Kudos to Amy Harmon and her colorful, emotional depiction of the overland crossings from Missouri to California in the 1800’s. I love this era in our country ‘s history and have read hundreds of fictional and nonfictional accounts. I must say that this book was one of the very best fictional stories that I’ve read in a long time. The author uses a blend of fictional and nonfictional characters to create a gripping, believable story of love, family and tragedy. John Lowery is a “half-breed”, with a white father and Pawnee mother. He is a mule breeder and trainer who helps his father in the mule business. He gets to know the May family while traveling with the wagon train to California and is immediately taken by the daughter, Naomi. Both are complicated characters with stories both known and unknown. If you love this type of story, dig in and enjoy, you won’t be sorry!