One dustup on a city block and the lives of six neighbors suddenly intertwine in a bittersweet novel about friendship, mortality, and kindness by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Leila and Patty, and Jeannette and Wallace, live on opposite corners of their neighborhood block with little in common. Except concern for the welfare of the woman in the rundown apartment building between them. That’s ninety-nine-year-old Hope Longiness, a former actress living modestly but contentedly with her overworked great-grandson, Buddy. Unwittingly, Hope is also stirring a rivalry.

Leila, a psychologist with a savior complex, and Jeannette, a socially difficult shop owner longing to be recognized, find themselves in a contentious fight for Hope’s long-term care and “rescue.” To the delighted Hope it’s afternoon tea, luncheons, board games, and dinner invitations as she regales each woman with tales of Hollywood’s golden age, big bands, love affairs, and scandals.

For Patty and Wallace, a commiserating friendship develops as they navigate their spouses’ increasingly problematic behavior. When the competition reaches a crises point, Leila and Jeannette are forced to confront their motivations and to realize the genuine good that can come from unexpected connections and the transformative and collective power of community.