#Bookreview of The Path of Saints and Sinners
By: J.F. Collen
Publisher: Evolved Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 978-1-62253-641-2
Reviewed by: Alma Boucher
Review Date: July 23, 2025
In The Path of Saints and Sinners, author J.F. Collen once again brings to life the unyielding spirit of Cornelia Rose. Alongside her steadfast husband, Obadiah Weber Wright, and their beloved children, Nellie leaves behind the struggles and hardship of the Overland Trail, finally arriving in the much-anticipated sanctuary of Great Salt Lake City. But what awaits them is not a warm frontier welcome: it is suspicion, tension, and a city on the brink of political unrest.
This westward journey was intended to signify a new beginning; Obadiah’s recent appointment as federal judge for the Utah Territory was expected to bring stability and direction. However, the family discovers itself in a city divided by two ideologies and two potential futures. The Mormons, who have fiercely defended their hard-earned independence in what used to be Mexican land, now feel the pressure of the U.S. government’s authority. Resistance is brewing. The distinction between faith and insurrection is becoming increasingly tenuous, and Nellie and Obadiah find themselves balancing on precarious and shifting ground.
With Collen’s skillful writing, Nellie’s inner life flourishes on the page. She is not a mere bystander in her existence; despite being constrained by the norms of 19th-century femininity, she continues to exhibit a quiet resistance. Caught between expressing her beliefs and maintaining harmony in a contentious environment, Nellie must confront the significance of belonging, whether to a family, a marriage, or a nation in turmoil.
Her marriage to Obadiah is as intricate as the political environment they have stepped into. Although Obadiah, in his role as a judge, attempts to protect Nellie from the more extreme repercussions of his position, Nellie’s voice, despite being muted, never completely disappears. Her power resides not in defiance but in perseverance. With her daughters supporting her and a husband who appreciates her advice, even if not her active involvement, Nellie taps into a profound reservoir of inner strength to establish a place for herself and her family in this shattered new reality.
Collen’s narrative style intertwines historical accuracy with contemporary emotional understanding. Her writing is sharp and witty, interspersed with touches of humor and deep reflection. The rhythm of the story flows smoothly and captivates, never dragging on too long, yet stopping briefly to allow the emotional significance of each scene to resonate.
What makes The Path of Saints and Sinners particularly outstanding is its intricate thematic depth. Themes of belief, self-discovery, authority, and femininity are delved into through a group of profoundly relatable characters. Nellie is daring and flawed, a woman who seems out of sync with her era, yet she remains firmly rooted in it. Surrounding her are both virtuous and immoral figures, and she must navigate her way through them without compromising her own identity.
J.F. Collen has once more created an expansive historical tale filled with emotion, struggle, and the stark beauty of a woman's relentless trek westward with her family. It serves as a tribute to female resilience and the understated bravery of persevering when all signs suggest turning back.
Quill says: The Path of Saints and Sinners vividly depicts life on the frontier and the strength of women. This historical novel is deeply personal and moving. Collen has achieved another remarkable success.
For more information about The Path of Saints and Sinners, please visit the author's website at: enjella.com
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