3.5 Stars

Wren and Marshall have each had shock and heartbreak they’re trying to get over and they randomly meet on a trail in Oregon while both geocaching. Their paths converge in a dramatic way, and they decide to team up for the remainder of their vacation. They bond over and soothe the heartbreak they’ve suffered. They have chemistry and end up falling hard, but the timing is tricky.

The Trail of Lost Hearts started with a bang and had me so frightened for Wren at the beginning! I was enraged by the event! A woman SHOULD be able to hike alone without worrying about being in danger! Men do not have this worry and it’s so unfair! I love hiking and have hiked a lot of trails in Oregon, so the setting at the beginning reminded me of all the beautiful scenery! The idea of geocaching, something I’ve never tried, sounds like a lot of fun!

I was in LOVE with this story until I hit the 60% mark. Then it took a turn I wasn’t thrilled about. I won’t detail it here because it’s a spoiler. I have it under a spoiler tag in my review on the blog.

Just felt like a lot of messy drama added on to a story I was really enjoying. Still, I will say that I finished the book in one day. It was one I couldn’t put down!

I alternately read and listened to the story. Kate Hanford did a wonderful job performing both female and male voices. She had a steady, calm voice that fit right in with Wren taking all the hits while remaining calm and clear headed. It was a nice feature to have Eric Meyers read his emails and texts to Wren. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS by Tracey Garvis Graves is an emotional and uplifting story of finding the courage to live again after suffering from traumatic loss. Thirty-four-year-old Wren Waters is drowning in grief and pain after being dealt two life-altering blows that shatter her world and her trust in men. Her best friend helps her by introducing her to geocaching, a pastime that allows her not only to be out in nature, but also out of her crushing thoughts. On a weeklong solo geocaching trip in Oregon, she meets Marshall Hendricks on the trail. Marshall, a psychologist, is on a solo mission of his own to cope with a devastating loss in his life. When Marshall suggests they partner on finding additional caches, Wren reluctantly agrees. What follows is a heart-wrenching and hopeful journey of self-exploration and healing. The growing bond of friendship and trust between Wren and Marshall was touching to read. I loved seeing their honesty and commitment develop slowly over time. This was a beautiful and heartfelt story that captured my heart and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

The Trail of Lost Hearts is an adult contemporary romance novel about two thirty-somethings that meet on an an Oregon hiking trail and agree to team up.

Wren and Marshall meet during one of the lowest parts of their lives. Ohio native Wren has been in a dark place since the devastating end to her engagement and believes that taking a series of geocaching (gps style scavenger hunts) hikes in Oregon will be the answer to her grief and heartbreak. Marshall is still recovering from the pain and guilt around the loss of his younger brother when he meets Wren hiking and rescues her from a dangerous situation. After deciding that two heads are better than one they team up and hit the trails together and fall for each other along the way. But the two will need to overcome the grief of their past, unexpected news and the long distance if they are going to make a relationship work.

The Trail of Lost Hearts is about what it takes to make a love story work when life throws challenges your way. It is nicely paced and I was glad the outdoor hiking scenes were kept to the beginning of the book although I’m sure camping and outdoorsy readers would enjoy these scenes more than I do. I wish I felt more of an investment in the romantic relationship but for some reason I didn’t connect with Wren and Marshall. Whether it was a lack of chemistry on the page or the timeline of their romance it just didn’t work for me but overall it was an enjoyable read.

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Wren Waters heads to the Pacific Northwest with camping and hiking gear and a GPS in tow, forging any type of relationship with a man—friendship or otherwise—is the last thing on her mind. Still reeling from the end of her last relationship, her trip is supposed to be just for her, but when a couple chance encounters on a hike have her crossing paths with fellow geocacher Marshall Hendricks, Wren’s defenses slowly begin to come down.

They decide to team up and to travel together as friends, but as they spend more time together, they realize there may be something more than just friendship between them.

Part women’s fiction, part romance, this book about “two lost souls trying to find the light” had me hooked. The author’s writing style pulled me in and didn’t let go. I adored the supportive friends and family, how Marshall helps Wren to open up and heal, and how Wren learns to stand up for herself and her own needs. I appreciated the use of therapy in the novel.

I think it’s important to note that this isn’t just a road trip romance. The road trip is only part of the book.

As much as I wanted this to be a five-star read for me, there are a few major plot points in the novel that I did not love, but I don’t want to include any big spoilers in my review.

At the heart of it, though, I did become invested in the lives of both Wren and Marshall and was so glad that they are able to find an HEA.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

This book is full of emotions. Wren sets off on a hike to enjoy her hobby of geocaching. But when two people who are less than savory approach her, our MMC Marshall steps in to save the day.

Throughout their hiking journey together, neither Wren nor Marshall expect their life to change irrevocably.

This book is full of emotions and will have you crying real tears by the end.

Wren Waters finds more than a geocache when she sets out on a solo hiking trip to help recover from a broken heart.

This is a sweet story of second chances at love for two people that have been hurt by life.

Yes, this is a love story. But it’s also a story about grief and healing, friendship and support. Letting people into your life when you’re sitting in so much sadness is so hard. I really enjoyed watching these two main characters navigate their way towards healing and happiness.

Overall I enjoyed this story. The beginning was a little bit repetitive and then there was a sudden turn in feelings that felt pretty abrupt. But I like the pacing of the rest of the book. The characters were all likable and the way the concept of grief was handled seemed good.

The Trail of Lost Hearts combines women's fiction with contemporary romance. I loved this book so much!!

Thirty-four year old Wren Waters lives in Dayton, Ohio. She has experienced a major trauma. She goes to Oregon, to hike and try to heal.

I went into this book blind. And while it wasn't really what I was expecting it was an incredible and beautiful book.

While in Oregon Wren meets Marshall, a psychologist who has also experienced loss. This book is really about people trying to deal with grief and anger. But not in a sad or upsetting way.

I learned about geocaching, which I knew nothing about (and now am obsessed with). I really liked Wren's story. I liked seeing how she dealt with her pain and heartache. I loved her best friend. There is romance in this book. But it's not really the main focus. This book took a lot of unexpected and amazing turns that I loved so much. Overall this is an emotional and heartwarming book. I highly recommend it.

really enjoyed this story. It is heartfelt and has some deep issues. The growth from both Wren and Marshall are great, both as individuals and as a couple. They grew their platonic relationship into something deeper. It was a quick read which always is a plus for me.

This was a well written book, full
Of emotions, and healing to the heart. It’s not my normal genre, but I still enjoyed it. I think those who enjoy books that remind them of all the good life still has to offer will love this book.

Another intriguing story by Ms. Graves! As Wren tries to make her fiance’ happy, she forgoes the travel that she loves. After major events cause changes in her life, she is devastated, won’t get out of bed until her friend makes her get up and out for a hike. Wren decides that geocaching is an interesting way to spend her time and she plans a trip to Oregon. I’ve never done geocaching nor am I very outdoorsy but the process of using GPS to locate items sounds exciting. Not so much the often rough terrain but during her first expedition in Oregon, she meets Marshall. She’s hiking solo and it’s unfortunate that women have to wary around unknown men. Thankfully, Marshall comes to her rescue and decide to complete their treks together.

This is such an emotional story for both Wren and Marshall, both having had major losses in their life and grieving. Wren is fortunate that she can work from anywhere as long as she has WiFi since she manages social media for businesses.

I loved the descriptions of the scenery during the hikes and the excitement when finding the hidden canisters. Wren begins to slowly share a bit about her loss and Marshall is a great person to talk to since he’s a psychologist. Unfortunately, Marshall doesn’t share much and after Wren’s history, she’s not accepting of anyone that won’t be open and honest.

Their friendship turns into a potential romance but Wren has to return home to Ohio. It was heartbreaking when she left Marshall and then another unexpected change to her life happens. Wren seems too weak with grief at the beginning of the book but she starts to find her way and her inner strength is enviable.

I loved the texts and emails between Wren and Marshall and was able to learn more about his thoughts since the book is from Wren’s POV. So many losses, grief and changes to overcome for both. I highly recommend!

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work.

This is one book I have been really excited to read and Tracey Garvis Graves absolutely DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Once again, she weaves a story with characters that you are invested in almost from the beginning and want to have a good outcome [with a teeny bit of fear that something will happen that will be worse than what has already happened <--how is THAT for vagueness?? ;-) ] and you will laugh, cry, and then laugh out loud again. There was only one part that dragged a bit for me , but it was short and certainly not a deal-breaker.

I loved Wren and Marshall and their stories. I really resonated with Marshall and his feelings and inability to see what he eventually sees [the tough stuff is almost always the hardest to see and how to fix it], and while Wren's story isn't mine [of which I am so thankful - I am not sure just how someone survives that kind of "bad" day], some of the things that happened WERE similar to my story and I really felt so much of her pain [and had to revisit my own and wonder if I am doing enough to deal with my own grief and pain. Stupid book! LOL]

This was just the book I needed [after a particularly heavy reading month], and I highly recommend this [along with her whole back catalog] to anyone who loves a good story [and doesn't mind a little romance in there as well]. Really well done.

This was narrated by Kate Handford and she does a really excellent job of telling Wren and Marshall's story. I loved that when the MC's were emailing each other, Eric Meyers narrates Marshall's part and that really was a cool addition to the story - it was like hearing all the deep dark parts of Marshall's heart in his own voice and I applaud whomever decided that that was the way to go. I highly recommend listening to this book and its excellent narration.

I was invited to read/review this book and I thank St. Martin's Press, Tracey Garvis Graves, Kate Handford and Eric Meyers - Narrators, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Wren is on a mission to rediscover herself after a traumatic life changing experience. Hiking in the PNW is just what she needs to clear her head and get back to what she loves, Marshall is on his own life changing adventure for a much different reasons. A dangerous situation brought the two together and their adventure healed each other. I can’t say I would handle life the same way as Wren chose to but I admire her sense of adventure. She’s strong, resilient, mature and wise. It’s a great read for anyone needing a positive boost and a sexy adventure. I received my copy through NetGalley and have written my review voluntarily.

This was a nice and easy read despite the topics it touched on. The writing flowed well and felt unencumbered. The story was a bit of a strange one to say the least. I had no idea people even still went geocaching these days.

I was drawn to this book because I have heard so many good things about the author and was excited when I got chosen to read it.

The story is based around Wren and Marshall, two strangers who have both experienced tragedy, hoping nature will help them cope.

I really wanted to Iove this book but it missed the mark for me. I felt like there was a lot going on and it was just unrealistic in some ways.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for allowing me to read this ARC through NetGalley

When this author announces that she has a new book releasing, I immediately add it to my to-be-read list.

The Trail of Lost Hearts was an emotional journey. After a devastating and heartbreaking event in her life, Wren Waters is not sure how to move forward. When a close friend advises her that she needs to get out of bed, leave her apartment, and get on with her life, Wren soon discovers that hiking and exploring the outdoors is just what she needs to breathe again.

As someone who puts herself in the shoes of the characters that she reads about, I could completely understand where Wren was coming from. She experienced something that would leave anyone feeling as though the rug were pulled out from under them. Wren felt a plethora of emotions about what had rocked her world, and I felt them all right alongside of her. When an author can do that, you know it’s a good book.

When Wren decides to go out on a week-long trip to Oregon to geocache, she feels like it’s a step forward, but hiking by herself proves to be more dangerous than she had thought it would be. Luckily, another geocacher is there to come to her aid. Marshall Hendricks is every bit the outdoor and geocaching enthusiast that Wren is, and despite his perfect timing and well-meaning attempts at conversation, Wren is unsure whether or not she should trust Marshall. Again, it was easy to see why she was apprehensive, but in Marshall’s case, I was quietly advising her to go ahead and trust him.

What began as a solo journey for Wren and Marshall soon became a journey of two. Each of them was attempting to find some peace in order to dispel the thoughts and memories that plagued them. They quickly discovered that they enjoyed each other’s company and Wren was finding comfort in Marshall’s calming presence, and maybe even a few other feelings that she had thought were permanently dormant now.

Tracey Garvis Graves has written a moving, mature, thought-provoking novel that certainly touched my heart. There was an easy progression of the story that never felt rushed or inauthentic. Wren and Marshall’s journeys were certainly not without their bumps in the trail, and I will admit that a couple of things surprised me, but it was a journey that was well worth taking.

*4 Stars

This is the 2nd book by Graves I’ve read, the first being The Girl He Used to Know. That one remains one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read, and I’ve recommended it to countless people. This one is also a tender love story, but it didn’t grab me quite the same way. I found the pacing a bit slow and, as an “indoorsy” person, I couldn’t get excited about geo-caching, the activity that brought Wren and Marshall together, but also provided much of the framework for the story.

I appreciate this romance in which the couple, despite tragic circumstances that have left them grief-stricken and wary of starting a new relationship, have the maturity and personal integrity to communicate as openly as their wounded souls will allow them to while acknowledging that trust takes time to build and that healing does not follow a linear path. In The Trail of Lost Hearts, these two start as friends who quickly develop feelings but live thousands of miles apart. What should have been a brief fling turns into so much more but Wren, having been betrayed in the worst sort of way in her previous relationship, isn’t willing to accept anything less than a man who “checks all the boxes” and doesn’t hold anything back. She’s self-aware enough to recognize that and to be honest about her boundaries. The irony is that he, as a psychologist, needs to get help in coming to terms with his own loss so that he can share his feelings and his future with Wren. The question is, will the tenuous connection they made in their week together be enough to motivate them to do the emotional work they need to be together, especially when Wren drops a huge surprise?

If you’re a reader looking for romances with depth, mutual caring and consideration, a focus on relationship-building, and a small touch of spice, this is one worth checking out. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, even better, since the scenes in Oregon sound breathtaking. Recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

4.5/5 I don’t normally tell my husband about the books I’m reading but since this one had geo-caching and he used to do that with our kids, I mentioned it.

I haven’t been to the PNW and I’m not really into hiking but Oregon sounds beautiful. It’s the perfect setting for the story of Wren and Marshall. This is a great story about forgiveness, healing and love. It’s also about learning to trust your self.

I was so not prepared for The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves. This emotional intense story does not shy away from the hard parts of life or how they leave us anchorless for a while. Reading the description is only the tip of the iceberg for what happens in this story. Wren and Marshall do have their demons to overcome, not necessarily their fault but must be dealt with, nonetheless. So many events that could be considered roadblocks happen in this story that takes place almost a year happen.

It is a poignant story that reminds us to give grace daily to others. I do not know if Wren is right that the universe will send you exactly what you need, I choose to believe a higher power than that is at work. What I can agree with is that in this story Wren and Marshall will be better together. The best.

Wren Waters is on a quest for healing. After experiencing a huge blow to her life, she decides to take trip to Oregon to do some geocaching. On this trip she meets Marshall Hendricks and there’s an instant connection. Whether it’s friends or more, the story follows them both on their paths to healing.

The Trail of Lost Hearts was an unexpected surprise for me. I went into it pretty blind and am so glad I did. First off, this novel has made me want to try geocaching. I’ve always known about it, but it sounds so fun! I was immediately drawn to Wren and Marshall and their journeys both separately and together. Their stories intrigued me and the pacing of the book is really well done.

The Trail of Lost Hearts was a true delight! I really enjoyed it and I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read it. Many thanks to one of my favorite publishers, St. Martin’s Press, as well as NetGalley, for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review! If you love a feel good story with a touch of spice, give this one a try. I highly recommend!!