The story follows Olivia, a young girl trapped in an abusive home, and her mother Gabrielle as they try to break free from the cruel grip of Papa Dale. What begins with the vivid image of a turquoise Pontiac Catalina soon unfolds into a tale of survival, fear, and hope. Olivia’s journey takes her from the suffocating confines of her stepfather’s “ghost ship” of a house into the uncertain world of strangers who promise safety but hint at danger of a different kind. Layered with family secrets, cult-like communities, and the constant threat of violence, the book dives into how trauma shapes identity and resilience.

I found myself pulled in by the writing style. It’s raw and conversational, sometimes almost like listening in on someone’s thoughts. That made it easy to connect with Olivia’s fear, frustration, and flashes of defiance. Some passages struck me hard, especially the descriptions of the trunk punishments and Gabrielle’s quiet, desperate planning. At times, though, the prose felt heavy, almost overcrowded with metaphors and similes. It worked to show the chaos in Olivia’s head, but occasionally I wished for a cleaner line so the power of the moment could breathe.

The story doesn’t flinch from showing how abuse warps everyday life, how escape is messy and uncertain, and how hope is often a fragile thread. I felt angry at Gabrielle for sending Olivia away with a stranger, yet I also understood the impossible bind she was in. That conflict left me unsettled, but that’s what makes the story stick. It’s not neat or easy, and that felt real. I also appreciated how Donovan balanced darkness with small glimpses of beauty, like the hawk overhead or the fleeting memory of a father’s smile.

I’d recommend Secret Seeds to readers who are drawn to psychological dramas with a strong emotional punch. If you’re interested in stories about survival, family trauma, or the fine line between trust and betrayal, this book will keep you turning pages. It’s not a light read, but it is a gripping one.

Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0DYWRR98D