Step into the enchanting world of The Wilderness, where time travel, romance, and Native American history intertwine to create a spellbinding adventure! Pamela Ackerson’s beloved series follows Dr. Karen Anderson, a modern-day doctor whisked back to the 1800s through a magical antique bed. There, she falls for Standing Deer, a Lakota warrior, and navigates the turbulent Indian Wars with love as her guide. With its heart-pounding mix of passion and history, The Wilderness invites readers to explore a past that feels vividly alive.
Blending the thrill of time travel with the depth of cultural exploration, this series captures the imagination of romance and historical fiction fans alike. Whether you’re drawn to epic love stories or the rich tapestry of Native American heritage, The Wilderness offers a journey that’s as emotional as it is exhilarating.
How The Wilderness Began
Pamela Ackerson, a multi-genre author with over 70 books, crafted The Wilderness from her fascination with history and Native American culture. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, where history is a way of life, Ackerson’s curiosity led her to the Lakota Sioux while researching for a story initially focused on the Cherokee. The concept of a time-traveling doctor emerged organically, inspired by her desire to view Native American struggles through an outsider’s eyes. Her Space Coast, Florida, home—near the imaginative pull of Disney World—further fueled her adventurous storytelling spirit.
The Heart of The Wilderness
The series kicks off with Across the Wilderness, where Karen discovers her antique bed’s time-traveling magic and lands among the Lakota. Swept into Standing Deer’s arms, she faces the harsh realities of the Indian Wars while forging a timeless bond. Into the Wilderness, the second book, deepens their saga as Karen returns to fight alongside Standing Deer, confronting the looming Battle of Little Big Horn. Wilderness Bound shifts focus to their son, Matthew Standing Deer, a firefighter exploring his Lakota roots amid danger and greed. Out of the Wilderness, the fifth book, follows Karen’s daughter Jennifer, who time-travels to Florida, grappling with historical injustices and her own search for love.
Ackerson’s style weaves romance with historical detail, emphasizing themes of cultural understanding and love’s resilience. The Lakota Plains setting bursts with vivid imagery, from serene prairies to tense battlegrounds, while the time-travel element adds a magical twist. The series explores the tension between historical inevitability and personal agency, asking whether love can alter destiny. Its young adult-friendly tone, with subtle romantic scenes, makes it accessible yet emotionally rich.
Why The Wilderness Resonates
The Wilderness has carved a niche among fans of time-travel romance and Native American historical fiction. Readers praise its vivid world-building and heartfelt characters, with some calling it a “beautiful tapestry of history and love.” Though not without criticism—some find the plots too short or abrupt—its unique blend of genres keeps it engaging. Ackerson’s focus on Lakota culture, paired with universal themes of hope and connection, gives the series lasting appeal, especially for those seeking stories that bridge past and present.
- First Published: 2014
- Number of Books: 5
- Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical Fiction
Dive into Across the Wilderness and let Pamela Ackerson’s magical world sweep you away! Whether you’re a romance enthusiast or a history buff, The Wilderness promises an unforgettable adventure through time and love.