Beautifully written a novel about the Oregon trail the hardships the trials Amy Harmon is an author to follow she makes history come alive#netgalley#lakeunionpublishing.

A beautiful novel about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the Oregon Trail. Another stunner by Amy Harmon. She never disappoints.

Beautifully written work! Amy Harmon has a way of telling a story that makes you feel like you are there. There were times my heart sped up with anticipation of what would happen next, and times I cried feeling the pain of the characters. She did an amazing job weaving fiction with real life history showing the difficulties of the pioneers, and what they were searching for in a new life. I really enjoyed the story of John and Naomi and their trials and triumphs in a difficult time in our country’s history. Definitely a 5 start read for me!

My face hurts! Sigh. Sob. Sigh. Sob. Whelp.

I finished this epic tale late last night and I have dreamed the Wild West, the Oregon trail all night. I’ve had a theme tune on repeat in my head, probably from a 70s tv show.

I loved it!

Amy Harmon writes with such cinematography that I could hear the noise of the cartwheels as the beleaguered travellers followed the trail to the land of their dreams.

The May family are centre stage with their wagon loaded with all of their possessions. Naomi May is strong, clever and brave. She will need all of those on her journey. It’s fraught with danger and at times it hurts to read.

John Lowry - Is part Pawnee and will help the migrants along their way. I was so thankful that he was there when they needed him. I adored how Naomi’s brothers worship him like the hero he is.

Amy’s writing makes me feel every emotion. I went from smiling and so happy to broken but I knew my heart would get stitched back together in the end. A bit bruised, a bit bashed, not quite the same as it was but beating like it wanted to jump out of my chest.

5 superstars!

“Eventually, time thinks for us. It cuts through the fog of emotion and delivers a big bowl of reality, and feelings don’t stand a chance.”

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

Thank you to the Publisher for my advanced copy of the book and also NetGalley for this opportunity – This book is not for the faint hearted. Amy Harmon has captured the historical accuracy true to the time set in the 1850’s. The research that would have been done before this story was put together is phenomenal.

This beautiful and descriptive story starts with a horrific and shocking prologue.

We are then introduced to the May family who are about to embark on a journey across the Oregon Trail travelling in a wagon train to California with other families searching for a new beginning. The story is told by their eldest and only Daughter Naomi.

We are then introduced to John Lowry who is a half white, half Pawnee Native American mule breeder who feels he has never belonged to either world being half, half.

The story is then told in dual POV by both Naomi May and John Lowry.

A very unique story which is told in a time when romance was never shown and love was shown in different ways such as providing for the family. There is death, violence, struggle and survival.

Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end of the book where Amy Harmon explains her family history and connection within the story which she named some of the characters in the book after.

Enjoy the journey.

Wow did I love this book!! An amazing journey in the Oregon Trail.. it is heart breaking .. I could not put it down..

Where the Lost Wander follows 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. John Lowry isn't sure where he fits in the world being half Pawnee half white, he's never felt fully accepted by either. Providing a mule team and assistance he joins the wagon train the Mays are taking to Oregon. Naomi May is already a widow at the young age of 20 and is unlike most of the women John's met. She's brave, strong, and speaks her mind. When tragedy strikes the train both must learn their way.

This is a beautifully written book, I love Amy Harmon's words, the picture that she paints with them. The roller coaster of emotions, the tragedies, the hardships, even the joy of weddings and new life all came through brilliantly. I was so heartbroken at several points in this story I wasn't sure there could be an hea, I didn't know how she was going to bring the characters back together and give them peace. In some ways she did and somethings Naomi and John would have to learn to live with, things that might haunt them forever, but that's also just real life. This story does have a pretty serious trigger. Normally I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I absolutely loved this book.

Another superb read from Amy Harmon. I have such a hard time writing reviews for her books because I am often speechless by the end of them and I know that nothing I can say can possibly do her words justice. I love so many things about her writing. The details she gives. The research she must do in order to write historical books like this. How well developed her characters always are, even her side characters. How clearly I can picture every setting in my head as I read. I did not expect that I would ever enjoy a book set in the 1850s, yet here we are. I am positive Amy Harmon could write a book on any topic or genre at this point and I would love it.

Where the Lost Wander is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of the May family and their journey across the Oregon Trail in the 1850s. Naomi is the eldest child and only daughter of her family. When she meets John Lowry, the man hired to guide her family's wagon train, she is immediately captivated by him. John feels the same instant connection to Naomi, however his half-Pawnee heritage leaves him believing that he is not worthy of her love. Their romance slowly develops amid the harsh conditions of the trail. Prejudice, illness, even death are hardships they must overcome and the way they do is inspiring. While their story was difficult to read at times, I was not ready for it to come to an end.

It is hard to imagine how these pioneers had the strength and determination to make their way out west. Their fortitude and tenacity, beyond heroic. With each page Ms. Harmon shares their journey with the reader. It is amazing. This book, so descriptive with the cast of characters that draw you in, is a story that will stay with you for a long time. My first book by Amy Harmon but not my last. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Plain and simple, straight to the point: This book was STUNNING. Absolutely 100% stunning. All of it. Every single page. Every single word. 

While reading Where the Lost Wander, Amy broke my heart. Absolutely shattered it. But when it was all said and done, she healed me so completely in a way that only she can-- a beautiful way. Not only that but Amy has such a way with creating worlds and settings and bringing them to life. I know I have said that a thousand times before but I mean it. It's all so vivid and real to me. When you're reading her books prepare to be transported inside of it. Also be prepared to not want to leave it. 

I was captivated the entire way through. There were no lulls, no slow parts, and certainly no parts that I felt the need to skim. In fact-- the characters in this book might just be my new favorite Amy Harmon characters to date! She spent a lot of time tending and caring and building these characters and it certainly shows. They will each find their way into your heart. I promise. 


With Amy's delicate story telling and her caring writing it really makes this story what it is. Whether you like to read about history or not, you'll appreciate everything that Amy Harmon offers to you. She writes historical fictions like no one else I have ever read and I stand by that for the rest of time.

Where the Lost Wander, Amy Harmon

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Women's fiction, General Fiction ( Adult)

Gah, I hate Women's Fiction as a genre heading, so outdated. Men and women can read the same books....its 2019, not 1919.

Anyway, what a fabulous book. Fiction, but with real roots. I usually read books in one fell swoop, but with this kind of story I like to read over 4 or 5 sessions, savouring the words and events, and there is so much going on its really for me the best way to get the most out of it. I mull over whats been happening, over how events are going and really enjoyed living John and Naomi's lives with them.
The descriptions of the scenery, the way the john and Naomi met, the others on the wagon train, the harshness of the journey. Amy doesn't shy away from the hard side of this life, the way people could be alive one moment and then a short illness, and injury, an encounter with Indians and they'd be gone. Although it charts Naomi and Johns journey it encompasses so many more families, the mix of whites and their incursions onto the land, and the lifestyle of the Indian tribes who lived off the land and could see their way of life declining.
I was heartbroken when some events happened, sometimes the loss of life seemed so sudden, so tragic after all the hard work they'd done. I loved reading the events from the day to day minutiae, that always appeals to me and I felt there with the wagon train as they made their harsh journey, and with the Indians, seeing how they lived their transient lives. It was fascinating reading about not just the physical side of Indian life, but the spiritual side, how much emphasis that had on what they did, how they chose to run their lives.

Stars: Five, a wonderful read.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

This is a good book but don't expect romance. It's set in a historical time where romance didn't have a place even when there was love. The author does a good job capturing the times, situations and emotions. Unfortunately I never connected with the characters, even though the book is written in turning POVs from both parts.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy!

This was a hard book to read.

At first, I could feel a connection to the main characters or to the setting. That historical period is not one of my favorites, but Amy Harmon does it justice.

Written in first person POV from both characters' views, and in present tense, the narration is at times gritty. In addition, the pivotal moment opens the story, which created a tension in me, knowing it was coming up, but not knowing when or why.

I liked the interaction between John and Naomi, her family and the natives. The sense of family is so strong on both sides and it doesn't make either one wrong. And there's also lots of grief.

There are scenes that might trigger some readers.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Where the Lost Wander is about the journey to the West on Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s and the hardships people faced. We meet Naomi May who is traveling with her family and John Lowry, a man who is half white and half Pawnee. John's story especially touched me. He is a man straddling both worlds, but not belonging to either one. Naomi and John take turns narrating the story. I especially enjoyed reading about the different Native American tribes; the author did a good job writing about them. At the end of the book, we learn that there really was a John Lowry in Amy Harmon's husband's family which made the story even more interesting. My only complaint was the violence. I have a hard time reading about it, so I skipped the sections where there was graphic violence to the best of my ability. I understand that the author is trying to give us an accurate portrayal of the times back then, but for me, it was too much.

Where the Lost Wander is an emotional gut wrenching read. From the horrific prologue your heart is in your mouth as the reader knows what is to befall the May Family and John Lowry as you start this journey with them.
Naomi May is travelling on a wagon train to California with her family for a new start. John Lowry a half Pawnee Native American and mule breeder decides to travel with them being attracted to Naomi and she to him.
They face continual trials with danger and hardship, passing through land that is hostile and often back breaking.
This is a hard hitting book made all the more so with the actual historical accuracy and this authors personal family knowledge and history.
Whilst on holiday in the USA I have visited Fort Laramie, seen the actual size of these wagons and the remains of wheel ruts formed during their journey. I can’t imagine travelling a 10O yards let alone a thousand miles and more in a wagon train.
So descriptive, with a cast of characters that hold you in awe of their resilience this is a story not to be missed, heartbreaking, thrilling, romantic and one that pulls on all your emotions.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Where the Lost Wander is one of those rare jewels a reader comes across once in a while that leaves you craving more! I absolutely loved this book, the characters are so beautifully done. The relationship between John and Naomi is so moving, I found myself cheering them on during the good and weeping for them during the bad, This book has all the elements of a really good read. There are strong, unique characters, there is a love story, there is humor and raw emotion, adventure and triumph and also the sacrifices that a person sometimes has to make for the one they love. The family ties that bond members of a family together are intricately woven together. I love the adventure of this book. The way the author brings into this story native american cultures and shows the difference between different groups is well balanced and very well done. The friendships, hardships, love and hate are equally balanced. I hope there will be a sequel, these character are too wonderful to not continue their story!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a heart-breaking, yet lovely romantic tale of the difficulties on the trail to California during the mid-1800s. Naomi’s character was such a strong and brave woman, I absolutely loved her. And John, wow! His character was so genuine, guarded, but so gentle all at the same time. His and Naomi’s journey to love was absolutely beautiful.

I really enjoyed so many aspects of this book, even though at times, it was incredibly sad, but reflected the times very truthfully.

What an absolutely beautiful book! I cannot say enough what an incredible writer and storyteller Amy Harmon is. She writes with such vivid beauty and her stories are so unique. With that said, this novel takes us on a journey that was heartbreaking yet hopeful. The Oregon Trail.
I personally live in the Wind River Mountain range of Wyoming and I was beyond proud of Amy and her ability to write about this land with such accuracy and beauty for the land and the tribes that live here. The setting is a character in itself. She created such a beautiful landscape and we get to see inside the lives of the Shoshone tribes.
I could not even comprehend the idea of traveling such a distance and be confronted with what those families had to endure. We meet a man stuck in between two worlds traveling along side a young widow and her family trying to begin a new life in California. We watch the physical struggles along with the metal struggles the characters face; love and loss, sickness and death, and new beginnings. This is a wonderful historic novel written is such a meaningful way. What a beautiful book Mrs. Harmon, thank you for writing amazing stories!!

- 4.5 stars -

I probably mentioned it many times, but I am going to start this review by mentioning it again. Amy Harmon is one of the most versatile authors I know. There are only a few authors I know that have jumped into trying to write other genres and hitting it out of the park. Amy Harmon is most known for her contemporary romance novels, but since then she has written multiple historical fiction novels (set in very heartbreaking times), and even a couple of fantasy novels. The moment I heard she was writing Where the Lost Wander, a historical fiction/romance set on the Oregon Trail, I was dying of excitement because I am obsessed with romance books set in this time period.

Amy Harmon knows how to pull at the heart strings, she already had me crying in the prologue. The characters in this book were absolutely amazing. I fell in love with each and everyone of them. This book was multi-layered and it felt like I was on this trip together with the characters. Even though I have read many books set in this time period, I rarely experienced it like I did with Where the Lost Wander. It was more heartbreaking, raw, and brutal. It is a love story, but also a story about family and finding your place in the world. It is about overcoming hardships and surviving the best you can. I can't even imagine what the people in those times had to go through, but this book gave me a pretty good idea. It takes so much courage to leave everything you know behind and leave for an unknown land. The people had to be resilient because death was just around the corner. There is no time to properly grief while on the trail.

Amy did not disappoint with this heartbreaking story. It was slow-paced, but I think it fit this story perfectly, because things did move slowly in that time period. It took months before people arrived at their destination. The relationship between Naomi and John was beautiful and I fell in love with both of them. Naomi was pretty brave and persistent in her pursuit of John. He really stood no chance in keeping her away. I also loved the relationships John had with Naomi's mother and brothers. This book was very emotional, and I cried a couple of times. I fully connected to the characters, so it was very difficult to say goodbye to all of them. I didn't want the story to end and I wanted to stay with them a little longer. This is another book by Amy I can add to my favorites list.

Oh man this is a hard review to write. You must know 2 things about me before I let you know how I feel about this book. I love Amy Harmon. Her writing touches me deeply and I love to escape into good fiction not reality. My favorite books of hers are the ones where there is a magical element even if it is contemporary. This was very raw and real, the writing was beautiful and heart wrenching, but I almost put this book down I didn't want to read anymore. It just was too much. This review will have content spoilers because if you are like me you need a warning before going into a book like this and if this book had a rating it would be R. It felt like Dances with Wolves, very realistic and a show I would only watch once and almost regret watching. The love story was beautiful and raw. The trek west with these people was hard and awful and wonderful. The book goes down a dark hole for a while and it just was hard for me. I didn't cry, I was just mad. Amy even mentions in the end notes that she didn't like where the book went but it was real life. So my 3 stars are not for the writing they are for the way I feel (a little lost) and how I almost put it down and for not expecting this level of depravity from Amy, I was a little shocked she went where she did. I understand, but it was not for me. I have read all of her books and my least favorite is From Sand and Ash and this one.
Spoilers in the content warning:
Language: There is a couple light swear words. Some crude comments. Racial comments
Violence: Killing, people get beat up, animals die, Lots of death from sickness and natural elements. Knife fight, Scalping. slavery, Rape.
Sex: 1 sex scene. Nudity . Child molestation, Rape that is described. This had more sexual content then her other books.
Drugs: Some alcohol use