From Surviving to Living with Holly Bot
Official Book Release 12.10.2025
Arrested, convicted, and branded a sex offender, Holly faced a future stripped of freedom and family. But faith became her lifeline inside a system designed to break her. This memoir details every grueling step—from jail intake, battles with bureaucracy, to the relentless fight for her children—showing how surrendering to Jesus reshaped a shattered life.
“A remarkable piece of work with a timeless message for all those who find themselves in a painful situation or condition from which it seems impossible to escape…If you are searching for some resource to help in rescuing people from impossible situations, I urge you to acquire a copy!”
This book was INCREDIBLE! I was so moved by it and it is superbly written with the account flowing to give conext and background to the events.
You may feel anger, disgust, or even betrayal at the idea of hearing a story from someone branded a sex offender. That reaction is honest—and it matters. This isn’t an attempt to excuse what was done, or to erase the weight of harm.
But what if grace could reach even here?
From Surviving to Living is a raw account of one woman’s journey through prison and deep shame into a life reshaped by Jesus. It is not comfortable. It will challenge the way you think about justice, mercy, and redemption. But it also bears witness to a truth we desperately need: no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.
If you’ve ever wrestled with where forgiveness ends—or whether real change is possible—this story is for you.
An incredible tale of brutal honesty, hope, and despair.
I was moved to tears in so many parts, and equally inspired and encouraged by Holly’s strength, insight, and reflection.
Her book forced me to hold a mirror to myself, and confront the poor attitudes and behaviours I’ve adopted, and the excuses I use to avoid being accountable for my actions.
Despite the religious aspects of this book, it is far from a sermon like lecture, passages from the bible punctuate poignant events in Holly’s story and serve as moments of learning and food for thought.
‘From Surviving to Living’ also gives a detailed insight as to what incarcerated life may look like, I learned so much from these pages.
I finished your book in one sitting. Reading it again. Trying to process emotions to words…
I just started reading it and I don’t want to stop!
I was honestly sad to run out of pages to read. I loved hearing how Jesus interacted with Holly. She writes as if she were re-living the events.
I finished…and all I can say is AMAZING. I am so deeply moved. 5 stars. I cannot recommend it enough.
From Surviving to Living is not a comfortable read…and that’s exactly why it matters. Holly Bot opens the door to a story most people would never expect to hear directly from the source: a woman who has faced the consequences of her past, served her time, and chosen to walk through the hard work of transformation.
This memoir isn’t about excuses. It’s about ownership, honesty, humanity, and the kind of grace that is tested in the hardest places. Holly writes with a clarity that doesn’t hide her failures, and a hope that doesn’t pretend the journey was easy. Her faith, and her willingness to confront who she used to be versus who she is becoming, give this book its emotional weight.
Whether you come to this book out of curiousity, compassion, or your own search for redemption, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what change can lok like for someone who has lost everything and still chooses to rebuild.
A courageous, vulnerable testimony…and a powerful reminder that every life has the capacity to turn toward something better.
I love the book… I wish it was longer.
I just finished the book. I am in awe! I couldn’t put it down (unless I had to lol).
This book was amazing and a look into what a prisoner deals with. Hard to put down once you start reading.
Honest, raw, and deeply human. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always a straight path, but can be a messy, still beautiful process. You took me on your journey and I shared your pain, felt the lessons, and was inspired by your faith. You’ve written a book that will help people feel seen, help them to be motivated, and hopefull they can find or strengthen a relationship with the Lord.
Not just a good read...
More than a memoir, this book is a practical and spiritual resource for inmates, families, and facilities—offering understanding, encouragement, and a message of redemption that illuminates a path toward healing and transformation.
For Incarcerated Individuals
This memoir speaks directly to inmate needs by honestly depicting the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of incarceration. Through transparent storytelling about isolation, mental health struggles, broken family ties, and navigating prison routines, it gives readers validation, hope, and a model of resilience and spiritual growth. The book offers practical insight into intake, segregation, mental health treatment, and maintaining relationships while inside. Its message of faith, healing, and personal transformation encourages inmates to pursue growth, participate in programs, and believe that change is possible.
For Facilities
The memoir is a valuable staff resource, offering a clearer understanding of inmate behavior, mental health, and the impact of structure, community, and compassion. It supports rehabilitative efforts by encouraging positive behavior, reducing hopelessness, and helping inmates engage more meaningfully in counseling, faith-based programs, and peer support. Its themes contribute to safer environments, stronger communication, and greater readiness for reentry.
For Loved Ones
The book also serves families by providing an intimate look into the emotional and spiritual realities of incarceration—from separation and custody struggles to navigating communication barriers. It offers validation, practical insight into the system, and encouragement rooted in faith. By showing the author’s journey of forgiveness, healing, and restored relationships, it gives loved ones hope for reconciliation and tools to support their incarcerated family member while caring for their own wellbeing.
