Sonora

By Jenni L Walsh

"Sonora's story is about not giving up in the face of setbacks. An inspirational tale." --Booklist

"This one's for the horse girls, the girls who fell in love with Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken and hoped someday they'd be like the fearless, determined, strong Sonora Carver whose love and belief in her horses made her an icon." --Joy Callaway, international bestselling author

Inspired by a true story of one of the first female horse divers, Sonora explores a world of daring feats and extraordinary adventures set in the heyday of the American carnival scene.

Sonora Webster is penniless but plucky, and despite the looming Great Depression, she follows her wanderlust, answering an advert to dive with horses. Little does she know that she is about to be thrust into a world teeming with danger, excitement, and fierce competition.

As Sonora delves into the cutthroat world of show business, complete with trapeze aerial acts and juggling bears, her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication propel her into the limelight, making her a sensation, and after marrying the show runner, her entire life becomes their act and their horses. But she soon learns that a diver--and her horse--are only as good as their last show, a show some are hellbent on shutting down. When a tragic accident changes her life forever, can Sonora muster the courage to climb the forty-five-foot tower and dive again, risking her life to save the show and their horses from falling into the wrong hands?

In Sonora, Jenni L. Walsh vividly captures the spirit of a brave woman who defied societal norms to follow her dreams, diving into the unknown with courage and resilience.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400246776
• ISBN13: 9781400246779
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Harper Muse
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

I highly recommend this amazing novel

Thanks to LibraryThing & Harper Muse for an advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise noted. Loved this amazing novel inspired by the life of Sonora Webster, a spunky, courageous, independent young woman who becomes one of the first female horse divers in the US. Jenni L. Walsh has crafted a well-researched and un-put-downable novel that tells of the experiences of life on the carnival circuit in the 1920s. She recreates a world of danger and daring, excitement and entertainment. Our memorable main character, Sonora, takes on this lifestyle and rises beyond the challenges to make the story one of grit, bravery, and inspiration. This beautifully written novel combines Sonora’s love of horses with her desire to follow her dreams. I enjoyed the themes of family (both actual and found), community, and determination to overcome extreme challenges. This could also be included in a book list for Young Adult readers. I highly recommend.