ARC Review: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

San
Apr 20, 2020
3 min read

Updated: May 14, 2021

Book Details:

Author: Amy Harmon

Series: Stand-alone

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

Page Count: ___

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

To be Published: 20 April, 2020

Blurb:

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.

My Review:

"Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review."

I'm in awe of Amy Harmon, her writing and this book. Immediately after reading this book, I felt guilty about not having discovered your work earlier. I give this book- 4.5/5 stars

~~~May contain spoilers~~~

Honestly, this is one best historical fictions I've read in a while. At first glance, the plot doesn't look much different than a typical star-crossed lovers' story but when you start reading it, you begin to realize it's so wonderfully different. Learning that the characters were based on actual people elevates reading it to just another level.

From the beginning, be ready to be swept into this beautiful, compelling work of words. I think I would use 3 words to describe this novel- Brutal, Heartbreaking, Captivating.

Amy Harmon has beautifully crafted the setting and characters of this book. Her delicate story telling and lush writing style is what forms the backbone of this tale. Even while sitting on my bed, I could visualise myself traversing there with the characters. She doesn't sugarcoat the things but gives a somber, hopeful tone to the story. Her extensive research also shows in the various descriptions found in the story. This was a part of history I was unfamiliar with, but through Amy's writing, I felt as if I knew all about the characters and the hardships they had faced. Like literally, almost every part of this story is well-crafted and well-executed.

The characters were quite easy to fall in love with. I laughed, cried and rejoiced with them.

John Lowry had an enigmatic personality. The author portrays his struggles in fitting in really well. Naomi May is a phenomenally strong heroine. She is delightfully stubborn, a go-getter.

I think my absolutely favourite characters in this book would be that of Winifred and Naomi

The romance between John and Naomi didn't feel forced or rushed at all; in fact, it felt very potent and realistic. The chemistry and tension between them was palpable. The way the author executed their relationship made sure that I was able to feel their emotions as they experienced them.

My only problem with the story might be the fact that some parts of the story felt a bit drawn and as a result, it slowed the pace of the story quite a bit. Hence, the pacing feels uneven. Other than that, I have no qualms with it.