Adding an extra sprinkle of sweetness to your February with Tellwell’s book giveaways!
Packed with great stories and exciting adventures, let our literary fest be your go-to adventure this month.
Your next favourite transformational read!
Jose and Lourdes Amoloria’s book, One of the Most Expensive, Iconic and Kinetic Maps of Australia in the World, will make you rethink how adversity, grief, and loss can cause so much pain, and yet these life challenges can facilitate creativity, and be transformed into gifts and blessings for a meaningful and productive existence.
Dream without fear. When dreams are nourished with faith and actions, dreams bloom into realities.
Jose, a self-taught artist, had no formal training in art, no scholastic qualifications and had very challenging life experiences as an international sailor, chef, watchmaker and stone mason. How can one be multi-skilled and pass international standards without proper educational training?
Get inspired by faith and determination that changed the course of life, and be entertained by the unconventional ways Jose educated and equipped himself with skills to achieve dreams and goals. The one-of-a-kind masterpieces in this book and Jose’s life are testimonials that creativity can really transform lives. Miracles do happen, and anyone can manifest miracles if they sincerely believe in themselves and in the intervention of the unseen power of the Supreme Creator.
Carleen Dehaney takes us to a fun adventure with her book, Toothbrush Animal Hunt!
Embark on a delightful adventure with Toothbrush Animal Hunt, the perfect children’s book to encourage daily toothbrushing habits in a playful and enjoyable way.
From a clapping sea lion at the beach to a cheeky squirrel in the forest, children will be fascinated as they learn about toothbrushing through the actions and antics of these charming creatures. And don’t forget to spot the toothbrushes hidden throughout the pages, making this hunt, a delightful game of discovery.
Say goodbye to toothbrushing struggles and let the adventure begin!
New month, more moments to celebrate! We’re shining the spotlight on authors who have reached new heights in their careers. From book events to public recognition and earning top reviews with their incredible books, we’ll be celebrating their journey and sharing their insights and inspiration. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we toast the hardworking and talented authors out there!
Events
To kickstart the exciting events, Tellwell author Marielle de Vassoigne recently had her book launch for her book Choosing Love Over Pride.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions! Grab your copy of Choosing Love Over Pridehere.
Unleash your imagination at another book launch with Barry Fellinger with his book The Not So True Adventures of Brandon, Josh, and Adam.
A hilarious and occasionally serious story of past, present, and future antics, based on some of the three cousins’ escapades in real life! Sounds like a fun read, doesn’t it? Wait no more and grab your copy of The Not So True Adventures of Brandon, Josh, and Adamhere.
Step into the pages of another new release as Tellwell author Diane Martin launches her book When Time Stands Still.
A wonderful book full of mystery and adventure you don’t want to miss! Grab your copy of When Time Stands Stillhere.
Here’s another book to get lost in, as Mick Burke launches his page-turner, The Blue Mask.
Get ready to experience a range of emotions with this unforgettable read. Grab your copy of The Blue Maskhere.
Reviews
To start the top reviewed books, Tellwell author Colleen Millsteed received a glowing five-star review from Reader Views for her book Battle Angel.
This book should be shared with all the women in your life. So often, women feel alone—wallowing in self-loathing, heartbreak, and feeling defeated. These poems create a sense of solidarity. What could be better than a collection of poems to ignite your soul and fill you with hope? This book may be what you need to get started. Read this five-star-worthy book and prepare to be inspired.
Reader Views Book Review
Find the inspiration and power you need from the poetry written in every page of this book. Grab your copy of Battle Angel here.
Jayda Addleston’s masterpiece, Unspoken Emotions, also earned a five-star review from Reader Views Book Review!
The poet is honest and genuine as she explores various incidences in her life, the result being a personable gala of 5-star poetry collections that are pushed on by the essence of hope and healing.
Reader Views Book Review
Get lost in this must-read poetry! Grab your copy of Unspoken Emotions here.
Dr. Sarah Zadek, the author of It Takes Two… And A Uterus, also earned an outstanding review from Reader Views Book Review!
A holistic approach to answering a wider range of questions than an OB or other targeted specialist may have.
Reader Views Book Review
Understand the science behind fertility with Sarah Zadek. Grab your copy of It Takes Two… And a Uterus: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Enhancing Your Fertilityhere.
Another glowing review from Reader’s Favorite for Indigo Johnson for her book, The Kindness Quilt.
Indigo Johnson writes this children’s book with a poignant simplicity. She captures a whimsical quality throughout the story with colorful illustrations.
Reader’s Favorite Book Review
It’s a heartwarming and adventurous read will surely enjoy! Grab your copy of The Kindness Quilthere.
Publicity
Dennis and Jenny D’Alessandro, authors of the book Chantry Island, have graced the pages of The Hamilton Spectator!
Dennis and Jenny describe it as an adult novel, mature in its content and style, meaning that “Chantry Island” deals frankly with men-women issues, sexuality and the pressures of life, morality and larger social and even political dynamics.
The Hamilton Spectator
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with every page! Grab your copy of Chantry Island here.
From humble beginnings to making headlines, Yvonne Van Lankveld was recently featured on PelhamToday.ca with her remarkable book The Part Street Secrets.
The central themes of Van Lankveld’s novels deal mostly with real-life experiences like betrayal, reconciling relationships after they end, finding a new purpose in a life that’s somehow been messed up, and the need for human connection.
PelhamToday.ca
Get lost in this read and uncover the mystery of The Park Street Secrets! Grab your copy here.
It’s that time of the year! We bet you are thrilled that Christmas is getting closer day by day. And to make the countdown more exciting, Tellwell is featuring 12 Books of Christmas to make this yuletide season even more festive!
A new Christmas tradition to bring the whole family together!
Featuring our first book for this holiday, Christmas Treasure Hunt, by Leslie Hoolaeff and Tyler Hoolaeff.
This book tells a charming story of Santa preparing to deliver a game on Christmas Day. Beyond the fun of the story, the heart of this book can truly help create a better, more memorable Christmas that is accessible to anyone.
A daily Christmas laugh for everyone in the family!
Here’s our second book for Christmas! 22 Christmas Without You, written by Christopher Ross.
22 Christmas Without You is the true story of a father and son separated for the first time at Christmas. Told in playful real time with elf rhymes, and illustrated with whimsical, warm-feeling art, a father remains close to his son leading up to the holidays.
Now for our third book of Christmas, The Christmas Adventure, written by Stephen James Moore.
Murgatroyd, a member of the elite M.I.N.U.T.E. (Mice International Network Unit Team Elite) tactical team, and his young cousin, Archimedes, set off on a Christmas Eve raid on the refrigerator. This annual yuletide caper had been meticulously planned earlier by senior mice, but, as the poet Robbie Burns once said, “The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.”
Following the plan to the letter, Archimedes and Murgatroyd discover only fridge tracks. Horror of horrors: it’s been stolen! Join our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find the missing appliance and steal it back.
Through it all, one little mouse will need to stand tall to save Christmas—with a little help from Santa, of course.
Now for our fourth book! Enjoy reading Belle’s Christmas Surprise by Carrie Joy & Schafer Krause.
This story is written for the enjoyment of children, but also to intentionally create discussion and learning regarding the passage of time, traditions and the changes to living that time can bring. It is also meant as a picture book for families, libraries and classrooms to share.
• Stories provide important opportunities to bring history to life. Through stories, people share information, values and attitudes about history, culture and heritage.
• Stories provide learners with opportunities to understand the dynamics of people, cultures and places.
• Stories provide learning opportunities for children to value diversity, respect, dignity and equality among all people.
Featuring our fifth book, The True Meaning of Christmas, written by Jenna R Peters.
Freddy sets out to find the true meaning of Christmas, and why we celebrate this very special day each year. What exciting news will he discover? Will Freddy find the true joy that comes with the Christmas season?
Here’s our sixth book for Christmas! Have fun reading Joey’s Christmas, written by Samantha L. Douglas.
Joey the baby kangaroo is off on another grand Christmassy adventure! He and his mother, Mother Kangaroo, have never celebrated Christmas before, and Joey wants to find the best Christmas present for his mom. But what happens when his plan goes awry? Find out in this brand-new adventure of Joey, and how he looks for the perfect Christmas present. Will he find it?
Take a holiday with this twisted tale of Christmas!
You definitely don’t want to miss this unusual Christmas tale with our seventh book: Hel Takes a Holiday, written by Ryan L. Canning.
Something unusual is going on in Santa’s village: the naughty and nice lists are being tampered with, and Santa seems to have more secrets than usual. Hel, the ruler of Helheim, master of Krampus and Death itself, sends a spy to Kris Kringle’s snowy home to uncover the scheme robbing her of souls to torture. When the Queen of the Underworld discovers the dark deceit unfolding at the North Pole, she puts Santa on her own naughty list—not a good place to be! Unleashing her battalions of demons for a Krampusnacht no one will ever forget, she rejoins a war that stretches back thousands of years. However, nothing is as it seems in these lands of myth and magic, and there may be an even greater villain hiding in the shadows. As December 25 draws near, will the truth be revealed, or will Christmas be cancelled forever?
More Christmas fun with our eighth book: Christmas: Christmas Stories, written by Pamela Rose Rasmussen.
This book is children’s fiction stories about Christmas, with lots of fun along the way. It’s all about the love others show and enjoy at Christmastime. There are three stories in this book of fun and happiness.
Featuring our ninth book of Christmas: Josie the Christmas Saving Cat, written by Chris Quigley.
What has a three-legged cat, a pack of crazy dogs, sick reindeer, amazing illustrations, a message for kids of all ages and takes place in the North Pole at Santa and Mrs. Claus’s home? This book, so give it a read!
An adventure that brings out the light of the holiday season!
More exciting Christmas escapades with our tenth Christmas book, Santa’s Very Own Christmas Tree, written by Steven Prince.
This is a story about a boy named Belcher who lives in a cabin in the far north. He’s just finished reading a book about trees and has learned that they can’t grow at the North Pole because it’s far too cold. This fact makes him curious to know if Santa Claus has a Christmas tree at his toy workshop. It’s almost Christmas Eve when he decides to visit Santa to find out the answer to his question. Follow Belcher on his adventure and meet his new friends, Snort the helpful brown bear and a lonely little tree named Sprucie.
Featuring our eleventh Christmas tale, The Tiny Angel: A Christmas Story, written by John and Julia Stirling.
The Tiny Angel begins her journey at the gates of heaven where she meets the Greeting Angel. The Tiny Angel soon finds out that all new angels are asked to study and practice their heavenly skills before they can become special angels and receive their wings. Over time the Tiny Angel’s friends were growing taller, which made her feel different and sad. Would she ever learn enough, know enough and sing well enough to be accepted as a Special Angel and receive her wings? As time goes by, she discovers there is a purpose for all in heaven and her own destiny becomes clear.
We’re finishing up with vibrant colours and creativity in our twelfth Christmas Book, Joy and Jesus: Learn About the Bible Through Coloring and Activities, written by Davia Boston.
This activity book is designed to help young children discover their God-given joy through biblical stories, positive affirmations, crossword puzzles, word searches, and colouring sheets. This twenty-page book encourages the youth to feed their spirit and dive into their creativity and self-expression.
The days growing longer (and hotter) just means there’s more time for reading! Make sure to check out the July giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Three authors are hosting giveaways, with books spanning a variety of genres, so there’s a perfect read for everyone!
Are you searching for your next favourite story to tell around the campfire?
Then you won’t want to miss Old Bag of Tricks, the horrifyingly entertaining graphic novel by Kevin J. Cyr.
Most people think Halloween should be called a holiday, but for some it could be a reminder of a tragedy. On that night, the lives of three boys changed forever. Making the decision to go to that one last house proved to be a terrible mistake. Her appearance seems weak and frail, but she’s nobody’s granny—not by a long shot! Psychotic and delusional from lack of taking her much-needed medication, she finally gives closure to that town’s past with their missing children. Being a victim of rape as a young girl, living in a very abusive family home, and learning of her pregnancy were things that she could never make peace with and put behind her. Living as a hermit with her son and never seeing the light of day, she slowly slips into insanity. Those three boys never saw her coming. Who would ever suspect that this sweet old lady was a serial killer? Strong as a ox and limber as a cat, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Enticing the kids inside with all her candy and spiked homemade cupcakes was easy. Out of these three boys, only one makes it out alive to tell the tale.
Are you searching for a story to inspire you?
Then you won’t want to miss My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner, an enriching story about the power of God’s love and how it reaches even those who have given up on life.
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.
Are you searching for your next real-world read?
Then you won’t want to miss What Cops Talk About Over Coffee by Robert Rogalski, featuring stories from police officers across Canada.
This collection of memories from police officers across Canada and some outside jurisdictions, include firsthand accounts of situations they have encountered in their careers from the 1950’s through to 2012. Contributions from RCMP, City Police, Federal and Provincial law enforcement agencies were collected over a 30 year period and pose as a snapshot of the type of conversations or “shop talk” two police officers might have during their coffee break. These accounts are both heartwarming and humorous, some are frightening; others offer some insight into the human spirit…they are real stories told by real heroes.
With so many great choices this month, you can read for free all summer long. Enjoy! And don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads after you’ve finished reading.
For the month of January you can get your hands on two Tellwell authors’ books for free, plus a number from other talented authors!
Whether you are looking for a non-fiction business book to start your new year off with some learning, or if you are into growing your fiction detective and crime book collection, our January book giveaways have you covered!
Tellwell’s January Author of the Month, Serena Holmes, has her book The Accidental Entrepreneur available for free download until January 31st 2022! Claim your free copy.
“THE ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR: Turning Tragedy into Triumph to Embrace my Destiny in Entrepreneurship by Serena Holmes is an introspective, hopeful self-help tome offering detailed facts and figures regarding one woman’s journey towards creating a self-sufficient, self-actualized life.
“Encouraging readers who may also be embarking upon some form of self-employed adventure, the author pays close attention to mistakes made, outlining valuable lessons learned by trial and error along the way.” – C.S. Holmes for IndieReader
Also on offer is Edward Avanessy’s crime detective story, Kiki Coto! Claim your free copy before January 31st 2022.
ABOUT KIKI COTO
Richard (Kiki Coto) is destined to fight corruption, and criminal organizations whose members include politicians, judges, district attorneys, police, and others, to exonerate an innocent young lady wrongfully accused of murder. He is fighting an impossible battle. The criminals are very organized and interconnected, and conspire with each other methodically. Struggling to defeat the evil, Richard seeks help from all sources, including ayahuasca and divine intervention.
Advice from Doug Allan, Tellwell’s September author of the month and author of A Fighting Chance: The High School Finance Education Everyone Deserves
Doug Allan, accountant and author of A Fighting Chance: The High School Finance Education Everyone Deserves
Vancouver-based author and accountant Doug Allan believes financial literacy is fundamental to success and should be part of our high school education system. To help parents fill that educational gap, he wrote A Fighting Chance: The High School Finance Education Everyone Deserves. Allan’s book was released in early 2021, selling hundreds of copies, and earning thousands in book royalties.
He has had some notable moments which includes appearing in The Globe and Mail, CTV News, The North Shore News and the MapleMoney podcast. He was also asked to speak at various high schools in his region on money topics he covers in his book.
The Tellwell author highlights a special moment chatting with David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber. Read more to learn the key steps Allan took to ensure his book’s success.
What inspired you to write Fighting Chance?
As a CPA, CA and a parent of two young children, financial education is near and dear to me. Over my career in finance, I have accumulated an immense amount of knowledge which I have, in turn, applied to my personal finances. Without the benefit of a financial education, most people do not have the opportunity to properly learn how to manage their money. The unfair advantage I have gained, as it relates to managing my personal finances, over those without formal financial education and experience inspired me to write down my knowledge as the book I wished I was given as a teenager.
What do you hope readers will get out of it?
I am hopeful that readers can learn one or two things within the pages of the book that gets them excited about their finances and the opportunities which are out there. I don’t expect everyone to finish the book and instantly be a financial expert, but if certain foundational lessons like the time value of money can be absorbed, readers will be much better prepared to manage their money. After reading my book, it is my hope that readers will advance to more complex financial topics and continue to learn.
In your book, you state that governments and school boards are failing our children by setting them up for financial failure once they enter the workforce. What steps would you like to see schools take to better educate youth about making and managing money?
Our authors of the month share insights on which marketing efforts led to the best results of their guide on navigating Ontario’s long-term care system
Karen Cumming and Patricia Milne are sisters who guided their 98-year-old mother, Verna, through Ontario’s long-term care system. They found themselves lost in a confusing maze of paperwork, equipment rentals, health care workers and medication. It was scary and unfamiliar territory where they felt alone. After navigating Ontario’s long-term care system, they wrote and published The Indispensable Survival Guide to Ontario’s Long-Term Care System.
Cumming and Milne have been featured on the CBC, Global News Radio and in the Hamilton Spectator. They have been interviewed on multiple podcasts as well as by influencers and bloggers on various social media platforms. In addition to online retailers, their book is available to purchase at various brick and mortar bookstores and over 100 copies of the book are available in libraries across Ontario. The sisters’ marketing efforts are paying off. Their book has sold thousands of copies this year alone and they are just getting started. Read the rest of the article to hear which marketing efforts yielded the best results as well as their advice to authors.
1. Tell us about yourselves.
Karen: I’m a freelance journalist, health promoter and teacher with a long career in radio and TV news.
Pat: I am a retired teacher living in southern Ontario with my husband.
2. What inspired you to write your book?
Karen: The lack of guidance available to families whose elderly loved ones are heading into long-term care. It’s crazy! Someone had to do something.
Pat: The frustration of navigating the long-term care (LTC) system with inadequate help.
3. Describe your book in a sentence.
Karen: It’s the survival guide we never had, providing practical tips to help you and your family be proactive and prepared for the decisions that may lie ahead.
Pat: Our book is a tool to simplify the process of investigating long-term care in Ontario.
4. What are you most proud of about your book?
Karen: The lessons we’ve been able to pass on to other families so that they might never feel the stress and frustration that we did.
Pat: Our intent was to help people. The testimonials we continue to receive are proof of our success.
5. Your book has been selling really well. You’ve been featured in major media outlets across Canada and have your book stocked in numerous bookstores and libraries. Tell us about how well your book has been doing.
