Book excerpt: 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?