by Tracey Garvis Graves
Pub: March 26, 2024
Source: St. Martin's Press/NetGalley
4.25 stars
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.
________________________________________________________________
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
