Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers’ Favorite
Pioneer Passage is yet another piece of brilliant historical fiction penned by J. F. Collen. The adventure continues for Cornelia Rose. It is the summer of 1857; Nellie and her family are westward bound seeking “the promise of a bright future.” Obadiah Wright, Nellie’s influential and well-respected husband, has been appointed the new circuit Judge for the Utah territory. The Wrights are members of a wagon train trekking across the prairie. Nellie is in the family way again. The heat and the dusty trail increase her nausea and exhaustion as she daily leads the oxen pulling their wagon. Throughout the journey, Nellie’s skills of midwifery and herbal remedies are repeatedly put to good use. Although weary of the trail, Nellie prayerfully finds solace and comfort in the beauty of her surroundings and in her beloved daughters. Nellie, as always, has an enchanting allure. Suitors and admirers gravitate to her charms whether on the riverbank of her cherished Hudson or on the arduous trail out west. However, her outspoken opinions and charms are not always appreciated by Obadiah, often causing an exclamation of “Tarnation,” to escape her lips. Nonetheless, the pioneering spirit beckons them to carry on. Through trepidation and delight, high waters, desert sands, and mountain passes, Nellie and Obadiah journey on in hope of reaching their promised land.
Pioneer Passage by J. F. Collen captures the heart and soul of the pioneering spirit. The wonder of reading historical fiction is to learn about history in a relatable and enlightening way. J F. Collen’s Pioneer Passage does not disappoint. The narrative is well researched and is an enjoyable, informative read. Collen’s eloquent writing style and beautiful descriptions draw you into the landscape. Full of brogue and the language of the era, the dialogues take you into conversations spoken long ago. As a lover of historical fiction, every “tarnation” and “mishap” I read made me smile. Collen creates an intimacy between her main character and the reader. By penning Cornelia’s innermost thoughts, Collen allows the reader to become more acquainted with her than her surrounding cast of characters. There is conflict from the outside and from within for the protagonist. She must endure the trials of the terrain, the threat of hostile indigenous people, the rumored violence of the Latter-Day Saints, and the unbridled forces of nature. The journey provides lessons to be learned in survival and in self-awareness. The flirtatious Nellie has come a long way, yet still has much to learn about her own feminine mystic. Collen skillfully pens the struggle of women to stay silent or to speak out during this time of history. Cornelia Rose pushes the envelope! Pioneer Passage conveys the truth that although the journey of life often seems relentless and riddled with hardships, with love as your guide, every day offers a cherished step closer to your promised land.
Cheryl Rodgriuez Readers’ Favortie
