Where the Lost Wander: A Novel

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.

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Published Apr 28, 2020

347 pages

Average rating: 7.76

204 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

GettingLostinBooks
Apr 25, 2026
8/10 stars
*Where the Lost Wander* is a powerful story that captures the harsh realities families faced while crossing the plains in the 1850s. I appreciated the epilogue and the author’s discussion of how fiction and historical truth were thoughtfully woven together. I think it added depth and helped ground the story in real experiences. The novel does a beautiful job portraying the emotional and physical struggles of westward migration, and the relationships formed along the way felt heartfelt and compelling. At times, I found myself questioning certain character choices, such as why she seemed reluctant to stay with her other brothers and instead felt such a strong need to remain close to Wolf. Those moments didn’t always feel fully explained to me.
literarily_occupied
Aug 12, 2025
10/10 stars
Epic and awe inspiring! Coming out on the otherside of this harrowing and heartwarming story I feel I am a better person for it. Intriguing and captivating; I could not put it down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Harrietaspy
May 04, 2025
6/10 stars
There were a number of things that were significant but given little to no explanation...like how Will kills an Indian out of the blue bit then is never really asked about it. Just didn't always make sense to me.
Book.Girl71
Aug 23, 2024
10/10 stars
I finished this last night and I am still thinking about this wonderfully, bittersweet book. I had tears in my eyes towards the end and that does not happen often. Amy Harmon you never disappoint! Naomi, John Lowry, Webb & Wolfe Boy you have my heart.

I alternated between the book and the audio and I just have to say the narration was phenomenal.
Mebenhoch
Jul 23, 2024
5/10 stars
Slow to start had to power thru to keep reading

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