is an adventure in itself. It has inspired the idea of going to Matchu Pichu, though. So maybe one day?
October 25, 2018
Quick easy read. Great story.
September 7, 2023
First time reading book by this author; I enjoyed the whole book! Easy to read, very clean romance, each chapter kept me going each time I picked up to read. Thank you Richard Paul Evans
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,249 reviews