Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks. But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream. With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive? When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue? This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.
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Praise for The Reluctant Pioneer: “The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander is a gripping debut novel about the westward journey of historical figure Matilda Koontz and her family. Julie’s meticulous research recreates the harrowing and heart-stopping trip. She transported me back to 1847 and put me on the trail with Matilda as she overcame heartbreaking trials to reach Oregon City. Julie is an incredible storyteller! I couldn’t put The Reluctant Pioneer down until the very last word.” ~Leslie Gould, #1 bestselling and award-winning author of A Brighter Dawn and more than three dozen other novels “I’ve been fascinated by the Oregon Trail pioneers since I was a girl, and their courage continues to intrigue and inspire me. Julie McDonald Zander’s debut novel captures the tumultuous journey of these pioneers through the heartbreaking trials and unwavering hope of one woman who began the walk to Oregon Territory in 1847 with her husband and four boys. The Reluctant Pioneer invites readers to join Matilda Koontz on the trail and experience her joy and sorrow as she perseveres in her husband’s search for a new home. If you enjoy reading Jane Kirkpatrick’s fiction or other historical novels about women who overcome tremendous hardship for the sake of their family, you’ll love The Reluctant Pioneer! ~ Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Where the Trail Ends, Catching the Wind, and more than two dozen other novels “The Reluctant Pioneer is a heart-grabbing read about a courageous woman with incredible faith and fortitude. Based on a true story, walking alongside this woman on her journey from Missouri to the Oregon Territory grips your emotions. You find yourself cheering for her and grieving with her. I couldn’t put it down. It encouraged me to keep trusting in our powerful God. He alone brings us through our trials.” ~ Marilyn Rhoads, Oregon Christian Writers past-president “Julie Zander is a lover of history, and it shows in this intriguing book. This fictionalized version of the true story of Oregon Trail pioneer Matilda Glover Koontz is replete with authentic detail and historical accuracy and draws a vivid picture of the difficulties those early travelers experienced on the trail to a new life. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and of strong women who will go to the ends of the earth for their families.” ~ Dawn Shipman, award-winning author of the Lost Stones of Argonia series “Ms. Zander has taken the facts of a true story and woven a heart-rending, beautiful tale inspiring us to relate to the courage, heartbreak, and joys of an amazing woman.” ~ Barbara Tifft Blakey, author of the upcoming release Angel of Second Street, Bertie’s War, and three stories in collections The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander features a breathtaking thrill of a ride down a waterfall, horrible tragedies, and the drudgery and dangers of crossing the scenic west by foot on the Oregon Trail. Inspired by the true story of Matilda Koonz Jackson, this engaging historical novel brings readers to tears and, at other times, to the edge of their chairs. Zander infuses realistic detail with facts while painting the portrait of an anxious but resilient pioneer whose stabilizing influence settled the West. ~ Sandra Crowell, author of The Land Called Lewis and Up the Swiftwater Written by a local historian, The Reluctant Pioneer is filled with historical details, rich description, and raw emotion. Zander’s skillful narration brings to life the true story of pioneer Matilda Jackson and her remarkable journey on the Oregon Trail from Missouri to Lewis County, Washington. A compelling, inspiring, and beautifully crafted novel! Perfect for historical fiction lovers who enjoy reading about real people and Pacific Northwest history. Recommended for middle school to adult. ~ Robin Montgomery, former history teacher and freelance author
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