Every story has an element that makes it memorable and worthy of our love. The same is true of Evan Bell Farrior’s debut literary title, Beyond the Hills. Evan Bell Farrior’s book is a simple yet attention-grabbing children’s fairy tale about a princess who ends up finding her true happiness and love despite the obstacles that stand in her path. What makes Princess Diana stand out from countless other classic fairy tales about princes and princesses is that Princess Diana is not your typical damsel in distress. Her character is a perfect balance between wanting happiness and love, but also standing up for herself, very well suited for little kids just learning to explore the world and themselves.

Diana may live in a traditional world with a king for a father and surrounded by people who expect her to live out a pre-written, destined life. But Diana thinks otherwise when faced with the decision to carry out her father’s wishes or choose her own happiness. But she does all that without disrespecting her father, teaching young readers that even when you choose your own path in life, it is always good to respect others around you instead of hurting them. She conveys the message of bravery in the face of difficult life-altering decisions, while gracefully moving forward towards a life that she knows her father will come around to accept. While her brand of bravery may be different from the one that is shown by her Prince Charles, who has fought and won countless battles, it still holds a quiet sturdiness that is significant for many young readers who struggle to take action in the face of difficulty.

Aside from bravery, Princess Diana also portrays loyalty and devotion through her actions. After meeting Prince Charles and falling in love with him, she decides to spend the rest of her life with him, even though it goes against the one rule that her father has set for her. She knows that this is something that is worth leaving the comfort, luxury, and love she has felt in her home. In this gentle fairy tale Beyond the Hills, loyalty is presented as a virtue, but not in a dramatic or exaggerated way. It is steady and sincere. This tone makes the story appropriate for families seeking family-friendly stories that highlight commitment and love without overwhelming young readers. Through her journey, author Evan Bell Farrior creates a princess who feels timeless yet approachable. She fits naturally into the tradition of fairy tales while also reflecting modern values about personal choice and emotional intelligence. In the end, Princess Diana is not just a figure in a kingdom beyond the hills. She is the emotional center of the story. And it is through her courage and compassion that the heart of the book Beyond the Hills truly shines.