Book Review: Targets in Ties by Tristi Pinkston

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Tristi Pinkston and her Secret Sisters Mysteries are laugh out loud funny!

Three elderly women: leader, Ida Mae Babbit, who's constantly looking for the best cookie to serve for any occasion; cranky sidekick Arlette, who seems to be constantly knitting; and the ever bubbly (and slightly ditsy) Tansy. And then there is Arlette's sleuthing journalist granddaughter, Eden, and Ida Mae's nephew, Ren (whose name Tristi TOTALLY stole from editing my books! Sorry, Tristi, the secret is out! lol) What's not funny about three sleuthing little old ladies who used to be the relief society presidency until they were released for breaking a few laws in their efforts to do good for the sisters of their ward? (Whew! long sentence!)

Targets in Ties is the fourth book in the series and as fantastic as the previous three. Here the women go to Mexico to to pick-up Ida Mae's nephew, Ren, from his mission and run into trouble while they are there, and of course they have to solve the crime. They can't help themselves. It's just the way they are.

I won't ruin the story for you, but I will say that Tristi Pinkston is one

of my favorite writers. She's funny, breaks my heart, and makes me feel as if these wonderful characters are my real friends (I don't know what that says about me, but it's true.) If you haven't read the series yet, start with Secret Sisters and work your way up. I can guarantee you won't regret it. This isn't just funny, it's laugh out loud in public funny!

Tristi, you're my hero. I hope someday I can grow up and be a writer like you!

As a bonus, Leave a comment on this blog post, and go and visit Tristi's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.

You can purchase Targets in Ties at the following locations:

Amazon.com

barnesandnoble.com

Deseretbook.com

Most likely your local Deseret Bookstore

Book Review: Become by Ali Cross

I've been putting off this review for a while. Not because I didn't like the book, but actually, the opposite. I loved it so much I've been savoring the reading of it like my favorite European chocolate.

Become is the story of Desolation Black, the daughter of Loki or Satan, who has been sent to this world to do her Father's bidding and turn those with the potential for great good to the dark side. (Sounds a little Star Wars-like when I say it that way, doesn't it?) Fortunately for her and her soul, that is not what happens.

Desolation, or Desi, is a fascinating character, full of conflicting emotions and a journey of self-discovery like none other. I love the integration of Norse mythology with greek myths and Christian beliefs. It was done very well and in a subtle enough way, that I was not at all offended, though I am Christian, and I actually embraced the mythology as believable. That is the sign of a very good writer.

Now, I'll admit, I read early drafts of this book as Ali is a good friend of mine, but she didn't make me like it, and she, of all people, would know that I can only be honest in what I like and what I don't. She's the same with me. Believe me. I just got feedback from her on some of my work, and she's big on tough love.

So, knowing that, let me be honest with you: Become is now on my top ten list of favorite series of all time, right up there with Anne McCaffrey, David Eddings, and Mercedes Lackey.

Yes, Ali is that good.

This is the only book I have ever read that when I finished, I wanted to immediately turn back to the first page and start reading again. It is one that will be well read and cherished. As a matter of fact, I wish I could get it in hard back, as I know my paper versions will disintegrate shortly. Thank heavens for my kindle!

Ali, your book is magnificent! Thank you for an awesome escape in a time I needed it most. And any of you out there looking for an entertaining, well written story, please give Become a read. I'm pretty sure you won't regret it.

Purchase Become at:

(Paper copies)--Amazon

(E-Books)--Amazon, Barnesandnoble, Smashwords

ANNOUNCING!

I just got the cover for book three of The Wolfchild Saga, and I must say, I am in love! It turned out even better than I'd imagined. Thanks to Deirdre Eden Coppel for being such a fantastic artist!