Sandra Schnakenburg

Award-Winning Memoir Author & Storytelling Consultant

Guidance for Writers Preserving Their Legacy

The Process

It begins with a conversation about your writing goals and challenges. I share tools, writing practices, and strategies tailored to help you start and sustain your memoir journey.

The Result

You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and a set of resources that empower you to continue writing your story, one only you can tell.

About the Author

Sandra Schnakenburg

I grew up in Barrington, Illinois, and my life has taken me across the world before returning to the United States, where I and my husband, Karl, raised our twins, Kyle and Alexis.

My debut memoir, The Housekeeper’s Secret, was inspired by a promise made to my family’s beloved housekeeper, Lee Metoyer. Today, I continue to share my love of storytelling, faith, and family, alongside my passions for yoga, hiking, biking, and skiing.

About the Book

The Housekeeper’s Secret

we tell ourselves and the secrets the past can uncover.

In The Housekeeper’s Secret, I discover the hidden past of Lee Metoyer, the woman who helped raise me and became my second mother. What begins as a personal promise turns into a journey of truth, trauma, and the extraordinary power of caregiving. The memoir has been honored with multiple national and international awards, relating to readers who value resilience and untold family stories.

Why Memoirs Win Over Other Genres

Memoirs remind us that even the quietest lives hold extraordinary truths.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully conjures vivid imagery that dances like a film in the reader's mind. Each page evokes a tapestry of emotions, transporting us to a world filled with rich colors and textures. The narrative unfolds as a compelling blend of humor and innocence, reminiscent of childhood adventures yet infused with profound insights. At the heart of the story lies a beautiful exploration of truth, love, and the celebration of a beloved housekeeper whose mysterious presence resonates deeply with the characters and the reader alike. The author’s ability to weave laughter with poignant moments creates a delightful balance that makes this book not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful. Overall, this work stands as a testament to the author's talent for storytelling. If you’re seeking a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, this book is a must-add to your collection. Dive in and let the journey begin!

Tracey Barry

United States

I loved this book. Her story about her childhood resonated with me and her willingness to share the pain she and her siblings and mother faced with her difficult father was something that I related to. She was telling part of my story too! I could not put the book down and reading about how Lee, the beloved housekeeper, came into her life and changed the trajectory of her family was beautiful. Lee was a spiritual savant. Sandy’s story provided the backdrop to Lee’s story of her overcoming dire struggles that most people would not survive. A heartfelt story full of love and healing. A must read!

Brian G,

United States

When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper, she has no idea that 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. At the age of seventy-two, Lee falls ill and on her deathbed asks Sandy to write her story. The only problem is, Sandy doesn’t know the story. To me, this story is more about Sandy and her years in her troubled household. And trust me…it is troubled! Lee was a huge part of her life growing up. But she is not the main character of the story until the end. The ending is actually where you get to the meat of the housekeeper’s secret. And what a secret it is! I have always loved a good memoir and this one kept me so entertained. It is a quick read that will get your emotions running. Add in the quest for the secret and it is a story you do not want to miss. Y’all, this book is a memoir that reads like a fiction book. It is a bit disjointed in places but it is a read about resilience and love! Need a good memoir to get you through your day…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

Reeca Elliott

United States

I really enjoyed this book. It was very gripping and I couldn’t put it down. It is a memoir that reads like a fiction book because of the unbelievable amount of difficulties that these women went through in the story. There is so much strength and perseverance and love here. It is obvious how much this family truly loved their housekeeper, and she (Lee) came to be such a brilliant part of their life. Lee supported the author’s mom through so much difficulty and abuse. And then the author’s mom took care of the Lee until she passed away. When the story is finally revealed of the housekeeper’s previous life before she came to the.Krlich family, it is heartbreaking, illuminating, and relieving that she found this household full of kids and a mother that needed her so much. I highly recommend this book.

SK

United States

The synopsis of this book sounded interesting, but I could never have predicted how it all panned out. Long story short, this ended up being a book that made me lose track of time when I sat down to read. Part memoir and part mystery, the book follows the life of a family in Illinois and their beloved housekeeper, Lee Metoyer. Although this is a memoir of the author’s life, there is an overarching focus on Lee. She was like a second mother to Sandy and her siblings and an unwavering companion for her mother. Some time after her death, Sandy goes on to research the past that Lee was insistent on keeping secret. I was so invested in finding out what happened to Lee before she came to work for Sandy’s family. My heart broke for her when we finally learn her story, but I was more inspired by this woman’s strength and faith. To overcome so much and come back from such a terrible period in her life… absolutely inspiring. I loved reading about the author’s relationship with her, too. It was so sweet. The writing was fantastic as well. I felt as though I had been brought into the family

Audrey

United States

Three stars is my rating because the main story was about Sandy and I immensely enjoyed that part but the housemaid and her secret not so much. Lee was a character and not the main star until the end and then the story became so dark and almost cringe worthy. I know there were atrocities at mental institutions but this was bit extreme. I also was disappointed we had no closure on the father figure.

JA

United States

In this captivating read, the author masterfully conjures vivid imagery that dances like a film in the reader's mind. Each page evokes a tapestry of emotions, transporting us to a world filled with rich colors and textures. The narrative unfolds as a compelling blend of humor and innocence, reminiscent of childhood adventures yet infused with profound insights. At the heart of the story lies a beautiful exploration of truth, love, and the celebration of a beloved housekeeper whose mysterious presence resonates deeply with the characters and the reader alike. The author’s ability to weave laughter with poignant moments creates a delightful balance that makes this book not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful. Overall, this work stands as a testament to the author's talent for storytelling. If you’re seeking a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, this book is a must-add to your collection. Dive in and let the journey begin!

Mase TemeGum

United States

What Readers Want to Know

What inspired you to write The Housekeeper’s Secret?

It began with a promise to my family’s housekeeper, Lee Metoyer, who asked me to share her story before she passed away.

How long did it take you to research and write the book?

The process took several years of research, interviews, and writing, balancing truth with respect for Lee’s legacy.

Why do you believe Lee’s story is so important?

Her resilience, strength, and silence reveal how caregiving can shape families while hiding unspoken struggles.

What were some of the challenges you faced in writing such a personal memoir?

Balancing accuracy with sensitivity, finding painful truths, and staying emotionally present while honoring Lee’s life.

Did writing this memoir change the way you see your own family or history?

Yes… writing it deepened my appreciation for discovering stories and the importance of preserving family legacies.

Will you be writing more books?

I plan to continue writing and exploring themes of family and strength in future projects.

How can other writers begin their own memoir journey?

By starting small: recording memories, reflecting honestly, and seeking guidance when needed. I offer resources and consulting for writers who want to begin.

A Memoir by Award Winning Author,