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Samantha Mallon #2
Sam's Truth: A sequel to Charlie's Secret: Inspired by a true story
The sequel to Charlie’s Secret: Inspired by a true story
After the death of her abusive mother, Sam’s life was finally turning around. She had married her high school sweetheart, Jake, and was reveling in the birth of their son. Her abusive past was ancient history, and she knew that love would be the only emotion filling her family home. However, sometimes things aren’t always what we envision, and Sam’s expectations are definitely not matching reality.
Now a raging alcoholic, Jake isn’t keen on his new role in life and Sam is the brunt of his frustration. Waging a constant war between her head and her heart has become the new normal, and with everyone at work telling her to end her marriage, Sam is at her breaking point. How can she leave the love of her life at a time when he needs her the most?
As the health of a family member takes a turn for the worst, Sam must face some past demons. Her mother’s medical records disclose shocking information, and she and Charlie are shaken to the core by the revelations. Leaning on one another for support, they say goodbye to someone they’ve loved—and hated – for the second time in their lives, while trying to make sense of all of the secrets.
Just as Sam’s life hits its breaking point, Luke, a local divorcee, enters the bar with some friends one night, and offers a nice distraction from all the chaos. However, her decisions will have consequences – consequences that may just land her in the hospital. Once again finding herself at the other end of a police officer’s questioning, Sam isn’t so sure she can go through it all again, and leans on an unexpected friend for support.
Will Sam finally find the love and safety she deserves? Or, is she destined to repeat the cycle of abuse, forever?
After the death of her abusive mother, Sam’s life was finally turning around. She had married her high school sweetheart, Jake, and was reveling in the birth of their son. Her abusive past was ancient history, and she knew that love would be the only emotion filling her family home. However, sometimes things aren’t always what we envision, and Sam’s expectations are definitely not matching reality.
Now a raging alcoholic, Jake isn’t keen on his new role in life and Sam is the brunt of his frustration. Waging a constant war between her head and her heart has become the new normal, and with everyone at work telling her to end her marriage, Sam is at her breaking point. How can she leave the love of her life at a time when he needs her the most?
As the health of a family member takes a turn for the worst, Sam must face some past demons. Her mother’s medical records disclose shocking information, and she and Charlie are shaken to the core by the revelations. Leaning on one another for support, they say goodbye to someone they’ve loved—and hated – for the second time in their lives, while trying to make sense of all of the secrets.
Just as Sam’s life hits its breaking point, Luke, a local divorcee, enters the bar with some friends one night, and offers a nice distraction from all the chaos. However, her decisions will have consequences – consequences that may just land her in the hospital. Once again finding herself at the other end of a police officer’s questioning, Sam isn’t so sure she can go through it all again, and leans on an unexpected friend for support.
Will Sam finally find the love and safety she deserves? Or, is she destined to repeat the cycle of abuse, forever?
236 pages, ebook
Published June 24, 2020
747 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Heckman
9 books99 followersYou would think that writers would be good at writing a biography about themselves.. wrong.
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
I'm an introvert by nature, which I believe most writers are. We live in the made-up world inside our heads while dodging the reality that exists right outside our doorstep.
As a kid, I didn't know what love was. My parents were two incredibly broken people who didn't know how to raise kids, and didn't bother to learn. I was on a tree branch, swinging all alone. Sure, there were other branches there, and we all grew from the same root ball, but we didn't help one another. If my branch broke, I was going to fall, and I did many times. But, no matter how many times it happened, and how many branches broke, I would climb back up and find another one.
Eventually, I fell for the last time, dusted my pants off and walked away from the tree.
Writing was my sanctuary. I used it as therapy to battle and make sense of the memories in my head. Sometimes, readers say they don't believe that my books are inspired by my life. I used to get mad about it, and hurt by the fact that they didn't believe me, but now I admire the fact that they don't believe something awful like that could happen. It's beautiful that people have lived a life without hurt.
In 2013, I published my first book, Charlie's Secret:Inspired by a True Story. It was the most terrifying thing I've done, business wise up until that point. I had no idea how people would react, how my friends and family would react, and how I would react to their reactions.
However, I pushed foreward. I loved to write and I wasn't going to let anyone else destroy my dreams. Over the past ten years, I have published ten books, and have more on the way. I'm thankful for everyone who has read them, even if they weren't fans after finishing.
Hopefully, my books will help someone break the branch, and walk away from the tree.
Tiktok: @cl_heckman
instagram: c.l._heckman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
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June 27, 2021A very special series
Makes me wonder what my own mother is thinking, what she's done in her life that I don't know about yet.
This book picks up where the other left off, but it finds Sam and Jake married. They say that when you've been abused as a child, you tend to marry an abuser, and become one yourself.
Lo and behold, Jake ends up being an alcoholic and abusive to Sam. And yes, Charlie has reformed himself and is married with two children. For their sake, to break the chain of abuse, he's worked hard at becoming the man he needs to be.
And Sam knows that no matter how many times she's left Jake and gone back after his promises that it won't happen again, he just doesn't want to change. But she never reports him.
Then one day she goes home after they fight to find him in bed with another woman. After trying to throw her out, Jake turns on Sam, throwing HER out, literally, by her hair and sending her to the hospital after landing on her shoulder.
The "other women" helps her up and tells her she's too good for Jake; that she didn't know he had a wife and child, and that she should report him. When Sam tells her to leave, SHE calls the police and reports a domestic incident. Sam has told the hospital she fell.
Two officers walk in and tell her about the call they received, and she tells the truth. That's the start of Jake's recovery.
I won't tell you the end, but if you or someone you know have or are in an abusive relationship, this book can bring hope to what may seem a hopeless situation.
It can also give insight into how generational abuse may begin. It's not an excuse, but insight so you don't blame yourself
Makes me wonder what my own mother is thinking, what she's done in her life that I don't know about yet.
This book picks up where the other left off, but it finds Sam and Jake married. They say that when you've been abused as a child, you tend to marry an abuser, and become one yourself.
Lo and behold, Jake ends up being an alcoholic and abusive to Sam. And yes, Charlie has reformed himself and is married with two children. For their sake, to break the chain of abuse, he's worked hard at becoming the man he needs to be.
And Sam knows that no matter how many times she's left Jake and gone back after his promises that it won't happen again, he just doesn't want to change. But she never reports him.
Then one day she goes home after they fight to find him in bed with another woman. After trying to throw her out, Jake turns on Sam, throwing HER out, literally, by her hair and sending her to the hospital after landing on her shoulder.
The "other women" helps her up and tells her she's too good for Jake; that she didn't know he had a wife and child, and that she should report him. When Sam tells her to leave, SHE calls the police and reports a domestic incident. Sam has told the hospital she fell.
Two officers walk in and tell her about the call they received, and she tells the truth. That's the start of Jake's recovery.
I won't tell you the end, but if you or someone you know have or are in an abusive relationship, this book can bring hope to what may seem a hopeless situation.
It can also give insight into how generational abuse may begin. It's not an excuse, but insight so you don't blame yourself
August 3, 2022
Wonderful
This book was amazing!!! I read book one, Charlie's Secret, and although it was disturbing, I enjoyed reading it. This story continues the lives of Sam and Charlie and explains Charlie's secret. The 2 books were very fast reads but I think it was because I couldn't put them down. I spent the time rooting for the children to keep moving forward on every page.
Thank you C.L. Heckman, for writing and sharing these stories. In some way, I feel different having read them. Highly recommended reading.
This book was amazing!!! I read book one, Charlie's Secret, and although it was disturbing, I enjoyed reading it. This story continues the lives of Sam and Charlie and explains Charlie's secret. The 2 books were very fast reads but I think it was because I couldn't put them down. I spent the time rooting for the children to keep moving forward on every page.
Thank you C.L. Heckman, for writing and sharing these stories. In some way, I feel different having read them. Highly recommended reading.
May 31, 2021
Great sequel
As a person diagnosed with depression over 20 years ago, these stories are totally and sadly relatable to me. The everyday struggle is real and not at all easy to admit. I'm sure writing about it wasn't easy, and I commend the author for doing such a wonderful job on a very difficult topic.
As a person diagnosed with depression over 20 years ago, these stories are totally and sadly relatable to me. The everyday struggle is real and not at all easy to admit. I'm sure writing about it wasn't easy, and I commend the author for doing such a wonderful job on a very difficult topic.
August 19, 2020
This is the conclusion to this story! Sam thought she had it all when she married her highschool sweetheart Jake but he really showed his true colors when they had their son! This book will rip you to shreds! Will Sam ever get a happy ending? Perhaps
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2023
Ehh...
This was hard to read at some points because it just felt a little redundant. Overall it wasn't that bad of a book, it could have been better. So many examples I was going to give about the reason for my review, but I don't want to give anything away for those who may still want to read it.
This was hard to read at some points because it just felt a little redundant. Overall it wasn't that bad of a book, it could have been better. So many examples I was going to give about the reason for my review, but I don't want to give anything away for those who may still want to read it.
June 29, 2020
Stunningly written
I read Charlie's Secret first. I knew I had to read this one. My heartbroken with Sam's pain. I felt her anxieties and her joyous acceptance of what once was but didn't have to be
I read Charlie's Secret first. I knew I had to read this one. My heartbroken with Sam's pain. I felt her anxieties and her joyous acceptance of what once was but didn't have to be
December 21, 2021
Kindle Unlimited
Meh. Finally figured out what Charlie’s secret was; a bit of background on their parents that explains what they misinterpreted as children. Basically explain deep feelings to your children or else they will think something else is happening.
Meh. Finally figured out what Charlie’s secret was; a bit of background on their parents that explains what they misinterpreted as children. Basically explain deep feelings to your children or else they will think something else is happening.
March 15, 2022
Amazing way to describe mental illness
After reading this book it shows how mental health is passed down generation to generation. Unless you break the cycle.
More people need to learn how to break the cycle
After reading this book it shows how mental health is passed down generation to generation. Unless you break the cycle.
More people need to learn how to break the cycle
March 26, 2022
Epilogue has my heart melting. A mother's love, battles, and hardships.
Sam and Charlie should be so proud of the people they have become, and the demons they have defeated. Both living their lives with more coping knowledge than their parents.
Sam and Charlie should be so proud of the people they have become, and the demons they have defeated. Both living their lives with more coping knowledge than their parents.
May 28, 2022
absolutely intriguing
Another good book could not put it down. I would read it every chance I got. The story was so interesting and sad at the same time. I wish that there was a sequel to it just to find out more about their mom and her secrets.
Another good book could not put it down. I would read it every chance I got. The story was so interesting and sad at the same time. I wish that there was a sequel to it just to find out more about their mom and her secrets.
September 15, 2022
Gripping and heartfelt
Amazing well written with a full circle completion. How heroic and forgiving a true testament to Gods forgiveness and love. Love can cover a multitude of sin, period. This book was a great read and was hard to put down but easy to pick up.
Amazing well written with a full circle completion. How heroic and forgiving a true testament to Gods forgiveness and love. Love can cover a multitude of sin, period. This book was a great read and was hard to put down but easy to pick up.
November 20, 2023
A trail of abuse
The book plot was good but ended prematurely without a fuller explanation of the mother's mental illness. Does Charlie ever find a sense of closure? Does Sam's truth set her free?
The book plot was good but ended prematurely without a fuller explanation of the mother's mental illness. Does Charlie ever find a sense of closure? Does Sam's truth set her free?
November 26, 2023
Heartbreaking
This book gives a lot of details and disturbing things happened.
My heart broke for both Sam & Charlie. The trauma they both suffered at the hands of the ones who were supposed to protect them.
I am glad both found found love after everything they endured.
This book gives a lot of details and disturbing things happened.
My heart broke for both Sam & Charlie. The trauma they both suffered at the hands of the ones who were supposed to protect them.
I am glad both found found love after everything they endured.
October 12, 2020
Wonderful book
Well written. So many feelings she had that I could relate to and stories hard to believe. but yet believable if you lived through abuse.
Well written. So many feelings she had that I could relate to and stories hard to believe. but yet believable if you lived through abuse.
April 21, 2021
Wow
Will there be a 3rd to commplete this? The story never said if Sam and her new hubby had kids, was they happy? So many unanswered ?s
Will there be a 3rd to commplete this? The story never said if Sam and her new hubby had kids, was they happy? So many unanswered ?s
June 30, 2021
Not as good as the first book
It took me awhile to get into the 2nd book. It was predictable and a little slow. In my opinion..
It took me awhile to get into the 2nd book. It was predictable and a little slow. In my opinion..
January 2, 2022
Sam's Truth
A good ending to Charlie's Secret. I didn't cry through this book, enjoyable . I grew up in a family of mental illness, and abuse. I feel all of this book.
A good ending to Charlie's Secret. I didn't cry through this book, enjoyable . I grew up in a family of mental illness, and abuse. I feel all of this book.
March 21, 2022
Good read
If you've read Charlie's Secret, you really need to read Sam's Truth to really find out what Charlie's secret really was.
If you've read Charlie's Secret, you really need to read Sam's Truth to really find out what Charlie's secret really was.
May 31, 2022
I don't review much but thought it was one to do!!!
I read the first one and liked it so read the second and thought it was good..I think other people should give it a try.
I read the first one and liked it so read the second and thought it was good..I think other people should give it a try.
September 28, 2022
Good read
October 2, 2022
sad but so much truths.
Having experienced some of this pain. I couldn’t put this book down. Grown ups do not realize the damage they do to young minds.
Having experienced some of this pain. I couldn’t put this book down. Grown ups do not realize the damage they do to young minds.
November 9, 2022
One sexual type scene that I skipped.
January 9, 2023
A hard to read book with abuse and love together
March 29, 2023
Awesome
This book is just as good as the first one. I hope she's wrote more this is a great author.
This book is just as good as the first one. I hope she's wrote more this is a great author.
July 1, 2023
You really root for Sam. Nice finish to her hard life.
October 29, 2023
Good read
Very good book. I had problems putting it down. You must read the first book though to understand this sequel.
Very good book. I had problems putting it down. You must read the first book though to understand this sequel.
December 18, 2023
Good read
December 19, 2023
A must read
I absolutely loved this story and can't wait for the next book! The author draws you in and made me feel so many emotions! Highly recommended
I absolutely loved this story and can't wait for the next book! The author draws you in and made me feel so many emotions! Highly recommended
June 29, 2024
excellent read
Thank you for sharing your life with the world. You are an amazing person forgiving something like this is so hard to do and yet you did it.
Thank you for sharing your life with the world. You are an amazing person forgiving something like this is so hard to do and yet you did it.
July 28, 2025
Great follow up!
This was a good book and fit in great with the first one in the series. I enjoyed the first one and decided to try this one as well. An excellent choice!
This was a good book and fit in great with the first one in the series. I enjoyed the first one and decided to try this one as well. An excellent choice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews