I really enjoyed the true story element to this book, it had everything that I was hoping for in the historical fiction novel. The characters felt like they belonged in this universe and how they worked with the story. Julie McDonald Zander has a strong element in this genre and left me wanting to read more. It was a realistic concept and had that suspenseful atmosphere that I wanted.

I love books set on the Oregon Trail and have read many of them over the years. This one was slightly different in that it focused more on family and the relationships between the fellow travelers, than on the Trail itself. That said, there were still some hardships faced along the way - realistic issues that we know happened to the pioneers themselves. I was appreciative of the way this "new to me" author brought faith aspects into the story such as the reliance and dependence on God. We follow the story of Matilda and Nicholas Koontz leaving Missouri with their four young sons, seeking a better life in the Oregon Territory. Much happens along the way, but I won't go into spoiler specifics. This book kept my attention the entire way, through twists and turns. At the end, I was surprised to learn via the author's note that this was based on a real person and family! As a northwest native myself (with family that also braved some difficult times to get here many years ago), I was very happy to learn about another bit of Pacific Northwest history I didn't know. I'm hoping for more books by this author in the future!

Many thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stories of pioneers and their journeys west are a good reminder of how the PNW was formed. This book shows the treacherous conditions the pioneers faced. It also shows how some Indians were friendly and others no as much.

A novel about pioneers on the Oregon Trail, The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander is inspired by the true story of Matilda Koontz Jackson, a most remarkable lady.

The tale begins like most Pioneer fiction with Nicholas Koontz itching to travel West towards Oregon from Missouri. His wife, Matilda, is reluctant to leave home and family and trek across the country on the wagon trail with four young boys.

Filled with foreboding and fears, coupled with anxiety over leaving everything familiar and family, Matilda nevertheless acquiesces and so the Koontz family begin the long, dangerous and arduous trek across 1847-1848 America.

The author highlights the travails along the trail: traveling in a dust cloud, choking on dust, walking endless miles, camping and cooking over an open campsite fire, sleeping, waking up, having breakfast and packing up again early in the mornings, repeating this cycle over 6 months with minor variations. The sameness of the food as supplies dwindled: beans, biscuits and hard tack. The endless chores, births and even tragic deaths trampled by oxen or felled by disease.

Matilda's strong faith enables her to face all these troubles with equanimity, and she keeps repeating Scripture to herself when she finds her anxieties and fears tend to get the better of her.

But her faith and trust in God is severely shaken by a series of unexpected events & whose repercussions are seemingly endless.

Will Matilda triumph? Or will she sink under the weight of these events? What of her family? How will they handle these earth shattering events?

The story on the whole is very well written, but at times rather dry and factual, pretty journalistic, rather than the more vivid portrait a novel can paint.

Still, this grabs you, leaving you with a strong admiration for pioneer women (and men), and their faith, grit and determination to do whatever it took, to give themselves and their families a better future.

I received an ARC copy from Publisher @BooksGoSocial through @NetGalley. However, the opinions expressed here are mine alone.

This book chronicles life on the Oregon Trail. The heartache and the joy. The belief in God and sharing of Bible verses add to the content and the faith exhibited by the main character. A delightful read. I found another great author.

The Reluctant Pioneer: Based on a True Story
Julie McDonald Zander
Historical Fiction, Based on a True Story.
Pages 396
I wish to thank NetGalley, St. Helen’s Press and author Julie McDonald Zander for allowing me the privilege if reviewing The Reluctant Pioneer.
When I really like a book, it takes me longer to read it; I want to savor each and every word. It took me a while to read this one. If I could give this book 50 stars, it still wouldn’t be enough.
Our tale begins with Matilda sitting in a rocking chair on her front porch as she was interviewed. The reporter asks her about her trip from Missouri to Oregon. This tale reads much like a dated journal.
Matilda was engaged to Marcus, but he had wondering eyes. She and Nicholas grew up as friends; after she and Marcus broke off their engagement Nicholas was there to pick up the pieces and to win her heart. They married and had four sons. Nicholas had an adventurous heart; he wanted to join a wagon train and head to Oregon. Matilda had no desire to leave her family, their farm or their home. Nicholas promised they would not go if she didn’t agree. He told adventurous stories to their sons; they were excited and begged their mother to agree. Eventually they wore her down and against her better judgement they packed their things and hit the trail. Matilda was pregnant with their fifth child. She walked alongside the wagon rather than ride. She holds the hand of their toddler, Johnny, along the way. Their son Henry is eight years old; Bart is seven and Grundy is five. The boys work alongside their father. Grundy cleans the nostrils of the eight oxen each time they stop. Henry and Bart have a lot of responsibilities.
They lived off soda biscuits, johnnycakes, mush, bacon and beans; after a few months’ supplies began to dwindle. Occasionally they would have buffalo. There was sickness along the trail as well as snake bites. The wagon was a danger, fire, broken axles, muddy trails and other hazards. Matilda calls on her faith to carry her through the hardships and heartaches she faces along the way.
This is historical fiction based on fact which is one of my favorite genres. I urge readers to grab a copy of this book and travel west with Matilda.

I have ready many, many books this summer. And my favorite book is…”The Reluctant Pioneer” by Julie McDonald Zander. I truly loved this book and I highly recommend it.

I have many reasons for highly praising this book which personalizes a major historical event. 300,000 to 400,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail from 1840-160. It was an epic migration as pioneers headed from the mid-west to the Oregon Territory, mainly via covered wagon groups. “The Reluctant Pioneer” is Matilda, a young woman married to “good guy” Nicholas, and mother of 4 young, sweet and adorable boys. Her husband is eager to head to Oregon to establish a better life for his family. Matilda is reluctant, because she must leave behind her family and way of life.

The trail to Oregon is filled with excitement, eagerness, and hardships. This fascinating story makes the 6 month journey of over 2,000 miles come to life. And readers will be reminded of the hope, courage, and faith of these sturdy pioneer forefathers. Matilda’s story is based on a true story.

This is a very well-written book. Well done, author Julie McDonald Zander. Thanks to Net Galley and Books Go Social for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Wow! This book is amazing! The Oregon Trail is a part of history that has always interested me! The author's writing brings to life the joys and trials that the pioneers faced.

The characters are written brilliantly! Matilda is someone that I'd like to emulate. She's a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. Her faith sustains her through many trials and harrowing circumstances. Nicholas is such a good father and provider. Captain Magone is another favorite. He's a strong leader, compassionate and caring.

I'm glad that the author, Julie McDonald Zander, did not shy away from writing about the difficulties that the pioneers faced. Lives were lost, injuries happened, and starvation was a constant fear. But, there were the joys of new life to be celebrated, friendships formed, and the hope for a better future.

I look forward to reading more books by this author! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from St. Helen's Press via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a read that makes you feel lucky, these are the people that helped make this country and some gave it all.
A story based on the life of Matilda Koontz Jackson, a real person, but a fictional tale of what might have happened to her.
We are with Matilda and Nicholas and their four sons as they embark on a life changing trip in 1847 from Missouri to Oregon, as they travel the Oregon Trail.
This is such a good read, and I was page turning for answers, these are really hard times, and we don't know whom will survive to the destination.
Be sure to read the epilogue and author's notes, I loved the updates!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher BookGoSocial, and was not required to give a positive review.

Historical fiction readers will love this book. Based on the life of Matilda Koontz, readers will find themselves immersed in the life of pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail. Through her eyes, readers will experience the daily efforts, struggles and heartbreaks of this journey. Loved it! Highly recommended!

Fascinating and well written account of the Oregon trail and a strong woman's perilous journey. Very thoroughly researched and puts you on the trail with all the dangers and obstacles that face Matilda Koontz and her family. Bravo Julie McDonald Zander for sending us on such an emotional and gripping tale of the pioneer days..

The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander is absolutely spellbinding. I would forget that I was reading a nonfiction novel, as it reads like a historical fiction book. I am fascinated by the pioneers, settlers, and old west and Julie did not disappoint with her details of life on the trail I was definitely not ready for the book to end, and would have liked to learn more about Matilda's life after her marriage.

Based upon the life of Matilda Koontz Jackson, The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander is an inspiring yet heart-wrenching tale of her travels from Missouri to Oregon on the wagon train. Although most of the characters were real, it is a work of historical fiction. As would be characteristic of that time period, a strong Christian faith is prominent in the lives of the pioneers.

Staying true to the time period, historical facts, and actual events, Zander has written a moving, emotional work.

Releases Sep 20th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book about Matilda and her families hard and tragic journey to find a better life across the plains of America in 1837. The book is based on the real Matilda. The story covers all the challenges the family are given, heart break and decisions which have to be made. This story is so well written and researched.

My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publisher Booksgosocial and the excellent author Julie McDonald Zander for the early read.

“The Reluctant Pioneer” is a historical fiction book about the Oregon Trail by Julie McDonald Zander. This book was based upon a real pioneer - Matilda Koontz Jackson - who left Missouri for the greener pastures of Oregon back in 1847. Ms. Zander doesn’t shy away from the difficulties on the trail - from walking behind cattle, to anything possibly going wrong - but there’s also friendships built, hope, and community. There is a lot of mention of faith in this book, as is pretty typical of that time. I also liked how Ms. Zander, in her author’s note, decided to use the words/terms of that era - opposed to the politically correct ones of today - as she’s correct - it would’ve read oddly in that time frame. I found myself becoming involved in this story - and wondering if I could’ve dug up the inner strength to face all that Matilda did - leaving family for the unknown and the hardships she faced - and relying on the kindness of strangers - and in the end still being true to herself and the beliefs of her family.

A tale of a family on the Oregon Trail in the 1840s. It starts off very gently, but I found it interesting as the historical detail was clearly well-researched. As it progressed, the drama picked up and by the end I was thoroughly absorbed in the story. I found the author's note, which revealed the main character is based on a real woman, fascinating. The story has a strong Christian ethos which felt appropriate for the characters/era. I liked the fact that the author didn't seek to back-project 21st century thoughts/ideals onto 19th century people. A strong debut.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

This historical fiction reminds me of Little House on the Prairie books…family and friends and success with heartache. Curl up in a comfy chair and go on a trip via covered wagon with the brave people who settled the west. This is a fun book to read and is a quick read. I liked this book. I hope to read more from this talented author. The characters came alive on the pages. Thanks Netgalley

The Reluctant Pioneer" by Julie McDonald Zander is a compelling historical fiction novel that vividly brings to life the challenges and resilience of early American settlers. The story follows Matilda Jackson, a reluctant pioneer woman who faces the daunting task of moving her family across the Oregon Trail in 1847. Matilda's journey is not just a physical one but an emotional voyage of courage, faith, and determination. Her fears and doubts about leaving behind everything familiar for the promise of free land are palpable and relatable, making her a deeply sympathetic character.

Zander's writing captures the essence of the pioneer spirit, blending meticulous historical detail with rich storytelling. The novel beautifully portrays the stark realities of pioneer life—grueling travel, harsh landscapes, and the constant threat of danger—all while highlighting the strength and fortitude required to overcome these obstacles. The interactions between Matilda and her family are authentic and touching, especially her complex relationship with her husband, Nicholas, who is driven by his desire for a better future.

One of the strengths of the book is how it balances the harshness of pioneer life with moments of warmth and humor, making it a well-rounded and engaging read. Zander's depiction of the period's social norms, especially the expectations placed on women, adds depth to Matilda’s character as she navigates her role in a male-dominated society.

Overall, "The Reluctant Pioneer" is a well-crafted novel that not only entertains but also provides a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be brave in the face of uncertainty. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the pioneering era of American history.