In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne chat with acclaimed Australian author Toni Jordan about her powerful new novel Tenderfoot.

Set in Brisbane in 1975, Tenderfoot follows Andie Tanner, a serious and determined young girl whose world revolves around her father and the racing greyhounds they keep beneath their home. Andie dreams of becoming a greyhound trainer herself, imagining a future built around the dogs and family she loves.

But life quickly becomes far more complicated than she expected.

When Andie loses the stability and people she depends on, she's forced to navigate a world shaped by secrets, addiction, grief and survival — all while trying to hold onto a sense of who she is and what kind of future might still be possible.

In our conversation with Toni, we discuss:

• Writing coming-of-age stories shaped by hardship and resilience
• Capturing Brisbane in the 1970s
• The role of greyhound racing culture in the novel
• Creating young protagonists with strength and emotional depth
• Family complexity, addiction and survival
• Why Andie's voice feels so authentic and compelling

This is a moving and beautifully observed novel about growing up too quickly, learning who to trust, and finding a way forward when life doesn't unfold as expected.

If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction with emotional depth and richly drawn Australian settings, this episode is for you.

Tenderfoot is a coming-of-age novel set in 1970s Brisbane following Andie Tanner, a young girl whose life centres around her father and their racing greyhounds.

When tragedy and instability shatter the world she knows, Andie must navigate a far more difficult reality shaped by secrets, addiction and survival while trying to reclaim her future.

Toni Jordan is the bestselling author of Addition, Nine Days, Dinner with the Schnabels and Prettier if She Smiled More.

Her novels are known for their emotional insight, memorable characters and distinctly Australian storytelling. Toni lives in Melbourne and Tenderfoot is her eighth novel.

Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you.

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