“As much as I have schemed and planned to the contrary, the most central experiences of my life have all been accidents.” 

Christine’s heart is broken when her fiancé calls off their wedding a few days before it’s supposed to happen. To try and get her mind off her heart, Christine’s best friend signs them up for a trip to Peru where they will sight-see a bit, but mostly work to help people less fortunate than themselves. At first, Christine does not want to go, but is finally convinced. Their first stop is at an orphanage that is named after her favorite flower – The Sunflower. There she finds a special little girl who, along with the orphanage director, starts to heal her heart.

Richard Paul Evans is my favorite author and when asked, I always say The Sunflower is my favorite of his books. I first read it back in 2007. When our library’s adult summer reading program asked us to re-read a favorite book, it was an easy choice for me. Reading The Sunflower helps me finish my Bingo card.

The orphanage director, Paul, feels a connection with Christine that is solidified when she gets very sick on part of the trip. His life however is in Peru and hers is in Dayton, Ohio. When her ex-fiance comes to see her in Peru, she must choose where her heart belongs, and, in the end, it all comes down to a sunflower.

I am really glad I took the time to re-read this book and remember why it’s one of my favorites. The love story is unique and the main message is about helping children and how helping others can help you overcome your own heartbreak. Evans shines some light on the issue of child trafficking in this book and gives a way to help children at the end of the book. El Girasol is an actual orphanage and you can find ways to support it online. I would highly recommend this book to any adult looking for a story that will touch your heart.

What favorite book would you chose to re-read? Share on the blog!

Buy the book here (affiliate link).