House of Teeth by Anne Shaw Heinrich
Family Life Fiction, 344 pages
Published June 16, 2026 by Speaking Volumes LLC
Jules Marks and his five little sisters can finally relax. Their feckless parents from Shakey's Half are doing time in the Paradise County Jail, and their Uncle Larry, Aunt Sally and Aunt Clarice have swooped in to give them the safety and security they deserved all along.
As they settle into the closest thing to normal they've ever known, their neighbors and classmates are quick to remind them not to get too comfortable. Poulson's only dentist makes a generous offer to help the children fix their long-neglected teeth, but many folks object to the free treatment they receive.
Meanwhile, Jules is figuring out how to be a man as he holds onto an ugly secret involving his dear friend, Violet Sellers. When cancer strikes the family, Jules decides to right a wrong that's gone unchallenged for far too long.
****************************
My thoughts about House of Teeth ~~
(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)
First line—"I never did have a love like Aunt Helly and Uncle Teddy. They held something special between them."
House of Teeth took me back to all the quirky, crazy characters I met in the first two books of this series. It was great to meet up with them all again and see what they were up to. And the introduction of new characters just made the story all that more interesting.
I loved the first two books and everyone I met in them. And who knew that there were even more people in this community that I would come to love?
A lot of this book centers on Jules Marks and his siblings. Boy, they really have been through it. Things do start looking up for them, but their lives are not completely without strife and drama. I was totally invested in their story and enjoyed watching their growth.
This is such a wonderful series, with very memorable characters and storylines. I highly recommend all three books!
I received an ARC of House of Teeth and this is my honest opinion of the book.
*****************************
Read my thoughts about God Bless the Child.
Read my thoughts about Violet is Blue.
*********************************
About the author
Anne Shaw Heinrich has written features and marketing copy for newspapers, the health and nutrition industries, higher education and not-for-profit organizations. A graduate of Eureka college in Eureka, Illinois with an English degree, she previously served as the society and entertainment editor for a suburban Chicago newspaper.
Besides reviewing local and national touring theater productions, she also interviewed celebrities such as Debbie Reynolds, Judy Collins, and Opera great, Beverly Sills. One of her essays, "Grandma's Big Secret" appeared in Marlo Thomas's book " The Right Words At The Right Time Volume 2: Your Turn!" ( Published by Atria Books, 2006).
In addition to her consulting work, Anne wrote a monthly column called " Small Talk" in the small town newspaper of Dwight Illinois, where she formally lived with her husband and three children. Anne has also contributed a chapter in " Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Cancer Book."
Anne is currently working in the fundraising/public relations department for City Academy. A private school that admits under privileged students on full scholarship. Anne also has two completed rough draft novels waiting to be published and several side projects are always in the works. ~ Goodreads
Connect with Anne
************************
Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
