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Tenderness
Not yet published
Expected 6 Aug 26'A story of love, liars and secrets . . . Shady, sexy, suspicious - perfect summer holiday reading'
The Times, 2026 Must-Read round-up
Just a few months after leaving the mysterious and dangerous cult Synanon, Shay is finally marrying her fiancé Andrew. Although their relationship has been rocky since Shay got involved with Synanon, Andrew, wealthy and loyal, has stuck by her.
As the wedding party arrives on a small island off the coast of Virginia, where Andrew's family has vacationed for generations, rumors are swirling about the couple. Shay's former college flame, Joel, has brought his new girlfriend, but it's clear he's still not over Shay. Shay's brother, William, is deeply uncomfortable with the wealth Shay is marrying into and is hiding a tragic secret from his family.
When a strange woman is spotted around the island, and a series of near-disasters begin to escalate, it becomes clear that Shay has not fully cut her ties to Synanon.
Beguiling and propulsive, Rowan Beaird's TENDERNESS is a story about family, love, belief, about how much we're ever able to outrun the darker parts of our past - and if we should want to.
The Times, 2026 Must-Read round-up
Just a few months after leaving the mysterious and dangerous cult Synanon, Shay is finally marrying her fiancé Andrew. Although their relationship has been rocky since Shay got involved with Synanon, Andrew, wealthy and loyal, has stuck by her.
As the wedding party arrives on a small island off the coast of Virginia, where Andrew's family has vacationed for generations, rumors are swirling about the couple. Shay's former college flame, Joel, has brought his new girlfriend, but it's clear he's still not over Shay. Shay's brother, William, is deeply uncomfortable with the wealth Shay is marrying into and is hiding a tragic secret from his family.
When a strange woman is spotted around the island, and a series of near-disasters begin to escalate, it becomes clear that Shay has not fully cut her ties to Synanon.
Beguiling and propulsive, Rowan Beaird's TENDERNESS is a story about family, love, belief, about how much we're ever able to outrun the darker parts of our past - and if we should want to.
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 21, 2026
2 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Beaird
4 books163 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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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!
Displaying 1 of 1 review