4 Stars!
Wren Waters lives in Dayton, Ohio. She recently suffered incredible heartbreak and feels lost. When her entire world was turned upside down she was nearly destroyed. Her future is uncertain, and she's tired of being sad. She's in desperate need of a change of scenery. She wants to get back to truly living, and craves a new purpose. She finds the perfect distraction in an outdoor activity where you use GPS to find hidden objects. She decides to head to Oregon on a weeklong geocaching quest. She's researched and prepared for her adventure in the middle of nowhere, but suddenly nothing is going as she planned when she finds herself in some trouble. When another hiker comes to her rescue and shows her kindness they decide to end their solo vacations and team up to accomplish their goals and finish what they started together.

Marshall Hendricks is a psychologist from Portland who is struggling lately. His life is in shambles, and battling his demons has become exhausting. Then he crosses paths with a woman named Wren who makes him smile. They decide to be travel companions, as they are both working through their own pain. It's effortless between them as they find solace in one another. As two lost souls set off on a road trip they start to feel alive again. When friendship turns into something more will two broken hearts finally get the happiness they deserve?

The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves is an emotional friends to lovers romance about trust, loss, grief, healing, chance encounters, fate and self discovery. It's a beautiful story that will touch your heart and hit you in all the feels! <333

I have loved every single Tracey Garvis Graves book that I have read including this one. Her books always draw you right in from the very beginning. I couldn't put this one down and read it in two days. The story of Wren and Marshall, two people going through tough losses and heartbreaks in their lives, who meet on a hiking trail in Oregon while on a geocaching quest. After a scary incident for Wren while on the trail and Marshall being there to save her, they decide to continue on this geocaching trip together. Now, I have to say that I had not heard of geocaching and now that I've read about it in this book, I'm intrigued and am thinking of looking into it here where I live as there are many hiking trails in my state. Not a hard-core hiker but think it could be fun to try.

Anyway back to the book, I loved the friendship that developed between Marshall and Wren and enjoyed reading about their adventures. But it soon ends and Wren has to return to her home in Ohio and Marshall back to his home in Portland, Oregon. Looking as if this relationship would develop into something more, it seemed that a long distance relationship would not work for them. Upon her arrival back home, Wren is met with a very big and unexpected surprise but I'm not going to say what it is or say anything more about what happens as I don't want to spoil it for readers. You just have to read it!

I just loved everything about this book, the characters, the story, and the writing style. It all just flowed perfectly. I even got a bit emotional in some parts. I highly recommend it.

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

I thought that this was a realistic, heartbreaking and also heartwarming story. The topics of grief, healing and the natural ups and downs of life were well done. I felt as off these were things that could easily happen to individuals and become issues in relationships. I felt that they were handled in a realistic way and that the romance unfolded naturally - it did not feel rushed or unrealistic. I liked learning about the main characters - I found the inner dialogue to be easy to follow and enjoyable (even when the tears were flowing!) At times I felt like there were too many challenges and that the book would have been just as amazing if we delved deeper into fewer road bumps, but it also did not detract from the book. I read this book in a day - it sucked me in from page 1 and continued until the end.
Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Thirty-four-year-old Wren Waters' world 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. After weeks of barely being able to function, her best friend coaxes her out of bed and forces her to go on a hike with her. When Wren 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 to take a weeklong solo quest geocaching in Oregon. It is there that she meets Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist searching for distraction as he struggles with a life-altering blow of his own.. He initially suggests that they team up to find the caches, but she isn't interested. However, when two men threaten her at a secluded part of the trail and she calls out for help, Marshall is the one who responds to her cries. This time, when he suggests they team up, she agrees. 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 book was so good. It was so much more than a romance novel. It was a story about heartbreak, learning how to come back from that stronger and better than ever, deciding what you want and need and sticking to it and never settling, friendship, geocaching, motherhood,, forgiveness. and acceptance. Both Wren and Marshall's stories were heartbreaking, and the chemistry between the two felt palpable. I could almost feel it coming off the pages in waves, it felt so real. This book was just as much about each of their personal journeys and healing as it was the budding relationship between the two, maybe more so. This is perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Allison Winn Scotch, and Nicholas Sparks.

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