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The Reluctant Pioneer: Inspired by a True Story

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Description

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. 2025 Finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Historical Novel Spur Award Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Helens Press


Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1963467000


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 00


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.8 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.89 x 8.5 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #118,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #126 in Christian Westerns (Books) #607 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books) #943 in Westerns (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Courage on the Oregon Trail
Format: Paperback
Loved this historical novel! Julie McDonald Zander truly took us on the dangerous journey that the pioneers made in wagon trains crossing the country to the Oregon Territory. Wonderful details brought to life the sacrifices, difficulties, and the courage needed to traverse the Oregon Trail, based on the true story of Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their family, leaving their home in Missouri for the Pacific Northwest. Excellent writing, touching story - I felt like I was on the perilous journey with them! Highly recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025 by Yvonne K
    • Loved this book
Format: Kindle
I especially liked that this story was based on truth. The events were real! The northwest expansion was a rough trip, that took lives along the way. Its nice that Matilda found happiness where Nicholas wanted his boys to have a better life.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2025 by Debbie Becker
    • wonderful story!!!
Format: Kindle
I enjoyed this historical story so much, from beginning to end. So much that, once I started, i didn’t stop reading till I read the entire book. Matilda Koontz was a strong, resilient woman who forged ahead no matter what. And plenty happened on the Oregon Trail and later, in her life. Thank you to Ms Zander for bringing Matilda’s story to life and with making her so real! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2025 by Mimi6
    • Life on the Oregon Trail
Format: Kindle
This is a well-written and engaging story. I had trouble putting it down. I had often wondered what life was like on the Oregon Trail, as I have several ancestors who made that journey. This is a historical novel based on a true story, and it is exceptionally well researched. After finishing this book, I immediately purchased two more books that Julie McDonald Zander had written to read as well. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2025 by MaeveM
    • Outstanding book!
Format: Kindle
An excellent, well written and very enjoyable book. Author, Julie McDonald Zander, did an amazing amount of research to bring the Oregon Trail to life for her readers. Based on a true story I really enjoyed reading the story of Matilda and her family as they made the journey from Missouri to Oregon. The fact that the book is based on a true story makes it very emotional and interesting. I highly recommend reading The Reluctant Pioneer. it's a page turner and you won't want to put it down. Enjoy! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025 by Cathleen Cooney
    • Beautiful story
Format: Paperback
Fast shipping and beautiful copy
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026 by Heather
    • Oke
Format: Kindle
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024 by Barbara
    • The challenge of the Oregon Trail was vividly portrayed in this book
Format: Paperback
Having seen the ruts of the wagon wheels across the Midwest and eastern Oregon, I was curious about what it would take to uproot oneself from everything that was "a good life" and take off for a "better" life. Julie Zander shared how a young mother of four boys found herself in that position and overcame her doubts, concerns, anger, grief, and fears to keep moving forward to create her husband's dream. Her sons grew up very quickly, helping their father care for the animals, equipment, and each other. This is an extremely well-written story of what happened through the eyes of Matilda Koontz. A good read! Connie Shipley ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024 by Connie

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