The Trail of Lost Hearts" by Tracey Garvis Graves, narrated by Eric Meyers and Kate Handford, explores the transformative power of geocaching in the aftermath of life-altering events for Wren Waters. As she embarks on a solo geocaching quest in Oregon, she encounters Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist grappling with his own challenges. The narrative weaves themes of healing, trust, and unexpected connections, creating a poignant journey.
While the emotional themes and character growth resonate, the overall story didn't captivate as much as in my previous experience with the author’s novels. Graves' writing style, marked by its fast-paced and emotion-driven narrative, is present, providing an easy and engaging listen. The chemistry between the characters and the unfolding road trip adds layers to the story, yet the connection fell slightly short for the reviewer. Despite this, the novel sparks curiosity about Graves' other works, leaving me intrigued and open to exploring more from this author.

I originally requested this book because I am an Oregon native and was excited to read about a book set in my home state. I also love geocaching! I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Wren and Marshall’s journey toward finding each other and their healing along the way. The writing was fun and witty, and also handled the more serious aspects beautifully. This book has some Katherine Center vibes, so I recommend for those that love her style of writing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

This is the first book I have listened to by Tracey Garvis Graves and it won't be my last. I absolutely devoured this book. The narrators Eric Meyers and Kate Handford did a wonderful job telling this beautiful story. I didn't want to stop listening when I had to go to work yesterday. This is a beautiful story about two people that have been dealing with losses and end up finding each other. They go through some ups and downs but it is all worth it. This book will have you feeling all of your emotions and leaving you wanting more. I absolutely love Wren and Marshall's story. I can't recommend this book enough and I can't wait to read her other books. Grab a cup of coffee and sit back with this book. You won't regret it. ENJOY!!


Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars (rounded up)

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Characters: 3
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 2
Setting: 2
Plot/Overall Story: 3
Writing: 3

Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points

This is my second book by this author and there were definitely similar themes and vibes between this one and the other I read. I thought this book was good but I didn’t connect to it and the characters like I did her other book. There are emotional themes and some good character growth, which I’m a sucker for. It made me curious to try some other books, but the overall story just fell a little flat for me. I like the fast paced, emotional, growth focused writing style. It’s easy to read and devour.


Content Notes:
Moderate: Vomit, Death, Car accident, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Medical content, Infidelity, Grief, Sexual assault, and Sexual content (three brief open door scenes)

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and listen to this title in exchange of my review!

This was okay. I wish the story centered more around the friendship and healing between the two main characters. The ending was a bit lackluster. I wished for more. Overall an average read.

Book Releases March 26, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC. And to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

So first off, I loved how this has Happiness for Beginners vibes and I really enjoyed the outdoorsy/hiking element. It's definitely got some serious, sad, deep issues that both of our main characters are going through. I definitely preferred the first half more because it felt more of a romance but the second half is more women's fiction with personal growth.

I would have loved even more romantic interactions because our male main character is such a sweetie who is also working through some things. Our gal, Wren has discovered some seriously shocking and heartbreaking news. I just felt for her and was rooting for her.

I will say, I was really loving this till something happened and then I was kind of frustrated. I feel like Wren constantly talks about being open and honest but yet she's keeping a big secret. That she continues to talk about how she should be honest buttttt... Enter a million reasons she doesn't. I do like how it all turned out that but that just really got under my skin and killed my overall love for it a bit.

While this isn't the happiest read it's also encouraging and uplifting to see both of these characters work their issues. I definitely recommend the audio format because it was so well done. Especially loved when we got the male voice! While I prefer her other book more, I still really enjoyed this!

The Trail of Lost Hearts is about a woman in her midthirties rebuilding her life after tragedy. When we meet Wren she has suffered the sudden loss of her fiance. She recently discovered geocaching as a way to explore and reconnect with nature and herself. Wren decides to take a trip to Oregon to regroup and gain perspective.

Soon into her vacation Wren meets fellow geocacher, Marshall, and they decide to team up. He is very kind and empathetic, but also struggling with his own trauma. I adored the descriptions of the places they visited. It makes you want to get out into nature. I enjoyed the relationship that blossomed between Wren and Marshall. I listened to the audiobook, which was well-narrated and so relatable.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ebook and audiobook ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Wren Waters has had one heck of a few months. Her fiancé' has died in a devastating car crash, and upon showing up at the hospital, she learns about another blow to her being. As she suffers from her grief and depression, she finds a new hobby in geo-caching. As Wren takes a trip to hike and Geo-cache on her own, she winds up meeting Marshall in a high-stress situation. Despite not wanting to be reliant on another man, she decides that hiking with a partner is in the best interest of the both of them. So as the strike out on their own journey in the Oregon/Washington areas, a new relationship builds, but what does this mean for Wren and Marshall when she leaves to return to her "normal" in Ohio?

I found this book to be okay, but also a bit stereotypical. I personally dislike the curve ball that was thrown at Wren when she returns to Ohio... least favorite "trope". I also found it to lack imagination, and feel like I have read a number of books that have had similar story lines.

All that being said, the audio quality was decent, and the narrator easy to listen. HOWEVER, there are a number of spots where it is clear a "re-recording" had to be done. The switch is jarring at times and does not flow well into the audio presentation.

✨💕𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒 💕✨
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨
𝘣𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘺 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘴 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴
𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗦: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

🥾

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬 (𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺). 𝘐𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘚𝘖 𝘔𝘜𝘊𝘏 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 ~ 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬, 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧, 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨; 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳, 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.

𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴... 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.

𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘢𝘳🕊️

🥾

𝘛𝘎𝘎 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴...
𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.

𝘱𝘴. 𝘐 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 ~ 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦!

🥾

𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙊𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮!

#BookWineClubToronto #WINEnot ?!
#TheTrailofLostHearts #TraceyGarvisGraves #TGG #LifesAdventures #LostHeartsJourney #LostHearts #ItsBeenAYear #AshleyCooke

Initial Thoughts
I loved this book! I have had such good luck with everything that I have read from Tracey Garvis Graves so far and this book was no exception. Wren and Marshall were absolutely perfect together and my heart broke for how much they had both gone through. The story had a few surprises which kept things very interesting. I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrators did an amazing job with this story.

Review copy provided by the publisher. Full review to be posted soon.

Wren Waters attempts to heal heartbreak by geocaching in Oregon for a week, but when a stranger (Marshall) saves her from a scary situation, she is grateful but ready to return to her plans. Marshall is also geocaching and seeking escape from his own tragedy and proposes to team up for safety and navigation. This premise really got my attention because of the unique focus on geocaching and the story of healing, especially since Marshall is a psychologist. The Oregon setting for geocaching was perfect for this story and my favorite part of the book. I lived in Oregon for several years so the areas she selected were fun to read about. Wren and Marshall are flawed which is to be expected, however, Wren's storyline was frustrating for me. It felt like she was living in a daytime reality show, particularly after the first 40% or so and lost some of the authenticity I experienced in the beginning of the book. What saved this story were the multiple characters that added warmth and dimension to the story. Another thing I really appreciated was that the story did not just proceed without any hiccups and addressed the issues the characters needed to deal with (even if it took a while). I would have liked more insight into Marshall's perspective and feelings to make the story feel more balanced. Caution for swearing and open-door sex scenes for those who care. Narration by Eric Meyers and Kate Handford (majority read by Kate) which felt like a good fit for Wren's voice. Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review. Rating is 3.5 stars.

Wren and Marshall find each other on a geocaching mission. Wren has all but written off finding love ever again after her finance was killed in a car accident, and that's when she found out he was married. Marshall is also dealing with grief, his brother was killed and he is just coming off a breakup. When these two grieving lost souls decide to go on a geocaching adventure they are both made to confront their grief, endeavor on some self-exploration and heal in ways they couldn't have predicted.

I absolutely loved this feel-good, happy ending book. It is such a refreshing change from the doom and gloom we are faced with every day. And it helps us remember that the universe does always give us what we need.

The audio narration of this book was great too. Super easy to listen to - an all around comforting experience. A solid 4.5 stars! I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!

The Trail of Lost Hearts is a beautiful story of recovery and personal growth after a tragic loss. When Wren Waters is hit by two shocking blows at once, she decides to take a week off by herself and go geocaching, inspired by Cheryl Strayed's book Wild. She initially tries to avoid other people, but becomes close with another hiker named Marshall Hendricks after he steps in to save her from a dangerous situation. And while most of the story is told from Wren's perspective, there are a few chapters where we find out his side of the story as well, which was interesting to hear.

This story has a lot of twists and surprises, and it could have been a very sad book with all the awful things that keep happening to this poor girl, but it ends up being relatable and uplifting because Wren has such a positive outlook, and her coping skills and ability to open up about her problems were very inspiring.

The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Kate Handford as Wren, and Eric Meyers as Marshall, both of them really sounded like the characters themselves telling us their stories.

The Trail of Lost Hearts was a lovely and touching story. Wren and Marshall are a great pair that meet unexpectedly, but help each other heal in the end. I look forward to reading a listening to many more books by Tracey Garvis Graves.

Grab your hiking boots and prepare for a journey of grief, growth, and unexpected connection in "A Trail of Lost Hearts" by Tracy Garvis Graves. This is an emotional story of hope and healing (alongside some angst).

Wren's quest for solace after a life-altering event leads her to the wilds of Oregon, where geocaching becomes more than just a treasure hunt. Then we have Marshall, another soul seeking solace. When their paths intertwine, we witness a hesitant yet sparking bond.

The story unfolds primarily through Wren's eyes, revealing her strength and vulnerability as she confronts her pain. We also get glimpses into Marshall's perspective, adding depth and understanding to their dynamic. Their week-long adventure becomes a catalyst for emotional breakthroughs, both individually and together.

Graves masterfully navigates the complexities of grief and healing, avoiding over-the-top drama while delivering powerful emotional punches. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their journeys.

I particularly appreciated Wren's resilience. She's no damsel in distress, actively confronting her challenges with determination. The contrasting perspectives provide a richer understanding of the healing process, and the glimpses into Marshall's mind left me curious and wanting more.

Overall, "A Trail of Lost Hearts" is an absorbing read that delivers an emotional rollercoaster ride with a hopeful payoff. It's a perfect recommendation for readers seeking a story about confronting pain, finding solace in unexpected places, and the transformative power of human connection.

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.

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 thought that Kate Hanford as the narrator did a great job of conveying Wren's emotional states throughout while also presenting this strong woman who is not about to let the things that have happened in her life recently define her. I know, that's a huge thing to come across in an audiobook, but it does really well. The addition of Eric Meyers in some key spots was an interesting choice. It was definitely something unexpected, and I'm not sure exactly why at those moments another narrator was added, but I like the fact that Marshall literally was given his own voice in the story.

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.

The Trail of Lost Hearts is my first book by author Tracey Garvis Graves, but it definitely won’t be my last. The book centers around Wren Walters, a 30-something who just lost her fiancé. She meets Marshall Hendricks on a geocaching trip in Oregon. Marshall is dealing with his own losses and the two forge a connection while working through their grief.

I thought the story was beautifully written and I loved the friendship between Wren and Marshall. If I weren’t listening to the audiobook, I would have been highlighting several insights on grief and healing. This is a book that will stay with me for a while.

The audio narration was fantastic and really brought the characters to life. I particularly enjoyed hearing Marshall’s POV during the second half of the book.

One thing to add: When Wren was describing the meaning of her geocache name, Skyline Wanderer, to Marshall,
I was smirking the whole time because I knew the meaning right away, It’s a very meaningful name to Ohioans!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves
Narrated by Eric Meyers; Kate Handford

When Wren Waters and Marshall Hendricks meet each other on an Oregon trail, each has recently suffered enormous tragedy. We learn of Wren's first and her tragedy has changed the way she sees the world. She can no longer trust a man, she's determined to survive on her own, she wants to need no one ever again.

Marshall's tragedy comes out slower and actually takes some searching by Wren to uncover more than the very basics. Wren feels like Marshall is holding back and because of what has happened in her life, Wren almost kills their burgeoning relationship due to the demands she puts on Marshall. But then circumstances have Wren holding back from Marshall, too, and she hypocritically justifies it. I guess I spent much of the story not feeling too happy with Wren's POV, because she expects so much more of others than she is willing to give herself.

But overall, I liked the slowness of this story and how it is given time to develop. The characters are given time to feel what needs to be felt, to get the help they might need from the places that can help them. After their first meeting and their fling/hook up/whatever it is while knowing each other for just a week, pulling back seems like a really good idea, and not a good time for Wren to put demands on a guy she has just met. BTW, this is very much an open door no holds barred fling in that first week, for those who like things spicy.

I was able to both read the ebook and listen to the audiobook. I love the title of this story and it especially hit me at the very end of this audiobook, when the music plays at the end of the story. Kate Hanford does the majority of the story narration and she does a great job. When Eric Meyers does his part, it's very meaningful because we are getting at what the character of Marshall has not been able to share earlier. I like how the story goes and even accept that Wren's gut instincts might have led her to a good place in life, after an incredibly not so great year for both her and Marshall.

Publication March 26, 2024

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This was a great read! I loved it. It was sad and happy and so good. I had never heard of geocaching but thought it was interesting to learn about. I would recommend this one.