This third edition of True Colors will be welcome addition to any reader’s book collection.  The book has been re-edited and re-formatted, making the presentation of an already great story even better.  The first edition was written under the names Nann Dunne and Karen King.  Surtees used the pen name to protect her anonymity as a member of the British military.

The inhabitants of the small Texas town of Meridianville are not happy when they hear that TJ Meridian has returned.  TJ’s father is hated by the town because he pulled out of his ranch and meat packing plant, taking with him hundreds of jobs, and sending Meridianville’s economy into the toilet.  However, it takes time for them to realize that he is not the Meridian in currently in residence.

Taylor Jade Meridian is a powerful, driven woman who owns a multinational company.  Why she has returned to Meridianville is cause for much speculation.  However, the conjecture is usually followed by curses and insults because of the actions of TJ’s father.  That is, until the discovery of a dangerious situation is discovered and the very lives of the townspeople are threatened.  When TJ steps up with a solution, the town starts to rethink their opinion of the Meridian name.
Dr. Mare Gillespie has had a chance to see TJ’s good and difficult side early on.  When Mare is called to the Meridan Ranch to tend to a sick horse, she meets TJ and gives her a piece of her mind.  TJ is intrigued by the vet’s courage and ability to stand up to her, and the two form a kind of truce, then a friendship, and finally begin a torrid love affair.  As Mare realizes what a formidable woman TJ is, she also sees her fragility because of childhood trauma and a mugging as an adult that left her brother dead and TJ confined to a wheelchair.  She also comes to understand that TJ’s physical limitations do not keep her down as much as her mental anguish—and Mare seems to be the only one who can get through to the sometimes stubborn and brooding TJ.

When the ranch comes under attack, it becomes clear that not everyone in Meridianville has seen the good side of the Meridians and the women at the ranch are put into some frightening situations.  In the midst of this turmoil, Mare has also discovered a family secret of her own that sets her world spinning.  In the midst of this uproar, the relationship between TJ and Mare still seems to grow and even manages to thrive, but only after fits and starts.

The characters are dynamic yet flawed, making them seem so real.  The story is a page-turner, leaving us wanting more.  And more is to come with the sequel to True Colors entitled Many Roads to Travel, by Dunne and Surtees.

My advice is to make certain that you get both books because you’ll want to continue straight through with the second story as soon as you finish the first.  This wonderful tale, filled with heart and adventure, is not to be missed.