I love The Oregon Trail and I want all the books about it. I legit think I could read about it forever and not get bored. Also, this happens to be my first Amy Harmon book, but I promise not my last! In this book, the author takes us on the journey that main characters Naomi and John are undertaking via the Trail. And the author pulls absolutely no punches here- this book is as brutal as life on the trail was. There are absolutely lighter moments, but the darker, difficult ones are in full force.

The huge focus on family was one of my favorite aspects. While John has a more complicated relationship with his own family, Naomi adores hers and is extremely close to them. And I love to see that! Naomi's mother is one of my favorite characters, and I also loved every single one of her brothers. And of course, I loved Naomi! She had such a great spirit and was such a perfect character to take this journey with. John loved his family as well, but things were far more complicated. Born to a Native mother who passed away when he was young and a white father that he didn't know until his mother's death, he had a lot to work through. His father and stepmother loved and cared for him, but again, there is a lot for him to work out within himself and in regards to his family.

And of course the romance was phenomenal. It's a lovely slow burn, even though it's clear there are sparks from the first time our main characters meet. The scary part is, because it's the Oregon Trail, because the prologue literally opens with the danger befalling our characters, we have no idea when, or even if the romance will come to full fruition. And that's the crux of it: No one knows if they'll have tomorrow. I suppose the same can be said for any of us at any time, but it's magnified during an undertaking such as this.

The characters deal with so much fear and loss and heartache along the journey, but they also have moments of happiness and triumph and growth. I felt all the emotions with them, and cheered for them every perilous step of the way.

Bottom Line: Incredibly emotional, accurately treacherous, and so full of love of every kind, this is a journey I won't soon forget.

Amy Harmon is a brilliant, lyrical genre-bending writer; I honestly don't think there's something this woman can't write about, so I was thrilled when I saw her newest book. As per usual, she does not disappoint.

"Where the Lost Wander" is a heartbreaking and unforgettable tale of love and loss set on the Oregon Trail in the 1850's. As Naomi May heads West with her family, she meets a half-white half-Indian man called John Lowry who falls for her. Though unknown, the future seems hopeful and bright in the land of opportunity... until the unthinkable happens. As a result of an accident, an Indian man is killed by an arrow shot, leading to rage, murders and kidnapping. With Naomi and John in the midst of the chaos, their lives and futures are suddenly in grave danger.

Harmon's writing is impeccable while the story pulls you in. Although I do think the book could have been shorter, I did enjoy myself. I'm usually not big on historical fiction, but she certainly makes for an exception.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming....

Thanks, #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing for providing a free e ARC of #wherethelostwander by Amy Harmon in response to my request. All opinions are my own.

In 1853, newly widowed Naomi May sets out for the West with her family. On the Oregon Trail which is filled with hardship, danger, and loss, she meets John Lowry. As the journey progresses and becomes more harrowing, they grow closer but their relationship is tested in intense and emotional ways.

If you’ve read From Sand and Ash (a favorite read) or What the Wind Knows, by Amy Harmon, you know that Harmon’s stories are beautifully written. A page-turner, Where the Lost Wander is filled with historical details and establishes a strong sense of place….. but it is also incredibly sad and difficult to read in places. Don’t miss the author’s notes detailing her own family history and the real characters upon which this story is based.

Where the Lost Wander is shelved as a western romance; however, I might tweak that and categorize it as a love story. Romance connotes a lighter and happily-ever-after story in which romance is the main focus. Where the Lost Wander consists of a significant amount of trauma, challenge, endurance, survival, and hardship. Romance plays a part in the narrative but it is not the main focus of the story. It’s more about their enduring love, faith in each other, survival, and hope for a bright future.

I have mixed feelings about the Prologue. It is a spoiler for one of the main tragic events in the story. So while I was reading, I was anxiously anticipating this event. I’m not sure if it would be better to begin with Chapter One and skip the Prologue or not. In one way, reading the Prologue will give you a good preview of the intensity of the book’s content. If you skip it, you can always return to it when you arrive at that point in the story because it does add some details to the event. Because I read an ARC, the prologue may be changed before final printing.

I love memorable characters! Naomi and John are well-drawn, likable, strong-willed, and have great chemistry. John is quiet, hardworking, and introspective while Naomi is an artist, dreamer, and survivor. Because John is half Pawnee and half white, he and Naomi struggle to understand each other and to navigate both cultures. John works toward living authentically in a world with his mixed heritage and Naomi is concerned with the safety of her family and her own survival. As you can see, Where the Lost Wander is much more than a romance as they deal with significant threats and compelling personal challenges. The hardships they face are not treated lightly and the author creates a realistic and harsh picture of pioneer trail life.

Poignant themes permeate Where the Lost Wander and include themes such as survival, persistence, determination, courage, living with mixed heritage, prejudice, racism, family loyalty, and community.

Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, Where the Lost Wander is a well-written, well-researched, and well-told story for fans of historical fiction. Recommended for readers who appreciate a western love story that features a strong sense of place and intense stories. Definitely, this is a compelling read for book clubs.

It might be interesting for Book Club members to explore their own family histories to determine if they share history with the pioneers or with the Oregon Trail. My own great grandparents settled on the plains of South Dakota and I’m sure there are interesting family stories to explore. Pioneer life would definitely be a great theme for a book club host to consider!

***This paragraph may contain spoilers***
Trigger and Content Warnings: heartbreaking and difficult to read passages, violent fighting, reference to a child abuse incident, description of a rape, scalping, massacre, and other pioneer hardships. (if this were a movie I would rate it R). Although this was heartfelt and poignant in places, page-turning, and beautifully written, it is also hard-hitting. If you loved From Sand and Ash and What the Wind Knows, you might be a little surprised with this heavier and grittier content.

Beautifully told. If you're looking for a wonderful story to distract you from the stress and fear that's inside all of you pick up this must read and prepare to be dazzled. I absolutely loved every word. Happy reading!

Read this book. Especially read this book if you enjoy historical fiction, U.S. history, Oregon Trail sagas, or if you just love books that capture the human spirit: love, loss, hope, fear, courage, perseverance, grace, family.
.
So many historical fiction novels lately have been set in WWII era. It's refreshing to read something different. I loved stepping back to the age of American westward expansion. There was so much tragedy and complexity yet all of that made a beautiful backdrop to an enduring love story. This one has nothing but 4⭐ and 5⭐ reviews on netgalley and I definitely agree.

Oh this book. From the prologue to the author’s note, it seeped into my heart and punched me in the gut a few times. And I loved every minute of it.

Where the Lost Wander is the story of the May family’s travels West in the 1850s. The Prologue starts with a tragic event that we don’t hear about again until much later in the book, but it was enough to make me read the rest of the book with nervous anticipation. This is such a beautiful story of strength, love, family, perseverance. I learned so much about then Oregon trail and what the experience might have been like for those who traveled it at this time. This whole story and it’s unflinching depiction of the hardships and violence of the time and challenges of every day life is everything I love about historical fiction.

The author’s note at the end and her references to learning from historical people and her personal connection to historical figures just clinched this 5 star book for me.

Title: Where The Lost Wander
Author: Amy Harmon
Genre: Historical fiction/romance
My rating: 5 Stars

Easily 5 stars. From the moment I read the first chapter I knew this book would be a star-studded read. Amy has pricked my heart, broken it, then repaired it back again. Anyone who knows me, knows my affinity for this stellar author. She’s a dynamic writer who pulls at your heart strings, nudging you to listen to much more than the words leaping off the pages. She hits your core, the root of your soul; even challenging you to see a perspective you didn’t think you needed to see or understand.
Where The Lost Wander, was no exception.

This is my 5th book from this author and she has yet to disappoint. WTLW is a story about new beginnings, loss, tragedy and the determination humanity has to never give up when faced with adversity. I loved everything about this book. The imagery. The descriptive references about the Oregon Trail and the beautiful Pawnee people, was amazing in itself. You can tell Amy did her research when piecing this book together.

Final thoughts…
Loved the characters. Naomi May and John’s connection subtly heats up the story adding an element of softness to offset the tragedy they endure. All-in-all, a fantastic read I was lucky enough to read.

*A copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This was a such a great book. It was easy to imagine everything in your mind. It was so easy to like characters and main characters became your friends and family. You felt what they felt, every happy and sad feelings. I really like both Naomi and John. You could feel that it wasn't easy for John because of who he was. He felt that he didn't belong to anywhere but I'm glad that he eventually found his place next to Naomi.

Reading this story was an unforgettable experience. Amy Harmon took me on a journey across the Oregon trail that made me feel like I was there watching it all unfold, the descriptions were so vivid it was like a movie was playing out in my head. There was so much incredible detail and her research was evident on each and every page. I was completely consumed by this heart breaking, poignant story.

The prologue really did set the scene for what was to come and then we begin in the Spring of 1853. The May family set out with 200 other wagons full of families to seek a new life and land of their own in California. This family of seven, soon to be eight have high hopes for their future in the promised lands.

Naomi, is the outspoken only daughter of the May family. She is strong, capable and has already experienced enough pain and loneliness in her young life. She loves to draw and she is very good at such fine details that her artwork almost looks like a photo. This passion for drawing is an integral part of her story. As they prepare to set out they stop in the last big town to get final supplies and meet their guide who will lead the wagon train. It is here she meets John Lowry. He is like no other man she has met before. He is Pawnee, half indian and half white man. He and his father breed mules and after Naomi captures John’s attention he decides to travel part of the way with them as he has business dealings along the way. This turns out to be a huge advantage for them all when they encounter different native tribes.

John is embraced by the May family, sharing most meals with them and he enjoys teaching the young brothers about caring for stock and how to use a bow and arrow. He awakens something in Naomi and she finds herself drawn to him. John tries to deny himself what he is feeling for Naomi but she is open and honest about what she wants from him. He just doesn’t know if he can give it to her.

A lot of responsibility falls on Naomi, her mother is heavily pregnant so she does a lot of the household chores. On top of that is the miles of walking they all do every day. The wagons jostle people about so it’s more comfortable to walk. They face treacherous roads, life stealing diseases and the danger of the Indian tribes they encounter along the way. Honestly there are so many sad, heart wrenching situations but they have no choice to just keep going.

Despite everything it always surprised me how they found moments of magic and happiness during the journey. They sat exhausted and unwashed around the campfire each night but still found the joy in singing a song together and telling stories. There was acceptance and incredible bravery to keep on going despite what happens around them and to them.

This is an epically breathtaking story about loyalty, sacrifice and family. It is a story of hope and determination. And weaved through this is a beautiful love story between Naomi and John.

‘I worry sometimes that you will get tired of carrying all of us, John.’ ‘I would carry you to the ends of the earth.’

I read this as the world is dealing with the tragedy and restrictions of Covid-19. We are isolating ourselves and we do so from the comfort of our own homes. We are all making sacrifices right now. It’s humbling to realise that this is based on real life events and what we are going through at the moment pales in comparison to what these people went through. Thank you Amy for bringing this story to life. I loved all of the back of the book information, it was amazing to see where you got your inspiration from.

It’s not hyperbole by any stretch of the imagination to say that Amy Harmon is a stunningly gifted writer. From Making Faces to The Bird and the Sword to From Sand and Ash, she has proven time and again to be a master of any genre she chooses to write, whether it’s contemporary, fantasy, or historical.

Where the Lost Wander is such a beautifully detailed and mesmerizing story of American Pioneers in the 1850s. The emigrants’ journey, heading west over plains and prairies and through mountains and wilderness in search of a better life, is filled with bravery and endurance, suffering and tragedy.

Wander has one of the most harrowing prologues I’ve ever read. It sets the tone and stirs the anticipation for the rest of the story. My heart was in my throat for most of the book, and I couldn’t read it fast enough.

I went through a gamut of emotions reading this book, but most of all, I am in awe of Amy Harmon’s ability to weave all-consuming and beautiful stories — and Wander is just the latest example. She really does the story justice with her well-researched and detailed account of life on the pioneer trail, including the gorgeous scenery and the devastating violence and disease they encountered.

But more than that, the love story that is truly the heart of Wander is where this tale shines. Naomi and John Lowry are two lost souls in search of meaning, purpose, and, ultimately, acceptance and love. In their own way, they are each stuck between two worlds.

This is one of those books that you just have to experience to truly understand. It is consuming and gorgeous and thrilling, so be prepared to read it cover to cover in one sitting!

Thank you to Amy Harmon, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for my Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t remember the last time I literally couldn’t put a book down. I couldn’t do anything for 24 hours because I was so enthralled with Amy Harmon’s “Where the Lost Wander”. She does such a marvelous job etching out every detail in her characters that make you want to know more. The landscapes, conversations and characters drew me in and never released. Harmon so expertly creates binding relationships during a tumultuous wagon ride across mid-century America dealing with hunger, hardship and so much more.

I really want everyone to read this novel and soak up the love and despair, the smiles and tears and especially the bonds that can’t be broken. 5 stars and would give it more if I could.

"Because in acceptance, we put our energies into transcendence."

Where the Lost Wander is a captivating and an incredibly moving story. My kindle's charge has never gone below 50% but this book captured my full attention so that I didn't even notice that it had gone down to 26%. It's that good.
I finished this book in 5 days but when an event that occurred in the first quarter or half of the book was mentioned near the end I felt like I read that months ago. The time and its passage was a consistent flow that it almost felt like I have also been with them on their long journey. Hats off to Amy Harmon for how she pulled that off so perfectly.
"Hating men won't make you a man. Hating your womb or your breasts or your own weakness won't make those things go away. You'll still be a woman. Hating never fixed anything. It seems simple, but most things are. We just complicate them. We spend our lives complicating what we would do better to accept. Because in acceptance, we put our energies into transcendence."
My favorite quote and oh my, you don't know how much I needed that. Because in acceptance, we put our energies into transcendence. It even kinda rhymes I'm in love.
Highly highly recommend this to all readers. I haven't read much historical fiction but are they all heart-wrenching?

Amy Harmon is one of my favorites authors because she always writes epic romances. My favorite books of hers were The Law of Moses.

Where the Lost Wander is the journey of Naomi May and John Lowry. They meet traveling in a wagon train and they felt drawn to each other but for them, life in a wagon train was hard and difficult.

Put your energy into rising above the things you can’t change, Naomi. Keep your mind right. And everything will work out for the best.

John Lowry is a half Pawnee and a half white man, who felt that he doesn’t belong anywhere but Naomi May becomes his home and he feels that with her, he belongs. For him, Naomi becomes his everything and his family. For her, he will do anything. Naomi is a strong woman who fights for her family and the man she loves. Naomi is a fighter. John and Naomi are stronger together.

The pain. It’s worth it. The more you love, the more it hurts. But it’s worth it. It’s the only thing that is.

The love for each other gave them the strength to fight to be together and to build a life together. Where The Lost Wander is a provoking and real historical romance about survival, about hardships and tragedies, and love for family. It’s about strong people who travel for a better life for their families and for a new life. I like Where The Lost Wander and I recommend everyone who wants to read a historical romance with a touch of autobiography.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Lake Union Books for an advance reader’s copy of this book for an honest review.

This is a beautiful story of love, family, redemption, search for one’s identity and a better life ... set during the 1850s as we follow a group of emigrants on the Oregon Trail.

This is not a part of history I have any familiarity with, and definitely sheds a lot of light into the hardships that faces these emigrants and the courage and strength it took to make this journey,

I loved the strong women that were the backbone of this story; and the glimpse into the life and history of the Shoshone people .

4.5 ⭐️

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 18.5/20



Growing up in Britain, I was not automatically exposed to many stories about American pioneers. In fact, Little House on the Prairie (tv show) was probably the closest I came to knowing something of those times. It is strange to think while Britain was firmly intrenched in rigid Victorian conformist beliefs and attitudes, There were people a continent away, exploring and embracing a much wilder way in order to secure a life for themselves and their future generations.

This is why I find books like this so fascinating, it opens up a world to those of us who haven't grow up with this history imbued in our cultures and DNA. But having said that historical fiction is not something I often reach towards. But this is an Amy Harmon book, so I knew she would be providing me with a book that needed to be read, and I knew this would be a well researched, and compassionately written book. I was not wrong. Harmon sheds light on a contentious part of American history, honestly and objectively. Some parts really do hurt to read, to know these things happened. That both the pioneers and indigenous people suffered during this period is painfully clear. I feel Harmon was unflinching in her honest portrayal of things yet dealt with the issues sensitively.

The prologue immediately plunges us into the harsh reality of travelling through the vast plains across America. The Oregon Trail really was a scary journey to make. From there we follow the story of Naomi and John and both their journey together and separate. The characters are so real(and not just the ones that really did exist) and Harmon really does put them through a lot. It was especially interesting following John's story, as a half-white half-Pawnee man he had a difficult life, not sure exactly where and how he fit in the world.
I shouldn't be surprised Amy Harmon writes such powerful reads. and given the subject matter of this book, it really got me emotional. Part of it is just due to her beautiful writing, it is so lyrical, she can tug at your heart with just the image she invokes. I could see the harsh landscape, I could feel the bone weary tiredness of travelling long distances without much rest and constantly being worried about your safety. Some parts were hard to read, especially the brutality of that time period. But it would not have been authentic without those parts. And it so important not forget the history that still shapes so many lives today.

I would recommend reading the author's notes at the end as she gives insight into her and her husband's family history and more information about important historical figures mentioned in the book. I found it utterly fascinating, and leant an air of heartfelt authenticity to the rest of the book.

This is a story that will stay with me for a while, and I would highly recommend you give this a go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVOURITE QUOTES:

"My mothers people called me Two Feet. One white foot, one Pawnee foot, but I am not split down the middle, straddling two worlds. I am simply a stranger in both."

“If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose. The trick is to find firm ground between the two ways of being.”

I am so beyond happy I stumbled across this beautiful book! This book was so unique to anything I've ever read before. I have always loved historical fiction and I learned about the Oregon Trail in school as well as played the old computer game but it never crossed my mind to seek out a novel about this time period... Boy was I missing out! This book is something I never knew I needed! I will reccomend this book to everyone! This book had be crying over an ox.... never thought I'd say that! But the connections I felt with all the people and animals is something I haven't felt from a book in quite a while! WOW!

This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a while. This is also my first Amy Harmon book and I was blown away of how wonderful it was. It was also nice to have something different for a setting of a historical fiction book. As someone who grew up in Nebraska and had grandparents that move during this time and one was born in a cover wagon this was very interesting to read, and Harmon did wonderful with the details. I was also happy how she wrote the Native American interactions and John was just a beautiful character.

John is half- Pawnee but has lived most of his life with his white father and doesn't know how to fit in either of his lives, Amy just writes this/these parts of John just so well you will fall in love with him, as he learns about love, family, and is brave, strong, caring, kind, and learning along the way. Naomi is the strong willed women that was needed to cross the west, she is brave, strong, witty, sassy, and holds her family together. Naomi has already known loss before the trail even starts and is a young widower, but tells John that she likes him even if he keeps pushing her away. She speaks her mind even when she maybe shouldn't and using her drawing to save herself, family, and others throughout the book.

Parts can be hard to read with the true struggle of the trail and how each person, family, and train must overcome each part of it. The writing is truly great and the flow is perfect! We learn early on what might happen and every page is a turner to find out what happens and to see if there is a happy part of the story.


This is a 5 plus star book!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this in exchange for a honest review!

I have to say that I typically stay away from books taking place on one of the wagon trails. I've honestly only read one other book similar to this (Walk on Earth a Stranger), but I didn't really enjoy it as much as I hoped. But Amy Harmon is a favorite author of mine, and I've found her to be a consistently good author. So I thought I would have to give Where the Lost Wander a chance.

Where the Lost Wander opens with the tragedy mentioned in the description in the prologue. John isn't mentioned at all during that scene so I came to the conclusion that he wasn't present for it. Yet he was with the May family for the majority of the time. Chapter 1 goes back to when John and Naomi meet. I wondered if this would be one of those "then" and "now" books, but it followed chronological order from Chapter 1 on. This left me constantly questioning when tragedy was going to strike which drove anticipation into every scene for me.

One of the reasons I shy away from stories about wagon trains is that by necessity, these books focus heavily on description. I understand why, but I prefer books with less description and more action. Similarly, even though John and Naomi have an instant connection, their relationship is slow-building. Romance is in the air, but I didn't feel like it was driving the story all of the time, which again is something I prefer.

Now I have to say that Amy Harmon wrote this story beautifully. I felt like she showed all sides of the many types of people encountered by our characters on their journey. She has an author's note at the end that I highly suggest you don't skip. Knowing her personal connections to the story and characters made the story that much deeper. I also appreciated that she didn't shy away from some pieces that I think other authors might skirt around.

As usual with Amy Harmon, I found several quotes that I have to share. Here are my favorites:
-I’m convinced everyone is a little vile, if they are honest about it.

-“I hate being a woman.” “You do?” Her voice squeaks in astonishment. “I hate how hard it is.” “Would you rather be a man?” she challenges, as if I have lost my wits completely. I think about that for a moment. I am not so blind as to think being a man would be much better. Easier, maybe. Or not. I’m not sure. Every path is likely just a different version of hard. But I’m still angry.

-"Hating men won’t make you a man. Hating your womb or your breasts or your own weakness won’t make those things go away. You’ll still be a woman. Hating never fixed anything. It seems simple, but most things are. We just complicate them. We spend our lives complicating what we would do better to accept. Because in acceptance, we put our energies into transcendence.”

-“Put your energy into rising above the things you can’t change, Naomi. Keep your mind right. And everything will work out for the best.” “Even if there’s a lot of pain along the way?” “Especially if there’s pain along the way,” Mama says firmly.

-“I would rather draw faces than anything else. Pa says the landscapes would have a better chance of selling to the newspapers or maybe in a printed book someday, but most of the time, the world just can’t compete with the people in it.”

-“What happened to Lawrence Caldwell reaping what he sows?” I mutter. “Only God decides when and how the reaping comes. That has nothing to do with us. We worry about what we’re sowing.”

-“The hardest thing about life is knowing what matters and what doesn’t,” Winifred muses. “If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose. The trick is to find firm ground between the two ways of being.”

-“That’s what marriage is. It’s shelter. It’s sustenance. It’s warmth. It’s finding rest in each other. It’s telling someone, You matter most."

-I realize now that life is just a continual parting of the ways, some more painful than others.

There is so much to this story that I feel is spoilers to share so I'm keeping it to myself. But it's hard to feel like I've discussed the book thoroughly enough without mentioning all the things.

Amy Harmon has once again hooked me and wrapped me up in a story and set of characters. I devoured the pages as often as I could. I still feel deeply moved by the journey Naomi, John, the Mays, and others endured. Where the Lost Wander gets 4 Stars. Have you read Where the Lost Wander? What did you think? Let me know!

As soon as I began reading this book, I knew that it was going to be special. After only a few chapters I told my husband that tears were inevitable in an Amy Harmon book. I was right on both counts.

Where the Lost Wander is a historical fiction about a wagon train that is heading West in search of a better, more promising life. This novel hooked me from the very beginning. While I don’t read a great deal of historical fiction, Amy Harmon has convinced me that I should. With her incredible writing, attention to detail, and a story that will both break your heart and mend it again, Where the Lost Wander is everything that I have come to expect from a book by this author.

I was quickly drawn into the lives of these characters. They were faced with a harrowing journey that was filled with plenty of hardship, danger, and illness. These were brave characters who loved hard, were loyal, and exuded strength and faith. I adored Naomi and John Lowry. While their love story wasn’t an easy one, it was one that proved that love is always worth the effort.

There was never a dull moment. This book had a fascinating story, Kindle-gripping action, and a love story that touched my heart. I could easily visualize everything that was playing out in this story. I felt as though I was right there with them, jostling along on the Oregon Trail. I was eagerly flipping the pages to find out what was going to become of these characters.

This is a story of belonging, family ties, loyalty, and love. I am in awe of how this author is able to weave the themes in her books together to make such an intricate, beautiful tapestry that is filled with so much meaning and wisdom. You don’t just read an Amy Harmon novel and quickly move on from it, the story stays with you for weeks.

*5 Stars

Leí un ARC de este libro hace unos días durante la cuarentena, no me gusta dar muchos spoilers así que no voy a ahondar mucho en la trama.

No soy fan del romance histórico, pero la escritura de Amy siempre me ha cautivado ya que tiene ese modo de llevarte en la historia, he de decir que no es mi libro favorito de ella tal vez porque es un poco lento, pero me gustó historia, ya que era como que si estuviera viendo una película del viejo oeste.

Este es un libro de romance histórico pero es principalmente sobre familia, pérdida, lealtad, perdón, en una época llena de prejuicios.

La historia esta contada desde el punto de vista de John y Naomi.

Naomi May es una joven viuda que se embarca a con sus padres y hermanos en un viaje en caravana a través de Oregón. Ella es la única mujer entre varios hermanos y una de las cosas que me gustó fue la unidad de su familia.

John Lowry es un joven, quién es hijo de un hombre blanco y una mujer de la tribu Pawnee, a pesar de que ha vivido con su padre desde joven siente que esta dividido entre dos mundos. Él y su padre se dedican a la crianza de mulas, y cuando su padre le vende unas mulas a la familia May conoce a Naomi.

John se une a la caravana con la que viaja la familia May para poder llevar unas mulas a un cliente en uno de los pueblos del camino, pero cuando se empiezan a mezclar los sentimientos los planes de John cambian y decide seguir con ellos.

Amé a los hermanos May, sobre todo a Webb. Y me gustó la convicción y entereza de Naomi.

El libro empieza con un prólogo que es una escena clave de la historia, creo que fue interesante y arriesgado colocar esta escena al incio, a mi me pasó que estaba predispuesta y creo que fue una de las razones por las que lo sentí lento, porque estaba esperando a que pasara eso, creo que me hubiera sorprendido mas sino estuviera en el prólogo porque no sabría que esperar de la historia.