journey West with this book of romance and resilience
Embark on a journey through love, loss, and resilience with Amy Harmon's Where the Lost Wander. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Oregon Trail, this historical fiction novel captures the spirit of adventure and the strength it takes to forge a new path.
To make your reading experience even more powerful, we’ve curated the perfect pairings—a hearty recipe inspired by pioneer life, a bold coffee blend reminiscent of the trail, and a deeper dive into the lives of frontier women. Get ready to immerse yourself in a story that’s as rich and layered as the pairings we’ve chosen to accompany it.
Where the Lost Wander
by Amy Harmon
In this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail in 1853, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss.
*Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of rape and the death of family members. Please read with care.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think you could pack up and leave everything you've ever know to go to a place you've never seen? What would be your inspiration to take the leap?
- Who are your favorite characters in the book and why? Is there one character in particular that you are rooting for?
- How do you feel when reading historical fiction that take place during a difficult time in American history? Is it important that the author be faithful to factual events?
A Cozy Recipe - Beans with Bacon
Naomi had to work with what she had while traveling the Oregon Trail. A humble pot of beans with some fresh bread reminds me of simpler days. This recipe takes it up a notch with tasty herbal additions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- ½ pound thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1 bay leaf
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- Sort through the beans and discard any small rocks or debris. Transfer to a large bowl and fill with water. Soak the beans for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to cook the beans, drain and rinse the beans in a large colander. Meanwhile, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the slices of thick-cut bacon to the pot. Reduce heat to medium. Cook the bacon until all fat is rendered. Carefully remove the bacon to a clean plate and set it aside.
- In the same pot over medium heat, add the diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes (or until the onion is softened). Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the soaked beans to the pot with the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, bay leaf, and cooked bacon. Mix well to combine. Add water until it reaches approximately 1-inch above the beans. Bring to a low boil, cover partially with a lid, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer gently for about 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Notes
- The bacon is optional, or, you may swap it out for a ham hock if preferred.
- As the beans simmer, you may need to add additional water to keep the water level at about 1-inch above the beans.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper towards the end of cooking.
Recipe is from The Forked Spoon by Jessica Randhawa
A Strong Cup of Coffee for Any Explorer
Coffee was loaded onto every wagon headed west. John and Naomi's wagon train may have contained some of the oldest coffee merchant, Gillies Coffee Company, which opened for business in 1840. Start your day or enjoy a cup of their Legendary blend with dessert.
Learn More About the Brave Pioneers
Pioneer Women: The Lives of Women on the Frontier
by Linda Peavy - Ursula Smith
Pioneer Women offers a vivid glimpse into frontier life through the experiences of the women who settled the American West. Using journals, letters, and oral histories, Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith highlight the resilience, fears, and triumphs amidst harsh conditions these brave women faced. Rare photographs and diverse stories reveal both the struggles and empowerment these women found on the frontier.
The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West
by David McCullough
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough's The Pioneers recounts the settlement of the Northwest Territory by courageous pioneers who overcame immense hardships to establish a community rooted in freedom, education, and the prohibition of slavery. Through the stories of five key figures, including Manasseh Cutler and General Rufus Putnam, McCullough brings to life their journey to build a new American ideal. Based on rare diaries and letters, this New York Times bestseller is a powerful tale of ambition, resilience, and the forging of a nation.
More Western Fiction Pairings Full of Adventure
In the Distance
by Hernan Diaz
A Pulitzer Prize finalist and award-winning debut novel, this story follows a young Swedish immigrant navigating 19th-century America in search of his brother. Facing relentless challenges, he encounters a vivid cast of characters and becomes a legendary outlaw. Diaz masterfully reimagines historical fiction, challenging stereotypes and exploring themes of identity and alienation.
The Sweet Blue Distance
by Sara Donati
In 1857, midwife Carrie Ballentyne journeys to the New Mexico Territory, seeking a fresh start while facing the untamed wilderness and its dangers. Alongside fellow travelers and the enigmatic Eli Ibarra, she discovers resilience, love, and a deep connection to the rugged land. The Sweet Blue Distance is a powerful tale of survival, redemption, and healing.
News of the World
by Paulette Jiles
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is tasked with transporting a young girl raised by Kiowa raiders back to her estranged relatives in San Antonio. Their perilous 400-mile journey through dangerous terrain fosters an unlikely bond between the aging news reader and the defiant child. Upon reaching their destination, Captain Kidd faces a moral dilemma when Johanna’s relatives prove unwelcoming, forcing him to choose between duty and compassion.
Cheers!
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