Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story (Samantha Mallon Book 1)

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 2,676 ratings

Price: 4.99

Last update: 09-03-2024


About this item

After years of torture, a mentally and physically abused daughter finally stands up to her abusers, her own mother and brother, in an attempt to save her life at the risk of losing the only family she's ever known.


Inspired by a true story of abuse.

As a little girl, Sam had no idea that her life was different than anyone else's. Her days consisted of playing in a nearby pond, banished to the forest until supper by her mother. Thankfully, she wasn't alone out in the woods... her brother, Charlie, was always there to guide and protect her from anything that may bring harm -- however, who was going to protect her from him?

Now a teenager, the bruises from Charlie are becoming harder to hide. Camouflaging them behind hairstyles and long-sleeved shirts aren't enough anymore, and Sam can feel the burn of the teacher's eyes as they struggle to figure out what's happening behind closed doors. Torn between two realities, she's terrified of what would happen if someone found out what Charlie's angry outbursts look like, and terrified of what will happen if they don't.

After a momentary lapse in judgment, Sam waits for her punishment from her brother. Bolting to her room and slamming the door behind her, she struggles to twist the tiny lock on the knob with sweaty hands. Crawling backwards on her palms and feet, she slides under the bed, curled up in the darkness. The position brings fear, as she knows all-too-well what's coming. Staring at the crack in the door, she listens to the wood floor creak underneath his 200lb body while he inches closer, taunting her. Charlie’s fist bangs on the wood breaking the silence; each pound separates it slightly more from the frame, and she’s praying that it can withstand him for just a few more moments. Closing her eyes and waiting to feel the warmth of his hands around her throat, she comes to a haunting realization ... this might be the end.

www.clheckman.com

--> Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a true story
--> Sam's Truth: The sequel to Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story
--> Vicky's Redemption: The conclusion to the Samantha Mallon series (Now available for pre-order. Set to be released January 9th, 2024)

From the Publisher

A series following a young girl through her abusive childhood, and recovery.

Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story

Sam's Truth: The sequel to Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story

Vicky's Redemption: The conclusion to the Samantha Mallon series

Book 1

After years of hardship, a mentally and physically abused daughter finally stands up to her abusers, her own mother and brother, in an attempt to save her life at the risk of losing the only family she's ever known.

Book 2

Will Sam finally find the love and safety she deserves? Or is she destined to repeat the cycle, forever?

Book 3

Will Vicky be able to survive the past and give her children the loving home she never had? Or will she create a life that mirrors her own childhood growing up, unable to break the cycle?


Top reviews from the United States

Tiffany Raynes
5.0 out of 5 stars Took a bit to get going
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
Great book. The story definitely comes together. Wish we had more insight into what happened when Sam was younger if this is a true story.
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
Overall I felt like this was a really good book, but for the title to be “Charlie’s Secret” I feel like it was more about Sam than Charlie. I guess it just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. But still good and I’m interested to see how the second book is. It was also a quick read which is always a plus to me????
Tiffany H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Charlie and Sam
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
This book is inspired by a true story and it will break your heart when you read it. I found out about the book on Tik tok and wanted to read it along with the others in the series and am so glad I purchased it. Sam and Charlie’s story is complex and will keep you wondering what will happen next.
Cindy McNutt
3.0 out of 5 stars Gripping story, but...
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
This book is worth the read. As other readers have noted, it is hard to put down.

There were a few things that irked me, however.
1. The first thing is very minor, but it made me stop and think, "Huh?". The toaster " dinged." Really, do toasters ding? Maybe I'm just out of touch regarding toasters. Maybe there is one out there that does ding. Who knows? But I've needed heard of a dinging toaster, and this very minor statement caught me off guard. It was like taking a step away from reality. Maybe someday I'll come across a dinging toaster and think, " Okay! There really are dinging toasters.
2. The court setting. From all the true crime stories I have read, this one did not measure up to what really happens during a trials. Witnesses are not allowed into the courtroom to hear the testimony of other witnesses. Also, the order of the questioning of the defense and prosecution by their lawyers weakened this story did not seem to be as what really would have occurred during a trial. The confusing court scene seemed hastily written as if the author just wanted to get through it as quickly as possible.
3. The title. Really --does the reader ever find out what "Charlie's Secret" is by the end of this story? (I haven't read the second book yet.) No. The readers aren't informed about his secret in this book.
Audie
5.0 out of 5 stars good attention grabber
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
Kept my attention. Would recommend anyone going through a hard time with family or domestic abuse . Enjoyed how the author wrote this.
R Terry
4.0 out of 5 stars Hmmmmm!
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
This was a good book! It kept me read to the end! I will say that the ending was not what I was expecting and I do believe that it is lacking. Having said that I did enjoy the book.
Carly Biondy
5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
This book I thought maybe it was more for younger readers than me until the end and the epilogue! BOOM it hits you and sends you on the roller coaster you waited for! I’m a devoted fan now and this is a GREAT READ!
Anne Marie Boudrie
5.0 out of 5 stars Strength, endurance and courage don’t give enough credit
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
Keep reading and become engulfed by emotion. You can’t help but want to fight for Sam. So much more she could have said but she keeps her accounts to the point and easy to read

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