Freddy is down and out on his luck. He has been homeless for the last two years and his family wants nothing to do with him. He has lived on the streets, in and out of youth shelters, and getting by with as little as possible.

One day, Freddy sees a family loading their car with luggage and talking about passports and the airport. He watches them scramble to get everyone and everything together and into the car as they head off on their family vacation. Once the car leaves, Freddy notices a notebook lodged in the door, keeping it ajar. He intends to return the book back into the house and leave, but once he steps inside and realizes the family will be gone for a few weeks, he decides to make himself at home.

The weeks fly by and Freddy finds himself stuck in the house as the family is returning. He quickly hides himself in an attic crawlspace and doesn’t come down until the house is empty again. Still, he cannot leave. He is drawn to the family and appreciates the warmth and comfort of having a quiet space to himself, and out of the cold and rain.

One day, Violet, the daughter of the family, invites a boy over while her parents are away for the evening. Things do not go according to plan and Violet finds herself in a dire situation—until Freddy steps in and saves her. Violet is afraid that Freddy is also up to no good and she is still in danger, but the more they talk and get to know each other, the more their friendship grows.

This story was so heartbreaking, but it was so sweet at the same time. It covers hard topics like homelessness, but it does it in a gentle yet realistic way. I found myself rooting for Freddy from very early on. I loved watching Freddy and Violet’s relationship grow and mature as they each did throughout the book.

Most of the characters were likable, the plot pacing was fast enough to hold your interest yet slow enough to explain some backstory. I loved the alternating chapters between Freddy and Violet, and I really adored the chapters that were just texts and emails between the two. Everything about this book was great.

5 stars from me, recommended to anyone who likes coming-of-age stories and cheering on the main characters.

3.75 stars

A lovely, heartfelt story


It follows Freddie, a homeless boy who one day comes across a home where the door is accidentally left open after a family has left for a vacation. He ends up living in the attic of this home as he has nowhere else to live and eventually meets Violet who is the girl living in the room below the attic.

The writing is beautiful, well written and easy to read,
I loved both Freddie and Violet's POV and their slow development - it felt right and not forced at all.
The story definitely made me teary reading about Freddie's homelessness and everything he went through.
There's lovely family aspects to this book also which were lovely to see and they're very well fleshed out.

The book felt a little unrealistic, but then again, it is a fictional book and the story was not so unrealistic to the point where I thought it was too far stretched.
You continue reading and turning page after page because you're rooting for these characters and their happy ending.

For me it was a story about hope, an unexpected turn of fate and a developmental journey that was great to read about

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling by Cara Thurlbourn.

Freddie has hit rock bottom. He is young, and figuring out this new life of homelessness after being kicked out of his family's life. But he has a stroke of luck when he sees the door of a home propped open right after the family leaves on vacation. Maybe he can get a bit to eat, or a place to shower...

Violet is leaving on vacation with her family, but nothing is right. Her little brother refuses to speak, her parents aren't getting along, and she is getting bullied at school. But then she meets Freddie, and everything changes.

Okay, this book started out full of red flags for me. Flags that red "stalker!" and "peeping Tom!" and "co-dependency!" But, I can't help it, I really liked it! Is it problematic, totally. Was it also super sweet, heart warming, and kind of exactly what I would have loved to have happen to me as a seventeen year old? 100%.

What a lovely heartfelt read. This is an amazing story of friendship. The character development was amazing and brilliantly written. I would.highly recommend.

This was such a fast read. I decided to read one or two chapters before bed to just start it and next thing I knew, it was two hours later and I was finished. I really enjoyed this one. Both main characters, Violet and Freddy had such a cute connection. Freddie broke my heart and put it back together probably at least once a page. He was so strong and with everything he went through the last few years you would think he would be a bitter person, but he was so sweet, kind and honestly just so selfless. I would have liked more from his pov on his background though. The ending of this book left me with tears in my eyes in the best way possible. Go read this book! It’s even on kindle unlimited so you don’t even have to pay for it. You will not be disappointed.

This book was both heart-breaking and heart-warming. Freddie's story was beautifully told and highlighted an important issue in society. The harsh realities facing homeless people, specifically young people, and the way they are perceived and treated by others was really powerful. I also really liked that we were being educated along with Violet.

I wanted to like this, but ultimately decided this was not for me. The premise for this has everything I could ask for. Mysterious boy? Romance? Sign me up! But I found Freddie and Violet's romance to fizzle out into nothing. I did not feel connected to them in the slightest. Thank you for the e-arc!

This book is about about a young boy who ends up homeless after a tragic event left him abandoned by his family. He is living on the streets when circumstances lead him to moving into the attic of a family without them realising that is until he meets Violet, the teenage who lives in the bedroom below the attic. The story is told from the perspectives of both the main characters and portrays how hard life can be for both of them despite their very different lives. This is a story of grief, homelessness, forgiveness and much more. A beautifully written book and throughly enjoyable.

ARC review - the boy who lived in the ceiling
(Published yesterday!!)

My rating: 4.5/5 stars
Genres: coming of age, ya fiction
Age: 14+ (-death, -homelessness, -mental health, -sa)

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pros:
I didn’t go into this book with much expectations but OMIGOD it was beautiful. It provided a unique and educational insight into the life of a homeless youth and while it wasn’t a thriller with a crazy plot, I could not put it down. There were some beautiful emotional moments (no I’m not going to spoil anything) that made me tear up, and the entire book was so incredibly heartwarming.

Cons:
I need a sequel please! The book ended quite abruptly and I was looking for more of an exploration into Freddie’s life and especially the events that unfolded with Amy. Other than that, it was honestly a beautiful read!

This was a truly moving, heartfelt story of two young people. Dealing with several large themes, ranging from homelessness to sexual assault, it might not be for everyone, but it was beautifully explored. I openly admit that I cried on several occasions. Both Freddie and Violet were given the space to tell their stories without it feeling rushed. I would recommend this book.

One criticism, however, is the language inconsistencies. Freddie talks of pound coins and notes, then cell phones and vacations. Soccer is used instead of football, and mom instead of mum. These inconsistencies pull you out of the story, because you're trying to work out if you're in the UK or North America. My advice? Pick either/or.

**thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to give an honest review**

Review also posted on Amazon but awaiting moderation.

I was provided a free copy of this text by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was an incredible read for 21st century young adults. As a teacher, this spoke to me because young people deal with trauma and yet grow to become their best selves through it. This was a quick read that I hope many will take.

Much like how a butterfly's flutter can set off events unforeseen, the same could be said for a forgotten notebook that catches the eye of Freddie Miller one long lonely night. Never guessing that his actions would set off a new course for his sad life, I was immediately intrigued about how and why he became that boy who lived in the ceiling and allowed Cara Thurlboum to happily guide me through this whimsical and emotional read. And I definitely got choked up more than once as we get to watch Freddie take over a family's attic and become hesitant friends with the teenaged daughter who lives below his 'door' and find a hopeful path to more when all seemed heartbreakingly dire.

I didn't know what to expect as I had not remembered the blurb when I requested this book but I'm truly glad I took the chance on this new-to-me author. This book seared my soul in the most subtle of ways and I'm still finding it hard to let go of Freddie and Violet. Just knowing that his own family wanted nothing to do with him was hard to accept. His gentle ways with both compatriots in his homeless world and with Violet's family were truly beautiful. The way the world perceived him is a huge part of this book. His determination to be seen as someone more than what his ragged appearance may show has Freddie becoming someone he may not have necessarily liked but it gave him the means to which he could do for Violet and perhaps save her the way she was undoubtedly saving him. By allowing him to stay hidden away while he made plans for after the New Year, Violet gave him more than his wretched father and stepmother ever did and it was beyond heartwarming to see their friendship and trust in one another grow as the pages flew by.

The fact that Freddie does so much for Violet and her family when he was only looking for a place to keep warm while they were on an extended vacation shows just how much fate can play a huge part in one's life. His presence gave this troubled family what they needed at the most crucial of times and I'm tearing up at just the thought of how lucky they were to have him enter their lives. He's such a good person with guilt a mile-long continually keeping him down and skeptical his fortune was finally turning around. And all because of a forgotten notebook!

There is no doubt that The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling is an uplifting book. Sure, there are some darker times for Freddie and Violet but their unplanned relationship brought out the hope that was buried deep in both of them and shone a light on what could be, both on their own and together. And in true British fashion, this is an HFN and in the end, I'm not sure I would qualify this as a romance. To me, it's the very best in women's fiction with the wish that Freddie and Violet keep that newly-found bit of happy going for a long time to come.

This is a beautiful read and perfect for a lazy day by the pool or beach. I thoroughly enjoyed it and happily give The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling a solid 5 stars!

The coming of age story I never knew I needed to read!! Oh my gosh this was so unique and so good.

I absolutely loved the plot and all of the characters. The plot played out so well and flowed so perfectly. Such a heartwarming story with a happy ending. I was sad when it was over—I wanted to just keep following on with the main characters & watch the rest of their lives pan out. I adored it!! I highly recommend you pick this one up (pub date July 8).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling in exchange for an honest review!

This is easily one of my favourite books of the year so far. I couldn’t put it down! I absolutely adored this story and the relationship between Freddie and Violet. I enjoyed how the story alternated perspectives between the two main characters. The chapters were short and flowed very well, providing important insight into the minds of both of these individuals as time went on. Freddie’s character is one you find yourself rooting for, as there are many obstacles he must overcome throughout the novel. His friendship with Violet gives him that sliver of hope needed to turn his life around. Freddie and Violet compliment each other very well and I really did enjoy how their relationship grew as the story went on.

This book touches on topics such as homelessness, bullying, mental health and death. While these themes may seem heavy to deal with alongside each other, the author presents them delicately, where each plays an important role in how the story unfolds.

I would 100% recommend this book. It was a quick read with very likeable characters and left me extremely satisfied.

#TheBoyWhoLivedintheCeiling #NetGalley



The story opens with Freddie, a homeless teen, sneaking into Violet and her family's house. He only plans to stay the three weeks while they are on vacation.

They return early so he hides in their attic.

The rest of the book is told in alternating chapters, from Freddie and Violet's perspectives.

I just inhaled this book, was sucked in and compelled to see what happened.

Would Violet and her family catch Freddie? Would they throw him out? Would Freddie be able to live there undetected for any time at all? And what is Freddie's secret?

I fell in love with Freddie and grew to like Violet.

It was such an uplifting story while tackling the heavy topic of homelessness. There is loss and humiliation, bullying and friendship and even a little love thrown in.

Such a great story.

Highly recommended 4****

The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling by Cara Thurlbourn
Publication Date: July 8, 2021
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Description from NetGalley…
“Freddie’s life isn’t like it used to be – he’s alone, homeless, and carrying a secret that threatens to swallow him up. Every day is a struggle, until he meets Violet Johnson.
Violet’s life is going down-hill. Her parents argue, her little brother’s stopped speaking, and she’s about to move schools. She used to be popular, she used to be happy, but now she feels as though that is all slipping away.

Having to grow up quickly and find their way in the world, Freddie and Violet grow closer despite their differences.”
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Thank you to @netgalley @wisewolfbooks @ibpa for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts…
Poignant. I really loved reading this book. I wanted to continue reading about Freddie and Violet. Yes, there were a couple of plot holes; yes, there were a couple of questionable actions, but I got over them and immersed myself in this touching story. I just appreciated the relationship between Violet and her little brother who stopped speaking due to a traumatic incident. A book that weaved the themes of homelessness, bullying, abandonment, death, trauma and familial discord in a coming-of-age story that tugged at the heartstrings. It turned the table on the reader to consider social judgment, prejudice and giving someone a chance.

Harlequin Junkie Recommended Read!

Homeless and desperate, Freddie lucks out one dreary night as a family leaves their house to go on a holiday they have won. As he watches the frantic minutes prior to them leaving, the eldest daughter Violet stops to rummage through her backpack in search of something, not realising she hasn’t closed the front door properly. Upon closer inspection, it looks like a notepad has fallen out of Violet’s bag blocking the door and without any real intention, Freddie finds himself inside their home, dry and warm for the first time in what feels like years.

Dressing in one of Peter’s suits, Freddie realises that city folk tend to be more generous to a well dressed person who spins a weave about forgetting their wallet rather than someone who fits the homeless bill, and in a short span of time, Freddie realises he can make enough money in three weeks to potentially get a place of his own – what he ultimately needs to secure a job so he can get his life back on track.

Unfortunately however, a skiing accident brings the family home early and Freddie is forced to flee up into the attic in silence, until one night he rescues Violet from a potential date-rape situation. As one kind gesture leads to another, Violet and Freddie develop a cute routine and a strong friendship until Freddie’s past catches up with him threatening everything that has helped him believe in himself again.

The youthful narrative voice and the young adult energy were the perfect overlay for some fairly serious social issues and the inherent tragedy that sat beneath the story. From beginning to end, the friendship that blossomed between Violet and Freddie was beautifully sweet, yet also had a crazy element of realism, which was ironic given the way our two heroes met and ended up becoming friends. Violets’ high school experience, the dysfunction in her family and her identity struggles were juxtaposed beautifully against Freddie, who had a fairly clear perception of himself and certainly his place in the world.

Naturally, Freddie’s experiences of living on the streets added a level of humility that doesn’t seem to exist for many today and this was without doubt one of the winning elements of the novel. For a small novel, there were no punches pulled and every action kernel was perfectly timed to add the necessary layers prior to the big reveal.

The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling is a fantastic young adult novel that was bursting with romantic magical realism, and for those who love a happily ever after, this definitely won’t disappoint.

This book what nothing like I expected, yet it hit all the marks I didn't know I set, and had me attached to the characters on such a deep level!

The story is told from two points of view: Freddie's and Violet. Homeless, dejected, and struggling to pull his paper-thin weight, Freddie finds himself desperate for anything resembling an actual life. A notebook one girl leaves behind, in her rush for her family vacation, is what gives him the break he needs... even if that break is on the floor of their attic. Violet's life is falling apart at the seams. Her brother hasn't spoken in almost a year, her parents are arguing all the time, she's transferring schools, and her friends seem to move on without her.

Despite being in the same proximity for weeks, their worlds finally collide when Violet's invitation to a new classmate is misinterpreted, and Freddie impulsively steps in to save her.

The concept is none like I've ever seen, and even though it's strange in the beginning, it conveys heavy themes so many authors steer away from. Homelessness, mourning, friendship, love, guilt, and loss are all delicately pried in this story.

It's a great read; heart-wrenching and heartwarming in the same beat. The characters grew on me so much I finished the book in one sitting!

Full review is up on my blog on 2nd July, 2021

I really enjoyed this book! I'm a sucker for a good coming-of-age story, and this one was a poignant, emotional tale about homelessness and grief. This book is probably best-suited for readers at the younger end of the YA-spectrum, both because of the plot/writing and because I think it could be a good introduction to the complexity of homelessness as a social issue.

What an emotional read. I think if I had read this in high school, it would've wrecked me. Whereas I now have enough perspective to appreciate what this literature does and teaches. Well done on Cara Thurlbourn's part.