Dancing Softly

Dancing Softy - A story of hope and overcoming. A story about the resilience of the human spirit and the touch of a gentle God.

Sixteen-year-old Jamie DeSouza runs away from home to escape from years of sexual and emotional abuse. Living on the streets of Toronto, she survives the only way she knows how – by becoming tough, hard, angry...a fighter. When her freedom is taken away, Jamie finds herself locked in a psychiatric ward where she struggles to maintain hope.

Caught in the mental health system, Jamie is stripped of her dignity and even basic human rights. It’s in that dark place she learns to fight back in ways that ultimately free her. The people Jamie meets along the way teach her that dancing softly in life is far more powerful than the use of violence.

 "WOW! Gripping hardly describes it! I couldn't put the book down for long. It was raw and intense, especially at the beginning, but I believe it needed to be that way to keep me cheering for Jamie through her time in the mental hospital...wanting her to get out....knowing she would! I'm in Awe. I believe you were hand picked by God to write...to let others know...to bring HOPE! I'm finished and I'll be sharing. (No wonder the printing press went down!) but he can't stop God and His purposes from prevailing!" Julie Huff

"Dancing Softly provides a window into the lives of far too many young women and girls. The hope generated by this story is so encouraging. I only wish it were true for most of the incredibly courageous and resilient women I know. Too few have the opportunities to fulfill themselves or realize their dreams. Thank you for keeping their spirits and visions alive, Nikki." Quotes
Kim Pate
Executive Dir. of The Elizabeth Fry Societies of Canada

"A powerful story of hope and courage that shows nothing is impossible to overcome if we learn to dance more softly. With a rare insight and honing her craft, Nikki challenges the reader to trust that good can come out of every situation no matter how hopeless it might seem. The beautiful message in Dancing Softly is that everyone's life is a gift and has value and purpose. I highly recommend reading this book." Quotes
Melvina Walter
Executive Dir. of The Halton Women's Centre

"Just finished reading Dancing Softly! I really love it! It should be made into a movie as incredible as the book. It reads like non-fiction and is very powerful. Staggering stats at the end. This is a story that needs to get out there!!!" Quotes
Roger LeBlanc
Producer Director at Novus Vita Productions

"Dancing Softly is an insight into the hearts and minds of people who struggle with mental illness. Jamie's story of redemption shows how people can turn their lives around and change their future. This book will entrance its readers as well as inspire and captivate them. I couldn't put it down."  Sasha

"A great read! Dancing Softly restores faith and inspires hope. Read it and know that perseverance, diligence and integrity always pay off. Dancing Softly encourages everyone to let their inner light shine. It's a message we need to aspire to every day!"
Savina Rotella

"Dancing Softly is gripping and intense to read, hard to put down. The emotions running throughout this story brought tears to my eyes as I followed Jamie's struggles, trials and triumphs. Every page will keep you wanting for more till the end. This is a must read!" Quotes
Kristina Colaianni

“A powerful story of hope and courage that shows us nothing is impossible to overcome….”
Melvina Walter, Executive Director of The Halton Women's Centre

“Dancing Softly is an insight into the hearts and minds of people who struggle with mental illness. I couldn’t put it down.” Sasha Stevenson

“A great read indeed!  Dancing Softly restores faith and inspires hope. Read it and know that perseverance, diligence and integrity always pay off. Dancing Softly encourages everyone to let their inner light shine. It’s a message we need to aspire to every day!” Savina Rotella