Stories That Speak To The Heart
About Karen Brough
Karen Brough is an award-winning author whose stories have touched the hearts of children and adults around the world. Known for her ability to blend timeless truths with heartfelt storytelling, Karen creates books that inspire courage, hope, and joy for readers of all ages.
Her works, including the Be Held by Him series and her beloved children’s books, provide tools for navigating life’s challenges while celebrating the beauty of connection, resilience, and love.
Karen’s stories help children explore emotions, build confidence, and find joy, offering something meaningful for every family.
Karen’s journey as an author began during a season of autoimmune and health issues, where she found divine strength and inspiration to write stories that could comfort and encourage others.
Today, her dedication to this mission is reflected in numerous accolades, including:
- Winner of the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award,
- Recipient of the prestigious 2023 Montaigne Medal for The Most Thought-Provoking Book,
- Finalist in the 2022 IAN Book of the Year Awards,
- Winner of the 2022 PenCraft Book Award, and
- 2024 CAN Excellence in Marketing Award for Web Presence.
When she’s not writing, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and their lovable but mischievous Groodle, Gracie.
Explore the impact Karen Brough’s books have had on the community
The title of Karen’s beautiful book expresses a universal reaction to news of the death of someone we love. We wonder how someone so central to our sense of identity, our well-being, can be here one minute and gone the next. Who will understand what we’re feeling? How will we know the right way to grieve? No matter what our age, I think this book speaks to the grieving heart in all of us.
Symbolism is used beautifully in Karen’s gentle story, and is reinforced by the appealing images created by Hiruni Kariyawasam. Many of us need the wisdom and understanding provided by Old Bear to help us live with unanswerable questions, with the unfamiliar pain of grief and with its different manifestations. Mumma and Papa mouse model the value of reflection and, with the compassionate support of Old Bear, help each of their children find their own special way of honoring the person they are missing. There is no right or wrong – grief just is.
I can imagine many parents, teachers and others who care, facilitating invaluable individual and family discussions as they hold this precious book in their hands.
– Dianne McKissock OAM
Co-founder, Bereavement Care Co-founder and Patron, National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG)
Disclaimer: This endorsement is offered in a professional capacity and relates to this book only. It does not necessarily imply endorsement of the author’s personal beliefs, worldview, or other content.
- Rev Jim Jung
“Being able to have a copy of “I Can’t Believe They’re Gone” as part of my resource library, enables me to leave behind a tangible presence of hope and care, often to a group of people who have just suffered the loss of a loved one. Targeted to children, I’ve found equal response from all age groups who have allowed the story to ease and comfort them in their moments of confusion, grief, and sadness. Brilliant.”
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Karen Brough is a multi-award-winning author
While these recognitions are meaningful, what truly touches Karen’s heart are the personal messages from readers sharing how her books have brought comfort during difficult times. These stories of hope and healing are the real treasures that fuel her continued passion for writing.
And there's more where that came from
Stories That Touch Young Hearts
From helping children process grief to finding joy in everyday adventures, each of these children’s books is inspired by real-life events and crafted to nurture emotional growth.
Be Held by Him series
Journey through powerful testimonies of God’s miraculous work in challenging seasons. This non-fiction series combines soul-stirring ‘Father’s Heart’ poems with real stories of hope and supernatural breakthroughs.
A Christian Author Bringing Joy, Hope, and Comfort
Each of Karen’s stories is lovingly crafted to ignite wonder, inspire confidence, and provide comfort throughout life’s adventures — both big and small. Whether it’s:
- Understanding grief and loss with I Can’t Believe They’re Gone — now in German, French, Italian, and Spanish…
- Finding hope and navigating big emotions with The Tale of the Little Black Cloud…
- Laughing through mischievous escapades with Gracie the Groodle…
- Dancing with joy through challenges with Angie Loves to Dance…
A glimpse of Karen's social media
