{"product_id":"the-reluctant-pioneer-9781963467000","title":"The Reluctant Pioneer","description":"\u003cp\u003eMatilda 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis pioneer woman's journey is inspired by a true story.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraise for \u003cem\u003eThe Reluctant Pioneer\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Reluctant Pioneer\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Leslie Gould, #1 bestselling and award-winning author of \u003cem\u003eA Brighter Dawn\u003c\/em\u003e and more than three dozen other novels\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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. \u003cem\u003eThe Reluctant Pioneer\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eThe Reluctant Pioneer\u003c\/em\u003e! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of \u003cem\u003eWhere the Trail Ends\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCatching the Wind\u003c\/em\u003e, and more than two dozen other novels\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Reluctant Pioneer\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Marilyn Rhoads, Oregon Christian Writers past-president\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Dawn Shipman, award-winning author of the Lost Stones of Argonia series\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"St. Helens Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50899443384594,"sku":"9781963467000","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_3dd1246e-7176-4fc5-82b3-9b8fc5602b75.jpg?v=1738356001","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-reluctant-pioneer-9781963467000","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}