tender was the lie

 Reader's Favorite

Review Rating:

5 Stars 

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer 

Fantastically written to evoke emotions, Tender Was the Lie is a surprising novel. Author Christine Dixon did a great job of humanizing Marnie and allowing readers to find pieces of themselves in this protagonist. I loved Marnie and all her complexities. I felt bad for her at first, but as I understood her more, I fell in love with her. Her relationship with Julie was beautiful, to say the least. Julie was the friend I wished I had in my life. She supported Marnie, was there for her, and simply made sure Marnie was okay. Kenna was a wonderful character, and Greg was just as good. The narrative style was perfect, the pace of the story was great, and the novel was wonderful! The ending was hopeful, and I enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book!

Readers Favorite

Review Rating:

5 Stars ! 

Reviewed by K.C. Finn

Author Christine Dixon's writing style is both lyrical and engaging, offering heartbreaking levels of emotion with a touch of humor in all the right places so that the emotion never overwhelms the story. Marnie is a multi-dimensional character with a lot going on in her past and present, and it’s wonderful to see an older protagonist at the forefront of a powerful drama that is still at the peak of life, energy, and success. This makes it all the more tragic when we root for her as things take such a downward spiral. The plot is well-paced to take us through this excitement and tragedy with our hearts in our mouths. The cottage setting in Savannah is rich with memories and emotion to enhance the mood as Marnie explores her past. Dixon’s vivid descriptions transport readers to this charming yet haunting locale with beautifully placed details and cinematic scenes. Behind the story itself, the narrative invites us to reflect on the sacrifices we might all make for success in life and the importance of reconnecting with oneself and loved ones. Overall, Tender Was the Lie is a recommended read for fans of realistically-penned drama with important and uplifting messages.

Review Rating:

5 Stars 

Reviewed by Carol T. for Readers’ Favorite

Tender Was the Lie by Christine Dixon is an engaging and emotional story, weaving themes of family dysfunction, personal growth, and the lasting effects of trauma. 

What stands out most is Christine Dixon’s ability to explore the deep psychological scars left by Marnie’s upbringing, particularly the abandonment by her mother. The flashbacks to Marnie’s childhood are raw and authentic, giving readers insight into how these early experiences continue to affect her well into adulthood. The novel also captures the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with personal struggles. Marnie’s conflict with her business partner, Greg, adds tension, but her internal battle with self-worth and past wounds drive the story’s emotional core. The dialogue is sharp, and the writing is deeply immersive, making the characters’ emotions palpable. Tender Was the Lie is a moving portrayal of a woman confronting her past while trying to maintain her present. Dixon narrates with emotion, pulling readers into the story so they care about Marnie and cheer for her. It’s an evocative, heart-wrenching journey that resonates with anyone who has faced the complexities of family and self-discovery.