Madelaine Shenkel

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Madelaine's story

Orphaned by Secrets

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About The Author

Meet Madelaine Shenkel

Madelaine Shenkel is an author, entrepreneur, and lifelong seeker of truth whose journey spans continents and generations. Born in Tientsin, China, and raised in Los Angeles, she spent decades uncovering the extraordinary story of her family a tale of love, separation, and rediscovery that inspired her memoir, Madelaine’s Story.

A successful businesswoman and founder of Shenkel Trucking, Inc., Madelaine built her life on resilience and faith. Her story reminds readers that it’s never too late to search for answers, embrace healing, and find strength in the truth.

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Customer Reviews

Madelaine’s honesty and strength shine through every page. Her story moved me to tears and reminded me how powerful a mother’s love and a daughter’s determination can be.
A deeply emotional and unforgettable journey.
From China to California and beyond, Madelaine’s search for her roots is inspiring and heartfelt. It’s not just her story — it’s a story for anyone who’s ever wondered where they truly belong.
A beautiful memoir of courage and discovery.
This book shows that even after a lifetime of unanswered questions, it’s never too late to find the truth. Madelaine’s perseverance is nothing short of extraordinary.
Raw, graceful, and filled with hope.
The blend of family history, emotional depth, and real-world discovery makes Madelaine’s Story impossible to forget. It’s both heartbreaking and deeply uplifting.
One of those rare stories that stays with you.

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Madelaine's story

Madelaine’s Story is a deeply moving memoir that spans continents, decades, and generations in a search for truth, identity, and belonging.

From her childhood in post-war China to her life in America and her quest across Europe to uncover her family’s hidden past, Madelaine Shenkel takes readers on a remarkable journey of love, loss, and discovery. Through letters, memories, and long-buried secrets, she pieces together the story of her parents a Russian mother and Swiss father whose lives were divided by war but bound by love.

Told with honesty and grace, Madelaine’s Story is more than a family history it’s a celebration of perseverance, courage, and the enduring power of hope.

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