We all build our lives on some form of deception known only to ourselves; it is how we survive and our secrets are rarely exposed. Claire Bentley, a wealthy and successful business woman has concealed her secrets for thirty years. Now, recently widowed, she is persuaded, against her better judgement, to join her daughter, Krystina, on a holiday in Cornwall. Soon, unforeseen events bring back the memories and terror of her last holiday in Cornwall and she is forced to confront her past. Again, Claire flees from 'that cursed land full of promise and desolation'. Once home, she feels compelled to write her story, while clinging to the hope that no one will ever need to read it. Why has she hidden the truth for thirty years? And how much does Krystina know about her mother?The Returning Tide is a dark, disturbing story of loss and deception, time and identity.