Review: True Colors by Kristin Hannah

The Grey sisters have always been close. After their mother’s death, the girls banded toether, becoming best friends. Their stern, disapproving father cares less about his children than about his reputation. To Henry Grey, appearances are everything, and years later, he still demands that his daughters reflect his standing in the community. Winona, the oldest needs her father’s approval most of all. An overweight bookworm who never felt at home on the sprawling horse ranch that has been in her family for three generations, she knows that she doesn’t have the qualities her father values. But as the best lawyer in town, she’s determined to someday find a way to prove her worth to him. Aurora, the middle sister, is the family peacemaker. She brokers every dispute and tries to keep them all happy, even as she hides her own secret pain. Vivi Ann is the undisputed star of the family. A stunningly beautiful dreamer with a heart as big as the ocean in front of her house, she is adored by all who know her. Everything comes easily for Vivi Ann, until a stranger comes to town….In a matter of moments, everything will change. The Grey sisters will be pitted against one another in ways that none could have imagined. Loyalties will be tested and secrets revealed, and a terrible, shocking crime will shatter both their family and their beloved town.

I was looking forward to reading this, especially after recently reading Firefly Lane and loving it. I am one of 3 sisters and so was interested in the sister part of the story. I completely identified with Aurora in the story as the peacemaker and the one who is “always there” to help and “bridge the gap”. The theme of forgiveness was strong throughout the whole novel and the author showed how difficult that can be, but how necessary it is to keep families together. I thought it was realistic that the sisters would go weeks or even months apart and then an event brings them back together. I liked Aurora’s quote, “We’re sisters. I just wanted to remind you. No matter what happens, what choices we make, we stick together.”

Other themes presented in the story are alcoholism, depression, rivalry, anger, love, passion, and murder. I enjoyed the suspense of the book and the storyline kept me reading until the very last page. I also liked the storyline involving Vivi Ann’s son and I thought it was an accurate account of how teens react to pressures of high school and that “left out” feeling.

The author’s descriptions of the characters made it easy for me to picture each one in my mind and feel like I knew them. Her descriptions of the Washington coast were also beautiful and makes me want to visit the area myself.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it for book clubs as it would encourage great discussions about family relationships and forgiveness.