Wren Waters is in desperate need of something to help her move forward after back to back events that have shattered her world and her trust. Geocaching seems to be an activity that opens her back up to exploration and purpose and she’s grabbed onto it with both hands. I was intrigued by geocaching itself and can definitely see the appeal to Wren. There’s a path to take and to investigate with a definite end goal and reward, which Wren needs more than a murky appearing future. Although she’s not too keen on striking up any kind of friendship with Marshall at first, he comes to her aid in a dire situation. From there, they pair up to geocache together and it turns into an adventure with a side bonus of mutual attraction. Wren begins to rebuild her self confidence, trust and emotional reservoir. Marshall, to his credit, is a psychologist, but he doesn’t talk to Wren like a patient. Just because he listens to people and guides them for a living doesn’t mean he isn’t without his own baggage or personal journey. What I loved about them together is how they’ve both been deeply hurt and are still learning the art of communication, but have a very honest approach. Their previous experiences are hard lessons that come with regrets, but then again, how would their paths have crossed if it weren’t for those tragedies. What they share is beautiful and open. Wren really begins to blossom as the story progresses and Marshall wisens up with the realization of how well they could fit. Tracey Garvis Graves weaves a story about two individuals who struggle to find their happiness from previous setbacks and manage to succeed in spite of it. The circumstances leading up to it all are far from conventional, yet there’s always a silver lining in the lessons learned.

This is my first book by this author and I do plan to read more. It is a serious romance/women’s fiction novel that is heartfelt and emotional. Both MCs are dealing with past trauma when they meet each other on a geocaching hike. They go from strangers to traveling partners to confidantes (her - he remains very closed off for a good portion of their time together). The romance is a quick instalove, which isn’t my favorite. However, it takes a very long time to overcome a myriad of obstacles to get to their hea. I didn’t care for a couple of the plot points that felt a little too soapy for me. The fmc kept a secret that was completely unnecessary by that point in their relationship. I wish they had stayed on the geocaching trail a lot longer because those were some of my favorite parts. If you, like me, like your romances with serious grownup characters who deal with real life problems in unique settings, you will love The Trail of Lost Hearts.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t love this one but I also didn’t hate it. It was just kind of meh. But I did enjoy the road trip part of the story.

I will be withholding all reviews and promotion for St. Martin's Press titles and their imprints until the publisher addresses the concerns of BIPOC and Muslim creators who are being stalked, harassed and feel unsafe due to the actions of a racist employee.

I have read a few Tracey Garvis Graves novels and really enjoy her writing style. This was a little slow moving for me. I was really rooting for Wren and Marshall but also wished there was a little more about Rob and how he was able to get away with his double life. The first half was very geocaching heavy and then that seemed to disappear at the halfway mark and it was more a light romance. Overall, I did enjoy it. I just think the two halves of the novel were very different.

As always, Tracey blows me away with her capture and portrayal of the emotions that her characters go through. It's never quite as expected but I'm always moved to my core and tears are usually involved.

Wren is a captivating FMC, she has really been through the entire spectrum of emotions recently, and yet she is trying to move on. I loved her journey, from being in so much pain, to facing it head on and truly dealing with it. She didnt back down from her boundaries and decisions even when it would have given her what she craved.

Marshall - our hero/very broken MMC - I pretty much loved him from the moment we met him and you just knew that their relationship was going to be special. I loved his very protective side and eventually, his ability to see what needed to be done and healed in his own life. His grief and journey, broke my heart a little, as you just felt his pain and feel for what he went through.

I loved that they had very adult communication, and both parties knew what they needed to do to move on and heal. And they did it with really good communication. The last few chapters of this book are just so good!

Overall, this is an excellent story about two people that desperately need healing and love from recent trauma in their lives. Unique situations bought them together and bound them in away that could only mean healing for each other - if they chose to take that path.

The Trail of Lost Hearts started off strong- I initially thought this would be a 5⭐️ read. I loved the idea of a story centered around healing in nature. But the more I read, the more the story missed the mark.

While teaming up together to geocache in the PNW, Wren basically spends most of the time using Marshall, a psychologist, for free therapy to work through her recent trauma. Their conversations mostly centered on the earth-shattering event that changed her life and inspired her geocaching trip, but sometimes Marshall would talk a little about his trauma as well.

Though I could relate to and empathize with Wren’s situation, the further I got into the story, the less I liked her. I don’t think the expectations she set for Marshall were fair or realistic, considering they had known each other for only a week, and he was working through trauma of his own.

I’m also confused about the transition from geocaching partners to unofficial therapist/ patient to romantic partners. At one point, she slips and he grabs her by the hand to steady her and suddenly she’s confused about his signals and whether or not he likes her romantically. Up until this point, he had basically been her soundboard as she worked through her recent trauma involving another man. Why is she suddenly wondering if he wants a romance with her, just because he instinctively kept her from falling when she slipped?

I was also not a fan of the twist and I honestly would not have even requested this book had I known it had this trope. But what bothered me even more about this twist was she kept it a secret from him for months! It was incredibly hypocritical and unfair. And I think Wren was unfair to another character as well, and I don’t like the way she handled their situation.

I think, if this story had stayed focused on Wren and Marshall’s healing and friendship, I would have liked this story more. The twist could have been removed from the story as well (and based on other reviews I’ve seen, I’m not alone in this.)

I would recommend The Trail of Lost Hearts if you enjoy traveling through stories, and characters who try to work through their traumas.

3⭐️

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story early. The Trail of Lost Hearts comes out 03/26/24.

The Trail of Lost Hearts tells Wren's story. After being dealt two life-altering blows she is understandably lost in grief. Who knew that hiking to geocache would be the thing to get her out of bed. When she takes a trip to geocache in Oregon to reclaim herself, she meets psychologist Marshall on the trail. What starts as two strangers teaming up quickly becomes so much more.

I really enjoyed this one. It pulled me in from the start and kept me turning the pages. I didn't read the blurb prior to jumping in so I was really intrigued by the mystery that is Marshall and his story too. Told in single POV (Wren's), we only get bits and pieces of Marshall-but it was all I needed to love him. How patient, and supportive he is-despite his own past. Finding out in the end, why he did things the way he did them, my heart was ready to burst.

This story is a pretty even balance of women's fiction and romance I feel. It's insta on the romance side, but it slow burns into some (not overly graphic) open door steam. I really liked their connection, and rooted for them. Two lost souls finding a connection. Healing. I did find the middle was a tiny bit repetitive. A little slow at times. But there was emotion felt throughout this story, and especially in the end. I liked it. And would read this author again. Check it out on pub day!

*Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

A sweet love story wrapped in the complexity of unresolved love for partners and siblings. The struggles are accurately and compassionately described as the hero and heroine work through the past bonds that hold them stuck in place. Fortunately together they can break those bonds in order to move forward together.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Ce livre ne sort qu’au mois de mars mais j’ai eu la chance de pouvoir le lire bien avant sa sortie!

Wren est une femme de 34 ans, elle est community manager et vient de subir une perte importante. Elle est déprimée mais une de ses amies lui fait découvrir le Geocaching et décide de faire un voyage dans l’Oregon. Elle va rencontrer Marshall qui va peut-être bouleverser toute sa vie…

Je retardais cette lecture depuis un moment et je m’en veux! J’ai passé un très bon moment avec Wren et Marshall, je ne suis pas passée loin du coup de coeur! Les personnages sont vraiment très réalistes et touchants de par leur histoire mais aussi leurs imperfections. J’ai beaucoup aimé comment leur relation prend le temps de se développer! Je pensais avoir deviner l’intrigue mais finalement, Tracey a réussi à me surprendre!

En bref, un très bon livre signé Tracey Garvis Graves et j’espère qu’il sera traduit un jour en français!

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for the ARC of this book. all opinions are my own.
Due to the current SMP boycott, I will not post my thoughts on this story until the concerns are addressed. At that time, I will be happy to post my full review.

Graves crafted two wonderful characters. Grief and loss were depicted in such a raw way, handled with the utmost authenticity. This book plucks at your heartstrings. Graves mastered a fine balance of magical, comedic, and romantic elements. Enjoyed this book more than I expected, left me warm and fuzzy, mostly hopeful.

I have not read anything by Tracey Garvis Graves before, and I will be looking into another book by her for 2024. I enjoyed this read and it was a relaxed and enjoyable book for the last day of 2023.

Four stars.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of The Trail of Lost Hearts in exchange for an honest review.

The Trail of Lost Hearts
Tracey Garvis Graves
4.5⭐️

Graves absolutely delivered, and captivated me throughout with this one. It was the perfect change of pace from what I’ve been reading this month.

Wren and Marshall’s story took me by absolute surprise, but in the best way possible. I wasn’t sure because of not knowing anything about geocaching but this was such a truly beautiful read about love, heartbreak, loss, growth, and finding yourself. All the things, ALL the feels, and I loved it.

What I loved;
⇢ Outdoor Adventure
⇢ Feel-Good Romance
⇢ Happiness For Beginners Vibes
⇢ Journey of Self-Exploration

Pub Date 3/26/24. Absolutely would recommend! This will easily be a top read of 2024.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m going to round up this one from 3.5 to 4, mainly because I think my mood wasn’t prepared for such a grief filled story.

The first half of this book was my favorite. I truly had no clue where the direction would go after Wren got home. Was I happy with the way it went? Ehhh? I wasn’t loving it. But I kept with it and finished because I was curious where her journey would take her, and if Marshall would be there with her.

TGG is one of my favorite authors, so I was fully prepared to fall head over heels with this one. Did I? Not really, but it’s still a beautiful story and quite simple.

The biggest issue I have is the cover. How? Why? Who approved it? It’s godawful and doesn’t reflect the growth and love inside. It looks YA and horrible and I would never have picked it up if it wasn’t for the author’s name on it. Pretty please give TGG a better cover so readers will give it a shot.

Oh I loved this book! It’s my first read by this author and she wrote a wonderful story. The writing was good and I felt everything! I was shocked, mad, extremely sad and I felt the romance. This was deeply moving and I was there. I love backpacking and adventure so I really enjoyed the location and I also enjoyed watching the healing and it’s just what I wanted. I’m just really happy I found this author. I highly recommend it.
Thanks St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

I enjoyed this but it was a bit more soapy than I had been expecting. There were quite a few outrageous plot points but it still managed to be a heartfelt story.

Wow. I adored it! It is hard to describe my love for this book without spoilers, so I’ll remain vague.

At first I thought it was going to be too derivative of Strayed’s “Wild” or Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”. But it turned out to bear little similarity to either. The characters were rich and nuanced, the dialogue beautiful and witty. I loved Marshall, faults and all, and applauded Wren for her choices and conviction. I cried, I ugly cried, and then I happy cried. This book is lovely and moving and I devoured it in record time. I couldn’t put it down! It will be a must-read for 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this free advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

The book is full of emotions. The characters are so heartbreaking. I loved this book so much. The story gives you so much hope. Tracey Gravis Graves did it again. Amazing

4.5★ When Wren Waters is dealt not one but two major blows back to back, she embarks on a geo-caching journey as a way to process her grief. There she meets Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist dealing with own grief and turmoil. A friendship forms when the two agree to partner in order to help another achieve their goals, while staying safe from those looking to cause harm.

This book caught me completely by surprise. It pulled me in immediately as I learned about what Wren had endured, and kept my attention with the introduction of Marshall (soon to be everyone’s newest book boyfriend). I loved the way Graves tackles the long term ramifications of grief especially when it intertwines with guilt.

The characters feel so real and each handle their emotions in a very real way. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the emotional growth these characters show from where they started - both quite broken by life. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and felt all the other feelings a great book can bring about.

Read if you like:
•emotional love stories
•first person, single POV
•PCT setting (hiking)
•stories about overcoming grief
•happiness for beginners
•eat pray love

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copy.