This was a book that was difficult to put down, and when I had to, I kept pausing while at work to worry about the characters and what was in store for them and was so relieved to return to home and rejoin them on their journey. Amy Harmon has written a really lovely historical novel about two people falling in love despite everything in the world that surrounds them- their pasts, their present, the unpredictability of their futures. The historical aspect of this book, about a wagon train on the way to California in 1853, was so compelling with the harsh daily struggles they endured along with all of the every day personal realationships. With so much going on in this book, I really wanted a stronger ending and not what felt like a tacked on epilogue. However this was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat and that I so enjoyed I would not have minded if it were twice as long.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Where the Lost Wander is an all-encompassing story that shows what it means to love, to lose everything and to love again. I fell in love with all of the characters: Winnifred, William, Warren, Wyatt, Webb, Will, Wolfe, and John Lowry. Strong characterizations.
John Lowry is half white and half Pawnee and he doesn’t really know what ‘world’ he belongs to, and so he’s called ‘two-foot.’ All he knows is mules, their mating rituals and selling them, and that is how he comes to know Naomi May and her family. His father sells one to her father William May. According to Naomi’s brother and their father, she is as stubborn as the mules that John Lowry sells. She draws and the tips of her short fingers are always stained. It almost seems that from first sight both Naomi and John are drawn to each other.
At first, John Lowry is only headed to Fort Kearny, but he ends up going further with Naomi and her family.
In the beginning, John Lowry didn’t feel he belonged anywhere but by the end, he had a family that he didn’t even know he could love so much. But it’s worth it. Excellent.

Plot

I picked this up, read the prologue and then immediately started to wonder what I’d gotten myself into. I knew from the synopsis that there may be some rough parts to this story; but I had no. stinking. idea.

The story is about a young woman named Naomi who is heading west, with her family, in 1853. Naomi’s a recent widow, who knows hardship. But she has a large family and is especially close to her mother.

Most of us have heard stories of what it was like back then on the Oregon Trail. What with the dangers of the wilderness, the weather, etc… We’ve also heard how there were often run-ins with some of the Native Americans–both pleasant and not-so-pleasant.

Given that it’s the 21st century, and we’re all aware that Native Americans were, in general, treated very poorly by arriving settlers–I feel that Amy Harmon was able to beautifully handle the nuances of how there is bad in everyone, no one people are innocent, and sometimes bad things happen and we can’t control it.

This story was gripping, emotionally devastating, hopeful, and I sobbed through, pretty much, the last half.
Characters

The two main characters are Naomi, and one of the men guiding them along the trail; John Lowry. Naomi was immediately endeared to me when I read her strength and sass come out of the pages. She’s a young woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t shy away from it, regardless of others’ opinions. And by the end of the story I was overwhelmed with how her strength went beyond what I ever expected or what any one person should have to survive.

John Lowry is half-Pawnee, half-white. He’s a man who also has strong convictions when it comes to right or wrong, but struggles when it comes to his convictions regarding his own worth and who he is. I can’t imagine it would’ve been easy growing up mixed-race back in the 19th-century. But, John is only bolstered by his affection for Naomi May and her affection for him.

There are many other characters in the story who are also written well. One of my other favorites was Naomi’s mother. She was wise and caring–just what Naomi needed.
Writing

If I haven’t made it clear–this book wrecked me. And I don’t think that would’ve been possible without Amy Harmon’s fabulous writing skills. She can go from writing sweet scenes full of butterflies and new love to writing heartbreak and pain, the likes of which, I’ve never read before. And she does it all flawlessly.
Pacing

The pacing was perfect. We were given an ample amount of time to get to know the main characters before the climax hit. Which, in my opinion, just served to invest me more into the characters and what they had to face.



If you like romance. If you like historical fiction. If you don’t mind having your heart torn apart, I implore you to pick this up.

This review will be available at the given link on 4/18/20. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

I really enjoyed Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon. She writes such compelling historical fiction and love stories. This newest book is set during the Oregon Trail which was fun to read as they talked about sites set in my home state of Nebraska! I

I dont think I can write a review as eloquently as Harmon can write books. Her books are so magical. They transport you to another time and place and make you fall in love with all the characters. Where the Most Wander is no different. Absolutely adore this book.

Giddity up! Make room on your TBR list for this daisy of a read!! I loved everything about this one!!

Where the Lost Wander is a fast-paced adventure packed gorgeously written and insightful story with heart. Amy Harmon knows how to kick up a dust storm of emotions. The unforgettable characters are the most likable characters I have read in a story. The story is set on the Oregon Trail in 1853, where we are taken on a vividly written journey with this wagon train set for a better life.

I was on pins and needles all through this one, fearing the danger and hardship of the trail and path taken for these characters. Amy Harmon doesn't sugarcoated things here however, through her powerful insight and wisdom to family, love and hardship she brings a quieter and hopeful tone to the story. The characters are the definition of courage, scared, but still, saddle up anyway. I feared for them and rooted for them.

There is some romance here to warm up the story and I loved the bond between John & Naomi and it melted this non-romantic heart. The strength in this story for me is in the bond, and trust the character had with each other. They face uncertainly, hardship, tragedy, and find the strength within each other for survival. I highly recommend.

Review to be posted on my blog closer to pub date

https://travelingsistersbookreviews.com

Endless heart wrenching stars!!

Epic doesn’t begin to describe the Oregon Trail journey that Naomi May and John Lowry endure. If the families seeking a better life in the 1850’s were fortunate enough to survive the treacherous trek, they also had to frequently contend with moving one step forward and two steps back.

The hardships were plenty as the wagon train traveled over rough terrain, deep rivers, mountainous ranges, and vast desert areas. Wagons broke down, babes were born, boys became men, cholera killed, and Indians scalped without reservation.

Some families turned back to what they knew best, while others were determined to make it to their destination or die trying. Where the lost Wander is an incredible representation of what occurred on the Oregon Trail as well as a testament to the fortitude of the families that dared to brave the unknown.

Adding to the story’s interest is a half-Pawnee mule man, John Lowry. His presence and ability to communicate with various tribes, even if at an elementary level, saved lives. Right from the onset, there’s an attraction between John and the May family’s daughter, Naomi.

I went through many tissues reading this novel, loving every word.

Once again, Amy Harmon has written a brilliant, unforgettable novel.

Amy Harmon takes us on a journey in the 1850's across America in a wagon train of Americans hoping to start a new life in California. I wasn't quite sure of how I'd like such a story filled with dread and fear of the unknown. Such an arduous trek these travelers had to endure. But Ms. Harmon really knows how to tell a great story. I was hooked not long into the heart wrenching story of Naomi May and traveling companion/guide John Lowry, whose Mother was a Native American. Throughout this extremely difficult expedition, I felt as though I was there along with the wagon train, experiencing the hardships, heartbreak, terror, and yes eventual joy. I certainly recommend this well written work of historical fiction.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Haunting. Will be with me a long time. I felt it on every level. Compelling, thoughtful and highly recommended.

Naomi May and her family embarked on a perilous journey for a better life in the western frontier. Among the emigrants of the wagon train was the reclusive John Lowry. Together, they learned to depend and trust not only each other but also the people they met along the way in order to survive.

I love stories about journey/adventure and this book had plenty of it. However, I felt the first 75% of the book was quite tedious. The journey was long and there wasn’t much progress or excitement in the storyline. Also, there was a certain element of the book that would have been more impactful if executed differently.

Thankfully I loved the eventful and emotional parts of the last 25%. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the humanity regardless of which side the characters were on. I loved both John and Naomi, especially how they integrated themselves among the people.

Where the Lost Wander is a tale of cultural identity and resilience. It would appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance.

Such a beautiful novel. Heart wrenching yet beautiful at the same time. This book captures a time of heart ache and hardships yet when love was all some people had. This was captured beautifully in this story! I loved our hero and heroine and i loved how hard our hero loved. My favorite kind of hero!! It was raw and real and definitely a 5 star!!

I received an ARC via Netgalley. Thank You to Lake Union Publishing and the author, Amy Harmon, for the copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

5/5 stars! It was a fantastic read!

After finishing this book I feel a bit stunned and am not sure how to recover. That is partially because I started reading yesterday evening and stopped around midnight. After 2 hours of not being able to sleep and just wondering how the book would go, would if have a happy ending?!? I grabbed my iPad and read until I was finished (5 A.M. I'm too old for that kind of nonsense!!).

This story was so beautiful and so painful. There was joy and sorrow and it was so beautifully written. All I can say is get a copy for yourself and read it. I will be purchasing a paper copy for myself as soon as it's available.

What a beautifully written story. A story that takes you back in time and makes you feel like you are living it along with the wonderful characters you get attached to.

I don't know what to say. This historical romance was an unexpected surprise for me. I love when I read a book and I actually learn a little bit about the history of our country. The research done to complete this book is impressive (especially with the family connection for Ms. Harmon. After I read a book and find myself googling relevant facts and characters from the book, I know it had a huge impact on me.

Anyway, this is a story of the May family who are traveling west through the Oregon trail in 1853. Times were rough, lots of despair, uncertainty, sickness, death, and yes, thankfully, family and love.

With the help of John Lowry, half Indian/half white, they start their long trek to California. You see, John was like a lost soul.... he wasn't sure where he fit in. But he was strong and determined.

Instant connection for Naomi May and John Lowry.....and their story begins. And Naomi was an impressive woman for those times, taking care of her brothers and mother, and also having that special gift of drawing which the Indian tribes were mesmerized by..... this was quite a tale!

What a rollercoaster ride of emotions....it was just so perfectly written. Loved so many of the characters (too many to mention) and there were a lot of tears and heartache because dammit times were really tough back then!

Highly recommend especially if it's not your normal genre!

I am not a heartless individual but I find that I'm cynical and hard to please, at times. But, I can honestly say that there has not been a single Amy Harmon book that has not made me cry and this one continues the tradition. Ugly crying. Once again, Amy Harmon brings to life a story full of so much emotion and heartache, love and growing that it's too complicated to sum up with pretty words.

If you're looking for a light read, this book is not for you. There should be a disclaimer that there are a LOT of heavy topics and some potentially triggering scenes in this book. Not for the faint of heart. But, if you're ready for to read something that makes you think and feel deeply this book is top shelf content.

Amy Harmon has certainly become a go-to author for me in recent years and I loved her tale of two young people that learn a lot about love and forgiveness in this wagon train tale.

As I have said many times before, I love a good wagon train tale. Hooked right from the beginning, Amy Harmon illustrates the hardships and dangers of life as families leave the comfort of what they know to venture into the unknown. From the moment that Naomi May casts her eyes on John Lowry, the young widow dreams kc the life they can have together. But John, the son of a Native mother and white father, is not convinced that he and Naomi belong together. After all, John has lived his entire life straddling two worlds and not feeling he is wanted in either..When tragedy strikes and the two are separated, will Naomi and John find their way back to one another.


This is no mere love story and it encompasses family, forgiveness, and identity. There are great characters and Harmon truly made me feel I was out there in the cold struggling to cross the river and shake out the wet from my clothes. I think fans will certainly rejoice with the author's latest.


Goodreads review published 13/04/20
Expected publication. 28/04/20

Thanks to NetGalley and LakeUnion Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Love this book! I am never disappointed by any of Amy’s books, so no surprise this one was flat out amazing.

Naomi and John have such a real life adventure on the Oregon Trail that you can’t help but fall in love with them.

The story is set in 1853 and follows the May family as they go to start a new and John Lowry is there to help along their trip. His hard work and different approach to the world around him draws Naomi May in. The times were different then and traveling with your family in life and death situations daily makes it hard for love to blossom. However this story wasn’t about just about new love, it is about the power of family trying to survive in a new world.

There were so many reminders of how different life used to be and how everything was a struggle for all people. I couldn’t put it down once I started!

Where the Lost Wander follows the May family as they make their way West from Illinois to Oregon on the Oregon Trail. Told in alternating POV between Naomi May and John Lowry, a half Pawnee, half white mule breeder, the book follows the wagon train’s progress and Naomi & John’s relationship.

This was one of those books that grips you from the start. The first chapter is intense and then you jump back to the start of their journey. As an 80’s kid, I played my fair share of Oregon Trail, and it was a bit nostalgic to hear about fording rivers. :) However, reading about what people went through in the hopes of a better future, land of their own, or a taste of adventure was amazing. I can’t imagine taking that journey myself. I loved both Naomi and John and was very invested in them both. I thought the ending made sense and was very poignant. All in all a really good historical fiction read about a time I usually don’t gravitate towards!

While I used to read a lot of it, Historical Fiction hasn’t been my genre of choice for awhile. That made me a little hesitant going into Where the Lost Wander, but Amy Harmon’s beautiful writing definitely made me a fan again.

I may be dating myself here, but who remembers playing Oregon Trail as a kid? Where you cheered if your wagon made it across a river without capsizing or losing an oxen and you hoped the character named after you wouldn’t die from dysentery. It was a fun, supposedly educational game, but it wasn’t more than that. This book made those aspects of the game we laughed at feel real and horrifying. How easily sickness could spread through a group and kill multiple people. How if a wagon capsized while crossing water, everything a family owned could be lost. Harmon does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of what life on the trail looked like.

That said, the story felt extremely slow paced, as it focused mostly on the day-to-day tasks on the trail or with a Native American tribe. Don’t get me wrong, I was deeply invested in the characters and their journey. Harmon’s writing is just as beautiful as it always is and that kept me reading. It just took me a little longer to read this book than I would expect for a book this size. The pace was slow and not a lot really happened for much of it, but I think it’s a testament to Harmon that those things didn’t really lessen my enjoyment of the story.

The story is told through dual POVs of Naomi and John and I thought it was used very effectively. I absolutely loved John. I found Naomi a little frustrating at times, but I did like her overall, as well as her family. I liked Chief Washakie and his friendship with John. And, of course, I really shipped the romance between John and Naomi. It wouldn’t be any Amy Harmon book without an epic romance and she definitely delivered.

Overall, I enjoyed Where the Lost Wander. Though it was a little slower paced than I like, I really loved the characters and the writing. I am impressed by how much research Harmon did for this book and how she really made the Oregon trail come alive. I definitely recommend this one to fans of Historical Fiction.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars

5 heartfelt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How do I begin to try to tell you how much I loved this? I. Loved. This. Amy Harmon tells such wonderful stories! They are laced with humanity at its best and worst. Characters to love and hate. This had me constantly hold my breath, clenching my stomach, while I sat on the edge of my seat. The story moved me in such a way that I couldn’t think about anything else for hours.
I loved the romance between John Lowry and Naomi. It’s a beautiful historical fiction about wagon trains trying to get to California in 1853 and I couldn’t put down. Of course this story is so much more and I highly recommend it. The authors writing just gets better and better. ♥️
I’ve already read lots of great books this year but this might be my favorite of 2020. Please don’t miss reading this one!

This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and I’ve given my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Just some of my favorite quotes:

“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.”

“I don’t have to see death to know it exists, Naomi,” Ma says. “I gotta keep my mind right. I don’t have any strength for fear or sadness right now, so I’m just gonna walk on by, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell me what you see.”

“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.

“You can’t take the blame for what other men do. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know the why of it. But I know this—you saved your brother, and you kept your head. I’m proud of you.”

I know I'm going to be captivated every time I pick up an Amy Harmon book. Where the Lost Wonder left me breathless. The story and these character will grasp your heart and not let go.

Get ready to be consumed and go on a journey like no other. Simply stunning.