Sonora
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 27
- 8 min read
By: Jenni L. Walsh
Narrator: Piper Goodeve
ISBN: 9781400246779
Publisher: HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse
Publication Date: 10/28/2025
Format: Other & audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
"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.
My Review
Renowned bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh, celebrated for her gripping narratives, such as my favorite, Ace, Marvel, Spy: A Novel of Alice Marble, (top audiobooks of 2025), now captivates readers once again with her latest inspiring historical fiction, SONORA.
This mesmerizing novel is inspired by the remarkable life of Sonora Webster Carver, a trailblazer in the world of horse diving and one of the first women to dazzle audiences with her daring performances.
Journey through a vivid tapestry of history that captures not only the thrills of the sport but also the resilience and spirit of a woman who defied societal norms to carve her own path.
About...
It starts here:
Waycross, Georgia: Webster's career as a daredevil horse diver began when she answered an advertisement in a Georgia newspaper.
1923 Savannah, GA
WANTED: Attractive young woman who can swim and dive. Likes horses, desires to travel.
Inspired by a remarkable true story, the novel unfolds as a richly imagined portrayal of Sonora Webster Carver, one of the pioneering female horse divers of her time. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the American carnival scene, it immerses readers in a world filled with daring stunts and breathtaking adventures during a tumultuous era.
Sonora Webster, though destitute and spirited, embraces her dreams with an unwavering resolve. As the shadow of the Great Depression looms large, she pursues her insatiable wanderlust, responding to an enticing advertisement seeking performers for a horse diving act. Unbeknownst to her, this decision will catapult her into a thrilling realm rife with peril, exhilaration, and fierce rivalries.
As she joins the ranks of the traveling carnivals, Sonora quickly captivates audiences with her astonishing diving prowess, her talent elevating her to stardom—especially following her marriage to the enigmatic showrunner. However, the euphoria of her newfound fame is shattered by a devastating accident that threatens to derail her career.
Now, Sonora must summon all her strength and courage to conquer her most daunting dive yet, a feat that will test not only her skills but her spirit as well.
My thoughts...
In this captivating narrative, Jenni L. Walsh skillfully illuminates the indomitable spirit of an audacious woman who dared to defy the constraints of societal expectations. I adore stories of strong women!
With a heart full of courage, she boldly pursues her passions, immersing herself in the uncharted waters of her dreams. Her journey is marked by an unyielding tenacity and remarkable resilience, as she navigates the challenges that arise, proving that the pursuit of one's true calling is a powerful act of defiance against the norms of her time.
In a captivating continuation of her narrative prowess, much like in her previous novel, "Ace, Marvel and Spy," Walsh introduces us to the remarkable life of Sonora Webster Carver. This daring and unforgettable figure, much like the legendary American tennis champion Alice Marble—renowned for her trailblazing spirit, athleticism, activism, and even her role as a spy—defied the constraints imposed by society in her unrelenting pursuit of her dreams.
In a striking parallel to Marble, Sonora immerses herself in the ruthless realm of show business, where the air is thick with excitement and danger. Amid dazzling trapeze acts that soar high above and the awe-inspiring spectacle of juggling bears, her extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication shine brightly, catapulting her into the spotlight and turning her into a beloved sensation.
Yet, this breathtaking journey comes with its perils, as Sonora puts her own life on the line to save the glimmering show and its cherished horses from falling into the clutches of those with nefarious intentions.
With unyielding bravery and remarkable fortitude, Carver fearlessly ventured into uncharted territories, embodying the very spirit of a true pioneer and a remarkable woman. Her journey inspired countless others to follow in her groundbreaking footsteps, igniting dreams of adventure and possibilities.
The narrative is both absorbing and immersive, meticulously researched with rich historical details that bring the era to life. The author masterfully captures not only the courage and resilience of this extraordinary girl but also her deep, abiding love for her horses, which serve as steadfast companions through every challenge she faces.
Sonora, a courageous woman...
Sonora was a remarkable woman whose spirit illuminated the lives of many with her incredible talent as a rider, defying the odds of her blindness and other disabilities. From 1924 to 1942, she mesmerized audiences as she dove with her magnificent horses, captivating onlookers with the Great Carver Show and the breathtaking High-Diving Horse spectacle. This thrilling performance met an abrupt halt when the US entered the Second World War, leading to the suspension of such grand acts.
Family Connection:
In 1928, she married Albert ("Al") Carver, Doc Carver's son, and her sister, Arnette Webster, later joined the show as a horse diver.
The Act:
The act involved mounting a running horse as it reached the top of a 40-foot tower, then riding the horse as it plunged into a pool of water below.
Steel Pier:
While the show was initially a traveling act, it eventually became a permanent fixture at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City
Post-Diving Career:
After being blinded in a 1931 diving accident, she continued the act for 11 more years before moving to New Orleans with her husband.
Activism:
She became an advocate for the visually impaired and worked as a typist for the Lighthouse for the Blind.
Legacy:
Her story is the basis for the 1991 Disney movie, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
After the war drew to a close, Sonora chose not to return to the adrenaline-fueled world of horse diving. However, performances resumed and continued to be a beloved attraction at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ, where they remained until the final curtain closed on high-diving horse shows in 1978. Remarkably, she lived until the age of ninety-nine, passing away in 2003 after enduring seventy-two years of blindness.
Recs...
For avid fans of the author and those eager to explore the depths of this captivating narrative, the Author's Note serves as a delightful gateway to a wealth of intriguing insights, additional reading materials, and valuable resources. SONORA shines brightly as a remarkable selection for book clubs, igniting vibrant discussions and thoughtful reflections centered on themes of courage and perseverance. Furthermore, readers who appreciated Joy Callaway's The Star of Camp Greene will find themselves equally enchanted by this compelling tale.
The audiobook...
I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in both the written text and the captivating audiobook, narrated by the exceptionally talented and award-winning actress and director, Piper Goodeve. Her mesmerizing performance brought each character to life with vibrant energy, elevating the narrative to new heights. With every word, she conveys a depth of emotion and authenticity that makes the story truly engaging and inspiring.
Special thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 28, 2025
Praise
'Sonora's story is about not giving up in the face of setbacks. An inspirational tale.' — Booklist
'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
'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
About the Author
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.
