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Tiny White Lies
Two families escape the rat race to holiday at a remote coastal retreat, but what lies are they telling themselves and each other? The new family drama by beloved Australian storyteller Fiona Palmer
Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2020
26 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Palmer
26 books313 followersBestselling rural author of books set in outback Western Australia. Small communities, farming, great aussie characters and mother nature. Also writes YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 11, 2020
EXCERPT: 'This is amazing,' said Ash, her head turning to watch the bushes that went past her window. Hard waxy leaves of all shapes and sizes, made to endure the coastal winds and Aussie summers.
They started to climb up, bouncing through large holes in the track until they finally hit the summit. Micky pulled up next to Luke where the track had widened for a small passing lane or a parking spot.
'Oh, wow.'
Ash gaped and so did Nikki even though she had seen this view a long time ago. In front of them the green shades of vegetation fell away until it hit the ocean edge and then for miles all nothing but the dark blue of water to the horizon.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
MY THOUGHTS: Tiny White Lies delivered so much more than I expected. Palmer paints a portrait of deep friendship between two women. Yet, despite this bond, there are things, secrets and fears, that they are keeping to themselves. Things that they paper over with tiny white lies...
Palmer doesn't back away from the difficulties of ordinary life, she tackles her subjects head on, but with great empathy. Ash's husband committed suicide and, because of this, his insurance policy won't pay out. She is struggling to make ends meet with a mortgage, a teenage daughter, and an unfulfilling job. Then, on a random check of her daughter's social media, she discovers Em is being bullied....'If you died, no one would care.', and 'Just kill yourself already u know u want to just like your daddy!!!' And then Ash is told that she is being made redundant. How much can one woman take?
Best friend Nikki has problems that she is not about to share with anyone. What she will share though is that she believes her husband, Chris, is having an affair. Her teenage children are glued to technology. Chloe has no ambition in life other than to be an 'influencer.' Josh will play video games all night. Desperate for some time to think, and to give their children some new and real experiences, the two families head to a wilderness retreat at Bremer Bay in southwestern Australia. No internet, no phones, no pressure.
What they are about to learn is that you can't run away from your problems. Wherever you go, they come along with you. And those secrets and tiny white lies might not be quite so easy to conceal at close quarters.
I picked Tiny White Lies for two reasons. One, I was in need of a little Australiana. I got it in spades. From the beautifully depicted landscapes, to the dialect and slang, the food, right down to my favourite Australian movie 'Red Dog,' it was there. I think the only thing I missed was prawns on the barbie - my absolute favourite! And the movie Red Dog? If you ever get the chance, watch it. Tissues mandatory. Even my husband cries at this one. The second reason was the astonishing amount of excellent fiction currently coming from Australian authors, and Palmer definitely doesn't disappoint there either. I will be reading more from this author.
The storyline is honest and emotional, the characters realistic and engaging. Tiny White Lies is a wonderful domestic drama/romance that I read in one sitting in between naps.
😍😍😍😍.4 Highly recommended.
#TinyWhiteLies #NetGalley
'I don't like it. It's like having a night sky with no stars.'
FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER: Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, library and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Bremer Bay is a quiet little village on the southern edge of the Fitzgerald River National Park. It is essentially a sleepy holiday resort and angler's retreat. Its peerless location on some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia, and its isolation from the more developed seaside resorts, has made it one of those places which people speak about in whispers hoping that the hordes never get to find out about the attractions - fishing, swimming, surfing, whale watching, bushwalking and a genuine peacefulness.
THE AUTHOR: Before becoming an author, Fiona Palmer was a speedway driver for seven years and now spends her days writing both women's and young adult fiction, working as a farmhand and caring for her two children in the tiny rural community of Pingaring, 350 km from Perth, Western Australia.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Tiny White Lies for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
They started to climb up, bouncing through large holes in the track until they finally hit the summit. Micky pulled up next to Luke where the track had widened for a small passing lane or a parking spot.
'Oh, wow.'
Ash gaped and so did Nikki even though she had seen this view a long time ago. In front of them the green shades of vegetation fell away until it hit the ocean edge and then for miles all nothing but the dark blue of water to the horizon.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
MY THOUGHTS: Tiny White Lies delivered so much more than I expected. Palmer paints a portrait of deep friendship between two women. Yet, despite this bond, there are things, secrets and fears, that they are keeping to themselves. Things that they paper over with tiny white lies...
Palmer doesn't back away from the difficulties of ordinary life, she tackles her subjects head on, but with great empathy. Ash's husband committed suicide and, because of this, his insurance policy won't pay out. She is struggling to make ends meet with a mortgage, a teenage daughter, and an unfulfilling job. Then, on a random check of her daughter's social media, she discovers Em is being bullied....'If you died, no one would care.', and 'Just kill yourself already u know u want to just like your daddy!!!' And then Ash is told that she is being made redundant. How much can one woman take?
Best friend Nikki has problems that she is not about to share with anyone. What she will share though is that she believes her husband, Chris, is having an affair. Her teenage children are glued to technology. Chloe has no ambition in life other than to be an 'influencer.' Josh will play video games all night. Desperate for some time to think, and to give their children some new and real experiences, the two families head to a wilderness retreat at Bremer Bay in southwestern Australia. No internet, no phones, no pressure.
What they are about to learn is that you can't run away from your problems. Wherever you go, they come along with you. And those secrets and tiny white lies might not be quite so easy to conceal at close quarters.
I picked Tiny White Lies for two reasons. One, I was in need of a little Australiana. I got it in spades. From the beautifully depicted landscapes, to the dialect and slang, the food, right down to my favourite Australian movie 'Red Dog,' it was there. I think the only thing I missed was prawns on the barbie - my absolute favourite! And the movie Red Dog? If you ever get the chance, watch it. Tissues mandatory. Even my husband cries at this one. The second reason was the astonishing amount of excellent fiction currently coming from Australian authors, and Palmer definitely doesn't disappoint there either. I will be reading more from this author.
The storyline is honest and emotional, the characters realistic and engaging. Tiny White Lies is a wonderful domestic drama/romance that I read in one sitting in between naps.
😍😍😍😍.4 Highly recommended.
#TinyWhiteLies #NetGalley
'I don't like it. It's like having a night sky with no stars.'
FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELLER: Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, library and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Bremer Bay is a quiet little village on the southern edge of the Fitzgerald River National Park. It is essentially a sleepy holiday resort and angler's retreat. Its peerless location on some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia, and its isolation from the more developed seaside resorts, has made it one of those places which people speak about in whispers hoping that the hordes never get to find out about the attractions - fishing, swimming, surfing, whale watching, bushwalking and a genuine peacefulness.
THE AUTHOR: Before becoming an author, Fiona Palmer was a speedway driver for seven years and now spends her days writing both women's and young adult fiction, working as a farmhand and caring for her two children in the tiny rural community of Pingaring, 350 km from Perth, Western Australia.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hachette Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Tiny White Lies for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 24, 2020
4.5★s
Ash was shocked when she saw that her daughter Emily was being bullied at school and at first had no idea what to do about it. Em hadn’t told her mother, but gradually they talked about it and worked out what they could do. Ash had lost her husband Owen eight months previously, so as a now single mother, she was finding it hard. Her best friend Nikki worked in a dress shop in the shopping centre where the pharmacy was that Ash worked at, and they often had lunch together. With the upcoming school holidays close, they decided that both families should go to the farm Nikki’s husband Chris’ cousin Luke owned and ran with his son Micky.
The rustic environment at the farm - around six hours from Perth - with the little wooden cottages for guests, nestled near the edge of the vast Indian Ocean, captivated the two families. Nikki and Chris with their daughter Chloe and son Josh hadn’t holidayed in a long time – this would do them good. Especially the technology addicted kids with no internet on the farm. While Ash and Em would find ways to be honest with each other and themselves. Nikki was lacking in self confidence after a series of bad experiences – but would this holiday help her?
Tiny White Lies by Aussie author Fiona Palmer was an easy read, heartbreaking at times, fun at others. I enjoyed their experiences at the farmstay, with their campfires, cooking, the beach, learning to surf. The story encompassed some hard truths which were handled well by the author, and I found the friendship between Ash and Nikki a heartwarming one. Luke and Micky were great characters; the difference between Micky and Josh – country and city – easy to see. Tiny White Lies was a great read which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hachette AU for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Ash was shocked when she saw that her daughter Emily was being bullied at school and at first had no idea what to do about it. Em hadn’t told her mother, but gradually they talked about it and worked out what they could do. Ash had lost her husband Owen eight months previously, so as a now single mother, she was finding it hard. Her best friend Nikki worked in a dress shop in the shopping centre where the pharmacy was that Ash worked at, and they often had lunch together. With the upcoming school holidays close, they decided that both families should go to the farm Nikki’s husband Chris’ cousin Luke owned and ran with his son Micky.
The rustic environment at the farm - around six hours from Perth - with the little wooden cottages for guests, nestled near the edge of the vast Indian Ocean, captivated the two families. Nikki and Chris with their daughter Chloe and son Josh hadn’t holidayed in a long time – this would do them good. Especially the technology addicted kids with no internet on the farm. While Ash and Em would find ways to be honest with each other and themselves. Nikki was lacking in self confidence after a series of bad experiences – but would this holiday help her?
Tiny White Lies by Aussie author Fiona Palmer was an easy read, heartbreaking at times, fun at others. I enjoyed their experiences at the farmstay, with their campfires, cooking, the beach, learning to surf. The story encompassed some hard truths which were handled well by the author, and I found the friendship between Ash and Nikki a heartwarming one. Luke and Micky were great characters; the difference between Micky and Josh – country and city – easy to see. Tiny White Lies was a great read which I recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hachette AU for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2021
Tiny White Lies by Australian writer Fiona Palmer was a captivating reading that I had a hard time putting aside. The story covers a wide range of topics including bullying, mental illness, family, love and friendship.
A well written story that I have no hesitation in strongly recommending to anyone searching for their next book to read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
A well written story that I have no hesitation in strongly recommending to anyone searching for their next book to read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
December 13, 2020
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Tiny White Lies by Fiona Palmer. (2020).
For three weeks, two families escape the rat race in a remote coastal camp with no phone reception...
Ashley has recently lost her husband and her daughter Emily is being bullied online. Her best friend Nikki is hiding a huge secret and why is her husband Chris receiving so many texts lately? Their teenage children are glued to technology. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the campfire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
Although I'd heard of this author and know that she is super popular, this is the first book of hers I've read. And I can see why she is very popular. Ironically, given the setting of the book, this one would be a fantastic holiday read while you had no distractions. The storyline involves many serious and emotional concepts including suicide, mental illness, cyberbullying, body and medical issues, family separation and so on. But it also felt really easy to read, and you felt invested in these characters hoping that everything would work out for all of them. On a personal note, as a child I used to regularly holiday at a place about an hour from Bremer Bay which sounded very similar, including the no phone signal haha, so for me I could easily picture the beautiful landscape and vibe the author has described. I would happily recommend this novel for those that enjoy Australian fiction and domestic drama fiction.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Tiny White Lies by Fiona Palmer. (2020).
For three weeks, two families escape the rat race in a remote coastal camp with no phone reception...
Ashley has recently lost her husband and her daughter Emily is being bullied online. Her best friend Nikki is hiding a huge secret and why is her husband Chris receiving so many texts lately? Their teenage children are glued to technology. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bushland, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the campfire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.
Although I'd heard of this author and know that she is super popular, this is the first book of hers I've read. And I can see why she is very popular. Ironically, given the setting of the book, this one would be a fantastic holiday read while you had no distractions. The storyline involves many serious and emotional concepts including suicide, mental illness, cyberbullying, body and medical issues, family separation and so on. But it also felt really easy to read, and you felt invested in these characters hoping that everything would work out for all of them. On a personal note, as a child I used to regularly holiday at a place about an hour from Bremer Bay which sounded very similar, including the no phone signal haha, so for me I could easily picture the beautiful landscape and vibe the author has described. I would happily recommend this novel for those that enjoy Australian fiction and domestic drama fiction.
August 17, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘A sea change would indeed be good for them all.’
West Australian author Fiona Palmer has really found her place within the contemporary life literature genre. In Tiny White Lies, the reader is presented with a compelling and authentic presentation of a multitude of common life problems. From family issues, teenagers, infidelity, medical strains, friendship, new love and mental illness, Tiny White Lies is a pensive read.
Tiny White Lies follows the trials and tribulations of two families. When things come tumbling down for both families, they decide to retreat to the calming influence of the ocean at a secluded coastal camping spot. With no reception, it is a chance for each and every family member to slow down and appreciate life. Ashley knows that this vacation is much needed, especially after the shock loss of her husband. But Ashley has new worries in her life, apart from being a widow, her daughter is being bullied online. Meanwhile, Ashley’s best friend Nikki is dealing with her own crisis and it one that she doesn’t want to reveal. In addition, Nikki’s husband Chris has been telling some tiny white lies of his own. Each day at the camp brings about new challenges, for the younger residents, it is dealing with the break from technology, while the adults must face some hard truths. One thing is certain, when this camping trip is over, life will never be the same again.
Fiona Palmer’s contribution to the contemporary fiction life lit genre has been a success to date. Although I am a big fan of Palmer’s rural romance titles (I have read them all) I do love her work in the contemporary fiction genre. Tiny White Lies proved to be a book that I was able to connect to on many levels, the characters were relatable, the situations they faced were authentic and their responses were believable. Best of all, Tiny White Lies is set in my own home state and in one of the most picturesque areas of our stunning south west region. What a great endorsement for Western Australia!
Tiny White Lies is told via a present to past style narrative, through the eyes of two protagonists, Ashley and Nikki. I really couldn’t decide which one of these women I liked the most, I definitely connected with both of them. Palmer’s characterisation is clear and realistic. I felt every emotion these women experienced and it was easy to get caught up in their thoughts, dramas and innermost feelings. There are moments of joy, simple understanding, appreciation and crushing lows. The side characters do a good job of stabilising the leads. From the partners, to the love interests and children, each of these supporting characters have an essential part to play in the overall proceedings of the book.
The setting really was a wow moment for me. It isn’t too often that I come across such a familiar location backdrop, so I relished Fiona Palmer’s descriptions of our spectacular south west. I loved how Palmer used the setting as a form of healing, peace, nurture, recollection and self-reflection. Enforcing a technology ban due to the lack of coverage in the area was even better! I appreciated how well Palmer explored issues of technology obsession, especially in the teen age bracket.
Palmer takes on some weighty issues in this novel, especially in regards to emotional fragility. From strained marital relations, infidelity, anxiety, depression, suicide, online bullying, peer pressure, friendship, medical issues, illness, new love, embracing change, self-image and self-confidence, Tiny White Lies covers a lot of emotional territory. These common problems are presented with insight, understanding and sensitivity. The overarching theme of the little lies we tell ourselves or our loved ones to protect them proved to be a meaningful axis point for this novel.
Tiny White Lies is an impassioned tale that will no doubt move many readers. Fiona Palmer’s latest contribution to the life literature genre offers an insightful glimpse into the complicated lives of families coping with an array of common modern day issues. Filled with heart, Tiny White Lies is novel that I highly recommend.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Tiny White Lies is book #92 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘A sea change would indeed be good for them all.’
West Australian author Fiona Palmer has really found her place within the contemporary life literature genre. In Tiny White Lies, the reader is presented with a compelling and authentic presentation of a multitude of common life problems. From family issues, teenagers, infidelity, medical strains, friendship, new love and mental illness, Tiny White Lies is a pensive read.
Tiny White Lies follows the trials and tribulations of two families. When things come tumbling down for both families, they decide to retreat to the calming influence of the ocean at a secluded coastal camping spot. With no reception, it is a chance for each and every family member to slow down and appreciate life. Ashley knows that this vacation is much needed, especially after the shock loss of her husband. But Ashley has new worries in her life, apart from being a widow, her daughter is being bullied online. Meanwhile, Ashley’s best friend Nikki is dealing with her own crisis and it one that she doesn’t want to reveal. In addition, Nikki’s husband Chris has been telling some tiny white lies of his own. Each day at the camp brings about new challenges, for the younger residents, it is dealing with the break from technology, while the adults must face some hard truths. One thing is certain, when this camping trip is over, life will never be the same again.
Fiona Palmer’s contribution to the contemporary fiction life lit genre has been a success to date. Although I am a big fan of Palmer’s rural romance titles (I have read them all) I do love her work in the contemporary fiction genre. Tiny White Lies proved to be a book that I was able to connect to on many levels, the characters were relatable, the situations they faced were authentic and their responses were believable. Best of all, Tiny White Lies is set in my own home state and in one of the most picturesque areas of our stunning south west region. What a great endorsement for Western Australia!
Tiny White Lies is told via a present to past style narrative, through the eyes of two protagonists, Ashley and Nikki. I really couldn’t decide which one of these women I liked the most, I definitely connected with both of them. Palmer’s characterisation is clear and realistic. I felt every emotion these women experienced and it was easy to get caught up in their thoughts, dramas and innermost feelings. There are moments of joy, simple understanding, appreciation and crushing lows. The side characters do a good job of stabilising the leads. From the partners, to the love interests and children, each of these supporting characters have an essential part to play in the overall proceedings of the book.
The setting really was a wow moment for me. It isn’t too often that I come across such a familiar location backdrop, so I relished Fiona Palmer’s descriptions of our spectacular south west. I loved how Palmer used the setting as a form of healing, peace, nurture, recollection and self-reflection. Enforcing a technology ban due to the lack of coverage in the area was even better! I appreciated how well Palmer explored issues of technology obsession, especially in the teen age bracket.
Palmer takes on some weighty issues in this novel, especially in regards to emotional fragility. From strained marital relations, infidelity, anxiety, depression, suicide, online bullying, peer pressure, friendship, medical issues, illness, new love, embracing change, self-image and self-confidence, Tiny White Lies covers a lot of emotional territory. These common problems are presented with insight, understanding and sensitivity. The overarching theme of the little lies we tell ourselves or our loved ones to protect them proved to be a meaningful axis point for this novel.
Tiny White Lies is an impassioned tale that will no doubt move many readers. Fiona Palmer’s latest contribution to the life literature genre offers an insightful glimpse into the complicated lives of families coping with an array of common modern day issues. Filled with heart, Tiny White Lies is novel that I highly recommend.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Tiny White Lies is book #92 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 1, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Ashley and Nikki are good friends. But even good friends don’t know all that is going on in the other one’s life. However, circumstances align for the two families to go away for a brief holiday near the beach. Ashley thinks it might be just what her daughter Em, who is being bullied at school and online, needs. Both Ash and Em are still struggling to deal with issues resulting from Ashley’s husband Owen’s death.
Meanwhile Nikki hopes the time away will release her two kids Chloe and Josh, from the tenacious hold of technology and social media. And it might help her and husband Chris overcome the issues driving them further apart. But the brief holiday has more than one surprise in store for all involved. And also for Luke who owns the property where they are staying and his son Micky. What changes in all their lives will this holiday make and will it be able to remove the facade of lies?
When this first started this book I cringed, not only at the cyber bullying but the other sexual pics mentioned as floating round in cyber space. It is concerning. A sad reflection of the state of society today.
Once the story moved into the holiday it became more enjoyable. Some passages fill in areas of the past so the reader understands the problems. All are clearly labelled so no worries about getting them mixed.
Characters were interesting and the West Australia setting is beautiful. I liked the way the story moved between Ash’s and Nikki’s stories. Characters came across as believable. Dealing with a number of social issues, the story never feels forced as the issues are all relevant to and shape the characters. I admit to turning the pages quicker towards the end. This is an emotionally engaging book that I definitely recommend reading.
Ashley and Nikki are good friends. But even good friends don’t know all that is going on in the other one’s life. However, circumstances align for the two families to go away for a brief holiday near the beach. Ashley thinks it might be just what her daughter Em, who is being bullied at school and online, needs. Both Ash and Em are still struggling to deal with issues resulting from Ashley’s husband Owen’s death.
Meanwhile Nikki hopes the time away will release her two kids Chloe and Josh, from the tenacious hold of technology and social media. And it might help her and husband Chris overcome the issues driving them further apart. But the brief holiday has more than one surprise in store for all involved. And also for Luke who owns the property where they are staying and his son Micky. What changes in all their lives will this holiday make and will it be able to remove the facade of lies?
When this first started this book I cringed, not only at the cyber bullying but the other sexual pics mentioned as floating round in cyber space. It is concerning. A sad reflection of the state of society today.
Once the story moved into the holiday it became more enjoyable. Some passages fill in areas of the past so the reader understands the problems. All are clearly labelled so no worries about getting them mixed.
Characters were interesting and the West Australia setting is beautiful. I liked the way the story moved between Ash’s and Nikki’s stories. Characters came across as believable. Dealing with a number of social issues, the story never feels forced as the issues are all relevant to and shape the characters. I admit to turning the pages quicker towards the end. This is an emotionally engaging book that I definitely recommend reading.
August 30, 2020
Fiona Palmer's latest novel, Tiny White Lies, tackles some difficult issues such as cyber bullying, mental illness and poor body image. When best friends Nikki and Ashley take their families away for a beach escape neither of them quite know what's in store for them all. During the three week holiday the women discover secrets about each other and realize that it's OK to ask for support when things get tough. This was Books With Heart Book Club's August pick and it was another great read. Thanks to NetGalley for my digital copy.
August 14, 2020
Tiny White Lies is an engaging contemporary tale from best selling Western Australian author Fiona Palmer.
When Ashley discovers her fifteen year old daughter is the subject of bullying both at school and online from her classmates, she is heartbroken. Already struggling to cope in the aftermath of her husband’s recent suicide, she suggests that they escape for the school holidays in the hopes of at least temporarily leaving bad memories behind.
After a difficult year that has left her feeling disconnected from herself, her husband and her device-obsessed teenage children, Nikki, inspired by her best friend’s idea for a vacation, suggests Ash and Emily join them at her husband’s cousins farm near Bremer Bay on the southern coast of W.A.
Ash and Nikki are delighted as their children adjust to a new tech-free routine, enjoying the ocean, bushland and farm activities Luke’s farm provides, but for the adults the lack of distractions becomes uncomfortable as the little white lies they have told one another, and themselves, cast a pall over their vacation.
A story of relationships, secrets, lies and love, there is plenty of high emotion, drama and even romance on offer in Tiny White Lies. Palmer briefly examines a raft of serious issues including mental illness, suicide, bullying, cancer, marriage difficulties, and body-image but its strongest focus is on the theme of disconnection.
I found Ash and Nikki to be likeable and sympathetic characters, though I don’t have much in common with either of them, I still felt they were relatable. As a mother of teenagers their concerns about their children, particularly in relation to electronic media use, are familiar, as are their children’s attitudes.
I loved the setting, having spent plenty of school holidays in southern Western Australia, and in both Albany and Esperance, which are west and east, along the coast, of Bremer Bay respectively. Palmer evokes the wild beauty of the area with its dense bushland and gorgeous white sand beaches, spending a few weeks at Luke’s farm would definitely be no hardship.
Written with warmth and insight into the challenges faced by modern families, I enjoyed reading Tiny Little Lies, as I’m sure all fans of Australian rural contemporary fiction will.
When Ashley discovers her fifteen year old daughter is the subject of bullying both at school and online from her classmates, she is heartbroken. Already struggling to cope in the aftermath of her husband’s recent suicide, she suggests that they escape for the school holidays in the hopes of at least temporarily leaving bad memories behind.
After a difficult year that has left her feeling disconnected from herself, her husband and her device-obsessed teenage children, Nikki, inspired by her best friend’s idea for a vacation, suggests Ash and Emily join them at her husband’s cousins farm near Bremer Bay on the southern coast of W.A.
Ash and Nikki are delighted as their children adjust to a new tech-free routine, enjoying the ocean, bushland and farm activities Luke’s farm provides, but for the adults the lack of distractions becomes uncomfortable as the little white lies they have told one another, and themselves, cast a pall over their vacation.
A story of relationships, secrets, lies and love, there is plenty of high emotion, drama and even romance on offer in Tiny White Lies. Palmer briefly examines a raft of serious issues including mental illness, suicide, bullying, cancer, marriage difficulties, and body-image but its strongest focus is on the theme of disconnection.
I found Ash and Nikki to be likeable and sympathetic characters, though I don’t have much in common with either of them, I still felt they were relatable. As a mother of teenagers their concerns about their children, particularly in relation to electronic media use, are familiar, as are their children’s attitudes.
I loved the setting, having spent plenty of school holidays in southern Western Australia, and in both Albany and Esperance, which are west and east, along the coast, of Bremer Bay respectively. Palmer evokes the wild beauty of the area with its dense bushland and gorgeous white sand beaches, spending a few weeks at Luke’s farm would definitely be no hardship.
Written with warmth and insight into the challenges faced by modern families, I enjoyed reading Tiny Little Lies, as I’m sure all fans of Australian rural contemporary fiction will.
July 27, 2020
‘Was everyone hiding some sort of secret?’
I have enjoyed all the books Fiona has written and this one is no different. Tiny White Lies is a contemporary tale that, like her ‘Sisters and Brothers’ book, looks at modern families with all its complexities and messiness. For a variety of reasons, families are not what they used to be! Therefore, it is not surprising to learn that this is not just one story, but in fact a number of stories.
The focus here is very much on relationships - family and friends - and some of the little ‘white lies’ we tell often through a desire to protect those we love but, in fact, have the opposite effect. There are marital, parental, sibling and close friends relationships - sure to be something for readers to identify with. Particularly pertinent is Fiona shining a light on the tug of war between parents and their children over the use of technology and the seemingly insurmountable challenges that our digital world presents.
A definite highlight is the setting of this book in the remote outback of Western Australia. Fiona’s familiarity with these locales was clearly evident from hinterland to beachside. From lookouts with ocean vistas to cosy camp fires, Fiona invites you to feel a part of the retreat and escape from the chaos. The experience of this farmstay was very appealing and highlighted how nature can be the balm we humans often unknowingly crave for.
‘Should they pack up and go home? When Nikki reached the summit along the track she paused
to catch her breath and take in the small private beach in the shape of an easy smile. It was then that she had her answer. They would stay. This trip was mainly for the kids and she could use this view to get through the murky waters ahead. Taking a lungful of salty air, she smiled. At least here she had places to escape to. Invigorating places. If they went home they would all be stuck in the house together while anger and resentment festered and the kids went nuts.’
Within the various relationships presented in this story, themes from bullying, mental illness, marital affairs and cancer are covered. That’s a lot! Maybe just a tad too many for any of them to be fleshed out with real depth of meaning. I would have loved for Fiona to take the bullying issue, for instance, and really investigated thoroughly the impact this can have on young ones today. There were the obvious happy endings but perhaps, this is what we signed up for.
With that in mind, Fiona makes her readers aware of some heartbreaking issues and peoples vulnerabilities through the range of relationship storylines. However, ultimately she gives us a feel good story that demonstrates that we all really need to make the most of each and every day.
‘Luke reached for the wine bottle and topped up Nikki’s glass, shooting her a supportive smile while Chris remained quiet but attentive. ‘It’s been nearly six months.’ ‘Shit, you know how to keep a secret,’ said Ash taking a sip of her wine. ‘How did you manage that?’ ‘Same as you, I guess,’ said Chris. ‘Lots of white lies.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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August 9, 2020Tiny White Lies is the story of two best friends, who share everything. Or do they? They became friends when their daughters started high school but whilst the girl's friendship doesn't seem to have survived, Ashley and Nikki are very close.
Ashley has reached breaking point. She is recently widowed, her daughter Emily is being cyber bullied and now she has been let go from the job that she needs in order to survive financially. But that's something she can't tell anyone just yet.
Her best friend Nikki has what appears to be the perfect life. She has a handsome, attentive husband who would do anything for her, she has a son and daughter. Really she's living the dream. But her son Josh is stuck in his room playing computer games all day every day, and she can't connect with her daughter Chloe at all. And that attentive husband, well, she just feels completely and utterly smothered, and she can't bear to be touched by Chris. But to Nikki, it is important to maintain the facade of the perfect life.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2020...
Ashley has reached breaking point. She is recently widowed, her daughter Emily is being cyber bullied and now she has been let go from the job that she needs in order to survive financially. But that's something she can't tell anyone just yet.
Her best friend Nikki has what appears to be the perfect life. She has a handsome, attentive husband who would do anything for her, she has a son and daughter. Really she's living the dream. But her son Josh is stuck in his room playing computer games all day every day, and she can't connect with her daughter Chloe at all. And that attentive husband, well, she just feels completely and utterly smothered, and she can't bear to be touched by Chris. But to Nikki, it is important to maintain the facade of the perfect life.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2020...
May 13, 2020
Review to come closer to release date.
Book #14 for the Australian Women Writer's Challenge 2020
Book #14 for the Australian Women Writer's Challenge 2020
September 9, 2020
I do love Fiona Palmer’s stories they are so good to read with characters that are very easy to make friends with and this one takes on some issues that I am sure are high up there for a lot of us these days and she did it so very well, two friends and two families go on a three week break and tiny white lies open up a lot of emotions, a fabulous story that should not be missed.
Ashley has not long ago lost her husband, she has one daughter Emily they are very close but Ashley thinks that Emily is hiding something and when she finds out about the bullying that she has been putting up she is devastated, and needs to talk to her best friend Nikki.
Nikki is married to a fabulous guy Chris they have two children Chloe and Josh and these two kids are constantly on their I-Pads and phones and play stations and Nikki is not happy about it and her husband Chris seems to be getting a lot of text messages these days and she has no idea what is going on and with what Nikki has been through she has problems getting close to Chris no matter how much she loves him.
Ashley and Nikki come up with a plan to go away for three weeks to Chris’s cousins Luke’s farm which is on the coast they have lovely rustic cabins for the two families and there is no internet, the kids especially Chloe and Josh have such a hard time at first but Em seems to cope better. It doesn't take long for the kids to find lots to do with Luke’s son Micky and of course there are lovely walks and the beach to keep them occupied.
While sitting around open fires and talking a lot of tiny white lies are opened up like a can of worms, but really it sees both families come to terms with their lives. I loved this one so much, beautifully written it pulled me in from the first page, it is a story filled with emotion and issues that really are common these days and MS Palmer did it do well.
I highly recommend this book another keeper and I thank Hachette AU for my copy to read.
Ashley has not long ago lost her husband, she has one daughter Emily they are very close but Ashley thinks that Emily is hiding something and when she finds out about the bullying that she has been putting up she is devastated, and needs to talk to her best friend Nikki.
Nikki is married to a fabulous guy Chris they have two children Chloe and Josh and these two kids are constantly on their I-Pads and phones and play stations and Nikki is not happy about it and her husband Chris seems to be getting a lot of text messages these days and she has no idea what is going on and with what Nikki has been through she has problems getting close to Chris no matter how much she loves him.
Ashley and Nikki come up with a plan to go away for three weeks to Chris’s cousins Luke’s farm which is on the coast they have lovely rustic cabins for the two families and there is no internet, the kids especially Chloe and Josh have such a hard time at first but Em seems to cope better. It doesn't take long for the kids to find lots to do with Luke’s son Micky and of course there are lovely walks and the beach to keep them occupied.
While sitting around open fires and talking a lot of tiny white lies are opened up like a can of worms, but really it sees both families come to terms with their lives. I loved this one so much, beautifully written it pulled me in from the first page, it is a story filled with emotion and issues that really are common these days and MS Palmer did it do well.
I highly recommend this book another keeper and I thank Hachette AU for my copy to read.
August 1, 2020
From Australian author Fiona Palmer comes her fourth contemporary novel, Tiny White Lies. I have been a fan of Palmer since she changed genres from rural fiction and Tiny White Lies is her best novel to date. Taking place on the coast less then a day’s drive from Perth, this is perfect escapism for those feeling COVID weary. It was a relief to step into the lives of two different families for a few days as they discover that their tiny white lies are no longer quite so small. Palmer uses her characters to explore issues that are instantly relatable; widowhood, teenagers, technology, friendship, marriage, mental illness and secrets to name just a few.
Ashley Grisham was a widow of less than one year. Life had not been easy as she struggled to come to terms with the death of Owen, her husband. To make matters worse, Ashley was recently let go from her job as a pharmacist. To protect her fifteen-year-old daughter, Emily, Ashley kept this news to herself. When she accidently discovered via social media that Emily was being bullied at school, it all became too much. Like many parents, Ashley was lost at sea in a new world. When Ashley and Emily do start to communicate about the bullying, the love between mother and daughter was strong. Ashley would go to the ends of the earth to keep Emily safe yet there were still family secrets that needed to be aired. When the opportunity came up to go on a holiday to escape the world for a while, the Grisham’s cannot refuse.
Nikki Summerson was Ashley’s best friend. Married for years to Chris, they had three teenage children, addicted to technology like many other youngsters. The couple appeared to have the perfect life and Chris’s devotion to Nikki was beautiful to witness. However, like every married couple, things were different behind closed doors. Nikki had what appeared to be body confidence issues but as I got to know her, I quickly realised it is was much more. Palmer deals with women’s health troubles sensitively and positively. It was refreshing to read about health problems that did not end badly. Walking in Nikki’s shoes was still heartbreaking and helped me realise how lucky I am. With school holidays on the horizon, the opportunity arose to stay the family farm.
The family farm was run by Chris’s cousin, Luke, and his son, Micky. Close to the beach, the sun, sea and fresh air provide much needed technology free clarity for the Grisham’s and the Summerson’s. A single man, Luke had his own personal demons to deal with over the years. I warmed to Luke as despite his troubles, he had raised Micky to be a good young man. They both had dreams for the farm, but it is not until the arrival of the two families that they could become a reality. When Luke and Ashley first lay eyes on each other, the attraction was immediate. I knew that they would get together, yet there were many bridges to cross before that would happen.
Will Nikki and Chris’s marriage survive? Will Luke and Ashley leave the past behind? Will the teenagers learn to embrace a different lifestyle? Only time will tell on a holiday that will change the trajectory of the Grisham’s and the Summerson’s lives forever.
Ashley Grisham was a widow of less than one year. Life had not been easy as she struggled to come to terms with the death of Owen, her husband. To make matters worse, Ashley was recently let go from her job as a pharmacist. To protect her fifteen-year-old daughter, Emily, Ashley kept this news to herself. When she accidently discovered via social media that Emily was being bullied at school, it all became too much. Like many parents, Ashley was lost at sea in a new world. When Ashley and Emily do start to communicate about the bullying, the love between mother and daughter was strong. Ashley would go to the ends of the earth to keep Emily safe yet there were still family secrets that needed to be aired. When the opportunity came up to go on a holiday to escape the world for a while, the Grisham’s cannot refuse.
Nikki Summerson was Ashley’s best friend. Married for years to Chris, they had three teenage children, addicted to technology like many other youngsters. The couple appeared to have the perfect life and Chris’s devotion to Nikki was beautiful to witness. However, like every married couple, things were different behind closed doors. Nikki had what appeared to be body confidence issues but as I got to know her, I quickly realised it is was much more. Palmer deals with women’s health troubles sensitively and positively. It was refreshing to read about health problems that did not end badly. Walking in Nikki’s shoes was still heartbreaking and helped me realise how lucky I am. With school holidays on the horizon, the opportunity arose to stay the family farm.
The family farm was run by Chris’s cousin, Luke, and his son, Micky. Close to the beach, the sun, sea and fresh air provide much needed technology free clarity for the Grisham’s and the Summerson’s. A single man, Luke had his own personal demons to deal with over the years. I warmed to Luke as despite his troubles, he had raised Micky to be a good young man. They both had dreams for the farm, but it is not until the arrival of the two families that they could become a reality. When Luke and Ashley first lay eyes on each other, the attraction was immediate. I knew that they would get together, yet there were many bridges to cross before that would happen.
Will Nikki and Chris’s marriage survive? Will Luke and Ashley leave the past behind? Will the teenagers learn to embrace a different lifestyle? Only time will tell on a holiday that will change the trajectory of the Grisham’s and the Summerson’s lives forever.
October 14, 2020
I thought Fiona Palmer has written an amazing story, that is very touching and had me totally engaged with her characters. The issues she explores in this book were especially topical and well thought out. One of the issues she explores I have never come across in any other book. So wonderfully and compassionately told. While I am not a reader who likes backwards in time sections, this one totally aced it and was perfect.
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August 21, 2020Fiona Palmer’s new novel Tiny White Lies was released by Hachette on July 28, tackling tough issues in a beautiful Western Australian setting with a dash of humour and Fiona’s trademark country style. Set mostly in Bremner Bay, WA (which also happens to by Fiona’s favourite holiday destination), the story centres on two best friends Nikki and Ash, and a month away that changes their lives.
For Nikki, it’s a chance to reconnect with her social media-obsessed daughter, her video-game addicted son, and her poster-boy husband, who’s hiding a devastating secret. Ash is grieving her late husband, and when she discovers her daughter is being cyber-bullied, she thinks a month at a secluded beach setting – with no internet or phone service – will be the perfect solution.
As a mother of pre-teens, I was drawn in by the technology dramas and had quite a few laughs (and a spot of investigative Googling) as the kids taught their parents a few lessons. Intersecting chapters subtly unpeel layers, lies and secrets, with a romantic sub-plot that’ll have you cheering for the couple.
PUBLISHED AS PART OF AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/fion...
For Nikki, it’s a chance to reconnect with her social media-obsessed daughter, her video-game addicted son, and her poster-boy husband, who’s hiding a devastating secret. Ash is grieving her late husband, and when she discovers her daughter is being cyber-bullied, she thinks a month at a secluded beach setting – with no internet or phone service – will be the perfect solution.
As a mother of pre-teens, I was drawn in by the technology dramas and had quite a few laughs (and a spot of investigative Googling) as the kids taught their parents a few lessons. Intersecting chapters subtly unpeel layers, lies and secrets, with a romantic sub-plot that’ll have you cheering for the couple.
PUBLISHED AS PART OF AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/fion...
July 25, 2020
This novel was a beach read for me, I have been a fan of Fiona’s previous novels but I’m afraid that even though the story line showed promise in the beginning it didn’t measure up as the book went on and became fairly predictable.
First we have Nikki and Chris and their two children who are addicted to technology and their daughter has a serious problem with self-image. Nikki also has self-image issues and Chris is receiving text messages from an unknown person.
Single mother and widow Ashley has just lost her job and her daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Nikki & Ashley decide to get their families away from it all and retreat to a beach holiday spot that is owned by Chris’s cousin with no luxuries, no WiFi and no phone reception to try to get back to basics and get their families back together again.
There were so many opportunities to explore some issues that were brought up early in the novel – suicide, bullying, self-image to name a few, but alas these were really only a passing mention. Instead the book drifted into a beach read which became very predictable and I was expecting more.
It will not stop me reading more of Ms Palmer’s novels, however I feel her strength lies in her rural fiction titles where she writes what she knows.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and Net Galley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
First we have Nikki and Chris and their two children who are addicted to technology and their daughter has a serious problem with self-image. Nikki also has self-image issues and Chris is receiving text messages from an unknown person.
Single mother and widow Ashley has just lost her job and her daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Nikki & Ashley decide to get their families away from it all and retreat to a beach holiday spot that is owned by Chris’s cousin with no luxuries, no WiFi and no phone reception to try to get back to basics and get their families back together again.
There were so many opportunities to explore some issues that were brought up early in the novel – suicide, bullying, self-image to name a few, but alas these were really only a passing mention. Instead the book drifted into a beach read which became very predictable and I was expecting more.
It will not stop me reading more of Ms Palmer’s novels, however I feel her strength lies in her rural fiction titles where she writes what she knows.
Thank you to Hachette Australia and Net Galley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2020
On the whole I enjoyed this novel. It is a good holiday read or a novel for when you don't want to have to think too much and just escape. It is predictable in parts which is what causes my reservations to give hit 4 stars.
This novel is a snapshot of family relationships. Marriage, divorce, step parents/children and the emotional rollercoaster that is associated with all of these issues. Featuring a family of four Chris, Nikki, Chloe and Josh. A mother and daughter; Em and Ash whose lives have been thrown into turmoil after a tragic incident. A father Luke and Son Miicky. These lives all collide on a getaway down south of Western Australia.
Relationships will be tested, emotions will run high, but at the core of the novel is the reality of families and how complicated they can be.
For me the highlight of the novel was the fact it was based in Western Australia. I was born in Perth and still live here and it was so refreshing to hear familiar towns being mentioned. This is an easy read and would be particularly enjoyed on a holiday.
This novel is a snapshot of family relationships. Marriage, divorce, step parents/children and the emotional rollercoaster that is associated with all of these issues. Featuring a family of four Chris, Nikki, Chloe and Josh. A mother and daughter; Em and Ash whose lives have been thrown into turmoil after a tragic incident. A father Luke and Son Miicky. These lives all collide on a getaway down south of Western Australia.
Relationships will be tested, emotions will run high, but at the core of the novel is the reality of families and how complicated they can be.
For me the highlight of the novel was the fact it was based in Western Australia. I was born in Perth and still live here and it was so refreshing to hear familiar towns being mentioned. This is an easy read and would be particularly enjoyed on a holiday.
August 13, 2020
‘Two families escape the rat race to holiday at a remote coastal retreat, but what lies are they telling themselves and each other?
Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bush land, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.’
I loved this book.
I am a huge fan of Fiona Palmer so I had very high hopes heading into this book. Thankfully it not only lived up to my expectations, it well and truly surpassed them.
One of the things I love most about Fiona Palmer’s books is that they are completely relatable. There wasn’t a character or situation in this book that I couldn’t relate to. This ability to create such real, human and relatable characters makes for a truly wonderful reading experience.
I thought the whole premise of this book was fantastic. Some of the situations the kids found them selves in and the excitement they experiences was like revisiting my own childhood family holidays.
Fiona Palmer has done a truly fabulous job with this book. Her writing has a real cinematic quality to it that takes the reader on a beautiful journey. Add that to her wonderful characters and amazing story and you have a book that will stay with you long after the final page.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I am already looking forward to reading it again.
Tiny White Lies by Fiona Palmer is a must read for everyone.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Ashley has recently lost her husband. Daughter Emily is being bullied online.
Best friend Nikki is holding a huge secret. And why is husband, Chris, receiving so many text messages lately?
Their teenage children are glued to technology, be it PlayStation, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat . . .
The two women hatch a plan: for three weeks, both families will stay in a rustic, remote coastal camp with no phone reception. While the teenagers struggle to embrace this new world of self-entertaining in the rugged bush land, the adults are trying to maintain a certain facade. Soon, around the flames of the camp fire, their tiny white lies might just begin to be exposed.’
I loved this book.
I am a huge fan of Fiona Palmer so I had very high hopes heading into this book. Thankfully it not only lived up to my expectations, it well and truly surpassed them.
One of the things I love most about Fiona Palmer’s books is that they are completely relatable. There wasn’t a character or situation in this book that I couldn’t relate to. This ability to create such real, human and relatable characters makes for a truly wonderful reading experience.
I thought the whole premise of this book was fantastic. Some of the situations the kids found them selves in and the excitement they experiences was like revisiting my own childhood family holidays.
Fiona Palmer has done a truly fabulous job with this book. Her writing has a real cinematic quality to it that takes the reader on a beautiful journey. Add that to her wonderful characters and amazing story and you have a book that will stay with you long after the final page.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. I am already looking forward to reading it again.
Tiny White Lies by Fiona Palmer is a must read for everyone.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
December 6, 2022
Ashley is worried about her daughter Emily who is being bullied online and at school. Having lost her father she and her mother are still processing their grief. Ashley's friend Nikki is having a difficult time also with her two children spending too much time on electronic devices and her own health issues. So when Nikki's brother in law suggests they all come to stay at his farm by the sea it is just what they all need. So they start out on their six hour drive from Perth in Western Australia to the tranquil seaside where there is no internet coverage.
The holiday becomes a time of discovering how to heal from grief, face anxieties and trust family and friends to help. A moving story.
The holiday becomes a time of discovering how to heal from grief, face anxieties and trust family and friends to help. A moving story.
August 23, 2020
Fiona never fails to deliver a great story. Love her work and it's nice to read something with an uplifting end in these ISO (COVID19) times. Keep up the great work.
July 30, 2020
I can’t say enough good things about Tiny White Lies, Fiona Palmer’s latest novel. This book is superbly written, extremely well researched, empathetic on the sensitive subjects of mental health and self image, and yet it also manages to be a page turning story. Central characters Ashley and Nikki and the issues each is facing while pretending all is well drive the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
Ash has had a tough time dealing with her husband’s suicide though that is just the beginning of her story. Her daughter has been bullied at school, her finances are fairly grim, she’s just been sacked and to top it all off she’s doing all she can to try to appear cool, calm and collected to her friends and her daughter. Keeping it all together is something she has learned to do as part of living with a husband with bipolar disorder. Fiona Palmer is insightful in her description of life with a mentally ill partner, something that Ash has had trouble revealing to anybody until she meets Luke, “Wondering, trying to guess his mood so I can accommodate it and not set him off, tiptoeing around as if I’m on egg shells, trying to protect Emily and then save Owen from himself. Some days are very hard.”
Nikki looks so put together—beautiful, slim, effortlessly stylish—but inside she is falling apart. Her breasts have been the bane of her existence, firstly because one was markedly smaller than the other leading to breast augmentation surgery, which boosted her self confidence and body image immeasurably until the day her husband Chris discovered a tiny lump. A double mastectomy has her fearful that Chris will be put off by her breasts and as a result she resists him touching her, even for a cuddle or a hug. Chris is the perfect husband, doing everything for her and loving her to bits even when she pushes him away. Nikki and Chris have two teenage children, both of whom are addicted to their technology to the exclusion of all else.
When Nikki, Chris, Ash and their children decide to take a farm stay and beach holiday at Chris’s cousin Luke’s farm at Bremer Bay their motivation is to get their children’s lives back on track but life has a funny way of twisting things and before long Ash and Nikki find themselves facing their inner turmoil, opening up about their problems and healing not only themselves but their family relationships. It turns out that sometimes telling the truth is so much better than telling tiny white lies.
Ash has had a tough time dealing with her husband’s suicide though that is just the beginning of her story. Her daughter has been bullied at school, her finances are fairly grim, she’s just been sacked and to top it all off she’s doing all she can to try to appear cool, calm and collected to her friends and her daughter. Keeping it all together is something she has learned to do as part of living with a husband with bipolar disorder. Fiona Palmer is insightful in her description of life with a mentally ill partner, something that Ash has had trouble revealing to anybody until she meets Luke, “Wondering, trying to guess his mood so I can accommodate it and not set him off, tiptoeing around as if I’m on egg shells, trying to protect Emily and then save Owen from himself. Some days are very hard.”
Nikki looks so put together—beautiful, slim, effortlessly stylish—but inside she is falling apart. Her breasts have been the bane of her existence, firstly because one was markedly smaller than the other leading to breast augmentation surgery, which boosted her self confidence and body image immeasurably until the day her husband Chris discovered a tiny lump. A double mastectomy has her fearful that Chris will be put off by her breasts and as a result she resists him touching her, even for a cuddle or a hug. Chris is the perfect husband, doing everything for her and loving her to bits even when she pushes him away. Nikki and Chris have two teenage children, both of whom are addicted to their technology to the exclusion of all else.
When Nikki, Chris, Ash and their children decide to take a farm stay and beach holiday at Chris’s cousin Luke’s farm at Bremer Bay their motivation is to get their children’s lives back on track but life has a funny way of twisting things and before long Ash and Nikki find themselves facing their inner turmoil, opening up about their problems and healing not only themselves but their family relationships. It turns out that sometimes telling the truth is so much better than telling tiny white lies.
August 20, 2020
A lovely story about families & tragedy which effects everyday life & the influences of social media on the younger generation. Everyone should have a break in a remote place & have a digital detox & realise what’s important in real life.
August 21, 2020
Such a delightful, easy read. Warm, relatable characters and a really engaging storyline. Another Aussie author to add to my 'favourites' list.
August 19, 2020
Absolutely loved this book, couldn’t put it down. 3 adults with secrets, 3 children with issues in common with some teenagers today. And a holiday place I’d love to visit.
I’ve been a fan of Fiona’s books for a long time. This is the best one yet.
I’ve been a fan of Fiona’s books for a long time. This is the best one yet.
August 16, 2020
Another great story by the talented Fiona Palmer. I really did feel like I was getting my beach fixes reading this story. We are really blessed with the beautiful coast line and mountains in the Great Southern. Thank you Fiona.
August 2, 2020
A light, heart-warming easy read. This is a novel to curl up with over a weekend and just sit back and relax. Told through the eyes of two friends, Nikki and Ashley with chapters alternating between their recent pasts and the present day, this is a story of family, relationships and friendships.
Both Ashley and Nikki have had their struggles to deal with. Ashley has recently lost her husband and has just found out her teenage daughter is being bullied online and at school, while Nikki has been keeping a huge secret to herself and worrying about her own teenage children slipping further and further away from her into the world of technology with social media and online gaming.
To escape and recharge the two families decide on a spur of the moment trip to the Western Australian bushland. A camping retreat at a beautiful coastal getaway with no access to the internet and no phone reception. I found myself laughing a few times at the teenager’s reactions to this new found hell with no ability to keep up with their snapchat streaks. I could so easily picture my own teens behaving the exact same way.
There is a cast of likeable characters, including Nikki’s hunky husband Chris and his equally hot cousin Luke, and we start to learn a little more about all of them through evenings around the campfire. As the days slide by tiny white lies are slowly revealed as their past secrets meander into their current lives.
While it is a light read, it does cover some pretty dark topics, such as suicide, depression, bullying, and issues with body image. I just wished it could have delved into these topics a little more which I think would have given the overall story more depth. I really loved it when the author highlighted the women’s pasts, I was completely engrossed in what they were both going through. There really was a lot to enjoy about this book, I just found the holiday chapters a little light on and too easy to skip through, but still a fun weekend read.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Both Ashley and Nikki have had their struggles to deal with. Ashley has recently lost her husband and has just found out her teenage daughter is being bullied online and at school, while Nikki has been keeping a huge secret to herself and worrying about her own teenage children slipping further and further away from her into the world of technology with social media and online gaming.
To escape and recharge the two families decide on a spur of the moment trip to the Western Australian bushland. A camping retreat at a beautiful coastal getaway with no access to the internet and no phone reception. I found myself laughing a few times at the teenager’s reactions to this new found hell with no ability to keep up with their snapchat streaks. I could so easily picture my own teens behaving the exact same way.
There is a cast of likeable characters, including Nikki’s hunky husband Chris and his equally hot cousin Luke, and we start to learn a little more about all of them through evenings around the campfire. As the days slide by tiny white lies are slowly revealed as their past secrets meander into their current lives.
While it is a light read, it does cover some pretty dark topics, such as suicide, depression, bullying, and issues with body image. I just wished it could have delved into these topics a little more which I think would have given the overall story more depth. I really loved it when the author highlighted the women’s pasts, I was completely engrossed in what they were both going through. There really was a lot to enjoy about this book, I just found the holiday chapters a little light on and too easy to skip through, but still a fun weekend read.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 25, 2020
I was super lucky to score an Advanced Reader Copy of Tiny White Lies because I'm going to get the pleasure of doing an 'In Conversation' with Fiona at my local bookstore in a couple of weeks time.
I really enjoyed this read but it was interesting to read a book and make notes in it (yes, I scribbled on the pages - I never do that!) And I've underlined things and made notes and questions. I have so many questions! What makes a lie 'tiny'... what makes it 'white'?
I've decided that white lies are usually the ones we tell because we think the truth will hurt somebody (sometimes ourselves, more often a loved one) so we lie to keep other people safe or to protect them.
This is a story of relationships. Between couples. Between siblings. Between parents and children. Many people reading this story will find common threads with their own life. Particularly current issues with parenting teenagers in a digital world, and feeling disconnected from family while kids spend huge amounts of time on screens.
The setting in this book is front and centre. The two families retreat to a south west beach for a three week holiday to 'reconnect' with each other, without screens. The descriptions are beautiful, and there is a definite theme of using the beauty of nature to heal and repair.
I am going to read this book again in the next week or so. No doubt I'll make more scribbles and more notes!
I really enjoyed this read but it was interesting to read a book and make notes in it (yes, I scribbled on the pages - I never do that!) And I've underlined things and made notes and questions. I have so many questions! What makes a lie 'tiny'... what makes it 'white'?
I've decided that white lies are usually the ones we tell because we think the truth will hurt somebody (sometimes ourselves, more often a loved one) so we lie to keep other people safe or to protect them.
This is a story of relationships. Between couples. Between siblings. Between parents and children. Many people reading this story will find common threads with their own life. Particularly current issues with parenting teenagers in a digital world, and feeling disconnected from family while kids spend huge amounts of time on screens.
The setting in this book is front and centre. The two families retreat to a south west beach for a three week holiday to 'reconnect' with each other, without screens. The descriptions are beautiful, and there is a definite theme of using the beauty of nature to heal and repair.
I am going to read this book again in the next week or so. No doubt I'll make more scribbles and more notes!
July 29, 2020
Oh the tiny white lie and its potential to turn into an avalanche is laid out in this engaging read.
Two families, the recently widowed Ash with her daughter Emily, and Nikki and Chris, married parents of Chloe and Josh, escape their day-to-day lives to holiday at a remote coastal/farm stay retreat run by Chris's cousin Luke and his son Micky. Each of these families has their collection of tiny white lies that they are telling each other, ans well as themselves, and sometimes being away from distractions can free the mind and loosen lips.
The families each deal with the tiny white lies they have told about bullying, grief, adultery, inferiority, illness, abandonment, tech addiction, and otherwise dissatisfaction with their circumstances in a believable way and this is a credit to Fiona Palmer's writing.
This is a great easy read. I felt connected to each and every character and wanted them to succeed and have better.
Two families, the recently widowed Ash with her daughter Emily, and Nikki and Chris, married parents of Chloe and Josh, escape their day-to-day lives to holiday at a remote coastal/farm stay retreat run by Chris's cousin Luke and his son Micky. Each of these families has their collection of tiny white lies that they are telling each other, ans well as themselves, and sometimes being away from distractions can free the mind and loosen lips.
The families each deal with the tiny white lies they have told about bullying, grief, adultery, inferiority, illness, abandonment, tech addiction, and otherwise dissatisfaction with their circumstances in a believable way and this is a credit to Fiona Palmer's writing.
This is a great easy read. I felt connected to each and every character and wanted them to succeed and have better.
August 4, 2020
This book drew me in from page one. The characters are so beautifully realised and engaging; their lives, loves and heartaches resonated at every stage. Fiona Palmer never fails to deliver. A must read.
July 26, 2020
Set in Western Australia around Perth and Bremer Bay this is a delightful story that was easy as well as enjoyable to read. Two women friends organise to escape the rat race to a farm near Bremer Bay taking their families with them. The characters are both interesting and well developed.
There were a lot of dramas, intrigue, secrets (tiny white lies) and romance. Even though it was a fun and light novel to read it did raise serious issues such as bullying, both face-to-face and cyber; how family members cope with someone in their family having a mental illness and the effects it has on them; interpersonal relationships both between parents and with their children and the obsession with technology and digital devices
Although the story was a little predictable it was still a pleasure to read. I would recommend Tiny White Lies are an excellent, relaxing read.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Hachette Australia for a copy to read and review.
There were a lot of dramas, intrigue, secrets (tiny white lies) and romance. Even though it was a fun and light novel to read it did raise serious issues such as bullying, both face-to-face and cyber; how family members cope with someone in their family having a mental illness and the effects it has on them; interpersonal relationships both between parents and with their children and the obsession with technology and digital devices
Although the story was a little predictable it was still a pleasure to read. I would recommend Tiny White Lies are an excellent, relaxing read.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Hachette Australia for a copy to read and review.
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