Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a True Story

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY OF ABUSE - Charlie's Secret has recently been added to several college curriculums across the United States- Samantha Mallon has gotten used to the bruises from her brother, Charlie. The black-and-blue pigments are becoming harder to camouflage, and all the good hiding spots in her house are now non-existent. Most days, she keeps to herself, safely locked behind the door of her bedroom, praying Charlie won't break it down if he gets angry--again. There are so many secrets to keep, that Sam is running out of lies to cover the abuse. Perhaps, one day, a teacher will ask enough questions that Sam will not be able to keep up the charade. Finding reprieve from a battered childhood, Sam is determined to make the best of her high school years. With Charlie away at college, she develops some new friendships, and even catches the attention of a super-hot, bad-boy, Jake. Yet, her happiness is always tainted by the family life she's trying to keep under wraps, and it's slowly destroying her hopes of real love. After a heart-wrenching betrayal, Sam leans on a stranger's shoulder for support. Fortunately, that stranger turns into the best-friend she never knew she needed. Able to get back on her feet, a familiar face re-enters her life--clutching Charlie's arm-- in a way that leaves Sam completely uneasy. Just when Sam thought Charlie had changed, his abusive past comes back to haunt them both. The hospital, the cops, and the courthouse are calling Sam's name as she has to relive one horrible night, over and over again to find the truth. The only problem ... the truth will send the one person she loves the most to jail. Will she find the strength to break the circle and free herself from abuse? Or, will she hold onto the family secret forever?

C. L. Heckman, a small-town writer from Pennsylvania, grew up with a love of words but was never sure exactly how to put them to use. She dabbled in poetry and song writing as a teenager, but never put much emphasis on pursing it as a career. In fact, Heckman spent nearly twenty years riding and showing Arabian horses, and has multiple Regional Championship titles to her name. However, unable to leave the dream of writing behind, she continued to write any chance she got in the hopes of one day accomplishing her dream. When a high school history teacher reminded her of the dream, she ignored him, assuming that it was a far-fetched goal. However, almost a decade later, she finally took his advice and wrote Charlie's Secret on the wordpad app of her IPhone. Charlie's Secret is based off of Heckman's memories that she revisited while in years of cognitive therapy for anxiety, depression and PTSD, but written in a fictional narrative. The story is personal, and heartbreaking, and she almost didn't publish it. She states how terrifying it was to open your heart and soul to the world and have them judge every single aspect of you as a person. However, since the publishing, Heckman has had some amazing opportunities to share the book with other victims, and offer support to them during their own individual journeys. Charlie's Secret has recently been added to several colleges across the US as required reading. After the incredibly positive response to Charlie's Secret, Heckman, a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful daughters, has now written and published 5 more books. The next book she is working on will be a prequel to Charlie's Secret, written from the mother's point of view. She is hoping to publish it in 2019. She spends most of her time outdoors with her two daughters, enjoying the simple things in life. She continues writing, but is exploring other avenues of artistic expression as well. She loves to hear from readers and fans. Please feel free to contact her at the below options. "C. L. Heckman- Author" page on Facebook Follow @worry2faith on twitter Charliespond@hotmail.com