This is my first book I have read by Amy Harmon and I cannot wait to get to her backlist. Growing up I was obsessed with anything to do with the Wild West so this book made my historical fiction loving heart so happy!

Where the Lost Wander is a duel prospective novel that follows Naomi and John as they leave Missouri for California. Naomi is a young widow who is trying to find her place in her new life. John is half Pawnee, Half white and is also wandering through life. Watching their lives intertwine is truly magical. The harsh realities of wagon train life are not glossed over and by the end you will be moved in the best possible way. If you love historical fiction, or are just looking for an amazing story, I highly recommend you check this one out.

Tragedy and Triumph, lost and love, historical yet contemporary.

I am not historical fan , however, I believe that Where the Lost Wander may be Harmon's best novel to date. Why? It has nothing to do with the genre of the novel, and everything to do with the depth of the characters. Stop reading the reviews and give this book a chance, you won't regret it! Harmon will take you on a journey that will stay with you long after you close the book!

What an enjoyable read! One of my favorite things about this author is that her books are not only well written but incredibly varied. Somehow she always seems to pick the subjects i didn't know i was desperate to know more about. If the book description had been for an unknown author, i might not have given it a chance. But i knew i'd get a treat from Mrs. Harmon. I had no idea just how deeply difficult the trip on the Oregon Trail would have been. i mean sure, i knew of disentary- i did play Oregon Trail in Middle School. But i never stopped to think about things like lack of clothing, weather, birthing a child, miscommunications between Indians, etc. Like the author, i too have a Native American Heritage- although I'll admit i don't know a much about mine as i should. I was pleased to hear that this had a factual basis from the author's ancestors. I suggest that you pick up this book and make the time to really ingest it. Its worth the effort.
thanks to Ms. Harmon and NetGalley.

In 1853, the May family sets off from Missouri to head west. Each member of this family is endearing. There are so many sons I could barely keep them straight but by the end, you know and love them all. Naomi, the only daughter, is our head strong and brave protagonist. She is incredible and I loved seeing her character development. John Lowry of Missouri, a half Pawnee, half white man, ends up on the wagon train headed west too. Naomi and John Lowry have some serious romantic tension going on and I was there for every moment!

Amy Harmon is the type of author that paints a detailed setting for readers. You see and experience everything the Mays do on their journey.. bumpy wagon trails, the emptiness of the plains, the intense river crossings, the evenings around the campfire. But you also experience the moment when things go awry, very, very awry. As pioneers moving across the middle of the country, the wagon train encounters Native Americans. True to history, these encounters don’t always end with a handshake or shared meal. There is joy in this story, but there is also pain. It was a journey filled with danger and adversity. This story was truly captivating. I have read an old western or two, but Harmon’s writing talent makes this one soar. Where the Lost Wander is a story I will not soon forget with characters that are still in my heart - FIVE STARS.

Thank you SO SO much to the author, Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this early!!

Cette histoire est rude, cruelle mais criante de vérité et c'est pour cela qu'on est touché directement au coeur . Issue d'une histoire vraie , Amy Harmon est parfaitement parvenue à transmettre toutes les émotions de son duo à un lecteur qui restent sans voix et les yeux humides en fin de lecture. Coup de coeur pour cette conquête de l'Ouest dangereuse et cruelle pour Naomi et John.
This story is rough, cruel but crying out for truth and that is why we are touched directly to the heart. Stemming from a true story, Amy Harmon has perfectly managed to transmit all the emotions of her duet to a reader who remain speechless and wet eyes at the end of reading. I finished to falling for this dangerous and cruel conquest of the West for Naomi and John.

Where the Lost Wander is another epic love story by Amy Harmon. Set on the Oregon Trail, this haunting journey tears families apart, while bringing people together through desolation and loss. READ THIS BOOK!

Amy Harmon really knows how to write the books I love. Last year I read her novel What The Wind Knows, and was completely blown away!

This novel. THIS is the story that my heart was wanting all these years. Harmon envisions what the conditions were like for a white family on the Oregon Trail, aided by (and often creating trouble with) native peoples. The journey is bleak and treacherous, full of hardship, disease, and death. But some people persist for that slim chance of a better life. The human spirit is so beautiful in this novel.

I also appreciate that Harmon didn’t take a hardline approach to who was in the wrong – there were deceitful whites, helpful natives, hopeful whites, and violent natives. No one had it right, but most were just striving to have a better life.

There are real historical figures worked into the novel, so wonderfully. And a fun fact I learned is that John Lowry is a real ancestor of Amy Harmon’s husband! So amazing to create a story to imagine the life of your ancestors!

Enough from me – READ THIS BOOK! This will be the one I recommend to everyone this year!


Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

A wonderful story of the hardships and trials of crossing to California to settle. It is a story about finding home, wherever and whatever that may be; a story of loss and making peace with what cannot be changed; a story of survival and above all, love. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

3.5 stars

It has been a long time since I’ve read historical fiction and the blurb for Where the Lost Wander really caught my attention. I have to start by saying, however, that unfortunately the prologue ensured I spent the majority of my time reading with a sense of dread and foreboding as to what lay ahead. I wanted to emerge myself in the story which, in itself is beautifully written, but I found myself wandering ahead in my mind and just plain worrying about the future lives, or not, of these characters I was becoming invested in.

The traditional romance we have come to expect, or recognise, in more contemporary novels is not as apparent here but it does exist in the love felt between Naomi and John. That love, together with caring and affectionate behaviour, was there, just presented in a more subtle way, beyond the physical as befits the time period. The pride these characters have in each other, the respect, is heartwarming. There was family love too, between parents and siblings, so I would definitely call this a love story, in more ways than one. Just don’t go into this expecting a bodice ripper, not that it claims to be one, as it’s far from it.

It’s an understatement to say that life is not easy on the trail. It’s harsh and cruel, often one step forward, two steps back but I had to admire their tenacity and resourcefulness and sheer willpower. Some of the situations they have to endure seem unbearable, yet they have little choice but to do just that. They deal with it by hard work, determination and fortitude. Like the wagon train itself, the pace of the story is quite slow at times and although I imagine it’s realistic in its depiction, there were moments when I wished it would press ahead a little quicker.

In complete contrast, the last twenty percent is action packed and was without doubt my favorite portion of the book. It’s brutal and emotional and there are certain scenes which, although not hugely explicit, leave us in no doubt as to what is occurring. The implications are obvious and despite the lack of graphic detail, it makes an impact nonetheless. Naomi and John’s bond is strong and it is in this part of the book that we see it come alive. We get more of an insight into John’s cultural heritage, albeit not in great depth, and a clearer understanding of his personality too, which I really enjoyed.

On the whole I liked this story, the later parts more than the earlier, due to the slow pace as I mentioned before. One particular stand out moment for me is one scene right at the end of the book, which is beautiful in its simplicity. It gave me goosebumps and brought a lump to my throat. I found it deeply emotional, wonderfully poignant and thought provoking. Overall, I liked the characters and loved the style of writing, and enjoyed what I would describe as a love story wrapped up in an interesting and well researched lesson on the history of The Oregon Trail.

Amy Harmon has written an epic sweeping tale about The Oregon Trail. I devoured this well crafted novel. I fell in love with John, Naomi, and the boys. I felt every trial they went through, and rejoiced in the small mercies they received. Where the Lost Wander is an exceptional read.

When I think of the Oregon Trail, my mind immediately goes to the computer game I played in elementary school where I, much to my dismay, died of dysentery every. single. time.

But this book has changed that.

When I think about the Oregon Trail now, I will remember of the hardships faced, the perseverance needed, the hope never lost, the heritage created, and the love that was found by the characters of this story.

This is a story of believing in a better life and searching for it, no matter the trials. This is a story about finding oneself when many other lives have been lost. But most noticeably, this is about finding a home within the heart of another person.

I am so in love this story.

This is a really good story, with interesting and complex characters. Some of these characters are real individuals and actually some were even part of the Authors family. These people will hold you close, and give you every emotion possible, as we come to see how love, hate, revenge, acceptance are all revolving emotions.
We follow a wagon train crossing the USA on the Oregon Trail on their way to California in the 1850's.
Two of the main characters are John and Naomi, they fall in love on the trail. John is also called Two Feet as he is half white and half Pawnee, always feeling like he doesn't belong in either world. John who is also a mule breeder, becomes one of the wagon trails guides across the country.
Naomi is a young widow, traveling, with her family, strong willed and an accomplished artist, who knows what she wants and will do whatever is needed to achieve it.
This was a story that will have you on the edge of your seat as you read about their trials and tribulations on this journey, but also the joys and hopes they all have.
Beautiful descriptions throughout, that let us feel this story even more.
A must read in my opinion.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.

5⭐️.

Tropes: Cross-country Western; historical

After finishing Amy Harmon’s Where the Lost Wander I had a lump of feelings sitting in my throat. This book beguiled me, pulling me in to a story about love and loss and love again both while reading it and in the months since. I haven’t forgotten it.

It’s 1853 and Naomi May is a young widow accompanying her large family to Oregon. The book opens with a group of Native Americans attacking Naomi’s party and Naomi watching as people she loves and has traveled with are struck down until it’s only her and her baby brother left.

From there, we’re taken back even further to the past, to the beginning of the journey west when Naomi meets John Lowry, the white and Pawnee man she was immediately drawn to but who resisted her efforts to befriend him—and more—every step of their trip.

Where the Lost Wander is an immersive experience, from the creaking of the wagon trains to Naomi’s mother’s wise words and the interaction of her loving, large family, to the tentative efforts of Naomi to reach out to John—known amongst Native Americans as Two Feet—and his efforts to box her out.

And the independent, feminist, loving Naomi has her own challenges, particularly those experiences that occur on the journey west. Her stunning resilience gives the book more vibrancy, and her relationship with John—their determination to reach each other—the staying power of a contemporary classic.

CW:


Rape.
WTLW is out on 04/28. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

"Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review."

I'm in awe of Amy Harmon, her writing and this book. Immediately after reading this book, I felt guilty about not having discovered your work earlier. I give this book- 4.5/5 stars

~~~May contain spoilers~~~

Honestly, this is one best historical fictions I've read in a while. At first glance, the plot doesn't look much different than a typical star-crossed lovers' story but when you start reading it, you begin to realize it's so wonderfully different. Learning that the characters were based on actual people elevates reading it to just another level.

From the beginning, be ready to be swept into this beautiful, compelling work of words. I think I would use 3 words to describe this novel- Brutal, Heartbreaking, Captivating.

Amy Harmon has beautifully crafted the setting and characters of this book. Her delicate story telling and lush writing style is what forms the backbone of this tale. Even while sitting on my bed, I could visualise myself traversing there with the characters. She doesn't sugarcoat the things but gives a somber, hopeful tone to the story. Her extensive research also shows in the various descriptions found in the story. This was a part of history I was unfamiliar with, but through Amy's writing, I felt as if I knew all about the characters and the hardships they had faced. Like literally, almost every part of this story is well-crafted and well-executed.

The characters were quite easy to fall in love with. I laughed, cried and rejoiced with them.
John Lowry had an enigmatic personality. The author portrays his struggles in fitting in really well. Naomi May is a phenomenally strong heroine. She is delightfully stubborn, a go-getter.
I think my absolutely favourite characters in this book would be that of Winifred and Naomi

The romance between John and Naomi didn't feel forced or rushed at all; in fact, it felt very potent and realistic. The chemistry and tension between them was palpable. The way the author executed their relationship made sure that I was able to feel their emotions as they experienced them.

My only problem with the story might be the fact that some parts of the story felt a bit drawn and as a result, it slowed the pace of the story quite a bit. Hence, the pacing feels uneven. Other than that, I have no qualms with it.

5⭐️— the best historical fiction I’ve read in a while. This was an expertly written story of a family traveling west, and a young man yearning for his place in a world where he is both a member of two cultures and also does not fit into either culture. My heart will remember Naomi May and John Lowry for a long time - and the author’s note at the end is the cherry on top.

I received an eARC and exchange for an honest review.

Amy Harmon does an incredible job of bringing the old west alive in her story.

Naomi is young widow traveling west with her family. She meets a young man named John Lowry who is half Pawnee and half white, but doesn’t feel like he fits anywhere. Their relationship starts slow and steady like a wagon train heading west; but with no doubt of its destination. Life on the trail isn’t easy. There is hardship, racism, sickness, fighting, rape, and death. And you wonder if they’ll ever make it.

Naomi is an outspoken woman for her time period. I really enjoyed how she was first interested in John and pursued him shamelessly. Yet, she is filled with an inner strength and conviction that carries her through.

John was a sympathetic character from the very beginning for me. I felt so sorry for the handsome young man who didn’t feel like he fit in either society. His loyalty and love were not easily given, but once given, irrevocable.

A beautiful story of human triumph and understanding in the most impossible of situations.

Amy Harmon takes us back to the Oregon Trail in 1953, with such a beautiful intertwinement between The Native Americans and the Americans .

We are introduced to John Lowry, half Pawnee and half white, and Naomi May. Both of these characters are so different but yet again alike. Naomi is a strong fierce woman, who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. John is a quiet analytical man, who has gone through enough to be cautious when meeting new people.
The May’s are migrating through the hard terrain of the Oregon Trail while being escorted by Mr.Lowry.

It is such rich with our history during the immigration hardships the early American settlers went through while crossing over the West. During that time, Naomi and John get to know each other and then love story... is impecable... beautifully crafted... and I even cried in a few pages.

After a terrible tragedy, John and Naomi embark in a tough journey to find each other back again, and .... their way back home.

Amy Harmon not only brings you back to the early settlers but also enriches a lot of rich history of the Native Americans during those times. Many who eventually started becoming “ half- white, half-Indian” but you can also see the structures of their culture during immigration across the planes.

I devoured this book in ONE sitting. Amy Harmon has yet captivated her readers with not only a beautiful story but another story rich in culture and beauty. I already pre ordered this book to accompany all Amy Harmons physical books I have in my bookshelf.

I highly recommend this amazing book 5/5 stars.

'Destroying all the things you hate won’t change any of that. Hating never fixed anything.'

___ Amy Harmon, Where the Lost Wander


Two different people, from totally different worlds; a very special bonding; and a long, difficult journey.

Where The Lost Wander is a historical romance (set in 1853-1858) but it's also about family, your roots. A beautiful and heartbreaking tale of love, grit and survival.

This my first book by the author and I really like the writing style. There are some lovely, thoughtful quotes in the book. The main protagonists are interesting: I loved Naomi's confidence and sass, the strength and hesitation of John. Even the secondary characters are nice and convincing ___I particularly liked Winifred, so wise and understanding. Totally understandable anger of Elmeda, curiosity of Webb. Then there's Jennie, Hanabi, Narcissa, Charlie, Washakie, Lost Woman...
...there are so many characters (I'm not a fan of too many characters in a book), but they all their own quality and importance. And most fascinating thing is that (as the author mentioned in her note) many of them are real people.

The romance is endearing. I loved their conversations.

The only thing that bothered me was that the story seem to meander, at times. There are several incidents that didn't interest me. I won't call them uninteresting, but I didn't enjoy reading them.

Overall, a very good read.

4 stars! An unforgettable journey following a group of emigrants on the Oregon Trail.

1853: John Lowry, a half-white half-Pawnee man, leads a group of families across the rough terrain of the Oregon Trail. The families each have their own horses and wagon packed with all that they own heading to start a better life out West. The families depend on Lowry’s experience and expertise to get them through the unimaginably difficult landscape and hostile areas. Their trek is gruelling and strenuous, unbearable at times. Their lives rest in the hands of Lowry to keep them safe and guided in the right direction.

Such a wonderful novel! I loved learning about this time in our history. The exquisite writing engrossed me, pulling me deep into this part of history, making me feel an immediate connection to and investment in the characters and storyline. I knew nothing about this piece of history which is why I love reading historical fiction. The novel was extremely insightful, informative and enlightening, all while immersing the reader within an unforgettable tale. Endearing characters, atmospheric landscapes, thought provoking scenarios, heart breaking losses - this book has it all. My one tiny critique is that the last 20% felt a bit too drawn out for me.

I enjoyed the animal aspect of this story and learned a lot about how mules and horses were so highly depended upon during these times. Crossing rivers (often the same river multiple times throughout the trek), surviving a variety of brutal weather, always having to remain “on guard”, pushing through the constant fear of the unknown that lies ahead — I felt all of these stresses right alongside the characters and animals. Please be warned, there are some awful scenes involving animals.

The Authors Note at the end is powerful. To learn that much of this story is based on the authors family history makes it more impactful to me as a reader. Overall, I truly enjoyed this remarkable novel! It isn’t gripping or addictive, but a slow burn, beautifully written tale that needs to be savoured and not rushed.

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!

Expected date of publication: April 21, 2020.

The author did an incredible job describing the hardships people endured while traveling westward. I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of courage, and possible desperation, people faced in order to make this journey. The prologue began with a tragedy, so while reading I was feeling their daily struggles, while also agonizing about what was to come.

While I did enjoy this story, it wasn’t a 5-star read that I usually give to Amy Harmon. There were just a couple of things that bothered me. In the prologue, Naomi mentions how her baby brother felt like her son, but I never felt that connection while reading. It seemed to me like there was hardly any mention of him, then the author realizing we needed to see that connection, threw in little tidbits to the story. I also felt like the story had so much detail leading up to and during the tragedy, but it lacked the detail I would have liked for the rest of the story. Personally, I felt a little cheated. I made it that far through their journey, I felt like I needed to be there for the rest of it.

This was still a really good book; I’ve just come to expect more from Amy Harmon.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union for ARC 4⭐️ Loved this epic — and at times tragic and violent adventure — love story about a small wagon train group crossing Oregon Trail in mid-1850s. A man born to an Indian mother who grew up with his white father’s family is among the guides. He always felt he had “two feet” straddling two different worlds and never at ease in either. Publishes April 28.