J.F. Collen continues the story of the young high-spirited Cornelia Rose in Walk Away West. Cornelia marries Obadiah Wright. Sailing away into romance, the newlyweds embark on a lavish honeymoon trip. Taking in all the sights and wonders of each destination, the couple beholds “civilization at its finest.” They return home to Sing Sing, NY, and begin their life together. Within a few weeks of their return, Obadiah and Nellie join her family on a trip to West Point. Although happily married, Nellie’s flirtations continue. Obadiah is displeased with her coquetry. Yet, he remains true to her fairytale. Forever Nellie’s “knight in shining armor,” Obadiah often finds himself rescuing Nellie from her own feminine charms. The couple engulfed in happy-ever-after bliss learn to overcome disaster when it strikes, and the responsibilities of parenting and balancing a career. Yet, the voice of adventure calls out, “Go West!” Leaving behind her beloved family and river, Cornelia Rose, Obadiah, and their girls head out into the vastness of the prairie.

J. F. Collen pens this historical tale, Walk Away West, with a passion for adventure. A masterful wordsmith, Collen has an ability to describe the wonders of the time period with historic accuracy. The realism continues with the captivating and often humorous dialogues that resound with dialects and the language of the era. Furthermore, the author's creativity in illustrating the sights and sounds, fear and pain, wonder, and excitement immerse the reader in the setting of the story. Character-driven, the life of the main character, Cornelia Rose, takes center stage. The young protagonist is more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent, well-informed on current events and historical facts, making her a stimulating conversationalist. Her character is honed and shaped by her clever and prestigious husband, motherhood, and the challenges of life. However, there are parts of her demeanor that remain stifled; her flirtations continue to get her into trouble. At times you love her strength and courage, and others, you want to jump into the scene and slap her silly as my mother would say. However, as this leg of her journey comes to an end, you sense there is much more waiting for Cornelia Rose in the West. J.F. Collen’s Walk Away West leaves you desiring more of this adventurous saga.

In 1852 New York, newly married midwife Cornelia Rose believes she has the most wonderful existence. Her husband Obadiah is the love of her life. Living in the metropolis of New York with all its new technologies and opulence at her fingertips, life could not be better. So when Obadiah decides they should leave New York and the beauty of the Hudson River and travel to the Wild West where he has been offered an amazing financial opportunity, Cornelia must obey. Their journey along the Erie River towards the Utah territory is treacherous and filled with extraordinary characters and dangerous situations. Cornelia realizes that her midwifery skills are very much needed. But before they reach Utah, Cornelia has to face someone from her past which could threaten her marriage to Obadiah.

Walk Away West by J F Collen is a beautifully written historical novel that transports you immediately into 19th-century New York. The detailed research into this era is evident with the amazing authentic dialogue and references to actual places and people of that time. Cornelia is an inspiring character, with such a sense of adventure and optimism in any given situation, you immediately relate to her. I loved her relationship with her husband Obadiah; they were obviously extremely devoted to each other. The plot moved forward continuously with moments of tension and action coupled with some great pockets of humourous dialogue which made me laugh out loud such as, “‘This shall stick in your throat like a hair in a biscuit". The author has created even minor characters with such detailed personalities, which brought even more interest to the story. I loved the ending as it opens the door to Cornelia's next exciting life experience. I cannot wait for Pioneer Passage; it sounds an equally interesting story. Will Captain Baker make another appearance?