Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh – Review

 

Title: Sonora
Author: Jenni L. Walsh
Publisher: Harper Muse
Publish Date: October 28, 2025

Excerpt:

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. This book vividly captures the spirit of a brave woman who defied societal norms to follow her dreams, diving into the unknown with courage and resilience.

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 human cannonballs, 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 fifty-foot tower and dive again, risking her life to save the show and their horses from falling into the wrong hands?
My Thoughts:

I grew up watching Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and absolutely fell in love with Sonora's story. A young girl who becomes part of a high diving act on horseback. I couldn't even imagine what that might be like. Walsh did a beautiful job bringing Sonora to life in the pages of this book. From the thrilling moment she is chosen to join Dr. W. F. Carver's high diving act to the life altering accident that causes Sonora's retinas to detach, blinding her permanently, I was hooked.

Sonora's story will break your heart and put it back together again. Her courage, strength and resilience is beyond inspiring. The narrator did a wonderful job and I am so happy to relive the nostalgia, and heart wrenching story that first made me fall in love with horses.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful story

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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