The Other Side of Fear

In a quiet little town called The Bubble, which sits in the shadow of Fear Mountain, lives a girl called Gabriella. She was sure there was a world of adventure to be had on the other side of that mountain—but could she really leave The Bubble and risk it all to find out?

A bracing story about courage and pushing through fear and adversity to get where you want to be.

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This story is very near and dear to my heart. Creating this book—from the manuscript to the illustrations—was truly a labor of love. The story is inspired by something my father always told me growing up, and that I’ve carried with me every day since:

"All of your hopes and dreams are on the other side of fear."

As a child (and adult) with anxiety, these are words I’ve repeated to myself more times than I can count. I hope I’ve done them justice in this book, because they’ve worked wonders for me throughout my life. Honestly, I probably never would’ve had the courage to do something like this—publish a book (I still can’t believe it!)—and put myself out there without them. Quite literally, the story itself wouldn’t exist without those words. But more importantly, this is a story that goes beyond the page. I hope its meaning and message reach the heart of every child and grown-up who reads it. That it inspires them, sparks courage and resilience, teaches faith and perseverance—and most importantly, shows the power of overcoming your fears and anxieties to reach the other side… where all of your hopes and dreams exist. The other side truly DOES exist, don't forget it!

It’s a story I would have truly resonated with and held onto as a child, and I think it’s a message that’s needed now more than ever. In a world where childhood (and adulthood) anxiety is more present than ever, where so many of us fall into the day-to-day routine—never breaking the chain, never chasing our dreams, never leaving the comfort of our “bubble.” Gabriella (the book’s main character, whose name is inspired by my father, Gabe) feels that spark of life within her. That yearning for more. That hope and longing for all life has to offer, despite the bubble she lives in. With a little faith, resilience, and determination, she takes a chance and leaves the Bubble to conquer Fear Mountain, which, of course, is no easy feat. But she persists nonetheless. She climbs and climbs, struggles along the way, almost turns back—but inevitably finds the path forward, as we all do. And eventually, she reaches the top of Fear and discovers that everything she hoped and dreamed really did exist on the other side. There, she’s met with new mountains to climb and a world of possibilities she never would’ve known had she stayed in the safety and comfort of the Bubble.

I thank God first and foremost for placing this dream on my heart and for being my stronghold, my rock, and my provider. I’m constantly overwhelmed with gratitude and awe for all He does—for the way His plans unfold so perfectly, how everything happens just as it’s meant to, and how He places the right people and opportunities in your life at just the right time. Thank you Jesus.

I also want to extend my deepest thanks to my dad for his wise words, relentless support, and encouragement; to my mom for her unconditional love, kindness, and unwavering faith; and to my sister for her inspiring resilience, determination, and unmatched ability to conquer whatever her heart desires. A heartfelt thank you to my entire team at FriesenPress for helping make this dream a reality, to my family and friends for their overwhelming love and support along the way, and to all the little (and big) hearts who read this story. I hope you love it as much as I do. Most importantly, I hope that it brings you comfort, courage, and faith.

All that said… stay tuned! I have so many fun things planned. It’s a privilege to be on this journey—and to have you along for the ride. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here.

That’s all for now! Go pursue those dreams I know have been living quietly in your heart—and encourage others to do the same, especially our little ones.

I’ll meet you on the other side of fear,

Liv :)