Secrets of the Tides

A Richard and Judy bookclub choice

By: Hannah Richell

Narrated by: Emilia Fox

The Tides are a family with dark secrets. Haunted by the events of one tragic day ten years ago, they are each, in their own way, struggling to move forwards with their lives.

Dora, the youngest daughter, lives in a ramshackle East End warehouse with her artist boyfriend Dan. Dora is doing a good job of skating across the surface of her life - but when she discovers she is pregnant the news leaves her shaken and staring back at the darkness of a long-held guilt.

Returning to Clifftops, the rambling family house perched high on the Dorset coastline, Dora must confront her past. Clifftops hasn't changed in years and moving through its rooms and gardens, Dora can still feel the echo of that terrible summer's day when life changed forever for the Tides.

As Dora begins her search for clues surrounding the events of that fateful day, she comes to realise that the path to redemption may rest with her troubled sister, Cassie. If Dora can unlock the secrets Cassie swore she would take to her grave, just maybe she will have a shot at salvation.

But can long-held secrets ever really be forgiven? And even if you do manage to forgive and forget, how do you ever allow yourself to truly love again?

Read by Emilia Fox

(p) 2012 Orion Publishing Group©2012 Hannah Richell

A compelling story

I found this story captivating. It was skilfully written painting vivid pictures of the characters and events that unfold. Hannah Richell writes with great insight into the complexities of family relationships. If only more families had the maturity and sense to, in time work through the aftermath of their mistakes, loss and grief.
I eagerly await her next novel The Shadow Year due to be published this year 2013. I hope Audible will add this one soon!
Highly recommended.

A brilliant story!!!

A highly emotional story about a family who suffers tragedy. Well written as we are taken along with each of the family members - flipping from present time, back to the past. A couple of times i found i just wanted to flip back to see what had happened in the past when it had gone back to the present time - but i contained my suspense and kept things going in order of the book. I have found this week whilst reading the book i have been holding on to my children a bit longer than usual........