Real authors • Meaningful experiences
Read what authors, winners, podcast guests, and community members say about their experience with the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards.
Read the Reviews ↓
When authors feel seen, their stories travel farther.
HONORING STORIES OF HOPE WORLDWIDEWhy reviews matter
Reviews help PIHBA improve, guide authors considering our programs, and show how meaningful recognition can strengthen a writer’s confidence and reach. These messages were shared directly with PIHBA or brought over from the original PIHBA Webador review page.
Author experiences
“The new PIHBA website is elegant and very easy to use. Johanna, thank you for everything you do to bring hope into the world and for everything you do for the writing community to help us bring our visions of hope to readers. I’m very grateful to be a part of the PIHBA community.”
“There was something about the idea behind Still Standing that stayed with me after reading it—the decision to turn repeated seasons of loss into a story that could give someone else a reason to keep going. I found myself thinking about that long after I finished reading, because it takes a particular kind of courage to look back at painful experiences and choose to turn them into something that might help another person. What touched me most was the way you approached grief not as something that simply disappears, but as something a person learns to carry while still finding reasons to hope. Your emphasis on faith, purpose, and rebuilding gave the story a sense of movement rather than leaving it defined only by what was lost. I was especially struck by the connection between writing and healing in your journey. As an author, that resonated with me. We often begin writing because we have something we want to say, but sometimes the writing also helps us understand parts of ourselves that are difficult to express any other way. Seeing how your experiences eventually became part of your calling gave that part of the book particular meaning for me. I also appreciated that you didn't present resilience as pretending everything is fine. There is a difference between moving forward and forgetting what happened, and I think your story captures that distinction in a very human way. I received your book from someone and enjoyed it enough to keep it. I'm adding it to my personal reference library because it is the kind of memoir I can imagine returning to, especially for the reminder that difficult chapters don't necessarily determine how the story ends. I've been publishing for a while, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with authors who write from a place of authenticity and purpose. Your story reminded me why those connections matter. There is something special about meeting another writer who has taken personal experience and given it a form that can reach beyond themselves. I simply wanted to thank you for sharing Still Standing and to reach out as a fellow author. I'd genuinely enjoy staying connected and learning more about the person and writer behind the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create next.”
“I honestly don’t know if there are words big enough to express what reading this has meant to me. Thank you. Truly, from the very deepest part of my heart. To have Amor Fati recognised as Inspirational Book of the Year 2026 is an honour I will carry with me for the rest of my life. But your words about why this book matters have touched me in a way that goes far beyond any award. When I wrote Amor Fati, I was writing because I had spent so long surviving in silence, and eventually I needed to turn some of that pain into something that could help another person feel less alone. I am incredibly grateful to PIHBA for seeing Amor Fati, honouring its message, and giving my life’s story a platform. Thank you, Johanna, for seeing beyond the words on the page, for believing in my story, and for reviewing Amor Fati with such warmth and compassion. Your darkest chapter does not have to be your final chapter. There is life beyond survival. There is healing after hurt. And there can be hope again.”
“Thank you for another PIHBA award. Your book review was elegant, detailed, and got me and my family choked up with emotion.”
“Thank you, Johanna and PIHBA, for creating a memorable and beautiful book trailer for me.”
“The further I read, tears were dripping slowly down my cheeks. I am still in awe to see my name and poetry in book form—and now this recognition. Not only did you believe in me, you encouraged me to complete my poetry book and, with your expertise, turned my work into a book worthy of presenting and selling to the public. This is a milestone that you and PIHBA made possible. Thank you, Johanna, for bringing my dream to life. You are giving hope, changing lives, and bringing awareness to those who thought they were alone. Through what you are doing, people are becoming aware there is light after darkness and happiness after sorrow.”
“My page in the Author Directory is so well done by PIHBA. WOW!”
“Johanna and PIHBA—amazing! What an honor and an inspiration to be chosen as an award winner. The graphics and social-media presence are so well done. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“Receiving the physical Crystal Glass Open-Book Award from PIHBA was an absolute milestone moment for me and my family. The trophy is a stunning piece of art—the craftsmanship, elegance, and attention to detail are magnificent and even more impressive in person. Holding it provides a deeply meaningful sense of validation for the vulnerability it takes to share a personal story. Johanna and her team have created a top-tier experience that honors and celebrates writers. If you are an author looking for a community and organization that genuinely values your voice and legacy, I cannot recommend PIHBA enough.”
“What a JOY and a BLESSING it is to know Johanna. Meeting her at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention this past February was truly one of the highlights of my entire time there. I can’t speak highly enough of her.”
“Working with Johanna Vendel and PIHBA has been an incredible experience. From the moment I became involved, I felt welcomed, respected, and genuinely appreciated as an author. Johanna’s passion for helping writers is evident in everything she does. She has created more than an awards program—she has built a community where authors are recognized, encouraged, and celebrated for sharing stories that make a difference. If you are looking for an organization that values your work and treats authors with respect, I highly recommend PIHBA.”
“As a five-time award-winning author, I have seen a lot of the Hope Award vision behind the scenes, and it is becoming an award-winning reality. CRAWL is what Johanna and her daughter are doing. WALK is all the marketing and research, creating each award category and completing the copyright and trademark work. RUN is when you receive the nomination, become one of the first finalists, and walk into the amazing ballroom like a fairytale. I highly recommend that authors submit to the Johanna Maria Vendel Hope Book Awards. ★★★★★”
“Johanna Vendel, CEO of the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards, leads an organization that highlights authors’ messages of hope and transformation. Her personal experiences, reflected in her writing, resonated with me. The award process—from submission to selection—is well organized and stands out compared with similar book awards. If you are contemplating submitting your book for an award, I highly recommend PIHBA. Share your story with the world.”
“Winning an award from PIHBA has been a meaningful and encouraging experience. As an author, it is always special to have your work recognized, and I am grateful for the support, professionalism, and kindness shown throughout the process. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of a community that celebrates authors and their stories. Thank you to the PIHBA team for recognizing my work and supporting writers from around the world.”
“Prestigious International Hope Book Awards was a wonderful surprise! I had not considered my story in this way and was pleased to see such a good review from them on Goodreads. PIHBA is a blessing for which I am truly grateful!”
“The two best things I have noticed and enjoyed about CEO Johanna Vendel are her incredible spirit of generosity and the way she reviewed my book in such an all-encompassing, positive light of joy, fun, and laughter—with an inclusive hug in each story or poem. She and her team totally understood the dynamic momentum of these stories. How often do you meet someone who really gets your heartfelt work? Thank you, PIHBA, from the bottom of my heart for seeing me as the author I have always hoped to be.”
“I am truly honored to share my experience with PIHBA. Under the exceptional leadership of CEO Johanna Vendel and her dedicated team, this organization exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and genuine support for authors around the world. Communication was clear, encouraging, and efficient. Every interaction reflected their passion for uplifting authors and creating meaningful opportunities for their work to reach a wider audience. I highly recommend PIHBA to any author seeking a reputable organization that honors creativity, perseverance, and the positive impact books can have on people’s lives. Five stars without hesitation!”
“I was a guest on Johanna’s podcast, and it was such an amazing interview. She made me very comfortable sharing my story. The love and support from Johanna were outstanding and continued even after the podcast. I genuinely believe more authors need to get their stories out in public, and podcast interviews are the answer.”
“The Prestigious International Hope Book Awards experience is my fairytale dream. The experience is priceless and ongoing—100% magical.”
“I am truly grateful for the existence of this organization. PIHBA goes beyond honoring and recognizing the authors behind award-winning books; it carries the noble mission of spreading writers’ messages of hope and light to the world. Kudos to Johanna Vendel and her team for turning the dream of this mission into reality!”