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Incest, Murder and a Miracle: The True Story Behind the Cheryl Pierson Murder-for-Hire Headlines
This is the true story of a sensationalized murder case told by Cheryl Pierson Cuccio and Rob Cuccio after nearly thirty years of silence. What really happened to Cheryl and Rob before, during and after Cheryl Pierson, a sixteen-year-old sexually, physically and mentally abused teen, hired a classmate to kill her father for $1,000 in 1986?
The case was in the national media for many years. In 1988 a New York Times reporter wrote A Deadly Silence, a successful true crime book about this case using an investigative journalism style. It also became a TV movie. As a traumatized sixteen year old, Cheryl only gave one short interview 30 years ago, so much of what was reported in the media, book and movie was fabrication and speculation. Some accounts implied she lied about the abuse, others that she did it for her father’s insurance, but Cheryl remained silent for years—too young and destroyed to fight back against the speculation and frequent falsehoods or to discuss the true dark nature of the nightmare she lived every day of her young life. After her release from jail, she and her high school boyfriend, Rob Cuccio were married, they had two daughters and led as normal a life as possible. Most friends and neighbors had no idea of her past.
Throughout her life, Cheryl has suffered from PTSD and other symptoms as a result of her father’s abuse and his subsequent murder, but the story doesn’t end there. People often wonder what happened next, or where are they now, because this case continues to hold a fascination. Two episodes are scheduled on Discovery ID channel in early 2017.
This is not fiction and is not sugar-coated. It is the story of their life to the present, and everything is backed by documentation. Cheryl hopes through finally telling the truth about what drove her to murder in her own words, it will help other abuse victims and encourage them to speak out.
On Cheryl’s forty-third birthday, May 14, 2012, after months of misdiagnosed chest pain and other symptoms, Rob Cuccio, her husband of 25 years, suffered a fatal heart attack. Doctors pronounced him dead after thirty minutes, but he’d saved Cheryl’s life for so many years, even when she wanted to commit suicide, that now she knew in her heart she couldn’t live without him. She had to do everything possible to save him. Over the years through Rob’s love, understanding and support she had come a long way from the abused teenage victim. She refused to accept that he was dead, because something inside told her he was clinging to a remnant of life.
She begged doctors to keep trying and wouldn’t give up. The doctor finally said, “We’ll try for ten minutes more, but after that you have to let him go.” Then she prayed to everyone she could think of, even to the father she paid to have killed.
With only two minutes of the ten left, forty-three minutes after his heart ceased to beat and supply oxygen to his brain, there was a faint pulse and Rob came back to life. It was called a miracle. The doctors never had a case where the patient was dead for so long and did not sustain massive brain damage. Everything Cheryl endured during her life had given her the strength to demand they keep trying to save her husband.
Cheryl and Rob brought a malpractice suit against the cardiologist who had treated Rob for chest pain and other classic symptoms. Over at least a six month period, instead of diagnosing that Rob’s arteries were blocked and his heart was dying, the doctor never ordered tests like an angiogram, and instead told him repeatedly nothing was wrong—it was only anxiety. The malpractice case was proven, but a travesty of justice occurred in an astounding jury verdict—the doctor won the case. Some of the doctor’s testimony is included in the book.
***
In writing their dramatic book, they want to illustrate that damaged lives can be rebuilt. The book has a photo and media reprint section.
The case was in the national media for many years. In 1988 a New York Times reporter wrote A Deadly Silence, a successful true crime book about this case using an investigative journalism style. It also became a TV movie. As a traumatized sixteen year old, Cheryl only gave one short interview 30 years ago, so much of what was reported in the media, book and movie was fabrication and speculation. Some accounts implied she lied about the abuse, others that she did it for her father’s insurance, but Cheryl remained silent for years—too young and destroyed to fight back against the speculation and frequent falsehoods or to discuss the true dark nature of the nightmare she lived every day of her young life. After her release from jail, she and her high school boyfriend, Rob Cuccio were married, they had two daughters and led as normal a life as possible. Most friends and neighbors had no idea of her past.
Throughout her life, Cheryl has suffered from PTSD and other symptoms as a result of her father’s abuse and his subsequent murder, but the story doesn’t end there. People often wonder what happened next, or where are they now, because this case continues to hold a fascination. Two episodes are scheduled on Discovery ID channel in early 2017.
This is not fiction and is not sugar-coated. It is the story of their life to the present, and everything is backed by documentation. Cheryl hopes through finally telling the truth about what drove her to murder in her own words, it will help other abuse victims and encourage them to speak out.
On Cheryl’s forty-third birthday, May 14, 2012, after months of misdiagnosed chest pain and other symptoms, Rob Cuccio, her husband of 25 years, suffered a fatal heart attack. Doctors pronounced him dead after thirty minutes, but he’d saved Cheryl’s life for so many years, even when she wanted to commit suicide, that now she knew in her heart she couldn’t live without him. She had to do everything possible to save him. Over the years through Rob’s love, understanding and support she had come a long way from the abused teenage victim. She refused to accept that he was dead, because something inside told her he was clinging to a remnant of life.
She begged doctors to keep trying and wouldn’t give up. The doctor finally said, “We’ll try for ten minutes more, but after that you have to let him go.” Then she prayed to everyone she could think of, even to the father she paid to have killed.
With only two minutes of the ten left, forty-three minutes after his heart ceased to beat and supply oxygen to his brain, there was a faint pulse and Rob came back to life. It was called a miracle. The doctors never had a case where the patient was dead for so long and did not sustain massive brain damage. Everything Cheryl endured during her life had given her the strength to demand they keep trying to save her husband.
Cheryl and Rob brought a malpractice suit against the cardiologist who had treated Rob for chest pain and other classic symptoms. Over at least a six month period, instead of diagnosing that Rob’s arteries were blocked and his heart was dying, the doctor never ordered tests like an angiogram, and instead told him repeatedly nothing was wrong—it was only anxiety. The malpractice case was proven, but a travesty of justice occurred in an astounding jury verdict—the doctor won the case. Some of the doctor’s testimony is included in the book.
***
In writing their dramatic book, they want to illustrate that damaged lives can be rebuilt. The book has a photo and media reprint section.
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First published December 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 5, 2019
First, I want to thank Cheryl, Rob Cuccio, and Morgan St. James for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Cheryl Cuccio is an incredibly strong, extremely brave woman to come forward to tell her story in Incest, Murder and a Miracle written alongside Robert Cuccio and Morgan St. James. This is the true story behind the Cheryl Pierson Murder-For-Hire Headlines.
This book by no means is a light read is it is a true crime read. It has topics that may trigger some. So, it must be said upfront. By the title of the book it is a giveaway. This book deals with incest, rape, physical violence, verbal abuse, anorexia, and murder for hire. This book may not be for everyone.
I wanted to read this book for many different reasons. I am a big supporter of the #MeToo movement and the #Ibelieve movement. Plus, I enjoy reading true crime novels. So, when this book was offered to me to review I was very interested in reading it. I am so glad that I did read it because I got a lot out of it.
This book will bring out a ton of emotion in you. I warn you a head of time you will want a box of tissues handy. I also warn you once you start this book you will not want to put this down. Incest, Murder, and Miracle starts off one way and ends off a totally opposite way you would never expect. This is one book that needs to be made into a movie on Netflix. I cant say enough good things about this book. Not because of the hell Cheryl went through but because of the person she became in the long run. How she is stronger than ever before.
This book is dedicated to all the abuse and incest victims and survivors out there. The authors hope is that in some small way this book will help see that you are not alone. It is never ever your fault no matter what is going on.
They want to dedicate this book to their daughters as well. From the day they were born, you gave them strength and courage to get out of bed every day and continue to live. Thank you for all your love, support and patience through the many nights of the read-through and the stress their lives and writing has put on you.
Cheryl would love to thank her husband Ron (whom I also want to thank god for being her rock through all of this! Sending him a huge hug for being there for her everytime she needed him). She believes with all of her heart that she would not be here today without him if it were not for fate stepping into her life back in 1985. You are her angel! Thank you for being her rock, but her best friend for her eternity. She loves you.
Rob would like to dedicate this book to the strongest person he ever met. I totally agree with him on this statement! She is one tough cookie!! He is so lucky to have her In his life for the past 30 years. He cant think even begin to think of his life without her as his soul mate would be like. He also thanks her for never giving up on him.
What Cheryl and Rob have together is truly amazing.
This book was incredibly written by Cheryl the victim in all of this. She shows you and not just tells you what it was like to live her life. She shows you what kind of monster her father really was to her. How he emotionally, mentally and physically abused her. How it affected every aspect of her life. How so many times in the book I wanted to rescue her from that monster.
On the flip side you had Robert telling you his side of the story and what he saw looking into the relationship. I loved that fact that you got two different perspectives on what each thought about the father.
There are numerous pictures of Cheryl, Robert, and other family members in the book. There are also numerous newspaper articles about the crime. This way you can put a name to the face. I liked that aspect of it.
However, this book was not just about Cheryl was a victim but she gained the strength to be a survivor. She wants to help others by writing her experiences that he has had. She wants to become a speaker and advocate for abuse victims. I personally think that is an amazing idea. By knowing how she triumphed, hopefully it may inspire it will give them the strength to stand up for themselves.
Even If just helping one person, it will be worth it. This is why she wrote the book. Even though it was incredibly painful for her to write and releasing the memories.
There is a saying what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Cheryl is definitely stronger now than she ever was before!!
Cheryl Cuccio is an incredibly strong, extremely brave woman to come forward to tell her story in Incest, Murder and a Miracle written alongside Robert Cuccio and Morgan St. James. This is the true story behind the Cheryl Pierson Murder-For-Hire Headlines.
This book by no means is a light read is it is a true crime read. It has topics that may trigger some. So, it must be said upfront. By the title of the book it is a giveaway. This book deals with incest, rape, physical violence, verbal abuse, anorexia, and murder for hire. This book may not be for everyone.
I wanted to read this book for many different reasons. I am a big supporter of the #MeToo movement and the #Ibelieve movement. Plus, I enjoy reading true crime novels. So, when this book was offered to me to review I was very interested in reading it. I am so glad that I did read it because I got a lot out of it.
This book will bring out a ton of emotion in you. I warn you a head of time you will want a box of tissues handy. I also warn you once you start this book you will not want to put this down. Incest, Murder, and Miracle starts off one way and ends off a totally opposite way you would never expect. This is one book that needs to be made into a movie on Netflix. I cant say enough good things about this book. Not because of the hell Cheryl went through but because of the person she became in the long run. How she is stronger than ever before.
This book is dedicated to all the abuse and incest victims and survivors out there. The authors hope is that in some small way this book will help see that you are not alone. It is never ever your fault no matter what is going on.
They want to dedicate this book to their daughters as well. From the day they were born, you gave them strength and courage to get out of bed every day and continue to live. Thank you for all your love, support and patience through the many nights of the read-through and the stress their lives and writing has put on you.
Cheryl would love to thank her husband Ron (whom I also want to thank god for being her rock through all of this! Sending him a huge hug for being there for her everytime she needed him). She believes with all of her heart that she would not be here today without him if it were not for fate stepping into her life back in 1985. You are her angel! Thank you for being her rock, but her best friend for her eternity. She loves you.
Rob would like to dedicate this book to the strongest person he ever met. I totally agree with him on this statement! She is one tough cookie!! He is so lucky to have her In his life for the past 30 years. He cant think even begin to think of his life without her as his soul mate would be like. He also thanks her for never giving up on him.
What Cheryl and Rob have together is truly amazing.
This book was incredibly written by Cheryl the victim in all of this. She shows you and not just tells you what it was like to live her life. She shows you what kind of monster her father really was to her. How he emotionally, mentally and physically abused her. How it affected every aspect of her life. How so many times in the book I wanted to rescue her from that monster.
On the flip side you had Robert telling you his side of the story and what he saw looking into the relationship. I loved that fact that you got two different perspectives on what each thought about the father.
There are numerous pictures of Cheryl, Robert, and other family members in the book. There are also numerous newspaper articles about the crime. This way you can put a name to the face. I liked that aspect of it.
However, this book was not just about Cheryl was a victim but she gained the strength to be a survivor. She wants to help others by writing her experiences that he has had. She wants to become a speaker and advocate for abuse victims. I personally think that is an amazing idea. By knowing how she triumphed, hopefully it may inspire it will give them the strength to stand up for themselves.
Even If just helping one person, it will be worth it. This is why she wrote the book. Even though it was incredibly painful for her to write and releasing the memories.
There is a saying what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Cheryl is definitely stronger now than she ever was before!!
August 23, 2017
The book could have used a bit more proofreading and editing. It is not a superb piece of literature. SO......why the 5-star rating? The story itself, DESERVES 5 stars! Cheryl and Rob Cuccio's courage in telling the story, DESERVES 5 stars! The fair and honest way in which facts are presented here, DESERVES 5 stars! The book's ability to possibly help others, DESERVES 5 stars!
It's the story of a teenage girl whose father has raped and abused her for years.
It's the story of his murder and of the trial that followed.
It's the story of that young girl and how she somehow rebuilds a life for herself.
It's a story that NEVER should have needed to be told because it's about incest and abuse and illness and desperation...!
However, it's also a story about family and loyalty and hope and trust and love!
The abuses, murder, and trials took place in the 80's. That's the bad stuff. However, in 1988, something good finally took place. Cheryl Pierson married Rob Cuccio! They went on to build a good, happy life together. Nearly 25 years later, their happiness would be threatened due to one doctor's negligence.
While reading this book, I was disgusted by the horrible acts perpetrated upon this innocent, young girl. As the story progressed, I thought, "How much unhappiness and fear is a person meant to bear"? I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that this book will be a blessing to many.
It's the story of a teenage girl whose father has raped and abused her for years.
It's the story of his murder and of the trial that followed.
It's the story of that young girl and how she somehow rebuilds a life for herself.
It's a story that NEVER should have needed to be told because it's about incest and abuse and illness and desperation...!
However, it's also a story about family and loyalty and hope and trust and love!
The abuses, murder, and trials took place in the 80's. That's the bad stuff. However, in 1988, something good finally took place. Cheryl Pierson married Rob Cuccio! They went on to build a good, happy life together. Nearly 25 years later, their happiness would be threatened due to one doctor's negligence.
While reading this book, I was disgusted by the horrible acts perpetrated upon this innocent, young girl. As the story progressed, I thought, "How much unhappiness and fear is a person meant to bear"? I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that this book will be a blessing to many.
April 24, 2017
Well.....
This was not what I expected. It's much more about Rob dying and being revived and what follows than it is about Cheryl's childhood and experiences. I'm sorry I spent money on this book
This was not what I expected. It's much more about Rob dying and being revived and what follows than it is about Cheryl's childhood and experiences. I'm sorry I spent money on this book
February 23, 2020
Sad for everything that poor girl had to go through. Happy that she finally got to share her side of the nationally known story.
July 12, 2017
Incest, Murder and a Miracle - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish
I always tried to be the "peacemaker" because I didn't want anyone to be mad or upset, especially at me. My father had conditioned my obedience well by using abuse and degradation. Maybe that's why I never told anyone what was going on and meekly submitted to his quirks and demands. In a small way I'm still like that, but now with everything I've gone through with Rob being sick, then dying, I speak up. Life made me tough. When you go through what I did, you have some choices. Remain the meek, battered person or get stronger. I got stronger and will never allow myself to be a victim again. You have to stand up for your rights. If I hadn't, Rob would not be with us today.
These are the words of Cheryl. At the age of eighteen Cheryl was sentenced to jail for her part in arranging the murder of her sexually abusive father in an attempt to keep him from abusing her younger sister. After her jail time she married her longtime best friend and the love of her life Rob Cuccio. Even with her PTSD caused by the tramas of her childhood, life was finally becoming something that was livable, until Rob's heart attack hit. He was pronounced dead which simply wasn't acceptable for Cheryl. She begged the doctor not to give him and was finally told they would try for just 10 more minutes. After over 43 minutes his heart refusing to beat and no oxygen to his brain, a miracle happened and Rob came back to life, starting another phase in the lives of two people who had already lived through hell once.
As I read this book I had to keep reminding myself that these events actually took place. The sexual abuse by the father, which happens so often but seems to be pushed away. The reporters who treated Cheryl as if it was all her fault and built the father up as a wonderful, loving person, which also happens to so many children that have been molested by family members. The nightmares and PTSD that Cheryl went through and still does.
Then there was Rob who was laughed at by his doctor when he went in for severe chest pain. He was basically told it was all in his head and caused from his smoking. After several visits to the doctor with the same problems he was brushed off and not given the proper tests to determine that he really was a walking dead man. This came to a head when he went to the hospital in cardiac arrest with one artery 90% blocked and another 100% blocked. This is also when he actually died for over 40 minutes. Then came the malpractice suit against the doctor who refused to believe he had a problem.
I read page after page and can tell you that I believe every word to be the truth. I've actually known young girls who have gone through what Cheryl went through, not with their father but brothers, cousins and their friends. They were afraid to tell anyone because of the threats that were made to them. Like Cheryl, these were kids who actually feared for their lives and the lives of those they loved. As for Rob, his death is a documented event. There have been others before and after him to actually die just to be brought back but very few who were dead for so long. His physical and mental abilities were severed to a degree but today, five years later, he is recovered without any significant physical damage or brain damage remaining. He does what he can to keep going with his new gift of life and was named Nurse of the Year-New York in 2015. As for his 'doctor,' you'll have to read the book to know how that turned out.
This book is well worth reading for anyone of just about any age. As Cheryl says about their lives being made public through this book 'even if I help just one person, it will be worth it.' I agree with her.
I always tried to be the "peacemaker" because I didn't want anyone to be mad or upset, especially at me. My father had conditioned my obedience well by using abuse and degradation. Maybe that's why I never told anyone what was going on and meekly submitted to his quirks and demands. In a small way I'm still like that, but now with everything I've gone through with Rob being sick, then dying, I speak up. Life made me tough. When you go through what I did, you have some choices. Remain the meek, battered person or get stronger. I got stronger and will never allow myself to be a victim again. You have to stand up for your rights. If I hadn't, Rob would not be with us today.
These are the words of Cheryl. At the age of eighteen Cheryl was sentenced to jail for her part in arranging the murder of her sexually abusive father in an attempt to keep him from abusing her younger sister. After her jail time she married her longtime best friend and the love of her life Rob Cuccio. Even with her PTSD caused by the tramas of her childhood, life was finally becoming something that was livable, until Rob's heart attack hit. He was pronounced dead which simply wasn't acceptable for Cheryl. She begged the doctor not to give him and was finally told they would try for just 10 more minutes. After over 43 minutes his heart refusing to beat and no oxygen to his brain, a miracle happened and Rob came back to life, starting another phase in the lives of two people who had already lived through hell once.
As I read this book I had to keep reminding myself that these events actually took place. The sexual abuse by the father, which happens so often but seems to be pushed away. The reporters who treated Cheryl as if it was all her fault and built the father up as a wonderful, loving person, which also happens to so many children that have been molested by family members. The nightmares and PTSD that Cheryl went through and still does.
Then there was Rob who was laughed at by his doctor when he went in for severe chest pain. He was basically told it was all in his head and caused from his smoking. After several visits to the doctor with the same problems he was brushed off and not given the proper tests to determine that he really was a walking dead man. This came to a head when he went to the hospital in cardiac arrest with one artery 90% blocked and another 100% blocked. This is also when he actually died for over 40 minutes. Then came the malpractice suit against the doctor who refused to believe he had a problem.
I read page after page and can tell you that I believe every word to be the truth. I've actually known young girls who have gone through what Cheryl went through, not with their father but brothers, cousins and their friends. They were afraid to tell anyone because of the threats that were made to them. Like Cheryl, these were kids who actually feared for their lives and the lives of those they loved. As for Rob, his death is a documented event. There have been others before and after him to actually die just to be brought back but very few who were dead for so long. His physical and mental abilities were severed to a degree but today, five years later, he is recovered without any significant physical damage or brain damage remaining. He does what he can to keep going with his new gift of life and was named Nurse of the Year-New York in 2015. As for his 'doctor,' you'll have to read the book to know how that turned out.
This book is well worth reading for anyone of just about any age. As Cheryl says about their lives being made public through this book 'even if I help just one person, it will be worth it.' I agree with her.
January 29, 2019
The title of this book summarizes what this true story is all about. I went into this book not knowing anything about this case and not being familiar with the details in any respect. The story is told from two perspectives, from Cheryl's point of view and Rob's point of view; which I thought was a nice touch.
As a survivor myself, I was drawn into Cheryl's story as she shares the horrible events that took place with her father. As she shares the details about the things she was forced to endure on a regular basis you can understand why she went to the lengths that she did in order to end the abuse and protect her sister.
I think many of us (survivors) do have those similar thoughts about wishing harm to our abuser, hoping somebody will step in and on our behalf to end the nightmare that never seems to end. Most of us think it and never act, but you just never know what you are capable of until you've been pushed too far. Cheryl, I applaud you for taking action and doing what you had to do in order to reclaim your life so that you were no longer a prisoner in your own home.
The incest portion is covered, the murder portion was mentioned, but to a lesser degree. The miracle portion was also covered in great detail. Once I finished the book, I was left wondering what happened to Sean and how much time did he serve for his actions. I went back through thinking I missed it. I thought that tidbit would have been mentioned because the sentencing for Cheryl and Rob was made clear. That is one reason why my rating is 4 and not 5. My other reason was that I felt they shared a bit too much information about future events that didn't necessarily need to be mentioned so early. This is just from a reader's perspective and has nothing to do with "rating" their life experience or the hardships that they have faced.
Cheryl and Rob have really endured more hurdles than most couples ever will. They really have seen each other through (what I hope) has been their worsed times and have come out stronger from that. We all need one strong, loyal friend/companion that we can say/share anything without being judged. Cheryl and Rob, they are that person for each other.
If you like non-fiction, memoir, true crime, this book will not disappoint.
As a survivor myself, I was drawn into Cheryl's story as she shares the horrible events that took place with her father. As she shares the details about the things she was forced to endure on a regular basis you can understand why she went to the lengths that she did in order to end the abuse and protect her sister.
I think many of us (survivors) do have those similar thoughts about wishing harm to our abuser, hoping somebody will step in and on our behalf to end the nightmare that never seems to end. Most of us think it and never act, but you just never know what you are capable of until you've been pushed too far. Cheryl, I applaud you for taking action and doing what you had to do in order to reclaim your life so that you were no longer a prisoner in your own home.
The incest portion is covered, the murder portion was mentioned, but to a lesser degree. The miracle portion was also covered in great detail. Once I finished the book, I was left wondering what happened to Sean and how much time did he serve for his actions. I went back through thinking I missed it. I thought that tidbit would have been mentioned because the sentencing for Cheryl and Rob was made clear. That is one reason why my rating is 4 and not 5. My other reason was that I felt they shared a bit too much information about future events that didn't necessarily need to be mentioned so early. This is just from a reader's perspective and has nothing to do with "rating" their life experience or the hardships that they have faced.
Cheryl and Rob have really endured more hurdles than most couples ever will. They really have seen each other through (what I hope) has been their worsed times and have come out stronger from that. We all need one strong, loyal friend/companion that we can say/share anything without being judged. Cheryl and Rob, they are that person for each other.
If you like non-fiction, memoir, true crime, this book will not disappoint.
July 14, 2022
This highly powerful biography by the two authors is both heartfelt, raw and refreshingly candid.
The well-written book is not an easy read. In fact, at times, it is decidedly tough. The authors have written an account that must have been painfully difficult to pen as they recalled and relived their horrific experiences on multiple fronts. Hopefully, it will have also proved cathartic for both Robert and Cheryl.
While the subject matter deals with the horrors endured by both, it is a testament to the characters of this couple, that neither sees themselves as a victim. They see themselves as survivors.
And survivors they truly are.
Neatly woven into their telling of their heartbreaking experiences, is a very tender love story between the two authors, that has not only survived, but flourished- perhaps as a result of what they have endured together all through the years. They have demonstrated that the power and force of love truly is indomitable.
It is the authors wish that their book will help others who have undergone similar experiences. I believe they have accomplished that goal. They have probably helped more people than they will ever know and are to be commended for finding the strength to have their story published.
May they both find peace and happiness they so richly deserve, for the remainder of their lives.
The well-written book is not an easy read. In fact, at times, it is decidedly tough. The authors have written an account that must have been painfully difficult to pen as they recalled and relived their horrific experiences on multiple fronts. Hopefully, it will have also proved cathartic for both Robert and Cheryl.
While the subject matter deals with the horrors endured by both, it is a testament to the characters of this couple, that neither sees themselves as a victim. They see themselves as survivors.
And survivors they truly are.
Neatly woven into their telling of their heartbreaking experiences, is a very tender love story between the two authors, that has not only survived, but flourished- perhaps as a result of what they have endured together all through the years. They have demonstrated that the power and force of love truly is indomitable.
It is the authors wish that their book will help others who have undergone similar experiences. I believe they have accomplished that goal. They have probably helped more people than they will ever know and are to be commended for finding the strength to have their story published.
May they both find peace and happiness they so richly deserve, for the remainder of their lives.
June 29, 2021
Not really what I expected. I feel like things were left out of the story. I feel for the Author but have a hard time believing parts of the story.I believe she was a victim of incest but
, the part about her not believing the boy she talked to about murdering her Father would actually go thru with it. She acts shocked that he did Murder her Father but knew about her boyfriend ( now husband) helping her try to come up with the money. Where is the shooter today? Still in prison? Not much is said about him. She talked about how strict her Father was and how he watched her constantly, that she had no freedom. She did manage to become pregnant with her boyfriends child though. First half of the book is about her trial and incarceration. Second half of the book is about her husband’s near fatal heart attack, recovery and their malpractice lawsuit against her Husband’s Cardiologist. Lots of repeating info and describing her feelings. I just think if you are writing your story to help others, you could include some resources, websites or toll free numbers of people and places that could help you at the end of your story.
, the part about her not believing the boy she talked to about murdering her Father would actually go thru with it. She acts shocked that he did Murder her Father but knew about her boyfriend ( now husband) helping her try to come up with the money. Where is the shooter today? Still in prison? Not much is said about him. She talked about how strict her Father was and how he watched her constantly, that she had no freedom. She did manage to become pregnant with her boyfriends child though. First half of the book is about her trial and incarceration. Second half of the book is about her husband’s near fatal heart attack, recovery and their malpractice lawsuit against her Husband’s Cardiologist. Lots of repeating info and describing her feelings. I just think if you are writing your story to help others, you could include some resources, websites or toll free numbers of people and places that could help you at the end of your story.
July 15, 2018
I always feel somewhat inappropriate "rating" someone's life story, especially one as horrific as Cheryl Pierson's, but this book is not what I expected. The title and description lead you to believe it will be focusing on events directly linked to the actual murder. That is not the case.
Although the first part of the book is about Cheryl's abusive childhood, explaining the motive behind her decision to have her father killed, they (Cheryl & her husband, Rob, who have known each other before her father's death) only briefly go over the actual murder. What happened afterward, the sentencing and the verdict are even less touched upon & only vaguely referred to here & there throughout the book.
Rather, a good majority focuses on an unrelated, completely different (yet still devastating) event that occurs much later on in their lives. It is still interesting to a point, but if I had known what the true focus of this story was, I highly doubt I would have read it.
Although the first part of the book is about Cheryl's abusive childhood, explaining the motive behind her decision to have her father killed, they (Cheryl & her husband, Rob, who have known each other before her father's death) only briefly go over the actual murder. What happened afterward, the sentencing and the verdict are even less touched upon & only vaguely referred to here & there throughout the book.
Rather, a good majority focuses on an unrelated, completely different (yet still devastating) event that occurs much later on in their lives. It is still interesting to a point, but if I had known what the true focus of this story was, I highly doubt I would have read it.
January 31, 2022
I remember when this incident happened in the news. Later watching it on a true crime tv episode.
I then forgot all about it.
Well, here it is 2022 and I happened across this after watching a different version of the story on another crime story episode and it mentioned the book.
Well, boy there was a whole lot more to be told as in "the rest of the story". This couple went through so much more than any normal couple could have gone through and here they are to tell their love story and what happened after the headline news story.
I really was happy they got to have a happy ending. Not without rough spots but they built a life even after everything they have been through. Im rooting for them. Not an easy breezy story but true life rarely is.
My only question would be what happened to the boy who did the time for killing Cheryl's father and does she feel guilty about him and what happened as I believe he did a whole lot of time. He may still be in prison IDK.
I then forgot all about it.
Well, here it is 2022 and I happened across this after watching a different version of the story on another crime story episode and it mentioned the book.
Well, boy there was a whole lot more to be told as in "the rest of the story". This couple went through so much more than any normal couple could have gone through and here they are to tell their love story and what happened after the headline news story.
I really was happy they got to have a happy ending. Not without rough spots but they built a life even after everything they have been through. Im rooting for them. Not an easy breezy story but true life rarely is.
My only question would be what happened to the boy who did the time for killing Cheryl's father and does she feel guilty about him and what happened as I believe he did a whole lot of time. He may still be in prison IDK.
March 13, 2021
Being a true-crime junky and a survivor of the #metoo movement, the book moved me to tears about how people are so quick to pass judgment. This book gives both power and inspiration. Cheryl and Robert are soulmates who were able to endure damn near everything while holding hands. Such a raw love proves love can conquer all.
My only real complaint is that Dena Klieman, you should have been kind and help Cheryl tell the TRUE STORY behind what she did. Despite the fact that writing about rape and family violence is not an easy topic, Morgan St. James you are an amazing writer because you helped Cheryl tell her story.
Amanda F. author of Living Strong with CP.
My only real complaint is that Dena Klieman, you should have been kind and help Cheryl tell the TRUE STORY behind what she did. Despite the fact that writing about rape and family violence is not an easy topic, Morgan St. James you are an amazing writer because you helped Cheryl tell her story.
Amanda F. author of Living Strong with CP.
February 8, 2024
Cheryl tells her story that few believed,30 yrs later how her father controlled her and raped her often. She than had someone murder him to protect her younger sister and went to jail for it. Than her husband nearly died from a heart attack. They both tell their story.
“ all that she went through I see her as a strong person but I’m sure she suffered great;y and glad she was able to tell her side of the story and I believe her.
I’m not sure why I didn’t give book a higher rating as it kept my interest.
31/2 stars.
“ all that she went through I see her as a strong person but I’m sure she suffered great;y and glad she was able to tell her side of the story and I believe her.
I’m not sure why I didn’t give book a higher rating as it kept my interest.
31/2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
The parts of the book where she describes the abuse by her father are very hard to read. Aside from that, her story is told very well and it's amazing to see that she turned into a great lady.
March 15, 2022
Powerful read about a high school couple who overcame so many obstacles that should have torn them apart - incest, murder, prison, and a fatal heart attack. Proof that love really does conquer all.
March 13, 2025
great story!
I enjoyed the book from beginning to end! I liked the way it went back and forth between the family members. Very uplifting
I enjoyed the book from beginning to end! I liked the way it went back and forth between the family members. Very uplifting
February 14, 2017
Even though I helped to write this book, I used 5 stars for the review because almost all of the Amazon reviews are 5 star.
March 7, 2017
Well said
Like true stories, this was so sad but was well written. I wish this family good blessings gsokada@comcast.net as they have been through a lot.
Like true stories, this was so sad but was well written. I wish this family good blessings gsokada@comcast.net as they have been through a lot.
August 3, 2021
Truly a great read if you been through a similar situation. This book is full of emotions and a true story.
April 17, 2017
Great read. Such an inspiring story. Blessed to be friends with these authors and see how successful and dedicated they are to their family and friends. Wonderful people that came out of a very tough situations. So proud and so inspired by them. ❤️
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