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A Life Lost
A Life Lost: The shocking true story
Jackson’s mother, Kayla, can no longer cope.
Having tragically lost her husband and son, Kayla is crippled with grief and unable to manage Jackson’s challenging behavior. Aggressive, confrontational, and often running away, Jackson’s mother puts him into foster care.
He remains volatile. Cathy, his carer, encourages Jackson to talk about what has happened but he won’t engage. His actions continue to test and worry everyone. Adrian, Cathy’s son, fears for her safety.
Then in a dramatic turn of events, the true reason for Jackson’s behavior comes to light, and it’s far darker than Cathy could ever have imagined…
Having tragically lost her husband and son, Kayla is crippled with grief and unable to manage Jackson’s challenging behavior. Aggressive, confrontational, and often running away, Jackson’s mother puts him into foster care.
He remains volatile. Cathy, his carer, encourages Jackson to talk about what has happened but he won’t engage. His actions continue to test and worry everyone. Adrian, Cathy’s son, fears for her safety.
Then in a dramatic turn of events, the true reason for Jackson’s behavior comes to light, and it’s far darker than Cathy could ever have imagined…
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2021
371 people are currently reading
1085 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,228 followersCathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
November 14, 2021
Having read many books by this author all of which I find heartbreaking and yet at the same time I find them informative as I have learnt quite a lot about the foster care system. Cathy Glass is a foster carer and has been for over twenty years.
In this story, we meet Jackson, who has been placed in foster care by his mother who finds herself not coping after losing her husband and eldest son. Jackson is aggressive and can’t control his emotions, but with help, support, love and understanding his carer, Cathy will do all she can to try and get Jackson to open up to her. Cathy is all too familiar with children like Jackson, but when Cathy learns the cause of his behavior will she truly be able to help Jackson?
I believe it takes a special kind of person to become a foster carer and I truly admire those who do it. These stories are all heartbreaking and eye opening and in some cases I find myself asking, how did you survive such horrendous abuse, whether it be physical or metal or in some cases both.
To say I enjoyed this book would be wrong. Heart wrenching, sad, but also inspirational would best describe this book. It was definitely well written and if you like to read books by this author or genre, then I strongly suggest you read this one.
In this story, we meet Jackson, who has been placed in foster care by his mother who finds herself not coping after losing her husband and eldest son. Jackson is aggressive and can’t control his emotions, but with help, support, love and understanding his carer, Cathy will do all she can to try and get Jackson to open up to her. Cathy is all too familiar with children like Jackson, but when Cathy learns the cause of his behavior will she truly be able to help Jackson?
I believe it takes a special kind of person to become a foster carer and I truly admire those who do it. These stories are all heartbreaking and eye opening and in some cases I find myself asking, how did you survive such horrendous abuse, whether it be physical or metal or in some cases both.
To say I enjoyed this book would be wrong. Heart wrenching, sad, but also inspirational would best describe this book. It was definitely well written and if you like to read books by this author or genre, then I strongly suggest you read this one.
February 25, 2021
This story is about Jackson but we also kind of follow Tilly's story which follows on from the last book A Terrible Secret. Jackson is a very angry young kid who is struggling with his emotions after losing his brother and his dad. His mum can't cope with his violent outbursts as she has two daughters to look after too and she is grieving too. Jackson's mum puts him into care and he goes to live with Cathy. Cathy does her best for him and encourages him to speak about what has happened, at first he hates everyone but when he finally does speak up, you won't believe what he tells them.
February 26, 2021
I am a huge fan of this authors books. I always read them when the new one becomes available on audio book. A really sad ending to what was an uplifting book. Cathy is a great author and it’s clear that she cares for every single child she looks after.
June 16, 2021
Hmmm mixed feelings - not much seemed to happen. In comparison with her other books that it. Still an easy read.
Also not a fan of her repeatedly plugging her other books in this book. 'Read about that in.." etc etc.
Also not a fan of her repeatedly plugging her other books in this book. 'Read about that in.." etc etc.
February 23, 2021
Another brilliant read by the wonderful Cathy Glass, a read I just didn't want to put down. I always speed through these books, this story is about Jackson but we also kind of follow Tilly's story which follows on from the last book A Terrible Secret. Jackson is a very angry young kid who is struggling with his emotions after losing his brother and his dad. His mum can't cope with his violent outbursts as she has two daughters to look after too and she is grieving too. Jackson's mum puts him into care and he goes to live with Cathy. Cathy does her best for him and encourages him to speak about what has happened, at first he hates everyone but when he finally does speak up, you won't believe what he tells them. I really appreciate Cathy telling us her stories about being a foster carer and trying to raise awareness of children in hope of improving the system. I know she touches on this in the book, I praise her for what an absolutely fantastic job she has done for all those kids and their families. I cried at the end of this book, I feel as though things may be coming to an end, I hope I am not right.
February 24, 2021
Another page-turner from Cathy Glass.
This starts where the previous book left off. Lucy has now flown the nest, and it's swiftly on with her next fostering case. Jackson, a 10 year old boy, has behaviour issues, and that's why his mother had put him into care. So how will Cathy cope? It's no wonder that Jackson is acting up, there has been terrible trauma in his family. I never saw that coming. The situations Cathy has had to cope with over the years, but still she hasn't seen it all.
Another different case for Cathy, and a few other of her own family matters woven in. As usual, very readable, a quick page-turner which keeps you interested and intrigues, and provides a good insight into the daily life of a Foster carer.
This starts where the previous book left off. Lucy has now flown the nest, and it's swiftly on with her next fostering case. Jackson, a 10 year old boy, has behaviour issues, and that's why his mother had put him into care. So how will Cathy cope? It's no wonder that Jackson is acting up, there has been terrible trauma in his family. I never saw that coming. The situations Cathy has had to cope with over the years, but still she hasn't seen it all.
Another different case for Cathy, and a few other of her own family matters woven in. As usual, very readable, a quick page-turner which keeps you interested and intrigues, and provides a good insight into the daily life of a Foster carer.
February 23, 2023
Such a great book with a sad story. I want to go back and read her other books in order. She reminded me of Torey Hayden’s writing.
January 26, 2025
Gillar verkligen alla Cathy Glass böcker, men detta var inte en av de bästa. Inte lika gripande som tidigare böcker, men fortfarande väldigt bra bok
February 18, 2021
Heartbreaking.
February 18, 2021
Fostering families
Another of Cathy Glass’s fostering memoires. The book shows the balance needed between fostering and ones own family and the unexpected twists and turns of the system.
Another of Cathy Glass’s fostering memoires. The book shows the balance needed between fostering and ones own family and the unexpected twists and turns of the system.
February 21, 2021
Very interesting world into foster care and cathys life. Definitely not something I think I could do. Great read and looking forward to the next one as be interesting in discovering the challenges that occur during lockdown.
July 28, 2021
As a person who worked with challenging behaviour, I’m telling you, that’s not challenging behaviour. Not for an experienced carer , at least!
The description on the back of the book made me think it’s a thriller book, my bad I haven’t googled before buying it, who’s Cathy Glass. Also, I must be reading too many thrillers but the boy’s secret is just a truth happening daily, hourly, in this world.
Written in a such a manner, I thought I’m reading a police report.
The description on the back of the book made me think it’s a thriller book, my bad I haven’t googled before buying it, who’s Cathy Glass. Also, I must be reading too many thrillers but the boy’s secret is just a truth happening daily, hourly, in this world.
Written in a such a manner, I thought I’m reading a police report.
June 22, 2021
Another good book from Cathy Glass.
I haven’t read the novel immediately prior to this in Glass’ fostering timeline so didn’t understand some references to another foster child.
Although the story is tragic, the book warrants 3 stars. A comfort read for me.
I haven’t read the novel immediately prior to this in Glass’ fostering timeline so didn’t understand some references to another foster child.
Although the story is tragic, the book warrants 3 stars. A comfort read for me.
March 1, 2021
Such interesting material but written like a police report.
April 26, 2021
Very predictable, feel Cathy's books are getting very repetitive
May 12, 2021
This book is about a young boy that has been brought to foster care by his mothers choice as she is struggling to look after him because of his behaviour, so he gets taken to Cathy's house as he will be his foster carer for how ever long he needs to be there. Cathy didn't know what was going to happen in the future for him as he is in care voluntarily and not in any danger at home. Although i thought?
What i liked about this book with how engaging it is and how detailed it is and you get hooked and you have to read on and can't put it down i also like how she tells you about the children she has looked after their stories aren't the same and she has her hands full because she still has Tilly in care and she has her own children to care for and also her elderly mother too. This book made me feel sad and especially at the end, the ending was a weird feeling because at first i had a lump in my throat nearly crying happy tears and then the end i was sad crying.
In my opinion, i enjoyed this book better than the one before because this one got straight into the storyline and i like that about a book. This book didn't disappoint me at all it was a really good read sad of course but it was a good book.
To summarise my review this book was a good read i would definitely tly recommend it but would say its adults about book and shouldn't be read by anyone younger and there is a few touchy subjects in there. i have rated this book an 8 out of 10 but still a good book.
What i liked about this book with how engaging it is and how detailed it is and you get hooked and you have to read on and can't put it down i also like how she tells you about the children she has looked after their stories aren't the same and she has her hands full because she still has Tilly in care and she has her own children to care for and also her elderly mother too. This book made me feel sad and especially at the end, the ending was a weird feeling because at first i had a lump in my throat nearly crying happy tears and then the end i was sad crying.
In my opinion, i enjoyed this book better than the one before because this one got straight into the storyline and i like that about a book. This book didn't disappoint me at all it was a really good read sad of course but it was a good book.
To summarise my review this book was a good read i would definitely tly recommend it but would say its adults about book and shouldn't be read by anyone younger and there is a few touchy subjects in there. i have rated this book an 8 out of 10 but still a good book.
March 7, 2021
I wasn't ready for that level of emotion from one book!
Cathy Glass is one is my favourite authors and I've come to expect a few tears while reading her heartbreaking books, but this hit me harder than the others.
When Jackson arrives with Cathy, he's a disruptive child who's mother cannot cope with his behaviour. Having lost his father and then his older brother, Jackson has a lot of confusion and anger that he doesn't know what to do with. He also has a secret.
Jackson's story is one full of twists and turns and sadness. As always, Cathy does her very best to comfort her Foster child and to encourage him to speak openly about what's bothering him, which he eventually does. This leads to more trauma for Jackson's family and sets off a series of events which are incredibly difficult for them to overcome.
This book is beautifully written and one you won't be able to put down. I love all of Cathy's books and am always grateful for a happy ending but this one was so very bittersweet. I'm not ashamed to say that I sobbed throughout this book, especially towards the end.
An excellent read for anyone who loves true stories, and for fans of Casey Watson's books. Have the tissues at the ready!
Cathy Glass is one is my favourite authors and I've come to expect a few tears while reading her heartbreaking books, but this hit me harder than the others.
When Jackson arrives with Cathy, he's a disruptive child who's mother cannot cope with his behaviour. Having lost his father and then his older brother, Jackson has a lot of confusion and anger that he doesn't know what to do with. He also has a secret.
Jackson's story is one full of twists and turns and sadness. As always, Cathy does her very best to comfort her Foster child and to encourage him to speak openly about what's bothering him, which he eventually does. This leads to more trauma for Jackson's family and sets off a series of events which are incredibly difficult for them to overcome.
This book is beautifully written and one you won't be able to put down. I love all of Cathy's books and am always grateful for a happy ending but this one was so very bittersweet. I'm not ashamed to say that I sobbed throughout this book, especially towards the end.
An excellent read for anyone who loves true stories, and for fans of Casey Watson's books. Have the tissues at the ready!
May 11, 2021
Another brilliant read by the wonderful Cathy Glass, a read I just didn't want to put down. I always speed through these books, this story is about Jackson but we also kind of follow Tilly's story which follows on from the last book A Terrible Secret. Jackson is a very angry young kid who is struggling with his emotions after losing his brother and his dad. His mum can't cope with his violent outbursts as she has two daughters to look after too and she is grieving too. Jackson's mum puts him into care and he goes to live with Cathy. Cathy does her best for him and encourages him to speak about what has happened, at first he hates everyone but when he finally does speak up, you won't believe what he tells them. I really appreciate Cathy telling us her stories about being a foster carer and trying to raise awareness of children in hope of improving the system. I know she touches on this in the book, I praise her for what an absolutely fantastic job she has done for all those kids and their families. I cried at the end of this book, I feel as though things may be coming to an end, I hope I am not right.
January 22, 2022
Every time I finish a Cathy Glass book I think I can't possibly cry so much at the next one. Then I read the next one and sob my heart out again. In my defence this time I lasted until the last 20 or so pages!
Cathy's writing is so emotive. The horrors that the children Cathy fosters absolutely breaks my heart but seeing them come through it, reconnect with family and come to terms with their history is a beautiful thing and I'm so glad Cathy shares this with us. These children are so lucky to have the support of Cathy and her family. As Mr Burrows told Cathy, not all foster children are so lucky.
Having watched, through these books, Cathy's own family growing up and starting families, careers and marriage is so special. I look forward to hearing about Adrian, Lucy and Paula as much as the children Cathy is fostering with each book.
A wonderful happy ending for the two children in this book with a heartbreaking end for Cathy and family. My thoughts are with them for the loss they faced.
Cathy's writing is so emotive. The horrors that the children Cathy fosters absolutely breaks my heart but seeing them come through it, reconnect with family and come to terms with their history is a beautiful thing and I'm so glad Cathy shares this with us. These children are so lucky to have the support of Cathy and her family. As Mr Burrows told Cathy, not all foster children are so lucky.
Having watched, through these books, Cathy's own family growing up and starting families, careers and marriage is so special. I look forward to hearing about Adrian, Lucy and Paula as much as the children Cathy is fostering with each book.
A wonderful happy ending for the two children in this book with a heartbreaking end for Cathy and family. My thoughts are with them for the loss they faced.
December 29, 2021
While fostering Tilly, Author and foster carer Cathy Glass gets a call from children’s protective services about 10 year old Jackson. Jackson’s father died of cancer 2 years ago snd the next year his older brother Conner took his own life suddenly leaving Jackson with the explanation, but swearing him to secrecy. Understandably, Jackson begins acting out in anger and his deeply grieving mother, caring for Jackson and two younger siblings cannot cope with the sudden rage of her son.
Voluntarily putting Jackson into foster care, Glass is asked to care for Jackson because of her experience handling troubled kids. Juggling two high needs foster children with her own young adult children and aging mother proves taxing, but with patience and persistence, Glass is able to help both families find firm footing and reunite eith their children.
A Life Lost is a continuation of the story A Terrible Secret.
Voluntarily putting Jackson into foster care, Glass is asked to care for Jackson because of her experience handling troubled kids. Juggling two high needs foster children with her own young adult children and aging mother proves taxing, but with patience and persistence, Glass is able to help both families find firm footing and reunite eith their children.
A Life Lost is a continuation of the story A Terrible Secret.
June 25, 2021
It was nice to get the conclusion to Tilly's story, for if you've read my review of A Terrible Secret, I was a bit miffed that that particular book didn't finish of the story in that book, but it's understandable why! Of course the main focus of this book was on Jackson and his family. Often we think of children as mini adults, but they are actually wired slightly differently. Jackson had enough going on in his head to traumatise most adults, but being only ten, he wasn't able to process things effectively and was expressed in negative behaviour. This is a tale that demonstrates that first pointing and blame is not the best reaction, but care and understanding instead can help heal wounds you might not even know are there.
October 7, 2021
Cathy Is One Of My Favourite Authors, I'm In The Process Of Reading All Of Her Books.
Cathy And Her Family Are Amazing For Accepting Young Adults And Children In To Their Home, Helping And Supporting Each And Every One Of Them. This Book Speaks Broken My Heart To Read And See What Young Jackson And His Family Had Been Through With The Loss Of Their Father And Husband And A Brother And A Son Too. It Would Definitely Be Hard For Any Age To Lose 2 Family Member Within A Short Space Of Time. Cathy And Her Family Had Supported Them Alot At The Time Of Need And Was Lovely To Hear That They've All Been Reunited. Then Getting To The End Of The Book And Seeing That Cathy's Mothet Had Sadly Passed Awake Broken My Heart Too.
Cathy And Her Family Are Amazing For Accepting Young Adults And Children In To Their Home, Helping And Supporting Each And Every One Of Them. This Book Speaks Broken My Heart To Read And See What Young Jackson And His Family Had Been Through With The Loss Of Their Father And Husband And A Brother And A Son Too. It Would Definitely Be Hard For Any Age To Lose 2 Family Member Within A Short Space Of Time. Cathy And Her Family Had Supported Them Alot At The Time Of Need And Was Lovely To Hear That They've All Been Reunited. Then Getting To The End Of The Book And Seeing That Cathy's Mothet Had Sadly Passed Awake Broken My Heart Too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
I've been reading Cathy glass' books for years now and still love them.
Cathy is a remarkable woman who has been fostering for a very long time she inspires me in my own work (as a private nanny) to be kind, understanding and patient and to look out for children and their parents and guardians.
I found this book on sale and thought wow its been a while since I've read one of these and I'm so glad I picked it up it showed that it had been infact a while since I had read any of her books as her children had now grown up!
Any time you see a cathy glass book and you are into the true life stories please pick it up you will not be disappointed!
Cathy is a remarkable woman who has been fostering for a very long time she inspires me in my own work (as a private nanny) to be kind, understanding and patient and to look out for children and their parents and guardians.
I found this book on sale and thought wow its been a while since I've read one of these and I'm so glad I picked it up it showed that it had been infact a while since I had read any of her books as her children had now grown up!
Any time you see a cathy glass book and you are into the true life stories please pick it up you will not be disappointed!
August 31, 2021
A heart-wrenching memoir about a ten-year-old who ends up in foster care with anger issues after his father dies, his older brother commits suicide, and his mother just can't cope. I felt terrible for young Jackson but also for his mother, trying to raise him and his two younger sisters in the midst of her own grief. Jackson's life wasn't something to envy, but because he was a child he qualified for counseling services and other support. His mum just had to keep being the mum, with no counseling and no support and no foster mother to step in and take care of things for a while until she was able to manage her emotions better.
Hats off to the (good) foster parents in the world.
Hats off to the (good) foster parents in the world.
July 9, 2023
As always I love Cathy Glass books. I am so glad that Jackson and his family were able to cope and that justice was served. I am so glad that he finally was able to express himself and begin to heal. I am so so glad Tilly was able to go back home as heal as well and to be able to heal the relationship with her mother. I was sad to know about Cathy's loss but when I read the update know that the family is doing well. I love your books and have so many to finish reading. I am a big fan of your work as a foster carer and all the great work you do. Thank you for your work and patience with the children and families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
This book follows a boy called Jackson who had lost his dad and his older brother. Jackson carried a deep secret, and with all his emotions, his behaviour became aggressive. After caring for her husband and loosing her eldest child, Kayla was unable to cope keeping the family together looking after her two young daughters she turned to social workers for help and Jackson was placed in Cathy's care. During Jackson's stay, he was shown love, support, and patience and had good support around him to help him and his family heal.
I love Cathy Glass books and find her memoirs heartbreaking but a good insight into what fostering does for children.
I love Cathy Glass books and find her memoirs heartbreaking but a good insight into what fostering does for children.
February 24, 2024
Cathy always has a respectful yet hard hitting way of sharing the stories of the Foster children she helps. And Jacksons story is no different.
She is able to explain how one tragic event can set off a spiral that gave a predator accessibility to a family thrown into heartache and distrust. Showing how complex children's feelings are and how they try to take the burden of some of those feelings away from the adults.
I was very sad to read of her mum's passing as you can tell in each of her books how much she adored her mother and how her upbringing gave her the understanding, patience and love to show to children in so much need of it.
She is able to explain how one tragic event can set off a spiral that gave a predator accessibility to a family thrown into heartache and distrust. Showing how complex children's feelings are and how they try to take the burden of some of those feelings away from the adults.
I was very sad to read of her mum's passing as you can tell in each of her books how much she adored her mother and how her upbringing gave her the understanding, patience and love to show to children in so much need of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2021
Inspiring
I highly recommend the books by Cathy Glass. The subject matter is foster care in the UK and the stories are largely autobiographical and biographical. Names and other identifying information is changed to protect privacy. She is a gifted caregiver raising her own children while simultaneously providing care for looked after children placed with her by social workers, in conjunction with CPS and law enforcement. We need more trained, qualified, and dedicated professionals like Mrs. Glass. She is my hero!
I highly recommend the books by Cathy Glass. The subject matter is foster care in the UK and the stories are largely autobiographical and biographical. Names and other identifying information is changed to protect privacy. She is a gifted caregiver raising her own children while simultaneously providing care for looked after children placed with her by social workers, in conjunction with CPS and law enforcement. We need more trained, qualified, and dedicated professionals like Mrs. Glass. She is my hero!
March 18, 2021
As you can see, from start date to finish date,I couldn’t put this book down. I have never been disappointed with any of Cathy’s books. This one made me cry for Cathy and her family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Losing a member of a loved one is certainly not easy. I can easily understand the way Cathy felt about her mom in her writing.
Cathy...I love how you take in children and show them love and support when they need it most. I wish I were as brave as you to be able to do the same thing. Thank you for sharing all your stories!! xo
Cathy...I love how you take in children and show them love and support when they need it most. I wish I were as brave as you to be able to do the same thing. Thank you for sharing all your stories!! xo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
☆5 Stars☆
NOTES & THOUGHTS
• I originally throght this was not one of Cathy Glass's books - I was proved wrong by the end.
• A great development in both Jackson's & Tilly's stories.
• Shocking in multiple places, including one part about Jackson's siblings.
• I want to know what happens from here!
I LOVED
• That this book starts from the end of A Terrible Secret.
• That the book was full of twists.
• The great development - both in the storyline and in the "characters" (mainly Tilly's & Jackson's).
NOTES & THOUGHTS
• I originally throght this was not one of Cathy Glass's books - I was proved wrong by the end.
• A great development in both Jackson's & Tilly's stories.
• Shocking in multiple places, including one part about Jackson's siblings.
• I want to know what happens from here!
I LOVED
• That this book starts from the end of A Terrible Secret.
• That the book was full of twists.
• The great development - both in the storyline and in the "characters" (mainly Tilly's & Jackson's).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews