Spotlight and USA Giveaway of Learning To Whistle by Tess Perko

PHOTO CREDIT:

TYPORAMA
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LEARNING TO WHISTLE

TESS PERKO

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS TAKEN FROM AN E-MAIL FROM CAITLIN SUMMIE OF CAITLIN HAMILTON MARKETING & PUBICITY AND THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE 

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For fans of Sue Monk Kidd and Joyce Manard, a debut contemporary women’s fiction novel about a recently bereft daughter who journeys to South America to run away from her grief—and instead finds self-discovery and healing. 

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April 7, 2026

She Writes Press

Distributed to the trade by Simon & Schuster 

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**GIVEAWAY LINK HERE**

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PRAISE FOR LEARNING TO WHISTLE:

"Rich with heart, sensory detail, and insight, this story is both tender and uplifting—a celebration of resilience and the many ways we can be guided back to ourselves.”—SUZANNE SIMONETTI, USA Today bestselling author of The Waves of Time 

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ABOUT LEARNING TO WHISTLE:

After her beloved mother dies from breast cancer, Leonie seizes the opportunity to conclude her college career by studying Spanish in Buenos Aires.

She believes that distance from her family will soften her grief. She decides to travel throughout South America after her class ends, fulfilling her mother’s wish that she explore the world.

Leonie works at a winery in Mendoza, rides over the treacherous Andes Mountains, and hikes the ancient pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. On each adventure, Leonie discovers amazing women mentors who guide her.

As she slowly reconciles with her loss, Leonie begins to better understand herself and acknowledges the effects of her decisions on others. Part coming-of-age novel with a spiritual echo, part travel novel, this is a hopeful and memorable story of a sweet young woman growing into courage and wisdom.

LEARNING TO WHISTLE will resonate with every person who has ever been forced to venture into the world when they didn’t feel ready for it— with or without the guidance of a parent.  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Photo Credit:  Lara George Photography

TESS PERKO grew up in Sacramento, California and Suffolk, England.

Formerly a journalist and English professor, she is the author of several short stories and poetry.

Learning to Whistle is her debut novel.

In addition to writing, Tess raises money for scholarships for college and vocational students; teaches essay and journaling workshops to emancipated foster youth; studies French and Spanish; and enjoys growing roses.

She lives with her husband, Robert, in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am dedicated to writing stories and essays that empower women. My home is in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I grew up in Sacramento, California, but also spent four years of my childhood in England where I discovered a love of reading and writing.

I’ve been writing poetry and stories ever since.

My home is in the San Francisco Bay Area. I grew up in Sacramento, California, but also spent four years of my childhood in England where I discovered a love of reading and writing. I’ve been writing poetry and stories ever since.

In 2025 and 2024, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Creative Arts Contest awarded me First Place for my short stories “Park Avenue Romance” and “Rain.”

In 2025, I was awarded First Place for Poetry for my poem “How to Write a Poem about Grief” by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Creative Arts Contest. 

My short fiction has appeared in Grigg’s Anthology: Joe Bellino’s Thighs, Grigg’s Anthology: Daylight Song, and Alamo Women’s Club The Leaf. Running Deer Press of Santa Cruz and the Danville Area Cultural Alliance Society of Poets have published my poetry.

I also post to a Substack newsletter and blog. 

My debut novel: Learning to Whistle: A Novel will be published by She Writes Press in April, 2026. It will be distributed by Simon & Schuster.

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SOCIAL LINKS:

Goodreads

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Substack

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