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True Colours
Twenty-six year old Tess Harrington is comfortably content with her life in the city. Originally from a small country town, Tess now works in a hair salon she part-owns with her friend Pamela, located in a quirky street full of culture, art, and plenty of tea and coffee. She couldn’t be happier spending her days interacting with the locals who work in the wonderful shops that line the street, and indulging in quiet nights in her nearby apartment, where she reads her many books, sips tea she makes with her prized teapot, and eats delightful gourmet sandwiches from the local deli. She treasures the antique finds which adorn her apartment, attends her monthly "shop girls" soiree at a swanky club called Vinnie's, and is never lonely, for she has her books, which introduce her to the romance and adventure she quietly longs for, and which satisfy her hidden desire to run free amongst storms, and to swim in surging seas. Life couldn't be going more smoothly for Tess, and she intends to keep it that way. With one failed marriage already under her belt, Tess decides to forgo relationships altogether, as does her friend Pamela, who finds herself in a similar predicament. They tell themselves they don’t need men in their lives — not even the handsome restaurateur Silvio, who swoons over Tess and calls her his muse. But when someone threatens this almost too tranquil world she has built for herself, will she be strong enough to resist the outside elements of the "real world"? Will an unexpected surprise on her doorstep cause Tess’ cosy world to change irrevocably? Or is it the change Tess needs, to finally live a colourful life, and not just read about it?
297 pages, ebook
First published October 18, 2018
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Anthea Syrokou
6 books110 followersAnthea Syrokou is an author who grew up and resides in Sydney, Australia. Her love for writing was planted at a young age when she studied Greek mythology. Anthea's love for literature continued well into her teenage years when she enjoyed reading novels by many of the great English writers.
Anthea has a BA degree, majoring in psychology and industrial relations, and a diploma in counselling. She also studied Greek literature at university and has worked in direct marketing, and insurance and investments.
Her latest novel, Curiosity Spares the Butterfly, is a coming-of-age story in the contemporary literary fiction/mystery genre.
Anthea is also working on a new novel in the same genre, set in Corfu, Greece, which is expected to be published early 2027.
When she isn’t writing or reading, Anthea enjoys travelling, yoga, spending time with her family, and escaping to the vineyards. A quiet house with some jazz playing in the background, surrounded by a few lit scented candles is her idea of relaxation. Even though Anthea dreams about hosting the “perfect” dinner party, she is more likely to be found at a cosy, candlelit restaurant. She lives with her husband and their two sons, and enjoys regular visits from the neighbour's cat.
Anthea has a BA degree, majoring in psychology and industrial relations, and a diploma in counselling. She also studied Greek literature at university and has worked in direct marketing, and insurance and investments.
Her latest novel, Curiosity Spares the Butterfly, is a coming-of-age story in the contemporary literary fiction/mystery genre.
Anthea is also working on a new novel in the same genre, set in Corfu, Greece, which is expected to be published early 2027.
When she isn’t writing or reading, Anthea enjoys travelling, yoga, spending time with her family, and escaping to the vineyards. A quiet house with some jazz playing in the background, surrounded by a few lit scented candles is her idea of relaxation. Even though Anthea dreams about hosting the “perfect” dinner party, she is more likely to be found at a cosy, candlelit restaurant. She lives with her husband and their two sons, and enjoys regular visits from the neighbour's cat.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 29, 2020
This is not my go-to genre, but after reading some pretty hard-hitting novels during the early part of 2020, my heart was in desperate need of warming. This book, it turned out, was the perfect cure, its gentle storyline, lovely characters and warm, fuzzy ending all combining to serve up lashings of comfort food for the soul!
July 30, 2019
I rarely dip into these waters, but found True Colors to be a very nice and enjoyable read. I actually enjoyed this much more than the second book I read from this author, and was surprised at how quickly I got through it. I can certainly see where it would be a refreshing read for those tired of the too-silly-for-words frivolous chick-lit, or those who prefer their romance to remain outside the bedroom door.
This Australian author has sort of stuck to her guns in presenting tales of women coming into their own and finding both their place, and the person with whom they were meant to be. Her stories don’t grab you by the collar and shake you, but rather wash over you gently. That literary gentleness sometimes gets lost amid flashier, and often more explicit reads, but it’s quite nice. Though there probably won’t be any fan-girling over True Colors, it will hit exactly the right spot for the audience at which it is aimed.
Tess, young and already divorced, is part owner of a Sydney salon. She has a kind of crush on a barista who works close by, but quickly realizes it is just that — a crush. In her twenties and struggling with breaking free from the disaster that was high school, we get some flashbacks to the teasing and ostracizing that befell her. Part of the teasing had to do with Tess’s unconventional parents, and a social class divide. And it was spearheaded by one particular girl.
While in the previous book I read by this author I found this element of childhood and/or young adulthood lingering so long into adulthood to be annoying, and simply wished the characters would just all grow up and cut the cord, here it felt much more in sync with the story. Part of that can be attributed to Tess’s high school nemesis, Desiree, reappearing and inserting herself back into Tess’s life. This allows the reader to see firsthand how catty and manipulative Desiree can be, and sympathize with Tess. The author does a nice job with this because Desiree could easily have come off as a caricature. At times, in fact, she almost does, but hints there might be more to Desiree than meets the eye keep the reader off balance. Those hints come from Stewart, someone else from high school who reenters the picture. Stewart’s appearance, however, unlike Desiree’s, is welcome. It is, however, like Desiree’s appearance, a bit confusing to Tess.
There is quite a lot of confusion between Tess and her friends. From Pamela, her partner in the salon, to Helena, Millie, and her best friend Cathy, who isn’t even around, there seems to be a lot of mixed signals when it comes to who wants to romance whom. At several junctures during the narrative, it is unclear if Tess is being played for a fool. All of this could be solved if there were better — and perhaps more mature — communication between the friends, but it feels natural in this case most of the time, and makes most of the relationship intrigue believable. The author makes the reader privy to Tess’s feelings, and her confusion as she tries to discover what she wants amid all the petty maneuvering and manipulation. We wonder too what exactly is going on, investing us in the outcome.
The author does a really nice job of giving the reader a feel for the salon, and for that area of Sydney, and for the friendships and rivalries. Nights out with the girls at Vinnie’s lend atmosphere, and make the reader feel part of the area. She also paints a nice portrait of Tess, who prefers to get lost in her books by Austen and Bronte, because, like most romantics, she’s disenchanted with the lack of romance in the modern world. Because of her treatment in high school, she rebelled, and still longs for wild horses.
While the author perhaps goes for a bit too much at the end, by having everything work out the way we want — this tends to work best in shorter form, like short stories and novelettes — it leaves the reader feeling good about having read it. I definitely like this the best of the books I’ve read from this author. It’s different from most reads in and around this genre because it is neither frivolous chick-lit nor lust-driven fiction packaged as romance. It is kind of its own thing, therefore it is unfair to judge it against either of the aforementioned. This author, I believe, simply needs to find her audience.
So, who is the audience for True Colors? Most likely young women who love old films and stars and long for that period of style and romance, but are very much grounded in the modern world. It should also appeal to those women who gravitate toward the romantic notions and sensibilities of Austen and Bronte in the same way that men gravitate toward the very male view of John D. MacDonald and Donald Hamilton. And mostly, those members of the former who still enjoy a tale of modern romance and coming into one’s own, as long as it has some delicacy, and a hint of substance. Lastly, it is for those who wish it could be like it is in films of old, and books far more ancient, and who hold onto the notion that it is still possible — providing a girl can find her place, and her meant-to-be soulmate with whom to share it.
This Australian author has sort of stuck to her guns in presenting tales of women coming into their own and finding both their place, and the person with whom they were meant to be. Her stories don’t grab you by the collar and shake you, but rather wash over you gently. That literary gentleness sometimes gets lost amid flashier, and often more explicit reads, but it’s quite nice. Though there probably won’t be any fan-girling over True Colors, it will hit exactly the right spot for the audience at which it is aimed.
Tess, young and already divorced, is part owner of a Sydney salon. She has a kind of crush on a barista who works close by, but quickly realizes it is just that — a crush. In her twenties and struggling with breaking free from the disaster that was high school, we get some flashbacks to the teasing and ostracizing that befell her. Part of the teasing had to do with Tess’s unconventional parents, and a social class divide. And it was spearheaded by one particular girl.
While in the previous book I read by this author I found this element of childhood and/or young adulthood lingering so long into adulthood to be annoying, and simply wished the characters would just all grow up and cut the cord, here it felt much more in sync with the story. Part of that can be attributed to Tess’s high school nemesis, Desiree, reappearing and inserting herself back into Tess’s life. This allows the reader to see firsthand how catty and manipulative Desiree can be, and sympathize with Tess. The author does a nice job with this because Desiree could easily have come off as a caricature. At times, in fact, she almost does, but hints there might be more to Desiree than meets the eye keep the reader off balance. Those hints come from Stewart, someone else from high school who reenters the picture. Stewart’s appearance, however, unlike Desiree’s, is welcome. It is, however, like Desiree’s appearance, a bit confusing to Tess.
There is quite a lot of confusion between Tess and her friends. From Pamela, her partner in the salon, to Helena, Millie, and her best friend Cathy, who isn’t even around, there seems to be a lot of mixed signals when it comes to who wants to romance whom. At several junctures during the narrative, it is unclear if Tess is being played for a fool. All of this could be solved if there were better — and perhaps more mature — communication between the friends, but it feels natural in this case most of the time, and makes most of the relationship intrigue believable. The author makes the reader privy to Tess’s feelings, and her confusion as she tries to discover what she wants amid all the petty maneuvering and manipulation. We wonder too what exactly is going on, investing us in the outcome.
The author does a really nice job of giving the reader a feel for the salon, and for that area of Sydney, and for the friendships and rivalries. Nights out with the girls at Vinnie’s lend atmosphere, and make the reader feel part of the area. She also paints a nice portrait of Tess, who prefers to get lost in her books by Austen and Bronte, because, like most romantics, she’s disenchanted with the lack of romance in the modern world. Because of her treatment in high school, she rebelled, and still longs for wild horses.
While the author perhaps goes for a bit too much at the end, by having everything work out the way we want — this tends to work best in shorter form, like short stories and novelettes — it leaves the reader feeling good about having read it. I definitely like this the best of the books I’ve read from this author. It’s different from most reads in and around this genre because it is neither frivolous chick-lit nor lust-driven fiction packaged as romance. It is kind of its own thing, therefore it is unfair to judge it against either of the aforementioned. This author, I believe, simply needs to find her audience.
So, who is the audience for True Colors? Most likely young women who love old films and stars and long for that period of style and romance, but are very much grounded in the modern world. It should also appeal to those women who gravitate toward the romantic notions and sensibilities of Austen and Bronte in the same way that men gravitate toward the very male view of John D. MacDonald and Donald Hamilton. And mostly, those members of the former who still enjoy a tale of modern romance and coming into one’s own, as long as it has some delicacy, and a hint of substance. Lastly, it is for those who wish it could be like it is in films of old, and books far more ancient, and who hold onto the notion that it is still possible — providing a girl can find her place, and her meant-to-be soulmate with whom to share it.
November 7, 2018
I have been wanting to read this book after having read Anthea Syrokou's other books and "True Colours" is my favorite of the three. Every time I read one of Anthea's stories, I come away thinking about her book for days and thinking about the message which certainly has an effect on me. The reason being, Anthea's characters deal with everyday life issues and friendships. It makes the reader kind of take stock in their life and changing one's perspective sometimes.
Later in life I became a devout "classic reader", I do read modern books as this story coming out this year is a testament to that but I generally prefer books before 1960. I can relate to the main character in "True Colours" who loves the Classics, Austen and Bronte, and newer Classic authors like "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" Betty Smith. And we can not forget Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Anthea's Tess loves to read these stories and thinks about her beloved books. It is a safe kind of escape and I can relate to this but Tess does not give up on reality but has certain boundaries she keeps. She loves to dress the period of her stories but in a vintage way that looks good. I liked that Anthea went into the clothing to describe but she definitely knew the right amount to add to the story and did not go beyond. I am not into fashion but I certainly would love to dress this vintage route. I actually would love to time travel to the past and visit these times. We at Goodreads are readers and we all have our favorite book genres which uses are imagination so I think many can relate to getting into a story.
The story in short- Tess lives and works on a very creative street with various different characters but one such woman starts to bring change to her comfortable world. Romance is here and in a nice classic kind way which I absolutely love!💕💕💞💖🌸💟💚💜
I recommend this highly to Romantics!!!💕
Later in life I became a devout "classic reader", I do read modern books as this story coming out this year is a testament to that but I generally prefer books before 1960. I can relate to the main character in "True Colours" who loves the Classics, Austen and Bronte, and newer Classic authors like "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" Betty Smith. And we can not forget Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Anthea's Tess loves to read these stories and thinks about her beloved books. It is a safe kind of escape and I can relate to this but Tess does not give up on reality but has certain boundaries she keeps. She loves to dress the period of her stories but in a vintage way that looks good. I liked that Anthea went into the clothing to describe but she definitely knew the right amount to add to the story and did not go beyond. I am not into fashion but I certainly would love to dress this vintage route. I actually would love to time travel to the past and visit these times. We at Goodreads are readers and we all have our favorite book genres which uses are imagination so I think many can relate to getting into a story.
The story in short- Tess lives and works on a very creative street with various different characters but one such woman starts to bring change to her comfortable world. Romance is here and in a nice classic kind way which I absolutely love!💕💕💞💖🌸💟💚💜
I recommend this highly to Romantics!!!💕
October 21, 2018
Anthea did it again; She kept me up all night with her story-telling. I was so engrossed in the book, I didn't realize it was already 3am when I put the book down for the night. True Colours is a relaxing read. Like the author's other stories, the book is of the "finding yourself" theme, but it's not part of the Julie series. I have a lot in common with the main character, Tess, so I was quite drawn to the story. Tess lives vicariously through the character's lives in the books she reads. She reads every day as it's a wonderful escape from reality. But Tess realizes that she can't live in her books forever. The story moves at a steady clip, and never lulls. The writing is very descriptive without being wordy. I honestly feel like I'm watching a movie. This is the third ARC (advanced review copy) book I've read from Anthea, and honestly, the writing from this Indie author is better than some mainstream authors I've read. If you like the genre, I recommend this book without hesitation. #ramblingboho #arc #amreading
January 30, 2020
“True Colours” by Anthea Syrokou is a great book for fans of chicklit and women’s fiction! I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Syrokou’s writing and story. There is a delicacy and subtlety to the author’s writing that conveys a depth without telling the reader everything. While there are multiple layers to the story, the author allows the reader to taste the tiers slowly. “True Colours” was a perfect weekend read-cozied up by the fireplace with a pot of tea.
The book follows the central character, Tess, from high school through her twenties. Tess is an independent woman who, at first glance, appears to be unconstrained and untethered. She has a successful business, her own flat, good friends, passions and interests. However, the reader comes to see how Tess has created boundaries and restrictions around herself in order to heal from both a failed marriage and old caustic wounds from being bullied in high school.
From the larger lens, “True Colours” is about compassion, forgiveness, self-acceptance and healing. On a more intimate level, the book is about one woman, Tess, who has built a seemingly tranquil and robust world of treasures and books around herself. Her romantic and free-spirited ways are only able to be expressed through and from the dreamy world of the classic romantic literature (i.e. Austen and Bronte) she reads. As Tess begins to see and accept her once hidden vulnerabilities, her relationship to her cherished books and items evolves, and she comes to understand that these prized items have fortified her from truly living. Ms. Syrokou does a wonderful job in “True Coulors” of engaging the reader with ideas of class distinction and rivalry, but she also shows how wounds from childhood or teenage years can linger in the shadow, even as an echo, until one really heals and releases from hurts. The author has created a rich and textured main character, one whom the reader can easily empathize and identify with. This is a great weekend read about love, friendship, and opening the heart to trust.
The book follows the central character, Tess, from high school through her twenties. Tess is an independent woman who, at first glance, appears to be unconstrained and untethered. She has a successful business, her own flat, good friends, passions and interests. However, the reader comes to see how Tess has created boundaries and restrictions around herself in order to heal from both a failed marriage and old caustic wounds from being bullied in high school.
From the larger lens, “True Colours” is about compassion, forgiveness, self-acceptance and healing. On a more intimate level, the book is about one woman, Tess, who has built a seemingly tranquil and robust world of treasures and books around herself. Her romantic and free-spirited ways are only able to be expressed through and from the dreamy world of the classic romantic literature (i.e. Austen and Bronte) she reads. As Tess begins to see and accept her once hidden vulnerabilities, her relationship to her cherished books and items evolves, and she comes to understand that these prized items have fortified her from truly living. Ms. Syrokou does a wonderful job in “True Coulors” of engaging the reader with ideas of class distinction and rivalry, but she also shows how wounds from childhood or teenage years can linger in the shadow, even as an echo, until one really heals and releases from hurts. The author has created a rich and textured main character, one whom the reader can easily empathize and identify with. This is a great weekend read about love, friendship, and opening the heart to trust.
August 18, 2019
Equally charming and intriguing, Anthea Syrokou's True Colours is a delight to read, especially for lovers of books and history and romantic everything.
Tess is full of life, and she's designed her home, job, friends, happiness, and single status to reflect that love of life. But a storm is about to roll through her carefully laid plans, knocking her to the ground and making her second guess her strength.
As Tess is confronted by the past and the future, all while she's trying to keep a steady footing in the present, will she stay true to her colours?
Anthea Syrokou's books are a delight to read, and her wisdom in life and relationships can be seen in her story.
Tess is full of life, and she's designed her home, job, friends, happiness, and single status to reflect that love of life. But a storm is about to roll through her carefully laid plans, knocking her to the ground and making her second guess her strength.
As Tess is confronted by the past and the future, all while she's trying to keep a steady footing in the present, will she stay true to her colours?
Anthea Syrokou's books are a delight to read, and her wisdom in life and relationships can be seen in her story.
November 27, 2021
3 Stars
(Giving an additional star for encouragement to the author to keep writing)
Tess has created a comfortable life for herself after being bullied in high school. She has friends and a job she loves. Unexpectedly, her tranquility is threatened.
Kudos to Anthea Syrokou on completing this book. I’ll mention only a couple of issues that I had -
1. 3rd person narration – the narrator’s viewpoint kept shifting between limited, omniscient, and objective.
2. Relationship building – lacking with romantic and platonic relationships. This might be because a good chunk of the story was spent in flashbacks. I had an understanding of the bullying and her previous marriage, but not much of her current relationships. Even the development of the relationship with Stewart felt abrupt.
3. Stilted Dialogue – the conversations didn’t flow.
I enjoyed the world that Anthea created. She did a wonderful job creating the artsy street. It was lovely. I could imagine walking up and down that street, speaking with the various shop owners and asking “anything new today.” Even Tess’ apartment, although small, was described as place where one could relax and call home. Anthea gave really good detail in these areas.
(Giving an additional star for encouragement to the author to keep writing)
Tess has created a comfortable life for herself after being bullied in high school. She has friends and a job she loves. Unexpectedly, her tranquility is threatened.
Kudos to Anthea Syrokou on completing this book. I’ll mention only a couple of issues that I had -
1. 3rd person narration – the narrator’s viewpoint kept shifting between limited, omniscient, and objective.
2. Relationship building – lacking with romantic and platonic relationships. This might be because a good chunk of the story was spent in flashbacks. I had an understanding of the bullying and her previous marriage, but not much of her current relationships. Even the development of the relationship with Stewart felt abrupt.
3. Stilted Dialogue – the conversations didn’t flow.
I enjoyed the world that Anthea created. She did a wonderful job creating the artsy street. It was lovely. I could imagine walking up and down that street, speaking with the various shop owners and asking “anything new today.” Even Tess’ apartment, although small, was described as place where one could relax and call home. Anthea gave really good detail in these areas.
October 21, 2018
Tess Harrington works at a hair salon. Life is going well for her until someone threatens her tranquil world. (Isn't that true in everyone's lives?) Bullying doesn't go away when a person gets older. Desiree, the antagonist, bullied and manipulated.
I love the "feel" of this book. I'm drawn into Tess's world from page one and stayed interested until the last. It's a story of relationships, the good and the bad.
My favorites:
"I recalibrated my heart."
"No colour can hide the truth if the pain's so bad inside."
Her heart felt like she was riding wild horses.
She wanted her heart to smile again. And. Her heart smiled again.
I enjoyed the several references to classic books, Jane Eyre, my favorite. Tess loved to read and had conversations with the classics interjected.
What a great read. Anthea is a cleaver, witty author. I love the words she chooses, the smooth plot, and the "real" characters she creates. It makes an enjoyable story, one filled with treasures between the book covers.
I love the "feel" of this book. I'm drawn into Tess's world from page one and stayed interested until the last. It's a story of relationships, the good and the bad.
My favorites:
"I recalibrated my heart."
"No colour can hide the truth if the pain's so bad inside."
Her heart felt like she was riding wild horses.
She wanted her heart to smile again. And. Her heart smiled again.
I enjoyed the several references to classic books, Jane Eyre, my favorite. Tess loved to read and had conversations with the classics interjected.
What a great read. Anthea is a cleaver, witty author. I love the words she chooses, the smooth plot, and the "real" characters she creates. It makes an enjoyable story, one filled with treasures between the book covers.
October 26, 2018
Do you know of a quirky cozy street? One that may be a little out of the way, so that when you turn the corner and enter the street it feels like it was created just for you? A street that has intriguing and charming shops, where the shopkeepers are friends and know all the locals? If you do, you feel magic because it’s your special place.
Tess Harrington lives near such a street in Sydney and her hair salon is one of the lovely places there. She loves her world. Every day, she works, chats with her friends, and then she buys a sandwich and some pretty cupcakes and walks alone to her perfect little apartment. She spends the evening reading and savoring the peace of her little world.
She remembers a time when she wanted her life to surge like a wild horse, yet she is living like a mouse. She knows she needs colour in her life but is content with the precious objects in her apartment. Reading gives her a predictable view of love and life, where anything is possible but it’s still all controlled. Books are her window of hope- to adventure, passion and romance. Objects and books are all she can trust.
She drifts along until unsettling changes come to her world. She is forced to face memories from her younger years when Desiree moves in to the same apartment building. Desiree was one of the “mean girls” from Tess’s youth. Tess is terrified that Desiree has infiltrated her life once again. Tess must also confront some relationships with men from her past and her present.
Readers who are fans of Author Anthea Syrokou will once again appreciate her ability to explore the psychological realms. She is quite talented at creating relatable characters who are dealing with life’s challenges. To me, this book has a fairy tale or fantasy quality about it because Tess lives so much in the romantic world of her mind. This aura results in beautiful prose, but also makes the story somewhat distant and inaccessible.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC. This is my honest review.
Tess Harrington lives near such a street in Sydney and her hair salon is one of the lovely places there. She loves her world. Every day, she works, chats with her friends, and then she buys a sandwich and some pretty cupcakes and walks alone to her perfect little apartment. She spends the evening reading and savoring the peace of her little world.
She remembers a time when she wanted her life to surge like a wild horse, yet she is living like a mouse. She knows she needs colour in her life but is content with the precious objects in her apartment. Reading gives her a predictable view of love and life, where anything is possible but it’s still all controlled. Books are her window of hope- to adventure, passion and romance. Objects and books are all she can trust.
She drifts along until unsettling changes come to her world. She is forced to face memories from her younger years when Desiree moves in to the same apartment building. Desiree was one of the “mean girls” from Tess’s youth. Tess is terrified that Desiree has infiltrated her life once again. Tess must also confront some relationships with men from her past and her present.
Readers who are fans of Author Anthea Syrokou will once again appreciate her ability to explore the psychological realms. She is quite talented at creating relatable characters who are dealing with life’s challenges. To me, this book has a fairy tale or fantasy quality about it because Tess lives so much in the romantic world of her mind. This aura results in beautiful prose, but also makes the story somewhat distant and inaccessible.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC. This is my honest review.
February 6, 2025
The Blurb :
Twenty-six year old Tess Harrington is comfortably content with her life in the city. Originally from a small country town, Tess now works in a hair salon she part-owns with her friend Pamela, located in a quirky street full of culture, art, and plenty of tea and coffee. She couldn’t be happier spending her days interacting with the locals who work in the wonderful shops that line the street, and indulging in quiet nights in her nearby apartment, where she reads her many books, sips tea she makes with her prized teapot, and eats delightful gourmet sandwiches from the local deli. She treasures the antique finds which adorn her apartment, attends her monthly "shop girls" soiree at a swanky club called Vinnie's, and is never lonely, for she has her books, which introduce her to the romance and adventure she quietly longs for, and which satisfy her hidden desire to run free amongst storms, and to swim in surging seas.Life couldn't be going more smoothly for Tess, and she intends to keep it that way. With one failed marriage already under her belt, Tess decides to forgo relationships altogether, as does her friend Pamela, who finds herself in a similar predicament. They tell themselves they don’t need men in their lives — not even the handsome restaurateur Silvio, who swoons over Tess and calls her his muse.But when someone threatens this almost too tranquil world she has built for herself, will she be strong enough to resist the outside elements of the "real world"? Will an unexpected surprise on her doorstep cause Tess’ cosy world to change irrevocably? Or is it the change Tess needs, to finally live a colourful life, and not just read about it?
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Tess Harrington, Tess is in her late 20s and after having a hard time throughout her school years being bullied and then marrying the wrong man, she moved away to Sydney for a fresh start.
Fast forward to the now and Tess is the part owner a hair salon business with her friend Pamela.
The salon is located in a vibrant street consisting of food, art, culture and some wonderful cake and coffee shops.
Despite building a protective wall around herself to stop herself getting hurt again, Tess couldnt be any happier right now in her life, she has made many friends there and enjoys the social aspect but also enjoys her quiet time reading and getting lost in her own little world of classic books in her beloved apartment.
Enter the arrival of Desiree, who moves into Tess’s apartment building. Desiree just happens to be the one and only ‘IT’ girl who made Tess’s life hell in school and it seems she is back to finish off what she started. Desiree is out to tarnish her reputation that Tess has built and to destroy any relationships she has.
Will Tess survive Desiree’s full force of hatred or has she come along way since school and can now fight her own battles?!.
Anthea Syrokou puts the reader firmly into the middle of the story, I imgained walking up and down the street savouring the smells and moments that were brought alive in her book.
Tess was a very likeable character and I found myself warming to her very quickly. She handled herself very well in the situation with her nemesis.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
Twenty-six year old Tess Harrington is comfortably content with her life in the city. Originally from a small country town, Tess now works in a hair salon she part-owns with her friend Pamela, located in a quirky street full of culture, art, and plenty of tea and coffee. She couldn’t be happier spending her days interacting with the locals who work in the wonderful shops that line the street, and indulging in quiet nights in her nearby apartment, where she reads her many books, sips tea she makes with her prized teapot, and eats delightful gourmet sandwiches from the local deli. She treasures the antique finds which adorn her apartment, attends her monthly "shop girls" soiree at a swanky club called Vinnie's, and is never lonely, for she has her books, which introduce her to the romance and adventure she quietly longs for, and which satisfy her hidden desire to run free amongst storms, and to swim in surging seas.Life couldn't be going more smoothly for Tess, and she intends to keep it that way. With one failed marriage already under her belt, Tess decides to forgo relationships altogether, as does her friend Pamela, who finds herself in a similar predicament. They tell themselves they don’t need men in their lives — not even the handsome restaurateur Silvio, who swoons over Tess and calls her his muse.But when someone threatens this almost too tranquil world she has built for herself, will she be strong enough to resist the outside elements of the "real world"? Will an unexpected surprise on her doorstep cause Tess’ cosy world to change irrevocably? Or is it the change Tess needs, to finally live a colourful life, and not just read about it?
My Thoughts :
Here we meet Tess Harrington, Tess is in her late 20s and after having a hard time throughout her school years being bullied and then marrying the wrong man, she moved away to Sydney for a fresh start.
Fast forward to the now and Tess is the part owner a hair salon business with her friend Pamela.
The salon is located in a vibrant street consisting of food, art, culture and some wonderful cake and coffee shops.
Despite building a protective wall around herself to stop herself getting hurt again, Tess couldnt be any happier right now in her life, she has made many friends there and enjoys the social aspect but also enjoys her quiet time reading and getting lost in her own little world of classic books in her beloved apartment.
Enter the arrival of Desiree, who moves into Tess’s apartment building. Desiree just happens to be the one and only ‘IT’ girl who made Tess’s life hell in school and it seems she is back to finish off what she started. Desiree is out to tarnish her reputation that Tess has built and to destroy any relationships she has.
Will Tess survive Desiree’s full force of hatred or has she come along way since school and can now fight her own battles?!.
Anthea Syrokou puts the reader firmly into the middle of the story, I imgained walking up and down the street savouring the smells and moments that were brought alive in her book.
Tess was a very likeable character and I found myself warming to her very quickly. She handled herself very well in the situation with her nemesis.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
October 30, 2024
“True Colours” by Anthea Syrokou will delight a certain reader demographic but perhaps leave some others cold.
This is a quite well-written novel about Tess, a woman in her mid-twenties, who was clearly damaged by bullying during her high school days. That was followed by a failed one-year marriage at 22 to a man who turned out to be utterly shallow, totally materialistic and only success-driven, disinterested in any of the finer things in life.
So by age 26, Tess has erected walls and retreated into a closed- off life, swearing off men. She is happy enough, spending most evenings immersed in classic books with aromatic candles burning and music playing.
So, what are the worst things that could happen? Well, how about the arrival in town of Desiree, the leader of those high school mean girls, who picks up right where she left off, looking to sully Tess’s reputation and relationships wherever possible. Also complicating life are somewhat unwanted attentions from various men that seem to pick up pace, putting the “no men” vow she made with her work partner, Pamela, at risk. Tess’s equilibrium is upset by that.
The author is quite talented in creating moods as we readers live in Tess’s mind, partaking in her appreciation of lovely artwork, walking with her down the lively boutique-filled streets where she lives, or sharing her enjoyment of the weight of a warm cup of tea in her hands. But all that eventually gets a little tiresome, as does the one-dimensionality of the male characters.
This is a quite well-written novel about Tess, a woman in her mid-twenties, who was clearly damaged by bullying during her high school days. That was followed by a failed one-year marriage at 22 to a man who turned out to be utterly shallow, totally materialistic and only success-driven, disinterested in any of the finer things in life.
So by age 26, Tess has erected walls and retreated into a closed- off life, swearing off men. She is happy enough, spending most evenings immersed in classic books with aromatic candles burning and music playing.
So, what are the worst things that could happen? Well, how about the arrival in town of Desiree, the leader of those high school mean girls, who picks up right where she left off, looking to sully Tess’s reputation and relationships wherever possible. Also complicating life are somewhat unwanted attentions from various men that seem to pick up pace, putting the “no men” vow she made with her work partner, Pamela, at risk. Tess’s equilibrium is upset by that.
The author is quite talented in creating moods as we readers live in Tess’s mind, partaking in her appreciation of lovely artwork, walking with her down the lively boutique-filled streets where she lives, or sharing her enjoyment of the weight of a warm cup of tea in her hands. But all that eventually gets a little tiresome, as does the one-dimensionality of the male characters.
October 4, 2022
What a unique read! This is women's fiction done so elegantly. I loved this book! It had everything: romance, friendship, nights out at a swanky wine bar, books, and an exciting street full of art, coffee, and cosy restaurants and boutiques. I could feel the happening vibe from the street as I read. Tess is quirky, yet sophisticated. She needs to be independent but she also craves wild horses and storms. Her world is too tranquil and perhaps needs to be shaken up a bit. A surprise definitely stirs things up which sends our protagonists into a wild emotional and romantic adventure, just like her heroines in the many classic books she reads.
The descriptions of the boutiques and the nights out is absolutely stunning. I loved reading about Tess' apartment with all her books, records, vintage everything! The scenes where she reads and drinks her tea is so beautifully done, I wanted to join her. I also loved reading about the salon. I could feel the vibe of the street in that salon. It was great to see the friendships explored in great depth. There is non doubt that Anthea Syrokou is an exceptional and gifted author. Her writing is so expressive and full of beautiful prose, with many symbolisms and metaphors which open your heart to each scene.
I hope it's not too long that this author writes another book. Her writing is very unique and refined. I loved every minute of this delightful book.
The descriptions of the boutiques and the nights out is absolutely stunning. I loved reading about Tess' apartment with all her books, records, vintage everything! The scenes where she reads and drinks her tea is so beautifully done, I wanted to join her. I also loved reading about the salon. I could feel the vibe of the street in that salon. It was great to see the friendships explored in great depth. There is non doubt that Anthea Syrokou is an exceptional and gifted author. Her writing is so expressive and full of beautiful prose, with many symbolisms and metaphors which open your heart to each scene.
I hope it's not too long that this author writes another book. Her writing is very unique and refined. I loved every minute of this delightful book.
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