WHERE THE LOST WANDER by Amy Harmon conveys the pioneer spirit in an engaging story I enjoyed immensely. The caliber of the storytelling held me captive, and this author continues to intrigue. An engaging recommended read!

I read this book last October (2020) when our home was in the middle of a major remodel due to water damage. Several rooms were boxed and stored while we lived in our camper. It was the closest thing to moving I had experienced in over twenty years. Needless to say, it’s a miracle I found this review I wrote but failed to upload. My apologies to the author and publisher.

I love a wagon train story. WHERE THE LOST WANDER is full of interesting characters, including children, who move the novel forward. It was so easy to love the main characters for their tenacity and heart.

The romance is a slow build, but it has great emotional depth. I enjoyed the style of including each chapter within the heroine or hero’s point-of-view, even though it took some time to adapt my brain to it. This allows a greater intimacy with both characters, creating a bond of support from the reader for not only their survival, but their happiness as a couple.

After I got used to the point-of-view switches, I couldn’t read this fast enough. The Native American detail is exquisite. All I could say as I turned the last page, was Wow. This book convinced me I need to order Amy Harmon’s backlist. What an engaging storyteller!

Usually I describe a novel in more detail, but I don’t want to tell you too much because this story is deep and well-connected throughout. I can say that there are harsh moments that may make some readers uncomfortable. There are valid reasons for those moments and it adds to the wow-factor at the end. This time of history can be a cruel place, but it’s not without healing.

I loved the trail detail, including the hero’s talent for breeding and selling/trading his mules. It brought an authenticity to this story that I haven’t experienced in all the pioneer stories I’ve read. They’re a favorite theme in my historical fiction reading, and I consider this book one of the best frontier theme portrayals I’ve experienced.

Also, another favorite theme, the heroine is an artist. Her abilities to capture the human element play an important role in this story. I found her artistic talent intriguing in the way it enhanced the plot.

If you connect with the frontier spirit, I highly recommend Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon. I loved it!

Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com.

Amy Harmon’s Where the Lost Wander is an absolutely gorgeous and often harrowing journey of Naomi May and John Lowry. Written in such elegant prose, Harmon immerses you in the landscape of the rugged US, the trials and tribulations of the settlers and the beauty of the Natives. There is so much depth and emotion poured into every character in this book and I could feel Harmon’s immense reverence for the historical path they all took. At the heart of Where the Lost Wander is a undeniable love story. The love of family we’re born into and the ones we make ours along the way.

"... his thoughts, when he shares them, are like little shoots of green grass on a dry prairie. The flowers on the prickly pears that grow among the rocks."

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I adore stories of the American Prairie and pioneer times. There is such beauty in the untamed land, passion in indigenous stories and strength in the desire of the pioneers for a better life. Where the Lost Wander provides all of that and more. The May family is complex and entertaining. While they are trying for a better life, they find themselves stuck between tradition and desire. 

I, myself, got lost in the descriptions of the land and life within the wagon train. The idea of giving it all up and starting over to remake your life has always been romantic to me. The story is slow and descriptive as it builds toward conflict with the environment, amongst the settlers and with the native people. We see the brutality of life, of conflict between two peoples who don't understand one another but we also see resilience and strength of spirit, healing and forgiveness, the bonds of love and kinship. 

John plays an important role as a man caught between two peoples, he shows the white men that an indigenous person is a human like any other, to be judged by their character and not the color of their skin. Naomi does as well, she first opens her heart to John regardless of his background and throughout shows compassion and understanding to the natives even though they have done her great injustices. There is a lot to be said for seeing both sides and seeing how misunderstandings can lead to violence but that is not what truly is in each side's hearts.

I loved the author's note at the end and the fact that she was reimagining her own family history, that made the book even more meaningful to me.

At the heart of this book is a beautiful love story. It is also the story of the Oregon Trail and the long and arduous journey these people undertook. Sometimes the storyline seemed like it dragged a bit as they forged their way. This was not my favorite Amy Harmon book, but I loved “What the Wind Knows” so I will look forward to reading her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I now understand why everyone always recommends Amy Harmon and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to read one of her books.

I adored Naomi and John’s story. I also really enjoyed reading about the Oregon’s trail and the author did such an amazing job describing it.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one and found it to be so beautifully written and I’m looking forward to reading more of Amy Harmon’s books.

I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for generously providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

APRIL 2020 - is when WtLW is releasing and I'm so excited.

I have a shelf dedicated to books that take place or mention my home state of OREGON!! And since this book is set on the Oregon Trail I couldn't be happier.

When we hear the words - The Oregon Trail I'm sure most of us think of the computer game where everyone always seemed to die from dysentery. Here's hoping these characters fair better.
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John is living in 2 worlds: a white father and Pawnee mother. He was called 2-feet (Native American and caucasian). John never felt he belonged in either world.

Naomi and her family (her mother, father, and brothers) are headed out on the Oregon trail for more opportunities out west. John is the guide for their group plus the other families traveling with them. Things really get tense when Naomi and her baby brother are taken by a Native American tribe.

Just like The Oregon Trail game, there is a TON of hardship. Except in this version, a budding romance happens between Naomi and John.

I enjoyed this book especially the last half of the book.
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An interesting one and I’m not totally sure if I loved it, but I did enjoy it! The characters were interesting and well developed but left wanting a little more

Amy Harmon is on the short list for me of authors who continuously provide an engaging, historically-sound story and she did not disappoint with Where the Lost Wander. This was an enjoyable read with a nice mix of history detail on the challenges faced on the Oregon Trail mixed with a sweet romance. Unfortunately, for me, my children read "Bound for Oregon" in 3rd grade (and now I've read it 4x with them) and so the trials and tragedy faced on the Oregon Trail were not new to me. I feel that my rating may be negatively impacted by that so, I do apologize if that is the case. The most fascinating part of the book ended up being the endnote from the author telling of her personal connection to the characters and I'd almost recommend reading that before reading the book as I believe that would have improved this experience for me. Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this!

This book was a pleasure to read. The story flowed and the writing was fantastic. While the journey was difficult and some parts were extremely sad, the story itself was very enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

This was, in one word, stunning. I keep saying that historical fiction/romances are not really my favorites, but I think I need to stop saying that. I seem to have read a few now, and each time I am so very surprised by how much I enjoy them. So, I think I need to just give in and say that I do enjoy them, they are my cup of tea, and I learn so very much each time I finish one. Amy Harmon can do no wrong. Her reads are some of my favorites, and this one is no different. Beautiful, painful, raw, lessons to be learned by those that went before us. To wrap it up, take a chance if this is not your normal read. You won't be sorry!

Absolutely, positively, incredibly amazing! Amy Harmon does it again. I have been so in love with this author since the first book of hers that I read several years ago. I got to meet her in person in 2018 at the Book Bonanza in Denver, Colorado, that was put on by Colleen Hoover. What a truly down to earth person Harmon is. I highly recommend anything she has written!

Honestly, I hate to review Amy Harmon's books because I always know I cannot even begin to do them any justice. And this book...OMG...it is just WOW! I don't have the words. One of my favorite (probably my very favorite) genres is historical fiction and I have read her other books of that genre written by her, so I knew I was in for a treat. Add to historical fiction a romance to die for, and you have a winner combination.

Amy Harmon writes such eloquent, beautiful prose that flows and touches every emotion. One thing that sets her writing apart from so many other authors is nothing ever seems contrived, all her characters are real but beautifully flawed, and she cuts no corners but adds nothing superfluous. Anyone who has studied poetry know that it is said that an excellent poet chooses his words carefully and every word has meaning and there is nothing added that doesn't belong. That's how I feel her writing is. She doesn't add things just to extend it, nor does she make meaningless series just because...Harmon nurtures her own writing and you (I) can tell she has such a connection with her characters and their plight.

Recommendation: This is an absolutely MUST read book!! Don't delay getting it but do be ready for a tear-jerker. If you aren't crier, I'd still be surprised if you don't shed a tear or at least choke up more than once.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing Co. for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Finally a historical fiction novel about the Oregon trail. It was my favorite computer game growing up so I have a bit of nostalgia regarding the subject. This book was a tear jerker and just excellent. I recommend it to everyone and I look forwarding to reading my next Amy book.

Absolutely loved being a part of Naomi’s family’s incredible and perilous journey. I appreciated how the story shares the harsh conditions encountered, such as death and disease, but also highlights the importance of family, strength, and love. I loved the two points of view. It added such depth to the story. A highlight for me was reading about Naomi and her mother’s relationship - it was so Unique. The author’s notes were very interesting to read as well.

I am a huge fan of Amy Harmon, she is an insanely talented and thoughtful writer. I have been eager to read 'Where the Lost Wander' all year and am so glad I finally got to this one! It is incredibly well-researched and should be a must-read for any historical romance fan.

I loved the setting of the American West and was absolutely amazed by the amount of detail in this book. The hardships endured by the Americans who went west to find a new life were heartbreaking. The author describes her own family history in the Acknowledgments which made this story feel even more touching.

I was intrigued with the almost insurmountable daily struggles of these American pioneers, as well as with how the author handled the conflicts with native Americans. John Lowry was a wonderful character and his love for Naomi was beautiful. This book is grim and violent in some parts, just like our own history, and these difficulties are not sugar-coated.

I applaud Amy Harmon for tackling such an intriguing part of American history and shedding light on the joy and heartbreak early settlers of the West endured. The story of Naomi and John is not always easy but it is ultimately uplifting. Although this book starts off in epic fashion, the plot slowed somewhat, almost mirroring the arduous journey of Naomi, John and her family.

If you love character-based historical romance, then you will love this story. The detail is incredible and the characters are fascinating. It satisfied my craving for historical fiction and I can't wait for the author's next book, 'The Songbook of Benny Lament'.

(Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.)

Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
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This book was very emotional for me, especially the last third of it.
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Naomi is a young widow and oldest child of the May family. She is traveling with her family in a wagon train geaded for Oregon Territory in the year 1853.
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John Lowry is called two feet. His father is a white man and his mother was from the Pawnee people. He doesn’t feel like he really belongs in either place.
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This was ultimately a love story but so much more. About survival, bravery, family and finding your own home. I really loved this story.
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I don’t really know what else to say. Historical fiction is harder for me to get excited about but the stories stick with me longer and I think about them, and hurt over them for days. I can already tell that this story will stick with me for a long, long time.
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4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 thank you netgalley for this digital copy to read.

This was my first Amy Harmon and I was really excited to read it! Unfortunately this book was just not a good fit for me. I could not connect with the characters so I struggled to get through the book. I have a hunch it is me more than the book itself, so I look forward to trying another by this author someday.

Naomi May and John Lowry are two people who were obviously made for each other. Thats evident right from the moment he sees her in a crowd. Unfortunately falling in love while traveling the Oregon Trail in the 850's is not a simple thing. In true Amy Harmon style, you get so many layers with each character. There is the former mother in law, who is dealing with so much grief its easy to see why she chooses to just lay in the wagon. There are many Native American tribes that are trying to figure out their place in the changing landscape. But most of all you have two people who love each other so much they will do what is necessary. Not for themselves, but for the other

Amy Harmon rips the emotions out of me with Where the Lost Wander.
Without knowing what I was in for (Amy is an insta read for me, no blurbs required) I was blown away by this beautifully tragic, historical story. Nothing and no review could possibly prepare you for this journey.
Utterly phenomenal.

You guys probably know this by now but I’m a massive fan of Amy Harmon and always love her stories. There’s something so magical about the worlds and characters she crafts that just makes me want to crawl inside the pages of the books. I was fully expecting to have this emotional reaction to reading WHERE THE LOST WANDER and ultimately it didn’t quite get there for me. So in terms of my expectation, I think this book delivered something that felt different for me. It was more understated and not as lyrical as I was looking forward to.

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book. While it didn’t meet my expectations I think it’s still a beautiful story that highlights the strength, courage and struggle of the time it takes you to. It’s a story about finding where you belong as much as the romance. Both our main characters had their own personal things to overcome. Their interracial romance was also another source of contention with those around them. I love seeing the strength it took for both of them to fight for what they wanted.

In the end I still recommend you check out this book. It was a different kind of read for me from one of my favorite authors. It was a beautiful story that definitely shows you something that’s not as common to see. And I admit I found it even more endearing after reading the author’s note and her personal connection to this story.

I have yet to read a book by Amy Harmon that I didn't love and Where the Lost Wander is no exception. Amy Harmon writes the most romantic, heart-wrenching, emotional books that I usually devour in one sitting. I read Where the Lost Wander in one day and when I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about the characters.

The book is set in the 1850s, on the Oregon Trail. Young widow Naomi May is making the perilous journey West with her family and other travelers who are all looking for a better life. On the trail, Naomi meets their guide, a half-Pawnee man, John Lowry, with whom she feels an instant attraction. During the journey, they experience harsh traveling conditions, hostility from Native Americans, encounter death, disease, and tragedy but also find love and companionship.

I loved the romance between Naomi and John, but I also loved reading about other relationships. I loved Noami's relationship with her mother, and I loved John's friendship/mentorship with Naomi's brother, Wyatt. Where the Lost Wander made me cry and my heart race and it's exactly the type of emotional storytelling I expect from Amy Harmon.