I truly love period novels, and this was no exception. It's been quite some time since I've read a book about the old west and this one was stunning. The characters were so well written and the story line well thought out and beautiful. I highly recommend this book, it won't take you very long to finish!

Thanks to the publishers via NetGalley for this free copy for an honest review.

Amy Harmon is such a predictably incedible writer. My life is better because of the books she has written.
Where The Lost Wander was beautiful. It's stunning.
I read to escape and this is a world I could escape in to. It's hard, heart breaking, healing and breathtaking all in 350ish pages.

The writing was very mild and the characters seemed rather static. While this book may appeal to some readers, I don't think it will have general appreciation.

Amy Harmon is far and away my favorite historical fiction writer. I discovered her books sometime last year and read like five of them in one week. They were that good. But, even so, I was a little hesitant to start Where the Lost Wander, despite my overwhelmingly positive experience with Harmon's books in the past, because I wasn't--and still am not--the biggest fan of the Little House on the Prairie time period in which the novel takes place. (What can I say? Even we history buffs don't care for all time periods.) But once I pushed aside my initial doubts and just started the book, I couldn't put it down. In typical Harmon fashion, the time period was immersive, well-researched, and well-represented; the characters were believable, likable, and multidimensional; the conflict felt true to the characters and their situation (it wasn't a conflict in name only); and the romance between Naomi and John was touching and beautiful, growing slowly over time in spite of the hardships and tragedies they faced on the Oregon Trail. While I'm not any more inclined to go out looking for more stories set on the Oregon Trail after reading this book, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy reading and learning more about the time period or that I didn't have a new appreciation and respect for those who journeyed westward on the Oregon Trail.

Author #Amy Harmon has a haunting new love story ‘#Where the Lost Wander’. It’s set on the Oregon Trail, a young widow Naomi May forms a instant connection with John Lowry. John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man. His heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory....
Thank you,
#Netgalley, #Amy Harmon and # Lake Union Publishing

Amy has written a marvelous story of heartbreak and love that chronicles a multi-family journey across the American west as settlers look for more opportunity in California.

Our heroine, Naomi, and her family are the main characters, along with their guide, John. Naomi is tough as only women were during that time in history. She’s been through more in her young adulthood than most go through in their entire lives. John, half white and half Indian, has also had a tough life. Unable to fit in wit anyone, he is extremely reluctant developing feelings for Naomi.

Although there is definitely a love story involved, the focus is on the hardship and devastation these settlers faced as well as some general history of the American Indians and their struggle to maintain their lives while being oppressed.

Tons of beautiful moments and even more of heartbreak make this story difficult to read but it’s soooo worth it. The end is touching and full of hope. Highly recommended!

A beautiful story about life and love on the Oregon Trail.

Now, I’m not usually one to stay up too late reading. My eyes wanna close around 10:30. But when I read Where the Lost Wander, I couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up til almost 1 am anxiously flipping pages and trying to keep my tears from dropping onto them. I don’t remember the last time I read a book with so much overwhelming obstacles that had me glued to each word.

Life in a wagon train is brutal, both the land and people. But the May family set out with a train for a better life. With everything they own they are determined to make a better life from the one they are leaving behind. They knew it would be hard but they didn’t expect this.

Naomi May is a 19 yr old recent widow who is ready for a new life. She wants a family of her own so she sets out with her parents, and four brothers, for what will be a new beginning. She had no idea that traveling on this trail would change her forever. Nothing could prepare her for all the hardship and death she would surrounded by. But among that was also love.

“I worry sometimes that you will get tired of carrying all of us, John.”

“I would carry you to the ends of the earth.”

John Lowry is a man from two worlds. He’s a half Pawnee and half white man trying to balance between them both. But he had no idea when he was signing up for the trail how his life would change forever.

This story was harrowing and heartbreaking and yet so very inspiring. There were parts that had tears pouring down my face and some wishing I could reach in and hug Naomi. Honestly, the suffering was unfathomable. I don’t think I could’ve been as strong as she was. No matter what what thrown at her, she fought, even when she felt like giving up. If you read From Sand and Ash then this is right up your alley. Another story based on real people. These are types of stories I wish more writers would write. Amy Harmon will always be one of my favorites and I will always recommend her books.

Very well done. Excellent descriptive prose. Different genre than I'm used to but enjoyed getting out of my comfort zone with this one!!

I am now a member of the walking dead, Harmon completely ripped my heart out with this story, yet I am still breathing. This was beautifully heartbreaking tale full of characters that will complete enrapture you. You will love them and with them; you will grieve with them and for them. If the incredible characters are not alone enough to entice you to run out now and grab this read immediately then the vivid telling of historical events and Native American folklore that will bring the story alive before your eyes definitely should. Many tears were shed during the partaking if this magnificent tale I would not take back a single one, to do so would to take away from its grandeur and impact. I can not recommend this tale enough, this is a tale I would recommend to all reads, just make sure you have tissues with you when you do!

Amy Harmon is a master at weaving storylines that are deeply immersive in both fact and feeling. She did it with the last book I read by her, WHAT THE WIND KNOWS, and again in this novel. By the end of WHERE THE LOST WANDER, I felt as if I, too, had journeyed countless miles.

WHERE THE LOST WANDER tells the epic story of Naomi May and John Lowry, as they fall in love on the Oregon Trail in 1853. This book is haunting and deeply moving. The trials that these characters endure will be pulling at your heartstrings the entire time you’re reading about them. Highly recommend! The story was a bit slow-moving in the beginning, but the ending is far worth the journey.

When I saw synopsis of this book I wanted to read it as soon as possible. But after first chapters I wasn't really hooked (and I wasn't a fan of this insta attraction between Noami and John). So I took a break, then read few more chapters and then I had to put away again. When I reached second half... well it was finally better.
This well developed story is about love, loss, strength, hope and family.
I respect how much research author had to do to write this book.

I'm still not sure if her writing style is for me... but if you are a fan of Harmon's books you will probably end up loving it.
3.5 stars.

Life among a group of pioneers in a covered wagon and on horseback traveling the Oregon Trail dealing with all of the headaches, heartaches, trials, and tribulations. Gets a bit draggy at times, but overall a good story, well written, with realistic and well-developed characters. Recommend.

This book opens with a dramatic prologue that grabbed me from the start. Thank goodness it opens the way it does because it allowed me to prepare myself for what would happen later in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Naomi May and her family who were traveling to California on the Overland Trail in 1853. Naomi stepped up to the plate and was the strong female lead that I like to read about in fiction books. She definitely surpassed what I could have handled if I was put in similar circumstances! Naomi is drawn to a half white, half Pawnee man named John Lowry and over time their friendship strengthens on the trail west.

There are a lot of exciting parts of this book that happen in the second half of the book that I won't share without spoiling the book for others. Needless to say, it's worth reading past the prologue to see how things work out for Naomi, her family, and John. As a person who enjoys reading about American history, I liked learning about the men, women, and children's journey west to California. But since this was a book that I was reading during the Covid 19 stay at home order, it wasn't a book that I could just sit and read nonstop without some mental breaks. Unfortunately, it does have some sad parts in it which is pretty unavoidable if you're trying to read a realistic portrayal of the families who traveled west during this time period.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinions of the book.

OMG AMY CAN DO NO WRONG.
Her take on historical fiction and different times I think I could never love and making me devour them is why I keep coming back for more.
Amy is an auto buy author 100%
Run don’t walk to this story of the Oregon trail

We can't change what is. Or what was. Only what could be. Transcendence is a world, a place, beyond this one. It's what could be.

I am undone with this one. A strong character driven prose of the 1858 wagon trail from Missouri to California. The characters drove the plot and left me wanting more. The author shares at the end that she used for her main characters from her family which made it more personal and believable. She also injected into the story line actual Indian leaders that played a pivotal part in this prose. A connection between two worlds that you want to know more of. The beginning is a foreboding of a terrible tragedy. A family is killed by the Indians. A young woman is taken by them while she is holding on to her baby brother for dear life. She has made a vow. You don't know the specifics but it leaves you with what is to come.

The narration is done by two voices Naomi and John. Naomi is recently widowed, moved back to her parents and is now ready for a new beginning out west with them. Her late husband's family is making the trek however, she feels more at home with her own parents. Naomi is not pretentious but she is thoughtful. She sees things thru her drawings and is a student of people, places and the times. Her hands reveal her art as they are marked with ink. When she and her family arrive at the trading post to purchase mules for the long trip out west she meets John. They both observe each other not knowing what to make of each other. Their meeting is electric, exciting and they seem drawn to each other without knowing why. This draw lays the foundation of their relationship. John is part Indian and White. He is part of both worlds but does not know where he belongs. His father and him train and sell the mules to travelers and it suits him. Naomi is confident and knows the unknown is part of the journey

The ironies of their story is subtle and thoughtful. John end up traveling with the group only so far but his attraction to Naomi keeps him on the trail. The group encounters prejudices, death, suffering, new life, and wisdom. There are hard decisions along with separations that require faith and perseverance. John and Naomi learn to trust each other and that is part of the journey.

Where the Lost Wander is bringing two cultures together and realizing we are one. It is a journey of being lost in the hurt of what is evil and coming into terms of justice and what is important. You are in for an adventure but there is closure and it matters. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

4.5 Be still my heart! I adored this story about love and hardship on the Oregon trail. It's 1853 and wagons full of hardy, in some cases desperate, people and family headed West. The Mays were one such family, their daughter Naomi had been widowed and traveled with them. John Lowry was a half Pauite, whose mother as she was dying brought him to his white father to raise. The mules they train are renowned and fetch a hefty price. He originally is only planning to go so far and then turn back. His plans though will change when love comes aknockin.

I enjoy reading about these men and women who risk everything for a new start. Such a rough and hazardous journey, yet so many went. I would probably have been one who says, just let me be, it's all good. So many deaths, from illness and starvation, Indian attacks and exhaustion. This book has it all, pain, love, Indian captives, and plucky characters a reader can't help but embrace. Naomi and John, such wonderful characters, couldn't help but root for them. Hope things would turn out well.

In the authors note, Harmon tells us who and what this story was based on. So many people in this story were actual historic figures and yes, I admit it made the book even more special. I took to heart not just for this book but others I will read, this advice,

"I hope the reader will experience the story in the spirit it was written, recognizing that who we are is not who they were, and judging historical people by today's standards prevents us from learning from them, from their mistakes and their triumphs."

I did and I will. Terrific story, wise authors note.

ARC from Netgalley.

Naomi May, a young widow, is traveling west to California with her parents and brothers. She meets John Lowry a half Pawnee mule breeder. They're instantly drawn to one another. The trip brings hardship, disease, tragedy and death. Their love will be tested in ways they cannot imagine.

This was an historical fiction novel with a love story featuring some very strong characters. Naomi was a determined woman with a lot of strength who was very much tested on this journey. John was a proud, good man with the strength of character needed to straddle two cultures. I felt that the author did a good job of realistically portraying the dangers and hardships of an 1853 cross country trek. However, the book felt long and rambling, dragging in spots. It took many chapters to catch up to the dramatic prologue. There were some well-drawn secondary characters, especially Naomi's mother Winifred. There is a lot of tragedy in the story in addition to themes of identity, culture and belonging. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy romantic historical fiction. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Overall a very different HF novel. Really enjoyed the characters and the love story. Too many details of the land and the era that made it drawn out and a long read.

A moving historical novel about loss, hope and love. Something Ms. Harmon is good at. Well developed characters and excellent description for the trail life. Most of all, it is written in dual POV which I love.

This is my first book by Any Harmon, but it won't be my last. Where the Lost Wander is a gripping work of historical fiction. It's a story of love, loss, grief, and resilience.

As the May family travels west to California, John guides the family and falls for the recently widowed Naomi. They struggle.during the journey and after, but ultimately, it's a story of love.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.