I wanted to share why I wrote Before I’m Gone.
As a lifelong writer, I’ve always processed life through words—letters to myself about moving away from my best friend in first grade, my first high school heartbreak, and the joy (and chaos) of giving birth at 39.
Before I’m Gone grew out of one of those letters. Somewhere in the middle of my reflections, a character appeared—someone whose courage inspires me.
Her name is Ellie.
Ellie is a grandmother who refuses to give up on the people she loves, even when life breaks her heart. When she loses her husband, she starts to wonder if she’s let her family lean on her too much—and how to make sure they’ll thrive when her own hourglass runs out.
This is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and the second chances we don’t see coming—perfect for readers who enjoy inspirational women’s fiction about family and the heroic women who hold them together.Ellie is a grandmother who refuses to give up on the people she loves, even when life breaks her heart. When she loses her husband, she starts to wonder if she’s let her family lean on her too much—and how to make sure they’ll thrive when her own hourglass runs out.
This is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and the second chances we don’t see coming—perfect for readers who enjoy inspirational women’s fiction about family and the heroic women who hold them together.Ellie’s story is available for pre‑order now at a special discounted price.
Ellie’s story is available now at a discounted pre-order price. I hope you’ll order yours now! Here’s an excerpt:
The morning after Christmas was crisp—the kind of cold that stung your nose and ears. Snow blanketed the world, weighing down tree branches and smoothing every surface into plump mounds of glistening white. Ellie had always loved winter’s stillness—that hush when everything seemed to pause, leaving space for a person to think.
She stepped outside to clear the snow from the porch steps. It wasn’t much, but enough to be a hazard, and she wouldn’t risk the kids slipping. A patch of ice glinted where slush had frozen solid near the bottom step. She made a mental note to avoid it.
As her foot touched the first step, it slid sideways. The world tilted—a blur of white and gray. A burning knife to her Achilles. Her hand shot for the railing. Too late.
She tumbled head over heels down the steps, the snow-covered ground rushing up at her—unstoppable. She flung out a hand to catch herself. A sickening pop at her wrist stole her breath. Hot, white pain shot up her arm. The metallic scent of blood—or maybe fear—flooded her senses.
Breathe, she told herself.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”This is one thoroughly enjoyable read.” – Marc
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“As a widow myself, I loved how each character dealt with loss differently.” – Judy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is Karen’s loveliest book yet! – Laurie