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.

this was a really well done historical novel, it had that element that I was looking for and actually learned a lot from this type of book. The characters were so well written and had that element that I was expecting in this time-period. Jenni L Walsh has a strong writing style and enjoyed the use of the horse divers during this story,

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