This October, we’re celebrating stories that inspire and spark curiosity with our Tellwell Book Giveaway! 🍂
Our selection features uplifting nonfiction and imaginative children’s books, each filled with lessons, wonder, and heart. From true stories that motivate and empower to children’s tales that teach and delight, these reads remind us of the power of storytelling at every age.
Looking for your next great read?
Learn how to reconnect, communicate genuinely, and find meaning in everyday interactions.
In an age of extreme technology and growing separation, we’ve lost our way. We’ve traded authentic human connection for a world of aggressive tactics, self-serving behaviors, and fleeting transactions that leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
The Art of Human Connection offers a powerful and ethical alternative, a return to our shared humanity.
Discovering the magic of growth, one page at a time.
A heartwarming story that inspires curiosity, patience, and a deeper love for nature.
Curious brothers Zack and Liam love healthy food—but they’ve never grown their own! With help from Mum and Dad, they learn how tiny seeds turn into fruits and vegetables. They discover the magic of plants, the power of patience, and why nature matters.
But will their plants really grow? And what surprises will the garden bring?
Watch Things Grow is a fun and engaging story that inspires young readers to connect with nature, get their hands dirty, and see the world in a new way. It’s the first book in an exciting series that explores the wonders of nature, creativity, and the joy of learning through hands-on adventures!
This October, we’re celebrating the many wins that remind us why we love what we do. From positive feedback and meaningful recognition to milestones big and small, our authors continue to reach new readers and share stories that leave a lasting impact.
Each achievement is a reflection of their creativity, dedication, and the heart they pour into every page. It’s inspiring to see their work connect with audiences and receive the appreciation it deserves.
Here’s to our authors whose passion keeps stories alive, this month and always.
Awards
On a Scale of 1 to 10 by Yves Campion has received the 2025 Global Awards Bronze Medal in the Business Management category!
This award-winning book offers an insightful and accessible approach to marketing research, perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to make smarter, data driven decisions. With over three decades of experience in global marketing and consulting, Yves Campion simplifies complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies that anyone can apply.
Tellwell author Cody Cole, whose historical title Auke-wingeke-tawso, or, Defender of His Country won Bronze in the Nonfiction: History category at The Book Fest L.A!
Cody’s book was also entered into three distinguished literary contests, earning recognition for its compelling portrayal of Charles Michel de Langlade (1729–1800)—a courageous yet often overlooked figure in North American history.
Based in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region, Cody brings his passion for history to life with every page, reviving the story of a true defender of his country.
Matt Mallinson’s won Silver in the Artistic & Technical Audio Book Voice Over category at The BookFest L.A.
Matt is the author of The Writer Upstairs, a thought-provoking story that blends history, science, and mystery as two unlikely characters cross paths in the mountains. Based in the U.S. and active in historical preservation, Matt brings depth and authenticity to his storytelling.
This Silver win celebrates not just the book’s writing, but also its captivating narration and production.
This September Shelfie Giveaway is packed with variety, from inspiring guidebooks and thought-provoking nonfiction to heartwarming children’s stories and moving autobiographies. It’s the perfect mix to keep every reader curious, inspired, and entertained.
An inspiring tale of trust and grace
A journey into the heart of faith, where hope and trust become the only way forward.
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.
A raw and inspiring journey from hardship to hope, proving that survival is just the beginning.
This book is an autobiography about a woman raised on a large farm who learned to drive a large tractor at the age of seven, then spent many years plowing, planting and harvesting crops and taking care of the farm animals. After three years in the Marine Corps, she married her college sweetheart who became a drunk and abused her for seven horrible years before he almost killed her then disappeared. After she recovered she and her three kids fled to Florida to hide so he wouldn’t find them and finish the job.
September was full of wonderful moments for our authors. This month, we saw books recognized with awards, celebrated at events, and shared with new readers. It’s always inspiring to watch these stories connect with people in meaningful ways. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and achievements that made September worth celebrating.
Awards
We’re happy to share that Amy and the Magic Forest by Zlata Prudyus has been named a winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize. This heartwarming story follows Amy as she enters a magical forest, meets a kind fairy named Freya, and learns valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and kindness.
Zlata first wrote this story as a school project before turning it into the delightful book we know today. This recognition is a wonderful celebration of her creativity and imagination.
August was filled with exciting moments for our authors! From positive book reviews to award recognitions, this month highlighted the dedication and creativity behind their work. It’s always inspiring to see stories reach new readers, gain appreciation, and earn acknowledgment for the impact they create. As we close out the month, we’re taking a moment to look back and celebrate the authors and books that made August stand out.
Awards
Tellwell author Prescilla Goraya has been recognized with an Honorable Mention at the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for her debut picture book, Liz, in the New Author: Fiction Category.
In Liz, the story is told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved dogs, gently exploring themes of grief, healing, and cherished memories while honoring Her Late Majesty’s legacy. An Australian-born author, teacher, and mother of two, Prescilla draws on her own experiences of loss and resilience to create stories that inspire compassion and hope.
Stash! Little Horse, Big City received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in the Charity and Making a Difference category.
This heartwarming story follows Stash, a miniature therapy horse who brings comfort and joy to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and more. With his gentle nature, Stash shows the power of kindness, compassion, and the big difference one small horse can make.
Written by sisters Rhiya and Aarya, passionate equestrians and community advocates, the book is inspired by the real Stash—the only certified therapy mini equine in Toronto. Along with illustrator Roksolana, they’ve created a touching reminder that sometimes the smallest among us carry the biggest hearts.
Zlata Pryudyus has been recognized on the 2025 American Book Honor Awardee list by Writers Global.
Her book, Amy and the Magic Forest, follows Amy, a young girl who stumbles into a magical realm after a fight with her best friend. Guided by Freya the fairy, she faces challenges, learns the value of teamwork, and discovers the true meaning of friendship.
Zlata, a sixth grader from Vancouver, first wrote the story as a school assignment at HongDe Elementary. With encouragement from her teachers and her mom, Roxi, she turned it into a published book. Passionate about storytelling, she hopes to inspire other children to embrace creativity and imagination.
Publicity
Local author Joe Lyons-Rising has released a heartfelt self-help book on coping with grief and loss, drawing from his own experiences to guide others through healing.
The book was recently featured in BarrieToday, where Lyons-Rising shared his hope of inspiring readers to face their struggles and find peace.
With honesty and compassion, his work stands as both a personal story and an encouraging resource for anyone navigating life after loss.
Dr. Mark Tyndall is taking a stand for tobacco harm reduction, sharing his insights in his new book Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fear. With decades of experience in HIV care and harm reduction, he frames safer nicotine products as a “safe supply” for people who smoke.
In a feature by FilterMag, Tyndall reflects on how strict smoking bans often force patients into unsafe situations, showing the need for compassion and practical solutions instead of prohibition.
Reviews
Author Mala Khiroya received a glowing 5-star review from Reader Views for her book Pundalik & Lord Vitthala: The Man Whom God Visited Because He Served His Parents Selflessly with Love. This beautifully crafted children’s story shares the tale of Pundalik and Lord Vitthala, teaching young readers about love, kindness, and selfless devotion.
Pundalik & Lord Vitthala: The Man Whom God Visited Because He Served His Parents Selflessly with Love,” by Mala Khiroya, is more than an inspiring children’s book on the subject of respecting parents. It’s also a guide and fun workbook for children to explore, write in, and engage with to find deeper meaning in service to parents.
-Reader Views Book Review
Author Philippe Le Blanc received a glowing 5-star review from Reader Views for his book Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win. Blending lessons from the tennis court with the world of stock market investing, Le Blanc offers readers a fresh and practical approach to building financial success.
Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win, by Philippe Le Blanc, teaches you the ins and outs of investing and the stock market by merging two things: tennis and the stock market. This is a fascinating look at the stock market through the lens of tennis, and the world of tennis through the lens of investing. They have more to do with each other than you might think, and this big, bold book shows you how and why.
Get ready to explore some great reads this August. From engaging read to thought-provoking tales, there’s something here for every kind of reader to enjoy.
A read that sparks thought and reflection.
A powerful, real-life journey of overcoming challenges. Honest, moving, and impossible to forget, this is a story that lingers long after the last page.
Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the “Pyjama Boy” fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed.
This book has everything you need to know to plan your perfect unique wedding. This is not your typical wedding planning book. Chapter titles alone will tell you what needs to be done, and the subtitles break it down further. The book includes tips, advice, stories, templates, and notebook to keep track of everything.
All the other books, magazine articles, Instagram and Pinterest timeline posts state on the “day of” to have a good breakfast. They don’t mention the people that take care of all the duties and tasks throughout the day so you can be VIP guests at your own wedding.
The five easy steps and how they relate to each other is the foundation of this book, which will make sure you have an educational, memorable, stressless, wonderful experience throughout the whole process:
1) Timeline 2) Budget 3) “Day of” schedule 4) Duties and tasks 5) Lists and assignments
The secret is having a planned schedule that catches everything, and a specific person in charge on the “day of” that pulls it off while you enjoy with the guests. Let me show you how to perfect your wedding planning experience. Waiting to your wedding day is just too late to realize the importance of this thought process and having a specific/special go-to-person working the “day of” on your behalf. You will enjoy the days up to the wedding as much as the day itself, as this book helps make it all come true.
This July, we’re happy to celebrate some wonderful moments from our authors. From being featured in the news to receiving kind words in book reviews, book awards, and joining book events, it’s been a month full of meaningful highlights.
We love seeing their stories reach more people and their hard work recognized in new ways. These moments—big or small—deserve to be shared and celebrated.
Take a look at a few of the special shoutouts and public milestones that made this month one to remember.
Awards
Jeremy Durgana’s inspiring memoir, Mighty Joe Mui, has earned two awards at the International Impact Book Awards: Autobiography: Overcoming Adversity, and Memoir: Inspirational Memoirs.
The book follows the remarkable journey of Joe Mui from a difficult childhood in rural China to playing NCAA Division I soccer and earning a place at Cornell University. It’s a powerful story of resilience, determination, and hope.
As a teacher, actor, and musician, Durgana brings depth and heart to Joe’s story, turning real-life challenges into a moving and unforgettable read.
Summer’s in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a good story. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying cool indoors, a great book can make all the difference.
This month, we’re shining a light on a couple of standout reads that offer just the right mix of heart, curiosity, and imagination. Simple, meaningful, and perfect for your July reading list, these picks are worth flipping through.
A playful and heartwarming story for young readers to enjoy
Get ready for a feel-good story that celebrates imagination, joy, and the idea that age is just a number. A fun and thoughtful read for kids, and kids at heart.
J.C. Walker’s new way of celebrating your birthday will have children using their imaginations and parents remembering their happiest memories. Find out how the Nuwayble family celebrates their birthdays a little differently. What age would you pick?
A reminder to us all: no matter how young or old, age is but a number. How you feel is all that matters.
A gripping true-to-life story about rising above the odds. Raw, honest, and unforgettable, this is a read that stays with you.
Abandoned by his mother when only weeks old, his father left him in the care of a cruel, alcoholic stepmother while he himself was in jail. Unbelievably, the child they dubbed the “Pyjama Boy” fought his way through life to achieve his ultimate goal. His story is a poignant and haunting one that captivates its reader from the very beginning and remains long after the book has been closed.
As we mark Indigenous History Month, we take this time to honour the voices, traditions, and stories that have shaped generations.
At Tellwell, we are proud to work with authors whose words reflect the deep resilience, cultural strength, and identity of Indigenous communities. Their powerful stories not only preserve history, they spark dialogue, inspire learning, and remind us of the importance of listening and remembering.
Through storytelling, these authors share truths that need to be heard—truths that continue to guide us toward understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.
This month, and always, we invite you to explore these meaningful books and reflect on the stories that shape our shared history.
The Lucky Ones: A Survivor’s Story by Jimi Delorme
This author is a residential school survivor who spent eleven years in two different schools in southern Saskatchewan. The first of these schools is the Marieval Indian Residential school, which is the sight of the 715 unmarked graves which have been recently brought to light in various news articles.
Judging by the comments posted all over social media, this discovery has caused a lot of division within the First Nations community. Seeing people argue over such a sensitive topic can bring back a lot of painful memories within individuals who are already fighting to survive in a very hostile and vulnerable lifestyle, people often living on the streets and battling substance abuse and homelessness.
Despite all of the negative news reports, this book is not meant to be just another bash-the-church-and-government type of project. This book focuses primarily on the often difficult healing journey which followed the school experience. It is meant to show other survivors that there is a way to heal and let go of their painful pasts.
This biography shows that by returning to our own cultural and spiritual teachings we can find the hope that we are all so desperately searching for in a world that can often seem both foreign and uncaring. I hope that I have not offended anyone by the words that I am sharing with the world. If I have offended you in some small way, I am sorry.
All my relations.
My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner
Fred was unaware of the poverty he was exposed to while he was growing up. As far as he was concerned, this was normal. His mom, Irene, a single mother, made certain that his two boys, Fred and his older brother Leonard, were well taken care of. After being a captive of a residential school, she came back home to Sturgeon Lake not knowing where she belonged, or where to turn.
Fred holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma from the University of Regina. He was the music director for the Onion Lake Log Church, where Martin Naistus is Pastor, until he was sidelined by kidney complications in August of 2020. Now he spends his time writing from his office at his home in Onion Lake. His life’s story, titled, “My Family, My Relations, My Friends,” will be his first book published. These days Fred spends most of his time tending to his grandchildren. He has accumulated much knowledge throughout his lifetime, and he is not shy about sharing his experience with his readers.
SOME OF THE STORIES YOU WILL READ IN THIS BOOK: Hoss calls fire down from heaven in Pikangikum, Ontario. The night Fred meets Jim Felix on an old country road. The lessons learned from the old Blackfoot preacher, Hartwell North Peigan. The day Kene Jackson from Sonrise Gospel Band comes for a visit. The bionic preacher, Ross Maracle, invites us to Deseronto for the R. W. Schambach campmeeting. Getting blamed for a walkout at Faith Alive Bible College.
Courage and Complicity by Claudette Languedoc
In August 1947, Mary Brock boarded a train in Toronto. She was headed for the wilds of Northwestern Ontario and a teaching job at an Indian residential school. Her family was horrified. At the end of her first day of teaching, Mary was horrified too. This was not the exciting adventure she had imagined. But Mary wasn’t one to give up. Buoyed by her ideals and pragmatism, she kept showing up.
She lasted the academic year. When she boarded the train for home, she knew she had failed, in every way that mattered. The ideals she had come with had shattered on her classroom floor, and a big piece of her heart lay buried behind a small log cabin in the woods.
Sixty years later, two unexpected gifts forced her to take a second look back and a more hopeful look forward. Maybe her ideals weren’t so naïve after all.
I Remember: Memories from Lejac Residential School by Marian Lynn Duncan and Michelle Miller-Gauthier
I remember that fear kept boys and girls broken, with tangled spirits, silenced for years.
In 1965, at the tender age of four, Marian Duncan was taken to Lejac residential school. She arrived wearing the new blue dress and velvet shoes her grandmother had bought for her that very day. Within the first minutes of her arrival, the clothes were taken, her hair was cut short and her unforgettable, unforgivable experience of residential school life began. The next nine years of her life were to be filled with longing for her parents and grandparents, learning to endure endless harsh punishments, sneaking moments and hugs with older siblings, creating supportive friendships and an attempted escape.
Marian continues to heal and brings a forgiving, loving approach to life. She sends love and good wishes to all she encounters, despite the lasting impacts of her residential school experiences.
We hope readers of Marian’s story develop a deeper sense of empathy and respect for Indigenous people in this country. We hope they see strength in Marian and others in similar circumstances. We know readers will feel great sorrow for the children and families impacted by residential schools, and we hope they feel admiration for the way many are overcoming their past trauma and leading lives that are making a better future for the next generations.
The Name of my Blanket is Hlbin Hlox: The Killer Whalethat Blocks Our the Moon by Matthew Harvey Moore
Caught in the middle of a storm, Wassen Xbi iltkw was screaming, “Don’t panic!” Wassen Xbiiltkw was near panic himself, but he figured they had enough trouble and didn’t need to add a fight with Killer Whales.
Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc by Stanley Daniels
Every night, Malakai’s Kye7e would tell him stories beneath the vast Secwepemc sky. She spoke of the stars, spirits of their ancestors who watch over them, guiding and protecting their people through the darkness. Their laughter filled the air, their love unspoken yet deeply understood.
But when Kye7e journeys to the spirit world, Malakai is left with an ache in his heart and questions that only the stars might answer. As he searches for comfort, his mother, Setse7, shares the wisdom passed down through generations: the stars are not just distant lights, they are their ancestors, always present, always guiding. Through stories of courage, of warriors like T’ult and of the Secwepemc people’s enduring words, Tscwinúcw-k (“We made it through the night”), Malakai discovers that Kye7e is never truly gone.
A powerful story of love, loss, and the strength of ancestral connection, Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc honours the wisdom of generations, the resilience of the Secwepemc Nation, and the sacred teachings that carry their people forward. More than a children’s book, this is a story for all who seek belonging, who look to the stars for guidance, and who find comfort in the knowledge that we are never alone.
Looking for something new to read this June? We’re spotlighting a couple of standout titles that offer personal and thought-provoking stories.
Whether you’re in the mood for something reflective, emotional, or simply honest, these books might just be what you’re looking for.
Your June read is on us—take a look and see what speaks to you.
The Atrocities of Hope by Michael Olukayode
Nigeria faces a crisis that threatens its very survival. This book tackles the tough questions about how we got here and what’s next—it’s unfiltered and unapologetic. Be prepared to be challenged, and maybe even offended. But keep an open mind—you might just learn something important.
Nigeria is dealing with a level of disorderliness that is neither compatible with functionality nor with long life. Our problems did not start today; they have been with us for as long as we have existed as a country. But just like a disorder left untreated, our problem has incapacitated us, and the rate of deterioration is currently becoming alarming. The long-term survival of our country is no longer as assured as it used to be. We are on a slippery slope with nothing to hold on to. This book attempts to answer the ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘who’, and ‘what is next’ of our problems. As is always the case when truths are discussed, be ready to be offended. But if you are open-minded enough to be offended and not switch off and open-minded enough to be offended and keep reading – you might learn one or two things at the end of this book,
This deeply personal story explores the hidden impact of narcissistic abuse, complex PTSD, and spiritual awakening. From the highs of the Freedom Convoy to the heartbreak of a broken marriage, it’s a journey of uncovering truth, healing, and rediscovering the self behind the smoke and mirrors.
Searching for an answer to a question you haven’t asked yet? You are not alone. One small realization and a whole world unravels.
Woven through these pages are a series of my most significant life events relating to narcissistic victim/survivor syndrome. Inside are keys unlocking mysteries of complex PTSD, compounded through various forms of abuse.
A journey of highs, like the Freedom Convoy, and the lows of a failed longtime marriage. With spiritual forces at work behind the scenes, could a Christian home have so many secrets? The smoke will clear to reveal our true mirrored self.
