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The Redemption of Holly Dobson
Holly Dobson possesses an understated benevolent evilness. She is relentlessly driven by her unbreakable sense of family values. Holly acts with remorseless conviction to protect her own regardless of the consequences. Her only son is a demonic, charismatic, and curiously engaging being. The quintessential evil which George Dobson personifies sets Holly on a path that spans continents, decades, and the landscape of her very soul. Along the way, Holly discovers her purpose and finds redemption as a mother, a woman, lover, and ultimately something more than a mere human being.
252 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published September 30, 2010
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About the author
C. Lynn Barton
1 book3 followersC. Lynn Barton resides in Chicago, IL. with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 5, 2010
Holly Dobson is a very strong character, throughout the whole book she tries to overcome her childhood and then goes on to right the wrongs she’s created in life. I found the book hard to put down. It is very different than anything I’ve read recently. I did find a lot of misspelled words and grammar problems, but still thoroughly enjoyable.
February 5, 2011
I have to be honest here, I didn't actually finish the book. I just couldn't.
**spoilers**
Holly Dobson is a woman who grew up in a dark childhood. Her biological mother (whom she calls her "real" mother, but as an adoptive parent I find that a little offensive. I cut the author and character slack because her adopted mother is verbally abusive.) dropped Holly off for day care when she was six months old and never came back for her. The day care owners decided to adopt her to replace the baby they'd lost the day after she was born.
The book goes into pretty good detail about the kinds of things Holly endured as a child. Verbal abuse, unclean living conditions, a father who sexually abuses her by making her watch things. This goes on for the first six chapters or so. Then everything changes abruptly and Holly is a grown woman. A new couple moves into the house across the street, and when Holly goes over to meet them, she is instantly lusting after the husband, Normal. Yes, that's his name. The wife, Kate, becomes Holly's best friend, even after she fantasizes about Normal every night.
Suddenly Kate gets sick and is hospitalized. Normal invites Holly to stay the night. And she does. Yes, this happens while Kate is in the hospital. She sleeps in a separate bedroom, but in the middle of the night, she wakes up and goes to see Normal. She finds him with horns on his head and fire coming out his hands.
Yes, Normal is the Devil. Holly even talks to her Catholic priest to confirm it. And he does. He and two other priests have been hunting Normal for 25 years.
Kate dies a few days later, and Normal seduces Holly. He impregnates her because, apparently, the only way he can continue to live on the earth is if he can get a woman pregnant and then live in that body.
At this point, I put the book down. I'm sorry to the author and to the book, but I just couldn't read any more.
I don't enjoy reading about sex or the devil or evil spawn. The title of the book is the Redemption of Holly Dobson, but I can't make it to the Redemption part.
Besides the subject content, I found the author's writing interesting. She uses a lot of dialogue and I like that.
Unfortunately there were a lot of errors. Misspelled words, missing punctuation, etc.
I gave it one star because I couldn't even finish the book. In the author's defense, it wasn't the writing style. Like I said, I didn't mind it. It was the subject.
**spoilers**
Holly Dobson is a woman who grew up in a dark childhood. Her biological mother (whom she calls her "real" mother, but as an adoptive parent I find that a little offensive. I cut the author and character slack because her adopted mother is verbally abusive.) dropped Holly off for day care when she was six months old and never came back for her. The day care owners decided to adopt her to replace the baby they'd lost the day after she was born.
The book goes into pretty good detail about the kinds of things Holly endured as a child. Verbal abuse, unclean living conditions, a father who sexually abuses her by making her watch things. This goes on for the first six chapters or so. Then everything changes abruptly and Holly is a grown woman. A new couple moves into the house across the street, and when Holly goes over to meet them, she is instantly lusting after the husband, Normal. Yes, that's his name. The wife, Kate, becomes Holly's best friend, even after she fantasizes about Normal every night.
Suddenly Kate gets sick and is hospitalized. Normal invites Holly to stay the night. And she does. Yes, this happens while Kate is in the hospital. She sleeps in a separate bedroom, but in the middle of the night, she wakes up and goes to see Normal. She finds him with horns on his head and fire coming out his hands.
Yes, Normal is the Devil. Holly even talks to her Catholic priest to confirm it. And he does. He and two other priests have been hunting Normal for 25 years.
Kate dies a few days later, and Normal seduces Holly. He impregnates her because, apparently, the only way he can continue to live on the earth is if he can get a woman pregnant and then live in that body.
At this point, I put the book down. I'm sorry to the author and to the book, but I just couldn't read any more.
I don't enjoy reading about sex or the devil or evil spawn. The title of the book is the Redemption of Holly Dobson, but I can't make it to the Redemption part.
Besides the subject content, I found the author's writing interesting. She uses a lot of dialogue and I like that.
Unfortunately there were a lot of errors. Misspelled words, missing punctuation, etc.
I gave it one star because I couldn't even finish the book. In the author's defense, it wasn't the writing style. Like I said, I didn't mind it. It was the subject.
November 27, 2010
The Redemption of Holly Dobson, by C. Lynn Barton is the story of a girl who grows up in unloving circumstances and finds herself trying to get through life the best she can. She meets a man who changes everything for her and that is where her true story begins. Holly finds herself in many corners where evil lurks and temptation gets the better of her. She ignores the warnings of those who truly care for her, and justifies the terrible things she does by claiming to do them in order to protect her family.
This book has been labeled as horror fiction and thriller. I found it to be neither of these. Though there was a supernatural evil element, the book did not cause me to feel any fear for the characters. There were a few gruesome acts that were mentioned, but the evil described just wasn't presented in a way that would really cause fear or concern. Holly treated all things with no sense of mortification, which added to the ho-hum feel of things. The back cover mentions her son as "demonic," which conjures thoughts of the most horrifying evil. However, the actions taken by the son were more along the lines of Orson Wells' 1984. Horrifying, yes. Demonic, no.
As for being a thriller, I didn't find it suspenseful. Everything was pretty predictable. Even when new elements were introduced, they were done in a "that's just the way it is" fashion.
Overall, I found many parts of the story to be extremely redundant (e.i., the constant reminder that Holly grew up with no love, or how she would do anything to protect her family, etc.). I also feel that the transitions were very abrupt. There were many mechanical problems, and the ending was not satisfying as there was no real resolution. Lastly, I just could not sympathize with the main character because she never learned her lesson, though she viewed herself differently.
I liked the original ideas that surrounded The Spring and the Vampierre family. This book had good bones, and I did enjoy reading it, but it really needed to be fleshed out more thoroughly in order for it to be its best.
On a scale of 1-4, I give this book a 2. I liked the overall premise of the story, and I feel it has potential.
This book was published by Dark Willow Books
ISBN: 978-0-615-34941-1
Thank you to C. Lynn Barton for this gift of this book.
This book has been labeled as horror fiction and thriller. I found it to be neither of these. Though there was a supernatural evil element, the book did not cause me to feel any fear for the characters. There were a few gruesome acts that were mentioned, but the evil described just wasn't presented in a way that would really cause fear or concern. Holly treated all things with no sense of mortification, which added to the ho-hum feel of things. The back cover mentions her son as "demonic," which conjures thoughts of the most horrifying evil. However, the actions taken by the son were more along the lines of Orson Wells' 1984. Horrifying, yes. Demonic, no.
As for being a thriller, I didn't find it suspenseful. Everything was pretty predictable. Even when new elements were introduced, they were done in a "that's just the way it is" fashion.
Overall, I found many parts of the story to be extremely redundant (e.i., the constant reminder that Holly grew up with no love, or how she would do anything to protect her family, etc.). I also feel that the transitions were very abrupt. There were many mechanical problems, and the ending was not satisfying as there was no real resolution. Lastly, I just could not sympathize with the main character because she never learned her lesson, though she viewed herself differently.
I liked the original ideas that surrounded The Spring and the Vampierre family. This book had good bones, and I did enjoy reading it, but it really needed to be fleshed out more thoroughly in order for it to be its best.
On a scale of 1-4, I give this book a 2. I liked the overall premise of the story, and I feel it has potential.
This book was published by Dark Willow Books
ISBN: 978-0-615-34941-1
Thank you to C. Lynn Barton for this gift of this book.
August 19, 2014
I regret to say that the only truly horrifying thing about this book was the writing. The story centers on Holly Dobson, a woman described as having “an understated benevolent evilness.” To this humble reader, though, Holly did not seem interesting enough to possess any evilness, understated or otherwise.
Holly is the adopted daughter of a Texas gambler and her wishy-washy husband. Barton gives us Holly’s background in the first stumbling chapters of the book. Then, we are whisked into Holly’s adult life where she falls for a man named Normal Roberts, a married man with a certain magnetic charm.
Normal’s wife, Kate, dies under mysterious circumstances and, with a wink and smile, Normal has transferred his love to Holly. From nowhere, we learn that Normal is actually Satan and has come to Earth to “end everything good in humanity.” This great end is accomplished, according to Barton, by impregnating Holly with a son.
I will not say more about the plot in the event that someone wishes to read the book for him/herself — even the worst books have their fans.
However, I would like to give you a taste of this author’s writing, particularly the dialogue:
In this scene, Holly has just gone to a convent for somewhat confusing reasons:
“I am Mother Frances. How may I help you?”
“My name is Holly and I want to become a nun,” I said.
“Come in, my child,” Mother Frances said.
“I am from Texas,” I announced.
“How did you get here?”
“I am visiting my aunt who lives across the highway,” I said.
“Does your family know that you are here?”
“No, I am sixteen, so I can go where I want.”
“Why did you come to the convent?”
“I came here because I want to live with you. I don’t want to live with my Momma anymore,” I cried.
“Dry your tears. We are getting ready for Mass. Will you join us?”
“Yes…”
All the dialogue is like this: dry, stilted, and without any flow or characterization. Indeed, each character from Mother Frances to Holly, to Normal Roberts, to a trio of priests, to Holly’s evil son, George, all sound the same. If every dialogue tag were removed, there would be absolutely no differentiation between characters.
While the premise behind The Redemption of Holly Dobson is sound, the execution fails miserably.
Holly is the adopted daughter of a Texas gambler and her wishy-washy husband. Barton gives us Holly’s background in the first stumbling chapters of the book. Then, we are whisked into Holly’s adult life where she falls for a man named Normal Roberts, a married man with a certain magnetic charm.
Normal’s wife, Kate, dies under mysterious circumstances and, with a wink and smile, Normal has transferred his love to Holly. From nowhere, we learn that Normal is actually Satan and has come to Earth to “end everything good in humanity.” This great end is accomplished, according to Barton, by impregnating Holly with a son.
I will not say more about the plot in the event that someone wishes to read the book for him/herself — even the worst books have their fans.
However, I would like to give you a taste of this author’s writing, particularly the dialogue:
In this scene, Holly has just gone to a convent for somewhat confusing reasons:
“I am Mother Frances. How may I help you?”
“My name is Holly and I want to become a nun,” I said.
“Come in, my child,” Mother Frances said.
“I am from Texas,” I announced.
“How did you get here?”
“I am visiting my aunt who lives across the highway,” I said.
“Does your family know that you are here?”
“No, I am sixteen, so I can go where I want.”
“Why did you come to the convent?”
“I came here because I want to live with you. I don’t want to live with my Momma anymore,” I cried.
“Dry your tears. We are getting ready for Mass. Will you join us?”
“Yes…”
All the dialogue is like this: dry, stilted, and without any flow or characterization. Indeed, each character from Mother Frances to Holly, to Normal Roberts, to a trio of priests, to Holly’s evil son, George, all sound the same. If every dialogue tag were removed, there would be absolutely no differentiation between characters.
While the premise behind The Redemption of Holly Dobson is sound, the execution fails miserably.
September 23, 2011
I really do not know what to think about this book, it was way beyond strange and I only finished reading it because it was in the car and it was the only book I had to read while waiting for the kids after school. I would never have finished it otherwise, but I get bored waiting and one of the kids likes to play on the playground for a good 1/2 hour after school is out...lots of time to read then.
Strange story with strange people and strange experiences also lots of strange killings and strange deaths. I wondered if maybe Holly was just mentally ill and dreamed all of this up and the author would tell the reader that at the end, but no. It is a weird story with very little transition between years, places and themes. Holly is evil and good and yet evil and yet good all at the same time. The dialog is stilted and jumpy but the story is the same. There is little to no flow and I felt at times my brain was being sucked out of my skull while reading this. But then again I did keep reading it.
I really cannot say a good thing about this book, it didn't make much sense and even at the end I really am not sure what was going on or went on for that matter. Murder, living forever, angels, gypsies, cave dwellers, wealth, poverty, gambling, farming, evil, devil, God, vampires, werewolves, pedophiles, priests, popes, foster parents, cell phone that tell people what to do and they do it, this book is so strange and I really didn't care for it and like I said I really don't understand what I just read...not any of it besides the part about her willingness to do anything for her family. But even with that she went way over the top...believe me...she did.
Maybe if this was a story you went and listened to in person, maybe it would have made more sense... storytellers really need to be heard and enjoyed live. All I can really say is that this book was strange...and not in a good way.
Strange story with strange people and strange experiences also lots of strange killings and strange deaths. I wondered if maybe Holly was just mentally ill and dreamed all of this up and the author would tell the reader that at the end, but no. It is a weird story with very little transition between years, places and themes. Holly is evil and good and yet evil and yet good all at the same time. The dialog is stilted and jumpy but the story is the same. There is little to no flow and I felt at times my brain was being sucked out of my skull while reading this. But then again I did keep reading it.
I really cannot say a good thing about this book, it didn't make much sense and even at the end I really am not sure what was going on or went on for that matter. Murder, living forever, angels, gypsies, cave dwellers, wealth, poverty, gambling, farming, evil, devil, God, vampires, werewolves, pedophiles, priests, popes, foster parents, cell phone that tell people what to do and they do it, this book is so strange and I really didn't care for it and like I said I really don't understand what I just read...not any of it besides the part about her willingness to do anything for her family. But even with that she went way over the top...believe me...she did.
Maybe if this was a story you went and listened to in person, maybe it would have made more sense... storytellers really need to be heard and enjoyed live. All I can really say is that this book was strange...and not in a good way.
November 4, 2010
I think this book was an interesting read. It had some very good parts, particularly the character of Holly Dobson, and her back-story, who were quite interesting and intriguing. However it also had some not so good parts, such as the under development of some characters, and certain parts of the tale simply did not seem to fit. I see Holly as a woman of faith, yet many of her actions seem to contradict her inherent beliefs. For instance, her nonchalant attitude and actions over the murder of Maureen.
The tale is the age-old conundrum of good vs. evil, but with the twist of a mother having to choose to between what is right or destroying her son. I really wish there had been more background on George, his childhood, and the mother /son bond with Holly. I understand how Holly was so driven to “save” her son, and why for her, love and family was so vital and important, but the connection between the two seemed finite and diminutive.
I truly think that C. Lynn Barton is a talented writer, and I hope to read more of her work. I have always enjoyed stories that push boundaries, and this one certainly did, however my only wish is that more details were given, and that the stories within the story were more elaborate and less a skewed.
The tale is the age-old conundrum of good vs. evil, but with the twist of a mother having to choose to between what is right or destroying her son. I really wish there had been more background on George, his childhood, and the mother /son bond with Holly. I understand how Holly was so driven to “save” her son, and why for her, love and family was so vital and important, but the connection between the two seemed finite and diminutive.
I truly think that C. Lynn Barton is a talented writer, and I hope to read more of her work. I have always enjoyed stories that push boundaries, and this one certainly did, however my only wish is that more details were given, and that the stories within the story were more elaborate and less a skewed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2010
This book was different, and it was different in a good way. It was definitely a change in my normal reading. The story starts out slow, but once your a few chapters in, your hooked. You start to wonder, what in the heck is going on. I think for most of this story, I stayed so intrigued because there was a lot to figure out and you were waiting to see what Holly was going to do. Who wouldn't when you son is the spawn of of Satan, or could even be Satan himself. Its all in how you interpret this book. There is a lot of paranormal aspects in this book, so I think anyone who likes that kind of book would enjoy this one.
Holly as a character was hard to figure out. I think even when the book was ending, she was still a puzzle to me. There were things she did in this book, that will shock the reader and leave you wondering how she feels she can redeem herself. I would love to see a sequel to this book. I think this would make an awesome series.
Holly as a character was hard to figure out. I think even when the book was ending, she was still a puzzle to me. There were things she did in this book, that will shock the reader and leave you wondering how she feels she can redeem herself. I would love to see a sequel to this book. I think this would make an awesome series.
November 18, 2010
I was mixed on this book. The author has a quirky way of storytelling that jumps from one place to another with little transition, especially later in the story. The main character, Holly Dobson, was twisted by her early upbringing into somebody with a strong desire for family ties. I'd characterize her as a sociopath, giving in without thought to the urge to harm anyone who came between her and her son or grandson. She was definitely not a character I felt drawn to or sympathized with. But, the story was interesting and I kept reading to see how it worked out and to discover whether she was actually redeemed in the end.
November 10, 2010
This is a good old fashioned horror thriller. This book draws you in from page one, and you do not want to put it down. Holly is a woman who will protect her family at all costs. There is a lot of evil lurking about Holly is trying to find out who she is. There are tons of twists in this book and you might not want to read this late at night.
October 26, 2010
Characters were rather one dimensional, and things happened too quickly to have much impact on the reader. The transitions between events and times were choppy. The narrator was whiny. Dialogue was pretty stiff.
won from giveaway.
won from giveaway.
November 2, 2010
I Just receive this Book and so far It has held me C. Lynn Barton is a wonderful story teller and I wish her all the best and will give my full review as soon as I'm finished reading the book. But so far its a story I really want to hear.
November 4, 2010
This book is an amazing. It isn't like anything I've read before. I highly suggest it to anyone who enjoys literary horror. It isn't all blood and guts. This tale will make you think. There were a few places where better editing was needed, but the tale is outstanding and worth reading twice.
January 5, 2011
Exciting and extravagant.The type of book which makes you keep reading in order to find out more information about the story."I couldnt stop reading, I would read every spare moment I had." very good book.
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October 29, 2010
The Redemption of Holly Dobson is a very personal tale. It is a book of fiction; however, Holly's childhood is based on my own any many aspects. I thank all of you for the interest in my novel.
November 3, 2010
This is a lovely story, very entertaining. I would love to have it on audiobook. It would make a great Christmas gift.
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November 15, 2010hi
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