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 the cold, starvation, and 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.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author crafts a wonderfully engaging storyline that will captivate readers. The blending of romance and politics is done exceedingly well, and the reader roots for a reunion as the story unfolds.
Prose: The author is an excellent writer, able to evoke emotion in the reader through a touching narrative and sympathetic characters. The reader becomes invested in their fate and the stakes.
Originality: This is a wholly distinctive work with a unique premise and singular characters.
Character Development/Execution: The author does a terrific job with characterization using narrative as an effective tool to gain insight into the main characters and how they think. As the characters share their innermost emotions, the reader can't help but be moved by their suffering.
Date Submitted: July 18, 2022
Speak Up Talk Radio announced the winners of the recent FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest.
One of the winning entries was Brunswick County, North Carolina author, Teri M Brown whose book titled Sunflowers Beneath the Snow won First Place in the Historical Fiction category.
Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards. Two judges from a select panel of 25 judges read each book in its entirety, and independently score each entry. All judges commit to a set of standardized criteria that evaluates the quality of the writing as well as production aspects. Only entries with the highest of scores are awarded the coveted Firebird.
Patricia J. Rullo, founder of the Firebird Book Awards, says, “The Firebird Book Awards adds a charitable twist that allows the author’s entry fee to be tax-deductible. In return, we personally make and send handmade fun and colorful pillowcases to women and children in homeless shelters via Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. In this way, authors get notoriety for their work while helping to transform homeless shelters into bright and happy homes. It is a rewarding venture for everyone.” Pat adds, “This quarter, we also sent many large boxes of children’s books to the shelters. The children appreciate falling asleep on our pretty pillowcases while reading happy bedtime stories.”
The Firebird Book Award judging panel grew again this quarter and includes a diverse group who represent a cross-section of ages, cultural heritage, race, religion, gender, and experience. At Speak Up Talk Radio, our mission is to offer authors and others a welcome place to promote themselves and their books via book awards, podcast awards, radio interviews, audiobook production, voiceover marketing tools, and podcasting services, including our BOOMBANGOHMYGOSHWOW podcast where authors share short but helpful tips with fellow authors.”
The Firebird Book Awards run quarterly contests so authors can receive recognition on a timely basis. Authors from all genres, mainstream, independent, and self-published are welcome. For additional winning authors, titles, and entry information: https://www.speakuptalkradio.com
