A new month brings a new story to discover, featuring one that captures the heart of storytelling and the power of a well-told narrative.
Whether you’re looking to explore something new or add another meaningful read to your collection, this month’s giveaway highlights a book worth diving into. Thoughtfully written and engaging from start to finish, it’s a story that leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
Searching for your next favourite non-fiction read?
A sharp, uplifting take on finding meaning and humor in life’s unpredictability.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, Jane’s life took a wild turn full of seizures, specialists, and some seriously strange hospital adventures. But instead of letting it break her, she learned to laugh—at the chaos, the cringe, and even the curveballs. Laughing Through the Storm is a hilariously honest memoir about finding resilience, ridiculousness, and unexpected joy in the middle of life’s messiest moments.
This month, we’re celebrating authors who brought their books to life through engaging events, connecting with readers and building lasting impressions beyond the page. Alongside these moments are instances of public recognition that highlight the growing impact of their work within their communities and beyond.
Every success, big or small, is a testament to the journey of storytelling, and this May we’re proud to shine a light on the authors who continue to inspire, connect, and make their mark.
Award
Award-winning author Richard K. Lowy has received the Grand Prize for Journalism at the Chanticleer International Authors’ Conference in recognition of his powerful and deeply moving work, Kalman and Leopold.
Known internationally as a producer and creative director behind world-class experiences featuring legendary artists and thought leaders, Richard’s most personal and meaningful project began with the discovery of his father’s Holocaust history. This profound revelation inspired him to preserve a story rooted in survival, friendship, and remembrance—one that eventually led to an extraordinary reunion between his father and a long-lost campmate after more than fifty-six years apart.
Through Kalman and Leopold, Richard honours the lives and legacies of those who endured unimaginable hardship, while offering readers a lasting reminder of resilience, humanity, and the importance of preserving memory across generations.
Dana Rawdah has been named a finalist in the 2025 Children’s Fiction category, a recognition that highlights excellence in writing, design, and overall market appeal.
Her book Cee Cee Nanigans follows a curious and lively young girl whose playful imagination often leads to adorable chaos. From experimenting with markers in unexpected ways to learning gentle play with her brother, Cee Cee’s everyday adventures capture the humor and heart of early childhood, shared alongside her mama.
With over 14 years of experience as an educator and inspiration drawn from her own children, Dana brings warmth and authenticity to her storytelling. Cee Cee Nanigans reflects her passion for creating engaging stories that celebrate childhood curiosity and family connection.
Publicity
Nataly Restokian has been recognized on the international stage with two prestigious honors at the BookFest Spring 2026 Awards, as featured on EIN Presswire.
These latest accolades highlight her ongoing contributions to literature that blend powerful storytelling with meaningful advocacy. Through her work, Nataly continues to engage readers with narratives that reflect depth, purpose, and real-world relevance, earning recognition from both readers and industry professionals alike.
The BookFest Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in publishing, honoring authors whose work demonstrates quality, creativity, and influence. Nataly’s recognition further solidifies her presence as a distinguished voice in contemporary literature, with a growing body of work that continues to resonate across audiences and communities.
Events
Mike Rafferty, author of The Last Neighborhood: A South Philly Memoir, recently held a book signing event that brought readers together to celebrate a story rooted in grit, faith, and resilience.
A former professional boxer with a 9–1–1 record, Mike shares a personal journey shaped by discipline, setbacks, and perseverance. His boxing career was cut short by injuries and a car accident, but his determination carried forward into a 28-year career in law enforcement with the Philadelphia Police Department, where he now serves as a sergeant.
The Last Neighborhood reflects a life built on strength, service, and resilience, offering readers a powerful reminder of what it means to keep moving forward through every challenge.
Reviews
Reader Views features What Remains After by Pauline J. Grabia as a gripping psychological suspense novel that explores trauma, memory, and survival.
The review highlights Beth Clark’s return to her childhood home after her mother’s death, where buried memories and unresolved pain resurface. As the past and present collide, she is forced to confront the lasting impact of abuse, loss, and the search for healing.
The novel received a five-star review from Reader Views, praised for its emotional depth, suspenseful storytelling, and its ability to balance psychological tension with a deeply human narrative. It stands out as a moving reflection on what remains after survival and the path toward healing.
What Remains After will appeal to mature readers who enjoy a rising-from-the-ashes type of novel and are capable of handling deeply disturbing topics. Abuse is portrayed through a childhood lens, prompting important questions. Grabia’s writing illustrates the inspiring regenerative ability of the human spirit through Beth’s transformation.
Stories of love, memory, and gratitude come together in a celebration of the many ways mothers and mother figures shape our lives. From quiet guidance to powerful acts of sacrifice and care, these books reflect relationships that leave a lasting imprint on the heart. Each page offers a moment to reflect on the bonds that ground us and the love that stays with us.
Here are some heartfelt reads that honor motherhood, family, and the enduring power of love, with curated Tellwell titles featured this year that beautifully capture these themes across different voices and stories.
The Magic of Mom’s Hugs by Moments de Joie
A heartwarming bedtime story that celebrates a mother’s love that lives on in every hug .
Some magic you can’t see — but you can always feel.
The Magic of Mom’s Hugs is a cozy, heart-filled adventure about love, laughter, and a little bit of magic. But when that magic suddenly disappears, Mom sets out on a tender journey to find it, asking the fastest, bravest animals for help. What she discovers is something even more powerful: the magic of a hug isn’t something that can be stolen — it lives forever in the love we carry inside our hearts. The Magic of Mom’s Hugs is a beautifully told story about love’s quiet strength, the bond between parent and child, and the invisible threads that tie us together — no matter where we are. A timeless bedtime tale that will comfort, inspire, and remind readers that real magic is found in the love we share.
Mommy, Is My Hair Nice? by Tanika J. Baker
A heartfelt journey of two sisters discovering identity and confidence with their mother’s support in a new country
“Mommy, is my hair nice?” That’s what Kaliah asked her mom one day after dinner. Kaliah and Asara migrated from Jamaica to Canada four years ago with their parents.
The girls attend the local elementary school and love to share stories of their daily encounters with their parents. Most situations are fun, and problems are usually easy fixes for Mom and Dad, but others not so much. How does Mom help Kaliah and Asara to understand that people are different and assure them that there’s beauty in being different, no matter what others might say?
Join Kaliah and Asara for their adventures and experiences growing up and learning to adjust to their life in a foreign country.
Who Loves Mama? by Cathy J Schmidt
A sweet story about family love, teamwork, and little ones showing Mama Mouse just how much she is cherished
Mama Mouse is sure that her mice do not love her. Can Tiny convince her siblings to help her surprise their mama? Join this mouse family in their little home where they learn the importance of working together.
I Call My Grandma Gigi by Carole Aldred
A rhyming celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, filled with warmth and connection
Read along in this heartwarming and whimsical celebration of the relationship between grandmothers and grandchildren, the special names we give them and the fun times we share that turn happy days into lasting memories.
Written in rhyme, it is sure to delight young and old alike. The beautiful watercolour illustrations capture the fun and warmth of this special bond in an inclusive way.
Lil’ Cloud and Momma by Dayna Young
A gentle story of a curious baby cloud learning from Momma about rain, love, and the life-giving water cycle
Lil’ Cloud and Momma is a short story about the water cycle. A baby cloud asks its mother questions like, “Why do we cry?” This tale tells about the importance of the raindrop and its part in keeping living plants and animals alive.
From Grandma with Love by Bella Neville Cruz & Mom (Katia Quintana Cruz)
Imagination, small missteps, and love that never changes between granddaughter and grandma
From Grandma with Love was created by Bella, a five-year-old with a very vivid imagination. Her Mom, Katia, has been her accomplice since the moment Bella said, “Mamá, I would love for my family, my friends and my teachers to read my story. Is that possible, Mamá?”
When I agreed to the possibilities of publishing her book—our book—I knew that it was going to be the biggest and very best project together of our lives. Seeing her big smile of happiness, the proudness of her work in her face, and the sparkle of her eyes brought us even closer by creating and writing.
From Grandma with Love: a story inspired by her own grandma, family situations and lots of love.
Bella is a five-year-old child. Like any other, she could get into mischief sometimes. She does not want Grandma to be upset about her occasional adventures. Bella wonders, “Grandma, will you love me even when I misbehave?”
Mimi, the Solo Magician Mom, and Cameron by Melissa A. MacDonald
Tells the story of a boy, his magician mom, and the beauty of diverse families
Cameron is a confident, fun-loving kid who can’t wait to tell you all about his magician mom, Mimi, and the things that make his family unique.
For grown-ups: This heart-warming tale is told by a donor-conceived child named Cameron who shares his family’s story with pride and honesty, even when offering a matter-of-fact explanation of conception. Being donor-conceived is just one way Cameron is one-of-a-kind.
This is a wonderful resource for friends and classmates of donor-conceived people. It seeks to promote a greater understanding of family diversity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Comedy doesn’t minimize trauma; it makes trauma survivable by giving you a different lens to view it through.
Neroli Hajinakitas
In this interview, Neroli opens up about writing through adversity and transforming personal struggles into comedy that resonates with readers. From the unforgettable “share house” to the truth behind the “Instagram version” of parenting, Waterproof Mascara reminds us that sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, Waterproof Mascara feels like an honest and funny celebration of motherhood in all its chaos and unpredictability. What inspired you to write so openly about the realities of raising children, rebuilding your life, and finding humour in the messiest moments?
It started during a high-conflict divorce. My psychologist suggested journalling. I laughed—but I did what was asked. After the divorce was finalized following two and a half years of living hell, I kept journalling, but shifted focus to the comical things happening around me. Rebuilding meant redefining everything—from “wife” to “share-house maid,” from married to mortgage-holder, from couple to solo parent. In my fifties, living in what felt like a share house with teenagers and young adults, I’d lost my authority as a parent and become their maid. Far better than the slave I’d been whilst married, but that’s another story entirely.
Neroli Hajinakitas’ Waterproof Mascara is a refreshingly honest look at motherhood, reinvention, and finding humour in life’s most chaotic moments. What began as a journal eventually evolved into a candid and deeply relatable book filled with wit, resilience, and the beautifully messy realities of family life. Get the book on Amazon.
The “share house” characters feel vivid and memorable. How much of their personalities came directly from real life, and how much was heightened for comedic effect?
The share house characters’ personalities are exact, with a little colour here and there for comedic effect. I’m known for telling a good story, but all stories need embellishment. The working title was Hyperboles of a Maid, which says it all really. The Knight, Thumbelina, the Little Prince, Wilma Washer, Doris Dishwasher—they’re all absolutely real. I’ve just given them the narrative treatment they deserve.
Your journey from struggling with dyslexia to becoming a published author is remarkable. How did past challenges shape your approach to writing a book?
By teaching me that there’s always another way to learn. I couldn’t read until I was twenty—labelled “stupid” throughout school—but completing my degree in adult education showed me alternative pathways exist. Learning about how adults overcome learning difficulties whilst simultaneously overcoming my own gave me unique insight into making complex ideas accessible. The degree taught me academic writing initially, but dyslexia taught me creative problem-solving—finding different routes to the same destination.
Do you find writing comedy helps you process difficult experiences differently than more serious reflection would?
Absolutely. Writing comedy processes difficult experiences differently than serious reflection because humour creates analytical distance whilst maintaining emotional honesty. Serious reflection can spiral into dwelling; comedy forces you to find the absurd angle, which is actually more truthful about how we survive impossible things. Finding the positive in what feels overwhelming aids traumatic recovery—my psychologist is now using my book as recommended reading for women struggling with similar situations. Comedy doesn’t minimise trauma; it makes trauma survivable by giving you a different lens to view it through.
Readers will likely see a bit of themselves in the beautifully messy moments throughout the book. What do you hope parents and families take away from reading Waterproof Mascara?
I hope parents and families take away the ability to sit back, laugh, and know that we all have the same struggles. The Instagram version of parenting is a lie. The reality is dishes that don’t self-clean, teenagers who believe Wi-Fi is a human right, and washing machines that hold grudges. If my mess helps someone else feel less alone in their mess, that’s the whole point. Good enough is genuinely good enough.
What was the biggest thing you learned during the publishing process that surprised you?
That writing the manuscript is the easy bit. What happens behind the scenes to publish a book is a whole new world—interacting with editors, cover designers, interior designers, organizing book launches, navigating marketing, understanding the world of online publishing . . . who would have known so much was involved? I loved every minute, even the stressful parts. Turns out getting a book from brain to bookshelf requires an entire village of professionals who understand things like ISBN numbers and metadata that I still don’t fully comprehend.
In today’s Meet the Team we talk to Debbie, one of Tellwell Publishing’s dedicated book-publishing consultants.
Passionate about helping aspiring authors bring their stories to life, Debbie works closely with writers as they begin their self-publishing journey. From answering questions to offering guidance and encouragement, Debbie is committed to making the publishing process feel clear, supportive, and exciting for every author he works with.
Read on to learn more about his role at Tellwell.
Can you tell us a little about your role as a book-publishing consultant at Tellwell, and what a typical day looks like for you?
I help aspiring authors take the first steps toward publishing their books. My role involves listening to their stories, understanding their goals, and guiding them through the self-publishing process in a way that feels exciting and manageable.
A typical day includes speaking with authors through calls and emails, answering questions, discussing their book ideas, and helping them understand the support available to them. What I enjoy most is meeting passionate writers from different backgrounds and being part of their publishing journey.
April brought a series of meaningful milestones for our authors.
Through book events, awards, public recognition, and reader reviews, their work continued to gain visibility and reach. These moments reflect more than individual achievements—they show steady progress in how their stories are being seen and received.
Here’s a closer look beyond the page!
Publicity
An interview on the YouTube channel Can’t Be Censored featuring Tellwell author Tim Cherry, brother of the late Cindy Cherry, is nearing 70,000 views and continues to gain attention as he reflects on Cindy’s The Don Cherry Story and hints at the upcoming Part II. The conversation also touches on Don Cherry’s recent Order of Ontario recognition, alongside ongoing public discussion around a possible Order of Canada. When asked about it, Tim suggests it may depend on political timing, noting “maybe under a Conservative government.”
Moments like these reflect how author stories can continue to resonate well beyond the page, sparking conversation, reaching wider audiences, and keeping important narratives alive in public discourse.
Featured in the Easter issue of KidlioMag, Tellwell author Amal Elnahas is highlighted for her heartfelt work in children’s literature. Based in Montréal, Québec, she draws inspiration from her life as a mother, balancing a busy routine with meaningful family moments that often become the heart of her stories.
Her books, The Magic of Mom’s Hugs and Passion Soccer Activity Book, reflect this blend of warmth, play, and everyday childhood magic—capturing simple moments that resonate with both children and parents alike.
Events
Tellwell author William Birrell had a booth at the Spring Market in the Niagara Region, showcasing his book The King and the Ogre at a vendorless community event.
A longtime educator based in Southern Ontario, Birrell brings his passion for storytelling into his work, including this tale of an unlikely friendship between a king and an ogre who work together to protect their village from mischievous dragons.
Tellwell author Maximiliano Moreno Sastre recently held a book signing for this coming-of-age story, connecting with readers through a narrative inspired by real-life friendship and lived experience.
Ain’t No Way This Is Real tells a deeply personal story of brotherhood, growing up, and the kind of loss that lingers long after goodbye.
Author of the book Chro Is My Name, Tellwell author Chro Zand, held a book launch event marking an intimate evening centered on themes of lived experience, memory, and resilience.
The gathering brought readers into a reflective space where storytelling opened conversations around identity, displacement, and rebuilding life across borders. It served as a meaningful moment of connection, showing how personal narratives can carry both history and healing beyond the page.
Reviews
Tellwell author Mike Rafferty’s The Last Neighborhood has received a 5-star review from Reader Views, highlighting the novel’s emotional depth and compelling storytelling rooted in South Philadelphia life.
The review praises its coming-of-age story set in a tough urban neighborhood, capturing themes of identity, family, and resilience, and the lasting impact of growing up in that environment.
Mike Rafferty chose the perfect title for this excellent and gritty memoir about not only boxing, but the working-class South Philly neighborhood that drives him — both positively and negatively — to develop the toughness that shapes his early career as a fighter. In The Last Neighborhood: A South Philly Memoir, the community itself looms large as a central force, shaping the narrator’s identity and instilling the pressure and determination that propel him forward.
-Reader Views Book Review
Mission Alpha: Take Flight in Your Career Transition by Tellwell author Aaron Jones has earned a 5-star review from Reader Views, recognizing its clear, structured, and empowering approach to navigating career transition, especially for those moving from military to civilian life.
Reader Views highlights the book’s practical guidance in helping readers translate experience into direction and confidently plan their next chapter.
Aaron Jones is on another important mission with his Mission Alpha: Take Flight in Your Career Transition. His purpose is to equip Defense Force members who are transitioning from an active military life and career into the civilian sector. Jones is speaking and addressing specifically the Australian Defense Force and the Australian Air Force, where he served, although there are significant and shared challenges for veterans of many countries and services. His work and writing are both utilitarian and personal: he has become a career coach and wants to “give back” by sharing what he’s learned.
-Reader Views Book Review
Awards
Water Your Flowers With Love by Tellwell author Koula Hadjitooulou has received Gold in the L.A. BookFest Poetry Category and was named a Spring Winner at the Pencraft Awards 2026.
The collection, rooted in love, resilience, and hope, continues to resonate with readers through its deeply personal and lyrical reflection on the human experience.
This April, we’re wrapping up the month with a new set of stories to discover. Our latest book giveaway features a mix of powerful non-fiction, heartfelt memoirs, and inspiring reads that reflect resilience, growth, and real-life journeys.
Each title offers something different, but all share one thing in common—stories that stay with you long after the last page.
Searching for your next favourite non-fiction read?
A guide of hope and healing for those navigating life after service, offering insight, understanding, and a path toward resilience.
;IGY6 is more than just a self-help guide, it is a beacon of hope for those in the military and beyond. Whether you are a soldier, a veteran, or someone who supports them, this book provides invaluable insights and practical advice that can make a real difference. Readers will find solace in the shared experiences and learn how to navigate the complexities of PTSD towards a better, more fulfilling life.
Stories that reveal courage, survival, and the power of reclaiming your life.
A powerful memoir of survival and courage as one woman reclaims her life and finds strength in truth.
A raw and unflinching memoir of survival, truth, and transformation. Phillippa Mann takes readers deep into the fractured world of a girl who grew up living with a monster—a world where love and fear shared the same face, and silence became a means of survival.
Through heartbreak, chaos, and betrayal, Phillippa’s voice emerges from the shadows as she begins to piece together a life that was never hers to begin with. Her journey is one of courage and reckoning, of facing the unbearable truths that shaped her, and finding strength in vulnerability.
More than a story of pain, House of Cards, is a testament to the power of healing and self-forgiveness. It reminds every survivor that when the house of cards falls, it is not the end—it’s the beginning of reclaiming your story and discovering who you were always meant to be.
Meet Ashleigh, our in-house book-publishing consultant based in Australia. She previously worked as a book-marketing consultant, offering her strong insight into how books connect with readers and what it takes to position a title successfully in the market.
In her current role as a publishing consultant, Ashleigh introduces authors to the self-publishing process and guides them through the early stages of bringing their book to life. She helps authors understand their publishing options, set clear expectations, and make informed decisions about their project from the very beginning.
With experience across both marketing and publishing, Ashleigh brings a well-rounded perspective to every author she works with, supporting them as they take the first steps in their publishing journey with clarity and confidence.
Read on to learn more about her role at Tellwell.
Can you tell us about your journey at Tellwell and how you got started as a marketing consultant?
Working in publishing has always been a dream of mine, so after finishing my master’s in Writing, Editing and Publishing at the University of Queensland, I began searching for publishing roles in Australia. I’d like to say I walked into a job fresh out of university, but it took six months of searching, all while I continued working at my local bookstore. Finally, I came across Tellwell and began working as a marketing consultant.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women authors at Tellwell whose courage, creativity, and dedication inspire us every day. From sharing their stories to lifting others through their words, these authors remind us that strength comes in many forms. Today, we honour their voices, achievements, and unshakable spirit that continue to shape a brighter and more compassionate world.
Odile Rose
Odile Rose has always believed in the power of stories to move and inspire. Born in Paris to Lebanese parents and now living in Ontario, she spent nearly twenty years in finance before answering the call of her true passion—writing. Guided by heart and inspiration, Odile took the leap that allowed her to share heartfelt stories that linger long after the last page.
The One Reason follows seventeen-year-old Elvis Sullivan on a night that changes everything. Thrust into a moment of fear and responsibility, he becomes the girl’s only hope. The memory of that night stays with him, showing that even in the darkest moments, love can ignite courage, shape destiny, and offer the hope needed to keep believing.
In March, our authors continued to make waves in the literary world. From author events and public recognition to new opportunities to share their work, book awards, and glowing reviews, it’s been an exciting month.
Beyond that, authors have been gaining even more visibility, with features and mentions helping their stories reach wider audiences. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their journey this month.
Awards
Tellwell author Nataly Restokian’s HerMasks & His Truth has won a Gold Award from Literary Titan, earning recognition for its gripping and emotional storytelling. Based on true-life events, the novel follows Anna as an unexpected encounter with a globally recognized influencer turns her world upside down, forcing her to navigate love, loyalty, and life-changing choices.
Nataly, a top life and wellness coach in Quebec with a background in journalism and television, brings depth and insight to her writing. Her Masks & His Truth is the second book in her Masks series and marks another milestone in her journey as an award-winning author.
Her Masks & His Truth is perfect for readers who actively seek Christian fiction, inspirational romance, faith-based contemporary drama, and redemption narratives, especially those who like spiritual mentorship threads and conversion-centered storytelling.
