Thanks to Netgalley and Flux for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.


1930's San Francisco: Willa McCarthy is the youngest of five children and the only girl in a loving Irish-American family. Although Willa loves to pour over medical textbooks, it is the convent that she is bound for in less than six months. A long ago promise that she made to her parents. But when one of her brothers needs medical attention, a chance meeting with a female physician will have Willa wondering " do I follow my family's dream or my own?"

Oh I just really enjoyed this story and once again settled in for an all together enjoyable read. I appreciate it when the author ensures that we(the readers) see the situation from all points of view. As the storyline unfolds, I knew that Willa was going to be faced with a big decision because there was no surprise that she was naturally talented as she learns from DR. Katherine. But she definitely doesn't want to disappoint her parents and I could totally relate to that feeling.

In addition, I liked how the building of San Francisco 's Golden Gate bridge was also part of this novel. Amy Trueblood paints a picture well of the feats and perils that the workers encountered during construction.

Don't let this one slip by you!



Goodreads review published 22/09/19
Publication Date 05/11/19

I have to say that this book's setting was impeccable. It's set in San Francisco during the Great Depression, when the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed. The main character, Wilhemina, is Irish and has been pledged to join the convent soon. Suffice to say, she's not terribly pleased but feels obligated to make her parents proud.

I did enjoy the story: I thought Willa was a great and sympathetic heroine. She certainly has her own mind and opinions, which get her in trouble sometimes, but she's also brave and thoughtful. I really liked her relationship with her brothers, especially Paddy and Nick, and how she navigates the unfortunately prevalent idea of women staying in their place. I think I would have liked more of her friendship with Cara, but there are other great female relationships in the book. Overall, I think the story does a great job overall of depicting the struggles and societal norms of the time.

I think the writing was sometimes a bit simplistic or exaggerated, or that there could have been more to the story, but it was a very decent read otherwise.

There is nothing I love more than religious and family drama set mid 1900's. Seriously. I don't know why I love it so much. This book checked all my boxes.

Synopsis: The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Keeping secrets from her family only becomes more complicated when Willa agrees to help the doctor at a field hospital near the new bridge being built over the Golden Gate. Willa thinks she can handle her new chaotic life, but as she draws closer to a dashing young ironworker and risks grow at the bridge, she discovers that hiding from what she truly wants may be her biggest lie of all.

A fast and enjoyable read about San Francisco in the 1930s, during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Deals well with a young person struggling between family tradition and expectations, and her own aptitude for and interest in another path entirely.

This story, although set in 1930’ San Francisco, is reminiscent of the town outside of Chicago where I grew up during the 1940’s and where the greatest source of pride for parents was for their child to become a priest or a nun.
In this particular instance, the young woman, Willa” is more interested in a career in medicine but doesn’t really appear to have the intestinal fortitude to “disappoint” her parents and pursue her dream. There are, however, the medical books she studies in secret, her choice of a Protestant as her boyfriend, her clandestine employment with a female doctor (possibly the most interesting character in the narrative) at a field hospital near the construction site of the Golden Gate bridge as well as other choices she makes in her life that leave the reader questioning if Willa isn’t really playing a “passive aggressive’ game with her indirect resistance and avoidance of direct confrontation.
The pace of the novel tortoiselike with a “slow but steady wins the race” quality as it examines the social traditions and expectations of the day as they affect the lives of one family.

The 1930’s, construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, family, promises and secrets! I started this novel a day ago and couldn’t put it down.
Historical fiction with a new story line I have yet to read. Near the end, I actually shed a tear. The emotion in this story really got to me and this receives 5 stars from me!
Thank you NetGalley and Amy Trueblood for the opportunity to read and review for an honest review.

<b>DEFINITELY NOT MY LAST BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR</b>

This was one of those books that I didn't really have any expectations for before starting it. But I am so happy that I did because this was a treat! A strong, character driven historical fiction novel with a grand historical backdrop! This was my first Trueblood novel but it will not be my last.

<b>THE THINGS I LIKED</b>

<u>Historical setting</u>: I don't usually read historical novels set in the USA (I am a eurocentric European, sadly) so it was really nice to get out of my comfort zone for once. And the Depression era was new for me too, but I felt that it was handled really, really well. It was nitty gritty and I could almost feel the despair.

<u>Science and medicine</u>: I absolutely loved that Willa (the female MC) was into medicine and science. That is so unusual and strongly needed! More women need to be inspired to follow a career in the sciences! Willa was a great inspiration.

<u>Willa</u>: I not only liked her dedication to science and medicine, I liked Willa - period. Yes, sometimes she infuriated me so much! But I also admired her, felt for her and felt with her. She has a duality to her character, strong and independent on the one hand and vulnerable on the other. It was this duality that stirred my emotions and made her a great lead.

<b>THE THINGS I DISLIKED</b>

<u>Circular plot</u>: This has a lot to do with the character driven aspect of the book. The book revolves around Willa's internal struggle, having to choose between doing what she herself wants and what her parents want for her. That is the plot - Willa's struggle. Which also means that it, sometimes, got a bit circular. She went back and forth a lot. I found myself needing something more. It got a little old...

I consumed this book in one setting. Nothing like a pre-WW2 historical fiction book to get me interested. I enjoyed following Willa's journey through out the whole book, learning more about female doctors in the 1930's, and reading about the Golden Gate Bridge getting built. Also appreciated all the research that went into this book and how didn't seemed rushed at all for only bring a 360 page book. Only real problem I had with this book was how indecisive Willa was at the end but, over all this is a wonderful young adult historical novel.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, the publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The story set in the Great Depression, has an excellent premise but falls quickly into cliche. Predictably there is the attitude that faith isn't important, odd since the main character is Roman Catholic, and the feminist themes are out of place and much too modern even for a "forge your own path" coming of age story such as this.

2 out of 5 stars. Do not recommend.

Across a Broken Shore is a historical fiction novel set in San Fransisco during the 1930s. The depression is affecting many with Hoovervilles around the country. Men travel far and wide seeking employment. And in San Fransisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is under construction. Everyone sees it as a monument and testament to the people.

Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy is an eighteen-year-old girl, surrounded by big brothers and parents who are intent on her becoming a nun. But, at night, she secretly reads discarded medical books. Those secreted moments come in handy when her beloved brother, Paddy, is injured at the family bar. She escorts him to the local doctor's office only to find the new doctor is a woman!

Doctor Winston sees in Willa a passion for medicine and helping others that should not be denied. With Paddy's help, Willa begins working as her assistant. It is through her work at the clinic and the field hospital near the bridge that she also becomes attracted to Sam, an ironworker.

Yet, she continues to believe entering the convent is the only way to make her parents happy.

There is WAY more involved in this book. Lots of history about women in medicine, especially in the San Fransisco area. Plus, the history surrounding the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along with that is what life would be like for a young Catholic girl.

This is not a title that you binge read. Rather you mosey your way through. If you are squeamish over the thought of anything medical, there are some scenes that could be considered graphic in description.

Many thanks to Amy Trueblood for taking the time to write such an engaging and thoroughly researched novel.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review (Thank you!)

The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

Keeping secrets from her family only becomes more complicated when Willa agrees to help the doctor at a field hospital near the new bridge being built over the Golden Gate. Willa thinks she can handle her new chaotic life, but as she draws closer to a dashing young iron worker and risks grow at the bridge, she discovers that hiding from what she truly wants may be her biggest lie of all.


I can say though, that I am not one to normally enjoy historical type fiction this novel keep my attention from beginning to end. This was a beautifully written novel, Willa was such a great character to read about and an inspiration. she is strong, independent, and brave which is a much needed role model in today society. I read this book very quickly because it was way too hard to put down.

The concept and setting were all very unique and definitely felt like a fresh story.

Willa MacCarthy has grown up as the only sister amongst four older brothers. Her family own the pub. It's 1936 and Willa's parents believe the most appropriate place for Willa is in the Church. For as long as Willa can remember their expectation is that she go to the convent. She has never wanted to please them more, after her mother's near fatal miscarriage and the circumstances surround it.

Unfortunately, Willa's heart isn't in the convent as it once may have been. Her heart belongs in medicine - in the text books she has hidden away, and in the surgery she finds herself in with Dr Winston. She has never felt more strongly that this is her calling but at the same time she is riddled with guilt for going against her parents' wishes. Whilst Willa sneaks out to help her mentor, she befriends Sam, a young man working on what will soon be the finished Golden Gate Bridge. His is a dangerous profession, and Willa and Dr Winston provide medical services at the hospital near the bridge and to the camp of workers and drifters. The conditions are poor and by virtue of visiting Willa places herself at risk each time to assist.

This is a story about a young woman knowing herself and standing up for her beliefs and her future. We see her at odds with the version of herself her parents wish for her, and the version she wishes for herself. We see the growing love between Willa and Sam borne out of mutual respect and admiration. We see the power of one voice that motivates another to follow their chosen path in the face of adversity and loss. We see human struggles and emotions.

This is a story that was such a pleasure to read. From the characters, to their interpersonal relationships to the historical perspective of the Golden Bridge being built. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Amy Trueblood, FluxBooks, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review will also be posted to my instagram @aplace_inthesun

This book will be released on 5 November 2019

Such a great coming of age story set in San Francisco during the 1930's and the building of the Golden Gate bridge! It provided delightful insight into the Great Depression and the rise of female empowerment. Seemed so well researched and well written-so vivid! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. I highly recommend

*Thank you to NetGalley and Flux for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I’m so glad I requested this book from NetGalley and had the chance to read an early copy!
I loved it, such a fast-paced and engrossing story with relatable characters I deeply cared about, heartwarming family dynamics and the sweetest kind of romance.
It developed important themes such as questions of faith, loyalty, responsibility -both towards the others and ourselves- and coming of age in a unique and original setting - the building of San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge In 1936.
The protagonist, Willa, is the youngest and only daughter in an Irish-American family of five children, and is expected to enter the convent soon, as she promised to maintain a family tradition, although this is the last thing she wants.
Her dream is to study medicine, and the fortuitous encounter with a lady doctor, headstrong Katherine Winston, brings her closer to fulfilling it than she ever thought.
Willa is a great character, with a deep respect and strong affection for her family, in spite of all the limitations imposed by her strict parents and overprotective, ever intruding brothers - with the exception of Paddy, who is always on her side and helps her all along.
I would have hit her on the head a couple of times, when she refused to change her mind about her promise out of a sense of guilt, trying to repress her real vocation and love for Sam, the adorable ironworker who works on the Bridge and steals her breath away, but the ending was perfect, so I forgive her for her almost devastating stubbornness.
I loved her relationship with her brothers - it took them some time to finally listen and understand her, but their love for her was evident all along and they were all darlings in the end.
Her parents are good characters too, but I literally bristled at the injustice of the expectations they forced on her - their impatience for sending her off to the convent as soon as possible and their selfish reasons for it were almost unbearable.
Even keeping in time the historical period and the beliefs of the time, I just couldn’t believe how easily so many parents sent their daughters off to the convent, just because it was a honorable and safe life, refusing to listen and even taking into consideration their real ambitions and dreams.
I hated it, but it was also terribly realistic.
The author’s documentation is commendable and she wrote a great piece of historical fiction, which I recommend to anyone who wants to read a good book with an engaging story and a lovely atmosphere.
I highly enjoyed this novel and it surely won’t be my last by Amy Trueblood - I’m already looking forward to her next!

An interesting story for me as I don’t know much about Golden Gate and how the bride was built as I never been in the states.
I loved the heroine for her willingness to study something that she likes more and feeling that she can help more the people around her instead of becoming a nun as her very conservatives parents are requesting from her.
I didn’t liked that she didn’t stand for herself from the beginning and that she had to hide and involve her brothers as well, but I liked the family bound between them.
Overall was a great story and i’m Looking forward to other books by the author.

I loved the concept of this novel, but at times found myself struggling with the story. The book focuses on young Willa McCarthy, an Irish Catholic girl living in San Francisco with her family while the Golden Gate Bridge was being built. Her family expects her to become a nun, not because of any type of calling but because it would make the family look better. But Willa's heart is not into the church, rather, she is fascinated with medicine and sneaks books into her house without her mother's knowing. When one of her brothers has a medical accident, she meets a female doctor for the first time. From that moment on, she starts hiding information from her parents and one of her brothers covers for her so that she can work as an assistant to Dr. Winston.

The historical aspects of the story, looking into how the Golden Gate Bridge was made, the people living in Hoovervilles, and the way that families worked at the time were wonderful. The relationship that Willa had with Dr. Winston is the kind of mentor-ship that we hope for our children. I struggled with the fact that Willa wasn't able to be honest with anyone, including herself. She had a fire in her but cowered to her parents in every way. While this is in keeping with the times, the extent to her submission seemed odd given her complete need to be around medicine and to help people. The book was very much a coming of age story for Willa, but that was the part that didn't completely work for me. It almost felt that others were trying to show her how strong she was and she had a refusal to listen.

I enjoyed this book and think it is great for teens that are interested in historical fiction. I gave it 3 stars because in comparison to so many other YA historical fiction books, it was not as powerful.

Where my review will be posted: Netgalley and Goodreads
When posted: 9/8/2019

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Across a Broken Shore was an incredible and engaging reading experience. I enjoyed many of the historical aspects that rooted me in the 1930's as well as the vivid setting of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

I loved Willa as a character. She was fleshed out, had both high and low points, and had deep internal conflict. She was headstrong and bold, and I ended up rooting for her all the way. I also appreciate all the work Trueblood puts into her side characters--Willa's family, Sam, Doctor Winston, Cara, the Cleerys. They all felt real and added depth to the theme of the novel as well as Willa's world.

The pacing was absolute perfection, without being too fast or too slow. There's just something about Willa and her internal conflict that drives readers towards the end; I was hooked from the beginning.

However, although the theme--following one's passion--is very strong, it did feel forced in some places (Cara is the example I thought of.) Added to this is that there is some telling via dialogue near the end of the book that pulled me from Willa's world for a moment. It did not feel smooth and I thought it could have gone through some revision.

On the whole, Across a Broken Shore is a historical fiction I would definitely recommend to historical fiction fans, anyone who's even mildly interested in medicine, or anyone who needs push to follow their dreams.

Rating: 3.8 stars

I really liked certain aspects of this book, but overall I felt like there was something missing while I was reading it. I really enjoyed the characters of Dr. Winston and Sam, but I had a hard time connecting to main character Willa. That being said I really enjoyed the setting of the book and the overall story line of a budding female physician in 1936 San Francisco. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for YA historical fiction with feminist elements.

This was a great book and very well written! I love reading books by new authors and highly recommend this book to everyone. The story was easy to follow and the characters are described very well and area easy to relate to. I recommend this book to everyone and can't wait to read even more.

Thank you Netgally and Flux for the chance to read Across a broken shore for a review. 18 year old Willa MacCarthy is expected to continue a family tradition and become a nun, but secretly she has been reading Grey's anatomy and other medical books in the hopes of becoming of doctor. But in San Francisco in 1936 a female doctor in almost unheard of, until a mishap in her family's bar leads her to one person who could possibly show her everything she wants, Dr. Katherine Watson.
I totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down! The characters were real, and the backdrop of San Franscisco in the 1930’s with the building of Golden Gate bridge kept the story flowing. It is a beautiful historical fiction, with some grim reminders that not everything was wonderful back then. The novel touches on the themes of secrets in a close-knit family, working conditions for labourers/Unions and the attitudes of medical community to females doctors. This is a YA novel, with a romance (nothing heavy), but some medical scenes may be a bit heavy for the younger crowd.