What if your parents weren’t really your parents? What if someone you loved kept a deep, dark secret from you for your entire life? What if your real family was right next door all along?

In 2022, Jill Krzyzanowicz — who writes under the pen name Margo Reilly — published her first tell-all memoir as a way to heal from a chaotic childhood and forgive the past. That book, “When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree,” was intended to be a personal healing journey. Once the book made it into the hands of readers, however, Reilly soon realized that many others out there could relate and benefit from the sharing of her story.

What she didn’t know was that another story would soon be born. As her memoir reached the world, she took an at-home DNA test that sent her midlife crisis further into uncharted waters. “When You Shake the Family Tree” is a sequel memoir and vulnerable sharing of Margo’s search for self. An emotional quest of connecting the dots that suddenly made her whole life make complete sense. Rejection and family secrets were themes she knew all too well. Her jaw-dropping DNA discovery journey will force readers to grab the tissues and question whether they have been told the truth by your own family.

Her pen name is not used for anonymity but rather out of respect for those who are part of her story. Reilly’s intentions are not about blaming. She is all about encouraging and empowering others to seek their truth in order to heal and move forward. Direct to consumer DNA test kits are cheap, accurate, and purchased most often at holiday time as gifts. She warns others to be mentally prepared for the information they can unleash if they choose to partake as thousands of surprises happen each year.

Dive into these pages to learn how the author followed her intuition to uncover who she truly is.

Books can now be pre-ordered on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The book is set to launch on Dec. 12. You can also visit the authors website at: justbeingjill.com.

A “Meet the Author” and book signing will take place locally on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Next Chapter Bookstore in Fredonia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.