Review: The Trail of Lost Hearts | Tracey Garvis Graves

The Trail of Lost Hearts

by Tracey Garvis Graves

Pub: March 26, 2024

Source: St. Martin's Press/NetGalley

4.25 stars

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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.

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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. 4.25 stars