Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: violence, blood, theft, abuse.

15-year-old Sammy Lou and his older brother Avery have been stealing houses for the past year of their lives; they break into empty houses just so they have a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. But the relationship between the brothers is becoming tense, and past secrets are haunting their every move. When Sammy accidentally ends up with the lovingly-chaotic De Lainey family, things become even more complicated.

I had no expectations going into this book. I just knew it sounded like something I’d enjoy. Holy hell did I more than enjoy this! TBWSH is an emotional rollercoaster: you laugh, cry, smile, and get warm fuzzies all in one chapter. The imagery is on point and all of the characters are so well developed. While I desperately want a sequel, I’m also completely satisfied with how it ended. I definitely need to pick up C G Drews’ first book!

“He doesn’t break into houses because he enjoys stealing. He stalks vacant windows and tricks locks and sleeps in stolen beds because he just wants to be home.”

“He puts his wishes into small metal keys and tucks them in his pocket to keep him breathing.”

“The fantasy turns to puffs of dust and curls of ghosts and he’s lying in an empty room, crying hot salty tears into the carpet.”

“You can do monstrous things and not be a monster.”