A woman with curly, reddish hair wearing a blue blazer, gold jewelry, and bright pink lipstick, smiling at the camera.

Susan York

Meet

The

Authors

In late 2009, I was prompted to write my story after an incredible woman-Vanessa Harris, that I had known for only two months, somehow broke through my vault of secrets that I had kept hidden to protect myself and others. It was unexpectedly painful, shame filled and terrifying. The jagged ground, once pathless to me, became smooth after an encounter in her basement.

It would be seventeen years later that I found the courage with love, prayers and support from many, MANY of you that I was able to power through the pain, rather than park there.

You might recognize parts of your own story reflected in mine, even if the situation or events are different.  Healing no matter what your situation, is waiting for you just as it was for me. I would encourage you not to stay stuck and delay yourself from getting to live and walk in the most glorious rest of your life, that can begin today!

Bring the Story Behind The Secret Keeper to Your Event

An advertisement for a memoir titled "The Secret Keeper" by Susan York. It features a dark background with large text promoting the book's themes of breaking silence and freedom. The book cover shows a pink gradient with hands emerging from handcuffs, butterflies, and other butterflies flying around.

The Secret Keeper

View On Goodreads
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Available on Amazon

If sharing our story helps even one person find the courage to step out of silence and into hope, then every page was worth writing!

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The Secret Keeper | Unlock the Path to Discover Your Freedom

As co-authors, our partnership is built on a shared belief: silence isolates, but truth liberates. We didn't just write this book to tell a story—we wrote it to spark a movement. Our ultimate goal is to guide readers along a clear path to freedom, proving that when we find the courage to speak, we unlock the door to our own transformation.

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Together, Susan York and Vanessa Harris offer a unique perspective on healing across generations, the impact of childhood trauma, and the hope that can emerge when hidden stories are finally brought into the light.

Whether speaking to book clubs, churches, women's groups, libraries, podcasts, or community organizations, Susan and Vanessa create a meaningful and authentic experience that encourages reflection, compassion, and hope.

Speaking Topics Tailored to Your Audience

  • Breaking Sixty Years of Silence

  • The Healing Journey of Telling Your Story

  • Resilience Through Adversity

  • Faith, Hope, and Restoration

  • Becoming Known After a Lifetime of Hiding

Available For:

  • Book Clubs

  • Church Events

  • Women's Conferences

  • Retreats

  • Libraries

  • Community Organizations

  • Podcasts

  • Interviews

  • Literary Events

Booking Information

To inquire about an appearance, speaking engagement, interview, podcast, or book discussion, please complete the contact form below.

When reaching out, please include:

  • Organization name

  • Event date and location

  • Audience size

  • Event type

  • Contact information

We look forward to connecting with you.

Close-up of a smiling Black woman with curly gray hair styled in an updo, wearing gold hoop earrings, a striped top with sheer black panels, and layered necklaces, against a white background.

Vanessa Harris

My name is Vanessa, and I am the friend Susan mentioned—the one who saw the mask and refused to walk away.

When I first met Susan, I was immediately drawn to her. She had this infectious cheerfulness and a rare gift for making me feel like I truly belonged. But back then, I didn't realize I was watching a masterclass in the "happy routine." The real Susan was tucked safely inside a vault masked by her captivating smile.

As our friendship grew, the picture became clearer. I realized that Susan was a survivor. That smile and dutifulness were her tools of survival. Her body had simply become an expert at staying alive; her nervous system was stuck in a permanent state of high alert, and she had learned that the safest way to move through the world was to perform. For Susan, being "okay" wasn't just a mood; it was a survival strategy. My role wasn't to pick the lock on that vault, but simply to stay present, even when she wasn't ready to “let me in.”