The Other Side of Nothing: A New Contemporary YA Novel About Redemption and Found Family

There's a new book releasing soon and this one’s a little different.

The Other Side of Nothing is contemporary young adult fiction—something new for me—but don’t worry, it’s still Christian fiction at its core. Faith is woven through the story, just like in everything I write. But this time, the setting isn’t fantasy or supernatural. It’s gritty and full of truth.

Truth is, I should have been working on other stories—like All the Scars and book 9 of the Sheena Meyer series, The Girl in the Age of Miracles. But this story wouldn’t let go of me. And when that happens—when a story grabs hold of me like this one did—I know I have to see it through to the end. And I’m so glad I did.

I actually started writing this book seven years ago. Back then, the main character was a boy, and the story had no title. Earlier this year, I randomly scribbled the words The Other Side of Nothing on a piece of paper. When I looked at it later, it hit me: That’s the title. 

But writing the book wasn’t always easy. The hardest part was knowing how real to make it. I run a mentoring program, so I know what’s out there. I’ve seen what kids go through—and it’s more than most people can imagine.

I remember once, a parent of one of my readers asked me, “Why did you put that in one of your books?” (It was either a Sheena Meyer or Everfall series book.) I told her, “Because it really happened.” She replied, “Oh. I had no idea.” That’s the thing—we live in our bubbles. And we forget there are kids out there living in survival mode every single day.

So yes, I softened some of this book for my readers. But there are still tough parts. There are moments that made even my editor pause and say, “Now what now?” LOL.

Like I mentioned, Harry, the main character, started off as a boy (7 years ago). I eventually made her a girl because I needed the story to feel more personal. More layered. More vulnerable. And Harry, as a girl, gave me that. She’s hard with a soft middle, flawed, guarded, and unforgettable.

And if you’ve read any of my books, you know I always write strong female characters—especially mothers. Because moms... what else can I say...They’re superheroes!

I’m talking about the kind of mom who hears her toddler start to fall—from the top of the stairs—and somehow sprints from another room, around the corner, and stretches out her hands just in time to catch the baby before she hits the floor. Yep… that really happened (Shhh, don’t tell my daughter I told that one. 😅).

But seriously, moms are amazing, and I love writing characters who reflect that kind of strength and instinct. So in The Other Side of Nothing, you’ll meet Amara—a woman as strong as they come.

She’s part me… and part Viola Davis. (I haven’t decided if she’s The Woman King Viola Davis or How to Get Away with Murder Viola Davis or G20 Viola Davis—but she’s got that same steel and fire.)

Amara has my compassion and Viola’s strength. Part of her is the heart of who I am. No kidding, if I had the space (and money), I’d adopt every teen in my county aging out of foster care. I have such a heart for kids like Harry—teens who seem lost, who’ve been through too much, who need someone to fight for them and a permanent place to call home.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’m always joking about adopting someone. It’s not really a joke, though. Teens need us. They are our future.

I’ve read this book at least a hundred times now, and the ending still makes me cry—in the best way. I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve loved writing it.

Oh—and before you go: At the end of the book, there’s a deleted scene, plus a link to two more you can only read online. Trust me, you want to read those scenes.

Also, a huge shout-out to my son for the amazing illustrations of Harry and Amara. He truly brought their characters to life in a way that made even me pause and say, “Wow.” I’m a proud mommy. Okay, he's an adult, but still.

We’ll talk more after the book releases… because I know you’re going to have questions.

If you prefer reading on your phone or tablet, the eBook is available now for pre-order.

Blessings,

LB