Daddy's Little Secret: Pregnant at 14 and there's only one man who can be the father

by Tina Davis, Katy Weitz

'I hated the thought of his child growing inside me...but at least I'd soon have somebody to love and, finally, somebody to love me back.'Tina has never had a stable upbringing. Aged seven, she has a paranoid schizophrenic for a mother and her father is a distant memory. So when Tina gets a new step-dad, who lavishes sweets and cuddles upon her, she feels wanted for the first time ever.Sadly, her new daddy isn't all that he seems. He begins to sexually abuse Tina, using chilling threats to scare her into silence.Tina is so terrified, she even gives birth to four of her step-father's children without breathing a word. Her world becomes so warped the cruelty she endures seems normal. Until eventually, the tragic death of one of her innocent children makes her see otherwise...This is the inspiring true story of how a frightened little girl grew into a fighter and finally found the strength to escape the man who stole her childhood.

Genres: Nonfiction, Abuse, True Crime, True Story, Biography, Memoir, Ebooks

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2011

Reviews

[Stacia (the 2010 club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Then I'd wake up and for a tiny second it felt like everything was great. But then I'd realize that I was back in my own bed, back in hell, and I knew I had to get through the whole day just to be able to get to bed at night and go to sleep and forget about it all again.

I swear, every single time after I finish reading books chronicling hardship and abuse, it makes me feel horribly guilty for bitching about anything in my life.

It's very hard to write reviews for books when you feel like any words you come up with would not adequately describe the feelings that you're having. Any time I read stories like this in which one person lives through so many years of extreme abuse (mental, physical & sexual) and can manage to make it out on the other side, it amazes me. The scars are still there, but the person wearing them is somehow managing to keep moving forward, even when at times it must have felt absolutely impossible for that person to do so.

I don't want to spoil the book but I will say that it really hurts my heart to see stories like this in which abuse went unnoticed and ignored, even after reports were made.

To this day, I can't understand why nobody ever put two and two together.

Stories like this should be a reminder of why we should keep our eyes and ears open to what's going on around us. Sometimes one person can be the catalyst for change in another person's life, if only we'd take the time to notice and do something about it.

I knew that this would be a hard book to read, but I'm glad that I read it. Thank you Ms. Davis for sharing your story with us. I hope you're on a good path to healing and joy in your life.

[Amirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, honestly this is my first book review on goodreads and i find it a tinsy bit shocking due to the fact that i have always thought of myself giving my first review on a paranormal genre. Anyway, i don't think i can do this book any justice with my review, but all i have to say is that this book is such an oustanding, inspirational and eye-opening book. Props to the author for being so brave and strong. You're such a good role-model and wonderful mother.

This book is a biography of the author, Tina Davis, who apparently got sexually abused by her step-father. I could totally connect with the author and i could honestly feel her pain thru her writings. Sometimes as im reading the book, i came to the point where i actually felt like the book was a fiction book due to the horrible shit that she had to endure and go thru. Sometimes i just had to close the book for awhile because i felt like i didn't want to know how cruel and heartless some humans can be. But at the same time, i wanted to finish the book and see the happily-ever-after i expect.

How good is this book? VERY. It teaches us to treasure whatever we have because we have to know that there are people who are in worser situations than us and we should be thankful for what we have. It also teaches us to be brave and strong and that we can all be independent women. It also teaches us that we shouldn't be manipulated by anyone with bad intentions and that if we do have a deadly dark secret, we should voice it out because sometimes, it would just feel so much better to have the support and motivation we need.

Tina has really been thru alot in the book with the pregnancy, custody and what not. And we are all so proud of her. I really wouldn't want to be giving any spoilers but i hope you all will read this book because this is the one book that should be read. At first i was procrastinating to read the book, but once i did, i got hooked. I needed to know the ending A.S.A.P! And guess what? This is the first book that i've managed to finish in a day (well sort-of, i mean i did fall asleep at 1am)

So YES, you guys should read this book. I gave it a 5-star rating and i'm pretty sure you would too.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was disturbing, and the author has my sympathy.

But...

The writing was dull and flat and didn't evoke any of the feelings that I expected it to.

Depressing and frustrating.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tina Davis didn't really have a chance at a normal life right from the start. Being born to a mom with a mental illness, and having her dad abandone her at a young age she was happy to have the affections of her moms new husband. He gave her the first stable home she had ever known, bought her whatever she wanted, and protected her from her mothers terrible temper. He was the stable adult she had so desperately needed in her life. All that affection eventually led to something dark, and worse than anything Tina could have ever imagined. For years she was nothing more than a sex slave to a sick, violent monster. This is her story of the abuse that took place during her dark time with this cruel monster, and how she eventually escaped.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sad story, and quite unbelievable. That doesn't mean I didn't believe it, just exactly the opposite, its so unbelievable it has to be true! but to think that this man could take so much of this little girls childhood, teenage years right into her early twenties and have children by him. I'm astounded that someone couldn't see what was happening or someone reporting this.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS TO ALL OF U FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND SUPPORT
FEEL FREE TO ADD ME ON FB IS U LIKE
facebook.com/tina.davis.395891

[zapkode · Rating 5 out of 5]

{my thoughts} - This book is about Tina's life from a young child up until adulthood. It's about the will and determination of a girl that didn't want to lose sight of what she thought was incredibly wrong and uncalled for within her life. She understood from a young age that she was being abused and that it was wrong, but she didn't have any way to get away from it all. She went through so much and she dealt with being abused physically, mentally, emotionally and more. All this brought on by people were suppose to love her, care about her and nurture her. It's a story that is full of ups and downs and it made me tear up in some places. It's very well written and heartfelt.

{reason for reading} -I don't have a real reason. I just saw the title and thought it could be interesting. I use to watch shows about these sorts of things all the time on lifetime. I don't anymore because they because to depressing. I am glad this story had a happy ever after so to speak for Tina and her children. She went through so much and survived it all.

[Sherlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the misfortune about others, often brings me to understand my own wealth. I am grateful to have a simple childhood and grow up as an independent individual. And Tina indeed is a strong fighter in her life and for that, she was rewarded what she deserves.

A book that triggers a lot of emotions. I am glad that I unintentionally stumbled upon this book in the local bookstore. :)

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have total sympathy for the subject matter but the dull writing (more like reportage/gossip magazine) just worn me down.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously I'm pretty sympathetic, I mean, the story is horrible. But this was just depressing and really frustrating.

[Jamaica Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one ride of a read. I was so absorbed into the book, I had to tore myself away at some point to get back to reality.

Tina was only 9 years old when she was first sexually and physically abused by his Stepdad, Charlie. With the absence of maternal love and care from her sick mother, Tina was left to fend for herself, as she was eventually left in the hands of Charlie. The increase in frequencies and intensities of abuse left Tina psychologically trapped in a prison with no clear escape. She was made pregnant at the tender age of 14 with her first child and subsequently with 3 other children all fathered by the said abuser. Daddy's little secrets told the true story of a brave woman who suffered in the hands of a pedophile and how she eventually stood up against all odds to put justice into place.

At various juncture of the book, I stopped to question the psychotic nature of Charlie and the joy he derived from destroying the live of another. But towards the end, I celebrate the joy and liberation experienced by Tina.

This is truly a heartbreaking yet strong story that will keep you flipping the pages. Thumbs up!

[Rahimah Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gets me depressed in the beginning of the book knowing a child being abused by the father and unhappy family. But, I juz have to keep reading because i know Tina was getting better and stronger. Im impressed by the facilities and services provided by authority from the social service, the medical treatment, police they are really looking into the welfare of their people.

[Miss Gucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly heartbreaking book, sad and very emotional for the children that suffered from the horrible stepdad, however, the author went on and on, there were many times I felt she could of got away sooner then bringing her four children into this world, knowing, there from a horrible abused relationship, Ending is she finally found happiness that she deserved.

[Gill Schell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*: Picked this up in a hotel ... Sexually abused by her step-father at 9 years old and pregnant by him at 14, Tina describes her difficult and lonely life bringing up four children with no friends or support. It takes 16 years of abuse and leading a life of lies before she finds the strength and courage to leave him. Very moving. Content 4 stars, writing 2 stars.

[Maria Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of those books you can't really put down, finished rather quick. I didn't find this book emotional. Yes it's very shocking and sad but difficult to have full understanding with this author. I think she jumps/skips significant parts without explanation.

[Jules Cake Pops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

A story, that must have been very hard to write, A young then girl to go through so much abuse.
It took a lot, but you did it, my heart goes out to you.
Fantastic read, fantastic book.

[Kanaheswaree Rajendran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the inspiring true story of how one frightened little girl grew into a fighter and finally found the strength to escape the man who stole her childhood.

[Brandi Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, makes you realiize how lucky you are compared to others, quite an inspiring book especially for survivors of abuse

[Angelito]

i want to read the whole story how to do that :)

[mia paws · Rating 3 out of 5]

traumatised me at a young age and is still in my collection. might reread.

[Will Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic, that what I would say. It's a really sad book to me.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously how lax was social services to leave her with Charlie multiple times?
Truly revolting. I’m so glad for the happy ending.

[Gail Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book well written

[Jade Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional and traumatic real life story but shows that even through one of the most horrific things, you can still have a positive ending and live a happy life xx

[Peyton Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing I couldn't put it down! The twists and turns in the story are so unexpected I love it!!

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely gripping from start to finish

[MRS E Z VILLIERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

a true story

[Rubi Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Daddy’s Little Secret” (2011), by Tina Davis, tells the story of herself. Her biography describes the child abuse she suffered from her step-father and everything she went through to finally get herself out of that trap. She always felt she was not loved, her mother suffered from a mental illness that contributed with the abuse. Tina suffered from physical, emotional,and mental abuse. Since the beginning of the abuse, she knew it was wrong but she didn’t know how to stop it. Davis became a pseudonym, meaning she used a fictitious name to conceal her identity as well as her family’s to prevent future reprisals.

It is hard to believe that disgusting people like the step-father could do such shocking, cruel things to children that are barely learning to live. Their childhood gets destroyed for no reason and have to live with that storm over their heads. The author was very brave in sharing her story. I think people, especially parents and young people should read this book because they can learn to prevent and stand up against child abuse. Many people can be encouraged to stop this catastrophe and help those that are going through this. When I read this book, I had many emotions going all over the place. I felt angry, sad, shock and horror just to imagine what was going on in the story.

This book makes the reader realize, in some cases, how fortunate they are having the life they have while others might get the strength they need to stop the abuse they are going through. However, it was kind of confusing because it mixed the story in different chapters, for example, in one chapter she talked about giving birth to a boy and in the next chapter she was still pregnant with him. You have to put attention in what you are reading so you understand it and don’t get lost.

Then I'd wake up and for a tiny second it felt like everything was great. But then I'd realize that I was back in my own bed, back in hell, and I knew I had to get through the whole day just to be able to get to bed at night and go to sleep and forget about it all again.

By reading this quote, you might already realize how bad and hard was Davis’ life and the way she felt by living this way. All the book can be summarized to this quote, since the moment the book started, she was in constant suffering until the end. Many people, including me, can connect to this quote, maybe not because the same reason as hers, but by other.

The story reminded me of “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. Walls’ story was kind of similar to Tina’s story. Jeannette father was an alcoholic while her mother was not ready to be a real mother. The children were abused by their own grandmother and uncle. Their parents were aware of it but didn’t believe it. They made their way to New York followed by their homeless parents. Both stories reflect the abuse from relatives and how the victims succeeded on getting through the horrible experiences.

I’m glad to say I haven’t experience something like this in my life and I wouldn’t like this to happen to me or some member of my family. I’ve known girls from school that suffered abuse from their own fathers and gave birth to their children. It is hard to realize that depredators are all around us and that people we might know are suffering abuse without us realizing.

[Annamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tina was only 9 when her step father started to abuse her, he used threats to keep her quiet and it worked, Tina was stuck under his threats for 16 years before she found the courage to finally leave him.

During the 16 years of hell that Tina went through her mum left her stepdad and left her with him taking her little brother and sister so Tina was left to suffer the abuse as well as look after her youngest sibling who believed that Tina was his mum.

When Tina turned 14 she got pregnant by her stepdad and he made her come up with a story about her going out and getting drunk and sleeping with a guy named Alex, after she find out she is pregnant she ends up with social services on her doorstep because someone had called telling them that her step dad was abusing her and was the father tot he baby but because she was so scared she kept up with the charade that the dad was this guy she met in a club.

A few years later at 16 she get pregnant again with her stepdads second child who has learning difficulties and Tina is now staying home full time looking after 3 children and having to make sure that her controlling stepdad is pleased every night. He won't let Tina chose what the children wear or eat and if she ever does pick out an outfit he makes her take it off and put something else that he picks out on them.

After the devastating death of her 3rd child Tina finds some solace in an online group support group for grieving parents and she finds new friends and her stepdad doesn't like it and tried to stop her from getting online by taking away the cables.

In the end Tina finally finds the courage to leave him and he believes that she will be back within 2 years and after she has left him the whole secret comes out about what her stepdad did to her for the last 16 years and he ends up getting arrested, but when he got arrested he denied all charges and when a second person came forward and the trial started he was putting Tina through hell taking the kids and not giving them back.

On the day that Tina was mean to testify he pleaded guilty to some accounts of abusing her so that he got a reduced sentence but he pleaded not guilty to the second victims crimes and was found guilty but with the reduced sentences that he got for Tina he only got sent to jail for 11 years and would be able to get out in 5 and a half.

Tina found out during the cases that she was going through that her mum was the one who was trying to get Tina away from her stepdad but she couldn't do it because Tina denied all the accusations.

I think that Tina is a very brave woman to share her story with the world, it certainly had me in tears in some places and I hope that it helps other victims who haven't yet come forward to come forward so that their abuser can be punished.