Wren believes that the universe will send you exactly what you need, but she is handed a few heartbreaking surprises that end up sending her on a journey of healing and self-discovery while geocaching in the PNW. But that’s not the end of the surprises & life trials.

The story was a little predictable at times, but I was never bored or uninterested. I found myself very invested in Wren’s story early on.

I loved Graves book THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW so I was excited to get to this book. Now I can highly recommend both of these books. This was such a heartbreaking and heartwarming book. Both of the characters, Wren and Marshall, are both dealing with tremendous losses and tragedy in their life. Wren heads to the PNW in Oregon to go hiking and geocaching. I had no idea what that was before I read this one, so that was fun to learn about. While on the trail, she meets Marshall, and they decide to continue along together. Along the journey there are some twists that I didn't expect, and I wasn't sure how it would resolve in the end, but I got the ending I wanted. I liked how the characters healed together. I think this author has a way to slowly build on the story so you aren't expecting how it unfolds. I really enjoyed the nature aspect as well.
Out March 26.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon once it publishes.

I first fell in love with Tracey Garvis Graves’ writing in The Girl He Used to Know - and The Trails of Lost Hearts will have readers falling in love all over again.

I appreciate when authors write their main characters with so much depth you can walk away feeling you really know them. Wren Waters has just gone through a devastating life altering event as has Marshall Hendricks. He saves her in more ways than one and their friendship/relationship is one that develops over time.

Without giving too much away I would just say READ this book! 5-stars and more!!

There is something healing about reading a novel that shows the two main characters healing from their own hurt and pain. Wren has just gone through a 1-2 punch in her life, only to set out on her own version of Eat, Pray, Love and nearly faces a 3rd punch. Enter Marshall. As they navigate the trails and mountains of Oregon, pain is healed and friendship is formed. There are more surprises along the way but the bumps and turns in their stories lead to the destination they deserve. This is a heartwarming book and one that is hard to put down.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins for the arc.

I’m emotional. Something about this story really hit me hard. Maybe it was my love for nature, maybe it was just having my own baby, but it was such a beautiful read. At times I wanted to cry for Wren and others I wanted to cheer her on. I was so invested.

Not very many authors I’ve personally read write about romance and nature, this story combined both and I LOVED it, especially being a PNW native. My heart was happy from page one.

Thanks so much NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC for review. .

This was such a heartbreaking and sweet love story. Wren and Marshall are each dealing with so much emotionally when they set out on geocaching adventures. I didn't know anything about geocaching so that was an interesting backdrop for the story. As each character divulges and tries to work through their pain, they find a strong connection in one another. I really loved the build up of the relationship and finding out about Marshall's life as time went on. This was such a beautiful book, I was sad to finish. If anyone reading this review has not read Tracey Garvis Graves' previous book, "The Girl He Used to Know", I highly recommend that one too. Thanks to Tracey Garvis Graves, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have really liked a couple of this author's books that I've read, Somebody I Used to Know especially. The writing here is thoughtful and contemplative, as well as eloquent. I liked the main characters, Wren and Marshall. I can't quite decide what was missing for me to give the book 4 stars.

Wren Waters is 34 and just lost her fiancé Rob to a car accident a couple of months ago. Her grief is complicated due to a discovery that only came out as a result of his death, which threw everything Wren thought she knew - about love and trust - into the dumpster. Wren's best friend Stephanie gets her out hiking, and they discover geo-caching, a kind of grown-up scavenger hunt or Pokémon game of sorts, which combines exercise with clever little tokens/items.

Wren has decided to travel to the PNW in Oregon to do some geocaching in a new to her area. Wren is a freelance social media manager, something I can't quite picture. Wren isn't really the type to be glued to her phone, looking at the various social media platforms. I'm not saying she has no personality, just that her character development suffered a bit because most of the focus seemed on her traumatic loss. She meets Marshall on a hike and is wary until she finds herself in a dangerous situation alone. Marshall comes to her rescue, and then the characters start peeling back their layers like an onion - slow but steady. The plot wasn't just the pair teaming up to geocache and bond, as Marshall lost his brother and his long-term relationship.

In the second part of the book, the author gives the reader a surprise that seemingly comes out of the left field. I'm not sure it bothered me, I just didn't see it coming. I did like how Marshall started opening up to Wren through emails. The positives outweigh the negatives for me, as this wasn't some instalove story. Moving through different stages of grief and recognizing the other person and helping each other heal, well done. This was a thoughtful book, I just didn't feel like Wren was as fully developed as a character to make me love her.

TW for grief, attempted sexual assault and armed robbery gone bad. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars, this book comes out 3/26/24. I'd recommend this book as a library book if you aren't sure. It's worth the read if you are a nature lover / mature adult romance reader.

As a backpacking enthusiast myself, I know that there is nowhere better than nature to go to find what you’ve lost…your life, yourself, hope — but love? For Wren and Marshall, that’s exactly what they discovered on The Trail of Lost Hearts. Love and so much more. The perfect setting to explore a new relationship and bond through heartache, trauma and healing. Read this if you enjoy sweet but emotional romances with mature characters sharing real-life experiences resulting in a HEA (not without some twists). Bonus if you love the great outdoors!

I love Tracey Garvis Graves so I immediately wanted this ARC when it became available. This book has what I want in my romances. Two broken souls who are healed by coming together. They have things to work out but I ended with a smile on my face and that is what I want. Wren has been through some heartbreak and has discovered geocaching. She flies to Oregon to go geocaching and meets Marshall on the trail. They decide to team up and while Wren opens up to him about her tragic past. He is being quiet about his past. They have a great week together but then Wren has to fly home to Ohio. (Skyline Chili is mentioned and I loved that!) Wren will not settle this time around so if Marshall won't open up to her she is not interested in a long distance relationship. Wren has more heartbreak when she gets back from Oregon but can Marshall help her to heal once again? I love two broken characters finding love and this author knows how to write that well. The chapters are short so I flew through this one.

-"Sharing activities with someone can be helpful during the healing process."

-"You know, it takes a special woman to help heal a heart she didn't break."

The beginning of this book was so promising, and I loved the ending. My issue is with the middle of this story. Honestly, I almost DNF’d around 75%. A trope that I absolutely hate was introduced. Seriously, the author did the heroine dirty on top of the trauma she was already dealing with. And then the heroine made some decisions that I didn’t really agree with. I loved Marshall and Wren as a couple and the way their relationship developed at the end. I also loved the mental health rep in this, but as a whole, this book is just not for me.

Romance: multiple open door, light language

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for gifted copies. My thoughts are my own.

This story was so much more than I anticipated. It had everything I love and then some. I found myself completely taken by these characters. Through the first three-fourths of the book it’s mostly Wren but once Marshall begins to open up, I instantly connected with him on a deeper level than previously in the story.

Both of these characters have been through some serious trials and they’re both looking for something to help them find a place of peace. I loved how this author brought them together and the organic way their relationship developed. I found myself in tears at times as well as moments of laughter at others. I was angry, hurt and delighted at varying stages and always cheering Wren on to find the perfect happiness in her life.

This is an absolutely beautiful story that at times made me ache as I questioned what it was going to take for me to get my happy ending right along with this couple. This was not a straight shot for them or myself and the aching anticipation of it all added a deeper level to their journey and had me falling in love even more with this book.

If Colleen Hoover has a quote on the front of your book, you better believe I'm going to read it!

The first 1/3 of this book I really wondered where we were going. It was cute and I liked it fine but I couldn't figure the build up to the "omg are they going to make it point" but man, when we got to it, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it and it felt so different from all the romances out there.

Recommend.

'The Trail of Lost Hearts' is a poignant, beautifully written story of self-discovery, healing, and love above all else. When Wren and Marshall meet in the most unexpected of circumstances, they move past their individual grief and come together to build a fresh start. While their journey took many twists and turns, in so many ways than one, they grow to learn that the past should not define your present, and that the future can be a wonderful thing to look forward to. Genuine and touching, this book is no doubt one to immerse yourself into.

Wren Waters is still reeling from two unexpected blows in her personal life that force her to look at things from a new perspective and reevaluate how her life was going. It comes as a surprise to everyone - maybe especially even Wren - when she discovers that Geocaching - the activity of searching for caches of hidden objects via GPS - is something that actually makes her want to get out of bed, and out of her head, everyday.

Wren decides to take a solo trip to Oregon to do some geocaching on her own. While there, she meets Marshall Hendricks - a fellow geocacher who is also looking for distraction from things in his life.

Wren and Marshall decide to pair up and look for the caches as a team when it becomes apparent that two is better than going at it alone. What they discover with one another is a kindred spirit needed at just the right time in their lives. It also forces both of them to look at what their futures might hold and if, with all the unexpected things life throws, there might be room for each other.

I feel like Tracey Garvis Graves is a very low-key kind of writer. She comes out with these gentle, thought-provoking stories that don't necessarily hit you right over the head, but they really unfold in a way that makes you appreciate the thoughtfulness put in to telling the story. I haven't read all of the Tracey Garvis Graves' books, but of the ones I have, there's just this certain amount of contentment I find in people figuring out a new direction for their lives when things don't go as planned.

Trail of Lost Hearts follows a lot of these same pathways. Wren trying to build her life again and knowing that, despite what you may want to do, you have to keep moving. Meeting someone who you form a connection with while also acknowledging that you might not be ready for them, but then questioning when you would be ready. I won't lie and say that I was prepared for a bit of predictability.

Then, Tracey Garvis Graves pulls a twist on readers that, honestly, completely reinvested me in Wren's story and not overshadowing with a romantic aspect, but in her own story and at this point, I could not put down this book. I raced to see how events would coincide with Wren's continued healing and it was not a disappointment.

Since finishing, I often think about this book. I think a lot because it went somewhere unexpected, and anytime I book surprises me, I tend to always keep that feeling present.

I will say that I almost wish we had gotten some of Marshall's perspective if only because he is also experiencing a certain kind of upheaval in his life and with how much Wren and Marshall and the headspaces they occupy within the story influence one another, I feel like I would have liked a view from his side as well. But I cannot really fault the story for this because it's so very clearly Wren's journey.

Overall, this is another thoughtful read from Tracey Garvis Graves that keeps in mind the idea of life changing and unexpectedly throwing us on another path.

If you’re looking for a feel good, love story The Trail of Lost Hearts is the perfect read. Marshall and Wren are both emotionally hurting and encounter one another while hiking. They are both likable characters who help each other heal. I learned about geocaching and might have to try it one day.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review,

4.25-4.5 STARS

Set against the Pacific Northwest backdrop, “The Trail of Lost Hearts” takes the reader along on Wren & Marshall’s journey of self-discovery and healing in the aftermath of their personal tragedies. It is a sweet and heartwarming slow-burn romance with no exaggerated drama. While grief and self-recrimination weigh heavily throughout this book, the undertone is always one of positivity and hope. It is an inspirational story with a very unique spin that I won't soon forget.

I have mixed feelings about TGG. Her books often tug me by the heart strings and hook me but then at times they feel a little more weird/off to me. I never would have guessed that I would love a book that involved geocatching - just not my thing. That being said TGG really just pulls you in and gets you to care about these two main characters. I ended up really enjoying my time with this book.

This is such an emotional love story that's born out of grief, but somehow manages to find its own way and flourish. I really enjoyed both of the main characters and I was cheering them on even as their paths had to take their own twists and turns. I've been geocaching a few times and it was so fun to see them bond over the activity and how they each used it to help them cope with their loss. Grief is such a personal journey and I love how Tracey handled such a difficult topic with so much sensitivity. The audiobook is fantastic and I would definitely recommend giving it a listen!

“The Trail of Lost Hearts” by Tracey Garvis Graves
When tragedy strikes, Learning to Live, again,
Surviving a tragedy and over-coming the fears and assumed guilt associated with the event were so well portrayed in this story that I just couldn’t put it down. Yes, my heart broke, and, my funny bone was tickled as this story unfolded. Their lives were imploded by tragedies. The courage required to face the new realities created by those tragedies was so painfilled. And, I kind-a wish I had someone to go geocaching with. It does sound like fun. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

I have love Tracey Garvis Graves’s previous books and this one did not disappoint. The characters had depth and were perfectly layered and messy. I didn’t want to put this one down because I was whole heartedly rooting for the characters individually and as a couple. There was so much growth and true connection between Wren and Marshall. Loved this one.