Pioneer Passage is a work of fiction in the historical and family saga subgenres and serves as the third installment of the Journey of Cornelia Rose series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author J F Collen. Continuing the adventures of Cornelia Rose as she follows the Oregon Trail for a new life in Salt Lake City, Cornelia must use all of her wits and heart to face the challenges of the dangerous journey ahead. With her medical knowledge at her disposal, she quickly becomes a key part of the wagon train during the expedition. But what awaits at the journey's end, and why does the quiet man in their group seem so familiar?

This is an excellent demonstration of how to continue a well-established saga, with new challenges and opportunities for Cornelia to grow and expand her character beyond what has been established in the first two books in the series. As depictions go of the pioneers of the old west, this book is very faithful to the dangerous experiences in which many lost their lives, but Cornelia’s determination to get herself and her fellow travelers safely through to the journey's end forms the beating heart of author J K Collen’s exciting and dynamic adventure. This adventure is filled with peril as well as twists and turns of a more personal nature for Cornelia, with Pioneer Passage expertly switching between sources of drama to keep the story constantly feeling fresh and dynamic. An excellent read overall, and one I'd recommend to all fans of historical fiction.

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.