Cover Image: Across a Broken Shore

Across a Broken Shore

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is a pretty good book. There were several things in here that I found very interesting, the explanations of the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, the first years of life becoming a nun, and the challenges of a women determined to become a physician.
The character development is done very well, the only con I had, was Willa feeling that everything in her life was based upon her unfortunate actions as a young girl with her mother. It was nice to see her finally speak up for herself and to take responsibility for her future as the story continues.
This is a fictional book based upon several true events, the bridge building, the hardships of becoming a woman physician, the lives of nuns and the expectations of a catholic family of their children. The research was excellent. I enjoyed the comradery of Willa’s brothers and the bar setting. This is a heartfelt story with a bit of romance, and a lot of love to go around. I fully enjoyed it.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from North Star Editions through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets 4****’s.

Was this review helpful?

First off, this is a spoiler free review. I do not like to give away parts of the book in my reviews normally and this is no exception.

Being someone who regularly reads historical fiction books, I have fairly high expectations as some of my favorites are by Ken Follett. This book most definitely met my expectations for 3 things I love to have in my historical fiction reads and really all my YA reads.

Firstly, it had a strong female character as the "lead" in the book. I loved the look into the Irish Catholic family, as my husband is both Irish and Catholic. I really felt the triumphs and struggles of the character as I followed along with her journey.

Secondly, I was able to immerse myself into not only the storyline but the time period. This is something I take very seriously when I am reading a historical fiction book. If I read a book and I feel like it could be taking place in any time that becomes an issue for me, but with this novel that was not the case. Amy Trueblood does a marvelous job of immersing the reader into her book.

Finally, it was a fun read. I didn't feel like I was dragging myself through it. This may seem like an obvious expectation for a book, but I know plenty of people that drag themselves through books they don't enjoy. If I do not enjoy a book, I DNF it and stick it back on the shelf. That was not the case with this book. Though there were a few times it felt slow to me, overall I enjoyed the pacing and greatly enjoyed the read.

I would highly recommend this book if you are big into historical fiction. I recently read In Another Time and this reminded me a bit of that writing style, so if you read and enjoyed that you will certainly enjoy this!

Was this review helpful?

Across a Broken Shore takes place in 1936, San Francisco, California during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy is expected to become a nun, like so many of her Irish female ancestors. But Willa has a secret. She loves the field of medicine.

When Willa encounters a female physician in her neighborhood, her life is changed forever. For months, she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District and in the field hospital at the Golden Gate Bridge.

It becomes increasingly more difficult to keep the secret from her family. Will Willa follow the path of obligation, or the path of passion?

This is a superb historical fiction. The strong main character with an interest in the medical field will be an inspiration to many readers. An easy 5-star rating.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

This historical fiction novel is one to cozy up with. It envelops the reader with warmth and home feels in a slow and savory way. Set in 1936 San Francisco, it tells the story of an 18-year-old young lady that wishes nothing more than to become a physician and do well in her community. At a time when few women are practicing medicine, it is an inconceivable notion by outside forces.

Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy lives with her brothers and parents above the bar that her family runs. The MacCarthys, Irish, have immigrated to the area like so many others and are fortunate to have an apartment and work at a time when so many immigrants are fairing very badly financially.

Each one of the siblings has a path for the future somewhat laid out for them but there's enough wiggle room for the boys. Willa, on the other hand, has been destined by her strongly devout catholic parents to go to the convent and become a nun. This is a very big deal to all of them, as Willa is their a gift to the church.

Cara is Willa's best friend, and she is the only one that knows how Willa really feels about going to the convent. Though it is a very noble and honorable duty, it is not what Willa feels in her heart. Secretly, she has been getting medical texts from the library through her friend and which she hides under her floorboards because her parents would never allow the notion of it. Willa is fascinated by everything she learns and as it turns out, she may not be the only one who wishes for a different future than their parents.

Through happenstance, an accident at the bar involves one of Willa's brothers and she has to take him to the nearest doctor. This is where Willa meets Doctor Katherine Winston who has just taken over a local practice. The two of them hit it off very quickly. Dr. Winston recognizes that Willa has a gift for medical care and offers her to come along and assist her with patients.

Torn between her family's wishes and her desires, she is lying to her family every day to make it to the practice and help assist the sick. Soon, Dr. Winston is taking her along to the medical station by the Golden Gate Bridge construction site to help with more serious injuries. A job that garners her respect and confirms her abilities.

The Golden Gate Bridge in its build boasts a myriad of dangers to the workers. Due to the bad economy at the time, many families are in need, devoid of work and income, especially the immigrated ones seeking to live the dream they've come for. Every day, men stand by he fences waiting to be picked to work at the bridge and those working on the bridge could lose their job in an instant. The conditions are very unstable and the workers' dispensable ratio is already calculated into the cost of the construction by the financiers. Around that same area, homeless have sought out shelter in tents till better times. This plays a great part in the novel and Willa's determination. But her path is neither given or earned unless more obstacles have overcome.

Willa's family carries a heavy burden and it is laid upon her shoulders to bear. This puts her into an impossible wedge only a sacrifice can free. That, however, could become detrimental and break her family apart and shatter every bit of hope she has left.

***

This is the second novel I read by Amy Trueblood, Nothing But Sky being the other. Both novels tell the story of a young female heroine coming of age and creating a path of her own. I enjoyed both of those novels though they are only similar in that they tell of American icons as part of the novel either forgotten or taken for granted. Both books hone in on a particular period/theme not many (if any) young adult novels have been written about and become an indispensable part of the plot.

Across a Broken Shore has been written with heart and sensibility. The characters are vulnerable and portrayed at face value. The story reads inspirational and tender creating all the feels about family ties, love and determination. It actually had me well up at a point and that sais a lot.

I do enjoy a varied mix of genres and books, historical fiction being part of it. This mixes up the pace and themes for each book I pick up, keeping it interesting. There are times I seek action and there are times I like to read something like this book, sweet and heartfelt. The reason I mention this is because the book is so full of "goodness", it could potentially not be the right one for someone who wants a loud book full of action. For the time of 1936 and a story of an Irish / Catholic immigrant family, I think the novel and characters are on par. There is a lot of angst, firsts and talking about faith in the novel.

With that, for me, a little goodness every now and then is ok to balance all else ;)

Happy Reading!

Many Thanks to the Publisher. I received a digital copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! I was approved this ARC months ago and I regret not picking it up sooner. A big thank you to NetGalley, The Author and The Publisher for allowing me to read and review this title prior to its publication.

Across a Broken Shore is Historical Fiction, one of my favorite genres. It is also Young Adult which I have been getting more and more away from. That being said, I think people of all ages would enjoy this book. It takes place in Depression Era San Francisco during the construction of The Golden Gate Bridge. We follow Willa, an 18 year old woman who is on the verge of making a huge life decision. Her family wants her to become a nun. A chance encounter with a lady doctor sets her on a new path and torn between her own desires and needs and the approval of her family.

Willa was a very likeable and relatable character. The writing was superb. The plot and pacing were also well executed. I am coming out of this book impressed and wanting to read more by this Author. I will be recommending this to my friends and fellow readers.

Was this review helpful?

This book is going to be flying off of book store and library shelves! I could not put this book down. Set in 1930s San Francisco made for an intriguing setting outside of much of the historical fiction you come across. My attention was grabbed within the first page as we meet Willa and begin her story and the story of the Golden Gate Bridge. I couldn't help but get caught up in the struggles between Willa and everyone around her, each one of them with their version of what was the best thing for Willa. The intertwining of Willa's growth with the progression and completion of the building of the bridge was so brilliantly woven together that it took me hours after finishing the book to see the comparison within the pages. I'm not saying it was too subtle, just that it was written so perfectly that it was not an in your face symbolic theme. I was anxious to see what would end up happening. I had hopes for what the outcome would be, some of those hopes were met, and some not, but it was an amazing story for that reason.
Some part of me fell in love with almost every character in this story. I could relate to Willa's parents while also wishing I had grown up with brothers like hers. Maeve and Simon broke my heart while also making me smile. And Katherine Winston is the female role model every girl needs, even now. Women like her are why my daughter has the opportunities available to her today.
It was refreshing to read a story about an Irish family that was set in California. It was a reminder that when immigrants came to the United States from Europe they did not just settle on the East Coast; they followed the jobs and ended up settling in pockets all over the country.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the cover of this book and I loved the physical setting and time period. A determined and feisty woman at the center of the storyline made for great reading. The struggle between what Willa wanted and what her family needed was reminiscent not only of that time period but of today's struggles for women.

So many of the historical fiction books lately have been related to WWII. It is refreshing to have a book set in the US in the depression era with a strong female character that of all things, wants to be a doctor. Most women of that era were destined to not do anything important, but to get married, have kids and raise them. She wants to help other people and sees being a doctor as the best way to do that.

I really enjoyed this book and the setting and characters. I haven't read this authors other book but it is on my TBR now.

Was this review helpful?

You will enjoy this book and the characters in it where they will find you knowing them so well. You want this family to bend some to let these kids do what their heart wants. Heartwarming and emotional and history in it also. Received from Net Galley and so glad I did. Love will concludes all!!!

Was this review helpful?

It's 1936 San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen being constructed through the fog, and Willa knows her destiny, to become a nun. Her heart is not with the church however, it is in medicine. For years she has been hiding medical textbooks and dreaming of helping people, but she doesn't want to go against her family. After an accident with her brother she runs into a female doctor and starts to learn that maybe her destiny can change after all.

This book was lovely and it was a story that I really enjoyed reading. I enjoyed the setting and how we are brought up against many different facets of San Francisco's society in the 1930's. Willa is also a likeable character and one that frustrated me at times, but whose motivations opened up throughout the story.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and am excited for more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Ever since Willa was 12, she's been destined to become a nun. At first, that wasn't a problem, but as the time she enters the convent grows closer, Willa struggles with her desire to become a doctor. When Dr. Katherine Winston offers her the opportunity to learn medicine and make a difference, Willa jumps at the chance even though it means that she must continually hide her activities from her family. Willa must come to terms with herself and what she wants while navigating the complex issues of family, the Great Depression, and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. Will Willa's desire tear her family apart?

I really liked Willa! Her story is realistic and compelling. I appreciated that her decisions are not easy and her struggle. I was sad to finish this story and would love to read more of Willa's adventures.

Was this review helpful?

This is definitely a book that will make you cheer, make you feel, and make you grateful for what you have.

It’s San Francisco 1936 and the Golden Gate Bridge is rising out of the Pacific. And Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy’s world is set on fire with dreams of a future she didn’t believe she could actually have.

It’s the story of determination, heart and a forbidden love.

And one of my favorites of the year!

Was this review helpful?

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood was actually a great cozy read. I'm glad I read it in the Fall. It follows Willa who is torn between what her parents want for her, to be a nun, and her true passion for medicine. It is set during the Great Depression and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. Willa meets Katherine Winston, a female doctor something not very common, and becomes her assistant without her parents knowing. They end up working at the field hospital taking care of the workers on the bridge where Willa meets a boy and tries to keep out of sight of her brothers.
.
.
You guys I loved this book! So much history and I loved the author's note at the end where she talks about her research and what scenes stemmed from true events. It was really emotional too, I may have cried at one part that just came out of nowhere, but somehow made the book better. I've always said if it can make me cry it's probably a 5 star read. Willa was a great character who always thought about others and their feelings, her duty to her parents, and fighting her feelings about following her own passion in order to make others happy.
I'm excited to read Amy's other book.
.
.
This book comes out on November 5.
Thank you @netgalley and @fluxbooks for a free arc.

Was this review helpful?

This historical novel focuses on a young woman living in San Francisco during the Great Depression, against a background of the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. Willa wants to become a doctor, but her family wants her to become a nun. While assisting a female doctor, Willa befriends a family living rough in a "Hooverville" and wants to use her medical skills to help the poor. She also meets a young man who becomes a possible boyfriend.

This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the historical background, and it was well written. The Irish-Catholic family portrayed in the book seemed a bit stereotyped, but otherwise, this was well worth reading.

Was this review helpful?

Great read. My 12 year old daughter read, and she is a lover of anything historical fiction. She really enjoyed the book, but wished it were longer!

Was this review helpful?

I really thought I would love this book, and it sadly didn't hold up for me. I DNF'd this at 45%. With thanks to NetGalley and Flux for providing this book for an honest review, I will give one.

I don't think I've read a book set in the Great Depression before, so this was a first! However, other than multiple characters going out of town in search of work, I didn't really get much of an impression that The Great Depression was going on. None of the cast, or side characters (with the exception of a few living in a Hooverville) seemed to be having any difficulty. We are told that Willa's family is struggling, but it doesn't come across that way. In fact, Willa seems surprised that poverty exists at all when she finally sees it for herself. The time period this book tried to convey simply didn't come through for me.

I loved the backdrop of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a topic I've never given much thought to, and I found it intriguing. I wanted to learn more, but had a problem with the way information was conveyed. Characters associated with the construction would stop important scenes to give way too much information about what was happening with the construction and why. These didn't feel like explanations that the characters needed, or even wanted. They just felt like info-dumps for the reader. I've never read a book until this one where I rolled my eyes and thought, "Show, don't tell."

This book features quite a bit of Cahtolicism. I'm a lapsed cradle Catholic, and I have limited of knowledge on pre-Vatican II, but this book's portrayal of Catholicism (particularly Mass) felt off. It didn't feel like a Catholic Mass, it felt like someone's idea of a Mass. I also had a small issue with the way this book portrayed nuns. Willa's family wants her to become a nun, and she doesn't want to. That's fine. If Willa doesn't want to become a nun, she shouldn't. But her idea of being a nun seemed to be restricted to only secluded prayer, and in reality different religious communities focus on different types of service, including healthcare. Maybe her parents or parish had an order already chosen for her, but this book still presented a very narrow view of what it means to be a religious sister.

I think this book would be great for the right people, and the other higher ratings agree! But it is sadly not right for me.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for sending me this arc. I will be reviewing this book in the near future with an honest rating and review.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley, North Star Editions and Amy Trueblood for my copy of her new book: A Cross A Broken Shore.

America is struggling during the great depression, in San Francisco the Golden Gate Bridge is being built, every morning men line up hoping to be given a job and be able to earn enough money to feed their families.
Willa MacCarthy family owns a Irish pub, she has four older brothers, Paddy, Nick, Sean and Michael.
The pub only provides enough work for her dad, her brother Paddy and her other brothers are looking for a job.

Willa's parents have on wish, that's for her to join the church and become a nun. She's smothered by her family, her life revolves around church and her families expectations of her.
Willa has doubts about becoming a nun, she has been secretly reading medical books and hiding them from her mother.

By chance she meets the new lady doctor, her name is Dr Katherine Winston, she starts helping her at her clinic and lies to her mam telling her she's helping at the soup kitchen.
Willa finds it very confronting working at the clinic, her families struggles are minor compared to the terrible poverty and suffering she witnesses while helping Dr Winston.

Willa finds a purpose, she's smart enough, and she dreams about becoming a doctor. But will she go against what her parents have planned for her future, is she strong enough to stand up to them and tell them what she really wants to do? Willa also meets a young man called Sam Butler, by joining the church she has to accept that she will never marry and have children.

While reading Across A Broken Shore, you realize how much prejudice there was at the time towards female doctors, how difficult is was for women who wanted to go to university, how much control families had over their adult daughters lives, how hard it was for them to go against their families wishes and follow their own dreams.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I gave the book 4 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't really enjoy this book. I didn't really connect with any of the characters except for Willa, and I think that was only because the entire book was from her perspective. Her family was very one-dimensional, and her best friend was as well. However, I did think that the depiction of the time period was very interesting and accurate, and I think that the societal and familial pressures on Willa made sense and were relatable to what many girls face today. I liked Willa and Dr. Winston as characters, but I didn't feel too invested in the romance or Willa's relationships with any of the other characters.

Was this review helpful?

Across a Broken Shore by Any Trueblood is a pretty good. I was especially interested in the historical aspects of the book. It was a little disappointing to find out that Sutro's Baths no longer exists as it did then, I think it would have been a great place to visit.

This seems to be a good YA book especially as it gives insight into a time when girls and women had a much more sheltered life. I must say though, that like many novels and films, things are resolved and people's long held opinions can change rather quickly, certainly quicker than one might think it would be in real life. Of course, that is the way of fiction and I think for the most part many people prefer it that way.

The main characters story and struggle for identity, freedom of choice, finding her calling, etc. may be inspring, especially to young people.

Was this review helpful?

I throughout enjoyed this book and felt like this was a breath of fresh air. My favorite aspect of this book was the setting of San Francisco and the learning aspect with Dr. Katherine. Would highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?