Giselle Jones, there’s a bit of you in Becca, and I couldn’t love her or you more. I am in awe of all you do to encourage, support, and nurture those around you. The world is a better place with you in it.

To my sister, Heather Overton, nothing I write is done until it receives your seal of approval. Thank you for patience and for reading hundreds if not thousands of pages. Your notes would be annoying if they weren’t spot-on. You’re one of the most talented people I know, and I can’t wait to see what you do next.

I am so grateful to my amazing, handsome husband, David Boyd, who told me on our first date, “I don’t get stressed,” and then married a very stressed-out writer. Thanks for accepting my messy nature (and forever tidying up around me), making me laugh, and reminding me no matter how hard things are to keep fighting. I am so lucky I get to live out my dreams with you by my side.

Finally, to all the readers who bought my books, checked them out at your local library, passed them along to friends, and took the time to blog, e-mail, or share on social media, thank you for your unwavering support. While The Runaway is a work of fiction, it is by far my most personal book. I’ve experienced many of these issues firsthand, from mental health struggles to ongoing infertility issues. Writing what you know comes with its own pitfalls, and I sometimes questioned why I wrote a book that was so close to home. Some days your messages were all that kept me going. I hope wherever you are, whatever challenges or struggles you may be going through, you know you’re not alone. Keep going, keep fighting, and remember to breathe.

MEET THE AUTHOR

MEET THE AUTHOR

Photo credit: Heather Overton

HOLLIE OVERTON was raised in Texas and draws on her unique childhood experiences for inspiration. Her father was a member of the notorious Overton gang in Austin and served time in prison for manslaughter. Hollie is a television writer whose credits include Tell Me a Story, Cold Case and Shadowhunters. Her debut novel, Baby Doll, was an international bestseller and has been translated into eleven languages. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and rescue dog.

A PREVIEW OF "THE WALLS"

if you enjoyed

THE RUNAWAY

look out for

THE WALLS

by

Hollie Overton

You would die for your family. Would you kill for them?

Working on death row and raising her son as a single mom is tough. When Kristy Tucker meets and falls in love with handsome Lance Dobson, at last she can imagine a better future.

But after their wedding, her life becomes one of constant terror. And as Lance’s violence escalates, Kristy must decide how far she will go to save herself—and her son.