PIHBA Author Directory • Official Profile

Johanna Vendel

7-Time Award-Winning Author • CEO & Founder of PIHBA

South African flagUnited States flagSouth Africa → United States

Johanna Vendel is a 7-time award-winning author, inspirational speaker, songwriter, screenplay writer, podcast host, and the CEO and Founder of the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards.

Discover the Full Story ↓
Johanna Vendel, PIHBA directory memberStories of Hope • Voices with Purpose
Books / Work6
Recognition7-time award-winning author
SpeakingYes
PIHBA MemberNovember 28, 2025

About the Author

A life, a voice,
a continuing mission.

Originally from South Africa and now based in Minnesota, Johanna writes with authenticity, compassion, and resilience about grief, trauma, loss, faith, survival, and the possibility of beginning again.

Through PIHBA, Voices of Hope Magazine, and Give Me Hope with Johanna, she has built an international platform where authors and inspiring people can share stories that restore courage and remind readers they are not alone.

“Healing is possible. Hope still exists. And God has been with you every step of the way.”
Genres & Fields
Memoir, Grief, Inspirational, True-Crime-Inspired Fiction
Continuing Mission
To help people discover that healing is possible and that every story has the power to inspire another life.

Songs Recorded by Johanna Vendel

A voice shaped by
memory, faith, and home.

5 Published Songs

Listen on Amazon Music

Johanna's five officially published songs are available through Amazon Music and supported listening devices.

Open Johanna's Amazon Music Collection ↗
01Afrikaans recording

Daar's 'n Land

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

02Afrikaans recording

Ons Belofte aan Mekaar

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

03English recording

Top of the World

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

04Afrikaans recording

Pleister vir my Hart

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

05Afrikaans recording

Dis Waar Ek Wil Wees

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

06Afrikaans recording

Bly by My

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

07Afrikaans recording

Lepel Lê

Recorded by Johanna Vendel

♪

From the songs she carries in her heart to the stories she places on the page, Johanna's creative work is rooted in remembrance, resilience, and hope.

Listen to the Five Published Songs on Amazon Music →

Official Book Trailer

Plotting the Murder of Sabrina

Watch the original PIHBA trailer for Johanna Vendel’s true-crime-inspired story of betrayal, danger, survival, and the pursuit of justice.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Featured Author Interview

From grief and adversity to purpose, success, and hope

Johanna Maria Vendel shares the inspiring journey behind her work, her Author of the Year finalist recognition, and the Hollywood opportunities growing from a life transformed by courage, faith, and purpose.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Published Work

Books that carry the message forward.

Original cover of Navigating Through Losses and Grief? Think Again!! by Johanna Vendel
02

Navigating Through Losses and Grief? Think Again!!

Compassionate guidance for people learning to live after loss.

Purchase or View Book ↗
Original cover of Still Standing — When Grief Couldn't Finish Me by Johanna Vendel
04

Still Standing — When Grief Couldn't Finish Me

A story of spiritual resilience after profound grief.

Purchase or View Book ↗
Original cover of Plotting the Murder of Sabrina by Johanna Vendel
06

Plotting the Murder of Sabrina

A true-crime-inspired journey through betrayal, survival, and justice.

Purchase or View Book ↗

Honors & Recognition

Recognition with meaning.

  • SAWITU Women of Strength Award — 2022
  • International Impact Book Award — Autobiography for Life? Think Again!! (2024)
  • International Impact Book Award — Grief for Navigating Through Losses and Grief? Think Again!! (2025)
  • International Christian Book Award — Spiritual Growth & Discipleship for Unseen Tears, Beneath the Mask! (2025)
  • Black Diamond Book Award — Resilience, Healing & Triumph for Still Standing (2026)
  • ACCI Literary Excellence Award — Winner; President’s / Founder’s Choice for Still Standing (June 2026)
  • Author of the Year Finalist — 2025 (finalist recognition)

Speaking & Conversations

Topics and expertise.

  • Grief and healing
  • Turning pain into purpose
  • Leadership
  • Faith and resilience
  • The power of sharing your story

Podcast: Host and guest

Official Author Links

Read, follow, and connect
directly.

Use the verified links below to discover the author's books, website, media, or professional work. You remain within PIHBA until you choose an official external destination.

Watch Johanna's Featured Interview→Watch Plotting the Murder of Sabrina Trailer→Amazon Author Page→Amazon Music — Five Published Songs→Goodreads→Give Me Hope on YouTube→Complete Founder Story→

Continue discovering authors whose work carries hope across borders.

Return to the PIHBA Author Directory