What do you think?
Rate this book
Things Lost in the Fire
"A powerfully written novel of the first order, "Things Lost In The Fire" is a compelling read from beginning to end." -Midwest Book Review
Sadie McRae grew up in the Hollywood Hills, the only daughter of two rock 'n' roll legends. When a violent assault on her life ends in a torrid scandal, fifteen-year-old Sadie escapes to the quiet forests of Lake Tahoe.
Unable to resist the music in her blood, she returns to Los Angeles years later and sings under an alias. When her secret is unintentionally exposed by an old friend, journalist-turned-paparazzi Brody Odell, he'll do anything to make it up to her, including uncovering the truth about the attack from eleven years earlier.
Stardom beckons and the chance at love is within her grasp, but the horrors of her past threaten to tear everything apart. As Sadie fights for the life she deserves, a dangerous stalker begins his game, determined to bring it all to an end.
Sadie McRae grew up in the Hollywood Hills, the only daughter of two rock 'n' roll legends. When a violent assault on her life ends in a torrid scandal, fifteen-year-old Sadie escapes to the quiet forests of Lake Tahoe.
Unable to resist the music in her blood, she returns to Los Angeles years later and sings under an alias. When her secret is unintentionally exposed by an old friend, journalist-turned-paparazzi Brody Odell, he'll do anything to make it up to her, including uncovering the truth about the attack from eleven years earlier.
Stardom beckons and the chance at love is within her grasp, but the horrors of her past threaten to tear everything apart. As Sadie fights for the life she deserves, a dangerous stalker begins his game, determined to bring it all to an end.
- GenresRomanceYoung AdultAdult
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2014
6 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Katie Jennings
19 books217 followersKatie Jennings is the author of the popular fantasy series The Dryad Quartet as well as the award-winning romantic family drama series The Vasser Legacy. Her paranormal romance, So Fell The Sparrow, won an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her bestselling contemporary romance, Things Lost In The Fire, is a semi-finalist in romance in the Kindle Book Awards. A Los Angeles native, she now lives in beautiful North Idaho with her husband, who thinks she’s the biggest nerd ever. She’s a firm believer in happy endings and loves nothing more than a great romance novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 13, 2014
Things Lost in Fire by Katie Jennings is a beautiful story of a young lady trying to grow up in the wild life of rock n roll, with both of her parents legends. However, at 15 years old, a terrible tragedy forced young Sadie McRae to leave her only home and spend the rest of her growing up years with her grandparents.
The story begins at the time young Sadie is living with her mother, and during a wild party, the unthinkable happens and someone is murdered. To protect Sadie, she is sent away, and now in the present, 11 years later, she goes home to help her mother, who has been diagnosed with Cancer.
Sadie, when living with her grandparents, began to play music, which was in her blood. She did not want anyone to know who she was, so she used an alias and sang songs on You Tube, becoming very popular. Was this enough to satisfy her?
When she arrives in Los Angeles, her friend convinces her to sing at a local club under disguise using the alias to favorable results. But an old friend from her teenage days recognizes her. We meet Brody O’Dell, who used to be a top photo journalist, until he made a major mistake that cost him his career. Now Brody is a “paparazzi”, which is not really good for Sadie, who doesn’t want to be recognized. Brody and Sadie rekindle their friendship, even though she is afraid he will reveal her identity to make money.
What follows is multi-faceted story of Sadie trying to remember the truth about the unsolved murder years ago, and with Brody’s help, they investigate the past. Sadie must also deal with a mother, who despite her illness, will use her daughter to get herself back in the limelight. Sadie will also reconcile with her father, and their band, even performing on a one night stand, when everyone discovers who she really is. With all this going on, Sadie finds herself in danger from a stalker. Is this stalker someone from the past? You will have to read this book to find out what happens on all these things.
Katie Jennings has written a wonderful story that flows so nicely. We became invested in Sadie right at the start at the time of the tragedy, and when she came back to renew friendships, rekindle with family, start her career and fight a dangerous enemy. But most of all, we loved the chemistry between Sadie and Brody, which slowly built up, as they helped each other overcome their own fears. Things Lost in Fire is a wonderful story, with great characters.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
The story begins at the time young Sadie is living with her mother, and during a wild party, the unthinkable happens and someone is murdered. To protect Sadie, she is sent away, and now in the present, 11 years later, she goes home to help her mother, who has been diagnosed with Cancer.
Sadie, when living with her grandparents, began to play music, which was in her blood. She did not want anyone to know who she was, so she used an alias and sang songs on You Tube, becoming very popular. Was this enough to satisfy her?
When she arrives in Los Angeles, her friend convinces her to sing at a local club under disguise using the alias to favorable results. But an old friend from her teenage days recognizes her. We meet Brody O’Dell, who used to be a top photo journalist, until he made a major mistake that cost him his career. Now Brody is a “paparazzi”, which is not really good for Sadie, who doesn’t want to be recognized. Brody and Sadie rekindle their friendship, even though she is afraid he will reveal her identity to make money.
What follows is multi-faceted story of Sadie trying to remember the truth about the unsolved murder years ago, and with Brody’s help, they investigate the past. Sadie must also deal with a mother, who despite her illness, will use her daughter to get herself back in the limelight. Sadie will also reconcile with her father, and their band, even performing on a one night stand, when everyone discovers who she really is. With all this going on, Sadie finds herself in danger from a stalker. Is this stalker someone from the past? You will have to read this book to find out what happens on all these things.
Katie Jennings has written a wonderful story that flows so nicely. We became invested in Sadie right at the start at the time of the tragedy, and when she came back to renew friendships, rekindle with family, start her career and fight a dangerous enemy. But most of all, we loved the chemistry between Sadie and Brody, which slowly built up, as they helped each other overcome their own fears. Things Lost in Fire is a wonderful story, with great characters.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
December 4, 2014
Another incredible story from Katie Jennings. I found myself laughing, crying and sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation! Thrilling suspense and heartmelting romance, 'Things Lost in the Fire' was a beautiful story from start to finish. Not to be missed! <3
5 Stars and full review to follow.
Once again Katie Jennings has blown me away with her incredible talent at creating characters, stories and a world which is so easy to jump into. Seriously, is there anything this woman can’t do? Nope, didn’t think so.
Katie Jennings has a knack at developing the heroes of her stories in a way that makes us understand them and in turn fall head over heels for them. Sexy paparazzi Brody is no exception, and I loved feeling out his true character as the story went on, and him coming to terms with his past and discovering that there are things worth fighting for. Bad-boy and trodden-down yet protective of those he cares about, Brody is one of those characters that you root for from the beginning.
Sadie was the perfect match for her childhood friend, and I really loved the glimpses we were given into their friendship from their teenage years. It was heartening to see how he kept her secrets for her, despite knowing that he could make a lot of money giving them away. They were the perfect pair, and Sadie brought out the romantic in Brody, whilst Brody brought out the fun-loving side in Sadie.
The suspense storyline was entwined brilliantly throughout, and I loved how the prologue set up the whole novel, with this key question of who saved Sadie’s life. The family politics involved was really exciting to read, and on more than one occasion I was honestly cursing Sadie’s mother for being so spoilt. The dynamic between her and Sadie is one of the things that made this book such a winner, and I liked seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story.
Katie Jennings excels at writing meaningful stories that really look deep within the relationships that her characters have with each other. Her talent at adding humour, romance and suspense to her stories makes every one of her books an incredible read.
5 Stars!
5 Stars and full review to follow.
Once again Katie Jennings has blown me away with her incredible talent at creating characters, stories and a world which is so easy to jump into. Seriously, is there anything this woman can’t do? Nope, didn’t think so.
Katie Jennings has a knack at developing the heroes of her stories in a way that makes us understand them and in turn fall head over heels for them. Sexy paparazzi Brody is no exception, and I loved feeling out his true character as the story went on, and him coming to terms with his past and discovering that there are things worth fighting for. Bad-boy and trodden-down yet protective of those he cares about, Brody is one of those characters that you root for from the beginning.
Sadie was the perfect match for her childhood friend, and I really loved the glimpses we were given into their friendship from their teenage years. It was heartening to see how he kept her secrets for her, despite knowing that he could make a lot of money giving them away. They were the perfect pair, and Sadie brought out the romantic in Brody, whilst Brody brought out the fun-loving side in Sadie.
The suspense storyline was entwined brilliantly throughout, and I loved how the prologue set up the whole novel, with this key question of who saved Sadie’s life. The family politics involved was really exciting to read, and on more than one occasion I was honestly cursing Sadie’s mother for being so spoilt. The dynamic between her and Sadie is one of the things that made this book such a winner, and I liked seeing how their relationship developed throughout the story.
Katie Jennings excels at writing meaningful stories that really look deep within the relationships that her characters have with each other. Her talent at adding humour, romance and suspense to her stories makes every one of her books an incredible read.
5 Stars!
December 3, 2014
An Emotional Tale of Glamorous Mystery
Jennings delivers and then some in her latest novel ‘Things Lost in the Fire’. This gripping story details the emotional journey of Sadie McRae, the daughter of two singing sensations. This tale of healing and growth is surrounded by a Hollywood scandal and murder mystery. Despite the pain of trying to recover from the trauma of her assault, growing up in the shadow of two famous yet indifferent parents, and trying to make music without being discovered, Sadie bravely returns to Los Angeles to help her estranged mother and to face her haunted past.
She soon discovers that there are more than just these already enormous challenges waiting for her in the land of glitz and excess. Among these is the rekindling of her childhood friendship with one Brody Odell, a paparazzi with a terrible past. This made for a truly fascinating entanglement. Watching these two damaged characters develop alongside one another showcases the masterful way Jennings presents her characters. They are as deep as their stories are fascinating.
The glittering yet harsh Los Angeles setting, the bittersweet memories, the escalating family and romantic drama will all grip you and refuse to let go. When reading this book you will get a taste of the glories and terrors of what celebrities go through, as well as be steeped in an intense and beautiful love story that is impossible to forget. Watching Sadie come into her own, uncover the dark truth behind her worst memory, and mend bridges she thought had been burnt for good makes for a very satisfying read.
Jennings delivers and then some in her latest novel ‘Things Lost in the Fire’. This gripping story details the emotional journey of Sadie McRae, the daughter of two singing sensations. This tale of healing and growth is surrounded by a Hollywood scandal and murder mystery. Despite the pain of trying to recover from the trauma of her assault, growing up in the shadow of two famous yet indifferent parents, and trying to make music without being discovered, Sadie bravely returns to Los Angeles to help her estranged mother and to face her haunted past.
She soon discovers that there are more than just these already enormous challenges waiting for her in the land of glitz and excess. Among these is the rekindling of her childhood friendship with one Brody Odell, a paparazzi with a terrible past. This made for a truly fascinating entanglement. Watching these two damaged characters develop alongside one another showcases the masterful way Jennings presents her characters. They are as deep as their stories are fascinating.
The glittering yet harsh Los Angeles setting, the bittersweet memories, the escalating family and romantic drama will all grip you and refuse to let go. When reading this book you will get a taste of the glories and terrors of what celebrities go through, as well as be steeped in an intense and beautiful love story that is impossible to forget. Watching Sadie come into her own, uncover the dark truth behind her worst memory, and mend bridges she thought had been burnt for good makes for a very satisfying read.
January 4, 2015
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...
Rating: 4.5 stars
"...I've wasted so much of my life being scared. I was scared of fame, so I only sang in secret. Scared of confrontation, so I stayed away from you. Scared of interfering, so I gave Dad his space." Holy smokes...as my first Katie Jennings read this book lit up in flames, while I was gasping for air as though in a room full of smoke and my eyes stinging while tears flowed as though ash was falling on my face. This story of Sadie's life as a child to two musical prodigies has heart, strength, soul, angst, and love. We're connected to Sadie from the beginning going through a traumatic experience that binds you to her. You understand her fear, but root for her to step up and live her life. Then we meet Brodie, a friend from Sadie's past, who had me doubting and made me skeptical as I felt protective of Sadie. I wanted him to prove himself and holy shit...he delivered! Brodie has been shunned by family and friends for a mistake he made that he lives with everyday. Brodie does not back down or give up when he sets his mind to something and his support is a solid rock for Sadie to lean on. Brodie is facing his own challenges with his family, which he and Sadie relate and connect with one another in this area. Their story had the perfect amount of angst and suspense, along with tenderness and truth. I was sad to see their story end, but content with their conclusion. Give this a try and find your next book crush!!
Rating: 4.5 stars
"...I've wasted so much of my life being scared. I was scared of fame, so I only sang in secret. Scared of confrontation, so I stayed away from you. Scared of interfering, so I gave Dad his space." Holy smokes...as my first Katie Jennings read this book lit up in flames, while I was gasping for air as though in a room full of smoke and my eyes stinging while tears flowed as though ash was falling on my face. This story of Sadie's life as a child to two musical prodigies has heart, strength, soul, angst, and love. We're connected to Sadie from the beginning going through a traumatic experience that binds you to her. You understand her fear, but root for her to step up and live her life. Then we meet Brodie, a friend from Sadie's past, who had me doubting and made me skeptical as I felt protective of Sadie. I wanted him to prove himself and holy shit...he delivered! Brodie has been shunned by family and friends for a mistake he made that he lives with everyday. Brodie does not back down or give up when he sets his mind to something and his support is a solid rock for Sadie to lean on. Brodie is facing his own challenges with his family, which he and Sadie relate and connect with one another in this area. Their story had the perfect amount of angst and suspense, along with tenderness and truth. I was sad to see their story end, but content with their conclusion. Give this a try and find your next book crush!!
March 7, 2017
3.5*
I really liked this but at the same time I had trouble with the mysteries...I guessed the "who-dun-it" practically right off and then also the "bad guy". Still enough of a good story to keep me interested, but that's why it didn't get a full 4 stars from me.
I really liked this but at the same time I had trouble with the mysteries...I guessed the "who-dun-it" practically right off and then also the "bad guy". Still enough of a good story to keep me interested, but that's why it didn't get a full 4 stars from me.
January 26, 2015
A Review of Things Lost in the Fire by Katie Jennings
Reviewed by Wennie Conedy
4/5 stars
Summary:
Sadie McRae is a survivor. After a violent assault in a place where she is supposed to feel safe, she is whisked away to a safe place. Being the only child of two rock n’ roll legends, Sadie has talent, a talent that the world wants to know. She returns to Los Angeles, and her secret is exposed. As she struggles to understand and re-establish connections and relationships with her mother, father, and her childhood friend Brody, the mystery that drove her away is coming back with a vengeance. Haunted by the unknown from her past, a mystery person stalks and threatens her life. She turns to Brody for comfort and safety. Will Brody’s presence in her life be enough to stop the threat on her life? Will her return to Los Angeles widen the rift between Sadie and her parents, or will her presence bring them all closer?
"Things Lost in the Fire" is a multi-layered story that has romance, deceit, secrets, and sacrifices. There are family dynamics, celebrity egos, and overprotective friendships that make Sadie’s life more complicated than it should be. Katie Jennings very cleverly works in all those dynamics in a story that is gripping.
Although the storytelling is effective, better editing would have elevated the story. Katie successfully delivered interesting characters, an exciting locale, and background stories that titillate the imagination. I was hoping to see more of the rock n’ roll lifestyle that Sadie wanted to avoid. I hoped that the story would explore the difficulty and challenge of having a paparazzi and am up and coming celebrity fall in love. Katie touched on these themes very lightly, which to me, was a lost opportunity to develop a deeper story.
Beyond the romance and mystery, the underlying message of survival, strength, and growth has me rooting for Sadie and Brody. If you are looking for a book that is a light read, with a mystery and romance intertwined, pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed,
Reviewed by Wennie Conedy
4/5 stars
Summary:
Sadie McRae is a survivor. After a violent assault in a place where she is supposed to feel safe, she is whisked away to a safe place. Being the only child of two rock n’ roll legends, Sadie has talent, a talent that the world wants to know. She returns to Los Angeles, and her secret is exposed. As she struggles to understand and re-establish connections and relationships with her mother, father, and her childhood friend Brody, the mystery that drove her away is coming back with a vengeance. Haunted by the unknown from her past, a mystery person stalks and threatens her life. She turns to Brody for comfort and safety. Will Brody’s presence in her life be enough to stop the threat on her life? Will her return to Los Angeles widen the rift between Sadie and her parents, or will her presence bring them all closer?
"Things Lost in the Fire" is a multi-layered story that has romance, deceit, secrets, and sacrifices. There are family dynamics, celebrity egos, and overprotective friendships that make Sadie’s life more complicated than it should be. Katie Jennings very cleverly works in all those dynamics in a story that is gripping.
Although the storytelling is effective, better editing would have elevated the story. Katie successfully delivered interesting characters, an exciting locale, and background stories that titillate the imagination. I was hoping to see more of the rock n’ roll lifestyle that Sadie wanted to avoid. I hoped that the story would explore the difficulty and challenge of having a paparazzi and am up and coming celebrity fall in love. Katie touched on these themes very lightly, which to me, was a lost opportunity to develop a deeper story.
Beyond the romance and mystery, the underlying message of survival, strength, and growth has me rooting for Sadie and Brody. If you are looking for a book that is a light read, with a mystery and romance intertwined, pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed,
March 9, 2015
Reviewed for Readers Favorite.
Life as the daughter of two of the greatest rock singers in the world is never easy, and when your parents are divorced and feuding against each other it is even worse. Sadie McRae doesn't think it can get any worse than this, but she is about to learn that everything can be taken away in an instant. Things Lost In The Fire follows Sadie as she rebuilds her life, with the help of her grandparents, after she survives a terrible assault in her mother's house. Even if that means that she must return to Hollywood and face her demons. Katie Jennings takes the time to develop true to life characters that you can relate to and understand, that you feel for and want to see overcome their pasts and find a brighter future.
Things Lost In the Fire touches on a physical assault, stalking, drugs and rock 'n roll. The characters are all touched by a fire, or event that destroyed something in their lives, but how each one reacted if completely different. Sadie retreats far from public view and becomes a shy, scared version of herself that needs to be brought back into the world. Her mother refuses to accept anything and lives in an almost fantasy. Katie Jennings gives us a compelling story of life that does not have to be defined by one incident in life, there is more to each person that one event or one mistake. This is a wonderful book for young adults as well as adults.
Life as the daughter of two of the greatest rock singers in the world is never easy, and when your parents are divorced and feuding against each other it is even worse. Sadie McRae doesn't think it can get any worse than this, but she is about to learn that everything can be taken away in an instant. Things Lost In The Fire follows Sadie as she rebuilds her life, with the help of her grandparents, after she survives a terrible assault in her mother's house. Even if that means that she must return to Hollywood and face her demons. Katie Jennings takes the time to develop true to life characters that you can relate to and understand, that you feel for and want to see overcome their pasts and find a brighter future.
Things Lost In the Fire touches on a physical assault, stalking, drugs and rock 'n roll. The characters are all touched by a fire, or event that destroyed something in their lives, but how each one reacted if completely different. Sadie retreats far from public view and becomes a shy, scared version of herself that needs to be brought back into the world. Her mother refuses to accept anything and lives in an almost fantasy. Katie Jennings gives us a compelling story of life that does not have to be defined by one incident in life, there is more to each person that one event or one mistake. This is a wonderful book for young adults as well as adults.
January 10, 2015
This book is Sadie’s journey growing up the child of two famous rock stars. Her life is complex and her path changed one traumatic, fateful night. Growing up, Sadie can’t deny her passion for music but does not want the attention her name is sure to bring. She has a bitter, dysfunctional relationship with her parent. She finds herself back in Los Angeles and reconnects with people from her past. Brodie is a childhood friend of Sadie who has had his own share of trouble and demons from his past to overcome.
This story is the journey of uncovering truth and finding strength and trust. Things Lost in the Fire is an emotional, tender and heartbreaking story with a little suspense and drama. This is an enjoyable read that was different. I was sad to see the story end but it was all wrapped up nicely! Give this a try and find your next book crush. 4.0 Stars
This story is the journey of uncovering truth and finding strength and trust. Things Lost in the Fire is an emotional, tender and heartbreaking story with a little suspense and drama. This is an enjoyable read that was different. I was sad to see the story end but it was all wrapped up nicely! Give this a try and find your next book crush. 4.0 Stars
February 23, 2015
A very nice romance with a little mystery thrown in. She's the daughter of two famous rock stars that don't get along. After an attack at her mother's home left her shattered she retreated from L.A. leaving all her all of her friends without a word. A few years later, her mother is diagnosed with cancer and she returns to try and help her. She has a run in with one of her former classmates who, now with plenty of his own scandals, is a dreaded paparazzi stalking Hollywood stars. Can she trust this boy, now man, who she once had a crush on to keep her out of the limelight and protect her privacy. A very nice read with good pacing. I never got bored.
January 8, 2015
This is the first book by Katie that I've read and must say I enjoyed it very much. I liked how the relationship between characters was so realistic and fun. The characters are interesting, you can't help but like them. Toss in romantic drama, a mother that's so annoying, a murder mystery, and you have the perfect novel. Feel the characters emotions, especially the fear. Well written.
December 14, 2014
Good story
A good story that needs pre-existing for correct word useage. The characters are interesting, locale is well-described. Resolution of the oldest mystery -who shot Lee Walker - is held until the end.
A good story that needs pre-existing for correct word useage. The characters are interesting, locale is well-described. Resolution of the oldest mystery -who shot Lee Walker - is held until the end.
March 27, 2015
I loved this book. The characters were real and it was a new story line. Well written. I liked that Sadi was down to earth, and didn't let people make her decisions for her. I guessed the twist at the end, but I really enjoyed this book.
February 25, 2017
3.5/5.0
“Things Lost in the Fire” is a thrilling tale of love, loss, and triumph.
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Things Lost in the Fire” is a thrilling tale of love, loss, and triumph.
Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 9, 2015
I tried to read it. I really did. I just could not finish it. I couldn't even skim it. It was very boring to me.
Maybe one day I will pick it up and read it again but right now I'm done with it.
Maybe one day I will pick it up and read it again but right now I'm done with it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews