Don't Let Me Go

A young girl in crisis inspires her reclusive neighbors to help her—and each other—in this novel of lost people and found family.

New York Times–Bestselling Author

It’s been more than ten years since Billy Shine stepped outside of his Los Angeles apartment located in one of the city’s poorer neighborhoods. A series of panic attacks drove him off the Broadway stage and put an end to his dancing career. He prefers his self-imposed exile to facing people and the outside world. But the young girl who lives with her mother in the basement unit has caught his attention. She sits on the stoop just outside his patio door, alone and unafraid.

Grace Ferguson’s mother is loaded. Again. Narcotics Anonymous meetings and a vigilant sponsor aren’t enough to help her escape the cycle of recovery and relapse. Unable to go to school, Grace hangs around the building, making conversation with concerned neighbors who are reluctant to get involved—like Billy, who finds himself drawn into the little girl’s orbit against his will.

He’s not the only one. With her outgoing personality and natural curiosity, Grace has befriended the lost souls who live in isolation around her. One by one, they give their time to ensure Grace’s needs are met, providing meals, clothes, and a home to return to after school. Through Grace’s eyes, Billy sees his neighbors—and himself—in a new light as their selfless acts of kindness reveal the courage and strength each needs to face their personal demons.

But if Grace’s mother is unable to defeat her own addiction demons, Billy and his new family may lose Grace to child protection services and never see her again.