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Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel
Two women. Lives they didn't choose. A friendship that dares them to want more.
Miami, 1933. Mary Simons was supposed to fill her scrapbook with photos of her baby's first smiles, locks of fine hair, and handwritten milestones. Instead, she records respiration rates and temperatures, hoping science can save what love can't. When her baby dies, the future she imagined dies with her.
A thousand miles north, Elena Wagner has spent years burying the girl who nursed her mother and sister through their final days. Silk dresses and a husband who adores her keep the grief at arm's length. But an unplanned pregnancy, and a Depression that won't end, threaten to pull her back into the one role she swore she'd never play again.
A chance encounter at the Chicago World's Fair brings the two women together. When circumstances relocate them both to the sugarcane fields of Depression-era Florida, an unlikely friendship becomes the one thing they can't afford to lose. In a time when women are expected to endure in silence, Mary and Elena must decide: keep performing the lives they're supposed to live, or risk it all for the women they might still become.
A character-driven novel about loss, friendship, and courage. Sometimes the hardest thing isn't holding on. It's learning to breathe again.
For readers of Fiona Davis, Kristina McMorris, Marie Benedict, and Lisa Wingate.
Miami, 1933. Mary Simons was supposed to fill her scrapbook with photos of her baby's first smiles, locks of fine hair, and handwritten milestones. Instead, she records respiration rates and temperatures, hoping science can save what love can't. When her baby dies, the future she imagined dies with her.
A thousand miles north, Elena Wagner has spent years burying the girl who nursed her mother and sister through their final days. Silk dresses and a husband who adores her keep the grief at arm's length. But an unplanned pregnancy, and a Depression that won't end, threaten to pull her back into the one role she swore she'd never play again.
A chance encounter at the Chicago World's Fair brings the two women together. When circumstances relocate them both to the sugarcane fields of Depression-era Florida, an unlikely friendship becomes the one thing they can't afford to lose. In a time when women are expected to endure in silence, Mary and Elena must decide: keep performing the lives they're supposed to live, or risk it all for the women they might still become.
A character-driven novel about loss, friendship, and courage. Sometimes the hardest thing isn't holding on. It's learning to breathe again.
For readers of Fiona Davis, Kristina McMorris, Marie Benedict, and Lisa Wingate.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 20, 2026
In this book, we follow two different women during the Great Depression era who end up in the same small town in Florida. One has suffered significant loss and is both literally and figuratively learning to breathe again from physical loss and medical issues affecting her breathing. The other woman loves fashion, art and the theater life in NYC, but is torn away and thrown into a life in Florida as well as motherhood—all things she never wanted for herself.
Everyone in this book needs a good, STRONG talking-to about communication!! That aside, I enjoyed this storyline and always love reading about women in medicine (which I think we'll get to delve even more into in future books). I usually go into stories relatively blindly, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn this is the start of a trilogy. I can't wait to see what comes next in the final two books!
*(Thank you, Hammock Oak Publishing/ NetGalley for the audio copy)
Everyone in this book needs a good, STRONG talking-to about communication!! That aside, I enjoyed this storyline and always love reading about women in medicine (which I think we'll get to delve even more into in future books). I usually go into stories relatively blindly, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn this is the start of a trilogy. I can't wait to see what comes next in the final two books!
*(Thank you, Hammock Oak Publishing/ NetGalley for the audio copy)
Read
May 5, 2026So glad to receive an ARC for review!
The book’s title has two interpretations: the physical attempts of maintaining breath during illness, and also the weight of continuing day to day while keeping secrets that could well destroy a marriage.
The story takes place in the early-to-mid-1930’s and focuses on two couples, one from Miami and one from New York, who are doing their best to make it through the Great Depression. Situated in Florida, the story is a historical snapshot of what happened as the citrus industry was suffering due to canker, and how sugar cane and its processing took over the fields.
Mary and Edward worked together in citrus, when they meet Elena and William who are new to Florida and speculating about the new sugar industry. Edward and William begin working together, more or less forcing their wives to become friends, though their situations are vastly different. Women’s roles and expectations play a large part in the plot;
I enjoyed meeting these characters, and look forward to the next volume for the continuation of their stories!
The book’s title has two interpretations: the physical attempts of maintaining breath during illness, and also the weight of continuing day to day while keeping secrets that could well destroy a marriage.
The story takes place in the early-to-mid-1930’s and focuses on two couples, one from Miami and one from New York, who are doing their best to make it through the Great Depression. Situated in Florida, the story is a historical snapshot of what happened as the citrus industry was suffering due to canker, and how sugar cane and its processing took over the fields.
Mary and Edward worked together in citrus, when they meet Elena and William who are new to Florida and speculating about the new sugar industry. Edward and William begin working together, more or less forcing their wives to become friends, though their situations are vastly different. Women’s roles and expectations play a large part in the plot;
I enjoyed meeting these characters, and look forward to the next volume for the continuation of their stories!
June 22, 2026
4.5 stars
I wanted to savour every minute of this book, and yet I sped through it in a day.
Set in the Depression era of the 1930s, we follow two women, Mary and Elena, who cross paths by chance and are brought together amid their husbands’ search for work in Florida. Elena’s husband subsequently enlists Mary to watch over his heavily pregnant wife, which propels us into the monumental role these characters go on to play in each other’s lives.
This book explores the realities of what goes on behind closed doors in marriage, parenthood, and surviving economic hardship. It is also a true testament to the village they talk about when raising a child. I really appreciated how it made room to showcase both women’s identities beyond just their roles as wives, including an exploration of their respective interests, strengths and career aspirations. I particularly loved how Edward, Mary’s husband, was encouraging and supportive of her endeavours, which was rather unprecedented for that time period.
An emotional and touching story of found family and friendship, loss and grief, finding purpose in life, and the secrets and physical ailments that kept these characters literally or emotionally trying to catch their breath.
The ending felt slightly abrupt and left me wanting more, but I understand that the story continues in the next book, and I fear I need it ASAP!! Really enjoyed this.
Thank you very much to Hammock Oak Publishing, Tonya Cam and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I wanted to savour every minute of this book, and yet I sped through it in a day.
Set in the Depression era of the 1930s, we follow two women, Mary and Elena, who cross paths by chance and are brought together amid their husbands’ search for work in Florida. Elena’s husband subsequently enlists Mary to watch over his heavily pregnant wife, which propels us into the monumental role these characters go on to play in each other’s lives.
This book explores the realities of what goes on behind closed doors in marriage, parenthood, and surviving economic hardship. It is also a true testament to the village they talk about when raising a child. I really appreciated how it made room to showcase both women’s identities beyond just their roles as wives, including an exploration of their respective interests, strengths and career aspirations. I particularly loved how Edward, Mary’s husband, was encouraging and supportive of her endeavours, which was rather unprecedented for that time period.
An emotional and touching story of found family and friendship, loss and grief, finding purpose in life, and the secrets and physical ailments that kept these characters literally or emotionally trying to catch their breath.
The ending felt slightly abrupt and left me wanting more, but I understand that the story continues in the next book, and I fear I need it ASAP!! Really enjoyed this.
Thank you very much to Hammock Oak Publishing, Tonya Cam and NetGalley for access to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Read
June 26, 2026What a beautiful story. Learning to Breathe Again is a heartfelt novel about friendship, resilience, and finding your voice in a world that so often refused to let women have one.
I loved the dual meaning behind the title. Asthma plays an important role throughout the story, but “learning to breathe again” also becomes a powerful metaphor for healing, reclaiming yourself, and finding the courage to live life on your own terms. It was a subtle but meaningful thread that tied the story together beautifully.
The historical fiction element was wonderfully done, and I really enjoyed the female characters and the relationships between them. Their strength, determination, and support for one another were the heart of the novel.
That said, I did struggle with one of the female leads. I found myself frustrated by her decision to leave her child, and it made it difficult for me to connect with her at times. I also felt the ending came a little too quickly. After becoming invested in these characters, I would have loved to see the relationships fleshed out a bit more before the story concluded.
Even with those minor criticisms, this was a beautifully written and moving story about friendship, resilience, and discovering your own voice—especially in a time when women were rarely given one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
I loved the dual meaning behind the title. Asthma plays an important role throughout the story, but “learning to breathe again” also becomes a powerful metaphor for healing, reclaiming yourself, and finding the courage to live life on your own terms. It was a subtle but meaningful thread that tied the story together beautifully.
The historical fiction element was wonderfully done, and I really enjoyed the female characters and the relationships between them. Their strength, determination, and support for one another were the heart of the novel.
That said, I did struggle with one of the female leads. I found myself frustrated by her decision to leave her child, and it made it difficult for me to connect with her at times. I also felt the ending came a little too quickly. After becoming invested in these characters, I would have loved to see the relationships fleshed out a bit more before the story concluded.
Even with those minor criticisms, this was a beautifully written and moving story about friendship, resilience, and discovering your own voice—especially in a time when women were rarely given one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
May 8, 2026
This is a honest review of a ARC. This book had me hooked almost immediately ( I’m a retired xray tech and medical assistant). I love anything and everything about the medical world, especially the history and how far it has come in such a small amount of time. But, not just the medical aspect of this book was good. The story of the two families was amazing. Overall, this feels like it will be a great historical fiction series. It was written beautifully and you could tell that the author really took the time to research the time period, places, and events that took place then. Thank you to the author, Tonya Cam, for the ARC.
May 7, 2026
5 ⭐️+
I couldn’t put this one down. I was completely invested in the characters and had to know what would happen next for each of them. Heartbreaking and emotional at times, but the growth, resilience, and healing throughout the story made it so compelling.
I loved the layered meaning behind the title through the characters’ illnesses, struggles, marriage, and personal growth. I especially found myself rooting for Edward as he supported Mary through everything while still encouraging her dreams and allowing her room to grow, especially in a time when that kind of support from a husband wasn’t always common.
Already excited for book two.
I couldn’t put this one down. I was completely invested in the characters and had to know what would happen next for each of them. Heartbreaking and emotional at times, but the growth, resilience, and healing throughout the story made it so compelling.
I loved the layered meaning behind the title through the characters’ illnesses, struggles, marriage, and personal growth. I especially found myself rooting for Edward as he supported Mary through everything while still encouraging her dreams and allowing her room to grow, especially in a time when that kind of support from a husband wasn’t always common.
Already excited for book two.
April 23, 2026
I loved this book. I give it 4.5 stars because while the writing isn’t always a five, the story telling is definitely a five. The characters were amazingly like real fallible humans. I didn’t particularly like any of them but I desperately wanted to know what would happen to them. The stuff they had to face, the unfairness of the times with the Depression the lack of rights for women! Mary lost so much and gave so much but was annoyingly judgmental. Elena was so self absorbed feeling she deserved it after taking care of and losing her mother and sister. I was more angry with her narcissism than her affair. William gave Elena no choice in her life and then instead of saying anything about what he wanted from her and their relationship he just sat back and waited for Elena to disappoint him. Edward seemed like a nice guy but how could he be so clueless about his wife’s health? And yet the story was riveting and I can’t wait for the next book.
April 22, 2026
“”Now it’s time for you to do what’s best for you,” Elena said softly.””
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book! A historical fiction work of art! Loved the period details woven into this story! I can’t wait for book 2 (September 2026) and book 3 (February 2027)!
This story follows two couples in the 1930’s depression era. Circumstances forces them all to relocate to Florida to work in the sugarcane fields. Friendships, trials, priorities, secrets abound throughout this novel. A beautiful story about finding oneself in a time when women were to be silent. Leaving the past behind, embracing your beliefs and desires, setting boundaries and sticking to them, being vulnerable, authentic, finding your true potential….Becoming!!!
Thank you Tonya Cam for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.
Release Date: May 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book! A historical fiction work of art! Loved the period details woven into this story! I can’t wait for book 2 (September 2026) and book 3 (February 2027)!
This story follows two couples in the 1930’s depression era. Circumstances forces them all to relocate to Florida to work in the sugarcane fields. Friendships, trials, priorities, secrets abound throughout this novel. A beautiful story about finding oneself in a time when women were to be silent. Leaving the past behind, embracing your beliefs and desires, setting boundaries and sticking to them, being vulnerable, authentic, finding your true potential….Becoming!!!
Thank you Tonya Cam for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.
Release Date: May 5, 2026
June 27, 2026
⭐️ 4+
🎧 Audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Tonya Cam, and Hammock Oak Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Mary and Elena are two very different women, each trying to navigate loss and heartbreak in her own way.
Set against the backdrop of the 1930s Depression, Tonya Cam’s historical fiction novel weaves in real-life events that make the story feel vivid and authentic. It’s honestly hard to believe this is a debut. I also loved the author’s note at the end - it added depth and even offered some suggested reading.
Although the book deals with serious themes (trigger warning: the death of a baby occurs in the first few chapters), Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel didn't feel weighed down by its heaviness. Instead, it left me with a sense of hope: we can find a way to survive as long as we have purpose.
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Lily Redfield, with distinct voices for all the main characters that added to the immersion.
As the first book in a trilogy, it sets things up beautifully. I’m already looking forward to the next instalment to see what comes next for Mary and Elena.
🎧 Audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Tonya Cam, and Hammock Oak Publishing for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Mary and Elena are two very different women, each trying to navigate loss and heartbreak in her own way.
Set against the backdrop of the 1930s Depression, Tonya Cam’s historical fiction novel weaves in real-life events that make the story feel vivid and authentic. It’s honestly hard to believe this is a debut. I also loved the author’s note at the end - it added depth and even offered some suggested reading.
Although the book deals with serious themes (trigger warning: the death of a baby occurs in the first few chapters), Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel didn't feel weighed down by its heaviness. Instead, it left me with a sense of hope: we can find a way to survive as long as we have purpose.
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Lily Redfield, with distinct voices for all the main characters that added to the immersion.
As the first book in a trilogy, it sets things up beautifully. I’m already looking forward to the next instalment to see what comes next for Mary and Elena.
June 26, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC audiobooks.
The narration was fantastic and really brought these characters to life.
I quickly became invested in both Mary and Ellie and can’t wait to see where their stories go in the next installment. Their lives couldn’t be more different—Mary gives so much of herself, often putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, while Ellie is far more self-serving and determined to do whatever benefits her. Watching these two women navigate such different paths made for a compelling read.
Set against the backdrop of economic hardship and societal expectations, the novel explores grief, resilience, and the difficult choices women were forced to make as they left their homes to follow their husbands in search of a better life. I loved seeing both women find their footing after tragedy and loss, even when they made frustrating decisions along the way.
A heartfelt historical novel with memorable characters and an excellent audiobook performance. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
The narration was fantastic and really brought these characters to life.
I quickly became invested in both Mary and Ellie and can’t wait to see where their stories go in the next installment. Their lives couldn’t be more different—Mary gives so much of herself, often putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, while Ellie is far more self-serving and determined to do whatever benefits her. Watching these two women navigate such different paths made for a compelling read.
Set against the backdrop of economic hardship and societal expectations, the novel explores grief, resilience, and the difficult choices women were forced to make as they left their homes to follow their husbands in search of a better life. I loved seeing both women find their footing after tragedy and loss, even when they made frustrating decisions along the way.
A heartfelt historical novel with memorable characters and an excellent audiobook performance. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
July 7, 2026
I absolutely love this story💖💖💖
From start to finish, I was fully invested. Every page made me want more, and I couldn't put the book down at all! I loved everything about this story, including the plot, characters, and setting! The character's experiences and relationships were extremely impactful and their emotions were so raw and relatable. I appreciate how the author describes such intricate and complex feelings! Moreover, I love how she meticulously crafts the setting where I could visualize the surroundings and activate my 5 senses; her storytelling is amazing beyond words. I love this historical novel because I can learn something new while appreciating/acknowledging the past! This story has several amazing themes and messages, and I love how it moved me!
From start to finish, I was fully invested. Every page made me want more, and I couldn't put the book down at all! I loved everything about this story, including the plot, characters, and setting! The character's experiences and relationships were extremely impactful and their emotions were so raw and relatable. I appreciate how the author describes such intricate and complex feelings! Moreover, I love how she meticulously crafts the setting where I could visualize the surroundings and activate my 5 senses; her storytelling is amazing beyond words. I love this historical novel because I can learn something new while appreciating/acknowledging the past! This story has several amazing themes and messages, and I love how it moved me!
June 4, 2026
This book was so good and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
The story follows two women - their paths cross during the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and their lives become intertwined in Florida. I loved the character development in this book. These are two very different women struggling with their own demons and it was beautifully done. Both women are trying to find their place and ambition in life. I devoured this in a day.
The story follows two women - their paths cross during the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 and their lives become intertwined in Florida. I loved the character development in this book. These are two very different women struggling with their own demons and it was beautifully done. Both women are trying to find their place and ambition in life. I devoured this in a day.
May 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was written so well with so much detail that I was fully invested waiting to see what happens next.
I love stories that detail a moment in time in the lives that are affected during our world’s trials and tribulations and this book did just that. This story happens during the Depression Era following two women and their families and the struggles they have to go through learning to lean on each other for support. Mary and Elena living two separate lives are forced to move to find a way to navigate and survive that leads them to cross paths and be what each other needs. This book shows love, friendship, hardships, hope and strength.
I love stories that detail a moment in time in the lives that are affected during our world’s trials and tribulations and this book did just that. This story happens during the Depression Era following two women and their families and the struggles they have to go through learning to lean on each other for support. Mary and Elena living two separate lives are forced to move to find a way to navigate and survive that leads them to cross paths and be what each other needs. This book shows love, friendship, hardships, hope and strength.
May 28, 2026
Thank you, Tonya Cam for allowing me to read and review this lovely ARC!
In 1933, Depression Era, Mary Simons, is having a hard time coping with grief and loss after being a family caretaker. She travels to the “World’s Fair” where she meets, Elena Wagner. Develops an extraordinary friendship, when their husband’s search for work leads back to Depression era Florida. Back to the sugarcane fields, where Edward and Mary had worked in earlier years.
This is an historical novel about loss, grief, and courage.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I will admit that I took my time reading it because I just didn’t want it to end!
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything by Tonya Cam. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I plan to read more by her in the future!
In 1933, Depression Era, Mary Simons, is having a hard time coping with grief and loss after being a family caretaker. She travels to the “World’s Fair” where she meets, Elena Wagner. Develops an extraordinary friendship, when their husband’s search for work leads back to Depression era Florida. Back to the sugarcane fields, where Edward and Mary had worked in earlier years.
This is an historical novel about loss, grief, and courage.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I will admit that I took my time reading it because I just didn’t want it to end!
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything by Tonya Cam. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I plan to read more by her in the future!
May 13, 2026
I started reading and was pulled into Mary and Elena’s stories almost immediately. I live in Florida so it is always fun to read about where I know. The Depression-era Florida setting felt vivid and unique, and I loved how the story balanced heartbreak, resilience (so much resilience!), hope and personal growth without being too heavy. I especially loved the friendship between the women.
I love historical fiction and this was one that makes you say just one more chapter before bed. I’m already excited for book two.
Thank you to Tonya Cam for the ARC!
I love historical fiction and this was one that makes you say just one more chapter before bed. I’m already excited for book two.
Thank you to Tonya Cam for the ARC!
May 10, 2026
I was instantly hooked by Learning to Breathe Again. The characters felt so real and well-developed that I found myself genuinely invested in what happened to them. The author clearly did extensive research — the historical details surrounding asthma medicine, sugar cane, and the time period added so much depth and authenticity to the story without ever feeling overwhelming.
This book completely pulled me in and kept me flipping pages late into the night. I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. If you love historical fiction with heart, strong characters, and fascinating detail, this is absolutely worth the read.
This book completely pulled me in and kept me flipping pages late into the night. I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours because I simply could not put it down. If you love historical fiction with heart, strong characters, and fascinating detail, this is absolutely worth the read.
July 2, 2026
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who enjoy emotional historical fiction, flawed characters, and stories that aren't afraid to leave your heart in pieces before trying to put it back together again.
This book had me repeatedly pausing the audiobook just so I could rant to my husband about why historical fiction occasionally turns me into a temporary man-hater.
Don't worry, I recovered... eventually.
The "problem" certainly wasn't the writing. Quite the opposite. These characters felt so painfully real that I spent half the book wanting to shake someone.
Elena and I never really got along. She frustrated me endlessly with her choices, avoided reality whenever she could, and seemed far more interested in beautiful things than facing the life in front of her. More than once I wanted to reach into the pages and shake some sense into her. Yet every time I thought I'd finally run out of patience, the story peeled back another layer of fear and grief, reminding me that people don't always make sensible choices when they're hurting. I never truly warmed to Elena, but I also never stopped hoping she'd prove me wrong.
And then... there were the husbands.
I know these attitudes belonged to the 1930s, and I genuinely think the author portrayed them brilliantly. The historical setting felt wonderfully researched from everything I know about the period. That didn't stop me from wanting to yell every time one of them marched in convinced he knew what was best for his wife without ever stopping to ask what she wanted. I have absolutely no patience for that sort of "I know best" attitude, and more than once I had to pause the audiobook for another little rant before carrying on.
The funny thing is that none of it pushed me away from the story. It did the exact opposite. I found myself quietly rooting for Mary almost from the very beginning, while still hoping Elena would somehow find her feet. I just wanted these women to be allowed to become themselves instead of constantly being told who they ought to be.
I absolutely loved how this story broke my heart, slowly stitched it back together again, and then, just when I thought everything might finally be all right, quietly reached over and pulled a few threads loose.
When I finally reached the end, I realised I couldn't really blame the book for any of my frustrations. Every time I paused the audiobook for another rant, it was because of the characters' choices rather than the writing itself. To me, that's the sign of a story that completely pulled me in.
If you're looking for a cosy historical novel, this probably isn't it. If you're looking for one that will have you ranting at fictional husbands, arguing with your headphones, and somehow still leave you with a full heart by the end, I'd absolutely recommend giving this one a try.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Wonderfully flawed characters who felt so real that I couldn't stop thinking about them.
• A beautifully researched historical setting that felt authentic without ever overshadowing the story.
• A story that quietly broke my heart, patiently stitched it back together, and then cheekily tugged at those stitches one last time.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• I honestly struggled to think of anything. The things that frustrated me were flaws in the characters, not flaws in the writing.
• If "I know what's best for you" characters make your eye twitch as much as they do mine, prepare yourself.
• This is an emotionally heavy read, so don't expect an easy journey.
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Lily Redfield was a wonderful choice for this audiobook. She gave every character a distinct voice that suited their personality beautifully, allowing their emotions to shine without ever feeling overdone. Her pacing was excellent, she never rushed important moments, and the production was clean throughout. I'd happily keep an eye out for another audiobook narrated by her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
This book had me repeatedly pausing the audiobook just so I could rant to my husband about why historical fiction occasionally turns me into a temporary man-hater.
Don't worry, I recovered... eventually.
The "problem" certainly wasn't the writing. Quite the opposite. These characters felt so painfully real that I spent half the book wanting to shake someone.
Elena and I never really got along. She frustrated me endlessly with her choices, avoided reality whenever she could, and seemed far more interested in beautiful things than facing the life in front of her. More than once I wanted to reach into the pages and shake some sense into her. Yet every time I thought I'd finally run out of patience, the story peeled back another layer of fear and grief, reminding me that people don't always make sensible choices when they're hurting. I never truly warmed to Elena, but I also never stopped hoping she'd prove me wrong.
And then... there were the husbands.
I know these attitudes belonged to the 1930s, and I genuinely think the author portrayed them brilliantly. The historical setting felt wonderfully researched from everything I know about the period. That didn't stop me from wanting to yell every time one of them marched in convinced he knew what was best for his wife without ever stopping to ask what she wanted. I have absolutely no patience for that sort of "I know best" attitude, and more than once I had to pause the audiobook for another little rant before carrying on.
The funny thing is that none of it pushed me away from the story. It did the exact opposite. I found myself quietly rooting for Mary almost from the very beginning, while still hoping Elena would somehow find her feet. I just wanted these women to be allowed to become themselves instead of constantly being told who they ought to be.
I absolutely loved how this story broke my heart, slowly stitched it back together again, and then, just when I thought everything might finally be all right, quietly reached over and pulled a few threads loose.
When I finally reached the end, I realised I couldn't really blame the book for any of my frustrations. Every time I paused the audiobook for another rant, it was because of the characters' choices rather than the writing itself. To me, that's the sign of a story that completely pulled me in.
If you're looking for a cosy historical novel, this probably isn't it. If you're looking for one that will have you ranting at fictional husbands, arguing with your headphones, and somehow still leave you with a full heart by the end, I'd absolutely recommend giving this one a try.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Wonderfully flawed characters who felt so real that I couldn't stop thinking about them.
• A beautifully researched historical setting that felt authentic without ever overshadowing the story.
• A story that quietly broke my heart, patiently stitched it back together, and then cheekily tugged at those stitches one last time.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• I honestly struggled to think of anything. The things that frustrated me were flaws in the characters, not flaws in the writing.
• If "I know what's best for you" characters make your eye twitch as much as they do mine, prepare yourself.
• This is an emotionally heavy read, so don't expect an easy journey.
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Lily Redfield was a wonderful choice for this audiobook. She gave every character a distinct voice that suited their personality beautifully, allowing their emotions to shine without ever feeling overdone. Her pacing was excellent, she never rushed important moments, and the production was clean throughout. I'd happily keep an eye out for another audiobook narrated by her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
July 3, 2026
Learning to Breathe Again:
A Novel, Book One of the Work of Becoming Trilogy
by Tonya Cam, author
with Lily Redfield, narrator
Rating: 5 star rating
Learning to Breathe Again by Tonya Cam is a beautiful, heart-wrenching piece of historical fiction. The story follows Mary Simons, a grieving young mother in 1933, Miami, whose world is shattered after losing her baby. She spent months recording respiration rates on medical charts instead of baby milestones, and the heartbreak is palpable.
Then there’s Elena Wagner, a woman from New York, who hides behind beautiful silk dresses and an adoring husband, Arthur, trying to run from the painful memories of nursing her late mother and sister. When an unplanned pregnancy threatens to drag Elena back into that caregiver role, she is terrified.
A chance encounter at the Chicago World’s Fair brings Mary and Elena together. But their bond truly cements when economic desperation forces Mary’s husband, Frank, and Elena's husband, Arthur, to take work in the grueling sugarcane fields of Clewiston, Florida. Mary has difficulty living around the oppressive heat and the smoke of the cane burns due to her bad asthma attacks. So, this is part of the ending of the story.
I listened to the audiobook edition narrated by Lily Redfield, and her performance brought so much raw emotion to their struggles. The ending doesn't wrap everything up perfectly, but it provides a satisfying sense of emotional survival and closure. It highlights the saving grace of female friendship and sets up the next book in The Work of Becoming Trilogy. You absolutely need to add this to your TBR list.
Thank you, NetGalley, Hammock Oak Publishing, and the author Tonya Cam and Lily Redfield, narrator, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#HammockOakPublishing
#TonyaCam author
#Lily Redfield narrator
#LearningtoBreatheAgain
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
A Novel, Book One of the Work of Becoming Trilogy
by Tonya Cam, author
with Lily Redfield, narrator
Rating: 5 star rating
Learning to Breathe Again by Tonya Cam is a beautiful, heart-wrenching piece of historical fiction. The story follows Mary Simons, a grieving young mother in 1933, Miami, whose world is shattered after losing her baby. She spent months recording respiration rates on medical charts instead of baby milestones, and the heartbreak is palpable.
Then there’s Elena Wagner, a woman from New York, who hides behind beautiful silk dresses and an adoring husband, Arthur, trying to run from the painful memories of nursing her late mother and sister. When an unplanned pregnancy threatens to drag Elena back into that caregiver role, she is terrified.
A chance encounter at the Chicago World’s Fair brings Mary and Elena together. But their bond truly cements when economic desperation forces Mary’s husband, Frank, and Elena's husband, Arthur, to take work in the grueling sugarcane fields of Clewiston, Florida. Mary has difficulty living around the oppressive heat and the smoke of the cane burns due to her bad asthma attacks. So, this is part of the ending of the story.
I listened to the audiobook edition narrated by Lily Redfield, and her performance brought so much raw emotion to their struggles. The ending doesn't wrap everything up perfectly, but it provides a satisfying sense of emotional survival and closure. It highlights the saving grace of female friendship and sets up the next book in The Work of Becoming Trilogy. You absolutely need to add this to your TBR list.
Thank you, NetGalley, Hammock Oak Publishing, and the author Tonya Cam and Lily Redfield, narrator, for the book review consideration. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley
#HammockOakPublishing
#TonyaCam author
#Lily Redfield narrator
#LearningtoBreatheAgain
http://goodreads.com/patriciasreading...
http://www.patriciasreadingroom.blogs...
July 13, 2026
Tonya Cam
Learning to Breathe Again by Tonya Cam is a compelling dual-perspective novel that follows the lives of two women in Depression-era Florida. Mary is grieving the loss of a child, while Elena is raising a child she never wanted. Their lives unexpectedly intersect at the Chicago World's Fair, where they form an unlikely friendship after their husbands, Edward and William, become business partners in a sugar cane plantation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook because it focuses on the women's journeys and personal growth. Although Mary and Elena come from very different backgrounds and circumstances, the story beautifully explores the challenges and societal expectations placed on women during that era, as well as the resilience each woman demonstrates in overcoming them.
The narrator also did an excellent job, bringing each character to life and making the audiobook engaging and enjoyable from beginning to end.
Learning to Breathe Again is the first book in the Work of Becoming Trilogy. The second installment, The Seduction of Belonging, is scheduled for release in September 2026.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and women's fiction. It's an emotional, thought-provoking story that I think many readers will enjoy.
July 29, 2026
This book take place in Florida in the mid 1930's during the Great Depression. The two couples could not be more different. Mary and Edward, a hard-working farmer focused on the citrus industry in Florida. Mary, suffering from asthma, is taking care of her very sick young daughter and elderly mother. The first part of the book covers the loss of both of these people and the impact on Mary specifically.
The second couple Elena and William are completely the opposite, living in New York. While William works hard to provide from him and his wife, Elena is a very self-centered, woman who only thinks of herself and what she wants.
During the World's Fair in Chicago, Mary, who has won a free ticket to the fair, meets William and Elena and tells them about the Florida citrus community and her husband's efforts. Fast forward, William and Edward meet and decide to go into sugar cane industry in Florida. They move to a small town; the wives are forced together even though they are different as day and night.
The story, classified as historical fiction is primarily a beautifully written woman's fiction read depicting the relationship of both the women and their spouses. It is a slightly sad story, hoping the next book lightens up the characters a little and finds them finding happiness and success they both deserve.
The second couple Elena and William are completely the opposite, living in New York. While William works hard to provide from him and his wife, Elena is a very self-centered, woman who only thinks of herself and what she wants.
During the World's Fair in Chicago, Mary, who has won a free ticket to the fair, meets William and Elena and tells them about the Florida citrus community and her husband's efforts. Fast forward, William and Edward meet and decide to go into sugar cane industry in Florida. They move to a small town; the wives are forced together even though they are different as day and night.
The story, classified as historical fiction is primarily a beautifully written woman's fiction read depicting the relationship of both the women and their spouses. It is a slightly sad story, hoping the next book lightens up the characters a little and finds them finding happiness and success they both deserve.
June 23, 2026
First time reader = setting Florida. The story takes place in the early to mid 1930’s and focuses on two couples, one from Miami and one from New York, who are doing their best to make it through the Great Depression. One woman has suffered significant loss and is both literally and figuratively learning to breathe again from physical loss and medical issues affecting her breathing. The other woman loves fashion, art and the theater life in NYC, but is torn away and thrown into a life in Florida as well as motherhood, all things she never wanted for herself. This book explores the realities of what goes on behind closed doors in marriage, parenthood, and surviving economic hardship. It is also a true testament to the village they talk about when raising a child. Friendships, trials, priorities, secrets abound throughout this novel. A beautiful story about finding oneself in a time when women were to be silent. Leaving the past behind, embracing your beliefs and desires, setting boundaries and sticking to them, being vulnerable, authentic, finding your true potential. Will be part of a series and I am now engaged and looking forward to the additional installments. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this opportunity.
July 15, 2026
Thank you to Tonya Cam and NetGalley for this audio-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.
Mary and Elena are two women who have suffered immense tragedies in their short lives. For Elena she wants to continue her life in NYC with her husband, child free, and enjoying life. Mary just wants happiness and to find her life's passion, to be useful and help others. A chance meeting at the Worlds Fair in Chicago changes these women's lives forever.
Despite being so frustrated at these characters sometimes I enjoyed this novel. There were times I felt it dragged on unnecessarily and parts where it rushed through the plot. When you're trying to write from two different POVs sometimes it's hard to make a continuation fluid. Listening to the audiobook I was able to speed those parts up just a little. I really liked the narrator of the audiobook, she had a soothing voice that gave life to the characters. I hate that it ended on things being unresolved but hearing that there are at least two more books coming about these women made me excited. I will check those out when they are published because I want to see where their decisions take them.
Mary and Elena are two women who have suffered immense tragedies in their short lives. For Elena she wants to continue her life in NYC with her husband, child free, and enjoying life. Mary just wants happiness and to find her life's passion, to be useful and help others. A chance meeting at the Worlds Fair in Chicago changes these women's lives forever.
Despite being so frustrated at these characters sometimes I enjoyed this novel. There were times I felt it dragged on unnecessarily and parts where it rushed through the plot. When you're trying to write from two different POVs sometimes it's hard to make a continuation fluid. Listening to the audiobook I was able to speed those parts up just a little. I really liked the narrator of the audiobook, she had a soothing voice that gave life to the characters. I hate that it ended on things being unresolved but hearing that there are at least two more books coming about these women made me excited. I will check those out when they are published because I want to see where their decisions take them.
June 28, 2026
What can I say about this book… Mary is an absolute saint, and honestly, she was far too nice! This story is absolutely full of infuriating moments where I wished I could reach through the pages and slap her friend and her husband. Their behavior had me deeply invested and emotionally charged from start to finish.
Despite the frustrating characters, this time piece is a very good bit of historical fiction. Tonya Cam does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the era, making the struggles feel vivid and real. If you enjoy historical fiction with high emotional stakes and characters that you will love to hate, this is definitely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the frustrating characters, this time piece is a very good bit of historical fiction. Tonya Cam does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the era, making the struggles feel vivid and real. If you enjoy historical fiction with high emotional stakes and characters that you will love to hate, this is definitely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2026
Tonya Cam has crafted a refreshing, novel about friendship, hardships and the human need to be seen. The story follows Mary and Elena who unwittingly meet, and become friends through their challenges and experiences.
What makes this book so captivating is how the author examines and develops unseeingly complex friendships initially lacking common ground and interests; all during trying times with limited opportunities and conditions. I enjoyed how the author included historical Florida and medical frontier aspects along with the changes of perceived traditional roles.
I highly recommend this book for both the light and dedicated reader. I look forward to the second volume of the trilogy with anticipation and hope the characters continue to become everything that is possible!
What makes this book so captivating is how the author examines and develops unseeingly complex friendships initially lacking common ground and interests; all during trying times with limited opportunities and conditions. I enjoyed how the author included historical Florida and medical frontier aspects along with the changes of perceived traditional roles.
I highly recommend this book for both the light and dedicated reader. I look forward to the second volume of the trilogy with anticipation and hope the characters continue to become everything that is possible!
July 30, 2026
4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tonya Cam for the prepublication audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed listening to this story, I’ve reviewed it as 4.5 as it wasn’t quite perfect, but the novel is great! I’m not always a fan of audio but this one works well.
The medical side of the book is interesting and informative, and the stifling nature of the marriages at times was cleverly juxtaposed, however it was the lives of the women and their friendship which captured me most. I finished the book wishing I could know more about how their lives unfold, and voila! an email from Tonya revealed that book 2 is being released in August! I recommend this trilogy to all who enjoy slow burn, considered novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tonya Cam for the prepublication audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed listening to this story, I’ve reviewed it as 4.5 as it wasn’t quite perfect, but the novel is great! I’m not always a fan of audio but this one works well.
The medical side of the book is interesting and informative, and the stifling nature of the marriages at times was cleverly juxtaposed, however it was the lives of the women and their friendship which captured me most. I finished the book wishing I could know more about how their lives unfold, and voila! an email from Tonya revealed that book 2 is being released in August! I recommend this trilogy to all who enjoy slow burn, considered novels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A must read ! I couldn’t put it down and if you’re anyone like me, you won’t be able to wait for book 2 to come out to continue the journey with Elena and Mary- okay let me not lie or the husbands, the child, or even the doctor. There are so many directions this book can take you! This story highlights how trauma and the devastating feeling of not being and/or doing enough can carry with you for such a long time. It also highlights how people will sacrifice their own well being and prioritize others over themselves. Fantastic read !
Thank you Tonya Cam for allowing me to read their journey
Thank you Tonya Cam for allowing me to read their journey
June 29, 2026
Thank you to Hammock Oak Publishing and NetGalley for an audiobook version of this new release in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed Mary and Elena’s story. Found family is something I always enjoy reading in my books and this one did just that. The two women who go through their own trials and tribulations in the 1930’s but also find friendship in one another. With what the two women were going through, I did find myself wanting a little bit more depth in the dialogue and storyline but nonetheless I did enjoy this and I will be reading the second and third instalment to this series when they are out!
I really enjoyed Mary and Elena’s story. Found family is something I always enjoy reading in my books and this one did just that. The two women who go through their own trials and tribulations in the 1930’s but also find friendship in one another. With what the two women were going through, I did find myself wanting a little bit more depth in the dialogue and storyline but nonetheless I did enjoy this and I will be reading the second and third instalment to this series when they are out!
July 11, 2026
I received Learning to Breathe Again as an ARC from NetGalley.
First, I was so thankful that the end of the audiobook version of Learning to Breathe Again mentioned that it will be a trilogy. I wasn't ready for Mary and Elena's story to end!
Mary and Elena are very different people who by pure chance develop a friendship. They live during The Depression and in a time where they do not truly have control of their own lives. They are broken women trying to find happiness and fulfillment while their husbands are dismissive of their needs for both physical and emotional health.
Tonya Cam uses double meanings throughout the story. In The Great Depression era, both Mary and Elena are working through their own depressions. Mary is literally struggling to breathe due to health issues. Elena is struggling to breathe metaphorically due to the social expectations and unplanned motherhood.
First, I was so thankful that the end of the audiobook version of Learning to Breathe Again mentioned that it will be a trilogy. I wasn't ready for Mary and Elena's story to end!
Mary and Elena are very different people who by pure chance develop a friendship. They live during The Depression and in a time where they do not truly have control of their own lives. They are broken women trying to find happiness and fulfillment while their husbands are dismissive of their needs for both physical and emotional health.
Tonya Cam uses double meanings throughout the story. In The Great Depression era, both Mary and Elena are working through their own depressions. Mary is literally struggling to breathe due to health issues. Elena is struggling to breathe metaphorically due to the social expectations and unplanned motherhood.
May 20, 2026
This book is everything.
Tonya Cam combines impeccable research, compelling prose, and the ability to break your heart then put it back together in the best way.
Mary and Elena are as different as they could be, and the road to their lasting friendship is fraught with social conflict and personal demons. Add in Depression Era Florida and it's the perfect recipe for a satisfying emotional rollercoaster of a story.
I could not put it down and I am counting the days until the next in the series!
Tonya Cam combines impeccable research, compelling prose, and the ability to break your heart then put it back together in the best way.
Mary and Elena are as different as they could be, and the road to their lasting friendship is fraught with social conflict and personal demons. Add in Depression Era Florida and it's the perfect recipe for a satisfying emotional rollercoaster of a story.
I could not put it down and I am counting the days until the next in the series!
July 7, 2026
Learning to Breathe Again is a gentle, heartfelt story about rebuilding after loss, and the audiobook makes that emotional journey even more intimate. The narrator delivers a warm, steady performance that fits the tone perfectly — clear pacing, natural character shifts, and just enough emotion without tipping into melodrama.
The story itself is quiet but resonant, full of small moments of growth and honest vulnerability. It’s the kind of listen that feels comforting, reflective, and easy to sink into.
A smooth production, a grounded narration, and a tender story of healing.
The story itself is quiet but resonant, full of small moments of growth and honest vulnerability. It’s the kind of listen that feels comforting, reflective, and easy to sink into.
A smooth production, a grounded narration, and a tender story of healing.
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