Where the Lost Wander

A Novel

By: Amy Harmon

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo, Shaun Taylor-Corbett

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 20. 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.

©2020 Amy Harmon (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Wonderful!

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Yes, I read it first and then listened. It’s a powerful novel rich in wisdom and insights. Historical yet still modern. Excellent!

Wonderful Story!

Performances and story were both so moving. I loved it. Would recommend to any reader.

Absolutely beautiful

This book is a must to listen too or read. Beautifully written and truly touching. One of my favorites!

Beautifully done!

The Audible version of “Where the Lost Wander,” brought this favorite novel to life for me. It felt as though I actually came to know some of the principal characters, Naomi May, John Lowry and others, which is a tribute to top-notch, character development by the author and also good narrators. Amy Harmon’s descriptions of places and people effortlessly made me feel as if I were there. I loved hearing Naomi’s gentle, fluid voice. Although some of the men’s voices were a bit scratchy it was only a very small part in the story. On the other hand, Webb’s little voice, so enthusiastic and child-like brought a smile to me every time I heard him. I often heard John Lowry sigh, aka’a, and in return I would agree, aka’a.
Besides being a love story, beautifully told, “Where the Lost Wander’ had many insightful themes. It spoke to me of survival and how one finds the strength to endure, of living through grief and then showing heightened compassion to others, the value of community and the destructive forces of prejudice. I honored the nobility of Chief Washakie as I mourned the plight of Native Americans and early settlers. I loved the many words of truth and wisdom that were woven throughout the tale and pondered them. I’m still pondering them.
After listening to “Where the Lost Wander,” I actually felt strengthened and befriended. I have listened to it twice now. I believe it may be an annual listen for me. This is the first novel by Amy Harmon that I’ve read and I look forward to more of her books and hoping her other books are this good!

Sad and heart-wrenching, but full of love and hope

At times, especially in the prologue, it is hard to listen to this tale. It can be sad, poignant. harrowing and cruel, but the author does a very good job of portraying the hard life of the wagon train emigrants in the 1850s. The story felt realistic and well-researched as the author lays out what the travelers encountered across the country. Starvation, thirst, exhaustion, disease, Indian attacks and loss were common. At times I wondered if the author heaped too many hardships from the emigrant diaries upon one wagon train, but probably not. It was difficult. And there were a few coincidents along the way way but in general it was a tale that I could not stop listening to and I was very moved by the story and the great characters, including the native characters. Having the POV switch between John Lowery and Naomi May, with the male and female narrators, was very well done. Lauren's voice was plaintive and sad at times but so was the story. I highly recommend this Audible edition.

Poor Narration

This was a great story. I would have given it 5 stars but the female narrator was horrible.

Fantastic story telling

I loved this book. definitely in my top 10 now. The characters are rich and complex. The historical context comes to life while the story always moves forward. Epic tale of true love.

Best book I've listened to in a while

I loved this book. It captured me from the very beginning and kept me riveted all the way to the end. I love historical romance, but this book was SO much more than that.

Beautiful

I almost stopped listening early on because the narration was making me confused with all the changes and slowness.
But I’m so glad I stuck it out. It is a beautiful story of strength and love.

Beautiful book

Amy Harmon did it again. This book is so beautiful and sad at the same time. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.