When readers pick up Warwickshire-based author, Karen Storey's new novel, they may be drawn first to its striking cover, a bold design fronted by an enormous sheep face. 

The Approval of Sheep follows the life of a down-on-his-luck Londoner, who finds unexpected purpose and love in the Welsh countryside while dealing with a forgotten sheep covenant.

What fascinated Storey, was that this sheep covenant really existed, and at a historic London hotel too, hence the inspiration for her novel.

But the story behind the story, is a fascinating one in itself.

Where it all started

American-born author Karen Storey, now living in Leamington Spa, explained writing has always brought her joy.

Growing up she wrote short stories "for fun" as a child, never imagining it could become a career. 

After moving to London in her 20's she began working as an estate agency and then even went on to learn and then teach sign-language after working for the Samaritans.

But writing lingered quietly in the background. It wasn't until her husband began preparing to leave his corporate insurance role, that Storey reconsidered her own long-held creative ambitions.

"I thought, now's the time before I get too old," she laughed.

Storey published The Approval of Sheep back in October (2025) and it has been met with an array of reviews from both readers and fellow writers. 

Karen at Stratford Literary Festival on 2 November (image supplied)

Storey shared: "I thought 'Am I even going to get a review? And what if they are bad reviews?" But they have been really good!

"One thing that surprised me was a comment that came from a line in the book where a farmer says 'Can you get the sheep to dance?' and my character is like 'Yeah' and someone really Googled 'Can you teach sheep to dance?'"

"She then called me and said 'Did you know you really CAN teach sheep to dance?

"So, I love that it got people thinking, can this really happen?"

Storey went on to express her pleasant surprise at how well the book has done in America, given its premise around a British covenant. 

"In America, in the first run, the books ran out and I panicked and contacted my publisher and I said 'It's saying that it's out of stock, you've got to restock it - so they did. 

"At first I thought,'There's not going to be a big American market,' because certain parts are set in places like Wales, but it's done really well!"

For Storey, research holds a heavy place in her writing process, and The Approval of Sheep was no exception!

"I knew nothing about sheep herding when I started writing, which is why I knew I needed another shepherd or a shepherdess to help me learn more about it first."

For Storey, research holds a heavy place in her writing process, and The Approval of Sheep was no exception (image supplied)

So, Storey visited Becky Bowles' farm, Farmcraft - Farm Experiences in Wiltshire, spending the day learning the basics of herding sheep and discussing the realities of looking after sheep.

"Herding sheep wasn't actually too difficult, because Becky was so good with me, and she explained things like don't walk behind them, instead, walk alongside them…

"It really was fun!"

"It was more fun than even interviewing, even though that was fun, as well."

Storey recalled asking Becky numerous questions about the nature and behaviour of sheep, which she incorporated in her novel. 

Prior to publication, Storey rekindled with Becky to say the book would be coming out. 

Thrilled by the news, Becky offered Storey four tickets to visit her farm, which Storey is now offering to one of her newsletter subscribers. 

The draw will be done in January 2026.

Sheep herding at Becky Bowles' farm, Farmcraft - Farm Experiences (image supplied)

Book events

Currently, Storey is attending book events including in Warwick and Kenilworth.

"It doesn't matter if people buy the book or not. I just love talking to people" she expressed.

She has several upcoming events including at Warwick Books, in January.

More information about the event can be found here.

What's next for Karen Storey?

Storey is currently editing her next novel, a slightly darker, more psychological one, which she actually began writing before The Approval of Sheep.

It orbits a gas explosion at the beginning of the story, causing her characters to become trapped and having to endure a deeply difficult situation.

To ensure she got the details right for what my characters would see, feel. hear, smell and also how they'd be rescued, Storey also pursued in-depth research for the book.

In doing so she contacted the Warwickshire fire department, who agreed to host her for a morning coffee with a group of firemen and answer her questions.

This next novel is expected to be out in 2026.

Storey's advice to aspiring writers is this: "The publishing road is full of ups and downs, but if you love your story, keep going."

With a successful novel out, a second in the works for 2026, and a growing readership drawn to both her humour and emotional depth, Karen Storey is proving that it's never too late to return to a childhood dream.

The Approval of the Sheep is out now ! (image supplied)