Where the Lost Wander
Published April 28th 2020 by Lake Union Publishing, Kindle Edition 349 pages
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 Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both.
But life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death. Even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. John’s heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory only to come between them as they seek to build a life together.
When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Ripped apart, they can’t turn back, they can’t go on, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make terrible sacrifices to find each other, save each other, and eventually…make peace with who they are.
User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
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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Rating: really liked it
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 noticeably, this is about finding a home within the heart of another person.
i am so in love this story.
a heartfelt thanks to lake union publishing for the ARC! <3↠ 5 stars
Rating: really liked it
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.
Pub April 28th 2020
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Rating: really liked it
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 hard.
And if I look a little different,
no one has ever made a big issue of it.
I watch Naomi,
she watches me,
and a wagon train of tired people,
gaunt-faced and blurry-eyes,
watch us.
Five hundred miles from where we began,
the formations begin to rise up out of the earth,
gnarled and notched,
like ancient parapets washed in a layer
of sand and time,
abandoned castles that have become
part of the landscape.
READ NOW: KINDLE | PAPERBACK | AUDIO
Copyright © Amy Harmon
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Rating: really liked it
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 highly recommend reading the Author's note at the end.
Naomi May, a widow at twenty, is on the Oregon Trail with her family, her deceased husband's family and others while trying to make it to California where they hope to have a better life. John Lowry. half-Pawnee is their guide. Naomi and John are drawn to each other as they all try to survive the harshness of the trail.
John draws on his Pawnee heritage to help them along the trail, but will it be enough when tragedy strikes?
This book had several things going for it - there is romance, there is a tale of survival, there is the element of people being strong and showing courage, there are those who face their fears to rise above and confront what they thought they never could, there are those baring their soles and sharing what it feels like to walk with one foot in two very different cultures, there is camaraderie and a sense of belonging, there is hope, there are tears, there is fear and there is happiness. The Author also paints a very vivid description of the trail and what those who were on the trail endured during that time.
This was well written and researched. I felt as if I were on the trail with them as they desperately tried to reach California. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one as will fans of the wild west.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
**Traveling Sister group read
Rating: really liked it
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 moreTo 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 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 uncertainty, hardship, tragedy, and find the strength within each other for survival. I highly recommend.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
Rating: really liked it
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 thought about it the more I appreciated the beauty of it all.
“But . . . endurance . . . is a whole different kind of battle. It’s a hell of a lot harder. Don’t ever say you didn’t fight, because that’s never been true. Not one day of your whole life. You fought, Naomi. You’re still fighting.”
I didn’t even know about the
Oregon Trail until this book. Yes, travelling across the country on a wagon train with hundreds of other people for months was grueling. But that was part of why this story was fascinating.
The author managed to present a believable depiction of what life might be like during one of the most significant historical moments in the US. The hardships, the hunger, the plague, the loss—it was all so raw, harrowing, and admirable at the same time.
The romance was rushed, but it didn’t make the love story less delicate and emotional. John and Naomi were perfect for each other. Their scenes were sweet and romantic. Naomi’s
family, especially the brothers, gave the book a warm and joyful feeling beneath all the bleakness of the situation. What befell them in this book was heartbreaking, but watching John and Naomi lost and found each other again and stick together through thick and thin was nothing short of awe inspiring.
“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.”
The book opened with a
prologue that immediately hooked me in and gave me a sense of doom looming above my head. When the death blow was finally delivered, I was devastated and thrilled all at once. The last 30% was a rare kind of excitement that I lived for. At first, I wasn’t so keen on the writing because it felt like a lot more tells than shows despite the fact that it was done beautifully. But this ‘in media res’ storytelling technique was so compelling I couldn’t look away.
The author’s portrayal of the Native Americans and white emigrants felt
authentic. Obviously, I couldn’t speak for the accuracy of the authenticity, but I could tell it was
well researched. The author even went on about it in her author’s note. Despite the book being a work of fiction, I felt like I learned so much through this experience. Not to mention, I was used to reading about the World War when it came to historical fictions that this book was such a breath of fresh air.
“The hardest thing about life is knowing what matters and what doesn’t,” Winifred muses. “If nothing matters, then there’s no point. If everything matters, there’s no purpose. The trick is to find firm ground between the two ways of being.”
This is the kind of story that you will love slowly but completely. It brings you back through time and generations. It sneaks up on you and takes residence in your heart. It opens your eyes to a part of history you might not have been aware before and makes you feel grateful of the life you have today. It’s profound and simply breathtaking. I would definitely recommend to those of you who fancy a historical fiction that is filled with adventure, love, heartache, and hope.
Rating: really liked it
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.
Rating: really liked it
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 and the people.
5⭐️and a must read for historical fiction fans.
Rating: 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. 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.
Rating: really liked it
You know what else wandered? My mind.
Sorry, that line is just too easy (and my opinion might be an unpopular one), but it’s true. Where the Lost Wander had my thoughts trailing off as I followed two lovers on their bumpy journey along the Oregon Trail. (Oops, I did it again.)
Maybe the bar was set a little too high from the get-go. A Goodreads average rating of 4.4 stars is almost always the sign of a sure thing. I also chose to pluck this title from my To Read backlist on the heels of reading The Four Winds. Kristin Hannah’s stellar novel about the Dust Bowl era made me want to seek out more books about other great migrations across America.
This particular story opens with a violent prologue, providing a glimpse of the tragedies and hardships a westbound wagon train will encounter along its way. We then flashback to the origins of the trip, focusing on 20-year-old white Naomi and her insta love relationship with half-Pawnee man John Lowry. I tried really hard to connect with them as quickly as they connected with each other, but I just never did.
There’s also more slaughter - human and animal - than my threshold. And rape. So trigger warnings there, my friends.
I did enjoy Amy Harmon’s Authors Note at the end, where she details some of the real life characters and events that inspired her to tackle this subject. I would like to read more from her, as I do think perhaps I was just not the right reader for this particular book.
Where the Lost Wander is currently available on Kindle Unlimited with WhisperSync for those who might prefer the audio format (though I wouldn’t recommend it in this case).
Better wrap this up now before I lose my train* of thought again.
*I honestly can't help myself. It's genetic.
Rating: really liked it
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 world and one foot in the Indian's world. But never feeling as though he fitted in either side of the fence.
John is a doer, a deep thinker, a man of few words, an observer.
Naomi, is an artist, a nurturer, a dreamer. Together they are perfection..
God where to start, this was just utterly amazing! I simply adored this story..Real, raw, riveting..
First off I loved the simplicity of this story being that there was Ωno added embellishment to make this believable, with this authors penmanship and her voice, I felt like I was there travelling this unforgiving territory traipsing through rough terrain seeking a place to call home, and that’s where the magic began as I sat here imagining all the people who had gone through unbelievable life changing circumstances like what were depicted in this story.
The losses, the hardships, all made for a riveting pull on your heart strings kind of read.
I was transported to another time, thrown headfirst into a prologue that forewarned me of what was to come. And as I raced through the pages experiencing their triumphs and heartache as though it were my own. I knew at some stage I'd be hitting an emotional game changer.
This was such a profound heartbreaking beautiful journey that was beautiful and ugly rolled up into one big ball of adventure.
Rating: really liked it
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 like this we get a glimpse into the past and a feel for what life was like for the pioneers and their families. Where the Lost Wander is primarily a love story set on the Oregon Trail but it has a bite to it in terms of historical facts and information and it is inspired by the author’s ancestors and their stories.
I loved the characters of John and Naomi and was rooting for them as they made their journey out west.
I am not a fan of Historical romance Fiction and yet this worked for me as I love stories from the Wagon Train and this was a quick and entertaining listen and felt like the author had really done her research and the images of the landscape and settings were vivid and real which really added to my enjoyment of the story.
I listened to this one on audio while I would have preferred a hard copy the narration is well done.
An entertaining and enjoyable read that I think many readers who enjoy Historical Fiction/romance/pioneer stories will finding entertaining and enjoyable.
Rating: 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 Indians and their customs.
Loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
Rating: really liked it
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 this fantastic tale of struggle, sacrifice, love, and perseverance. If you loved 'Lonesome Dove' (which is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time) then you'll love 'Where the Lost Wander.'
As usual with Amy Harmon books:
1. The characters are flawed and feel real.
2. You'll feel swept away and inspired.
3. You won't be able to put it down.
Thank you, Amy, for making my days better. You make a difference in the world.
