Sonora
A Novel
Published on 4. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-4002-4677-9 (ISBN)
Description
"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.
"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.
Reviews / Votes
'A winner of a story from start to finish! I fell head over heels for Sonora, her spirited horses, and her spunk, and was cheering from the sidelines the whole way. Heart-pounding, immersive. and utterly fascinating--you won't be able to put this one down.' * Sara Ackerman, USA TODAY bestselling author of THE SHARK HOUSE * 'If you grew up binge watching Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, Jenni L Walsh's Sonora is your new favorite book. While the characters all feel familiar, the true story of Sonora Webster Carver and her diving horses is grittier than the Disney version. But that grit and determination are what make this story so inspiring. Don't miss this wild ride of a novel!' * SARA GOODMAN CONFINO, bestselling author of Don't Forget to Write * 'Jenni L. Walsh brings the inspiring true-life tale of horse diver Sonora Carver to life, with profound sensitivity and impeccable historical detail. A beautifully written novel about courage, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a girl and her horses. I read it in one go!' * Mimi Matthews, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Belles of London series * 'This one's is 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. In the pages of SONORA, Walsh's impeccable research and immersive prose expertly plunge the reader into the complexities, triumphs, and disappointments of the real Sonora Carver--a woman whose life inspired a generation--and into the fascinating community behind a bygone high-diving horse act that enthralled the country. This novel is not to be missed, a sure classic, just like the movie that first introduced us to Sonora's life.' * Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of THE STAR OF CAMP GREENE * 'Sonora's story is about not giving up in the face of setbacks. An inspirational tale.' * Booklist *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Focus
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4002-4677-9 (9781400246779)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jenni L. Walsh worked for a decade enticing readers as an award-winning advertising copywriter before becoming an author. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets.
Jenni is the USA TODAY bestselling author of historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel, Spy. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and historical novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, and Operation: Happy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media.
Jenni is the USA TODAY bestselling author of historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel, Spy. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and historical novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, and Operation: Happy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media.