Natalie Parrish’s poetry mirrors her emotions in the challenging life she’s lived. Reflections from her autobiography, Girl Behind the Smile, her words spark a flame, a desire to truly love others and experience the world around her… In this partner book, Poetically Conscious: Writings from Girl Behind the Smile, raw emotions reveal the joy, pain, and hope behind her struggles, observations, and the unquenchable soul inside of us all.
Natalie Parrish’s strong connection to her grandma and the wisdom she shared would stay hidden within her a lifetime—through abuse, struggle, hardship, and even a suicide attempt that nearly stole her life. In this book, Natalie recounts her transformation, coming full circle to embrace her true self, and revealing to us all the Girl Behind the Smile.
Thank you for having the extraordinary strength to tell your story. There were so many passages in your book that reminded me of my own childhood. You chose the perfect title, which reminds us that a smile can have so many meanings. Your book brilliantly captured your smile persevering through the most difficult times in your life.
A Happy Customer
I absolutely could not put this book down! Her story is raw, emotional, and a genuinely hope-filled journey to lessons learned at an early age from a wise and loving grandmother. Through hard times, loss and pain her trust in God forged her into a spiritual warrior. I cried, I felt inspired, but more than anything I felt a connection with her journey. This book is beautiful written. Buy a copy (I ended up ordering both the ebook and paperback), pray, and let the story touch your heart. No matter your past, no matter your background, her theme of spiritual reconnection will resonate in your heart, and provide hope for brighter days ahead.
– Victoria P
I enjoyed this book so much! It is a quick and easy read that brought so much hope and reflection on how we can move forward through the bad things in life and see how God uses them for Good! Natalie shares her heart and passions honoring everyone and everything that has contributed to who she is today! It encouraged me to reflect on life in the same way and find beauty in all things! This book inspired me to understand people in deeper ways and to be strong and courageous! It is a must read!!
– Theresa DeFreece
Life is hard, there are always struggles. This book helps you to remember that even in the darkest of darks, good can come out of everything if you rely on God and his plan for your life.
– Ashley
Hope abounds!!!
I loved this book! It was like sitting on the front porch swing with your best friend, listening to her tell you the most important stories of her life. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I was right there with her in those moments that mattered most. The Girl Behind the Smile gives a powerful testimony that she bravely and openly shares with the world!!!
– Nikki Williams
This book will make you basically experience all of your emotions. From laughing, to crying, to being in pain, and feeling pure joy. Stories such as this are why we see life to be so beautiful and so full of grace. You get caught up when reading this book to see the pain and beauty in all of life. It helps you to connect with your own pain and your own grace to see that there is healing possible and that there is beauty in the pain. Natalie does so well here to help the reader understand the importance of her telling these painful memories. She does not take what has happened in her life lightly and this helps the reader see why she is sharing these things. Everything here is so real and you connect with the author so much while reading through her story about the Girl Behind the Smile. This book is definitely worth your time and your heart will thank you for reading it after you are done!
– Ryan Greene
I was immediately drawn in... I cried. I laughed. I got angry. I related. But most of all I received a message of hope. Natalie shows tremendous vulnerability and bravery by opening up her story to world, showing how faith in God and His love can pull you through difficult times and situations. A good reminder that all things, good and bad, can work together for good.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” - Genesis 50:20
Stephanie Pollard
Meet Natalie
Natalie’s passion is to help people find a way to live their best life. As a person who has overcome many struggles in her life, Natalie has a deep desire to ‘pay it forward’, powered by her own transformational story of hope and unrelenting resilience as detailed in her memoir Girl Behind the Smile.
Certified in Health Coaching, Entrepreneurial Leadership, and International Missions, including graduating with an MBA, B.S. in Business Management, and Minor in Psychology, Natalie focuses on using her education, skills, and life wisdom to help others achieve their life goals.
