Review Run Date: 04/24/2019
Review Posted: From Jen's Bookshelf Blog and Goodreads, will also be posting about my review on my instagram @fromjensbookshelf

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood

Read: 04/22-04/24

Publication Date: November 5, 2019

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. 

First off: Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a e-book copy in exchange for my honest review!

What I Liked:

There was so much that I enjoyed about this book but I'll start with the general concept overall. I immediately fell in love with the historical fiction story of a young woman who is interested in the medical field. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and you have a wonderful story. Willa was a fantastic main character. Her struggle between her family obligations and her duties was very well done. Everyone at some point has felt that struggle, although maybe not as extreme as Willa's. I also loved that we got a female main character that was interested in the science field. Oftentimes I find with YA that the strong female characters have to be warriors, but this book challenged that concept by showing us a strong female character who chose to healing as her battle against the patriarchy.

The plot kept me invested and I quickly found myself cheering for Willa. Her relationships with everyone in the book were an important aspect of that. Each one represented something different. Watching her interactions with Dr. Winston as she learned that her dreams of being a doctor were not impossible was truly inspiring. Sam was such a great love interest for her. I especially enjoyed watching her bond with Simon and Maeve.

What I Didn't Like:

There is one part of the ending that I didn't like but I am not going to say what it was and spoil the book for everyone. However, I will just say I don't quite feel that it was necessary for the plot but I guess I can see why the author chose to do it. I think I would have enjoyed the ending of the book even more if it hadn't happened though.

I do also want to note that while I have a personal interest in the medical field and was not bothered there are a few scenes that are graphic due to the nature of the topics addressed in the story. They do not take away from the brilliance of this book.

Overall, this was a fantastic historical fiction book that is inspiring for all young girls and women everywhere.

Rating: 10/10

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A wonderful story of independence and tradition by Amy Trueblood, Willa is a brilliantly clever young girl who longs to be a doctor after she sees Dr Winston treating her brother. But her Irish Catholic family want her to enter a nunnery to follow tradition. With just a hint of romance, this book was perfect for a Sunday read!

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood is a story set in 1936 San Fransico, centered around Willa, an Irish Catholic girl who is split between two different worlds. Her parents wanting her to carry on the family tradition of being a nun, and her dreams of being a Docter. An accident with one of her brothers gives her the opportunity to practice medicine under Docter Katherine Winston. Pulled between her dreams and obligation as time goes on and more secrets and lies start pilling on top of her. Willa will finally have to make the ultimate decision please her parents or her dreams. A lovely story of grief and the power of family, exploring the bond between parent and child and how far both sides will take it to keep up tradition and respect.

I read Amy Trueblood's debut, NOTHING BUT SKY, so I knew that ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE would be right up my alley! Plus, I love historical fiction and 1930s San Francisco? Yes please!

Immediately, I connected with Willa and her desire to become a doctor--a job held by primarily men during that time. Her spunk and drive were admirable and I found myself relating so much to her! As someone who believes very strongly in following your passion, I found Willa's story so empowering!

I also particularly loved learning about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, a topic I knew virtually nothing about. It's clear that the author did a lot of research on the topic, and I really appreciated all the meticulous details. So intriguing! An excellent backdrop for the story!

Overall, an excellent read! I highly recommend!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this historical fiction account about the building of the Golden gate bridge. The well researched details of the men who risked life to construct and paint the bridge was evident of the authors attention to detail. I appreciated the details of what it would have been like for a girl to enter a convent and to practice medicine all while trying to hold onto her Catholic religion. The romance in the novel was sweet. Great read!

Willa McCarthy is the only girl in a rambunctious Irish Catholic family, in 1930s San Francisco. Her parents hold dear their plans and wishes for her to become a nun, but Willa has never held these same wishes. There has always been something else out there for her. When she brings her injured brother to the local doctor's office, she realizes that her dream is to become a doctor, a career that is rare and discouraged for a female in those times.

Dr, Katherine Winston is the new doctor in town, and she has recently replaced Dr. Maloy. People are doubtful that she can do as good a job as a male doctor. With every move and act, Dr. Winston proves that she can do as good, or better, a job than a man. Willa is instantly aware that Dr. Winston is the embodiment of all Willa wants in life. How will Willa tell her religious, adamant parents that being a doctor is what she wants? How does Willa convince herself that her worldly desires are stronger than being a cloistered nun?

This was a fast read, a look at the historical time when the Golden Gate Bridge (which figures prominently in this story) was being built. It's dramatic and realistic.

Set in the late 1930s during the building of the Golden Gate bridge you follow Willhelmina who has ambitions of becoming a doctor, the only problem is her parents expect to her carry on a family tradition of joining the convent. Willa has accepted her fate until she meets the new town doctor Katherine Winston who offers to take Willa under her wing and teach her some skills. Willa is now faced with the dilemma of following her parents dreams or following her own.

Willa has a strong desire to study medicine, she has studied a lot on her won and she wants to help those in need. Willa was a nice character and strives to help as many as she can. I liked seeing her help those less fortunate in town and continue to check on their wellbeing. Willa really deals with a lot of guilt and is afraid of disappointing her parents and is willing to give up her dreams to keep them happy.

I enjoyed the different relationships throughout the book. First the friendship that Willa forms with Dr. Katherine Winston. Willa tries to learn as much from her as possible and Katherine pushes Willa and believes that she has what it takes to become a doctor. I loved Willa's brothers and how overprotective they were of her and how supportive they became, especially Paddy who believed in her from the start. The romance between Willa and Sam was cute. Sam was a sweet character and is very encouraging of Willa to pursue medicine.

Filled with friendships, loss, and first love. A very enjoyable historical fiction read.

Very few things are perfect but this book? It might just be. This book was so incredibly special. The research and love that Amy clearly poured into this book is obvious. It is unmeasurable how wonderful this book was. I was completely swept up by the events of this story. Everything was so vivid. I feel like this book called on all five senses in the most extreme ways. I could see the bridge taking shape, I could hear the hollers of the workers, I could smell the sea air. I felt like I could feel the rain and wind on my skin. I could practically taste the rosemary beef prepared for Christmas lunch. This book was such an immersive experience. I’ve enjoyed books. I’ve loved books. But the absolute joy and sorrow I experience reading Amy’s books doesn’t happen very often. I feel very privileged that I get to read books as special as this.

Nothing But Sky was my favourite read last year and easily became one of my all time favourite books. Without a doubt Across A Broken Shore just joined it.

When I find a new favourite author I’m certain that I’ll read whatever they publish so I don’t always take stock of what the next book will be about. I knew this book was set in the 1930’s. I knew the Golden Gate Bridge would be there. I knew Willa was going to be strong and daring and challenge expectations but I didn’t realise how difficult it was going to be for her to be exactly who she was supposed to be.

This book really was all the feels. My heart soared and I stood on the side lines and cheered for Willa. My heart absolutely plummeted and I wanted to rush in hug all her broken pieces back together. Or maybe I needed someone to do that for me? I don’t know. I’m not even a hugging person. I sobbed and I sobbed and I’d do it all again because I’ve just finished and I already want to read about Willa and Sam and her family all over again. How is it possible that this book made my heart feel lighter and heavier all at once?

It’s always difficult to leave behind the characters of a wonderful book but it was especially difficult knowing that I live in 2019 and Willa lived in the 1930’s. I would love nothing more than to sit on a porch with Willa, drinking tea and listening to her stories!

1930s San Francisco comes alive in Amy Trueblood’s historical YA, ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE. In addition to the main plot revolving around Willa and her desire to become a doctor in a male-dominated field, I felt like I learned so much about this time period and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in particular.

Willa’s story is all about following her passion, and what that could cost her. I loved Willa’s tenacity, her ensemble of larger-than-life brothers, the world she finds through her friendship with mentor, Dr. Katherine Winston, and the love story had quite a few swoony moments as well. ;)

This book is YA, but I can also envision it being a hit for adult readers as well! Big thanks to NetGalley and Flux for providing this e-ARC.

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood is a wonderful novel written in the voice of a young 18 year old woman named Willa (Wilhelmina) MacCarthy.
Here is a historical nonfiction book set in San Francisco in the 1930s during the time of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a coming of age novel where Willa trying to find her future and calling and the struggle between what she “should do” based on what her parents want for her, and what her heart calls out for her to do.

The internal struggle of deciding on her parent’s path of Willa joining the convent as os a family tradition, or following her heart on this new-found discovery and journey into medicine at the encouragement of her new friends and her new mentor Dr. Katherine Winston, gives us a wonderful, heartfelt story that most of us can relate to in one way or another. Being a female practicing in medicine, I especially am drawn to Willa and her struggles. It even brought tears to my eyes at one point.

This is a wonderful book and a treasure. This is a must read and I give it 5/5.

Thank you NetGalley for this touching read and in return for this advanced read, I am submitting my voluntary and unbiased opinion and review. Thank you again.

Everyone should be so lucky to have a Wilhelmina MacCarthy in their lives. Against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge's tumultuous erection, I enjoyed experiencing the growth and transformation of this kindhearted, courageous, and spirited character that Amy Trueblood so expertly brings to life on the page.

I wish i could say i loved this, but i honestly could not connect with the writing style. Cover is gorgeous and reminded me of the movie Brooklyn, but, I just had the most awful time trying to click with the story. Sadly, I couldnt go thhru with it.

I thank the publisher for very kindly approving me for review and I hate to dissapoint, but Ive been struggling to even go thru page 40 at this point. Its just bot going to happen. Netgalley is asking me to rate this, so i will
Give it 4 stars as effort but please know I will not post any review of this or score it on amazon or goodreads. I rather not rate this book or place a bad review in any social media as respect to the author.

“Across A Broken Shore” is historical fiction set in San Francisco during the early 1930’s during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. You will meet Willa, who’s torn between a guilty promise made to he family and her true desires for a fulfilling life. Willa is set to enter the convent and realized her parents’ dreams, but she longs for a different future. In a chance encounter she meets Dr. Katherine Winston, who opens her eyes and her heart to the possibility of a career in medicine. This book touches on so many topics in such a masterful way — the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the men who risked their lives to build it — the prejudices and road blocks females faced in the early 1930’s, especially those wanting to be physicians — family responsibilities and limitations— the Great Depression and “Hoovervilles” where the less fortunate congregated — first love — and friendship. “Across A Broken Shore” is a touching novel filled with great characters and a piece of history that is sometimes overlooked. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Historical Fiction with strong female characters. Disclaimer— I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Release date: 11/5/19

With great storytelling ability, Trueblood tells a tale full of heart and emotion. I was completely enthralled by the story from beginning to end.
I loved the story and I felt as if I was living it myself. Very enjoyable read that I won’t forget for a long time!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review! I loved this book!

Across a Broken Shore is coming-of-age historical fiction novel set in San Francisco in the 1930's. We follow Willa who is from a strict Irish Catholic family and parents that expect her to go to the covent and become a nun since she has completed school. Willa intends to follow her family's expectations, but deep in her heart, she wants to go into medicine and secretly pours over medical books and journals in her spare time.

We get to know Willa and her family quite well throughout the book. It is well-written and the historical facts about the building of the Golden Gate Bridge and homelessness during the Great Depression are interwoven providing a clear understanding of the setting. Trueblood's attention to detail is quite good.

Willa has a chance meeting with a female physician when her brother is injured that will turn her life upside down. She gains a new perspective and has big choices and lessons ahead. I thought I knew exactly where this book was headed and there is a turn that was very unexpected that sends the story into a completely different direction. I loved it and loved how the story wrapped up. It's a great read!

I enjoyed Across a Broken Shore! I was intrigued by the book due to both the setting and the story line. I love San Francisco and found the details about the building of the Golden Gate Bridge interesting.

Willa was such an interesting character. She definitely had a dilemma on her hands. as she figured out if she should stay true to her calling in the medical field or is she should stay true to her parent's wishes. I appreciated that she struggled with the lies she was telling. I thought she was more relate-able as she struggled with the lies. I would have been frustrated if she didn't struggle with all the lies.

While occasionally I felt like a turn in the story seemed a little unrealistic, I definitely enjoyed this story and would recommend it. I will now be looking for more books from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood was heartbreakingly, beautiful.
“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."
Amy Trueblood has made history come alive in this breathtaking book. I truly felt transported to 1936 San Francisco; from the streets of the city to the construction site of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Willa’s struggle between pleasing her parents by becoming a nun or pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor was extremely relatable. She quickly becomes a character that you absolutely love. Her character development in this book is what I wish all characters have. You see her find her strength, voice and fight for what she wants in every chapter.
I smiled, gasped, cried and cheered the entire time I was reading this book. This book is what every historical fiction book should be like. It stayed true to the history all while painting a new perspective of these characters lives and dreams. I would recommend this book to any historical fiction fan.

Willa wants to be a nurse, but her family wants her to be a nun. I loved the idea behind this book as soon as I read it and I could hardly put it down from the time I started reading it. Set on the west coast in the late 1930's, Amy Trueblood's writing is alive with the bustle of city life, the bustle of daily life, and budding romance. More than anything though, I just loved Willa. This being said, the book was quite fluffy and not much action, but there is a ton of heart and feeling.

This book is wonderful!! It is well written and grabs you on the first page. If you like historical fiction, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.. Thank you North Star Editions via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

A thoughtful and heartfelt book about a young Catholic girl who has to choose between her parent’s insistence that she become a nun and her desire to be a doctor. The building of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge provides a fascinating backdrop to the story. Historical depression details like the Hoovervilles, drifters, and immigrants are seamlessly woven into the plot line.

Willa is a strong female character who is fettered by guilt and family expectations. She helps a female doctor who encourages her to follow her to go to medical school. Willa also meets a handsome young man named Sam, who is a Protestant. Their romance is a sweet sub plot.

Willa’s struggle between duty and dreams will resonate with young people who are searching for their own truth.

Set in 1930s San Francisco , against the backdrop of the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, Willa MacCarthy is torn between her dream of studying medicine and her family's plan for her to become a nun.
When she meets a female doctor, Dr Katherine Winston, she finally has the opportunity to experience medicine first hand.
Willa has to make a choice between her dreams and her duty to her family.
Lots of interesting characters and detail about American life during the Depression - a lot of research has gone into this book and it was a great YA read

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Across A Broken Shore! A young woman is expected to join a convent in 1930s San Francisco and has a secret desire to study medicine, will she follow her families wishes or her own? Overall I liked the main character, Willa, though at times she was a bit whiny, It was a quick read and it was nice to see a different type of historical fiction as there hasn't been much set in this time period.

Across a Broken Shore is a wonderful mix of historical fiction, coming of age and girl power and I loved every moment of it.

Willa lives in San Francisco in the 1930s. Her Irish immigrant family expects her to join a convent and devote her life to prayer but she is fascinated by human anatomy and medicine. This story looks at the choices we make in youth and the struggles navigating family expectations versus personal aspirations.

The book is so well-written with well-developed characters and just the right amount of historical detail. There are glimpses into how women handle male-dominated professions, a streak of feminism and an overall message that it’s essential for young people to follow their dreams, even in the face of family opposition.

I loved the depth of this book and found it compelling from start to finish. This is a 5 star read for me!

As a fan of historical fiction, I knew this book would be right up my alley, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Willa is a fantastic heroine and a very relatable character. At eighteen-years-old, she is destined to fulfill her Irish-Catholic family’s tradition of becoming a nun, but Willa dreams of more. After meeting Dr. Katherine Winston and agreeing to be her assistant, she is even more convinced that her true passion is in the medical field. To make matters even more complicated, she meets a young man who is working on the Golden Gate Bridge and while he is only there until the bridge is completed, she develops feelings for him. All the while, she is keeping these secrets from her family and the fast approaching day of her joining the convent is looming over her head. Will she live up to her family’s expectations or will she go after what she truly wants?

This really was a great book, and I found all of the characters to be likable in their own way, but above all, I loved Dr. Winston. I think it was kismet that she came into Willa’s life at just the right moment...or maybe I should credit Paddy for injuring himself and forcing them to meet by chance. Either way, she had such a huge impact on Willa’s life and encouraged her to make decisions of her own, while everyone else was trying to make life choices for her. It was a time when women were just beginning to make a name for themselves in professions that were traditionally reserved for men, and Dr. Winston saw something in Willa, thus pushing her to stand up for what she truly wanted in life.

Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2788548264

#AcrossABrokenShore #NetGalley
A coming of age story during the time of the depression. The story kept my attention. Willa comes from an Irish Catholic family, the only girl in a family of boys. Willa has a love of reading medical books, but is promised to the convent, When her brother gets hurt, she meets the new doctor, Katherine Winston. Dr. Winston sees Willa's potential and invites her to come help in her medical office. A sweet coming of age story, a daughter who feels like she has already disappointed her parents, is fascinated by the medical field. The story is set around the building of the Golden Gate bridge, in San Francisco. I liked the story and the closeness Willa shared with her brothers.

Oh my heart! This book was more out of my norm than usual. But I absolutely loved it! I laughed and I cried. And the ending was beautifully done.
I’m not writing a synopsis because you can read that for yourself.
But I do highly recommend this read!

Willa MacCarthy is drawn to medicine. Despite the fact that her Irish-Catholic family expects her to become a nun, she finds a way to work secretly with Dr. Katherine Winston. Together, they work in a field hospital near the Golden Gate bridge, which is in the middle of construction. Torn between medicine and her family, Willa must make a choice.

I loved the setting of this book. Great Depression era San Francisco was a fascinating setting. I don't know that I've read any other books set here. Willa, although a bit whiny, was a good character, who showed tremendous growth throughout the book. Overall, well worth picking up.

Amy Trueblood does an amazing job of telling Willa's coming-of-age story. Willa is a girl living in 1930's San Fransisco. She struggles to find herself under the backdrop of the construction of the Golden Gate bridge. She is torn between her family's wishes for her to become a nun and her won to study medicine. The characters are colorful and the story unusual, but somehow incredibly believable.

The author brought to life the real struggles of Americans during the great depression. Her writing is beautiful and more than a few parts of the story pulled on my heartstrings. The ending surprised me, which is unusual. Usually, I can guess an ending early on. I could hardly put this book down! Overall it is an excellent work of fiction. I recommend it as great reading to both teens and adults.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Willa MacCarthy fights an internal battle between her family’s expectation that she becomes a nun and her interest in becoming a doctor. The setting is 1936 in San Francisco during the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. Willa meets a woman doctor, Katherine Winston and starts working for her in secret from her family. She finds herself helping Dr. Winston at the clinic that handles accidents during the building of the bridge. She meets Sam Butler, an iron worker on the bridge and he assists her with attempts to help the homeless population as well as those injured while building the bridge. Willa starts to realize her true calling for medicine and feelings for Sam as her double life becomes more difficult by the day. The story is based on the life of real woman doctor during this time period – it is well researched and compelling. Those interested in reading stories of strong women that shaped this country will love the book.

I don't know what to say. This book was beautiful and awe-inspiring. With the main theme of reaching for your dreams and the expectations of others, this book will resonate with many.
The characters! They were amazing and developed extremely well. Their emotions come across on the page and so do their hopes and dreams.
I normally don't mention plot as much, but this one was very interesting. Across a Broken Shore is set during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another major part of the story is the introduction of women physicians. They and their struggles were portrayed very well.
Trigger warning: this is a book about medicine and some parts get a bit bloody. Nothing is graphic, but situations are described.
(I would also recommend you to go read Amy Trueblood's debut novel, Nothing but Sky.)
Rating; 5 Stars
Content: 2 Stars
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book about a young woman defying her family's expectations and pursuing a career in medicine instead of going to the convent to become a nun. Willa is a feisty heroine and the Depression-era setting is an interesting one, even if the desperation of that time doesn't always cut through. The building of the Golden Gate Bridge and the dangers the men faced on it are well researched and described, as is the prejudice women doctors experienced.

At times I felt Willa's thoughts were repetitive and I got a little tired of hearing her bang on about how disappointed her family would be if she didn't go to the convent, and how she owed it to them because it was her fault her sister died before she had a chance to live. But that's actually realistic, because who doesn't go over painful things in one's head over and over again?

As owners of a pub, Willa's family - large as it was - didn't not appear to be suffering as much from the depression as others, like the people living in the Hooverville camp near the beach. I felt the book could have delved more deeply into the hardships of the Depression; there was never any real sense of desperation from any of the characters, even those living in the camp whose circumstances were desperate. Perhaps Willa could see it, empathize with it, but not really understand it.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone who likes historical settings and female characters bucking the expectations of the time.

Thanks NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this in advance.

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am not familiar with this author and couldn't remember even what it was about when I started reading it. My attention was caught by the cover and the synopsis was interesting enough to request this title, but I forgot about it until given a copy. I am glad I had the chance to read it. I was immediately drawn into the story from the very first page. I found the story of Willa, a young 18 year old girl in San Francisco raised from a young age to be a nun, to be so interesting. Early on in the story, we learn that Willa is questioning a life as a nun just as her parents are finalizing her entry into the convent. Willa has a strong interest in medicine and while helping aid her brother during an injury to his hand, she meets Katherine, a female doctor who invites Willa to return and work as her assistant. I loved the historical references woven in this novel around women in medicine, life in early San Francisco, and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. Willa and her family were all interesting and likable characters that I enjoyed reading about. There is a lot of internal dialogue over her desire to follow her passion with medicine or joining the convent to please her parents and lessen the guilt she feels over her past. It sometimes felt a little redundant, but overall an enjoyable and likable story that I would recommend to others.

3.5/5 **

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

After reading the synopsis, I was really excited to receive a copy of Across a Broken Shore! A mix of history, religion, and a woman trying to find her place in the world was such a draw for me. I haven't read a lot of historical fiction recently, so I enjoyed the chance to jump into the 1930s and what San Francisco would have been like at the time.

Love the History
I'm a huge fan of history, and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge was such a massive moment in San Francisco's history that I was really excited to read a fictional story of what it might have been like. I loved getting to watch Willa learn about medicine and then use it to help those working on the bridge. It was wonderful to read about this part of history through the eyes of such a strong young woman.

Good Protagonist
Willa was a wonderful protagonist to follow in this story. It was great to watch her figure out how to balance her family's needs with her own and her relationship with the different members of her family. As the only daughter, she has a lot of roles to fill, and it's difficult for her to figure out how to voice her wants. I also loved that she was interested in medicine; women fighting against the social norms is always so wonderful to read about, especially when that fight is not a physical one. Finding a strong female who challenges the social norms through her studies was wonderful.

I Question the Romance
Ok, this is what really confused me about the book. If Willa's family is so incredibly Catholic that they are basically forcing her to become a nun, there is absolutely zero chance they would be ok with her relationship with a Protestant man. While I appreciate that this relationship in general is part of her struggle, I really don't think it needed the extra step of Sam being a Protestant. Even if she doesn't become a nun, I doubt her family would ever accept Sam. I think it would have been enough for him to be in Willa's life; him being a Protestant felt like overkill.

I enjoyed this novel and thought it was a good story. I've recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or about a character finding their voice. Across a Broken Shore doesn't come out until November, but I know I'll be rereading it before then to get another little taste of history!

Historical fiction set in San Francisco. A headstrong young girl must decide on whether to follow her heart or obey her family. Perfectly evokes the era in which it is set. A gorgeous read.

Wilhelmina has a burning desire within her to become a doctor. She reads and studies Greys Anatomy fervently, absorbing all she learns. She knows that it is just a dream. For many generations the woman of the MacCarthy family have become nuns at the Catholic convent. She knows that to choose anything else would devastate her parents. Of course there is that solemn promise she made when she was twelve. The day she accidentally pushed her mom. Her mom was eight months pregnant with her sister. The shove sent her mother down the stairs where she suffered a miscarriage.
Her love for medicine is just a dream. She will enter a convent.
When her brother Paddy severs two fingers and her and her brother Nick take him to the local doctor, she is thrilled to meet Dr. Winston. Dr. Katherine Winston. She may not recognize it yet, but Willa's life is about to change.
Placed in the year 1936, the story takes place during the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a historical time. It is also a time that very few women were doctors. Less than 5% were in university.
Great story, with some awesome history. Strong characters.
Excellent!

This is such a wonderful story! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I love, love, love historical fiction and this book has it all. I love the fact that this book provides us with two strong and memorable women in Willa and Dr. Winston. Willa's character is developed beautifully! When a book gives me the feels as much as this one did, it instantly becomes a favorite in my book.

I adored this book set in San Francisco in the 1930’s and centers around the building of the Golden Gate Bridg.
Totally enjoy the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. "Across a Broken Shore" releases to the general public November 5th, 2019. 

SUMMARY

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.
REVIEW

This was another example of the classic "I requested this from NetGalley, not expecting anything, only to end up loving it" scenario. Across a Broken Shore was at times dark, depressing, and bleak, but it was undercut with hope and progress and familial bonds that no amount of suffering broke. 

The book's selling point for me, at first glance, was Willa's interest in medicine. As a teenage girl interested in science, I love reading about girls my age who are also passionate about STEM fields, regardless of what they are. That works especially well for me in settings where the character has to face down and defeat prejudice to practice her profession of choice. There aren't many stories more empowering for me, a girl who loves science and deeply values education, than those of young women who overcome societal barriers to their education/ability to practice a profession. Thus, Willa's journey towards becoming a doctor in a world where female doctors were extremely rare was very inspiring for me. And the medical parts of the book were realistic and well-handled;  they were realistically gory at times, but never gratuitous. Any aspect of the book related to medicine got no complaints from me. 

Nor did the characterization. Willa was a deeply-realized character, even if she had a rather irritating tendency towards indecision and her brain repeated itself a lot. And the supporting cast was equally strong - Willa's brother Paddy was an equally fleshed-out character, the MacCarthy siblings' relationships were explored in depth and quite touching, and SAM. I read some reviews saying the romance was cheesy - perhaps, but I do NOT care. I'm a sucker for cheesy romance, and Sam was a smol bean. It was adorable  and that's final. :)

But perhaps my favorite part of this entire novel was its exploration of religion in Willa's life. Though she doesn't want to be a nun (and I can't blame her - I wouldn't either), Catholicism is a HUGE part of her life. As a religious person, I get what it's like to simultaneously rely on your faith and feel incredibly pressured by it/the expectations of fellow practitioners; I related to that part a lot, even though I've never exactly promised to be a nun. Thus, I was a bit apprehensive that this book's treatment of Willa's faith was going to be sort of toss-aside-y. I was pretty sure it was going to present Willa with a "something's got to give" scenario where she either had to become a nun or completely abandon her faith to become a doctor, but it didn't. Rather, Willa simply realizes that God is calling her to something other than the path her parents think she is on. I loved that, and was very pleasantly surprised that her continual adherence to her faith wasn't ridiculed as "blindly obeying her parents" or something (as a Christian teenager who has chosen to remain in the faith I was raised in after my parents stopped making me do so, I get "you need to think for yourself" a LOT, and expected Willa's experience to be the same). That was really well-done. 

The main problem with this book was that Willa's internal conflict was hashed out so many times, and in such similar words, that it just felt tired. There were commas missing, and the dialogue was quite awkward. Those were about the only defects of this fantastic book.  

RATING 

Plot: 4.5/5 - compelling, and a storyline (both the girl-in-STEM aspect and the religious one) that is very close to my heart. No complaints there. The only issue I took with the plot, and the reason for the 4.5 and not a 5, was that, like, 65% of the conflict could have been avoided with proper communication, and some parts of it were unnecessarily repetitive. 

Characters: 5/5 - I fell in love with nearly all of them. IDK, I just really love these crazy Irish kids. 

Pacing: 4/5 - like I said, tends to repeat itself. A LOT. But not awful. 

Content/Messages: 5/5 - great messages about overcoming obstacles and pursuing your true passions rather than letting others tell you what path to follow. The content is never vulgar or gratuitous, but as the story revolves around physicians who mostly serve the impoverished, it gets dark at times. The harshness of the circumstances might make it too much for younger readers, but given its contemplative nature, those too young to handle the content probably wouldn't like it much anyway. I'd peg this one for the older end of YA (16+) not because it's wildly inappropriate but because I can't see many 13/14-year-olds enjoying this. 

Handling of Subject Matter: 4.5/5 - medicine, sexism in STEM fields, and Catholicism were all handled very appropriately, but for a Great Depression-era novel, there wasn't much of the setting evident in the story. The economic realities of the Depression could have been addressed more; there are no more than four impoverished characters in a novel set during a time when there was a ~30% employment rate. That was a little implausible in my mind. 

Writing Style: 3/5. This was the weakest aspect of the book. There were a lot of commas missing (this is an ARC, I know, so that'll get fixed, but still) and the dialogue was really unrealistic at points. Not egregiously bad, though. 

Overall: 4.33/5

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Willa's story is set in 1930's San Francisco during the building of the golden gate bridge. The cast of characters was absolutely wonderful. Willa, being the only girl in her family (besides Mam) with a bunch of over protective brothers, has made promises to her family. Unfortunately, promises made when you are 12 years old in the midst of grief are hard to hold as our hands and hearts grow. On this journey, we follow Willa as she toils with her promise, her passion, and her family.

I adored the historical details woven seamlessly into the novel and I highly respect any novel that can teach me something without me realizing it. Watching the bridge being built by the boys in this book, made me feel as though as I saw it. I loved getting to see all the injuries and personalities from the guys on the bridge. And Sam (excuse me while I swoon) was the perfect romantic interest. He grounded the book with his common sense and maturity, which was a nice balance to Willa and her emotional journey

The story moved with a steady pace and around 60% of the way through, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen and how. I WAS WRONG and I loved being wrong. Trueblood turned the story on its head and I was there for it. I flew through the last pages and felt utterly satisfied with the end.

The characters Willa, Dr. Winston, Sam, and Paddy were my favorites. I loved their interactions and the dynamic between everyone was full of tension, though I did occasionally want to beam a few of them on the head. Usually Willa. I liked that most of the conflict in the story arose from the characters instead of events. It made for a great read with room for all the historical details.

I would absolutely recommend picking up this book if you like YA historicals with interesting background and fun stubborn female characters.

Across a Broken Shore is a wonderful historical fiction novel set in San Francisco in 1936. The building of the Golden Gate Bridge is a key event in this book. The main character Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy loves all things medicine, however due to family obligations she is destined to become a nun. Over the course of the book, we watch Willa struggle with her choice to be a nun and her strong desire to learn about medicine. The book does feel repetitive at time due to this struggle.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is very evident the amount of research the author did on the time period. I feel that this book will appeal more to adults than teen readers. I do think it is worth purchasing for our high school collection. However, it will need to be promoted and book talked strongly for the typical teen reader to want to choose this book.

One of the prime characters is described as wanting to be a bridge across a broken shore. In this way the title of Amy Trueblood’s work of historical fiction becomes a metaphor for the entire novel. As the Golden Gate Bridge is erected, those in its shadow play out their lives trying to maneuver the devastating effects of the Depression. Willa, bound by a guilt-ridden promise to become a nun, fears this is not what she wants. Katherine faces daily prejudice for being a woman in the medical field. Sam, an itinerant worker, has never been able to stop in one place and find happiness. The McCarthy family is unsure how to conquer their grief. The Hooverville occupants want to survive. At times solutions seem unreachable. I engaged with these characters from the start. I shall watch for this author in the future.

San Francisco1936, the middle of the Great Depression. Families were struggling to make ends meet and this was no different for the MacCarthy family, with 4 boys and 1 daughter, they were working hard to keep their pub alive and food on the table. For 18 year old Willa MacCarthy the only girl amongst 4 brothers, she had been told by her parents that she was to become a nun. Yet this was not the ambition she had set her mind to... she wanted to become a doctor, a secret she had to keep from her family. One fateful date opportunity knocked on her, when her brother suffered from a severe accident and Willa took him to see the neighborhood doctor. It was Katherine Winston, the young female physician who came to their aid. Yet, more than that she fueled Willa's ambition to go into the medical field, becoming her mentor. Conventions at that time period were quite strict, it wasn't easy for women to become independent, to go into the medical field was almost impossible. With her over-protective brothers as well as her parents, it was difficult for Willa to ever think she would become her dream of being a doctor. And while this conflict was taking place in her life, the Golden Gate Bridge was being built in San Francisco. There were many risks to be taken for those working on the bridge, but to be sure times were tough, the Depression had a strong hold on the population and just having a job, albeit the dangers involved, was better than nothing.

This was a strong story, with the lead character having the strength to go after her dream in spite of her family's wishes. The guilt implied was emotional, especially in a family where a child would have difficulty challenging the rules set by their elders. I dare say that was the way of it in 1936. Well written, even though for me getting through some of the medical chapters was not so easy.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful book! Set in the thirties, it focuses on Willa, the main character who is an 18 year old girl wanting to learn medicine. It also focuses on her family, who is Irish. Told while the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed, we learn about breaking barriers as women of that time period. The writing was great and the story line was interesting!

LOVED this book! Trueblood wrote beautifully about a young woman struggling to make a difficult life decision: follow her heart and her passion or do what is expected of her by her parents. Willa, is such an interesting main character. She’s strong, open-minded, intelligent, and loyal even when she lacks self-confidence, she’s always working towards bettering herself.
Willa longs to work in the medical field, but in the 1930s, women do not make up a large percentage of doctors in the field. Despite this, she sneaks reading anatomy texts and ends up apprenticing with a female doctor, who is another inspiring and beautiful character in this story.
Set in San Francisco while the Golden Gate Bridge is being constructed, Willa finds herself able to help others who need medical attention due to accidents working on the bridge. She also finds herself falling for a certain light-eyed, kind young man, Sam. Her and Sam’s relationship blooms despite her promise to her parents to join the convent and become a nun.
Willa is conflicted many times throughout the story, either study medicine or become a nun. I enjoyed reading her struggles to make this difficult decision and the relationships she forms along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Flux, for the ARC for an honest review. 5 stars!

This was a wonderful book. Set in 1936, it mainly focuses on WILLA, an 18 year old female girl aspiring to learn medicine when she is expected to enter the convent. It also focuses on her Irish family, expectations and regrets. Told during the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, we learn about breaking barriers as women of that time period. The writing was great and the story was interesting. I truly enjoyed it and thank netgalley for the ARC.

The history of San Francisco is interestingly and skillfully set as the background for an engaging story of love, hardship, growth, grief, and redemption. The building of the Golden Gate bridge, the first female graduate of the University of California Medical Department at San Francisco, the Sutro Baths, the Richmond District, communities of poverty still in the shadows of the Depression, all are threaded as integral pieces of a well written story.
Willa MacCarthy is a young woman who has been promised to the church by her parents. She is to become a nun, ostensibly because it is a family tradition. However, when Willa was a child, her mother lost a baby girl in an accident for which Willa blames herself. The commitment to the church is her mother's way of placing Willa somewhere safe, some place where nothing harmful can happen to her. Just months before time to begin the first steps to entering the convent, important events in Willa's life cause this foregone conclusion about her life to come into question.
First, she is offered a job in a doctor's office; in a female doctor's office, unheard of in 1936. It becomes clear that Willa is a natural for the medical field and she accepts the job, hiding it from her parents. How will this affect the commitment to the church?
At about the same time, Willa meets Sam, a young man who adores her and makes her heart sing. How will this affect the commitment to the church?
Her parents and the priests discover that Willa has been deceiving them about where she has been going and with whom she has been keeping company when she was to have been working in a soup kitchen. Again, how will this affect the commitment to the church?
Across a Broken Shore is a very good story, well-wnritten, with well-developed characters whose relationships with each other are also well formed and meaningful.
The constant references to Willa's commitment to the church and her constant rejection of the many obvious reasons for her to reconsider that commitment become tiresome. Those particular references are redundant and actually reach the point where the reader wants to shake her by the shoulders and tell her to get a grip. Otherwise, it's a very good story with a plot that's outside the box of familiar patterns. It handles parental relationships, sibling relationships, friendships, a love story, sadness and redemption, all in interesting historical context - and handles them very well.
I really enjoyed this book and am grateful to Netgalley and Flux for the opportunity to read and review it.

This book was very eye opening and shows how different culture collide and form a new future. I loved the main character and her determination to follow her dreams even though her parents wanted a different path for her.

Immediately, I was enthralled with Across a Broken Shore's synopsis: 1930s, Irish-Catholic family, construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and a female character, who wants to be a doctor in a time that was unheard of? Sign me up, I'd like to receive this ARC! And I was not disappointed, however, officially my rating is 3 1/2 stars. The story follows Wilhelmina "Willa" McCarthy, one of five children and the only girl, as a result, her parents have their heart set on her joining the nunnery but Willa has a different aspiration. She wants to be a doctor and her chance comes when her brother, Paddy, accidentally chops off his fingers at their family pub and she encounters the female doctor, Katherine Winston, who desperately needs a nurse. With five months to spare until she's consecrated to God, Willa decides to take the opportunity.

Dr. WInston takes Willa under her wing and forces her to step outside of her comfort zone. Not only does she teach Willa basic skills, but she also takes her on field excursions, where Willa begins to see how the depression has affected the world. She works with Dr. Winston at the Golden Gate Bridge construction site, seeing how these men put their lives on the line to complete the work and encountering a young thief named Simon, who's family moved to Ireland and fell on hard times. She ventures into Hoovervilles, where homeless individuals/ families gather together in a makeshift community. Here, Willa experiences the true horrors of the depression as she cares for the Cleery family, which includes a very pregnant Mrs. Cleery, Simon, who steals to feed his family while his father is gone, and Maeve, who grows sicker as the story progresses. Through these little trips,

As Willa grows as a physician, she grows out her shell and it is truly rewarding to read. At the start of the novel, she is a dutiful daughter and good Catholic, who wants to do right by her parents and earn the MacCarthy family respect but as the story unfolds this changes as she experiences the world. Of course, there's Sam (the romantic interest), a wanderer, orphaned at a young age, who has lived all the United States and encourages her to pursue her desires, which is a terrible temptation for Willa. However, I absolutely loved how Trueblood dealt with this relationship and showed Willa's internal conflict with her Catholic upbringing and sense of right/wrong, which is challenged by herself finally growing into herself. I thought that was realistic and how Catholicism can be restricting and confusing to someone growing up in the religion in a changing time.

It’s 1936 and Willa MacCarthy is certain she has no options. She’s known since she was 12 that she would become a postulate at the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Spirit and take her vows. The only girl in this Irish Catholic family, her Mam & Da and four protective brothers expect her to become a nun.
San Francisco is coming back to life as the building of the Golden Gate Bridge is bringing the citizens hope with so many construction jobs. Even though dangerous, the lure of steady paychecks is worth the risks involved. The MacCarthy boys are willing to wait to be chosen to work on the bridge, while Willa, now 18, secretly reads Grey’s Anatomy in her bedroom and attends parties with her somehow wealthy high school friend, Cara Reilly. Willa and her brothers face the same decisions as youth do today: respect parental expectations or follow your calling? Willa’s chance meeting of Dr. Katherine Winston certainly seems to acknowledge the peace she finds when “doctoring,’ as opposed to the deep fear that envelops her in the pew at church. Finding her voice, coping with guilt, confession & forgiveness and allowing for failures to become achievement, are just some of the issues dealt with by Willa and her family.
Mam & Da’s life long dream of having her enter the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Spirit has a profound impact on Willa. Dr. Katherine Winston, who mentors and encourages Willa, Sam Butler, whose transient life Willa changes, and the struggling Cleery family at the Hooverville camp, all play important roles in Wilhelmina MacCarthy’s decision to take her vows and enter the convent or follow her heart to become a doctor.
Willa’s dilemma of choosing between honoring her parents and the women of her past by entering the convent or following her call to be a doctor, the “hand of God in the world,” will keep you “praying and hoping” until the final page.