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Where the Lost Wander

Amy Harmon (Goodreads Author)

4.40 · Rating details · 22,977 ratings · 2,435 reviews

In this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss.

The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowr

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Paperback, 348 pages

Published April 28th 2020 by Lake Union Publishing

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Feb 17, 2020 Nilufer Ozmekik rated it it was amazing

Yes, she did it again! Dear Amy Harmon turned me into an emotional trainwreck! I always tell myself before starting any of her books: “Nope! I’m not gonna cry! I’m gonna concentrate on funny things like my besties’ effort to squeeze her big butt into two size smaller jeans or my husband’s face expression when I serve him dinner.”

But, I failed again! I dropped ugly, nasty, tormenting, vicious, dirty tears! I cannot stop myself! This book has epic, heart wrenching, memorable, beautiful, genuine, Yes, she did it again! Dear Amy Harmon turned me into an emotional trainwreck! I always tell myself before starting any of her books: “Nope! I’m not gonna cry! I’m gonna concentrate on funny things like my besties’ effort to squeeze her big butt into two size smaller jeans or my husband’s face expression when I serve him dinner.”

But, I failed again! I dropped ugly, nasty, tormenting, vicious, dirty tears! I cannot stop myself! This book has epic, heart wrenching, memorable, beautiful, genuine, poignant story with its memorable, so easily likeable characters. You want to give them hug and meet with them in real life to befriend them.

The pacing, the stunning, thought-provoking, violent, dark, realistic historical facts which crush our souls show the ugly face and shameful parts of humanity that we need to learn lessons and pass them to our next generations. She didn’t sugarcoat anything and tell directly, objectively those parts which break our hearts and ache more for beautiful souls of those amazing characters.
Naomi is tough, determined, warrior soul to do whatever it takes to protect her family and build a life for them as John straddles between two worlds and cannot cope any of them. They fought, they hurt, they burned, they suffered, they cried, they struggled but they never gave up on each other.

Bring out your napkins and set your ugly tears free, take your ticket for this fast pacing, mesmerizing, spell-binding, gripping, emotional, memorable journey.

Normally I’m not a big fan of historical fictions but Kristin Hannah and Amy Harmon changed my idea made me lose myself into their books. This one is a BIG WINNER and get ready to go blind and feel the fantastic spirit of the story.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for sharing this incredible books’ ARC COPY in exchange my honest review. And so much thanks to Amy Harmon who creates a heartbreaking symphonies with words for writing this wonderful book.

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Apr 22, 2020 jessica rated it it was amazing

thank goodness for this book - for showing that historical fiction can be so much more than a WWII story.

whenever i think about the oregon trail, i will now 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 notic ...more

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Oct 11, 2019 Amy Harmon added it · (Review from the author)

Where the Lost Wander, an epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail is now available on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and audio.

READ NOW: KINDLE | PAPERBACK | AUDIO

He says he doesn’t want to dance,
but that’s what we do.
It’s just a different kind of dance.
His mouth is pressed to mine,
seeking and sinking.
We move together and apart,
all things working toward the same end.
Or the same beginning.
We are a circle of two.

I’m good with the animals,
I keep to myself, and I work

...more

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May 01, 2020 MarilynW rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, traveling-sisters-read, netgalley-2020

The time is 1853 and the prologue of Where the Lost Wander throws us into a horrible massacre. It hurts to read it, even if we don't know these people, yet. And then we go back months in time and get to know the May family, a mother, father, fours sons and Naomi, the twenty year old daughter. Naomi is already a widow, her childhood sweetheart, Daniel, dying three months after their marriage. Daniel was supposed to be on this trip over the Oregon Trail but he's been dead for over a year and Naomi The time is 1853 and the prologue of Where the Lost Wander throws us into a horrible massacre. It hurts to read it, even if we don't know these people, yet. And then we go back months in time and get to know the May family, a mother, father, fours sons and Naomi, the twenty year old daughter. Naomi is already a widow, her childhood sweetheart, Daniel, dying three months after their marriage. Daniel was supposed to be on this trip over the Oregon Trail but he's been dead for over a year and Naomi hasn't even been able to really face that heartbreak, completely.

It's in St Joseph, Missouri, where the May family purchases mules for their cross country trip, that Naomi first lays eyes on John Lowry. John is half white, half Pawnee, not feeling as if he belongs in either world, not sure if he's really wanted even though his white father's white wife treats him as her own child. John's mother died when he was eight but before she died, she brought John to his father to raise and his step mother, Jennie, has raised him into a fine, educated, gentleman. But John knows he doesn't fit in either world, white or Indian and he keeps an emotional distance from everyone. Still, he is attracted to Naomi and decides to continue on with the wagon train after he escorts it part of the way, after dropping off an order of mules.

Every step of the trip is dangerous. Cholera, storms, dehydration, broken wagons, lack of food for humans and animals, attacks by Indians, the sometimes impassable trail, raging rivers, are just some of the perils along the way. Death is a given, so many in their party fall by the wayside or turn back. Decisions have to be made that are hard and often wrong. Naomi knows her heart and loves John but John can't even allow himself to think of a life with Naomi, when he knows having him in her life will always make things harder for Naomi because he is only part white. John also has a longing in his heart for his mother's people even though they don't want him because of his white half.

As hard as the trip has been, there is the even bigger disaster of the massacre and Naomi and her baby brother have been taken by avenging Indians. John hopes to find her and both John and Naomi have to make impossible choices. John has made a promise to protect the May family and he will die trying to do so. It's amazing how well the author brings the characters to life, in this story, not just the May family but the Indians, who are dealing with their impossible struggles, too. My heart was torn the entire time I was reading this story, because this is our history and it's not pretty. I think all the people need to be remembered and this story puts a face to some of the people of this time in our history.

Published April 28th 2020

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. ...more

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Apr 04, 2020 Debra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, traveling-sister-reads

4.5 stars

"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."

Wandering what to read next (See what I did there?) Look no further. Where the Lost Wander is a wonderful work of historical fiction that was inspired by real life people - John Lowry was the Author's husband five times great grandfather. I really enjoy when Authors can draw on their own personal real-life histories/stories to create fiction. This was done very nicely. I highl ...more

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Apr 04, 2020 Brenda - Traveling Sisters Book Reviews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: traveling-sister-reads, behind-the-pages

Amy Harmon has joined us in the Behind the Pages group and has answered questions about her books, and writing process! She gave us some great insight into the story and characters and I love this one even more

To view the threads and see what Amy Harmon has to say, you can find it here

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My review

Giddy 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 gorgeous ...more

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May 11, 2020 Arini rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This was so beautiful it hurt.

“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 was fairly sure I would give it a three stars upon finishing it, and I had good enough reasons for that, namely:

↠ The journey these characters went through was tragic and arduous.
↠ The romance was underdeveloped.
↠ The plot was slow moving because it took 70% of the book to get to the climax.

HOWEVER, after sleeping on it for days, the more I t ...more

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Apr 15, 2020 Lindsay - Traveling Sisters Book Reviews rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

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, un 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 28, 2020. ...more

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Jun 27, 2020 Diane S ☔ rated it really liked it

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. Hi ...more

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Dec 28, 2020 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-favourites

Holy crap this was one Wild West journey with both beauty and violence across the rugged terrain from Missouri to California.

A journey across in the mid 1850’s is challenging, rugged and scary. But it’s the price to pay to start a new life in a place far from home.
A romance begins to bloom between a young widower, Naomi, and a half Indian, John Lowry. But violence also follows between tribes of both Indians and whites.
Amazing character depiction, Indian culture and the transcendence of the land ...more

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Apr 22, 2020 ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-arcs, romance, 2020-read, standalone, 5-stars, historical

MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

'WHERE THE LOST WANDER:' Is a full length historical romance novel by Amy Harmon. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' This is Naomi & John's story.

Naomi May is a young widow travelling on a wagon train with her family heading out west. And John Lowry is the man leading this wagon train, a mule breeder, he's half white, and half indian with a name of 'Two Feet' meaning he has one foot in the white man's worl ...more

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May 26, 2020 Karen rated it really liked it

4.5 stars

1853 ..The Oregon Trail
Life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death.
Naomi May is 20 yrs old, a recent widow after just three months of marriage, and is traveling with her parents and several brothers for a life out West.
John Lowry is a half Pawnee man who is on the trail to help guide the families West.
There is a beautiful love story here but what had me immersed in the story was the actual life on the trail, the family connections, and the encounters with the Indian ...more

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Jul 10, 2020 Dem rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction, recommended

Some books are just worth waiting for...... I saved this one for a a few days break away and it was the perfect road trip companion, an engaging and moving story of the harrowing journey our west in 1850s America, the hardships and struggles that befell the folks who took the Oregon Trail in order to find better lives for their families is extremely well depicted and beautifully written.

I love the cover of this novel with the wagon trail heading off into the great unknown and its through books ...more

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Jan 04, 2020 Corina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, standalone, epic, historical-romance

It's time for my BEST BOOKS OF 2020 LIST

___________________________________

I’m only 37% into the book and already can tell it’s going to be a high starred read for me, maybe even my first 5 star book of the year.

Old school western romance, but absolutely beautifully written. Stunning prose, and a plot that leaves me amazed!

More to come...

Update and full review:

___________________________________

I’ve read MANY historical western romance over the years, and the plot for Where the Lost Wander isn’ ...more

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May 05, 2020 Beata rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A novel which I found interesting mainly due to detailed descriptions of the Oregon Trail of which I am eager to learn more. The plot revolves around the brave people who decided to travel two thousand miles to seek better opportunities in new lands in the mid 19th century. While reading I was constantly googling pictures of the landmarks which the emigrants passed and I admit that this added to the intensity of the narration, which I appreciated a lot. The descriptions of daily challenges in th ...more

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Nov 05, 2020 Lori rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

“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.”

This novel has been sitting on my TBR list for a while. Sometimes I feel like a book ‘finds’ you when you need it’s message most. That is how this novel has found me. Naomi, John and their story I will carry with me for some time to come. This novel has moved me in a way that ...more

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Jul 22, 2020 Penny Reid rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 11-stars

Amy Harmon is my favorite author because she never, never, never lets me down. It is obvious that she puts pieces of her heart and soul into every title and the world is a better place for her effort and artistry.

I've been putting off reading this book until I felt like I really, really needed an exceptional read. The last few months have been difficult, the last week even more so. Therefore, I knew it was time to crack open my epic-read rations. I so enjoyed getting lost and wandering around in ...more

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Jan 29, 2020 Hulya Kara Yuksel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow I'm speechless! This was an amazing journey... ❤

This was my 11th book of Ms.Harmon and she always takes me to another places. Her stories always warms my heart and I always feel that amazing connection between the main characters. <3

So long story short, Amy Harmon is one of my favorite authors and I highly recommend this book to you. ❤

Expected publication: April 28th 2020
***ARC provided by NetGalley.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me,” Naomi whispers after a time, and I brush ...more

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Dec 27, 2019 Ashley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, 2019, loves, 2020

Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.

Amy Harmon does it again and I can’t even say I’m surprised. She’s a dynamic writer, with each book being better than the last. Where the Lost Wander may be my new favorite of hers. I’m certain this book will be at the top of my list of favorites for 2020. The word that comes to mind as I reflect on this book is: rich. The writing, the storytelling, the characters, the pacing, literally every facet of the book is exquisitely done.

One of my favorite things about hi Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.

Amy Harmon does it again and I can’t even say I’m surprised. She’s a dynamic writer, with each book being better than the last. Where the Lost Wander may be my new favorite of hers. I’m certain this book will be at the top of my list of favorites for 2020. The word that comes to mind as I reflect on this book is: rich. The writing, the storytelling, the characters, the pacing, literally every facet of the book is exquisitely done.

One of my favorite things about historical fiction is being sucked back in time as if I’m actually there myself. Unfortunately, many books within this genre do not possess the ability to transport me back. Sometimes the history gets too heavy, making the plot drag. Though I love pioneering stories, I thought this tale might have a tendency to drag as slowly as the oxen pulling the wagons. Boy, was I wrong in my assumption! Where the Lost Wander had no lulls — I was sucked in as I read the very first page and was torn between eagerly reading and slowly savoring this book. It was one I didn’t want to end and I knew I would have the most epic of book hangovers after finishing.

As always, after finishing Amy’s books I’m at a loss for words. I want to do the book the justice it deserves, but my language is inadequate. There are numerous life lessons, beautiful sentiments, and emotional moments within this story. It pulled deep feelings from me and had me in tears by the end of the book. Sometimes blogging and reading can feel like a chore, with the special books coming fewer and farther between, but this was exactly the type of novel to reignite my love of reading.

I especially loved that the story didn’t sugarcoat the brutality of this time in history and the hardship of being a pioneering family. Amy’s author’s note in the end made me further realize how often we try to reshape history to make us feel more comfortable in our modern lives. Whether we agree with the past, it’s not our duty to rewrite the story. We should accept it as is, and if anything, it should make us better today.

I eagerly recommend all of Amy’s books to anyone and everyone, but this one is at the top of the stack. You won’t want to miss this evocative journey! It’s arguably Amy’s best work to date.

Reread: Aug. 9, 2020 💙 ...more

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Oct 14, 2019 ⒶH-ℳℰⒾ ♔♚♛Queen Of The Fat Cats♛♚♔ marked it as to-read

Recommends it for: Wanna be writers...learn from a true master: Harmon sensei

Recommended to ⒶH-ℳℰⒾ ♔♚♛Queen Of The Fat Cats♛♚♔ by: The constant quality of Harmon's writing. ALWAYS GOOD!

Shelves: aoshi-and-amy-is-amoshi, aoshi-plus-amy-ship, cover-love, kindle-unlimited-historical, favorite-authors, in-love, kindle-unlimited, bae, close-to-my-heart, give-me-the-next-one

♥ UPDATE ♥ 4/28/2020 3:12 fangirling mode activated!!!

GUYS!!! This. Is. NOT. A. Drilling!!!
I repeat
This. Is. NOT. A. Drilling!!!
This. Is. NOT. A. Drilling!!!

It's LIVE, IT'S LIVE!!!

Live and already on top of the charts!!! So happy for Harmon-sensei!

Even better it's

For all of us in the KU elite!! We look all smug now!!

SMUG 'cuz it's FREE for us!!

BUDDY READ WITH THE WONDERFUL QT'S

The QT's are here, we're gonna buddy read this in the next few weeks ....we are so coordinated.
description

The QT's:

Elisa's 45% U ...more

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Jan 24, 2020 Karren Sandercock rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

In 1853, twenty year old widow Naomi May Caldwell joins her family when they decide to travel West on The Overland Trail and begin the long trip go to Oregon. Her parents are William and Winifred May, her older brother Warren and his wife Abigail and her brothers Wyatt, Webb, and Will are all traveling together.

Grant Abbott is the wagon master, he's in charge of guiding the 40 families along the trail, it will take five months and it's a 2000 mile journey. It's not going to be easy, most of the In 1853, twenty year old widow Naomi May Caldwell joins her family when they decide to travel West on The Overland Trail and begin the long trip go to Oregon. Her parents are William and Winifred May, her older brother Warren and his wife Abigail and her brothers Wyatt, Webb, and Will are all traveling together.

Grant Abbott is the wagon master, he's in charge of guiding the 40 families along the trail, it will take five months and it's a 2000 mile journey. It's not going to be easy, most of the women and children will need to walk to ease the burden on the oxen, they will constantly have to deal with dirt, dust, snakes, insects and diseases. They will need to ford rivers and cross mountains and barren deserts, worry about Indians attacking the wagon train and stealing their livestock.

Naomi was only married to her husband Daniel Caldwell for three months when he passed away, yes she mourned her husbands death, she cried, she was consumed by grief, traveling West is a way of her starting again and leaving the sad memories behind her. She's pretty, smart, has spunk, loves her family and she's a very talented artist. She has a very close relationship with her family, especially her mother, even though her in laws are traveling west on the same wagon train she has decided to travel with her family and help her pregnant mother.

Following the tracks of the previous wagons, heavily pregnant Winifred May notices the first of many graves on the side of the road on the fifth day of traveling, she continues walking and she knows it's going to be a long and very dangerous trip.

Traveling part of the way with them is the handsome John Lowry, he's delivering mules to an army fort, Naomi notices John is different, he sets off riding his horse, leading his two donkeys and twelve mules and he shows very little emotion when he leaves his father John and step mother Jennie behind? John is actually part Indian his mother was Pawnee and he's always struggled with finding his place in the world and he's a loner. His strong features, tanned skin and dark hair are things about himself that he can't change, Naomi likes him, finds him very attractive and has no issues with him being part Indian.
It becomes very obvious that Naomi and John are very interested in each other?
John is very cautious as he knows being part Indian and being seen with a white lady can only cause grief and trouble for him.

Unfortunately the group of pioneers do experience tragedy, heart breaking loss and danger as they travel West. But they also experience joy, the birth of new baby and the sweetness of new love. Amy Harmon has a way with words, while reading the book it's very easy to be swept away by the story and you feel like you are traveling every step with the wagon train. You can almost hear the sounds of the animals plodding along, harnesses creaking, wheels screeching, the foot steps of the women and children as they walk, how weary they feel and how they long for a decent meal.

I absolutely loved Where The Lost Wander, I enjoy reading historical fiction about pioneering families traveling to Oregon, this is one of the best books I have read, I highly recommend it and I gave it five stars. I will share my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/ ...more

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Jan 24, 2020 Karren Sandercock rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

Thanks To Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Amy Harmon for my copy of: Where The Lost Wander.

In 1853, twenty year old widow Naomi May Caldwell joins her family when they decide to travel West on The Overland Trail and begin the long trip go to Oregon. Her parents are William and Winifred May, her older brother Warren and his wife Abigail and her brothers Wyatt, Webb, and Will are all traveling together.

Grant Abbott is the wagon master, he's in charge of guiding the 40 families along the trail Thanks To Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Amy Harmon for my copy of: Where The Lost Wander.

In 1853, twenty year old widow Naomi May Caldwell joins her family when they decide to travel West on The Overland Trail and begin the long trip go to Oregon. Her parents are William and Winifred May, her older brother Warren and his wife Abigail and her brothers Wyatt, Webb, and Will are all traveling together.

Grant Abbott is the wagon master, he's in charge of guiding the 40 families along the trail, it will take five months and it's a 2000 mile journey. It's not going to be easy, most of the women and children will need to walk to ease the burden on the oxen, they will have to deal with dirt, dust, snakes, insects and diseases. They will need to ford rivers and cross mountains and barren deserts, worry about Indians attacking the wagon train and stealing their livestock.

Naomi was only married to her husband Daniel Caldwell for three months when he passed away, yes she mourned her husbands death, she cried, she was consumed by grief, traveling West is a way of her starting again and leaving the sad memories behind her. She's pretty, smart, has spunk, loves her family and she's a very talented artist. She has a very close relationship with her family, especially her mother, even though her in laws are traveling west on the same wagon train she has decided to travel with her family and help her pregnant mother.

Following the tracks of the previous wagons, heavily pregnant Winifred May notices the first of many graves on the side of the road on the fifth day of traveling, she continues walking and she knows it's going to be a long and very dangerous trip.

Traveling part of the way with them is the handsome John Lowry, he's delivering mules to an army fort, Naomi notices John is different, he sets off riding his horse, leading his two donkeys and twelve mules and he shows very little emotion when he leaves his father John and step mother Jennie behind? John is actually part Indian his mother was Pawnee and he's always struggled with finding his place in the world and he's a loner. His strong features, tanned skin and dark hair are things about himself that he can't change, Naomi likes him, she finds him very attractive and has no issues with him being part Indian.
It becomes very obvious that Naomi and John are very interested in each other?
John is very cautious as he knows being part Indian and being seen with a white lady can only cause grief and trouble for him.

Unfortunately the group of pioneers do experience tragedy, heart breaking loss and danger as they travel West. But they also experience joy, the birth of new baby and the sweetness of new love. Amy Harmon has a way with words, while reading the book it's very easy to be swept away by the story and you feel like you are traveling with them. You can almost hear the sounds of the animals plodding along, harnesses creaking, wheels screeching, the foot steps of the women and children as they walk, how weary they feel, how they long for a decent meal, fresh vegetables and a hot bath!

I absolutely loved Where The Lost Wander, I enjoy reading historical fiction about pioneering families traveling to Oregon, this is one of the best books I have read, I highly recommend it and I gave it five stars. I have shared my review on Goodeads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/ ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 Lucia rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, most-anticipated

4.5 STARS

Amy Harmon at her best! This is my 4th book by this author and I am sure of one thing after reading it - Amy Harmon can really write. Her prose is beautiful, flow of this story is well-paced and her characters are real-like and fleshed out.

Moreover, with this novel, she proves that she is great author of historical fiction. Firstly What the Wind Knows and now Where the Lost Wander. It was clear that Amy Harmon did her research well and provided detailed depiction of given historical p 4.5 STARS

Amy Harmon at her best! This is my 4th book by this author and I am sure of one thing after reading it - Amy Harmon can really write. Her prose is beautiful, flow of this story is well-paced and her characters are real-like and fleshed out.

Moreover, with this novel, she proves that she is great author of historical fiction. Firstly What the Wind Knows and now Where the Lost Wander. It was clear that Amy Harmon did her research well and provided detailed depiction of given historical period (she didn't shy away from any drastic parts that were common for crossing Oregon Trail in 19th century) and brought it alive for me. It's the ability that I really treasure in authors of this genre and with this novel, Amy Harmon secured firm place among authors that I read automatically when they release new book. At the end of the book, she even states which characters were real historical figures and what writing libirties she did or did not take to write their story. I loved that!

"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."

Now to the story. I have always had this fascination with stories/movies featuring Native Americans so Amy Harmon hit the mark with this novel for me. Thanks to lush writing style and captivating storytelling, Where the Lost Wander turned out ot be very powerful historical novel with strong romantic element. Romance wasn't the sole focus of this story which I was grateful for because I tend to get bored when book is focused only on romance. There were so many other things going on and important topics being discussed, so no, I would not call this historical romance in its traditional meaning.

But even though romance wasn't the most important part of this book, it was still very potent and realistic. Chemistry between John and Naomi was very strong and believable, I truly rooted for them to be together from the very beginning till the end of the book. Author didn't go easy on them (at all !!!) so there was not a single boring moment throughout the whole book when it comes to romance.

I enjoyed this novel thoroughly and cannot wait for more historical fiction by Amy Harmon!

*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review* ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Jennifer Kyle added it

I’ve tried...

Dnf - 50 percent

I adore this author both personally and professionally. I went back into it several times and it’s just not holding my attention.

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May 08, 2020 Denise rated it it was amazing

Oh, Amy Harmon, I don't know how you do it, but once again you take history (based on ancestors from your family tree), and make it so relatable that I feel every emotion as strongly as if I were experiencing it firsthand. You are truly the master of historical fiction!

I loved everything about this book. The prologue immediately takes your breath away, with a horrific murder and capture of the protagonist, Naomi, by a band of Indian warriors. The book then goes back in time several months, with Oh, Amy Harmon, I don't know how you do it, but once again you take history (based on ancestors from your family tree), and make it so relatable that I feel every emotion as strongly as if I were experiencing it firsthand. You are truly the master of historical fiction!

I loved everything about this book. The prologue immediately takes your breath away, with a horrific murder and capture of the protagonist, Naomi, by a band of Indian warriors. The book then goes back in time several months, with a large wagon train preparing to leave behind all that they know in Missouri, headed for a new life in California. This is where we meet Naomi and John and most of the other characters. I adored Naomi and John's story - their characters are unforgettable, but I actually also loved quite a few of the secondary characters as well, as they each significantly contributed to the plot and were memorable in their own way.

I've long been fascinated with stories of wagon trains, and this book is a brilliant portrayal of just how incredibly hard it was for those on the trail, including the fragile relationship at that time between Indian tribes and settlers. The hardships faced on the trail are almost inconceivable today, with wagons being swept away in rushing rivers, sickness wiping out entire families (although the cholera epidemic described was reminiscent of what we are currently experiencing, except it was truly survival of the fittest), babies born and dying along the way, families being left behind to fend for themselves when wagons broke down, etc. It was all very sobering, but somehow throughout all of the despair, Harmon also weaves a beautiful tale of love and resilience among this band of settlers.

Such a heartbreakingly beautiful tale of love, loss, and survival. Harmon has a gift of painting a picture with her words and crafting a story in a way that so few others can do. If you are feeling bad for yourself and your situation right now, pick up this book, get lost in it, and learn from it. It really did wonders for my own perspective. All the stars for this one! ...more

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Jan 29, 2020 Curlyhairlass19 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs

“My mother’s 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.”

The ache that I feel in my heart after finishing this masterpiece is very real. John “Two Feet” Lowry & Naomi “many faces” May just took the pieces of my broken heart, and carefully mended it back together.

I always walk away from reading one of Amy’s books feeling as though I’ve had an education. I became fully immersed in this rich, ...more

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Dec 15, 2019 Jennifer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: i-met-the-author, arc-lake-union, historical-fiction, own-ebook-kindle, history, listened-to-audiobook, amy-harmon, read-2020, bookstagram, own-audio-audible

Historical fiction that moves at the speed of wagon trains. But given the time period, it's hard to avoid. Admittedly, it was a challenge staying engaged and invested at first, but the story does pick up speed once climactic emotions get involved in the last 1/3 of the book. It's Amy Harmon so you know there will be big feels. Again, Harmon incorporates personal family history as a way to pay tribute to the generations of the past which I always find admirable. If you enjoy a variety of historic ...more

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Apr 09, 2020 Erin rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, netgalley

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 ...more

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Apr 28, 2020 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5000-2020, this-is-why-i-read, may-20

Where The Lost Wander, by Amy Harmon, is an epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail.
This is the story of Naomi May and John Lowry as they make the trek by wagon train to the west coast in the early 1850's. Fraught with hardship, fear and death the trials of their journey work to keep them apart.
A wonderfully descriptive setting and cast of characters held me in awe with their resilience.
Not normally a fan of western historical fiction I am so glad and thankful to have read this nov ...more

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Apr 26, 2020 DeAnn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020

5 stunning stars

It is so easy to give this book 5 stars, I enjoyed every moment that I spent in this story. Picture the 1850s, Conestoga wagons packed with belongings, a mule man, families heading west, Indians, forts, illness, and characters that I did not want to say goodbye to at the end of the book. This was an emotional journey that was storytelling at its finest for me. If this sounds like something you would like, I highly recommend this one!

A group “train” of travelers sets out from Miss 5 stunning stars

It is so easy to give this book 5 stars, I enjoyed every moment that I spent in this story. Picture the 1850s, Conestoga wagons packed with belongings, a mule man, families heading west, Indians, forts, illness, and characters that I did not want to say goodbye to at the end of the book. This was an emotional journey that was storytelling at its finest for me. If this sounds like something you would like, I highly recommend this one!

A group “train” of travelers sets out from Missouri not knowing how difficult the journey might be as they head west. About half are bound for Oregon and the other half are heading to California and they start out on the Overland Trail. The main family is the May family – parents, three boys, and a recently widowed adult daughter, Naomi.

John Lowry is guiding the group, a half-Pawnee/half-white man, who does not feel welcome in either world. John and his father run a mule business in Missouri and frequently outfit the groups heading out. John turns out to be the right person to have along on the trip as he knows just how to get the animals to cross the myriad of rivers they need to cross, speak to Indian tribes, and be a steady force on the trip.

Naomi is one of my favorite characters in the book, she is headstrong, an artist, and knows what she wants out of life. She is captivated by John and their relationship develops on the journey although not everyone thinks they have a future.

This story has all my favorite elements: a believable love story, overcoming adversity, strong historical elements that are researched, strong characters that I root for, and a great setting.

This is my first read from this author, although I have at least two of hers on my “to be read” list. Reading this one and loving it will easily move those up the list. The author’s note at the end is not be missed and I learned that this is based on real characters, some from the author’s own family line.

My thanks to NetGalley, Amy Harmon, and Lake Union Publishing for the copy of this one to read in return for an honest review. This one is out soon -- 4.28.2020.
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About Amy Harmon

Amy Harmon

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Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good ...more

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The Bird and the Sword (The Bird and the Sword Chronicles, #1)

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“We spend our lives complicating what we would do better to accept. Because in acceptance, we put our energies into transcendence.” — 14 likes

“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.” — 13 likes

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