“Where the Lost Wander” is an incredible journey through an unforgettable tale told by Amy Harmon. Amy weaves together a perfect story filled with love, excitement, tragedy and new beginnings. Grab the tissue box and some chocolates, because both will be needed through this gut-wrenching novel.

Naomi May and John Lowry find themselves bound together through the most unlikeliest of places and extreme predicaments.

Naomi’s family encounter John and his mule trade at the start of their treacherous adventure across the Overland Trail in 1853. John agreed to accompany them for the first part of the journey, but later made the choice to continue on for its entirety to offer his protection, guidance and knowledge of the Indian lands and culture.

John’s mother is Pawnee, but he was raised by his white father and his wife, Jennie. John is loved and had a good childhood, but he feels incomplete. As if he is missing the part of his soul that was bonded to his mother’s people, a man of two-feet, a man of two-worlds.

Naomi is a widowed young woman who married too young and learned the heart ache of loss too early in life. She now travels with her parents, and many spritely and energetic brothers to find opportunity in the west. In her journey, she is hoping to find a new life filled with new love and adventure.

So together, John and Naomi journey through dangerous lands; they trek across the country through sickness, severe droughts, and flash floods. After weeks of dusty, sleepless nights and a stark tragedy that breaks our hearts, all they have is the hope they will reach their destination with both of their lives in tact.

This is a heavy novel. Heavy in the sense that it is filled with information on native culture, it has a very deep and though-provoking premise and the tragedy intertwined to the tale is heart wrenching. It is not quite the light and easy read of a fun historical fiction with a happy ending for all.

This tells the dark history of American past, the tragedy of the way Native American Indians were treated and the loss inflicted to both sides through hatred and fear.

It also shows the strength of a promise. It shows the commitment of love and the strength it takes to carry on for those we cherish.

I truly enjoyed this novel. The characters were well-defined and there was a perfect balance of action, conversation and description. Amy also wove the animals into the character lines to show how much of life depended on livestock and the ability to maintain a herd. I loved it!

This earns a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me!

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