Author: Jenni L. Walsh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harper Muse
Book Release Date: 2025
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Inspired by a true story of one of the first female horse divers, Sonora explores a world of daring feats and extraordinary adventures set in the heyday of the American carnival scene.
Sonora Webster is penniless but plucky, and despite the looming Great Depression, she follows her wanderlust, answering an advert to dive with horses. Little does she know that she is about to be thrust into a world teeming with danger, excitement, and fierce competition.
As Sonora delves into the cutthroat world of show business, complete with trapeze aerial acts and juggling bears, her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication propel her into the limelight, making her a sensation, and after marrying the show runner, her entire life becomes their act and their horses. But she soon learns that a diver--and her horse--are only as good as their last show, a show some are hellbent on shutting down. When a tragic accident changes her life forever, can Sonora muster the courage to climb the forty-five-foot tower and dive again, risking her life to save the show and their horses from falling into the wrong hands?
In Sonora, Jenni L. Walsh vividly captures the spirit of a brave woman who defied societal norms to follow her dreams, diving into the unknown with courage and resilience.
My Review: Sonora Webster Carver was one of the most famous female horse divers. This biographical novel tells the story of her early beginnings as a horse diver. She was from a poor family but had an adventurous spirit and love of horses. Sonora falls in love with the showman’s son named Al Carver. However, she is reluctant to marry him because of the fear that he would abandon her if married. Eventually, she agrees to marry him. When an accident strikes Sonora that leaves her blind, Sonora must learn how to navigate life again and how to find her path to happiness.
I had never heard of Sonora Webster Carver nor have I heard of the movie that is based upon her life titled Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. Therefore, I had to do a little bit of research before I read this book to understand Sonora’s story. After researching her life, I found Sonora to be a very fascinating historical figure, and I was eager to begin this novel. I thought that Mrs. Walsh did an excellent job in how she portrayed Sonora.
Sonora is very bold and daring. She is also very strong-willed. Yet, she is very insecure and vulnerable, especially when it comes to romance. Even when an accident causes her to be blind, she does not let her disability impede her goals. Instead, she is very hard-working and never gives up. Therefore, I deeply admired and respected Sonora. She overcame many difficulties to become very successful.
Overall, this book is about ambition, love, and family. Aside from Sonora, I thought the rest of the characters, especially the villain, were very flat. Some of their actions did not make sense. Therefore, I think they should have been more fleshed out. I thought Mrs. Walsh did an excellent job depicting the American circus in the 1920s. I did think that the writing was repetitive, and many of the scenes seemed to be very rushed. Nevertheless, Sonora sheds light on a forgotten but remarkable woman! I recommend this book for fans of When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky, Heart of Horses, and The Ringmaster’s Wife!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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