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Dreams Lost & Found
What do you do when your life changes and you can’t go back?
Greg Decker is the best high school football player in his state and has the perfect girlfriend. His older brother is his biggest fan. He’s the pride of his hometown. Greg’s future is as bright as it gets.
But then, everything changes. An injury ruins Greg’s football career. He learns his girlfriend isn’t who he thinks she is. His older brother is killed in Vietnam, and his parents drink far too much as a result. Greg must rise from the ashes.
Dreams Lost & Found is the feel-good story we all need—a story of young people with good hearts overcoming obstacles in search of happiness. This is a story of love and perseverance when life turns the world upside down and how one choice can alter a life forever.
Fans of Nicholas Sparks, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes will love Dreams Lost & Found. Buy your copy today!
Greg Decker is the best high school football player in his state and has the perfect girlfriend. His older brother is his biggest fan. He’s the pride of his hometown. Greg’s future is as bright as it gets.
But then, everything changes. An injury ruins Greg’s football career. He learns his girlfriend isn’t who he thinks she is. His older brother is killed in Vietnam, and his parents drink far too much as a result. Greg must rise from the ashes.
Dreams Lost & Found is the feel-good story we all need—a story of young people with good hearts overcoming obstacles in search of happiness. This is a story of love and perseverance when life turns the world upside down and how one choice can alter a life forever.
Fans of Nicholas Sparks, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes will love Dreams Lost & Found. Buy your copy today!
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
7 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Rob Bauer
20 books38 followersI’m Rob Bauer, author of historical fiction and nonfiction books and owner of Rob Bauer Books. I hold a PhD in American History and was a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow at the University of Arkansas.
I love writing historical fiction. To me, it’s a continuation of what I used to do as a college professor—educate people about interesting historical events—except now I get to do so through fun stories. With historical fiction I hope I can reach a larger audience, too. My first novel is free to everyone on my website! You can find it at - http://robbauerbooks.com/a-free-ebook...
I also write nonfiction about baseball history because I’ve always loved the game, its history, and its lore. I sometimes joke that baseball may be the one thing in life I truly understand. Although I love the statistical side of the game, if you don’t, never fear because my histories go light on the statistics and heavy on what baseball was like in the past. They’re stories about baseball, but stories with a point.
The history blog on my website offers posts on a variety of interesting historical figures and events. I’d love to have you follow along at - http://robbauerbooks.com/blog/
When I’m not working on my next story or writing project, I enjoy spending time at the beach. And, oh yeah, I still read a history book or two. When I’m not watching baseball.
I love writing historical fiction. To me, it’s a continuation of what I used to do as a college professor—educate people about interesting historical events—except now I get to do so through fun stories. With historical fiction I hope I can reach a larger audience, too. My first novel is free to everyone on my website! You can find it at - http://robbauerbooks.com/a-free-ebook...
I also write nonfiction about baseball history because I’ve always loved the game, its history, and its lore. I sometimes joke that baseball may be the one thing in life I truly understand. Although I love the statistical side of the game, if you don’t, never fear because my histories go light on the statistics and heavy on what baseball was like in the past. They’re stories about baseball, but stories with a point.
The history blog on my website offers posts on a variety of interesting historical figures and events. I’d love to have you follow along at - http://robbauerbooks.com/blog/
When I’m not working on my next story or writing project, I enjoy spending time at the beach. And, oh yeah, I still read a history book or two. When I’m not watching baseball.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2022
New to me author and not what I was expecting! I wasn't thrilled with the writing style -- awkward and stilted. The storyline wasn't awful but it didn't have much appeal either. Not much depth or emotions -- too straightforward and deadpan.
And to compare this book to the likes of those by Nicholas Sparks, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes is just wrong.
And to compare this book to the likes of those by Nicholas Sparks, Colleen Hoover, and Jojo Moyes is just wrong.
May 30, 2022
Fast cars, summer love, and finding one's soul mate, who could ask for more?
I try not to give away spoilers in my reviews but this time is tough. I simply want to tell everyone about this novel. Still, I shall endeavor to behave and keep the wonderful surprises you'll find within these pages a secret.
This is a story about a young man that once had a future all boys dream of. A nearly guaranteed football career, a gorgeous and loving girlfriend, and an inexhaustible drive to succeed. And then: it all comes crashing down.
That's where this novel begins. After the crash. After the "acceptance" the magical future will never be.
With an interesting cast of characters, Rob Bauer takes you through the trials and tribulations of a young man finding his way in the world. Finding love. Losing love. and hopefully finding love again.
A young man looking for direction, purpose, and a reason to move forward and finding things he never imagined possible.
Overall, a heartwarming, well written, soon-to-be classic everyone will love.
5 stars!
I try not to give away spoilers in my reviews but this time is tough. I simply want to tell everyone about this novel. Still, I shall endeavor to behave and keep the wonderful surprises you'll find within these pages a secret.
This is a story about a young man that once had a future all boys dream of. A nearly guaranteed football career, a gorgeous and loving girlfriend, and an inexhaustible drive to succeed. And then: it all comes crashing down.
That's where this novel begins. After the crash. After the "acceptance" the magical future will never be.
With an interesting cast of characters, Rob Bauer takes you through the trials and tribulations of a young man finding his way in the world. Finding love. Losing love. and hopefully finding love again.
A young man looking for direction, purpose, and a reason to move forward and finding things he never imagined possible.
Overall, a heartwarming, well written, soon-to-be classic everyone will love.
5 stars!
May 28, 2023
Do the right thing
Dealing with trauma is difficult enough as an adult…but to deal with loss and other tragedies in high school? Regardless of how mature a teenager may be in many ways, they still need adult support.
Let’s not put so much pressure on our high schoolers regarding their futures. College and universities aren’t for everybody; a degree is not a guarantee of a job or career. There are so many types of trade schools and technical programs available to those who prefer that route. My first husband made twice as much as I did in construction running a backhoe than I did with an MBA. And don’t forget, it was the service industries like long-haul truck drivers that kept the global economies afloat during the pandemic not all so long ago…
Add in the cost of tuition (PLUS interest for student loans) – just forget about it.
Our youth need better tools, individualized attention, and more options. We are failing to provide them the life skills they need in the marketplace and the coping mechanisms for when things don’t work out as planned.
Fortunately, Greg is given an opportunity to be a positive role model for impressionable boys. One of my favorite examples is; ‘A man learns nothing from picking on a disadvantaged opponent’.
Some life lessons from the author:
Do not ever contrast siblings, cousins, or any other kids.
A friend stands up for you; a true friend stands up to you.
How you treat people when they are vulnerable is a test of your character.
Open and respectful communication are a must for any type of relationship.
Fave (parenting) quote:
‘Not doing the wrong thing is almost the same as doing the right thing’
It’s never too late to ‘fess up to someone in an attempt to make things right (or at least better). May we walk away from reading this book a more compassionate person.
Dealing with trauma is difficult enough as an adult…but to deal with loss and other tragedies in high school? Regardless of how mature a teenager may be in many ways, they still need adult support.
Let’s not put so much pressure on our high schoolers regarding their futures. College and universities aren’t for everybody; a degree is not a guarantee of a job or career. There are so many types of trade schools and technical programs available to those who prefer that route. My first husband made twice as much as I did in construction running a backhoe than I did with an MBA. And don’t forget, it was the service industries like long-haul truck drivers that kept the global economies afloat during the pandemic not all so long ago…
Add in the cost of tuition (PLUS interest for student loans) – just forget about it.
Our youth need better tools, individualized attention, and more options. We are failing to provide them the life skills they need in the marketplace and the coping mechanisms for when things don’t work out as planned.
Fortunately, Greg is given an opportunity to be a positive role model for impressionable boys. One of my favorite examples is; ‘A man learns nothing from picking on a disadvantaged opponent’.
Some life lessons from the author:
Do not ever contrast siblings, cousins, or any other kids.
A friend stands up for you; a true friend stands up to you.
How you treat people when they are vulnerable is a test of your character.
Open and respectful communication are a must for any type of relationship.
Fave (parenting) quote:
‘Not doing the wrong thing is almost the same as doing the right thing’
It’s never too late to ‘fess up to someone in an attempt to make things right (or at least better). May we walk away from reading this book a more compassionate person.
June 18, 2022
When Greg was in high school he had everything going for him the admiration of his brother and family a beautiful girlfriend and then the unthinkable happens. When he is injured and can no longer play football into ad to his worries it finds out his girlfriend isn’t the sweet person he told her to be and does it all that wasn’t enough he lost his brother in Vietnam and essentially lost his parents because of it. With all this weighing on Gregory one would think he would climb undercover and wait for death and he almost does but with the same grit that made him a football star he will climb out of it and become better for it. when I first download the book all I knew was that Rombauer wrote it and when I read the summary I thought OMG this doesn’t sound like my type of book but with any great riding it quickly took me in and didn’t let me go until it was over. I am a big fan of Mr. Bauer it should’ve never second-guess his abilities to begin with. Please forgive any mistakes in this email as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own I was given this Book by book sprout and the author and I am leaving this review totally voluntarily. It was an awesome read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2022
I read a lot of fantasy books and this one was a nice change in that it was written from a male main character's point of view. That's not common in the books I usually read. The story starts with Greg Decker just coasting in life. He's graduated high school and his dream of playing college football has been shattered due to an injury to his right knee. Street racing gives him nearly the same competitive boost that football did and it becomes his new passion. The story follows Greg's disappointments and triumphs, positive and negative experiences while juggling work, racing, and relationships. It's hard not to give too much away: I won't go into detail so as not to spoil the story. What I can tell you is that Mr. Bauer NAILED the '70's! The references and descriptions were on point and interesting. If you like a clean, recent historically accurate, coming of age story from a male point of view, with some good life lessons thrown in, give this book a good look!. Bonus that the editing is excellent, no irritating misused, missing, or misspelled words here.
June 9, 2022
Greg is living life but not his best life he is with a woman that he doesn't really love but she has been there for him since high school and stood by him while he was going through his life-changing injury. He works night at the grocery store as a stockman. Allison has changed since she called him and told him her parents died and he wasn't sure what to think when she said she was pregnant some months later. He decides that he wants to do something he has been thinking about doing for years and he has been saving his money so he talks to his best friend Pablo and his dad about building a car for him to race they are all end and things seem to change for the better until an old friend tells him something that he cannot believe and then he gets it wrong but when he gets it right and confronts Allison. Things change and not so much for the better and he ends up in serious trouble. Entertaining storyline and characters. Drama, suspense, mystery, romance, lies, betrayal, and love. HEA. I read a copy via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
May 30, 2022
"Dreams: Lost and Found" by Rob Bauer is all about how to adjust to the vicissitudes of life on its altered scale. Greg Decker, the best high school football player in his state, is the pride and joy of his hometown. Greg’s future is as bright as it gets. That's when an injury ruins his football career. Greg must rise from the ashes to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of happiness. This story of love and perseverance is about a young man who once had a brilliant future and the passionate drive to achieve success. And then, in the twinkling of an eye, everything comes crashing down. This is the poignant, heartmoving story of finding love, losing it and finding it again, because love can never be really lost. It always comes back to you in one form or another. When Greg looks for a reason to move forward in life, he finds things he never dreamed possible. This is a heartwarming, well written book that every reader will love.
June 12, 2022
This story had strong 1970 vibes with detailed descriptions of the furniture and clothes worn by the characters which transported the reader to that time - it worked!
The main character had so many things that went wrong for him that I couldn’t see how it was going to have a happy ending…you’ll just have to read it to find out!
Really loved Pablo for being such a good friend and Coach Sutton’s wise words…especially when Greg later recalls Coach’s words spoken to the team, after a controversial match, and how it helps him make a life changing decision.
Didn’t care for the low moral standards that carry the story along but pretty accurate descriptions about attitudes from that era are displayed therein too.
Reminded me vividly of the ‘Happy Days’ television programme and the character Fonzie - except with a much darker edge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main character had so many things that went wrong for him that I couldn’t see how it was going to have a happy ending…you’ll just have to read it to find out!
Really loved Pablo for being such a good friend and Coach Sutton’s wise words…especially when Greg later recalls Coach’s words spoken to the team, after a controversial match, and how it helps him make a life changing decision.
Didn’t care for the low moral standards that carry the story along but pretty accurate descriptions about attitudes from that era are displayed therein too.
Reminded me vividly of the ‘Happy Days’ television programme and the character Fonzie - except with a much darker edge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2022
Did you always want to relive this post high school years? Maybe just remember them? This story will take you there. It will also make you understand why your better off after those years are behind you. You don't want to relive that angst, you want to know you are past those difficulties.
The author does a great job exploring the lives and thoughts of people in that time. This point in time was the 70's when muscle cars and street racing were the rage for that demographic. We are allowed to be voyeurs and witness the range of people we remember from those years. We can sympathize with them, feel empathy for them, or just flat out want to slap sense into the ones who just don't understand.
This really was a pleasant read to dip pick into that time and remember why it is better as history.
The author does a great job exploring the lives and thoughts of people in that time. This point in time was the 70's when muscle cars and street racing were the rage for that demographic. We are allowed to be voyeurs and witness the range of people we remember from those years. We can sympathize with them, feel empathy for them, or just flat out want to slap sense into the ones who just don't understand.
This really was a pleasant read to dip pick into that time and remember why it is better as history.
October 14, 2022
Wow, it was like stepping back in time to my teens. The quarter mile street race was a huge part of it.I ran a 1972 Chevelle and this book put me right back in the drivers seat. Rob grasped the era completely from its beginning to its end as we knew it. Only difference is ours took 4 years to complete the transition described in this book. If you ever sat behind a wheel of a muscle car this book is a must read. Heck, even if you haven't, read this book to see what you were missing. The events the characters went through in trying to find their place are events I'm sure we can all recall either ourselves or other we knew went through. This is a step back in history that would be so beneficial for teens today if we only could.
June 18, 2022
"Real Life", these are the first 2 words I think if when reading "Dreams Lost & Found" by Author
Rob Bauer.
This story encompasses so many twists and turns, and each time it brought feelings and emotions that I believe we all have felt. The character development added to the fullness of the story as well.
Beautifully written, I totally recommend this beautiful story and I know I will be reading much more from Author Rob Bauer.
****I received an ARC of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Rob Bauer.
This story encompasses so many twists and turns, and each time it brought feelings and emotions that I believe we all have felt. The character development added to the fullness of the story as well.
Beautifully written, I totally recommend this beautiful story and I know I will be reading much more from Author Rob Bauer.
****I received an ARC of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 9, 2022
Rob Bauer has written an interesting book about a young football player who had a wonderful future playing football until he injures himself.
It is the story of Greg Decker and his girlfriend Alison, his friends Pablo and Molly, his mentor Coach Sutton and Michelle who is a female racer.
This is the lovely story. It is a story of love and perseverance when life turns the world upside down and how one's choices can alter things forever.
I received a copy of this as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was one of those books once you start to read you don't want to put down.
It is the story of Greg Decker and his girlfriend Alison, his friends Pablo and Molly, his mentor Coach Sutton and Michelle who is a female racer.
This is the lovely story. It is a story of love and perseverance when life turns the world upside down and how one's choices can alter things forever.
I received a copy of this as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was one of those books once you start to read you don't want to put down.
June 9, 2022
This book focused on reliving high school dreams, growing up, dealing with life , and disappointments. I liked some parts of the story but not all of it. I did not care for the girlfriend and what she did. I think this story would really appeal to young adults. I did enjoy the coach's words of wisdom he instilled in his players. Those life lessons were important advice. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
June 15, 2022
I enjoyed this entertaining story. Sometimes we don't know what we want until we realize it is out of reach. This the the overall message for Greg as he realizes that everything he once thought is not as it seems. The choices he makes changes his path in life. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy feel good stories with a message. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 26, 2022
Greg's football career is sidetracked by a knee injury, but with the help of his girlfriend finds his self-worth outside of the game. When betrayal hits him, he relies on the lessons learned from his coach and how past decisions and behavior affected him, and he starts to make better decisions.
A feel good coming of age story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A feel good coming of age story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. From the things we do as school children to survive and then on into adulthood. Dreams and loves we have in high school don't always stay the same, sometimes they get better and sometimes not. My sister would have called this story deep. I call it insightful, charming and very real. A very good book. I hope to read more of this author.
June 15, 2022
Bob Bauer calls it "street racing" in the book, and maybe where he was, that is what it was called, but back in the day it was "drag racing" coast to coast wherever there was a straight quarter-mile stretch. Keep a tissue handy and allow about a day for this PG wild ride set in a small town in 1977.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2022
This book is a winner! It's a well written romance that has just the right amount of drama to make it a page-turner. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book. Highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 30, 2022
Having an Advance copy ,my review is a good book.Knocked out of the ballpark 😉 a good light and original read that is an easy page turner
June 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading this story. Set in the 70's. What happens when things don't go the way you planned? Read this story to find out.
March 13, 2023
This just didn’t do anything for me. Found the writing style juvenile and I skipped a lot just to get to the end. Would not recommend for an avid reader. Maybe for a beginner
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews