On the Other Side of Fear: How I Found Peace

by Hallie Lord

What happened to that girl? What happened to the girl who was not afraid to climb to the top of the waterfall and jump. Who backpacked across Europe? Who took on any “feat of bravery” without batting an eyelash? You wouldn’t recognize her – she’s become that woman paralyzed by fear, scared to death to trust God, and trying to manage her family’s hectic life, financial crises (yes, plural), and family issues on her own steam. Asking always, “Does God truly love me?” Relatable, touching, and yet hopeful On the Other Side of Fear is the beautiful story of how one young woman learned to live in God’s will, without fear.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Catholic, Memoir, Audiobook, Spirituality, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2016

About the author

Hallie Lord is an author, popular speaker, host of Hallie Weekly on SiriusXM, and the co-founder of the Edel Gathering. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, Dan, and their seven enchanting children. You can connect with her at HallieLord.com.

Reviews

[Ann Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but found myself totally annoyed by the author by the second chapter. She never really seemed to "learn" a lesson, as the same fears just kept repeating chapter after chapter. Not a lot of practical insight here to takeaway in my opinion. Just not my favorite book, sorry.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, first disclosure: I've met, and adore, Hallie. :) I attended the second Edel conference and was fortunate enough to be interviewed by her and Jen F., and Hallie is the sweetest woman ever.

That being said, this is a great book. Trusting in God is one of those things that sounds easy, but is, actually, quite hard, as Hallie writes so vividly about. Her struggle to trust in God even when there's no money in the checking account, when they need to find a place for their family of 9 to live, when she's terrified that her art isn't good enough....basically, everything (minus the family) that I know well. Hallie's soulful writing tells us how she began to let go and REALLY trust in God, and how it's a work in progress.

I underlined a lot of passages, and I think you will too.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for a pick-me-up, if you are in need. It's a gentle reminder that we are not in charge and we need to depend on our faith to get over the bumps. Be not afraid! This is a quick read and is relatable and insightful.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book . I took my time with it and read a chapter every once and awhile but the stories that Hallie tells about her life and how even in the midst of chaos how once she trusted in God everything fell into place. Great read and very inspirational!

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve heard some of these stories before: I guess she tells them on her show on the Catholic Channel at Sirius XM. The book was great, but somehow I wanted more! It is written in a fun style, easy to read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed to read at this time in my life. Thank you Hallie Lord for your honesty and candor!

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. So relatable and fun to read, I laughed and cried (moving tears) sometimes on the same page. What I liked best is she simply shares her own stories and experiences. You can take from it whatever applies to you as you read. I felt like I was learning the lessons she learned through her shoes. Often times I felt like the lessons were speaking directly to me, guiding my own paths of life. With each chapter I fell more and more in love with this book. Definitely going in my favorites list. I can't wait to read more books by this author!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Club read- excellent choice. It's hard to find fault when the author has so much in common with me- Catholic, mom, wife, writer, slightly dramatic and full of fear. But I learned so much reading Hallie's stories and insights. I think her wisdom regarding fear, faith, prayer, and friendship will stay with me.

[Kim Hollier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy listening to sweet Hallie on the Catholic Channel, and I have anxiety from time to time, so I thought this book would be just what I needed, and I think God called me to read her book because it was really helpful! The first few chapters made it hard to get into, but after a few, the stories became more enjoyable. I just kept waiting for her to reveal how she dealt with her anxiety, and she finally does, but I wish she had even more tips. There were several moments where I got emotional while reading, and this book touched my heart. I give it only four stars because I wish it had been organized more in chronological order, since the stories seemed to skip around her life out of order. Overall, a quick and meaningful read.

[Sara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend who saw in me something I did not see in myself.... a sense of fear that was guiding my decisions due to unavoidable circumstances in my life. I found each chapter to be inspiring and relatable. Hallie Lord writes of her life lessons and movement from a fear based life/decision making process to one that chooses faith and hope and gratitude as a lens through which she embraces both the good and the bad. I read this book in adoration over the course of 5 months. Each chapter is it's own lesson and I often went back and re-read chapters to fully digest the content. This book would be a great small group study for people struggling with life circumstances beyond their control.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't terrible and it wasn't outstanding. Had the essays been better organized and the flow of the book structured to show more transformation toward peace, it would have been more engaging. The way that it reads as written/edited, there is very little evidence that the author has found peace. I like her show on Sirius XM Catholic Channel and there were some great nuggets in the book (the French priests squeezing into her car and asking if there were m&ms in the trailmix - LOL!), but overall each essay seemed to be more of the same (worry, anxiety, trials, discouragement) with almost no progress toward peace.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and good review. I wish that she had written a few more paragraphs to tie the stories together (they did relate in many ways) and that would have added more flow to it. But the truths told in the book are very worth the read. Hallie would say 2 sentences that you could ponder on for the next week alone. Our book club enjoyed this one and the discussion it brought about was great!

[Renee Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t read the intro

It was an easy read. Her stories were interesting; sometimes my eyes welled with tears at how awesome God was. However the intro sets it up as a different book & it took me awhile to mentally switch gears to enjoy the book I was actually reading instead of being disappointed.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book; really, I did. I’ve heard it reviewed and recommended in a number of places. But it just didn’t speak to me. I admire anyone who can put her life out there like she did, but I think fear is not something I personally struggle with. So overall the connection just wasn’t there for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful short book that will encourage you. Personal stories along with solid words of faith make this book worth reading and sharing with others. The whole book can be summed up in this quote from St. John Paul II " Those who sincerely say, " Jesus, I trust in you" will find comfort in all their anxieties and fears."

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like having a sweet conversation with someone who is as much of a hypochondriac as me. I was able to relate to her thought patterns and took solace in much of her encouragement. Lots of little nuggets of wisdom. Quick & easy read. Humorous.

[Jennifer A. Mical · Rating 5 out of 5]

She speaks the fears that hide in my heart

Hallie eloquently speaks to the universal fears all wives, mother's, and Catholic women of faith have hidden in their hearts. This book left me wishing I could meet Haille to chat for awhile...

[Theresa Hausrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read

This book is so uplifting. It gives you a reason to believe that anything is possible. I loved the book and I feel anyone with a struggle should read. As the author has something positive for you in the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring collection of short personal stories.

[Jonine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever a book was more timely in my life this is it. I would recommend every Mom read this, especially if your are in your midlife.

[Amjacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what my faith needed, and I suspect I'll read it again and again when anxiety is getting the better of me. Hallie amazes me.

[Brandi Banadyga · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encouraging read for anyone who needs a little push to put aside fear and trust God a little more

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it had some thought-provoking moments, this felt more like a disjointed collection of short stories. It also bothered me that none of the God pronouns were capitalized.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since reading this I can’t stop leaning into my fears...how exhilarating!!!

[Rhonda Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallie gives great examples of how to find peace when dealing with fears. It was an easy book to get into and find gems of knowledge.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book that I have shared with other Catholic women who need a little dose of boldness in their lives.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, fantastic. I loved how she incorporated her own stories into the shared wisdom.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Language and narration feel a little sachrine.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes a while to find its footing but there’s something genuine in this one.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was outstanding. If you’re looking for a little inspiration to overcome fear, find peace, and grow closer to God then this book is for you.