Willa McCarthy is the only girl in a rambunctious Irish Catholic family, in 1930s San Francisco. Her parents hold dear their plans and wishes for her to become a nun, but Willa has never held these same wishes. There has always been something else out there for her. When she brings her injured brother to the local doctor's office, she realizes that her dream is to become a doctor, a career that is rare and discouraged for a female in those times.

Dr, Katherine Winston is the new doctor in town, and she has recently replaced Dr. Maloy. People are doubtful that she can do as good a job as a male doctor. With every move and act, Dr. Winston proves that she can do as good, or better, a job than a man. Willa is instantly aware that Dr. Winston is the embodiment of all Willa wants in life. How will Willa tell her religious, adamant parents that being a doctor is what she wants? How does Willa convince herself that her worldly desires are stronger than being a cloistered nun?

This was a fast read, a look at the historical time when the Golden Gate Bridge (which figures prominently in this story) was being built. It's dramatic and realistic.

Set in the late 1930s during the building of the Golden Gate bridge you follow Willhelmina who has ambitions of becoming a doctor, the only problem is her parents expect to her carry on a family tradition of joining the convent. Willa has accepted her fate until she meets the new town doctor Katherine Winston who offers to take Willa under her wing and teach her some skills. Willa is now faced with the dilemma of following her parents dreams or following her own.

Willa has a strong desire to study medicine, she has studied a lot on her won and she wants to help those in need. Willa was a nice character and strives to help as many as she can. I liked seeing her help those less fortunate in town and continue to check on their wellbeing. Willa really deals with a lot of guilt and is afraid of disappointing her parents and is willing to give up her dreams to keep them happy.

I enjoyed the different relationships throughout the book. First the friendship that Willa forms with Dr. Katherine Winston. Willa tries to learn as much from her as possible and Katherine pushes Willa and believes that she has what it takes to become a doctor. I loved Willa's brothers and how overprotective they were of her and how supportive they became, especially Paddy who believed in her from the start. The romance between Willa and Sam was cute. Sam was a sweet character and is very encouraging of Willa to pursue medicine.

Filled with friendships, loss, and first love. A very enjoyable historical fiction read.

Very few things are perfect but this book? It might just be. This book was so incredibly special. The research and love that Amy clearly poured into this book is obvious. It is unmeasurable how wonderful this book was. I was completely swept up by the events of this story. Everything was so vivid. I feel like this book called on all five senses in the most extreme ways. I could see the bridge taking shape, I could hear the hollers of the workers, I could smell the sea air. I felt like I could feel the rain and wind on my skin. I could practically taste the rosemary beef prepared for Christmas lunch. This book was such an immersive experience. I’ve enjoyed books. I’ve loved books. But the absolute joy and sorrow I experience reading Amy’s books doesn’t happen very often. I feel very privileged that I get to read books as special as this.

Nothing But Sky was my favourite read last year and easily became one of my all time favourite books. Without a doubt Across A Broken Shore just joined it.

When I find a new favourite author I’m certain that I’ll read whatever they publish so I don’t always take stock of what the next book will be about. I knew this book was set in the 1930’s. I knew the Golden Gate Bridge would be there. I knew Willa was going to be strong and daring and challenge expectations but I didn’t realise how difficult it was going to be for her to be exactly who she was supposed to be.

This book really was all the feels. My heart soared and I stood on the side lines and cheered for Willa. My heart absolutely plummeted and I wanted to rush in hug all her broken pieces back together. Or maybe I needed someone to do that for me? I don’t know. I’m not even a hugging person. I sobbed and I sobbed and I’d do it all again because I’ve just finished and I already want to read about Willa and Sam and her family all over again. How is it possible that this book made my heart feel lighter and heavier all at once?

It’s always difficult to leave behind the characters of a wonderful book but it was especially difficult knowing that I live in 2019 and Willa lived in the 1930’s. I would love nothing more than to sit on a porch with Willa, drinking tea and listening to her stories!

1930s San Francisco comes alive in Amy Trueblood’s historical YA, ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE. In addition to the main plot revolving around Willa and her desire to become a doctor in a male-dominated field, I felt like I learned so much about this time period and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in particular.

Willa’s story is all about following her passion, and what that could cost her. I loved Willa’s tenacity, her ensemble of larger-than-life brothers, the world she finds through her friendship with mentor, Dr. Katherine Winston, and the love story had quite a few swoony moments as well. ;)

This book is YA, but I can also envision it being a hit for adult readers as well! Big thanks to NetGalley and Flux for providing this e-ARC.

Across a Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood is a wonderful novel written in the voice of a young 18 year old woman named Willa (Wilhelmina) MacCarthy.
Here is a historical nonfiction book set in San Francisco in the 1930s during the time of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a coming of age novel where Willa trying to find her future and calling and the struggle between what she “should do” based on what her parents want for her, and what her heart calls out for her to do.

The internal struggle of deciding on her parent’s path of Willa joining the convent as os a family tradition, or following her heart on this new-found discovery and journey into medicine at the encouragement of her new friends and her new mentor Dr. Katherine Winston, gives us a wonderful, heartfelt story that most of us can relate to in one way or another. Being a female practicing in medicine, I especially am drawn to Willa and her struggles. It even brought tears to my eyes at one point.

This is a wonderful book and a treasure. This is a must read and I give it 5/5.

Thank you NetGalley for this touching read and in return for this advanced read, I am submitting my voluntary and unbiased opinion and review. Thank you again.