"The Trail of Lost Hearts" starts with promising themes of healing in nature, as Wren and Marshall embark on a geocaching adventure in the Pacific Northwest. However, as their dynamic unfolds, Wren's heavy reliance on Marshall for free therapy to cope with her trauma becomes increasingly burdensome. The story's transition from geocaching partners to unofficial therapist-patient to romantic partners feels forced, with Wren's unrealistic expectations of Marshall leading to strained relationships and an overall sense of dissatisfaction among readers. Additionally, a plot twist further detracts from the narrative's focus on healing, ultimately leaving readers wishing for a more authentic exploration of the characters' journeys.

While "The Trail of Lost Hearts" offers a quick and engaging read, its melodramatic elements and overemphasis on romantic tension detract from the initial charm of its rustic setting and geocaching premise. Despite some enjoyable aspects, such as the scenic Oregon backdrop and insights into geocaching, readers may find themselves disappointed by the story's focus on unrealistic expectations and hypocritical behavior. Overall, while the book has its moments, its reliance on soap opera-like drama and a lack of emphasis on genuine healing may leave readers feeling underwhelmed.

A book to pull at your heartstrings. A story of loss, bonds, hiking, and finding love through difficult times.

After Wren decided to take a solo trip geocaching in an Oregon after devastating events, she didn’t expect to run into some dangerous people on the trail. Nor did she expect to meet Marshall, a psychologist, who not only came to her rescue, but also suggested teaming up geocaching. What began as two strangers soon grew into much more. Both working through their own difficult heartbreaks, were they able to heal together? Or did they choose to go their own way?

All in all I enjoyed this one. A story line of two souls with difficult stories, battling their own griefs. Finding each other and impacting each other, helping each other in so many ways.

I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold. I really didn’t expect some of the twists - it wasn’t a typical romance. But it gave you a chance to see their journeys intersect, and see them work through their griefs, whether together or alone.

I also really appreciated seeing geocaching used in the storyline. It’s a fun hobby, and though I don’t currently do it (unless little free library hunting counts?) it was a lot of fun! I was excited for Wren and Marshall to just get out in nature and enjoy time together.

It wasn’t my typical style, but I’m glad for the chance to have read it. It was, all in all, a heart wrenching book. It pulled me into the story, and made me feel for the characters. Definitely a unique read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

This is my third book by this author and she has become one of my favorites!

This story was very unique and I really was not expecting the plot twist in the middle of it. It is a story about heartbreak, healing and finding your way again.

Thirty-four-year-old Wren Waters believes that if you pay attention, the universe will send you exactly what you need. But her worldview shatters when the universe delivers two life-altering blows she didn’t see coming, and all she wants to do is put the whole heartbreaking mess behind her. No one is more surprised than Wren when she discovers that geocaching—the outdoor activity of using GPS to look for hidden objects—is the only thing getting her out of bed and out of her head. She decides that a weeklong solo quest geocaching in Oregon is exactly what she needs to take back control of her life.

Enter Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist searching for distraction as he struggles with a life-altering blow of his own. Though Wren initially rebuffs Marshall’s attempt at hiker small talk, she’s beyond grateful when he rescues her from a horrifying encounter farther down the trail. In the interest of safety, Marshall suggests partnering up to look for additional caches. Wren’s no longer quite so trusting of the universe—or men in general—but her inner circle might argue that a smart, charismatic psychologist isn’t the worst thing the universe could place in her path.

What begins as a platonic road trip gradually blossoms into something deeper, and the more Wren learns about Marshall, the more she wants to know. Now all she can do is hope that the universe gets it right this time.

This was a great, unexpected read! I wasn't super interested after reading the blurb but I was invited to view an early copy and I really enjoyed Tracey's writing. I loved how she explored such a sensitive topic (grief) and handled it so beautifully. Being angry with someone and still grieving their absence is such a real emotion that was beautifully portrayed here. It would've been a 4 star read, but there is a trope that I'm not a huge fan of so that bumped it down a star.

I've been a fan of Tracey Garvis Graves for years and one thing I know to expect from her books is lots of emotions. I went into THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS fully expecting that emotional rollercoaster, and honestly, up until the first few chapters, I thought I would be in for that. But somewhere along the line this book lets the foot off the gas. While I read it in one sitting and I enjoyed both the main characters, I wasn't invested. My heartstrings were not tugged the way I expected.

This is a sweet story with some emotional up and downs but I wish I could've connected more. One thing is for certain. It did feel real.

Enjoyed it, but the latter half needed more oomph to end strong. Nevertheless, my first from this author and I would definitely give another of her books a try,

Tracey Garvis Graves does it again! Her storytelling is top notch, and I can’t get enough of it. Not only do I get lost in her stories, but the characters feel so real to me. It’s probably because they are mature in the way they handle the situations in life that they are faced with. (Mature does NOT mean boring!)

In The Trail of Lost Hearts, Wren and Marshall are both dealing with loss and are coping with their own grief in the only way they know how. Watching each of them grow and learn from their personal experiences in a healthy way is such a breath of fresh air. Are they perfect? No but honestly who is? This is an example of why I love Tracey’s writing.

⚠️Please be aware there are several TW.⚠️

Thank you @netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Wren Waters heads out on a solo geocaching trip after experiencing a devastating loss she meets Marshall and the two decide to team up together on their geocaching. Marshall's a psychologist and in the right place at the right time for Wren and his listening ear helps her work through some healing. But Marshall struggles to open up as well and Wren isn't ready to compromise after her last relationship.
I enjoyed the hiking/geocaching aspect of this book and am thinking I might like to try my hand at geocaching. However, I struggled to connect as much as I would've liked with these characters. This book deals with a lot of grief, but there is healing as well and it's overall an uplifting story. However, there are lots of TW so make sure to look into those before picking this book up.

Thank you to the author Tracey Garvis Graves, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS. All views are mine.

This quest was the right thing for me to do, and I'm the only one who needs to believe that. Loc. 1605

Tracy Garvis Graves has a huge following and her fans (and everyone else who seems to have read it) really loves this book. This one was not for me, and it comes down to the same issues I often have with pop fiction in any genre and that is weak narrative and weak story logic. More details are available on my Goodreads review. If you're a trope reader, this book will probably still satisfy, because tropes abound: second chance romance, forced proximity (a lot), bully romance (she's the bully this time), strangers to lovers (I know I made this up, but it should be a trope), jilted bride, opposites attract, roadtrip romance, and probably more. It's a really exciting romance, with the geocaching side plot, which I really enjoyed. Have fun with this one!

Now the forest is truly on fire. Time ceases to exist because Marshall has joined me, diving headfirst off the same cliff...and landing in the foam-filled pit... Loc. 1672

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. I really like the fmc's character trait the she gets mad when she gets embarrassed. It's so immature! It will make for some great moments!

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. This opening scene is completely unlikely and I have no buy-in. A couple rapists stalking the woods where there are *no* people? Couldn’t Graves have written a scene where the fmc falls and dangles or gets stuck? All she really needs is a white knight moment. I mean this borders on ridiculous. And I read a *lot* of books about men who victimize women.

2. It really stinks that I'm 6% into this book and still don't know this fmc's name.

3. Why is everyone in sad romances from Ohio? I'm from Ohio. This is just me, but I hate that trend in basic writing. You don't have to leave Ohio to make your life better and you don't have to go to Ohio just because things haven't worked out. Go to Florida if you're feeling sorry for yourself.

4. The attempts at metaromance sent my eyes rolling.

5. This narrative is so repetitive. The characters go geocaching. They go eat and sleep somewhere. They go geocaching again. They go eat and sleep somewhere. They get stuck in a room together. Okay this is just so lazy, I just want to tear my hair out.

6. Graves compares sex to a forest fire, cliff diving, and a foam pit, all in the same three lines, and I'm done. DNF at 49%.

Rating: 🏕.5 homes off the grid
Recommend? It really depends
Finished: Sep 27 23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
😍 Romance stories
💍 infidelity
☘️ bad luck
‼️ tropes galore

I loved every moment of this book. Fabulous characters who were dealing with some truly heavy emotions due to situations they were trying to work on and out to move forward in their lives. They were flawed, wonderful, funny, kind, honest, real and their growth throughout the story was wonderful. They worked on themselves and helped each other heal and forgive themselves and find love. I truly adore this author and this book exemplifies why. It was truly spectacular.

This book started out like the perfect read for me: a woman going out into nature to help deal with her grief? It was like Wild by Cheryl Strayed meets Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center, but with a unique idea as well: geocaching! The geocaching was described so well that it made me want to get into it as well. But while the book started off strong, it had a slower middle and I had a hard time completely keeping my interest as well. I did love that the other main character was a psychologist!

The Trail of Lost Hearts is my first read by Tracey Garvis Graves that explores two lost souls finding new romance. The story follows Wren Waters, who is 34 years old and has gone through devastating losses. Her friend Suzanne eventually helps convince her to go back out into the world and soon Wren discovers geocaching. I personally love geocaching as it gives people a chance to be treasure hunters. It’s a cool pastime that I have tried in a lot of different locations, and it is always cool to see what new treasures you can find. While on one mission on a trail in Oregon, Wren meets fellow geocacher Marshall Hendricks, who is going through his own emotional journey. The two end up teaming up together and not only begin to heal from their pasts but begin to get to know each other.

This book packs a lot of emotions into the pages and balances the down moments with some happier ones. I enjoyed how Wren goes out in the world to pursue a new hobby that she loves. The writing shows the joy that Wren feels doing it while also illustrating the dangers. Once Marshall enters the picture, I enjoyed him and Wren together. Each stage of their relationship was enjoyable; however, I think the transition between the stages needed some expansion. The dialogue was well-written in its feeling, but I think a slight rework could have helped it flow a little more naturally. The two characters did complement each other nicely as they both have emotional journeys, but they were not copies of each other. The actual writing for this author was enjoyable and as my first read by her, I look forward to trying more in the future.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I don't think I've ever read a book where the Main Character cries more.... not that she didn't have every reason to, but every little thing made her cry. It got to be a little much for me. This book was very heavy, but brought some lightness in. I could have used a little more lightness, and overall, this wasn't my cup of tea. The relationship felt a little forced to me, but I did like Marshall.

3.5 stars. This was my first Garvis Graves novels and I enjoyed it. I liked that it touched on tough topics like grief with sensitivity. I would have rated it higher if there wasn’t a plot point that bothered me but I won’t post spoilers so you’ll have to read it to make your own judgement. I will be going back and reading more from this author. I would recommend this novel to those looking for a romance that has substance and touches on tough topics.

No one goes through grief the same way. The Trail of Lost Hearts is about a woman full of resiliency, who was thrown some pretty rough curveballs. One of the blows she suffered would've brought anyone down, but Wren got a one-two punch. Deciding to hike and geo-cache, she finds herself on an adventure she never expected.

Heartfelt and heart-wrenching, The Trail of Lost Hearts will leave you rooting for Wren. She's going to come back from this and she'll be stronger than ever.

I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Wren and Marshall have a lot in common when they first meet. They're both in their mid-30s. They're both successful in their careers. They both enjoy geocaching, which is how they meet. Most importantly, though, they're both suffering from recent life-altering, devastating losses that have left them distrustful about their judgement in their personal lives and relationships. So when they meet, they're at once attracted to each other while also distrustful of their own feelings, and they clearly have some issues to work through. A friendship grows between them, and the story grows from there. Throughout, the reader (at least this reader) is pulling for their relationship to grow and blossom. And we're encouraging each of them to "tell him", "tell her", "tell us!". But the relationship grows and falters in its own time. And I loved it. Graves created two characters that I really liked - they made me laugh, my heart broke for them, they broke my heart. She surrounded them with lovely, (mostly) supportive friends and family. Overall, I just really wanted these two characters to have their happily ever after.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Two lost hearts meet and fall for each other in this lovely romance from Tracey Garvis Graves. Wren Waters has found some peace from her ordeal with the outdoor activity of geocaching. When she takes a solo vacation to Oregon, little does she know her life will be altered in another way when she meets Marshall Hendricks, a man who is also using the peace of the forest as a balm on his devastated soul. Two lost hearts can find each other.

This is a quiet, falling-in-love story between two mature adults and I thought it was lovely. It restored my faith in power of a romance novel to make the reader believe in love. It's by no means a perfect love either. Both Marshall and Wren have a lot to deal with before they can truly embrace their happy ever after, but it was so worth the time. Really enjoyed this.

I was deeply moved by the story of Wren Waters, who, following personal tragedies, finds an unexpected refuge in geocaching. This activity leads her on a transformative journey in Oregon, where she crosses paths with Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist facing his sorrows; their initial pragmatic alliance for safety blossoms into a profound bond, offering both a chance at healing. The book beautifully explores themes of grief, recovery, and the healing power of nature and human connection. I was particularly drawn to the unique backdrop of geocaching, which metaphorically underscores the story's exploration of searching for meaning and hope amidst life's trials. It's a poignant and uplifting tale that resonates deeply.

This captivating story pulled me in from the very beginning. The author writes so beautifully, I felt like I was in the Pacific Northwest forest with the characters. I was also immediately intrigued by both of the characters pasts, they wear their extreme grief on their sleeves. Despite that, the story didn’t feel emotionally heavy or inordinately melancholy. The author managed to write an engaging story with soft emotions, subtlety and beautiful writing, that happens to include grief and trauma. Of course there’s sadness, but that’s not the overall vibe.
Wren has traveled across the US to Oregon to go Geocaching ( Geocaching is using GPS to find hidden objects using a shared social app. It’s to get people outdoors and experience new places, essentially a treasure hunt for the experience.) It becomes clear very early that this trip is much more, it has deeper meaning for her.
She meets Marshall on the trail in the beginning, but brushes him off.
They meet a bit later in a very shocking situation. I could feel Wren’s emotions, it was so intense. It’s a short scene that packs a big punch. Marshall then steps in to her life as a protector, as a travel buddy and a safety net.
I adore these two wonderful characters. They’re lost, they are grieving, but they’re reaching out to life in an attempt to move forward.
It’s a journey of two heartbroken people seemingly running from problems. But, what if they are running towards their healing? What if they are exactly what the other needs to move forward? Or, is it a trauma bond that’s unhealthy? I wondered these things as I was reading.
Their interactions go from basic and tentative, to them quickly developing a friendly relationship with great banter, big emotional reveals and, then… some wonderful butterfly inducing flirting.
It’s a quietly stunning and incredibly emotional story. The pace is so pitch perfect.
Wren and Marshall are characters that make understandable decisions, they’re so relatable and sympathetic.
The relationship they develop is complex, it’s easy away from home to be free, but nothing stay’s uncomplicated forever. They have some obstacles and big decisions to make.
I adore this beautiful story and the wonderful characters journey was entertaining and also inspiring. I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.

When I pick up a book by Tracey Garvis Graves, I already have certain expectations: realistic and flawed characters, a multi-layered story, and an emotional aspect that will engage my heart as well as my mind. The Trail of Lost Hearts delivered on all fronts.

Wren is 34, engaged, and a successful social media manager when the rug is pulled from under her. The sudden death of her fiancé leaves her floundering. Feeling unmoored and lacking confidence, she treks from Ohio to Oregon for a geocaching trip. When it becomes apparent that hiking solo is not the best option, she teams with fellow hiker/geocacher Marshall for the remainder of her trip. Marshall is thoughtful and kind – the perfect traveling companion – and she finds herself opening up to him and sharing her heartache and confusion. While the attraction between them is apparent, it is just as obvious that Marshall is not being as forthcoming with Wren. Determined to no longer settle for less than she deserves, Wren returns home to Ohio - confused and, yet again, heartbroken. Her life very quickly takes another unexpected turn and she is forced to adjust, even while Marshall is never far from her thoughts.

One of my favorites aspects in a Tracey Garvis Graves novel are her characters. They are not cookie cutter archetypes, but people who feel as if they were plucked from the real world: your friend, your coworker, your neighbor. People who are dealing with the messiness of Life – sometimes struggling, sometimes overcoming, but almost always doing the best that they can. Wren and Marshall were so genuinely likable, and I wanted the very best for them – both separately and together. I had so much admiration for Wren as she found her footing and made steps to reclaim her life. Her bravery and her determination to do the right thing had me cheering her on. At the same time, my heart ached for Marshall and I wanted nothing more than for him to find peace.

The Trail of Lost Hearts is a story of love and loss, healing and second chances. Filled with heartache, humor, adventure, and romance, this latest novel from Graves is one I will not hesitate to recommend.