Title: Tenderfoot
Author: Toni Jordan
Publisher: Hachette 2025; RRP: $32.99
Review by: Heather Whitford Roche
Toni Jordan is a seasoned writer; Tenderfoot is her eighth book. Based in Melbourne, Toni holds a Bachelor of Science and a PhD in Creative Arts. Critically acclaimed for her work, her debut novel, Addition, has been made into a film due for cinema release in early 2026.
Set in Queensland in 1975, Tenderfoot is a coming-of-age story about a young girl, Andie Tanner, who lives a mostly unspectacular life with her parents. At the centre of their existence is the world of greyhound racing. Andie loves their dogs who live under the house and admires her father’s expertise as a trainer. She imagines herself as a future trainer just like her dad. But first, she has to finish school and then the world of greyhound racing will be waiting for her.
Andie’s life changes dramatically when her father leaves home without telling her and shortly after that, her mother, who sees life through the lens of needing a male partner to survive, becomes besotted by a new man in her life who moves in with them. Andie is desperate to find her father and her dog that has also disappeared. Her young life is further complicated by bullying incidents at school and at home where she is expected to conform with her mother’s ideas, which are often harsh and unreasonable. Mystery surrounds her mother’s new partner and Andie learns to avoid him where possible.
@ The Australian Women’s Weekly Book Club
Of interest and of entertaining value is the greyhound racing knowledge and all that happens within that industry. It makes the story quite unique, it’s been well researched, it’s entertaining and gives the reader insight into another lifestyle.
The story is achingly difficult to read, but at the same time it’s written with clarity and honesty making it so very real. Andie is brave, she doesn’t know that life can be different and does her best to survive in challenging circumstances. The characters are superbly developed and the storyline is one that is often repeated in real life.
I loved reading Tenderfoot. Toni Jordan has crafted a story that is profound, beautiful and unforgettable.








