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Lost and Found

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Grief and loss are part of everyone’s life. How do people manage grief and find a way forward? How do the people we meet along the way help us to fill life with meaning in good times and bad?

Rebecca travels to Nice, France, by herself in 1971 to study French and sociology. Not having traveled much before, she struggles with homesickness and loneliness. Meeting students from other countries expands her thoughts and ideas about the world. When the semester is over, should she go home or try something new?

In 2023 Tara loses her job during the pandemic, breaks up with her boyfriend, grieves the death of her Aunt Rebecca, and moves to Northern Michigan to help her uncle. Feeling that she has lost everything, she considers what to do next in her life.

As a young teenager, Maria’s family is fractured by two events. Feeling lost and alone and afraid of the future, she sets out to take care of herself. She soon discovers it’s not easy to find her way alone.

Three people’s lives intersect as they confront grief and loss and find what is important.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2025

3422 people want to read

About the author

Dawn Chalker

5 books392 followers
I live in Northern Michigan and enjoy hiking and kayaking as often as I can. I love to travel and have visited all fifty states as well as places outside of the U.S. As a Certified Naturalist through Northwestern Michigan College, I include nature in all of the books I write. My books cover several genres, because I like to explore different ways of writing.

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5 stars
214 (48%)
4 stars
198 (45%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
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6 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Soochi Sandhiya.
337 reviews31 followers
March 6, 2025
Some books are not just a read; they are a deep dive into a sea of emotions and sentiments which give us a sense of purpose in life. The book "Lost and Found" by Dawn Chalker is similar. I could not have predicted the read from its coverage or blurb. It is a touching story about self-discovery, resilience, and new beginnings. The main characters are people named Maria, Rebecca and Tara, having their share of grief and loss. They have experienced unexpected events in their life that have scarred their life. Their path coincides with the quest for a new definition or purpose of life and healing from the past, bringing a new turn to the story. Along the way, they build relationships, face challenges, and find a new sense of purpose.

The writing is simple and engaging, making it easy for readers to flow with the story. The characters are raw and honest, making it easier to connect with their emotions. Although the story is emotional due to personal hardships, it is also filled with hope. This would teach us to believe in a second chance at life.

This read will appeal to readers who like inspiring stories about turning into a new life.
Profile Image for Rajnish Kumar.
67 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2025
If you appreciate stories that explore healing and the return of hope after hardship, this book will deeply resonate with you.
Lost and Found by Dawn Chalker is a touching story about humans who are trying to heal after going through something excruciating. The main characters—Maria, Rebecca, and Tara—have all gone through pain and loss in their lives. Each has faced sudden, life-changing events that left deep emotional marks. As their paths intertwine, they embark on a shared journey to rediscover meaning. This pursuit of healing and purpose steers the story in a new and unexpected direction.
The author's writing is seamless, gentle and thoughtful, which makes the story progress slowly and connect with the characters' feelings. The story has emotional turns, making it gripping and captivating simultaneously.
At the end of the read, I agreed that healing from any grief, pain or sadness takes time, and it's okay to do so.
It is thoughtfully written, emotionally engaging, and leaves a lasting impression even after the final page.
13 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2025
A Tale of Grief and Romance

This was a book of grief and memories. Of compassion and synergy. Of struggle and bittersweetness. Three women’s lives are intertwined in here. There is the central theme of resilience that sailed on until the end.
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The story starts off calm and simple where the main character Tara goes to live with her deceased Aunt Rebecca’s husband, Uncle Robb. Tara finds Rebecca’s diaries that tell of her eventful life in Europe back in her college days when she went there for school. Soon the plot thickens when Maria, a Mexican girl, enters Tara and Uncle Robb’s lives, bringing with her, her own struggles and issues.
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If you want to read a book that covers the political “immigration rights” spectrum, this is the book for you. The story is clearly sympathetic and if you are on the same vein, then this will be a satisfying read. If your views are in opposition, then I think this might not be your cup of tea. Highlights were Aunt Rebecca’s diary entries where she told of how she made it through Europe with the limited resources she had. Her adventures there were fun and interesting.
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This romance book’s writing is very clear and concise, making it a breeze indeed.
Profile Image for Pegboard.
1,823 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2025
Lost and Found by Dawn Chalker is a profound exploration of emotions, hope, and healing. When you lose someone, it is a journey of rediscovery oneself and starting over. Sometimes that journey takes you to different places, through time, and with others. The author explores three main characters—Maria, Rebecca, and Tara—each grappling with their burdens of grief and loss. Together, they navigate challenges and build relationships.

Dawn Chalker's heart felt writing immerses readers in the narrative, with authentic characters whose emotional struggles resonate deeply. You can't help but relate to these characters as they confront personal adversity and grasp the hope of second chances. I highly recommend this book to those who have lost someone. This author has the unique ability to put into words what the heart struggles to recognize.
Profile Image for Soniaa.
17 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2025

Lost and Found by Dawn Chalker is a well-written and engaging book. This heartfelt and moving story looks at grief, resilience, and the connections that shape us throughout our lives. The writing is rich and deep, drawing you into the lives of three people across different eras. Rebecca’s journey to Nice in 1971 is filled with self-discovery, while Tara’s struggle in 2023 is deeply relatable amidst a time of turmoil. Maria’s story adds another layer of emotional depth. Their experiences intertwine in a most surprising way, making this a powerfully written book perfect for you if you like intense and emotional stories. Recommended for an interesting read.

Profile Image for Mattie Long.
78 reviews
August 3, 2025
Interesting, yet read kind of monotoned. I did. Enjoy the story though and how all three leads were interconnected.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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