What The Wind Knows was one of my top three favorite books I read in 2019. I was incredibly excited to see that the author had a new book coming out. While this was a solid historical fiction novel, and had me crying my eyes out at several points, it didn’t live up to the exceptional quality of What The Wind Knows. But, like I said, still a very solid novel and worth reading for sure.

I felt like the beginning was a little slow. It took me several tries to get deeply invested in the story and the plot. The research was once again strong and added so much to the storyline. The author excels at crafting believable storylines and enriching them with the perfect amount of historical detail.

She’s an author to watch, and I cannot wait to see what she reads next. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary copy.

This book was well written and a great story. It was just so hard to read. There were so many hardships and sad things that actually happened to the people crossing the plains. I struggled to get through the tough parts but it was worth it. Amy does such an amazing job no matter what she is writing. I have read her paranormal and fantasy and historical fiction and straight up romance books and she hasn’t failed once.
Oh and word to the reader, read her author’s note at the end, that really makes the book you just finished even better. She explains what drove her to write the story and the real people she was writing about. She really is amazing.

This was a story that will stick with me for a VERY long time. It was a gorgeous book. I’m speechless and wordless and I know any review of mine will not live up to what the book deserves.
The story starts out with a horrific event that leaves you crying only a few pages in. It then goes back to the start of the May family’s journey west in 1853 on the Oregon Trail. You fall in love with the entire family and with John Lowry, a half Pawnee half white man, who is helping to lead the wagons along the trail. The May’s widowed daughter, Naomi, and John quickly fall into one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. All the while in the back of your mind you are remembering this horrific event...
Nothing was easy on this journey and it was so compelling to read - I couldn’t put it down. It was a reminder of the number of people lost from illness or injury while searching for a better life. It was a reminder you that hate and racism go so far back in our heritage. The Native Americans were truly protecting their sacred land, the struggle for peace during this time was so clear.
The range of emotions it draws out in you is unbelievable. Admittedly, I do not know enough about this time period and Native American history. The author’s note at the end is an absolutely essential read and will add so much insight to the story.

**Copied review from Goodreads.com.

Rating: 3.4 / 5

DNF at 78% (approx. 270 pages)

I...um...had to stop at a certain scene, because there are some things that I just can't beat to read, and if the story feels like it's sort of losing me along the journey anyway...eh...I'll stop.

Ahem, so, just based on the summary alone, Where the Lost Wander seems right up my alley for historical fiction. We've got an Old West setting, a journey ahead, a forbidden romance between a white widow and a half-native half-white man--SOLD!

Add to that the fact that we get both John and Naomi's points of view--yay!--and that the description of all the hardships is just beautiful and detailed--double yay!--and you've more or less got a guaranteed thumbs up from me, right? Right?!

Well, as it turns out, this story was actually too typical and rather average from what I've expected in that it's not different from anything I've read before. The entire Oregon Trail adventure reminded me far too much of Oregon Bride with the whole "young widow falls into a forbidden love while her married-life family still considers her their property and objects to this but she's willing to throw it all away anyway". The only difference is that in Oregon Bride, since it's harlequin and all, I could expect a HEA, whereas for this book...I wasn't sure.

Also, another thing that was average--in fact, a bit below average, to be honest--is that the description of Native American culture wasn't as in-depth as I'd like, save for one story told by John near the middle, and then of course small tidbits of culture once Naomi is away from the wagon train. The tension between Native Americans and white settlers wasn't also 100% convincing either, in that even though there are references to your typical "cowboys vs. indians" warfare, it's really toned down.

As for the characters of Naomi and John themselves, the only thing unique about Naomi is her name, her ability to draw, and her "brazenness"--but that's not exactly enough to make a character. And John...well, maybe it's just the romantic in me, but I'd like to see more of a tortured character, torn between two worlds and cultures. John had some of that, but it was very minimal and it seemed to me like he was more of a drifter rather than a half-and-half man who must find himself through a journey of his native land. He's just "a mule man" and about as boring as that title would imply.

So, to sum up, besides the reason I stopped reading at one point and just skimmed the rest because of a certain scene I didn't want to have the angst of reading through, the reason I ranked this lower between the 3-to-4 star scale is because it's simply too average and there was too much of a "seen it before" feel for me to really be impressed by anything. After all, this is a 2020 publication, right? Well, if I've already read something like it from 30 years ago, then that in itself says something, and it's not exactly a good indicator for this story.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for recieving an ARC for me.
Amy Harmon is one of my favourite Authors always and this is the second novel to me by her and also historical Fiction.

I loved it so much that I can't describe. I always want to live on those days when you can wear a puffy gown and taking carriage ride. I know that this life is hard and tough but I loved it.

Coming to John character I don't know what should I say about him, he is man with promises. He told Naomi brothers that he will find them and their sister and he done and the way he loved and protect and want to be fit for her.

Naomi character is so pure, naive and innocent, OMG I loved her so much because she reminded me of myself , when I was young I want to be a boy like she told her mother once because I surrounded with alot of cousins boy's.

I hope that Amy Harmon will write in this department * Historical Fiction* because she is creative.

"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."

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 I highly recommend this book to you. ❤

Where The Lost Wander is a great historical romance. Amy Hamilton has done a superb job taking us along on the Oregon trail with the wagon train. The descriptive writing style makes me feel like I was there. The characters feel like friends. I loved this journey and recommend it. Thank you to netgalley for the complimentary arc, the opinions are my own

This is my first book by this author. I kept hearing about her books and have put them on my to-read shelf but haven't had a chance to pick one up until I was able to get an ARC of this from the publisher. I was, quite simply, blown away. The writing is engaging and descriptive, drawing you into the time period (Gold Rush/pioneers traveling across the country to California/Oregon/the West in search of Gold or better prospects). The book opens and leaves you with no doubt of what's to come -- hard times, harsh circumstances, death, tragedy, and heartache. I was almost able to forget about that prologue, though, as I was drawn into the lives of Naomi and John and Naomi's family as they travel across the new American West to find a new home in California and their love story and hope they have. The exact wording of the title isn't mentioned until the very end of the book, after so much heartache and learning and growth for Naomi and John. The author takes us through their love story but also takes us through so much more than that. There are some moments of harsh brutality (although not overly descriptive, but enough for my imagination to picture them and ache for the characters). Harmon also weaves in real historical characters (Jim Bridger, Louis Vasquez and his wife Narcissa, Chief Pocatello and some of his tribe, Chief Washakie and some of his tribe, as well as John Lowry himself), putting them in circumstances they would have faced, although most of them fictional. The ending is heart-breaking but also weaves back around to healing and hope for John, Naomi, and the May brothers. In her notes at the end of the book, the author goes into detail on her research of the time period and the real characters she included and touches on the subject of how the time period was and how people in that time dealt with such different things than we do today so they cannot have been expected to handle situations in the same way we would today. This shows through in her writing, both her research and how care for handling the hard situations she wrote about.

Excellent book, well worth the read, although it might be quite heavy and hard for some. Really, 4.5 stars for me, but I rounded up. I definitely look forward to reading more books from this author in the future and am glad that her writing lived up to everything I had heard about her.

Content: Indian scalpings, murder, rape, descriptions of death and other harsh trail conditions in the mid-1800s on the trail west, although fairly clean as far as language, etc.

Kudos to Amy Harmon and her colorful, emotional depiction of the overland crossings from Missouri to California in the 1800’s. I love this era in our country ‘s history and have read hundreds of fictional and nonfictional accounts. I must say that this book was one of the very best fictional stories that I’ve read in a long time. The author uses a blend of fictional and nonfictional characters to create a gripping, believable story of love, family and tragedy. John Lowery is a “half-breed”, with a white father and Pawnee mother. He is a mule breeder and trainer who helps his father in the mule business. He gets to know the May family while traveling with the wagon train to California and is immediately taken by the daughter, Naomi. Both are complicated characters with stories both known and unknown. If you love this type of story, dig in and enjoy, you won't be sorry!

I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for choosing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's been awhile since I have read a historical romance and this book reminded me what I missed about them.

Can I just say WOW!! This story is about a group of pioneers who are heading west on the Oregon Trail. On their journey they experience those bitter cups loss, heart break, tragedy and the danger on this trail. At the same time they experience love, joy, family and triumph. The beauty of this book is that you felt like you were having these experiences right along with them.

Yes, there is a romance between two unlikely characters. Naomi a widow of three months and John Lowry, or Two Feet, who is the son of a white man and an Indian mother who doesn't really have a place to fit in the world. From the first moment they saw each other you knew they should be together. Even though John tries to fight it their attraction to each other wins out.

I absolutely loved this book, even if I ugly cried at parts. I would absolutely recommend this book and this author.

I sped through this book in one day - couldn't put it down! I always enjoy a frontier story, and this one was one of the best I've read in a long time.

**Review will be posted on my blog/Goodreads/Instagram on April 22nd, I will update the links at that time!**

LOVE ON THE TRAIL.

I am in awe of Harmon’s writing and how amazing this love story was. And on the Oregon Trail! What a unique setting y’all. I was incredibly impressed with the flow and build of this book. The writing is beautiful and well-paced. I am reminded with each of her books how much I love this author.

This romance comes off a bit more fast paced than I typically love, but the historical setting and writing really made me fall in love with Naomi and John as they fell in love. Naomi is strong, brave and a widow at 20. Her singular goal is helping her family cross the nation to a hopefully brighter future in California. I enjoyed her personality and mindset. She knew exactly what she wanted and made those wishes known. John was stoic and quiet. The perfect contrast to Naomi. He was searching for a place to belong and found his home with her.

While this is mostly a romance I was enthralled by everything else happening around them. My heart continually leaped and panicked throughout this book because Harmon doesn’t shy away from history. She has clearly well researched this time period to bring this story to life. Naomi and John (+Naomi’s family) definitely do not have it easy and it was hard to pull out all the good things that did happen to them. This was a hard read, especially when you stop to appreciate all the travelers and Native Americans went through as their world began to change through exploration.

It’s difficult to fully express my love for Harmon’s writing and her ability to weave together an ending that always makes me tear up. There’s learning moments, powerful connections, undeniable bonds and a faith in the characters that you can deeply feel. Where the Lost Wander isn’t a sugarcoated romantic tale. It’s raw, poignant, and utterly wonderful in all of its lows and its highs.

I also took a chance to read the Author’s Note at the end and loved it as well. I like to read these (especially for historical fiction) to see what artistic choices the author chose as well as what inspired the story. This one in particular was inspired by some of Harmon’s husband’s ancestors. It really brought home how deeply she felt for these characters (some being based on real people) and how much she wanted to write a story involving them.

Overall audience notes:

Historical fiction romance
Language: very little
Romance: kisses, make outs, a few very little detail fade out scenes
Violence: physical, guns, arrows
Trigger warnings: some racist remarks about Native Americans, sexual assault, rape (ch. 17 – a few paragraphs with little detail)

Set in 1853 this is the story of a wagon train on the Oregon Trail and has lots of danger and hardships for the people to endure on their journey.
Naomi is a recently widowed twenty year old woman travelling with her family.
On the journey she falls in love with John who is half white and half Pawnee.
This brings both of them many problems and heartache.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start off by saying thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book, it was a very good read easy to follow along with storyline and characters. This was a new author for me but I very much enjoyed it, thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to reading more by this author again. I highly recommend this book to everybody.

Where The Lost Wander gave such a compelling and raw look at life on the Oregon Trail. The relationships between the characters spoke of real challenges that people more than likely faced during those times. Great story and not to be missed if wanting historical fiction.

Fantastic book alot better than i expected i couldn't put this book down and read in a couple of hours my first by this Author.

It’s been a while since I became engrossed in a book like this.

It feels good, even though the book is hard that I felt sadness and shock, it felt good to read such a good book.

I enjoyed the details of the daily life and the hardships of the wagon trains on the Oregon Trail

The vastness of the land, the distance, the dirt and hunger and sickness, and all the work, yet Naomi was happy, she felt free and inspired and she found John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man, who is strong and caring.

Yes, the setting might not be new, but the writing was so beautiful, this is the Oregon Trail book that I was waiting for.

Written in the POVs of Naomi and John(two feet), the distinct voices are very clear, and John has a very beautiful one, I liked being in his mind as he tries to come to terms with his feelings, his differences and his responsibilities.
He is a good man.

Naomi is interesting, she is an artist who sees beauty, and she knows what she wants.

The characters are real life and interesting and the book is real and doesn’t shy away from the hard raw truth.
Also, we experience the Native Indian life a little, something I have always had an interest in.

This book is full of hardships and heartache
And I enjoyed it completely.

This is a book I want to enjoy again as an audiobook.

My third book by Amy Harmon, all different, all interesting.

This review is for an ARC courtesy of Netgalley.
Book will be released on April 28, and I will definitely get a copy.

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.

2.5 stars

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

I absolutely LOVE Amy Harmon´s books and her writing, in general, and that´s why it is so hard for me to write this review.

Where the Lost Wander is a refreshing story. The plotline is different than everything I´ve read before (actually I have read a book in a similar setting once), but unfortuanately I couldn´t feel this story, not as much as I hoped I would.

I felt it was really hard to connect with the story and the characters. In fact, I haven´t connected with any of them, which is very unusual for me. The writing is good and detailed and you can definitely see Amy put effort in her research, as she usually does. But for me this one didn´t work.

I felt it was hard to relate to the characters and I didn´t feel the emotions I usually feel with her books. It is a good read, but it wasn´t as I expected.

It has been a while since I have read a historical fiction book about the American West. I didn't expect to love this book, Where The Lost Wander by Amy Harmon, as much as I did but I fell in love with these characters. Reading about the struggles of traveling over the country side and how these family overcame such obstacles was gut-wrenching at times. Many times, I cried for these poor people. But these people, they could love something fierce!
Harmon introduces us to the May family and to John Lowry. Their story quickly intertwines when Naomi falls for John and a love story is born. We follow The May family and others across the United States as they begin their journey towards California. You read of the daily struggles and encounters with people as they travel. You feel for Naomi and pray so hard for Wolfe when they are captured by the Indian tribe. Harmon sets up a great tear-jerking page turner!
This is my first book by Amy Harmon, but I will be on the outlook for more of her works. I loved her writing style and storytelling. I did enjoy reading her Author's note and how this story was based on her husband's family. Special thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Amy Harmon for the advance digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#WheretheLostWander #NetGalley