As a long time fan of Tracey Garvis Graves, I was thrilled with the opportunity to read an advance copy via Net Galley. Graves has a wonderful way of adding substance and depth to a romantic story. I loved the geocaching adventures and the vivid descriptions of the Pacific Northwest. Ren was a likeable and relatable narrator. Overall great read and would recommend.

The Trail of Lost Hearts is the story of two people who have both suffered immeasurable loss and heartbreak that find each other while geocaching in the Pacific Northwest. That description alone was enough to get me excited to read the new book by Tracey Garvis Graves, and I was not disappointed by the experience of this novel. The setting made me want to put my hiking boots on and go looking for a cache, especially around Cascade Lake or the other beautiful locations described, even though I am only vaguely familiar with geocaching as a hobby.

My heart broke for both Wren Waters and Marshall Hendricks as the truth of their devastating experiences was revealed, and as their friendship developed, it became clear that they were helping each other heal, I hoped that the relationship would develop into something more...they were just perfect for each other. I liked seeing the growth in Wren's confidence over the course of the novel, and the emotional growth that Marshall showed, as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC of The Trail of Lost Tears by Tracey Garvis Graves. The opinions in this review are my own.

It feels like forever since I have read a book by our author and I really have enjoyed prior books. As a matter of fact, one of my first goodreads additions was by this author.

This book was so much more than I was expecting plot wise, but in a good way. I really enjoyed it. The first half for sure progressed a little slower than the second half but then once it got rolling it really had my attention. Unfortunately most of the comments I have would include spoilers. I am presently contemplating posting a second review noted as having them as there is so much to discuss in terms of the plot that involve spoilers. This would make a good discussion book. I would recommend researching triggers if there are some you avoid.

Some of the things that stood out to me the most while reading were the representations of making the best of life when it throws a curve ball. How to move forward when circumstances are awful and you’re experiencing pain and doubt. How to stay positive and keep your head held high. Another thing that stood out was resilience of more than one character, along with a well represented, fiercely independent main character that is so easy to like. In addition to our main character we have some great supporting characters, especially the mom of our protagonist. I felt like overall this was a really good, well rounded book. I also enjoyed the characters hobby of Geocaching, as when my kids were younger they used to love doing that when we would go camping.

Thank you to our author, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This will be available March 26th 2024, I hope if you choose to read it you enjoy it as much as I did.

Wren and Marshall meet on a trail in the Pacific Northwest, while they are both geocaching as a way to deal with grief in each of their lives. They form a quick friendship that leads to something deeper. The result is an emotional story that deals with some tough issues but still manages to be a (mostly) feel good read.

I will be honest and say that when I first saw this was about geocaching, I almost didn't read it. It's silly of me, but that just didn't sound like an interesting premise for a story. I was wrong, and I was fully interested in this story right from the start. Both Wren and Marshall were likeable characters, and the story was complex enough to keep my attention and keep me turning the pages!

The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves was such a heartbreaking yet hopeful book. Years ago, I had read On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves and had found it to be such an enjoyable read. It was a book that I had recommended to my friends without any hesitation. There was no doubt in my mind when I saw that Tracey Garvis Graves had written another book that I wanted read it. I was so glad that I did. The audiobook of The Trail of Lost Hearts was a good choice for me. The narrations that were performed by Kate Hendford and Eric Meyers were both excellent. Their performances almost made me feel like the characters were old friends and like I was right there beside them on their adventures. Tracey Garvis Graves made it easy to visualize the early scenes in Ohio and later the scenic landscape of Oregon. The characters were likable and very believable and the pace of the book was just right. I was drawn into the story immediately. Sometimes it was hard to pull myself away from it. I still find myself thinking about The Trail of Lost Hearts as I did after I finished On the Island. Tracey Garvis Graves’ masterful storytelling was responsible for that.

Wren Waters was a thirty-four year old woman who was suffering from a great loss and an act of deceit. All Wren wanted was to be left alone so she could wallow in her own self pity and anger. After several weeks of putting up with this behavior, Wren’s best friend Stephanie, had finally convinced Wren to get out of bed and leave her apartment to go geocaching with her. Even though Wren had never been geocaching and knew little about it, she agreed to go with Stephanie. Wren enjoyed geocaching more than she thought she was going to. That excursion led Wren to plan a solo geocaching vacation. Wren’s friends, especially Stephanie, were not sure why Wren was going on this vacation. She was traveling from Ohio to Oregon so she could accomplish this. Wren knew that she had to get away from Ohio, her thoughts and feelings and was convinced that this trip would be good for her even though her friends disagreed. Wren needed time by herself to think and try and figure things out and do a little geocaching at the same time.

When Wren arrived in Oregon she drove to a state park where she planned on beginning her solo adventure of geocaching. She almost immediately found herself standing in front of a tall and handsome man. The man tried to make polite conversation with Wren and even introduced himself as Marshall Hendricks. Wren wanted nothing to do with this attractive man, though. The last thing Wren was looking for was the company of a man. Wren was sure that she would never be able to trust another man in her lifetime. As handsome as this man was, Wren just turned and started on her way to start her adventure. Unfortunately, Wren had not gone very far before she spotted a group of three uncanny men that made her very nervous. There was something about these men that scared Wren. Her instincts were correct to be on high alert. The intentions of these men became apparent almost immediately to Wren. Fortunately for Wren, Marshall, the man she had met when she first arrived, came to her defense. Marshall and Wren escaped. Wren was so shaken from the experience that when Marshall suggested that they team up and go geocaching together, Wren agreed but reluctantly. She knew that she was safer with Marshall than alone but she knew little about Marshall and her defenses were up. Marshall revealed to Wren that he was a thirty-six year old psychologist also on a geocaching vacation. Wren and Marshall would learn a lot about each other in the coming days. Little did they realize that they were both grieving. Had their grief brought them together? Why had their paths crossed? Could they help each other heal?

The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves was such an emotional read for me. I found myself smiling, crying and hoping. It was told mostly from Wren’s perspective but near the end Marshall made his POV heard. I loved the ending of this book even though I was sad to say goodbye to Wren and Marshall. I really felt like I knew them and wanted to continue on their journey with them. It was refreshing to meet characters who were strong and smart, yet quite vulnerable at the same time. I admired how Wren had to make some very hard and difficult decisions and yet she never wavered no matter how difficult they seemed at times. The Trail of Lost Hearts left a lasting impression on me. I highly recommend it if you enjoy women’s fiction.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wren Waters has dealt with two devastating losses and has been depressed and not really living. She takes a vacation geocaching in Oregon because it is the one thing that has got her out of the house and brought her some sort of happiness.

On her first day of vacation, she meets Marshall Hendricks. He turns out to be her savior in more ways than one--saving her from the advances of two men and helping her with her grief.

What starts out as friendship turns into more for both of them in that short week. But, while Marshall helps Wren with her grief and loss, she can tell that he is hiding and something from her and won't talk about it. Their week together has been wonderful and healing, she won't go down that path again with a man that won't be honest with her.

I really loved the journey for Wren and Marshall. It's very emotional for both. Their journey is one of self-exploration, grief and recovery, but it is a love story at its heart.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


READING PROGRESS

Like other books by this author, you get drawn right into the story and don't want to put the book down. This had some uncommon things happening to the characters, so that was "nice", at least to the reader. It wasn't the same old same old.

Was this my favorite of this author's books? Absolutely not. Will I still be rabid to read the next thing she writes? Absolutely!

I've read several of Tracey's books in the past and have enjoyed them all. The Trail of Lost Hearts is a 'not looking for love' kind of love story. As I watched the friendship/not friendship develop between Wren and Marshall, I was hoping they would connect but neither of them were interested. They were each just trying to deal with the trauma of their own lives. But maybe, just maybe, they were just what the other one was looking for.

The Trail of Lost Hearts captured my heart and emotions from the very start and the characters become people I came to care about. Tracey did a great job with character development and the beautiful settings of the couple's adventure made me want to try geocaching. Well, maybe just a little.

I totally loved The Trail of Lost Hearts and I will remember Wren and Marshall for quite some time. Highly recommend.

Thank you @stmartinspress for the gifted ARC.

This is my second Tracey Garvis Graves book. The first being, The Girl He Used To Know, which had me crying in the grocery store while listening to the audio book. So good! This one didn’t involve tears but it did have plenty of sweet and tender moments.

This one grabbed my interest right from the beginning. Wren sets off on a geo caching adventure in the PNW to heal her broken heart. Marshall, also on his on geo caching adventure comes to Wrens rescue and they are thrown together. I loved both main characters and liked seeing how they overcame unthinkable tragedies in their lives. The PNW setting in the first half of the book was a dream.

There was a part about 3/4 of the way into the book that had me screaming, “Just spit it out girlfriend!” But the ending was perfect!

The Trail of Lost Hearts is a touching, heartwarming story. Grief weaves its way through the story as the love interests overcome their broken hearts. This middle-aged relationship was refreshingly portrayed with all its flaws and vulnerabilities. I truly welcomed Wren and Marshall's maturity throughout the story.

Two lost hearts find a trail to leading them into each other arms.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press

I find that I really like Tracey Garvis Graves and her stories. They have the love and pain that I love to read without being over the top but then again, what happens to Wren IS a little unusual but nothing that hasn't happened in real life to more than one or two people. When her life goes astray (not of her doing of course), Wren decides to do some soul searching ala Eat, Pray, Love-by geocaching (which by the way was something that truly interested me many years ago until I realized I'd have to really hike to find the caches lol). Along the way, she meets a fellow geocacher and they strike up an usual friendship. Life and distance get in the way as it always does, but the things she learns about herself are lessons she will forever hold. This is a 4.5 star but rounded down because Wren ticked me off at one point. If you demand transparency of others, you must also demand it of yourself, and well, she didn't. But another great read from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and SMP for the opportunity to read this story. All opinions are my own.

With intricate plot threads and a compelling story, this book deals with loss of hope and then finding it again. Wren Waters had her life’s plans totally disrupted by a disclosure that she never expected. Marshall Hendricks suffered a severe loss in his life. The two of them are separately seeking wholeness again in pursuing the hobby of geo-caching. When they encounter each other in a threatening situation in the Oregon wilderness, they decide to join forces and continue to geo-cache together. I learned a great deal from this informative and insightful book, especially about what to do when life hands you a sack of lemons. I enjoyed meeting the characters who were relatable and dynamically portrayed. Both are growing in their self-knowledge at the same time that they are getting to know each other. The plot moves along at a good pace, and I enjoyed the multiple layers that were presented and the character-driven action. With sensitivity and sharp writing, this book presents a rich story that is unique and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed how the threads of the plot were woven together and quickly captivated me in the tale of two wandering souls who need a reason to hope again. This is a story that was heartwarming as well as insightful and profound. I loved my trip and adventures in geo-caching with Wren and Marshall!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I swear it’s like she gets better and better with each book she writes!
The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves is such a beautiful story.
Wren and Marshall’s story was utterly compelling.
Both the characters and the plot are realistic and uplifting as well. It is a beautifully told story with two main characters that I will long remember!
This was so beautifully written and just remarkable. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because I would.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Another five star read from one of my favorite authors!
Wren and Marshall. Two lonely souls living with past trauma, meet geocashing in a threatening rescuer/rescuee-type situation. For safety they team up looking for caches, forming a close-knit bond talking through her past trauma. Although talking of his trauma.. not so much. Wren begins to feel a something. more. than. friendship. towards Marshall. THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS is what feels like a true-to-life journey of personal growth/growing through grief.. the courage to love again.. of moving forward.. becoming a better person. Romance is an important and beautiful part of this tale.. how Tracey brought these two people together was everything. ❥ There is a much wider, deeper storyline but no spoilers here. Has a bit heavier content, is so emotional. Whew. But oh how I love the way this is told. In my top ten ‘24 favorites list, highly recommend! 5 stars — Pub. 3/26/24

I received an arc thanks to St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

Sometimes what you think you need actually leads you to what you really need,

Wren Waters has been dealt quite a blow and needs to escape her life. She decides to go on a geocaching journey to find hidden objects and maybe a little of herself along the way. Wren is not expecting to meet Marshall Hendricks, but he shows up at just the right time to help her get out of a bit of trouble.

Wren and Marshall realize that they are both a bit broken and each on a journey to find some peace. They decide to partner up for geocaching and Wren realizes that as she gets to know Marshall, she finds it easier and easier to open up to him. Unfortunately, Marshall hasn't found that same level of comfort and Wren is not going to stand for someone who isn't ready to be just as vulnerable as her.

They both have a lot of healing and growing to do before they will ever have a chance.


I absolutely love Tracey Garvis Graves. This is the third book that I have read by this author, and I have really enjoyed them all. I will definitely have to go back and read her backlist.

This was the perfect mix of heartbreak and friendship and finding oneself. I loved all of the characters and the relationships that they have to navigate. A couple of twists in there that I did not see coming and caused the characters to go on a deeper search for meaning in their lives. Just a really great read!

Such an amazing journey!! I was absolutely hooked from the first page. Wren has had some very unexpected blows and she’s not sure where to go. I loved the journey Wren went on to find herself again. Loved that the book is set in the PNW. Loved the outdoor setting of the book for parts of it. I loved how Marshall and Wren met. I loved the forced proximity and road-trip. I throughly smiled throughout this entire book. That twist, was not expecting that at all. I really loved the twist. The ending was fabulous.

Wren believes nature can heal all - and if the universe puts something in your path, then you have to pay attention and lean in! When she crosses paths with Marshall, another solo traveler with similar trauma, she hesitantly opens up. Maybe they were destined to meet and to heal together?
Highly recommend - this was unexpected, lovely and deep.

The Trail of Lost Hearts
by: Tracey Garvis Graves
St. Martin's Press
pub date: 3/26/24

I immediately became fully immersed in this beautiful story of grief, loss, and finding ways to move on in life afterwards. For female lead character Wren, moving forward involves an adventure trip to Oregon for her new hobby of geocaching. On a hiking trail, she meets Marshall, a psychologist who is dealing with trauma of his own.

Graves writes with sensitivity, delivering an absorbing plot with deep character development. The outdoor atmosphere and the narrative provide a very enjoyable reading experience. A surprising plot twist deepens the suspense as Wren and Marshall's story progresses.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for an advance reader's copy. My review is my own.

I loved this book at first so much ! I'm a hiker myself and reading this healing journey through walking in the forest was beautiful.

Meetings someone and helping each other through the grief was amazing too. Life is like that. Life has a way to send the people we need on our road to get back on it. And I fell deeply in love and so connected to this story.

But, I was lost on the twist at the end. It fell too much. Like it was from a drama movie.

But a part from that, it was an amazing book, really well written and I think this book will help healing a lot of people through their journey.

Wren has been dealt a blow by life. She decides to travel and do some geocaching. She just wants to be alone. But, she runs into Marshall Hendricks. She was a bit short with him, she hopes he got the message. But when Wren finds herself in a dangerous situation, she is very glad to see Marshall!

Wren is definitely not looking for love. She has had enough! But after Marshall saves her, she knows she must be nice. And this turns into a great friendship. Wren finds herself wanting a bit more!

These two are so cute together and have such adorable chemistry, especially since neither one is looking for the other. It just happens! Makes for a cute story you can’t stop reading!

I have read almost all of this author’s books. I have enjoyed every one. My all time favorite is The Girl He Used to Know . So add that one to your list as well!

Need a “not looking for love” romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.