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The Tides That Lie
There was no saving their father, but can they save each other?
On her sixteenth birthday, Layla Scott uncovered an unimaginably cruel secret, and over the years tried too many times to stop the hurt. Now her sister is in the last place Layla wants to be, remembering someone Layla wants to forget, and dangerously close to the painful truth.
Loss, grief and guilt have kept Chelsea clinging to her childhood home, alienating her husband and kids. She’s now alone in the house nobody wants to live in but her and surrounded by memories of a beloved father the sea swept away three decades earlier. Chelsea hopes to confront her past trauma by returning to Sandbar Campground, but her fears only intensify when her estranged sister shows up.
Can Layla, along with local surfing fanatic, Thaddeus Poulle, help Chelsea see she’s holding too tight to all the wrong things and . . .
. . . the sea always gives up its secrets.
On her sixteenth birthday, Layla Scott uncovered an unimaginably cruel secret, and over the years tried too many times to stop the hurt. Now her sister is in the last place Layla wants to be, remembering someone Layla wants to forget, and dangerously close to the painful truth.
Loss, grief and guilt have kept Chelsea clinging to her childhood home, alienating her husband and kids. She’s now alone in the house nobody wants to live in but her and surrounded by memories of a beloved father the sea swept away three decades earlier. Chelsea hopes to confront her past trauma by returning to Sandbar Campground, but her fears only intensify when her estranged sister shows up.
Can Layla, along with local surfing fanatic, Thaddeus Poulle, help Chelsea see she’s holding too tight to all the wrong things and . . .
. . . the sea always gives up its secrets.
- GenresContemporary
285 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2024
18 people want to read
About the author
Jenn J. McLeod
15 books133 followersJenn J McLeod loves ticking things off her bucket list. So far she’s made that sea change, run that country B&B, and written that bestseller. In 2014, Jenn downsized her life and home is now a 3-tonne, 25-foot caravan named Myrtle the Turtle.
With her Seasons Collection of four novels already adored by readers, Australia’s nomadic novelist is finding inspiration for more heart-warming small town tales of friendship, family, and contemporary country life.
Book #6 - House of Wishes is going back to Calingarry Crossing. Join me.
Other titles: House for all Seasons (#5 Top Selling Debut Novel), Simmering Season, Season of Shadow and Light, and The Other Side of the Season. Her fifth novel is A Place to Remember.
Small town stories from the country to the coast: www.jennjmcleod.com
Twitter: @jennjmcleod
Facebook author page: Jenn J McLeod.Books (or 'friend' me)
With her Seasons Collection of four novels already adored by readers, Australia’s nomadic novelist is finding inspiration for more heart-warming small town tales of friendship, family, and contemporary country life.
Book #6 - House of Wishes is going back to Calingarry Crossing. Join me.
Other titles: House for all Seasons (#5 Top Selling Debut Novel), Simmering Season, Season of Shadow and Light, and The Other Side of the Season. Her fifth novel is A Place to Remember.
Small town stories from the country to the coast: www.jennjmcleod.com
Twitter: @jennjmcleod
Facebook author page: Jenn J McLeod.Books (or 'friend' me)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2025
Chelsea Scott was only twelve years old when her father died, the man she idolised, the man who made her laugh and taught her life's lessons. She continued to put him on a pedestal, living in the family home that was loved by no one but her; now her husband Dale left Sydney and Chelsea for a job placement in Perth, where their daughter, Gabby and her family lived. Dale would be gone for six months - was their marriage over?
Chelsea's beloved sister Layla had been estranged since the tragedy; their mother had left them and disappeared, reappearing occasionally, then off again. Layla had struggled most of her life, but now that she knew Chelsea had returned to that fateful place on the anniversary of their father's death, she needed to be there, much as it pained her. Would she be able to help Chelsea after all this time? Thirty four years was a long time to hold onto anything, but Chelsea needed to let go...
The Tides That Lie is the first book in a long time from Aussie author Jenn J. McLeod and it's a beauty! Heartbreaking contemporary fiction, set in coastal New South Wales, Australia, with snippets from 1981 interspersed with 2015. Thaddeus Poulle (Tadpole) is a character who'll be remembered; kind hearted from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed Jenn's latest book, as I have her previous titles. Highly recommended.
Chelsea's beloved sister Layla had been estranged since the tragedy; their mother had left them and disappeared, reappearing occasionally, then off again. Layla had struggled most of her life, but now that she knew Chelsea had returned to that fateful place on the anniversary of their father's death, she needed to be there, much as it pained her. Would she be able to help Chelsea after all this time? Thirty four years was a long time to hold onto anything, but Chelsea needed to let go...
The Tides That Lie is the first book in a long time from Aussie author Jenn J. McLeod and it's a beauty! Heartbreaking contemporary fiction, set in coastal New South Wales, Australia, with snippets from 1981 interspersed with 2015. Thaddeus Poulle (Tadpole) is a character who'll be remembered; kind hearted from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed Jenn's latest book, as I have her previous titles. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2024
A very enjoyable read. A web of secrets and lies amid a struggle to live the present and leave the past where it belongs.
March 10, 2024
Reading Jenn’s latest novel, I know I will always be captivated from the first page. I have been a fan of Jenn’s writing since her first book was published and writing a review on this one will be different as it is hard to review without giving too much away.
This storyline revolves mostly around two quite different sisters Chelsea and Layla where one is grieving for a lost cherished father and the other has no love for her father and holds a secret.
As I read, I can visualise the characters and the places, the scenery, it is as if I am in the book watching them.
Honestly whilst reading I had adrenalin running through me and just wanted to know what the dark threads of secrets were. There are lots of family dramas in this book also and of course there is always love and companionship and learning of other characters in the story and how they are all entwined with other characters as you read further into the book.
I found myself relating to the story of Chelsea and her dad as memories of my dad going fishing and exploring rock pools brought up happy times for me.
Whilst reading, there are parts that I felt sadness, but some happy tears as well. Sister's bonding and learning re secrets from the past really got to me.
I had no idea where the storyline would end and certainly did not expect an end like this.
The cover depicts this storyline beautifully.
Jenn for me, you really got me when a character replaced a conch into a rockpool. Happy tears.
I am going to end this with if you have not read any of Jenn’s books then you really need to as all her books are so warm, loving, captivating, and endearing with some twists and turns that you never see happening.
This storyline revolves mostly around two quite different sisters Chelsea and Layla where one is grieving for a lost cherished father and the other has no love for her father and holds a secret.
As I read, I can visualise the characters and the places, the scenery, it is as if I am in the book watching them.
Honestly whilst reading I had adrenalin running through me and just wanted to know what the dark threads of secrets were. There are lots of family dramas in this book also and of course there is always love and companionship and learning of other characters in the story and how they are all entwined with other characters as you read further into the book.
I found myself relating to the story of Chelsea and her dad as memories of my dad going fishing and exploring rock pools brought up happy times for me.
Whilst reading, there are parts that I felt sadness, but some happy tears as well. Sister's bonding and learning re secrets from the past really got to me.
I had no idea where the storyline would end and certainly did not expect an end like this.
The cover depicts this storyline beautifully.
Jenn for me, you really got me when a character replaced a conch into a rockpool. Happy tears.
I am going to end this with if you have not read any of Jenn’s books then you really need to as all her books are so warm, loving, captivating, and endearing with some twists and turns that you never see happening.
April 25, 2024
I have read all of Jenn J McLeod’s books and I love them all, including her latest, The Tides That Lie. I am always amazed at the feelings Jenn can evoke in me when I am reading her books. Her descriptions are amazing, I can see the house, have visited the town, been to that pub, smell the sea air, feel I am an eavesdropper in private conversations, I know the characters as I see them in my mind. I love that an author can make me feel all of that.
The Tides That Lie made me remember all of the wonderful days at the beach that I enjoyed with my family, swimming, looking for shells, searching rock pools for all sorts of treasures. I laughed when I read about the sand in the swimming costumes, who doesn’t remember that.
Jenn has all of that and more with Chelsea experiencing a happy childhood of caravan holidays at the beach, to pain and loss, feeling insecure as a wife and mother, learning to fight her fears, and the bond between sisters……is it broken or is it stronger than Chelsea thinks.
The Tides That Lie has hidden secrets that keep you turning the page, Chelsea’s sister Layla, a force to be reckoned with who I loved, Tadpole who is a calming influence despite his battles, it’s a book you have to put on your reading list.
The Tides That Lie made me remember all of the wonderful days at the beach that I enjoyed with my family, swimming, looking for shells, searching rock pools for all sorts of treasures. I laughed when I read about the sand in the swimming costumes, who doesn’t remember that.
Jenn has all of that and more with Chelsea experiencing a happy childhood of caravan holidays at the beach, to pain and loss, feeling insecure as a wife and mother, learning to fight her fears, and the bond between sisters……is it broken or is it stronger than Chelsea thinks.
The Tides That Lie has hidden secrets that keep you turning the page, Chelsea’s sister Layla, a force to be reckoned with who I loved, Tadpole who is a calming influence despite his battles, it’s a book you have to put on your reading list.
March 4, 2024
I find it difficult to impossible to say anything about the story without giving away details that shouldn't be shared, allowing the reader to read without pre conception. The blurb is sufficient in detail.
What I can and will say is that I found this book to be sad, happy, beautiful, caring, loving and also tense in many parts, in other words it has something for everyone. The way the family members acted in some instances is mind blowing. You could feel the beauty and terror of the ocean from the reading and the characters are all real.
The way Jenn stays true to herself and her loyal readers will be appreciated by those who are delighted to know there is a new Jenn J McLeod release. Her writing style has stayed true since her first book and grown in character with each new release always taking the reader with her.
I am happy to recommend The Tides That Lie to anyone who loves good, thoughtful literature.
I loved it and know Jenn's many followers will too.
What I can and will say is that I found this book to be sad, happy, beautiful, caring, loving and also tense in many parts, in other words it has something for everyone. The way the family members acted in some instances is mind blowing. You could feel the beauty and terror of the ocean from the reading and the characters are all real.
The way Jenn stays true to herself and her loyal readers will be appreciated by those who are delighted to know there is a new Jenn J McLeod release. Her writing style has stayed true since her first book and grown in character with each new release always taking the reader with her.
I am happy to recommend The Tides That Lie to anyone who loves good, thoughtful literature.
I loved it and know Jenn's many followers will too.
April 28, 2024
It’s been a while between books from Jenn but I’m so glad she has published this book. A sweeping tale of how a father’s decision can affect your children and can carry on throughout their adult lives.
Chelsea idolised her father and loved going to the beach with him and rock fishing. She is only 12 years old when tragedy strikes and she blames herself for what happens. This carries on as an adult and she can’t let go of the guilt which then affects her marriage and the people around her. There are family secrets and lies which slowly reveal themselves as the story unwinds.
Such a good novel and I really liked reading about the family dynamics between Chelsea, her sister Layla and the cast of characters she encounters at the beachside place where it all began.
Superb writing once again from Jenn and I encourage everyone to read this book especially if you like family stories and women’s fiction.
Chelsea idolised her father and loved going to the beach with him and rock fishing. She is only 12 years old when tragedy strikes and she blames herself for what happens. This carries on as an adult and she can’t let go of the guilt which then affects her marriage and the people around her. There are family secrets and lies which slowly reveal themselves as the story unwinds.
Such a good novel and I really liked reading about the family dynamics between Chelsea, her sister Layla and the cast of characters she encounters at the beachside place where it all began.
Superb writing once again from Jenn and I encourage everyone to read this book especially if you like family stories and women’s fiction.
January 12, 2025
I’ve read all the books by this author. I love them all. But this one grabbed me from the opening pages. I was hooked. The characters were so real and so conflicted. As always, Jenn J McLeod writes the best characters. She wants readers to dislike some and then…. She leaves us spinning and cheering for them. As for the twist…. Wow!
November 5, 2024
Another beautifully written story by one of Australia's best!
March 11, 2024
I still haven't quite caught up on all of Jenn's backlist but I have followed her from the beginning, and every time I realise I still haven't read the 1st two books it makes me think I should definitely rectify that.
The Tides That Lie is a tale filled with love, family, heartbreak and holding on too tight; but it's also a tale of learning to let go, of moving forward, of facing your fears and of reconnecting with what is really important.
I was left remembering my childhood seaside holidays, of wandering the caravan park and seeing all of the permanent residents year after year; of the trusty old caravan and the wanting to get set up to head for the beach.
The story is told from different perspectives, we have a 4 person narrative, with some flashback memories thrown in aswell. Our storytellers are Chelsea, her estranged sister Layla, her beloved husband Dale and the Sandbar campground caretaker Tadpole.
Chelsea has spent most of her life hanging onto the memories of a dearly beloved father lost way too soon, she has held to him so tight that it has alienated and distanced all of those she loves. She can't let go, she won't let go and so she remains tethered to the house she grew up in - surrounded by memories and mementos of her childhood hero. The legacy losing her father left Chelsea was an insurmountable fear of the ocean, a shame for the waterbaby Chelsea had always been.
Layla has spent most of her life trying to numb the pain, and it takes quite a while to get to the bottom of her story. I actually really liked Layla as a character; she was flawed and messy, not to mention a mess, but she was realistic and relatable and I love her sass. The relationship she has with her therapist left me hoping that she would finally move forward enough to accept some unconditional love.
Tadpole was a very quirky character that I couldn't help but be intrigued by, and he was very easy to love. He was upbeat and positive, and wise, but he also made me laugh out loud, a lot.
It's tricky to talk too much about the story without giving things away but it was well worth the read and I think it's one that will stay with me a while; as much for the nostalgia it evokes as the questions I was left with.
The ending was beautiful yet still thought-provoking, left me thinking about what next even as I sit here now.
Chelsea went back to the scene of the scariest time of her life, to face her fears and try to get a bit of exposure therapy. She ended up getting a lot more than she bargained for. She made new friends, faced her fears, faced her past and came to realise what holding on so tight was doing to her present - and her future if she wasn't careful.
For me, The Tides That Lie feels like a .. I want to say a love letter, but that's not what I mean... so for now let's go with that.
For me, The Tides That Lie feels like a love letter to bonds between siblings that may fracture but are able to be mended and strengthened; and to our childhood heroes - our dads, who aren't perfect but we idolise all the same.
I sit here after finishing in a pool of love for my siblings, parents and the memories of long ago beach holidays.
The Tides That Lie is a tale filled with love, family, heartbreak and holding on too tight; but it's also a tale of learning to let go, of moving forward, of facing your fears and of reconnecting with what is really important.
I was left remembering my childhood seaside holidays, of wandering the caravan park and seeing all of the permanent residents year after year; of the trusty old caravan and the wanting to get set up to head for the beach.
The story is told from different perspectives, we have a 4 person narrative, with some flashback memories thrown in aswell. Our storytellers are Chelsea, her estranged sister Layla, her beloved husband Dale and the Sandbar campground caretaker Tadpole.
Chelsea has spent most of her life hanging onto the memories of a dearly beloved father lost way too soon, she has held to him so tight that it has alienated and distanced all of those she loves. She can't let go, she won't let go and so she remains tethered to the house she grew up in - surrounded by memories and mementos of her childhood hero. The legacy losing her father left Chelsea was an insurmountable fear of the ocean, a shame for the waterbaby Chelsea had always been.
Layla has spent most of her life trying to numb the pain, and it takes quite a while to get to the bottom of her story. I actually really liked Layla as a character; she was flawed and messy, not to mention a mess, but she was realistic and relatable and I love her sass. The relationship she has with her therapist left me hoping that she would finally move forward enough to accept some unconditional love.
Tadpole was a very quirky character that I couldn't help but be intrigued by, and he was very easy to love. He was upbeat and positive, and wise, but he also made me laugh out loud, a lot.
It's tricky to talk too much about the story without giving things away but it was well worth the read and I think it's one that will stay with me a while; as much for the nostalgia it evokes as the questions I was left with.
The ending was beautiful yet still thought-provoking, left me thinking about what next even as I sit here now.
Chelsea went back to the scene of the scariest time of her life, to face her fears and try to get a bit of exposure therapy. She ended up getting a lot more than she bargained for. She made new friends, faced her fears, faced her past and came to realise what holding on so tight was doing to her present - and her future if she wasn't careful.
For me, The Tides That Lie feels like a .. I want to say a love letter, but that's not what I mean... so for now let's go with that.
For me, The Tides That Lie feels like a love letter to bonds between siblings that may fracture but are able to be mended and strengthened; and to our childhood heroes - our dads, who aren't perfect but we idolise all the same.
I sit here after finishing in a pool of love for my siblings, parents and the memories of long ago beach holidays.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews