"I grew up between my brothers, learning early that love doesn't always come with understanding."In Second Chances, Marc Cullison tells the story of the Carter family through the voice of Susan Carter, a woman who grows up between two brothers whose differences are apparent long before they reach adulthood. From an early age, Susan learns to watch carefully, to listen closely, and to navigate the quiet tensions that define her family's inner life.
Both of Susan's brothers serve in Vietnam. Both return home. But the war leaves its mark unevenly. Dennis comes back much as he always was-confident, forceful, and untroubled by self-doubt. Alan, younger and more introspective, returns carrying the weight of what he experienced overseas, struggling to reconcile the man he was before the war with the one who came home.
As years pass, the family settles into patterns formed early in life. Dennis continues to dominate. Alan continues to withdraw. Susan remains in the middle, bearing witness to the long shadow cast by childhood roles and unspoken trauma. She understands that love does not require approval, and loyalty does not always bring peace.
When illness forces the family back into close proximity, Susan is confronted with memories she has spent years holding at a careful distance. The past resurfaces-not to be resolved neatly, but to be seen more clearly.
Written with restraint and emotional honesty, Second Chances is a novel about family bonds, the lingering effects of war, and the quiet endurance of those who observe more than they are allowed to speak. It is a story about memory, loyalty, and the uneasy truth that understanding does not always change people-but it can change how we live with them.
About the Author :
Marc Cullison is a baby-boomer who grew up in an era when education was everything and duty to country was a responsibility. After receiving a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering at Oklahoma State University, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in theUnited States Army Reserve Corps of Engineers through the ROTC program. During his four-year tour of duty, he served as helicopter pilot with the 129th Assault Helicopter Company in II Corps, Vietnam, in 1971. He returned from overseas to an assignment as a military assistantto the resident engineer at Kaw Dam and Reservoir near Ponca City, Oklahoma, where he met the woman he would marry there. After two years in Ponca City he was honorably discharged and returned to Oklahoma State where he received a master's degree in architectural engineering and honed his technical skills as a professional structural engineer. Then into quality control at a manufacturing plant which ledhim into computer programming. His most recent career was a math and science instructor at Connors State College in Warner and Muskogee, Oklahoma, from which he retired in 2014. He lives with his wife in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Review :
Praise for second chances"A deeply human story that resonates long after the last page."
- Reader Review
Marc Cullison's Second Chances is a heartfelt, character-driven novel that explores the fragile bonds of family, the weight of shared history, and the quiet hope of reconciliation. Readers consistently praise Cullison's ability to capture the emotional truth of sibling relationships - the love, the tension, and the unspoken moments that linger between them.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the realistic relationships between the brothers."
- Reader Review
Cullison's characters feel authentic and lived-in, shaped by time, regret, and loyalty. Reviewers note how naturally the emotional conflicts unfold, making the story both relatable and deeply affecting.
"Really enjoyed this author's style - the family theme was extremely engaging."
- Reader Review
With an inviting narrative voice and vivid, grounded detail, Second Chances draws readers into a world that feels familiar yet profound. Fans of character-focused fiction appreciate the balance of warmth and honesty woven throughout the story.
"A gem for readers who love emotional, slice-of-life storytelling."
- Reader Review
At its core, Second Chances is a story about forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring belief that it's never too late to mend what was once broken - "Highly recommended."
- Reader Review
