Book Review: Baby Doll by Hollie Overton

Book Review: Baby Doll by Hollie Overton

Publisher: Redhook Books

3,110 days after she was kidnapped, Lily escapes from captivity with her six year old daughter Sky. Her abductor was a man she thought she could trust. Rick was her teacher and he turned in to a monster that kidnapped her, raped her, beat her, and manipulated her into his compliant “baby doll”.

Little did he know that Lily’s spirit wasn’t as broken as he thought. One day, he gets careless and Lily escapes. She runs through the snow and cold with her daughter and goes straight to the only home she has ever known. She believes that they will now be safe.

Things have changed in her absence. Her father has passed away. Her mother has fallen into drinking. Her twin sister Abby has not only become depressed but is pregnant by Lily’s first love. As painful as it is, Lily has to adjust to the realization that life has gone on without her.

This story was compelling from start to finish. There have been stories in the news of people escaping from activity but you never really see what happens AFTER unless they get a book or movie deal. Granted this book is fiction but I think it shows that when a crime like this happens it’s like a pebble dropped in a still pond – the ripples extend out and touch more than just the criminal and the victim.

Lily’s twin Abby suffers from depression and guilt. Sky is a beautiful six year old girl who is dealing with being taken away from the only father she has ever known and not fully understanding what a monster he was. Lily has to deal with coming back to a life that is completely changed. Even Rick has to deal with the loss of his perfect public persona and the aftermath of being discovered as a pedophile and kidnapper.

The author made these characters realistic enough that you loved them, hated them, rooted for them, and even understood their decisions even if you didn’t agree with them. It’s a story of struggle, hope and survival. It’s a story that will stick with you even when you finish.

I received an Uncorrected Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest opinion.