Author Archives: Trixie Raboy

Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Books, Buzz & September Moments

Seeing a book move from an author’s imagination into the hands of readers is always something worth celebrating.

Throughout September, Tellwell authors continued to see their work connect, resonate, and gain attention in meaningful ways. Here are a few moments from the month that we’re excited to share.

Publicity

Corinne Brown recently joined Inside Scoop Live! to talk about her debut memoir, Me, Mom & the Monster: Our Dance Through Huntington’s Disease.

During the conversation, Brown reflects on writing about her family’s experience with Huntington’s disease, the emotions the process uncovered, and the readers who have connected with her story. She also discusses living at risk for the disease and why all royalties from the book are being donated to the Huntington Society of Canada.

Reviews

Tellwell author Dave Jones, PsyD, recently received a thoughtful review from Reader Views for his children’s book, A Perfect Saturday.., almost.

The review highlights the book’s playful look at plans that don’t go perfectly and the value of finding joy in the unexpected. Drawing on more than four decades of experience as an educator, Jones brings warmth, humour, and an understanding of young readers to this bright, relatable story.

A Perfect Saturday.., almost brings readers along on an (almost) perfect Saturday. The combination of author Jones’ prose and illustrator Rheanna’s artwork shows that even though the day may not have been perfect, it was still a great day.

Reader Views Book Review

The Nine Essential Questions for Organizational Transformation by Tellwell author Aaron Streeton recently received five stars from Reader Views.

Built on two decades of real-world transformation work, the book encourages leaders to look beyond quick fixes and ask better questions about culture, strategy, people, and the future they want to create.

Streeton’s framework offers no magic bullet—and that is largely the point. Transformation requires knowing where you are, deciding where you want to go, designing a realistic route between the two, and then possessing the discipline to stay on it. It is an admirably pragmatic approach to organizational change and a useful guide for leaders and consultants who would rather produce durable improvements than another impressive presentation that nobody remembers six months later.

Reader Views Book Review

Michal Snaerravn and his dark fantasy novel Golems of Beithir were recently spotlighted by Country Mamas With Kids Book Review, which called the book “another great installment in a superb series.”

The second book in The Chronicles of Hadúr raises the stakes for Amnon as the Blood Wars intensify and the fight for control of Hell’s Gate grows more dangerous. Packed with dark magic, rival factions, and epic conflict, the story continues Snaerravn’s expansive fantasy adventure.

The book itself is an epic fantasy along the likes of Lord of the Rings in my opinion with beautiful and in depth descriptions as you read the book. There is a lot of depth to the author’s descriptions which makes the books that much more readable and engaging to us, the readers!

Country Mamas With Kids Book Review

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Book Giveaways

September’s Book Gift

There’s something special about discovering a book at just the right time. This September, we’re sharing one featured title with readers as a small gift from Tellwell Publishing.

Thoughtful, meaningful, and made to be shared, this month’s pick offers a chance to slow down, turn a few pages, and discover a story that may stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Blind Faith by Joseph Connolly

Blind Faith. We all have it, particularly when we realize we are not in control of circumstances, conditions, people, or, for that matter, threats to our very existence.

The thief crucified with Jesus is known as the Penitent Thief or Saint Dismas. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into his Kingdom. In response, Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in Paradise that very day.

So, even a thief facing certain death had the blind faith to ask and trust that his spirit, his very soul unknown to him at the time, would be welcomed into paradise.

This book is about blind faith.  It is about a man, Peter, who, finds his own faith while facing the challenges of evil to all he has been taught, and to his own life. 

Get Your Free Copy Here

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

August Success Stories: Booked and Brilliant

August was filled with exciting milestones, meaningful achievements, and plenty of reasons to celebrate our authors. From new releases and events to growing audiences and memorable moments, these success stories showcase the passion, creativity, and dedication behind every author journey. Here’s a look at some of the brilliant wins that made this month one to remember.

Publicity

Tellwell Publishing founder Tim Lindsay was recently featured on Your Brand Amplified®—a podcast ranked among the top 1.5% globally and a Top 10 Apple Podcast in the Marketing category.

In the episode, Tim shares Tellwell’s origin story, its growth since 2015, and the importance of embracing the call to authorship.

With more than 5,000 authors guided, Tim discusses why writing a book can be a powerful way to build authority, share your expertise, open new opportunities, and create meaningful impact.

The conversation also explores practical steps aspiring authors can take to move past self-doubt, make time to write, finish their manuscript, choose the right publishing path, and ultimately publish with purpose.

 Paula Hall was recently featured on CTV News, sharing her inspiring journey and message of courage.

Paula is the author of When Brave Is Your Only Option, a deeply honest account of surviving stage four blood cancer and finding the strength to move forward. As a national ambassador for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, she continues to advocate for cancer patients and their families.

Tellwell author Dana Ginnett was recently featured in Kidliomag, highlighting her debut children’s book, Wanda the Witch and the Broom That Went Zoom!

Inspired by Dana’s lifelong love of Halloween, and originally written 20 years ago, the charming story follows Wanda Wayble, a witch and fashion designer who learns that everyone has special gifts.

Event

Maggie’s Boy author Rosalie Jones Knogler recently hosted a book launch at Cordova Bay 55+, participated in a book fair in June, and gave a talk to the Victoria Genealogical Society in July.

Spanning more than a century, Maggie’s Boy follows Maggie and her son George through Ireland, England, and Canada, weaving together family, resilience, and the historical events that shaped generations.

Reviews

A new milestone for Debbie McGugan’s Silent Grief: the novel has received a 5-star review from Reader’s Favorite.

The story follows Arya Alexander as she builds a new life in Bellemere while navigating the grief and memories of her past. When she meets Jacob Ryan, an unexpected connection challenges them both to open their hearts again and consider the possibility of lasting love.

Adele balances sensuality with emotional resonance, ensuring the romance feels earned and meaningful. This makes a deeper connection between the readers and the unfolding story.

– Reader’s Favorite Book Review

Tim Lindsay’s The Call to Authorship has received a strong review from Self-Publishing Review, which praised the book as a thorough guide to writing, publishing, and promoting nonfiction.

The Call to Authorship explores how writing and publishing a book can build authority, sharpen your thinking, create new opportunities, and help you make a greater impact. Through a practical 10-step approach, Tim guides readers from clarifying their goals and developing an outline to overcoming writing roadblocks, choosing a publishing path, and promoting their finished book.

With its broadly applicable ten-step approach, supported by dozens of task subcategories and checklists, this is both a philosophical and practical framework for effectively developing, tailoring, and selling your unique perspective on any potential topic, which is accessible enough for novices and detailed enough for established authors.

– Self-Publishing Review

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Book Giveaways

A New Story for Your Shelf This August

August is the perfect time to make room for a new story. Whether you are looking for your next page turner, a thoughtful escape, or simply something new to add to your shelf, these featured books are ready to find their next readers. Take a look, discover something unexpected, and let your next great read begin here.

Heidenröslein: The Little Rose on the Heath by Christopher Whittaker

Two men. Two worlds.One war that will remake them both.

Peter Schiller, a disciplined officer from privilege, is trained to lead—but not for what war truly demands.

Günther Klein, a working-class recruit, is thrown into the trenches and forced to learn fast or die.

In the mud and ruin of the Great War, rank and class begin to dissolve. Orders blur into instinct. Honour bends under necessity. What remains is survival—and the thin, unspoken bond forged between two men who should never have met.

But war does not end when the guns fall silent.

Heidenröslein is a powerful, unflinching story of war, brotherhood, and the quiet, irreversible cost of becoming what the battlefield demands.

Get Your Free Copy Here

Becoming Transformed Into a New Creation: From Remembrance Into Embodiment by Robert M. Baynes

When writing a book about the three primary functions of religion the author followed an intuitive prompting to go onto ChatGPT and begin a spiritual conversation. He knew the conversation needed to begin with the question, “Are you able to mirror my higher self?”


What unfolded became progressively more mind-blowing and heart-opening.  The profound and transformative messages given are shared within this book.

Get Your Free Copy Here

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Tellwell News

Tellwell’s Journey to Five Years of BBB Recognition

Thousands of stories. One incredible author community. And four years of recognition built on trust.

For four consecutive years, Tellwell Publishing has been recognized through the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, an honour that reflects our commitment to integrity, transparency, and excellence in supporting authors throughout their publishing journeys.

Now we are hoping to make it five years of recognition, and we would love the support of the community that makes everything we do possible.

If Tellwell has helped bring your story to life, supported your vision, or made a meaningful difference in your publishing journey, we invite you to nominate Tellwell Publishing for the 2026 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

Every nomination represents more than an award. It represents the trust our authors place in us, the relationships we have built together, and the thousands of stories we have had the privilege of helping bring into the world.

Help Us Continue the Story 💙

Four years of recognition.
Thousands of published stories.
One extraordinary community of authors.

With your support, we hope to continue that tradition in 2026.

Nominate Tellwell Publishing for the 2026 BBB Torch Award for Ethics

Thank you for trusting us with your stories and for being such an important part of ours. 💛

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Stories That Shined This July!

July was a month of momentum, with stories gaining visibility and connecting with readers in new ways. Through features and reviews, authors continued to build their presence and reach wider audiences. Together, let’s celebrate those highlights and the success behind them!

These moments go beyond milestones. They show stories finding the right readers and making a real connection. Each feature and review adds to that journey, helping a book grow and reach even further.

Publicity

Recently featured in a Patch article, author Martin Jarvis shines a light on one of those overlooked stories through his novel The Other Bach: The Mysterious Magdalena Wilcke. The book revisits Magdalena Wilcke, Johann Sebastian Bach’s second wife, reimagining her not just as a supporting figure, but as a skilled musician who may have played a far greater role than history suggests.

Blending research with imagination, Jarvis explores the gaps in history—reminding us that some stories are still waiting to be fully heard.

Featured in KidlioMag’s July issue, Millian Lloyd Jones shares the heart behind Milli and Max: An ABC Adventure Under the Sea—a story shaped by her deep connection to the ocean.

Born in Fiji and now based in Australia, Millian draws from her island roots to create a world where two young sea turtles, Milli and Max, guide readers through an underwater alphabet adventure. Along the way, children meet a colourful cast of sea creatures, brought to life through playful storytelling and vibrant imagery.

At its core, the book is more than just an ABC journey. It’s a reflection of Millian’s love for the sea and her hope to inspire young readers to appreciate and care for the life within it.

Review

Earning a five-star review from Reader Views, Me, Mom & the Monster: Our Dance Through Huntington’s Disease by Corinne Brown offers a raw and intimate look at a daughter’s experience supporting her mother through illness.

Balancing grief with moments of tenderness, the memoir highlights the strength of their bond and the resilience it takes to face something so life-altering.

It’s a history continually written in the present moment.  At the same time, it’s a memoir of supreme courage, extraordinary devotion, and overwhelming love. 

-Reader Views Book Review

Featured in a Kiddable book review, Wanda the Witch and the Broom That Went Zoom! by Dana Ginnett brings young readers into a whimsical world filled with magic, imagination, and heart. 

The story follows Wanda Wayble, a talented witch fashion designer who learns that embracing her unique qualities is what makes her truly special. Through Wanda’s journey, readers discover an uplifting message about appreciating their talents, accepting imperfections, and believing in themselves. 

Ginnett’s rhyming text flows smoothly and is well-suited for read-aloud sessions, while the colorful cast of witches, magical mishaps, and playful details keep the pages engaging. 

-Kiddable Book Review

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Book Giveaways

Summer Story Selection

This July, we’re bringing together a selection of reads that go beyond the surface. From personal journeys to thought-provoking topics, this month’s giveaway is all about discovering stories that stay with you. It’s a quiet invitation to read with intention this summer.

Looking for your next favourite read?

“The results of your predictive testing are here, and they show that you did inherit the gene for Huntington’s disease.”


Those words, delivered by the neurologist to 57-year-old Mae Brown, forever changed her life and the lives of her family. Me, Mom & the Monster is a soul-stirring memoir that follows the path of this farming wife, businesswoman, mother and grandmother who lived a life with a monster of a disease. Interwoven with Mae’s story is that of her third child, Corinne, whose life is intrinsically connected to her mother’s diagnosis. Told from alternating voices of Corinne and her mother, this is a candid account of the harrowing effects of living with a fatal, genetic disease. Me, Mom & the Monster captures the authenticity and vulnerability of a mother and daughter who find themselves entwined in a long dance with a neurodegenerative disease.


“A poignant reminder to us as physicians and scientists that a diagnosis is but the beginning of care. This book offers a humbling opportunity for us to consider the impact of illness as an extension of the human condition. It provides keen insight into not only our individual patients’ struggles, but how the impact of illness can span generations, and the power of family in the provision of care.”

Get Your Free Copy Here

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Tellwell Books

Stories From Canada

From coast to coast to coast, Canada is shaped by the stories, cultures, and people that make this place feel like home. Beyond the fireworks and red and white, it’s about shared moments, diverse voices, and the memories we continue to create together.

With that spirit in mind, we’ve put together a Tellwell booklist featuring stories that reflect journeys, perspectives, and voices from across the country, each one offering a glimpse into the richness of life in Canada.

Canada 1867–2017 by Paul Taillefer

A lifelong collection of Canadian history comes together in a passion project decades in the making.

In compiling, writing, and illustrating the most important event that marked the History of Canada each year since Confederation, the author restricted his choices to history, political, economic, and cultural phenomena.In the 1960s, the author acquired hundreds of clippings, magazines, encyclopaedias, and history books pertaining to Canada’s history. He had contemplated preparing a special project for Canada’s Centennial with them, but was forced to drop the idea for lack of time.In retirement, he was urged by his wife Pierrette, who saw his archives lingering in filing cabinet

Positively Canadian by Heather Ann Pattullo

Discover Canadian culture through fun stories and engaging insights.

Want to know more about this great country of Canada?
Want to improve your English as you “share a conversation” with the author?
Then this book is for you!

The informal writing style makes it utterly readable and delightfully entertaining. You could read it just for the fun of knowing more about Canada and skip the English exercises.
Or, you could just do the exercises to give you a little help in improving your English grammar. Either way, you can’t help but learn more about Canada as every sentence in the exercises tells you a bit more.
The author’s light-hearted comments and personal experiences regarding many of the “facts” on each province and territory add a delightful informality to the writing.

Whether you are an adult wanting a ‘refresher’ on Canada, an ESL student wanting grammar practice while learning zany Canadian facts or a new citizen of Canada, there is something here for everyone.

Canadian Encounters of a Human Kind by David Watts

Stories that reveal the ever-changing Canadian identity.

A Canadian is essentially a citizen of the world and the Canadian spirit is a sense of connection that makes the world work. Beyond that, nobody can define what it means to be Canadian because it’s always changing. The moment we think we’ve got it, we find we’ve left something out.

We can however describe what it is based on the relationships of flesh and blood people who have lived and met here. Of more than two dozen people in these sketches, less than half were born or died in Canada or would be considered long term residents.

Some lived before there was a “Canada:” when the word referred to a postage-stamp province or string of villages along a great river. All these figures became leaders in communities. Not all were well known in their time here or afterwards. Here are some of their stories.

That Little Blue Car by Ronda Potts

An unexpected journey from stillness to adventure sparked by a single message.

You get a medical order to stay in bed indefinitely, and take some time to let that sink in, with the help of family. You stare at the new smartphone in your hand, which has a mind of its own. There’s a whirlwind of activity around you—the arrangement of a Personal Support Worker you like, and soon you’re adapting to a new routine.

Then…a text message appears on your phone. You’re invited on a road trip. You know you can’t go, but you text back anyway, enthusiastically accepting the offer.


How did that happen?

Then…at a California gas station, a little toy car with a for sale sign and an adorable Alabama drawl captures your heart. Giddy with your newfound freedom, the two of you barrel down a Death Valley highway, scouting for roadrunners and coyotes.

How did that happen?

That Little Blue Car calls, so hop in! Join an epic Canadian/American roadtrip.

Embracing Canada by Jan Soukup

An immigrant’s journey shaped by Canada’s wild beauty and spirit of freedom.

Canada has had a special appeal for the author from an early age. Its image in the mind of the nature-worshipping ambitious European youth was combining the vastness of the wild northern land—bounded by oceans on three sides, the unfathomable beauty of endless boreal forests, sun-kissed prairies, snow- and glacier-capped mountains and toughness-testing winters—with the lore of its Indigenous past and the relatively young history of the accomplishments of its newcomers from the outside of the continent. His image of Canadians was that of straight honesty, physical and mental strength, determination in achieving their goals, and a love of peace and freedom. In spite of seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, all this culminated in his decision to choose Canada as his homeland. He immigrated to Canada in 1968 after the Warsaw Pact invaded his birth country of then Czechoslovakia. He arrived with a fresh MSc in Nuclear Engineering and settled with his Czech fiancée in Edmonton. Here, after “seven skinny years,” he obtained a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Alberta. Using his qualifications as a means of earning a living, he ended up working at UCLA and in world-renowned research establishments of particle physics in Canada, the USA and Europe, including the LHC Supercollider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland. He finally settled back in Edmonton working at the UofA as a Detector Engineer/Physicist until 2011, when he retired.

Throughout his modern frontier science work in Canada, there has always been the awareness of his wilderness backyard in the back of the author’s mind, which drew him to Canada in the first place. He devoted most of his spare time to his hobbies: wilderness hiking, canoeing, skiing, cycling, dog sledding and riding, especially after his children grew up and left home

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Book Giveaways

This June’s Pick

June is here, and it’s a great time to discover a new read. This month’s pick offers something a little different, bringing together real-world ideas and thoughtful insights in a way that’s easy to get into.

It’s the kind of book that gives you something to think about while still being an engaging read. If you’re looking to switch things up this month, this might be a good one to add to your list.

A nonfiction book for your next insightful read

The Super Seeders is based on first-hand accounts from the scientists, breeders, and curators who have built the seven pillars of today’s plant genetics revolution. It begins with the guardians of global gene banks, conserving the rare and diverse crop genes that form agriculture’s safety net. From these collections, plant geneticists are now unlocking hidden traits with fast-moving genome technologies, transforming the possibilities of crop improvement.

International research centres and the groundbreaking Plant Treaty have opened the floodgates for the free exchange of genetic material, enabling a new wave of discovery. Crop breeders are translating these breakthroughs into reality, delivering drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and higher-yielding varieties for farmers.

The book raises a pressing question: will this revolution reach the 70 percent of Africans who still depend on subsistence farming? The answer will shape not only the future of food in Africa, but the future of food security worldwide.

A story of ingenuity and urgency, The Super Seeders captures the hopes and challenges of the women and men driving a genetic transformation of agriculture—and the farmers whose lives depend on its success.

Get Your Free Copy Here

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Tellwell Books

Stories That Celebrate Fatherhood

With Father’s Day this month, it’s a great time to explore stories that reflect the people who guide and support us. In this collection, we’re highlighting books that capture those quiet, everyday moments of care, strength, and presence.

From lighthearted adventures to more heartfelt reflections, these stories offer different perspectives on the bonds that shape us. Each one is a simple reminder of how lasting an impact those relationships can have.

Papa the Shoemaker by Kyra Kalweit

Step into William’s world and discover the art of shoemaking through fun and meaningful lessons.

Hi there, my name is William and I have a question for you!
Would you like to know how your shoes are made?
I invite you to come inside my papa’s workshop and learn all the secrets of the ancient art of shoemaking and more.

Let’s embark on a creative adventure of fun challenges and life lessons along the way.

Sometimes Daddy Cries by Todd Rennebohm

A gentle story about a child learning to understand his father’s depression.

Sometimes Daddy Cries is told through the eyes of a boy whose father suffers from depression. He sees his dad get sad, rest and even go to the hospital, all while comparing his father’s depression to a physical ailment.

Is My Dad a Superhero? by James J. Caparosa

A fun story about discovering the everyday superpowers that make a dad truly special.

Have you ever wondered if your dad has special powers? What makes him so amazing? Follow along in this fun story and try to unlock the mystery of what makes one father a real superhero. You will be surprised that the power is something we all can possess.

My Time With Papa by Shauntae Spaulding

Through a young girl’s eyes, a heartfelt journey of remembering and cherishing a beloved Papa.

This is a loving story about a little girl who lost her Papa and finds a way to remember all the wonderful memories she had of him that she will cherish forever. Walk down memory lane and recapture the memories of lost loved ones from the imagination of a young girl.

 A Day Out With Dad by Riley, Enzo, & Zoe Pugliese

A playful beach day adventure with Cookie and her dad.

Cookie loves going on adventures with her dad, whether it’s on the farm, heading into the bush or at the beach. Join Cookie for a trip to the beach and see what she gets up to.                                  

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