The Secret Life of Sunflowers

Marta Molnar is an American writer who has published more than 60 novels under the pseudonym Dana Marton. The Secret Life of Sunflowers is a work of historical fiction derived from the letters of Johanna Bonger van Gogh, the sister-in-law of painter Vincent van Gogh. The novel explores the connection of fictional Emsley Wilson to Johanna through Johanna’s diary and letters, which are given to Emsley by her artist grandmother, Violet Velar, just before Violet’s death. Through reading about Johanna’s struggles to bring her brother-in-law to fame, Emsley finds the encouragement needed to persevere toward her own goals as both she and Johanna battle the gender norms of their respective eras.

Originally working in the corporate world, Molnar sought a career change and enrolled in writing courses at Seton Hill University. She went on to write and publish more than 60 novels as Dana Marton. Though acclaimed in her own right, Molnar opted to publish The Secret Life of Sunflowers herself after receiving several rejections. She shared the story with fans via social media and was encouraged by its reception. Molnar, writing as Dana Marton, has been awarded the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, the Reader’s Choice Award, and the RITA Award for romantic fiction.