Healy’s latest has some intriguing moments, but overall there is nothing very memorable about the plot. The quirky cast of characters elevates the story and gives some variety, yet the significance of the hiding places (both figuratively and literally) is not really communicated well enough to make a lasting impact.
Eleven-year-old Kate Whitby knows how to hide and keep out of sight in the rambling mansion hotel and restaurant her family owns and operates. Charlie Fuse lives on the streets and gets mixed up with some gang activity, which ends in a death. Charlie goes on the run and Kate finds him and takes him in, secreting Charlie away in a hidden room. When the gang comes searching for Charlie, it will stop at nothing to find him and exact revenge, even if it means taking Kate and her family out with him

11-year-old Kate is the keeper of her family. Loving as only a child can love those who doesn´t know and/or want to love her, she tries to keep their secrets, undo their wrongdoings and protect their happiness. But the storm of events is coming into Harrison Lodge and this storm will re-establish their family hotel and relationships. For better or for worse?
20-year old (or so) Charlie Fuse is an outcast and on the run from the murder accusations. And the father of the dead child and his gangster brothers are after him. Charlie doesn´t know how to trust people, hurting inside. But Kate offers her help and touches his heart within the process.

Heartwarming and beautiful.

I am used to Ms Healy's books to have a bit of supernatural touch. Not in this case - but great as well. This is a bit family drama, a bit of heart drama and tells a story of forgiveness, closeness and family members having their backs.
The Harrisons has forgotten than once their family was more than willing to help the excludes groups (the American-Japanese people within the WWII), now they are together but everyone of them is alone, living their lives in some kind of want. Until the crisis unites them.
Charlie was never the one to help - but he tries his best anyway, but without results. He is very hurt, but his heart his miraculously not totally hardened. Somehow he and Kate are of the same kind of people, even he is much more bitter. And their sacrifice will awaken the others.

And I love them very much for their hearts.
Because heart can be broken easily, or be silenced. Every adult knows that. And it is very hard to love when one has suffered - and the longer the period of suffering, the more is the love in the heart silenced.
Thanks be for all the Kates and Charlies and Grandma Pearls of the world!
I want you in my life, too.