I loved this book, it is very much in the vein of Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series, especially book 3, Love’s Long Journey.

This is a historical fiction book based on the true story of Matilda Koontz and her family who travelled the Oregon trail in covered wagons. At 37, pregnant, and a mother of four sons already, it was an epic journey. Physically and mentally tough, with many lives lost along the way. Like many other travellers, Matilda relied of her faith in God to get her through.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Historical fiction ~ Pages: 396 ~ Publish Date: 1 Oct 2024

Far from another Oregon Trail book, this poignant story was inspired by a true one. And it pulled at my heartstrings. I suspect it will do the same for you. I wonder how many husbands announced to their wives they were going west. And the wife had the same reaction Matilda Koontz had — “What!” followed by “No.” I was drawn to this book by the description. Plus I’m the family genealogist with ancestors who were the first settlers in what became Sullivan County, Missouri. As well as a yet-to-be-proved, great or great-great-grandmother “born in a covered wagon”. I have none who took the Oregon Trail. I am always pulled to a story about pioneers—the courage they had to travel into the unknown.

“All her direct blood descendants had died out, so there was no one left to tell her story,” Zander said. “I thought someone should.”[1] And I for one am so glad she did.

I highly recommend “The Reluctant Pioneer”. It is gripping. It’s filled with facts. It’s based on the journey Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson and her family took in 1847. Matilda was later known as “Washington Territory’s Grand Lady”. The book did not feel like a 396-page tome — I read it in four days. Never forget the book is what I would call “semi-fiction” and is based on a true story.

I can’t imagine embarking on such a journey with four young children. Henry, age 8. Barton (Bart), age 6. Grundy, age 5. And Johnny, age 3. And she was pregnant with child number five. Keep in mind the first wagon train to Oregon was in 1836. The major migration via the Oregon Trail began in 1843. Nicholas Koontz had Lansford W. Hastings’ book, “The Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California” (published in 1845).[2]

Be sure to read the “Author’s Note” at the end of the book.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “The Reluctant Pioneer” via NetGalley from the publisher, BooksGoSocial. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Perfect
Pages: 396
Publish Date: 1 October 2024
#TheReluctantPioneer #NetGalley #JulieMcDonaldZander

[1] Source: {link provided} Sharing the Untold Story of ‘Washington Territory’s Grand Lady’.
[2] Note: The Donner Party used this same guide.

When I first noticed The Reluctant Pioneer, my impression was that it would probably be a prairie romance, which I am really not very interested in. Then, I noticed the note in the description that it was based on a true story. Hmm—that sounded more interesting! I decided to chance it and see what I thought.

Julie McDonald Zander did a good job of portraying the dangers of the Oregon Trail in The Reluctant Pioneer. She created a character who is annoying in her constant worrying—but also very relatable, as I can see myself struggling not to worry constantly, as she did. Matilda did her best to keep her focus on her blessings and on God, and she spent her time caring for her family and helping the people around her, rather than dwelling on her problems and potential catastrophes—even though she did not want to make the trip to Oregon and was afraid her family would meet with tragedy as so many others did.
The conditions Matilda faced as she and her family traveled the Oregon Trail felt very realistic to me. There were good days that were enjoyable—and many days that were simply drudgery or worse. One thing that did not seem historically accurate was a scene in Chapter Two in which Matilda had her sons butcher some chickens on Sunday to feed to company. I had the impression that people at that time and in that type of setting would not have worked on Sunday like that. Otherwise, the book felt authentic, and I really enjoyed it. Some scenes were hard to read, but I liked the way the author showed Matilda learning to trust God more and more throughout her life, and I really liked that the author told her real story at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 6: Mention of a man cursing. Chapter 8: Do their darnedest, man cursed. Chapter 15: Boy killed. Chapter 18: One man beats up another. Chapter 20: Mention of the cannibalism that happened with the Donner Party, birth scene. Chapter 23: Another reference to the Donner Party. Chapter 25: Birth scene. Chapter 26: Man drowns. Chapter 27: Baby dies. Chapter 33: Story of the massacre of the Whitmans in Oregon, man wants to hang those responsible. Chapter 34: Man grabs woman.

Anyone interested in historical fiction centered around the Oregon trail will thoroughly enjoy this novel from Ms. Zander. The characters are written very believable and evoke empathy especially with Matilda as she journeys with her husband through an experience she did not want. The reader gets a feeling of what it was like for those pioneers settling the west. This is not a story that is all roses but shows the hardships and difficult decisions that they had to endure. Highly recommended.

Set during the 1840’s this book describes the journey that many families took along the Oregon Trail in the hope for a better life. At times I found the story slow but I can imagine that that was what it was like for those during this journey. This is a story full of hope, faith, hardships, courage and strength. The mother in the story, Matilda, endures many hardships throughout this journey but she always finds the strength to keep going. As a Christian myself, I loved that the author included Bible verses in the text and that Matilda got her strength and hope from God. I also loved the friendships that were formed during this journey and how everyone helped each other during the hardest of times. A very interesting read which I really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Thank you to netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

This book was about a topic that I find interesting - the Oregon Trail. It was especially interesting as told through the eyes of a woman - a wife and a mother. Woman did not really have any choices back then and I wish that the author explored how that unfairness affected the main character emotionally. Inspired by a true story, Matilda Koontz showed extreme bravery in the face of disaster. Her resilience and faith seemed to steady her.

I always find it interesting to read about the Oregon trail. The book was for me a little bit slow, i really liked the Main characters, their strength and spirituality . It was interesting to follow their daily lives on the trail. And the ending felt a little bit abrupt for me, it left me with questions i Will not get answered. But I am very glad i read the book. 3.5 stars . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Inspired by a true story, Julie McDonald Zander's The Reluctant Pioneer (St. Helens Press 2024) is an excellent fictionalized historical recount of the ten-month (I think--maybe longer) Oregon Trail journey traveled by so many settlers in the second half of the 1800's and one of the most prominent methods the fledgling country had to open the western lands to settlement. Told through the eyes of Matilda Koontz, who reluctantly agrees to the long journey with her husband and four children, one more on the way, and a 100+ wagon train of similar families, to seek the life her husband is sure is better than what they leave behind. The details include some well known--like dangerous river crossings, hunger and privation, sickness, Indian threats--but also, others rarely spoken of in other Oregon Trail books--how they made limited supplies last and helped each other do the impossible. At times, the story could be called tedious because of all the detail but the trip was tedious so I felt their fatigue, their bone weariness. For me, this particular Oregon Trail book was eye opening and delightful.

Traveling the Oregon Trail in 1847, Matilda and her family travel towards free land promised to them in the Pacific Northwest. The day to day struggle and the perils along the trail mean a challenge for her to protect what she holds most dear. Recommended historical fiction.

I liked the storyline and the main characters. The way the book is written kept my attention and I really like the writing style. It makes you want to finish the book. That had a downside for me because the build-up felt very slow. Because of this I lost my interest a bit but because of the way it is written I did finish it and I was curious how it would end. The ending was a bit rushed for me compared to the rest. For anyone who likes slow-moving books this is definitely recommended. Overall it was a good book.

I very much enjoyed travelling west from Missouri to Oregon with Matilda and her family.  Coming from New Zealand, this history is little known to me, but Julie McDoanld Zander painted such a vivid picture of day to day life.....settlers suffering with a mundane diet and the endless chores, combined with periods of high drama and absolute terror.
"The Reluctant Pioneer" is a historical fiction book based on the true story of the well known american history figure Matilda Koontz and her family; along with an ensemble cast of fellow travellers caravaning across the Oregon trail.
Matilda (Glover) Koontz was thirty-seven years old, a pregnant wife, and the mother of four young sons when her husband struck the idea of moving his family to the other side of the USA, so his sons would have ample land to farm when they grew up. Matilda was very hesitant...rightly so. But in those times, females bowed to the wishes of the husband. Starting in May 1847, their trek across the Oregon Trail,  to the promised free fertile farmland in the Willamette Valley, was an epic journey. Physically and mentally tough. Many lives were lost along the way. 
Like many others on the trail, Matilda relied heavily on scriptures to calm her mind and nerves. Her faith is sorely tested and she questions why God sends her such hardship and grief (I don't want to elaborate as a spoiler).
This is Matilda's personal journey. She sure was resilient and gained a reputation for hospitality, kindness, care for others (especially those women on the trail who gave birth) and good cooking! 
Thanks to NetGalley, Julie McDonald Zander and BooksGoSocial for my copy of this fabulous read.

I loved this book! I learned so much about the Oregon Trail. I enjoyed seeing the character development. If you are looking for a clean historical fiction romance, this book is for you!

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. --R. Montgomery, former history teacher and freelance author

I enjoy books set around the Oregon Trail and this one did not disappoint. There are many trials and difficulties associated with this era and I love how the characters were strong willed and determined to overcome the obstacles. You will want to put this on your to be read pile for sure.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

A very well developed story of the pioneer woman who left all the normal confortable Life, to follow her husband decisión!.

Inspired by a true story, Matilda’s journey comes to life in this remarkable portrayal of the courage and tenacity of the pioneer spirit. Julie McDonald Zander demonstrates the trials and perils of the Oregon trail in a realistic way that will have your heart pounding and eyes dripping well before you reach the end.
Although I have read other stories about the Oregon Trail, I will never think of it the same way ever again. These are the kinds of brave heroes we need to hear about today: people who trusted in God to see them through the most extreme of circumstances.
Pick this book up and you will not be able to put it down. It is a compelling read, as well as an important depiction of a part of American history that should never be forgotten.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book, based on a true story, takes us on a wagon train over the Oregon trail. Nicholas and his wife, Matilda, leave their farm in the Midwest to find and settle a new homestead in Oregon territory. The trip consists of many hardships, illness, injury and adventure. They see some of their fellow travelers die along the way, some loose heart and leave the train early. Matilda is at first, reluctant to go. She fears for the safety of their four sons and her unborn baby. She doesn’t want to leave her family, who she thinks she will never see again. She is comforted by the fact that they are traveling with a nephew and his wife. Their faith is very important to them and they rely on it to encourage themselves and other travelers. They cross raging rivers, mountain peaks and barren stretches but Nicholas never loses sight of his dream, even when personality clashes threaten the morale of the travelers.
This is an exciting story that you will not want to put down. It will hold your interest until the end.
The publisher says this:
“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.”
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great read. The characters are great. It was a great adventure traveling the Oregon Trail and trying to make their destination before winter. I loved the whole family dynamic, the sons seemed a little young for the chores and responsibilities they had. But I have to member times were different. I would like to think NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read and share my thoughts. I will definitely tell my friends about this book. I look forward to more books like this in the future.

5 stars
The Reluctant Pioneer
Julie Mcdonald Zander
An absolute masterpiece of a book, easily my favorite book of the year! This is by far one of the best books, I have read on the Oregon trail and early American history. I felt as if I was right there walking/riding alongside of Matilda and her family. I had a very hard time putting this book down.
As a woman living in the US, it's easy to forget that life was not always so easy. The only transportation available in the mid 1800s was horse, wagon or feet. A pregnant Matilda, her husband Nicholas and their four boys left their home and everything they knew to walk/drive their wagon led by oxen 1800 miles from Missouri to Oregon with the hopes of free land and a better life for their family. What a journey they had!
The author has based this book on a true story and has done a masterful job of retelling their story and the story of so many of those who made this same or similar journey.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

The story of Matilda Koontz is remarkable and evocative of the pioneers in America. Her experience, as well as that of her family and travelling companions, is beautifully told and gives a profound sense of the hardships faced by families as they sought new lives on the West Coast of America. I really enjoyed reading this moving book.