Learn About The Book That Brings Transformation & Open Discussions.

This book series isn't just a story - It's life-changing.

What Is Deadly Secrets About?

The Life Behind Her Smile: Deadly Secrets is a powerful and emotionally charged story that exposes the hidden battles of domestic violence, mental health, trauma, and redemption. Through the journey of Melanie, a young woman who learns to reclaim her voice after enduring abuse, the book shines a light on the realities many women, teens, and families silently face. It provides readers with a mirror of truth, helping them identify cycles of pain, shame, and brokenness while inspiring hope, faith, and emotional restoration.

Even though this book is part of a series, it can be fully enjoyed as a standalone story for new readers. More than just a novel, it serves as a catalyst for healing conversations. It invites readers to process their own experiences, encourages empathy among peers, and equips facilitators, counselors, and leaders with a relatable tool for addressing real-world issues in a safe and reflective way. Whether shared within correctional facilities, counseling programs, youth groups, or church ministries, The Life Behind Her Smile offers a meaningful resource to help individuals rediscover strength, purpose, and the power of grace.

What People Are Saying About The Book Series

“After reading Life Behind Her Smile: Deadly Secrets, there is so much I want to unpack — both as a mental health professional who works closely with adolescents and as a Christian. This book powerfully highlights real-life challenges that teens face in today’s world, making it a deeply meaningful and thought-provoking read. These are not just fictional plot points — they are lived realities for many teens today.”

- Challina Roberts, MA, LGPC, NCC

”An exhilarating and cliff-hanging fiction novel. This book will be an eye-opener and method of teaching about domestic violence. Chante' Whisonant is truly on her way to being an award-winning, best-selling novelist.”

- Wendy L. Harvey, 7Faith Productions

”(The Life Behind Her Smile: Everything Is Not As It Seems) From the very first page, I was captivated. Chante' Whisonant not only writes a great story, she also raises awareness on issues like dating abuse, bullying, broken families, and even death. She also highlighted true friendship, sisterhood, faith, and resilience.”

- Sharisa Robertson, Author & Publisher

"Finished reading The Life Behind Her Smile: Everything Is Not As It Seems. Beautiful work for the Lord. Informative too for recognizing signs of abuse and how to address. I would call it riveting."

- Apostle Mary Eisenacher

”The Life Behind Her Smile: Deadly Secrets is a gripping and emotional story that explores trauma, faith, and healing after unthinkable pain. It captures the reality of depression, abuse, and redemption in a way that feels both raw and relatable. This book opens the door for powerful conversations about mental health, resilience, and the hope that still exists after brokenness.”

- Brenda Lewis, Women's Empowerment Coach

The Life Behind Her Smile...

• Equips Christian counselors and therapists with relatable storytelling that connects faith and psychology.

• Provides schools and youth programs with a safe way to start important conversations about mental health, bullying, and toxic relationships.

• Encourages abuse survivors to feel seen, validated, and reminded that restoration is possible.

• Helps churches and ministries address trauma, forgiveness, and healing from abuse through faith-based discussions.

• Gives women’s groups and mentorship programs a relatable story to teach self-worth, resilience, and identity.

• Inspires students and young adults to seek help instead of silence, hope instead of hopelessness.

• Challenges those in leadership to address serious subjects that are plaguing nations.

This Book Is Great For...

• Open book discussions that provide healing, relatability, and encourage transparency.

• Exploring various epidemics attacking youth and young adults around the globe.

• Women’s correctional facilities and rehabilitation programs seeking relatable stories that encourage self-reflection.

• A reference tool for teaching about DV, mental wellness, broken families, faith, forgiveness, and more.

• Giving gifts to conference & event attendees.

• Women's conference, youth-focused events, women's shelters, youth facilities, young adult groups, and more.

• Church small groups or Bible studies exploring redemption, grace, and overcoming adversity.

• Educational settings focused on social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, or literature tied to faith and real-world issues.

• Community organizations and nonprofits seeking to equip leaders with resources for trauma-informed outreach.

• Counseling centers and youth ministries looking for relatable stories that open conversations about emotional healing.

Pre-Order Now & Receive E-book December 5th!

Barnes & Nobles

Apple Books

How To Use The Book

The Life Behind Her Smile isn’t just a story; it’s a tool for healing, conversation, and education. Whether you’re a counselor, ministry leader, educator, or organization director, here are creative ways to use this book to create lasting impact:

• Host guided discussions: Read 1-5 chapters per week and hold open conversations about the emotional, spiritual, and psychological themes in each section. Encourage participants to share what moments they identified with most.

• Facilitate therapeutic exercises: Counselors and mental health professionals can highlight specific scenes, such as moments of trauma, recovery, or forgiveness, and use them to explore coping mechanisms, emotional awareness, and spiritual healing.

• Faith-based workshops: Churches and ministries can pair the story with scripture-based lessons about redemption, resilience, and self-worth. Each chapter can serve as a springboard for Bible study or small group reflection.

• Creative expression activities: After reading key chapters, invite participants to express their emotions through art, poetry, or journaling. For example, paint or write about how Chapter 5 made you feel, or compose a letter to your “younger self” inspired by Melanie’s journey.

• Book club or classroom series: Educators and facilitators can use the story to spark conversation around real-world issues like mental health, domestic violence, and forgiveness. Each discussion can be tied to writing prompts, group debates, or reflection papers.

• Rehabilitation and correctional programs: Use the book to help women reflect on their past and identify where trauma, shame, or broken relationships shaped their choices. Pair chapters with guided journaling or peer support sessions focused on healing and accountability.

• Leadership and self-discovery programs: Organizations mentoring women or young adults can use Melanie’s transformation as an example of personal growth and overcoming adversity. Participants can identify the “turning page” in their own story and set goals for change.

• Panel discussions or healing events: Host a live reading and discussion night featuring counselors, survivors, or ministry leaders who connect Melanie’s story to real-life experiences of hope and restoration.