What do you think?
Rate this book
Run Away Baby
From the author of Kindle Unlimited All-Star winner Sweet Hollow Women and Chick Lit Central's 2018 Favorites pick The Port Elspeth Jewelry Making Club comes a novel for fans of Gillian Flynn and Jessica Knoll.
Abby is a beautiful woman in her twenties, and she seems to have it all: a wealthy husband, a killer wardrobe, trips around the world, and a beautiful home. What her jealous friends don't know is that her reality is far from the pretty picture they see.
"If you like stories about rebirth and taking your life back, mixed with suspense and even a bit of humor, this book is for you!!"
-- Amazon review
When her nails were dry enough, Abby put the spinning tower and manicure accessories away and then returned to the living room where a mid-afternoon talk show was playing. She sat down, nudging the mute button, so if Randall watched the playback of her he would see the program unfolding in the background. As far as she knew, the room wasn't bugged. Not yet, anyhow.
Sometimes all the noise became too much for her to bear. She liked to go into her own head. It was the last safe place. But acts like pausing a show to daydream made Randall nervous.
"What's this about?" he'd ask as he fast-forwarded through moments of Abby's day, pausing at incriminating moments like her staring thoughtfully without distractions, or eating junk food, or disappearing for hours and arriving home empty-handed.
Only Krissa had an accurate idea of Abby's life. But even Krissa didn't know Abby's secret name for Randall: He was Papa Rottzy. Because he watched every move she made. And because he was old. And because he was rotten. It was the name she would have called him if she still had a sister, and if this were her sister's problem instead of her own.
She'd take her sister out for coffee and ask her, "How's Papa Rottzy? Are you ready to escape from his prison?" She'd be kidding, but she'd be serious.
In Abby's fantasies it was always her trying to help one of her little sisters out of this mess, because there was a big part of her that still couldn't believe this was her life.
Abby is a beautiful woman in her twenties, and she seems to have it all: a wealthy husband, a killer wardrobe, trips around the world, and a beautiful home. What her jealous friends don't know is that her reality is far from the pretty picture they see.
"If you like stories about rebirth and taking your life back, mixed with suspense and even a bit of humor, this book is for you!!"
-- Amazon review
When her nails were dry enough, Abby put the spinning tower and manicure accessories away and then returned to the living room where a mid-afternoon talk show was playing. She sat down, nudging the mute button, so if Randall watched the playback of her he would see the program unfolding in the background. As far as she knew, the room wasn't bugged. Not yet, anyhow.
Sometimes all the noise became too much for her to bear. She liked to go into her own head. It was the last safe place. But acts like pausing a show to daydream made Randall nervous.
"What's this about?" he'd ask as he fast-forwarded through moments of Abby's day, pausing at incriminating moments like her staring thoughtfully without distractions, or eating junk food, or disappearing for hours and arriving home empty-handed.
Only Krissa had an accurate idea of Abby's life. But even Krissa didn't know Abby's secret name for Randall: He was Papa Rottzy. Because he watched every move she made. And because he was old. And because he was rotten. It was the name she would have called him if she still had a sister, and if this were her sister's problem instead of her own.
She'd take her sister out for coffee and ask her, "How's Papa Rottzy? Are you ready to escape from his prison?" She'd be kidding, but she'd be serious.
In Abby's fantasies it was always her trying to help one of her little sisters out of this mess, because there was a big part of her that still couldn't believe this was her life.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
854 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Holly Tierney
22 books519 followersHolly Tierney is the author of over twenty novels and novellas, including Sweet Hollow Women, Surviving Valencia, Right Under Your Nose, Bellamy's Redemption, and Murder at Mistletoe Manor. She is also the creator of mid-century dollhouse flipping blog www.flipthisminihouse.com and the author of several dollhouse and miniature how-to books. She lives in Wisconsin.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 17, 2020
When I saw the cover of this book, I was immediately intrigued by its beauty. The blurb reminded me a bit of "Behind closed doors", so I gave it a shot.
Abby is a trophy wife and to the outside world she has everything she could ever wish for to be happy. In reality she is an orphan lost in a big cruel world, a victim of her own stupidity, a prisoner without any privacy or opinion. How will she rescue herself...
Abby didn't grow on me and I had a hard time to find peace with the way her brain worked and the decisions she made when she was younger. By complying to her husbands wishes for so many years, she dulled her brain even more, staying the empty shell she became after the loss of her family. knowing she can't trust anyone she puts an awful lot of trust in the first "stranger" who shows some interest in her. To me it seemed more luck than wits, that she could make and execute an escape. The whole part with Charlie and his cousin felt strange and didn't add much tot the story, making this just a mediocre thriller to me.
Abby is a trophy wife and to the outside world she has everything she could ever wish for to be happy. In reality she is an orphan lost in a big cruel world, a victim of her own stupidity, a prisoner without any privacy or opinion. How will she rescue herself...
Abby didn't grow on me and I had a hard time to find peace with the way her brain worked and the decisions she made when she was younger. By complying to her husbands wishes for so many years, she dulled her brain even more, staying the empty shell she became after the loss of her family. knowing she can't trust anyone she puts an awful lot of trust in the first "stranger" who shows some interest in her. To me it seemed more luck than wits, that she could make and execute an escape. The whole part with Charlie and his cousin felt strange and didn't add much tot the story, making this just a mediocre thriller to me.
July 14, 2016
No, it's not the worst book I've ever read. The writing is actually quite good, but not really good. The simple plot is disappointing.
This book intrigues by it's blurb and cover giving the impression to be a gripping psychological thriller. It isn't.
For the first half there's not much happening. The desastrous marriage is described in a maner that doesn't allow the reader to feel for Abby. This heroine is too stupid to give the story depth. When she finally meets Charlie the novel takes a turn for romance, but it's not convincing. When - after one long year - she's ready to take action I hoped for some suspense, in vain.
It's neither a thriller, nor a mystery, nor a romance, nor anything else.
This book intrigues by it's blurb and cover giving the impression to be a gripping psychological thriller. It isn't.
For the first half there's not much happening. The desastrous marriage is described in a maner that doesn't allow the reader to feel for Abby. This heroine is too stupid to give the story depth. When she finally meets Charlie the novel takes a turn for romance, but it's not convincing. When - after one long year - she's ready to take action I hoped for some suspense, in vain.
It's neither a thriller, nor a mystery, nor a romance, nor anything else.
July 25, 2016
I enjoyed this book! Abby is a young girl who has no family or friends. She mets a man who at first has nothing striking about him. Once she comes in contact with him again that changes. She marries him and the hell begins. Her husband is a control freak too the highest level of control freaks. Shortly into the book she is allowed to get a part time job at law firm where her husband is friends with one of the lawyers. She is not treated great by the receptionist throughout her time at this job. Eventually Abby covers for the main receptionists during her lunch hour in which Abby meets Charlie the mailman. Abby becomes intrigued by Charlie and eventually confides in him about her life and how her marriage and life is run. Abby works up the nerve to meet up with Charlie and their relationship grows. Between the two of them they decide that Abby needs to find a way out of the marriage. They decide to have her disappear. The plan is set and all seems good but it all takes a twisted turn. I liked the story line. Once she has met Charlie I had a feeling there was something not right. So it really kept me guessing and trying to figure out what was going to come of Charlie. I think that there could have been more back story on Abby and how her and the husband came about and more about the beginning of their relationship. Overall this book kept me interested and on the edge of my seat.
August 25, 2019
The plot in this book had a lot of potential, but the writing was just too flat, all the characters were just not believable...
Also, I really hope that calling 'Alcohol content 15%' a wine for KIDS is a typo!!!!!
Also, I really hope that calling 'Alcohol content 15%' a wine for KIDS is a typo!!!!!
August 15, 2019
Story got off to a slow start but the middle got moving and thrilling. The ending a disappointment. It left me feeling that the writer was tired of going on with the story and had to come up with a fast ending. Just not a good ending in my humble opinion.
August 19, 2019
This had so much potential. Abby is so unlikeable and dumb you just can’t feel for her at all. Her romance is unbelievable you know something is wrong right away. The writing didn’t tie any of the ends together. Great potential, poor execution.
January 10, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy reading about complex relationships, even when they're totally screwed up. The first chapter of this book immediately hooked me. Abby is married to Randall, the most controlling man I have ever heard of. There are video cameras all over Abby's house. If she is out shopping, she has to bring home receipts for proof of where she went. If there is too long between receipt times, he gets suspicious. Randall tracks her location on her phone. The abuse is not only emotional, but often, physical.
I found it interesting that Abby's life looks so perfect to outsiders- barely needs to work, house cleaner, cook, wealthy husband, spending money, carefree life. There is so much hidden under the surface. Abby hasn't had to provide for herself in so long she doesn't know things like how to load a dishwasher. In the book, Abby gets a job a job 8 hours a week at Randall's friend's company in order to save Randall money on insurance. This begins a chain of events that lead to Abby trying to plan an escape from her life.
This book was unpredictable. I was always wondering whether or not Abby could trust certain characters. I was constantly afraid of what Randall would do to her if certain things were revealed. I really cared about her welfare. I loved all the details that went into her planning her escape. I truly felt like I was right with Abby through it all.
This was a great thriller and a very fast-paced read. The premise of the book was fascinating. I would recommend it!
I found it interesting that Abby's life looks so perfect to outsiders- barely needs to work, house cleaner, cook, wealthy husband, spending money, carefree life. There is so much hidden under the surface. Abby hasn't had to provide for herself in so long she doesn't know things like how to load a dishwasher. In the book, Abby gets a job a job 8 hours a week at Randall's friend's company in order to save Randall money on insurance. This begins a chain of events that lead to Abby trying to plan an escape from her life.
This book was unpredictable. I was always wondering whether or not Abby could trust certain characters. I was constantly afraid of what Randall would do to her if certain things were revealed. I really cared about her welfare. I loved all the details that went into her planning her escape. I truly felt like I was right with Abby through it all.
This was a great thriller and a very fast-paced read. The premise of the book was fascinating. I would recommend it!
August 16, 2019
Not sure why I liked this book, but I did
The beginning is quite similar to sleeping with the enemy, but despite the similarities, it was engaging and page turning. The writing is good and real. The thing is I didn't feel connected to the main character. She was sometimes funny, and definitely a survivor, but she was also kind of robotic. Still, a decent book that makes you want to keep reading.
The beginning is quite similar to sleeping with the enemy, but despite the similarities, it was engaging and page turning. The writing is good and real. The thing is I didn't feel connected to the main character. She was sometimes funny, and definitely a survivor, but she was also kind of robotic. Still, a decent book that makes you want to keep reading.
July 17, 2016
Good read for a free Amazon book. However, the plot had a few holes in it and wasn't as fully developed as it could have been. More background on the characters, especially Abby, would have helped the reader understand her motivation in staying in the situation she was in and making the choices she did. It's a quick read.
February 14, 2016
The storyline seemed interesting enough and that's the reason I chose the book. It did not do much for me. The main character was annoying and unbelievable. I mainly finished the book just to see if she made it out of the mess she found herself in.
November 2, 2016
Interesting read
Quick read. Complicated characters and storyline twists keep the reader entertained. Life struggles and leaving one danger for another keep the main character busy and the reader turning pages.
Quick read. Complicated characters and storyline twists keep the reader entertained. Life struggles and leaving one danger for another keep the main character busy and the reader turning pages.
October 6, 2017
This had potential to be a good book, but the writing was subpar and the story was just wonky. One minute Abby seemed completely clueless about life (doesn't know how to stuff an envelope), then the next she's completely savvy.
July 23, 2017
Nice read!
Well written. Captivating. Inspiring. Memorable characters.
Everything a decent book needs to be. Definitely recommended for every woman to read.
Well written. Captivating. Inspiring. Memorable characters.
Everything a decent book needs to be. Definitely recommended for every woman to read.
September 11, 2019
Read it to the end, wish I hadn’t bothered.
August 8, 2019
Wow!! Holly has done it again, I have not been able to put down this book. I have been on the edge of my seat, desperate to see what happens next.
I’ve already said that Holly is a fantastic author but I really do feel that she deserves praise and recognition for the wonderful and varied stories produced. I have to congratulate Holly for being brave enough to cover the theme of domestic violence within this story. Holly has portrayed a very realistic relationship between the characters with compassion and accuracy.
This is one of those books that I am praying becomes a movie because I would definitely go to watch it. Abby is a likeable and I felt invested in her from the very beginning. Although she is a trophy wife, she remains genuine and humble throughout.
Although the scene of violence made me uncomfortable, the reader instantly becomes aware of the need for Abby to be away from the situation. Holly has done a superb job of integrating this scene delicately but also in a way that makes it realistic.
The plot of this book was not what I was expecting, but that just made it more of an exciting read. Honestly, couldn’t put this down- read all of it in less than four hours. I am definitely a huge fan of Holly’s books.
I do have to apologise to Holly, this is an easy one for me to rate. This is without a doubt a five star read. The reason I need to apologise is because five stars is not enough- it does not show how truly fabulous this book is or how much I have loved reading it. This is a book I highly recommend.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’ve already said that Holly is a fantastic author but I really do feel that she deserves praise and recognition for the wonderful and varied stories produced. I have to congratulate Holly for being brave enough to cover the theme of domestic violence within this story. Holly has portrayed a very realistic relationship between the characters with compassion and accuracy.
This is one of those books that I am praying becomes a movie because I would definitely go to watch it. Abby is a likeable and I felt invested in her from the very beginning. Although she is a trophy wife, she remains genuine and humble throughout.
Although the scene of violence made me uncomfortable, the reader instantly becomes aware of the need for Abby to be away from the situation. Holly has done a superb job of integrating this scene delicately but also in a way that makes it realistic.
The plot of this book was not what I was expecting, but that just made it more of an exciting read. Honestly, couldn’t put this down- read all of it in less than four hours. I am definitely a huge fan of Holly’s books.
I do have to apologise to Holly, this is an easy one for me to rate. This is without a doubt a five star read. The reason I need to apologise is because five stars is not enough- it does not show how truly fabulous this book is or how much I have loved reading it. This is a book I highly recommend.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 23, 2019
I give it an OK. A bit cheesy but it picked up and kept me entertained.
~ Abby is gorgeous. She has no issues meeting guys and she knows it. The unthinkable comes in the way of a phone call one afternoon at work. Her whole life is turned upside down. Randall was there for her at the right time. At least that’s how she looked at it. Twenty-five year’s her senior and loaded. He wined and dined her, giving her the attention she craved. Until the attention became obsessive; cameras watching her at home and having to account for every minute of every day. Then came Charlie. Her age and handsome. He was all she could think of, but it was too dangerous to do so. After all, Randall’s obsession we’re becoming abusive and violent. Was she trapped in a lifeless marriage or could Abby find a way to finally live?
~ Abby is gorgeous. She has no issues meeting guys and she knows it. The unthinkable comes in the way of a phone call one afternoon at work. Her whole life is turned upside down. Randall was there for her at the right time. At least that’s how she looked at it. Twenty-five year’s her senior and loaded. He wined and dined her, giving her the attention she craved. Until the attention became obsessive; cameras watching her at home and having to account for every minute of every day. Then came Charlie. Her age and handsome. He was all she could think of, but it was too dangerous to do so. After all, Randall’s obsession we’re becoming abusive and violent. Was she trapped in a lifeless marriage or could Abby find a way to finally live?
January 31, 2021
I vacillated between a three- and four-star rating with this book. At first, I found it a little slow-going and a bit unbelievable. Could Abby really be so dumb as to not know how to fold an invoice and place it in an envelope? Was the author trying to portray her as a bit developmentally delayed? But once past that point, Abby's naiveté seemed more realistic as part of a sheltered life as the wife of a rich man who wanted nothing more than a pretty woman to hang on his arm in front of people he wished to impress.
How Abby goes from a woman totally dependent on a man she finds she cannot love to a woman who is self-sufficient then draws the reader into her story more fully. Not wanting to give out any spoilers, let me just say that the ending is surprising. If you like a good story taken from the mind of the main character, you will enjoy this book.
How Abby goes from a woman totally dependent on a man she finds she cannot love to a woman who is self-sufficient then draws the reader into her story more fully. Not wanting to give out any spoilers, let me just say that the ending is surprising. If you like a good story taken from the mind of the main character, you will enjoy this book.
April 28, 2018
Run away baby
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. The author has told a romance story with a twist.
This book has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. The author has told a romance story with a twist.
August 11, 2019
This book was so good couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns
August 11, 2019
Main character was an incredible young woman, so strong and brave. Loved the twists and turns. Must have enjoyed as I am a busy mum and finished it in under 48 hours (missed out on some sleep lol!)
August 13, 2019
I enjoyed this writers style. However this book was highly predictable.
October 4, 2019
Read it in a day. Not earth-shattering, but very compelling.
January 28, 2020
Poor writing, semi believable.
July 5, 2020
Was a fun read with a twist.
July 1, 2021
Extremely tedious to get through. The ending was the best part, all of the men got their comeuppance. Still a boring book.
January 7, 2020
I was excited to read this book after reading the blurb but ultimately I was disappointed. I didn’t not really feel for the main character and empathise at all. I’m not saying it is a terrible book - it’s just that I did not feel a connection with it.
October 12, 2019
I made it 24 pages in and I'd seen enough. As far as I could see the leading lady is a proper nitwit. I know some women suffer in silence as far as abusive relationships go but it was just ridiculous to imagine her husband's secretary calling her with HIS orders, as bonkers as they are. It made Krissa as mentally challenged as hubby clearly is to be going along with this utter nonsense. I'm pretty sure any self-respecting woman told to make these types of calls wouldn't let their feet touch the floor !!
And if someone said to me "Make me a lettuce wrap" they'd be pretty sorry, yet this heroine doesn't even blink at his godawful rudeness. Nope, THIS idiot ends up married to him ! As far as I am concerned, she gets all she deserves for her stupidity.
I found this sentence baffling, despite rereading it half a dozen times ! "Once upon a time she'd been ALT. Or ATL with the T being bigger, on the front of her Christmas sweater from third grade. Abigail L. Temperley"......her names do not equate to ATL in any fashion so I was totally confused by this.
Then she commences a new job in admin at an office and a secretary asked her to fold paperwork and stuff it in envelopes. This prize couldn't do this task properly, misfolding them so they didn't show the addresses in the envelope windows ! And.....she says, "Why didn't you tell me that's how it worked ?" Said secretary responded with "I didn't realize I had to" and I was with her !! She had to think she'd been landed with a right simpleton. This Abby then said "Could you grab me a cup of coffee ?" and I was finished with her. Either she has no manners at all or she's a mentalist and I couldn't stand the thought of spending 400 pages with this person at all.
And if someone said to me "Make me a lettuce wrap" they'd be pretty sorry, yet this heroine doesn't even blink at his godawful rudeness. Nope, THIS idiot ends up married to him ! As far as I am concerned, she gets all she deserves for her stupidity.
I found this sentence baffling, despite rereading it half a dozen times ! "Once upon a time she'd been ALT. Or ATL with the T being bigger, on the front of her Christmas sweater from third grade. Abigail L. Temperley"......her names do not equate to ATL in any fashion so I was totally confused by this.
Then she commences a new job in admin at an office and a secretary asked her to fold paperwork and stuff it in envelopes. This prize couldn't do this task properly, misfolding them so they didn't show the addresses in the envelope windows ! And.....she says, "Why didn't you tell me that's how it worked ?" Said secretary responded with "I didn't realize I had to" and I was with her !! She had to think she'd been landed with a right simpleton. This Abby then said "Could you grab me a cup of coffee ?" and I was finished with her. Either she has no manners at all or she's a mentalist and I couldn't stand the thought of spending 400 pages with this person at all.
August 19, 2019
Not a romance
Rating: R for sex, language, and violence
Sex: multiple scenes, a rape
Language: 33 F words
Violence: rape, assault, kidnapping
HEA: yes, for Abby
Would I read more of the series: no
I didn't enjoy this book at all. The characters weren't developed very well. Since Abby graduated from college, I assume she has some intelligence, but she doesn't display it. We don't understand Ronald nor Charlie. The plot was meh, the pacing slow.
----SPOILERS----
Abby lost her entire family (parents, siblings, remaining grandparents, no other relatives) within a few months. She's in shock, and Ronald is looking for a trophy wife (he's double her age), and she submits to his wishes. 6 years later, she's completely under his control (household cameras, GPS on her phone, tracks receipts and purchases daily). She gets a job he lined up for her, and all it involves is folding letters. She meets Charlie, the mailman to the office, and they start an affair. He wants to get her away from Ronald. They come up with a scheme, she creates a Plan B that she doesn't tell him about because he's getting weird, then they start. When they run away, his whacko cousin arrives at the place, too. Charlie lies, gets weirder, cousin ties her up while they go vandalize, and she gets away. She runs, eventually gets out of state, Charlie and cousin are convicted of murder, and Ronald dies. She doesn't go back to her life.
Rating: R for sex, language, and violence
Sex: multiple scenes, a rape
Language: 33 F words
Violence: rape, assault, kidnapping
HEA: yes, for Abby
Would I read more of the series: no
I didn't enjoy this book at all. The characters weren't developed very well. Since Abby graduated from college, I assume she has some intelligence, but she doesn't display it. We don't understand Ronald nor Charlie. The plot was meh, the pacing slow.
----SPOILERS----
Abby lost her entire family (parents, siblings, remaining grandparents, no other relatives) within a few months. She's in shock, and Ronald is looking for a trophy wife (he's double her age), and she submits to his wishes. 6 years later, she's completely under his control (household cameras, GPS on her phone, tracks receipts and purchases daily). She gets a job he lined up for her, and all it involves is folding letters. She meets Charlie, the mailman to the office, and they start an affair. He wants to get her away from Ronald. They come up with a scheme, she creates a Plan B that she doesn't tell him about because he's getting weird, then they start. When they run away, his whacko cousin arrives at the place, too. Charlie lies, gets weirder, cousin ties her up while they go vandalize, and she gets away. She runs, eventually gets out of state, Charlie and cousin are convicted of murder, and Ronald dies. She doesn't go back to her life.
November 22, 2019
Good Story
When Abby marries wealthy older Randall, she gets much more than the money, home and jewels that come with wealth. She also finds herself in a prison where her every move, even what she wears is controlled by her husband. When he decides to let her work at his friends lawfirm, she thinks she finds her savior in an unlikely source..the mailman. But is he? And who is she running away from?
When Abby marries wealthy older Randall, she gets much more than the money, home and jewels that come with wealth. She also finds herself in a prison where her every move, even what she wears is controlled by her husband. When he decides to let her work at his friends lawfirm, she thinks she finds her savior in an unlikely source..the mailman. But is he? And who is she running away from?
August 14, 2019
A really great story
I wasn't sure where this was going when i started reading, but it got interesting quite quickly. I loved. Abby. She grew a lot through all of this, and i liked that. This is kind off the answer to the question "What ever happened to the girl in the Eagle's song, Lying Eyes?"
I wasn't sure where this was going when i started reading, but it got interesting quite quickly. I loved. Abby. She grew a lot through all of this, and i liked that. This is kind off the answer to the question "What ever happened to the girl in the Eagle's song, Lying Eyes?"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews