I loved the movie Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken but enjoyed Sonora's memoir even more. I went into this book hoping I would enjoy it just as much, and I'm happy to say that I did. I felt it captures Sonora Webster's spirit far better than the movie did. Also, Sonora's relationship with Al is much better developed here, making it feel more real and making it sweeter at the same time. And Arnette, barely mentioned in the movie, is here too. Not only was this book closer to real life than the movie, but this book also moved me more emotionally. I was in tears several times. The ending hit the perfect note. The author's comments at the end of the book were excellent too. Highly recommend. I will definitely be adding this to my library.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the early read.

This book gave me a massive hangover. Like many kids in the 90s I fell in love with the Disney version of this story Finding out the real story made this story even better Jennifer Walsh is a master at giving a voice to those who need to speak

Wow. This book was phenomenal. Jenni L. Walsh has a real talent for isolating strong women in history and telling their stories in a way they've never been told before. Sonora is no exception. For fans of Wild Hearts can't be Broken, or anyone who wants a story of passion, determination, and heart . . . this is it.

Sonora by Jenni Walsh is an absolute rollercoaster of a read—from the dazzling, high-flying world of performances to the raw, emotional battles that define true grit. Sonora Webster is the kind of heroine who leaps off the page—plucky, fearless, and full of wanderlust—showing us that sometimes, the bravest act is simply daring to follow your dreams, even when the odds are stacked sky-high. The book whisks you into the vibrant, sometimes perilous circus world, complete with trapeze acts, juggling bears, and daring dives from dizzying heights. Walsh paints a vivid picture of fame’s glittering surface but also doesn’t shy away from the dangers and sacrifices that come with the spotlight. Sonora’s journey — from wide-eyed rookie to star diva, to someone fighting for her life — is both inspiring and heart-pounding. And the romance? Oh, it’s as fiery and exhilarating as a perfect trapeze catch. What truly makes this story stand out is Sonora’s resilience and her unwavering bond with her horses. When tragedy strikes, you’ll be rooting for her to find the courage to climb the tower and dive again, risking everything in the name of loyalty and love. Walsh keeps the tension tight, and her storytelling is so exhilarating, you’ll be turning pages faster than a speeding Ferris wheel. If you love a captivating story packed with adventure, heart, and a daring heroine who refuses to be anything less than extraordinary, Sonora is your perfect ticket. It’s a brilliant celebration of resilience, daring, and the kind of fierce spirit that keeps you cheering long after the final act.

I absolutely loved this book. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken was a childhood favorite of mine. I loved everything about this book.

This is based on the true life story of Sonora Webster. I loved the movie, but it had been a long time since I saw it. I loved this book! Jenni Walsh brought the character to life in a way I just couldn’t put the book down. It had suspense, courage, bravery, and sweet romance. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to share it with others!

Sonora sheds light on a fascinating true character - an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers.

Sonora Webster, after seeing the High-Diving Horse Act, is mesmerized and instantly knows what she wants to do in life: be part of the history created by Dr. W. F. Carver. But it comes with sacrifices. She must leave behind home and family to be on the road, performing.

At almost twenty, she begins practicing the dives intensely, both on her own and with the horse. The act gives her a thrilling sense of freedom. As someone who adores horses and craves adventure, her spirit quickly shines through her performances. As a result, she captures the attention of crowds and newspapermen alike.

The dimensions of the protagonist are beautifully explored - her grueling training, the tense relationship with her trainer Al (the owner’s son), and her belief that Al dislikes her and is begrudging training her. After learning about Al’s strained relationship with his father, she begins to soften toward him and question her own feelings. Her emotions are stirred.

Even though she’s completed the dive many times, nerves still flare - especially when she spots a man in the audience investigating alleged cruelty to the horses. Then she learns the real story: the man is after the owner himself, not the animals. These layered tensions are well presented.

When an accident leaves her blind, Sonora becomes bitter about life. Her sister, a straight shooter, shows her that she can still live a full, meaningful life. And when another threat emerges – a potential shut down the show - Sonora gathers the courage to dive again. Except now, she must learn to rely on her other senses to avoid being toppled by the horse in the water.

Sonora vividly captures the spirit of a woman who craved an extraordinary life. When life through a major challenge at her during her heyday, she faltered - but then got back up and regained her momentum. She became the epitome of what life is about: pursuing happiness and rising after a fall. Her story is an inspiration, not just for what she achieved, but for how she handled adversity and kept going, encouraging others to do the same.

The writing is captivating, with suspenseful scenes that take the reader on a rollercoaster ride alongside a character larger than life.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com