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. The novel opens with eleven-year-old Marnie Davis and her tense relationship with her sister, Caroline. As the story progresses, we are introduced to Marnie Fraser, now a country singer, whose career and life have been shaped by her tumultuous childhood. Dixon’s characters, from Marnie’s rebellious sister to her loving brother Brian, are vividly drawn, all contributing to the complex family dynamics at the heart of the narrative.

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.

Tender Was the Lie by Christine Dixon is a fascinating women’s fiction novel that takes the reader on a journey with Marnie, a vivacious character. Marnie was a forty-two-year-old country singer who enjoyed a successful career and the love of her fans. She was living a life that most people only dreamt about; however, no one knew about the issues in her life. An estranged daughter, Kenna, and a man she loved but couldn’t have, Marnie was struggling. However, things became seriously troubling for her when she got the most terrifying diagnosis of her life. To cope and focus on herself, Marnie decided to hide from the world and find solace in Savannah, Georgia. She wasn’t expecting to be bombarded by old memories and a past she would rather forget. What was Marnie supposed to do? Should she let go of the past and embrace her present? Or should she face it all and move forward?

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!