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Tenderness
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26From the beloved author of The Divorcées comes a novel set in the 1970s during an island wedding, where the bride has recently left a sinister cult that might still be trailing her
On a remote island off the coast of Virginia, family and friends gather to celebrate the wedding of Shay O’Connor and Andrew Pruitt. From the moment the guests arrive, all they can whisper about is the bride, who recently left the headline-making cult Synanon. Why would someone like Shay, an Ivy League graduate with a wealthy, doting fiancée, join Synanon? And has she really escaped their grasp?
Told from the interwoven perspectives of Shay’s brother William, her longtime friend Joel, and Shay herself, Tenderness is a slow-burn mystery that excavates dark family histories and romantic regrets. As the wedding day approaches, Joel and William pull at the loose threads of Shay’s story, and it becomes clear there is an even greater threat on the island than the secrets each character is keeping from one another.
Set in the tinderbox of the 1970s, Tenderness is a lit match, bringing hidden truths to light and asking if we can ever see ourselves or the people we love for who they truly are.
On a remote island off the coast of Virginia, family and friends gather to celebrate the wedding of Shay O’Connor and Andrew Pruitt. From the moment the guests arrive, all they can whisper about is the bride, who recently left the headline-making cult Synanon. Why would someone like Shay, an Ivy League graduate with a wealthy, doting fiancée, join Synanon? And has she really escaped their grasp?
Told from the interwoven perspectives of Shay’s brother William, her longtime friend Joel, and Shay herself, Tenderness is a slow-burn mystery that excavates dark family histories and romantic regrets. As the wedding day approaches, Joel and William pull at the loose threads of Shay’s story, and it becomes clear there is an even greater threat on the island than the secrets each character is keeping from one another.
Set in the tinderbox of the 1970s, Tenderness is a lit match, bringing hidden truths to light and asking if we can ever see ourselves or the people we love for who they truly are.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Rowan Beaird
4 books188 followersRowan Beaird's first novel, The Divorcées, was named a best book by Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, People, The Independent, and the Chicago Review of Books. Her second novel, Tenderness, will be published in July 2026. She is the recipient of the Ploughshares Emerging Writer Award, and her short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 22, 2026
“Follow the law of inertia. Allow what is at rest to remain at rest.”
There is an ominous atmosphere permeating this whole novel. The writing, coupled with the stellar narrators, Evan Sibley, Katharine Chin, and Pete Cross, brought us a gradual, full-circle seep of dread, til the island was returned to its stasis.
Friends and family have gathered to celebrate the marriage of Shay O’Conner and Andrew Pruitt. But as they arrive, they can't help but notice the eerie vibe of the isolated island. Shay has recently escaped the bizarre cult, Syanon. Her brother, William, and long-time friend, Joel, have suspicions about whether their leader is still on her trail, especially when they spot someone carrying the same characteristics as the cult members. Joel is also wary of Andrew. He and Shay have been best friends since they were little, and Andrew doesn't really seem like Shay's type. Nor does he know her as Joel does.
This slow, slow-burning mystery is told from multiple perspectives. It's a great story, but it is very slow, up until the last 85%. The characters are well-developed; I just kept waiting for something to happen most of the time, primarily regarding the possibility of the looming cult leader. It is fine to have slow development. The pacing just seemed the same, with a couple of important inciting incidents. Overall, I'm glad I read it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Rowan Beaird, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There is an ominous atmosphere permeating this whole novel. The writing, coupled with the stellar narrators, Evan Sibley, Katharine Chin, and Pete Cross, brought us a gradual, full-circle seep of dread, til the island was returned to its stasis.
Friends and family have gathered to celebrate the marriage of Shay O’Conner and Andrew Pruitt. But as they arrive, they can't help but notice the eerie vibe of the isolated island. Shay has recently escaped the bizarre cult, Syanon. Her brother, William, and long-time friend, Joel, have suspicions about whether their leader is still on her trail, especially when they spot someone carrying the same characteristics as the cult members. Joel is also wary of Andrew. He and Shay have been best friends since they were little, and Andrew doesn't really seem like Shay's type. Nor does he know her as Joel does.
This slow, slow-burning mystery is told from multiple perspectives. It's a great story, but it is very slow, up until the last 85%. The characters are well-developed; I just kept waiting for something to happen most of the time, primarily regarding the possibility of the looming cult leader. It is fine to have slow development. The pacing just seemed the same, with a couple of important inciting incidents. Overall, I'm glad I read it.
Thank you, NetGalley, Rowan Beaird, narrators, and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2026
I loved this so, so much. Rowan Beaird is officially one of my fave authors of all time. Just gorgeous.
May 31, 2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗦
On a small island off the coast of Virginia, a wedding is being prepared. Shay and Andrew and a small group of friends and family arrive, but instead of celebrating the joy and happiness of the young couple, everyone is whispering about the bride.
Shay, with her head shaved and her spirit dampened, has just left Synanon, a cult which has recently been making headlines.
No one can understand why an Ivy League educated woman with a wealthy and doting fiancée would fall prey to such a group.
With time counting down to the inevitable vows, Shay’s story begins to unravel, exposing secrets and truths.
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
I really enjoyed this quiet exploration of the complexities of human nature.
Told through three different points of view: Joel, Shay’s best friend, William, her younger brother, and Shay, the stories are intricately interwoven to slowly reveal the mysteries of their parts and how they influenced each other.
The 1970s setting adds a layer of nostalgia to the story that felt true and interesting.
There are small secrets and big regrets and it all plays out against the wedding to a wealthy family looking to protect a reputation.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
This is a quiet character driven novel with an ending that fits, so if you’re looking for something explosive, you won’t find that here.
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢
The audio is superb, with each of the three main characters voiced by a different narrator.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
If character driven family messes are your jam, if you don’t need an explosive reveal, I highly recommend this one.
On a small island off the coast of Virginia, a wedding is being prepared. Shay and Andrew and a small group of friends and family arrive, but instead of celebrating the joy and happiness of the young couple, everyone is whispering about the bride.
Shay, with her head shaved and her spirit dampened, has just left Synanon, a cult which has recently been making headlines.
No one can understand why an Ivy League educated woman with a wealthy and doting fiancée would fall prey to such a group.
With time counting down to the inevitable vows, Shay’s story begins to unravel, exposing secrets and truths.
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
I really enjoyed this quiet exploration of the complexities of human nature.
Told through three different points of view: Joel, Shay’s best friend, William, her younger brother, and Shay, the stories are intricately interwoven to slowly reveal the mysteries of their parts and how they influenced each other.
The 1970s setting adds a layer of nostalgia to the story that felt true and interesting.
There are small secrets and big regrets and it all plays out against the wedding to a wealthy family looking to protect a reputation.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
This is a quiet character driven novel with an ending that fits, so if you’re looking for something explosive, you won’t find that here.
𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢
The audio is superb, with each of the three main characters voiced by a different narrator.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
If character driven family messes are your jam, if you don’t need an explosive reveal, I highly recommend this one.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to Flat Iron Books for the advance copy!
This book has elements of mystery, romance, and a slice of life all at once. The characters and writing style pull all the pieces together in a way I found myself missing when I wasn’t reading. I honestly put off finishing this book because I didn’t want it to be over.
This book has elements of mystery, romance, and a slice of life all at once. The characters and writing style pull all the pieces together in a way I found myself missing when I wasn’t reading. I honestly put off finishing this book because I didn’t want it to be over.
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May 31, 2026RTC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 🌟 rounded to 4
“She wasn't soft like William; she fancied herself tough in the way men were tough, not so easily hurt.”
A fabulous holiday read, the tension tantalisingly builds as we see guests flock to Wakefield Island to celebrate the wedding of Shay and Andrew. But are they all there to bear witness to the wedding of the season, or to see for themselves whether Shay has really walked away from the cult that changed her life?
The opening chapter has a staccato rhythm as Beaird sets the scene in photography style snapshots. From then on the wedding weekend unfolds through the eyes of three narrators: Shay (the ex cult member come bride to be), William (her vulnerable and lonely younger brother), and Joel (the best friend who is so obviously in love with the bride).
I loved the build up of tension and how the story unfolded piece by piece. The character development was also brilliantly executed. We go from seeing Shay through everybody else’s judgemental eyes to understanding what drove her to the cult, how and why she escaped, and the heartbreaking realisation that she isn’t the young woman just “going along” with Andrew’s meticulous plans, but that she has chosen the path she believes will hurt the least amount of people.
Beneath the shiny facade of the Synanon Cult the underlying themes of the novel are grief, relationships and survival.
I only wish the cult had been explored a little more; but maybe that’s the history major in my wanting far more history in a historical fiction novel (there’s never too much).
“She wasn't soft like William; she fancied herself tough in the way men were tough, not so easily hurt.”
A fabulous holiday read, the tension tantalisingly builds as we see guests flock to Wakefield Island to celebrate the wedding of Shay and Andrew. But are they all there to bear witness to the wedding of the season, or to see for themselves whether Shay has really walked away from the cult that changed her life?
The opening chapter has a staccato rhythm as Beaird sets the scene in photography style snapshots. From then on the wedding weekend unfolds through the eyes of three narrators: Shay (the ex cult member come bride to be), William (her vulnerable and lonely younger brother), and Joel (the best friend who is so obviously in love with the bride).
I loved the build up of tension and how the story unfolded piece by piece. The character development was also brilliantly executed. We go from seeing Shay through everybody else’s judgemental eyes to understanding what drove her to the cult, how and why she escaped, and the heartbreaking realisation that she isn’t the young woman just “going along” with Andrew’s meticulous plans, but that she has chosen the path she believes will hurt the least amount of people.
Beneath the shiny facade of the Synanon Cult the underlying themes of the novel are grief, relationships and survival.
I only wish the cult had been explored a little more; but maybe that’s the history major in my wanting far more history in a historical fiction novel (there’s never too much).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited for this after a brief read of the description: cults and secrets at a wedding! I mean what more could a person want. That said, I was kind of disappointed in the execution of the novel. For most of it, I was honestly bored and didn't really care about the characters or the story. I really enjoyed the multi-perspective narration and the narrators themselves did a great job with what they were given.
Tenderness by Rowan Beaird takes place at the wedding weekend of Shay and Andrew as they bring their families and friends together at an island owned by Andrew's family. In the story we get Shay's perspective, along with her brother William's and her college friend/lover Joel's. Shay has recently departed from the Synanon cult, William is holding a family secret close to his chest, and Joel is trying to prove to everyone (including himself) that he is no longer in love with Shay. A lot of secrets are both held and shared, mysterious people show up to the island, and plot pieces seem to just fizzle out rather than become resolved.
I feel like this novel has the bones to really be something interesting, it just fell flat for me. I was finding myself listening not to enjoy it, just to get it over with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Tenderness by Rowan Beaird takes place at the wedding weekend of Shay and Andrew as they bring their families and friends together at an island owned by Andrew's family. In the story we get Shay's perspective, along with her brother William's and her college friend/lover Joel's. Shay has recently departed from the Synanon cult, William is holding a family secret close to his chest, and Joel is trying to prove to everyone (including himself) that he is no longer in love with Shay. A lot of secrets are both held and shared, mysterious people show up to the island, and plot pieces seem to just fizzle out rather than become resolved.
I feel like this novel has the bones to really be something interesting, it just fell flat for me. I was finding myself listening not to enjoy it, just to get it over with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Audiobook Version
Tenderness brings together a lot of interesting elements, blending intricate family dynamics and a complex love triangle with a determined cult leader to create a compelling premise. The storyline is told from three perspectives: Shay (the main female protagonist), her brother William, and their longtime friend Joel.
Where the novel lost some of its momentum for me was in its pacing and depth. Given the high-stakes themes, I wanted a racing heart, a page-turner and perhaps even some tears, but the emotional intensity didn't quite deliver. Because of that, staying fully invested until the end was a bit of a challenge.
However, the audiobook narration by Evan Sibley, Katharine Chin, and Pete Cross truly brought the story to life. Having three distinct narrators for the three main points of view was the absolute chef’s kiss, giving each character, literally, their own voice.
Overall, Tenderness is a well-written novel with a great foundation, anchored by the standout sibling bond between Shay and William, and the deep history and love found in Joel.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy, the opinions expressed are my own.
Tenderness brings together a lot of interesting elements, blending intricate family dynamics and a complex love triangle with a determined cult leader to create a compelling premise. The storyline is told from three perspectives: Shay (the main female protagonist), her brother William, and their longtime friend Joel.
Where the novel lost some of its momentum for me was in its pacing and depth. Given the high-stakes themes, I wanted a racing heart, a page-turner and perhaps even some tears, but the emotional intensity didn't quite deliver. Because of that, staying fully invested until the end was a bit of a challenge.
However, the audiobook narration by Evan Sibley, Katharine Chin, and Pete Cross truly brought the story to life. Having three distinct narrators for the three main points of view was the absolute chef’s kiss, giving each character, literally, their own voice.
Overall, Tenderness is a well-written novel with a great foundation, anchored by the standout sibling bond between Shay and William, and the deep history and love found in Joel.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy, the opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2026
••• ARC/ALC REVIEW •••
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.25)
Do I recommend: it’s fine!
***Out July 21***
Reminder that I enjoy a three-star read but they don’t stick with me long! Not mad I read it but also could have lived without it.
This book had an interesting premise (we’re on an island for a wedding, and the bride recently left a cult..but did she TRULY escape?!), but the execution left me wanting more. I don’t need all plot lines to be nearly wrapped up (I truly LOVE an ambiguous ending) but this one seemed to forget about some things entirely.
The narrators kept me listening and did an excellent job with bringing their characters to life. This is a slow-burn, character driven, literary fiction with a slight mystery vibe so if that sounds appealing to you I say go for it!
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review as part of the Early Listeners program!
#MacAudio2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.25)
Do I recommend: it’s fine!
***Out July 21***
Reminder that I enjoy a three-star read but they don’t stick with me long! Not mad I read it but also could have lived without it.
This book had an interesting premise (we’re on an island for a wedding, and the bride recently left a cult..but did she TRULY escape?!), but the execution left me wanting more. I don’t need all plot lines to be nearly wrapped up (I truly LOVE an ambiguous ending) but this one seemed to forget about some things entirely.
The narrators kept me listening and did an excellent job with bringing their characters to life. This is a slow-burn, character driven, literary fiction with a slight mystery vibe so if that sounds appealing to you I say go for it!
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the free copy in exchange for my honest review as part of the Early Listeners program!
#MacAudio2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am constantly in awe of Rowan's talent as a storyteller! This book is suspenseful, romantic, a little scary at times, and an expert study in grief and how vulnerable we truly are as humans. It illustrates the lengths we will go to for the people we love, good or bad. Where do we put all that love we have for someone when they're out of our life? Each character goes on a journey to answer that question and I was hooked immediately.
I absolutely loved the ending and wish I could continue reading about the characters, but then it would be a full blown TV show and not this gorgeous snapshot of a wedding where everyone has a secret (although, I would definitely watch that TV show...someone call Bob Netflix). Will be recommending this book to everyone I know!
I absolutely loved the ending and wish I could continue reading about the characters, but then it would be a full blown TV show and not this gorgeous snapshot of a wedding where everyone has a secret (although, I would definitely watch that TV show...someone call Bob Netflix). Will be recommending this book to everyone I know!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tenderness was super interesting. I usually like when fiction brings in something from history, and while this one did that, it’s FAR more a study of our three main characters than the real cult one briefly joined. I’m still thinking about how fully a weekend can capture a person. Do I REALLY know these characters, or did I just take in a snapshot of the most extreme versions of themselves? Is it all the same? This one leaves you with a lot to wonder about, but I’m okay with that. The narration and alternating perspectives are woven together meaningfully and they keep the pace going. Recommend for fans of locked-room thrillers who want to dip into general.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ALC. This one is out 7/21.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ALC. This one is out 7/21.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Rowan Beaird's last book so I was super excited to read her latest book. I love anything related to cults and family drama. This one was really interesting and very character driven. The story centers on alternating chapters based on three different people. There is a lot of suspense throughout the book ! You will keep wondering how it will end. The writing is really beautifully done. The narrators really did a phenomenal job of bringing each character to life. Give this one a read.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. The cast of narrators, Evan Sibley; Katharine Chin; Pete Cross, did a wonderful job reading this story!
A wedding on a remote island leads to secrets being revealed among the families.
I was originally interested in the book as the bride, in the story recently left a cult, so I thought this could be an interesting story. However, the story fell flat and I had a hard time remaining engaged. Overall an okay listen that was a bit if a let down.
A wedding on a remote island leads to secrets being revealed among the families.
I was originally interested in the book as the bride, in the story recently left a cult, so I thought this could be an interesting story. However, the story fell flat and I had a hard time remaining engaged. Overall an okay listen that was a bit if a let down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i really wanted to love Tenderness. cult history, family secrets, messy wedding weekend dynamics on a private island – on paper, it had all the ingredients for something juicy, but the execution didn't quite match the promise. i found myself detached from the characters and underwhelmed by the stakes. several plot threads felt like they were introduced with intrigue, only to drift away or fizzle out before they could really land.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, this was just wonderful. The sense of place was palpable, the characters were rich with nuance and trying their very best (I love a character who is trying their best. The narrator switching was used thoughtfully, keeping the pace steady without slowing things down. There was such intimacy to each of the narrations, both in writing and performance-- I especially loved Evan Sibley's Joel.
Definitely in my top three of the year so far!
Definitely in my top three of the year so far!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Tenderness by Rowan Beaird. The multiple perspectives added a lot of depth to the story, and I appreciated how the different storylines wove together over time. There were moments where I had to pause and reorient myself as the narrative shifted, but those layers ultimately made the story feel richer and more immersive.
This was my first book by Beaird, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This was my first book by Beaird, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 16, 2026
I wanted to like this book but it felt flat. The characters didn’t engage me and it took effort to keep up with who is who. I thought I would find out more about Aunt Eleanor, but crickets after the beginning. It didn’t make sense to me that William would keep her death a secret. There was a big deal about no money for the wedding but it didn’t get resolved. Too many story lines without closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise of this sounded awesome to me but I kind of feel like it didn’t accurately describe what happened in the book. There were also some storylines that I don’t understand why they were needed. That said, I did enjoy it, and the narrators did a great job. Thanks NetGalley for an ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It jumped around between the different characters, it was hard to follow the story. Once you got into the story it was interesting family story.
Review of advance copy
I wanted to like this and kept going thinking I would hit a big twist (it’s billed as a slow burn mystery) but it just fizzled out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
More later. This rating is a little complicated lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
A claustrophobic island over a single wedding weekend, a bride who’s just escaped a real-life 1970s cult, and absolutely gorgeous sentences—what more could I want?
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Libro.fm for an Advanced Listener's Copy of this novel! From its description, I didn't know what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying this well-written story, due to the complexity of its relationships and its realistic tone.
April 16, 2026
I can't think of the last time this happened and I'm a voracious reader: I read Tenderness cover to cover in one go because it's paced like a thriller and I just couldn't put it down — then went back and read it again because the writing is so powerful and precise and knowing, and I cared about the characters so much. This is a beautiful piece of writing that rewards your time. (Note: I received an ARC of this book from author/publisher.)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews