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The Housekeeper's Secret
For fans of truth-is-stranger-than-fiction stories, Sandy Schnakenburg is uncovering rattling and unprecedented revelations in this powerful memoir of love, secrets, and survival.
When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper she has no idea she’s about to become the anchor to a family in an abusive patriarch's home, setting a mystery in motion that will take decades to uncover. Then at age seventy-two Metoyer falls ill, and on her deathbed she asks Sandy Schnakenburg to write her life story. The only problem is Schnakenburg doesn’t know the story. Embarking on a quest to honor the woman’s final wishes, Schnakenburg takes an emotional and thrilling journey, unveiling shocking truths not only about her beloved housekeeper but also about her own upbringing.
When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper she has no idea she’s about to become the anchor to a family in an abusive patriarch's home, setting a mystery in motion that will take decades to uncover. Then at age seventy-two Metoyer falls ill, and on her deathbed she asks Sandy Schnakenburg to write her life story. The only problem is Schnakenburg doesn’t know the story. Embarking on a quest to honor the woman’s final wishes, Schnakenburg takes an emotional and thrilling journey, unveiling shocking truths not only about her beloved housekeeper but also about her own upbringing.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
49 people are currently reading
12095 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Schnakenburg
1 book58 followersSandy Schnakenburg is a writer, mother, and truth-seeker with a background in finance, writing, community advocacy, and personal transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University and pursued graduate studies in business at the University of Southern California. When she’s not writing, Sandy can be found spending time with her family, hiking mountain trails, skiing fresh powder, or flowing through yoga. She and her husband, Karl, are nature lovers who split their time between Texas and Park City, Utah. Sandy has spent over a decade bringing The Housekeeper’s Secret to life—driven by a promise and a mission to amplify voices too often overlooked. She is passionate about truth-telling, legacy, and empowering women whose stories deserve to be heard.
She is the author of The Housekeeper's Secret: A Memoir, published by She Writes Press.
She is the author of The Housekeeper's Secret: A Memoir, published by She Writes Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
November 22, 2024
There is more to this one than initially meets the eye. This emotional memoir has layers of mystery, family drama, and a story of survival, resilience, and hope.
Even before her secrets are uncovered, you learn that Lee is a pillar of strength. But, once I finished her story, I was astonished by her resilience and greatly respected her. Sandy has also endured so much, including growing up with an emotionally abusive father, and she credits Lee for supporting and helping her and her five siblings through their difficult childhood. The deep love and affection of these women for one another transcends the page. Sandy's admiration for Lee is also evident in how she fulfills Lee's dying wish and undertakes a long and relatively complex investigation to uncover Lee's story. What Sandy uncovers is dramatic. I was shocked, all the more so because this isn't fiction. My heart went out to everyone in this compelling, emotional read and lovely tribute to a remarkable woman.
Thank you to Get Read PR, She Writes Press, and the author for the gifted review copy
Even before her secrets are uncovered, you learn that Lee is a pillar of strength. But, once I finished her story, I was astonished by her resilience and greatly respected her. Sandy has also endured so much, including growing up with an emotionally abusive father, and she credits Lee for supporting and helping her and her five siblings through their difficult childhood. The deep love and affection of these women for one another transcends the page. Sandy's admiration for Lee is also evident in how she fulfills Lee's dying wish and undertakes a long and relatively complex investigation to uncover Lee's story. What Sandy uncovers is dramatic. I was shocked, all the more so because this isn't fiction. My heart went out to everyone in this compelling, emotional read and lovely tribute to a remarkable woman.
Thank you to Get Read PR, She Writes Press, and the author for the gifted review copy
November 9, 2024
Thank you to Get Red PR for giving me the opportunity to read the housekeeper secret early. This book is heartbreaking, but so beautiful as well. This is a wonderful story about how people can come into your life and leave such a huge impact on you. Sandy’s retelling of her childhood at times was hard to read and also her figuring out what her housekeeper Lee had gone through prior to working for her family it was absolutely gut wrenching. Put the overall message in the ending of this book was absolutely beautiful.
January 5, 2025
TITLE: The Housekeeper's Secret: A Memoir
AUTHOR: Sandra Schnakenburg
PUB DATE: 12.03.2024
For fans of stranger than truth stories, Sandy Schnakenburg is uncovering rattling and unprecedented revelations in this powerful memoir of love, secrets, and survival.
THOUGHTS:
I love a memoir that certainly reads like a literary mystery that is both intriguing and hard to put down. Sandra did an amazing job in telling Lee’s story, the woman hired as their live in housekeeper, and becoming their second mother. With an enormous amount of investigation to tell the truth about Lee’s life and doing it incredible justice. I am moved beyond words on this inspiring and gut-wrenching story.
AUTHOR: Sandra Schnakenburg
PUB DATE: 12.03.2024
For fans of stranger than truth stories, Sandy Schnakenburg is uncovering rattling and unprecedented revelations in this powerful memoir of love, secrets, and survival.
THOUGHTS:
I love a memoir that certainly reads like a literary mystery that is both intriguing and hard to put down. Sandra did an amazing job in telling Lee’s story, the woman hired as their live in housekeeper, and becoming their second mother. With an enormous amount of investigation to tell the truth about Lee’s life and doing it incredible justice. I am moved beyond words on this inspiring and gut-wrenching story.
November 26, 2024
This book was an interesting memoir. It was part memoir of Sandra and her family and part her attempt to find out more about her housekeeper after her death. The sections about Sandra's life mostly focused on Lee entering her family's life and her father's unhealthy influence.
Some of the stories were memorable- the dwarf crocodiles, the impromptu trip to Disney. However, a lot of it felt like it was reaching to connect us to something memorable for the author, but it didn't quite hit us the way you could tell it was in meaning for Sandy. The sentiment was very understood, though. You knew how much she loved Lee and how Lee changed her family's lives. What I found interesting was how much of this was also about Sandy's father.
When Lee's history was finally revealed, it was a shock. Definitely interesting and worth writing about. It's a shame Lee's account couldn't be known because being told through distanced parties loses a lot of information and Lee's feelings. Because the full details are only so known, this is only a small part of the book, in spite of the book's title. However, I am glad Lee's story was told.
Thank-you so much to Get Red PR and Sandra Schnakenburg for my free ARC. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
Some of the stories were memorable- the dwarf crocodiles, the impromptu trip to Disney. However, a lot of it felt like it was reaching to connect us to something memorable for the author, but it didn't quite hit us the way you could tell it was in meaning for Sandy. The sentiment was very understood, though. You knew how much she loved Lee and how Lee changed her family's lives. What I found interesting was how much of this was also about Sandy's father.
When Lee's history was finally revealed, it was a shock. Definitely interesting and worth writing about. It's a shame Lee's account couldn't be known because being told through distanced parties loses a lot of information and Lee's feelings. Because the full details are only so known, this is only a small part of the book, in spite of the book's title. However, I am glad Lee's story was told.
Thank-you so much to Get Red PR and Sandra Schnakenburg for my free ARC. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
January 24, 2025
This is a touching, at times heartbreaking memoir and a tribute to a beautiful woman named Lee Metoyer.
It is the story of a young family and their housekeeper, Lee, who came into their lives but became so much more to them. Young Sandy and Lee’s relationship is beautiful from the start. The story is about the struggles and achievements of a family with secrets, as well as a mystery surrounding their housekeeper of 35 years. Sandy sets out to fulfill Lee’s final wish by writing her story. It was a lengthy and difficult research, but when it was all uncovered, I was shocked by Lee’s secret past. My heart broke for what she had to endure and overcome. Her resiliency was strong! I admired the author’s unrelenting commitment to sharing not only her story, but of Lee’s. This book will hold a special place in my heart and stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you to Get Red PR, Simon and Schuster, and author Sandra Schnakenburg for the #gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
🏷️: #thehousekeeperssecret #memoir #debutnovel #addtoTBR #tearjerker #nonfiction #Bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #GetRedPr #sandraSchnakenburg
It is the story of a young family and their housekeeper, Lee, who came into their lives but became so much more to them. Young Sandy and Lee’s relationship is beautiful from the start. The story is about the struggles and achievements of a family with secrets, as well as a mystery surrounding their housekeeper of 35 years. Sandy sets out to fulfill Lee’s final wish by writing her story. It was a lengthy and difficult research, but when it was all uncovered, I was shocked by Lee’s secret past. My heart broke for what she had to endure and overcome. Her resiliency was strong! I admired the author’s unrelenting commitment to sharing not only her story, but of Lee’s. This book will hold a special place in my heart and stay with me for a very long time.
Thank you to Get Red PR, Simon and Schuster, and author Sandra Schnakenburg for the #gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
🏷️: #thehousekeeperssecret #memoir #debutnovel #addtoTBR #tearjerker #nonfiction #Bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #GetRedPr #sandraSchnakenburg
June 24, 2025
When I started reading The Housekeeper's Secret by Sandra Schnakenburg, I was immediately drawn in to the story of Lee Metoyer and her relationship with the Krilich family over the course of more than 30 years as their housekeeper. When Lee arrives for a two-week trial period, the children, especially Sandra, are immediately taken with the woman and have been told that she spent time in a hospital recovering from the shock of her husband and child dying in a car accident. They have also been instructed not to ask about Lee's past, as it is upsetting to her. Over the years, they learn little of her background until surprisingly, Lee asks Sandra to write a book about her life. The result is this page-turner of a memoir that is at times heartwarming and also deeply disturbing.
The theme that carries throughout the story of Lee, Lillian Krilich and Sandra is that of resilience and the importance of women supporting each other throughout life's difficulties. Lee Metoyer is a formidable force in the Krilich household, and her love of the family was evident throughout. Lee's quiet support for Lillian and the children as they endured the patriarch's emotional abuse was certainly learned from her own experiences. As I reflect on her story, I continue to be amazed and impressed by her ability to survive the horrors she endured, and to be such a loving, wise caregiver for the Krilich family and a friend to Lillian over the years. Her story is such an inspiration, and the impact she had on the lives she touched is clear through Schnakenburg's writing.
Thank you to Sandra Schnakenburg and Book Publicity Services for the review copy of The Housekeeper's Secret. The opinions in this review are my own.
The theme that carries throughout the story of Lee, Lillian Krilich and Sandra is that of resilience and the importance of women supporting each other throughout life's difficulties. Lee Metoyer is a formidable force in the Krilich household, and her love of the family was evident throughout. Lee's quiet support for Lillian and the children as they endured the patriarch's emotional abuse was certainly learned from her own experiences. As I reflect on her story, I continue to be amazed and impressed by her ability to survive the horrors she endured, and to be such a loving, wise caregiver for the Krilich family and a friend to Lillian over the years. Her story is such an inspiration, and the impact she had on the lives she touched is clear through Schnakenburg's writing.
Thank you to Sandra Schnakenburg and Book Publicity Services for the review copy of The Housekeeper's Secret. The opinions in this review are my own.
December 25, 2024
A memoir of the author’s dysfunctional family with a few paragraphs about her housekeeper. Depressing.
February 5, 2025
I am going to say so far in 2025 it’s been my favorite book
July 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is mostly about the author's family and experiences of when Lee lived with them. The nitty gritty part is tragic and I have so much I want to say but don't want to give spoilers.
This is such a a good book! I highly recommend it.
This book is mostly about the author's family and experiences of when Lee lived with them. The nitty gritty part is tragic and I have so much I want to say but don't want to give spoilers.
This is such a a good book! I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2025
The Housekeeper's Secret by Sandra Schnakenburg is a memoir that grabbed my heart. It's an emotional read that unfolds like a fiction thriller, making it captivating.
This was an easy read. The title didnt actually match the story and some parts were a little slow paced.
The story is both engaging and touching, drawing you in with its authenticity.
Thanking NetGalley and Sandra Schnakenburg for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This was an easy read. The title didnt actually match the story and some parts were a little slow paced.
The story is both engaging and touching, drawing you in with its authenticity.
Thanking NetGalley and Sandra Schnakenburg for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 3, 2024
This was the second nonfiction book I read last month for “Nonfiction November.” Here's a little secret: I completely forgot what it was about before starting and went into it thinking it was a thriller. But I wasn’t disappointed at all—it turned out to be a real-life mystery, beautifully unraveled.
Imagine growing up knowing someone your whole life, piecing together the parts of their story they chose to share. Then, on their deathbed, they reveal they want you to write their story because they’re finally ready to tell the truth—only to pass away before it can happen.
This is the story that was years in the making, as Sandra was left with a promise to tell her housekeeper’s story. It required years of research and the help of unexpected resources to uncover the truth. Sandra’s life was already remarkable, with an upbringing marked by turmoil from her father, her own near-death experience, and her parents’ divorce. But the story becomes even more extraordinary as it delves into the life of her beloved second mom—the housekeeper—whose untold experiences prior to joining Sandra’s family were equally incredible.
This is a story of love, resilience, rediscovery, and unimaginable strength. It’s a fantastic read with an unforgettable narrative. If you’re looking to pick up another nonfiction book before the end of the year, I highly recommend this one.
Imagine growing up knowing someone your whole life, piecing together the parts of their story they chose to share. Then, on their deathbed, they reveal they want you to write their story because they’re finally ready to tell the truth—only to pass away before it can happen.
This is the story that was years in the making, as Sandra was left with a promise to tell her housekeeper’s story. It required years of research and the help of unexpected resources to uncover the truth. Sandra’s life was already remarkable, with an upbringing marked by turmoil from her father, her own near-death experience, and her parents’ divorce. But the story becomes even more extraordinary as it delves into the life of her beloved second mom—the housekeeper—whose untold experiences prior to joining Sandra’s family were equally incredible.
This is a story of love, resilience, rediscovery, and unimaginable strength. It’s a fantastic read with an unforgettable narrative. If you’re looking to pick up another nonfiction book before the end of the year, I highly recommend this one.
January 4, 2025
The story was gripping - I couldn't put it down! Sandy's portrayal of her struggle growing up with a dysfunctional father felt really authentic. It was clever how we learned about Lee the way Sandy and her family did which made the ending when we learn Lee's dark secrets in a way that is as impactful as it must have been for Sandy and her siblings. The best and worst of humanity comes together in an unbelievable tale of surviving and overcoming unthinkable hardship through self sacrifice and service to others. This story would make for an incredible movie!
July 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
When the new housekeeper Lee came to live with them, Sandy and her siblings were instructed to not ask Lee about her life. Sandy and her brother and sisters mostly obey and come to see Lee as a second mother. But, on her death bed, Lee tells Sandy that she's ready to tell her story, ready to write the book she always joked she would write that no one would believe. But she dies before she gets to tell Sandy anything. So, Sandy attempts to tell it for her.
I read almost all of this book in one sitting. Based on the title and the synopsis, I thought the majority of the story would be about Sandy uncovering the truth of Lee's life, but two thirds of the story were Sandy's own childhood. The last third of the book is about Lee. I was still interested in the story - Sandy's own childhood could have been the focus of the entire memoir! - but Lee's story felt rushed a bit. I think that's mainly because I kept waiting to find out what her "secret" was. Maybe a different title or a more thorough synopsis would help set readers up a bit more to really enjoy this story.
Lee's story is one of tragedy and resilience, and it absolutely deserves to be told.
When the new housekeeper Lee came to live with them, Sandy and her siblings were instructed to not ask Lee about her life. Sandy and her brother and sisters mostly obey and come to see Lee as a second mother. But, on her death bed, Lee tells Sandy that she's ready to tell her story, ready to write the book she always joked she would write that no one would believe. But she dies before she gets to tell Sandy anything. So, Sandy attempts to tell it for her.
I read almost all of this book in one sitting. Based on the title and the synopsis, I thought the majority of the story would be about Sandy uncovering the truth of Lee's life, but two thirds of the story were Sandy's own childhood. The last third of the book is about Lee. I was still interested in the story - Sandy's own childhood could have been the focus of the entire memoir! - but Lee's story felt rushed a bit. I think that's mainly because I kept waiting to find out what her "secret" was. Maybe a different title or a more thorough synopsis would help set readers up a bit more to really enjoy this story.
Lee's story is one of tragedy and resilience, and it absolutely deserves to be told.
January 12, 2025
3.5 stars
Beautiful story though it's more about Sandra than the housekeeper as the title implies. Also I wasn't as touched as I'd thought.
Story 8
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 7
Execution/Pace 7
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Narration 8
Beautiful story though it's more about Sandra than the housekeeper as the title implies. Also I wasn't as touched as I'd thought.
Story 8
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 7
Execution/Pace 7
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Narration 8
June 4, 2025
absolutely best story I've read in a long time. needs to be a movie. Sandra did a fabulous job writing this book. this is a must read!
June 7, 2025
I finished The Housemaid's Secret by Sandra Schnakenburg. This is a memoir but reads like a mystery. The writing was so well done.
Sandra conveys Lee's story in a way that is both intriguing and compelling. I couldn't put it down. I've never read a memoir quite like this.
Lee is strong and resilient and Sandy portrays her relationship, the love, support and affection they share transcends the page.
The amount of research and investigation that Sandra endured to tell Lee's story which is shocking, is evident on every page.
Sandra conveys Lee's story in a way that is both intriguing and compelling. I couldn't put it down. I've never read a memoir quite like this.
Lee is strong and resilient and Sandy portrays her relationship, the love, support and affection they share transcends the page.
The amount of research and investigation that Sandra endured to tell Lee's story which is shocking, is evident on every page.
January 25, 2025
3.5 stars. This memoir an easy read -maybe too easy because the writing was a bit simplistic. But what a great story! Although the title says this is the story of the housekeeper's secret, more than half of the book was about the author's childhood and the family dysfunction caused by her parents' bad marriage. The writer and the housekeeper (Lee) formed a special bond, and years after Lee died, the author began researching the Lee's mysterious past.
January 1, 2025
I couldn't put this book down! Highly recommend!
July 11, 2025
When the author of this memoir was a little girl, a woman named Lee came to live with her family to be their housekeeper and stayed for decades even when the kids were long-grown, becoming part of the family. On her deathbed, Lee asked the author to write her story - the only problem being Lee never liked to talk about her past and died before she could share her story with Sandy.
I’d say despite the title and synopsis, the book is about 2/3 Sandy’s memories about growing up with her many siblings, horrible father, and kind but overwhelmed mother - and Lee, of course. Only about the last third of the book is Sandy’s search for more about Lee’s life and the many sad things she discovers. I do wish we had been able to hear from Lee herself and that some more mysteries were solved, but it was certainly a compelling and sad story - as well as a hopeful one that she did seem to find peace with Sandy’s family.
3.75 stars
Thanks to @bookpublicityservices for my copy; all opinions are my own.
I’d say despite the title and synopsis, the book is about 2/3 Sandy’s memories about growing up with her many siblings, horrible father, and kind but overwhelmed mother - and Lee, of course. Only about the last third of the book is Sandy’s search for more about Lee’s life and the many sad things she discovers. I do wish we had been able to hear from Lee herself and that some more mysteries were solved, but it was certainly a compelling and sad story - as well as a hopeful one that she did seem to find peace with Sandy’s family.
3.75 stars
Thanks to @bookpublicityservices for my copy; all opinions are my own.
December 28, 2024
I don’t usually think of memoirs as page turners but this one truly was from cover to cover. The Krilich family needed Lee and Lee needed them - - major understatement. This is a powerful story of found family, female friendship and resilience. I applaud Sandy for honoring her promise to Lee to share her story. It will stay with me for a long time.
December 29, 2024
heartwarming and bittersweet
This was a hard read. It really breaks your heart. Lee was an in redoble woman and the author did her Justice 100%. I hated it to end but she finished her job so I am utterly happy with that.
This was a hard read. It really breaks your heart. Lee was an in redoble woman and the author did her Justice 100%. I hated it to end but she finished her job so I am utterly happy with that.
July 15, 2025
Thank you Book Publicity Services for my gifted eBook
Full RTC
Full RTC
December 13, 2024
I am absolutely in awe with this memoir. I believe some people are sent to us for a reason as much as Lee to Sandy. Despite all the commotions, one’s presence can make or break the whole story. Lee might be carrying a heavy burden but the Krilich’s family gave Lee an opportunity to see into her own heart too. This book about love, family, connection and drama gave this book a wholesome story to read, cry and review this stunning story.
December 13, 2024
What a beautifully written memoir! I could not put it down and cried through several chapters especially the last few. Sandy you made Lee proud and she will be your angel forever. This book had mystery,courage, love, and strength all wrapped up in the main characters!
October 14, 2024
A Journey of Love, Humility, and Resilience: Unveiling Lee’s Legacy in The Housekeeper’s Secret:
The Housekeeper's Secret is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of love, humility, and resilience. Sandra takes readers on an unforgettable journey through her own childhood trauma and the unthinkable hardships Lee endured. The author’s eloquent prose and vivid storytelling unveil the extraordinary strength and enduring love that defined Lee’s life in a way that is both profoundly moving and deeply inspirational.
From the very first pages, I was captivated by Sandra’s narrative. Despite a busy schedule, I found myself eagerly returning to the book —a sign of just how compelling this story is. The emotional depth Sandra conveys is palpable, leaving readers not only touched but overwhelmed with admiration for the strength and humility embodied in both her and Lee’s lives.
What truly stands out is how beautifully Sandra captures Lee’s journey, showing how resilience, prayer, and unwavering hope can guide us through even the darkest times. The portrayal of Lee’s experiences is handled with such sensitivity and grace that it becomes more than a story of survival—it’s a beacon of strength for anyone who may feel they aren’t strong enough.
The courage Sandra shows in confronting her own past while unraveling the mystery of Lee’s life is commendable. It’s clear that writing this book was a labor of love, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Sandra’s determination to share this legacy is a gift to readers, offering them hope, strength, and a reminder that prayer and humility can help us rise above any adversity.
The Krilich name resonates powerfully throughout the story, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the family. It serves as a fitting tribute to a legacy that will inspire generations to come. The inclusion of the author’s name throughout further cements the deeply personal connection that is woven into every page.
In conclusion, The Housekeeper’s Secret is a masterfully crafted memoir, beautifully told and emotionally profound. Sandra’s storytelling, combined with her unwavering dedication to completing this puzzle, results in a narrative that will not only inspire but also change lives. This book is a reminder of the power of love, resilience, and prayer, and it deserves a place on every reader’s shelf. Lee would undoubtedly be proud—Sandra, you did it, and you did it beautifully.
With love and gratitude for sharing this incredible story,
The Housekeeper's Secret is more than a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of love, humility, and resilience. Sandra takes readers on an unforgettable journey through her own childhood trauma and the unthinkable hardships Lee endured. The author’s eloquent prose and vivid storytelling unveil the extraordinary strength and enduring love that defined Lee’s life in a way that is both profoundly moving and deeply inspirational.
From the very first pages, I was captivated by Sandra’s narrative. Despite a busy schedule, I found myself eagerly returning to the book —a sign of just how compelling this story is. The emotional depth Sandra conveys is palpable, leaving readers not only touched but overwhelmed with admiration for the strength and humility embodied in both her and Lee’s lives.
What truly stands out is how beautifully Sandra captures Lee’s journey, showing how resilience, prayer, and unwavering hope can guide us through even the darkest times. The portrayal of Lee’s experiences is handled with such sensitivity and grace that it becomes more than a story of survival—it’s a beacon of strength for anyone who may feel they aren’t strong enough.
The courage Sandra shows in confronting her own past while unraveling the mystery of Lee’s life is commendable. It’s clear that writing this book was a labor of love, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Sandra’s determination to share this legacy is a gift to readers, offering them hope, strength, and a reminder that prayer and humility can help us rise above any adversity.
The Krilich name resonates powerfully throughout the story, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the family. It serves as a fitting tribute to a legacy that will inspire generations to come. The inclusion of the author’s name throughout further cements the deeply personal connection that is woven into every page.
In conclusion, The Housekeeper’s Secret is a masterfully crafted memoir, beautifully told and emotionally profound. Sandra’s storytelling, combined with her unwavering dedication to completing this puzzle, results in a narrative that will not only inspire but also change lives. This book is a reminder of the power of love, resilience, and prayer, and it deserves a place on every reader’s shelf. Lee would undoubtedly be proud—Sandra, you did it, and you did it beautifully.
With love and gratitude for sharing this incredible story,
January 6, 2025
Lee Metoyer is more than a housekeeper. She is the keeper of all the secrets.
When she is seventy-two and finds her health failing and she wants Sandy to tell her story. Sandy will go on an emotional journey fulfilling Lee’s last wish. Sometimes the truth should be kept in the past and other times it is healing. An emotion and chilling novel about survival and ones journey.
When she is seventy-two and finds her health failing and she wants Sandy to tell her story. Sandy will go on an emotional journey fulfilling Lee’s last wish. Sometimes the truth should be kept in the past and other times it is healing. An emotion and chilling novel about survival and ones journey.
October 21, 2024
From the first page, The Housekeeper’s Secret is a clear labor of love. Lee Metoyer was more than a long-term housekeeper for the Krilich family; she was a second mother to Sandra. Lee was a wise, wonderful gift from God, but she had a secret. Sandra knew that Lee had lost her husband and son in a horrific car accident. To spare Lee from further trauma, there was a no-questions-asked agreement from the start.
When Lee was on her deathbed, she asked Sandra to write the story of her life. While Sandra had a sincere desire to fulfill Lee’s wish, there was also great trepidation. How could Sandra tell a story she was never allowed to know? With love. She tells it with love and a deep need to truly know and honor this important member of her family.
As Sandra reveals the life she lived with Lee, she confronts her own difficult past. Sandra was raised in a family with substantial financial means, but also with a father who inflicted emotional abuse and betrayal upon his family. It was Lee who kept the family stable and taught Sandra’s mother and her six children how to thrive even though they had family secrets of their own.
This is a gripping page-turner. It’s a story of hidden resilience. It’s amazing to think about the people in your life and how you might not really know them. This book shows us how the human spirit is fragile and strong at the same time. Sandra dedicated herself to learning about Lee’s true past and hoped to lay her ashes to rest with her deceased husband and son. The journey takes her to places and truths we could never imagine.
Sandra made me love and admire Lee even before her true past was unearthed. Sandra often says that Lee was a miracle and the best thing that happened to her and her family. Indeed, this woman who walked with an unusual gait was carrying so much more grief than the Krilich family could know.
There are so many parts of this story that show us that we cannot make assumptions about people and the lives they lead simply by attending to superficial, outward appearances. There is often so much more to people than what they allow others to see. I believe in the end this story gives Lee eternal peace.
When Lee was on her deathbed, she asked Sandra to write the story of her life. While Sandra had a sincere desire to fulfill Lee’s wish, there was also great trepidation. How could Sandra tell a story she was never allowed to know? With love. She tells it with love and a deep need to truly know and honor this important member of her family.
As Sandra reveals the life she lived with Lee, she confronts her own difficult past. Sandra was raised in a family with substantial financial means, but also with a father who inflicted emotional abuse and betrayal upon his family. It was Lee who kept the family stable and taught Sandra’s mother and her six children how to thrive even though they had family secrets of their own.
This is a gripping page-turner. It’s a story of hidden resilience. It’s amazing to think about the people in your life and how you might not really know them. This book shows us how the human spirit is fragile and strong at the same time. Sandra dedicated herself to learning about Lee’s true past and hoped to lay her ashes to rest with her deceased husband and son. The journey takes her to places and truths we could never imagine.
Sandra made me love and admire Lee even before her true past was unearthed. Sandra often says that Lee was a miracle and the best thing that happened to her and her family. Indeed, this woman who walked with an unusual gait was carrying so much more grief than the Krilich family could know.
There are so many parts of this story that show us that we cannot make assumptions about people and the lives they lead simply by attending to superficial, outward appearances. There is often so much more to people than what they allow others to see. I believe in the end this story gives Lee eternal peace.
December 4, 2024
An emotional memoir that is absolutely beautifully written.
An emotional past comes to light and secrets are in the open. So much pain and suffering but a story of resilience.
I will definitely be recommending this to others
An emotional past comes to light and secrets are in the open. So much pain and suffering but a story of resilience.
I will definitely be recommending this to others
July 31, 2024
It is a rare book that can offer one part family story, one part detective work, and one part unveiling a true crime situation. The Housekeeper's Secret did just that. In the vein of The Story of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and Bad Blood, the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, it exposed a real-life unethical medical institution with the central character of the book someone who lived to tell the tale. Although someone else told that tale for her, while simultaneously telling a very personal story of her own. And, the author granted her beloved friend's dying with by doing so.
The first half of the book introduces us to the author's family, and Lee, her live-in housekeeper who became a member of her family for over 30 years.
Lee's dark and difficult past could not have been guessed, and wasn't, until after her death. The author doggedly tracked down family and secrets that would. not have ever been discovered without the conviction and love that drove her.
This is an emotional, compulsive page turner to the end. Learning about the injustices Lee survives made the historical significance all the more real and relatable. As the reader, I grew to love Lee, so by the time her past was revealed, it left more of an indelible impression on me and surely on anyone who reads this gripping, well-written, and unique memoir. Sandy Schnackenberg provided closure for her family, some of Lee's children, and ultimately, Lee herself. Wonderful book.
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy to write this early review.
Dr. Dawn Filos
Author of Tales of a Pet Vet. Stories from the Clinic and House Calls
The first half of the book introduces us to the author's family, and Lee, her live-in housekeeper who became a member of her family for over 30 years.
Lee's dark and difficult past could not have been guessed, and wasn't, until after her death. The author doggedly tracked down family and secrets that would. not have ever been discovered without the conviction and love that drove her.
This is an emotional, compulsive page turner to the end. Learning about the injustices Lee survives made the historical significance all the more real and relatable. As the reader, I grew to love Lee, so by the time her past was revealed, it left more of an indelible impression on me and surely on anyone who reads this gripping, well-written, and unique memoir. Sandy Schnackenberg provided closure for her family, some of Lee's children, and ultimately, Lee herself. Wonderful book.
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy to write this early review.
Dr. Dawn Filos
Author of Tales of a Pet Vet. Stories from the Clinic and House Calls
September 10, 2024
This book is more than a memoir, it is a loving tribute to a remarkable woman. Schnakenburg puts together the most challenging puzzle of her life after she promises her beloved Lee that she will write a book about her past. The result is a memoir that reads like novel with a mystery at its heart. I enjoyed every page, and read it in two sittings. If you want a book that will transport you back in time twice over, that will move you with its tale of tragedy and resilience and love, that pays tribute to a woman who found a second family to love and protect, that will show you the healing power of love, however unexpected the context or the source, then you will love The Housekeeper's Secret.
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