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!

Book Review: Heir to Power by Michele Poague

Heir to Power was an interesting read. Stylistically, it reminded me of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson with its strong world building and multiple character viewpoints.

It is a fascinating world, there is no doubting that, with a lot of thought having gone into creating the religious system, the different mythologies, and the societies that are vastly varied in beliefs, language, and even things as simple as the weapons and technology.

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I am a character writer. That also makes me a character reader. That's what I love most about reading. It always has been and I imagine it always will be, and it was probably my favorite part of Heir to Power. The characters voices were strong and I really found myself sympathizing with so many of them in their plight to live up to the expectations of their society and yet long for something different.

The only problem I really had with the book was there were so many characters I occasionally got them confused, and then as Michele continued in that character's head, I fell in love with them all. Every time.

Overall, if you are interested in traditional fantasy with strong world building elements and intriguing characters, Heir to Power is just the book for you. I certainly enjoyed it.

Awesome review today. Totally made me laugh!

http://www.shesgotthewritestuff.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Faithful, Fit, & Fabulous by Connie Sokol

I was really excited to have the chance to review this book, for multiple reasons. I've got some issues that make me want to work on the 'fit' part of the book, and I definitely want to feel fabulous, but it was the faithful part that really intrigued me.

I try very hard to incorporate the spirit of the Lord into everything I do, especially my writing. I'm a  big believer in the Father wanting to help us succeed in those things that are important to us, and when we make Him a partner in our efforts, we can't help but succeed.

It's what I've done with my writing all these years. I know that I cannot write my best without reading His word and praying first, and thus, incorporating that element in the success of our lives really intrigued me in Connie's book.

I was not disappointed.

This book was hard to read straight through--not because it didn't make sense or wasn't interesting, because it was both. No, it was hard because I wanted to stop and savor each chapter the way the book was meant to be used. I wanted to do the exercises and really apply the things I was learning, but that's hard to do when I'm just doing a book review.

So, here's what I'm going to do. I'm posting my two thumbs up review here, right now, in that I love this book and think it can make a big change in my own life, but I'm also going to spend the next eight weeks applying these things into my life.

Starting January 1st, I'll update regularly here on what I learned with each chapter and let you guys experience it through me, and hopefully you'll go out and buy the book and try it yourselves. I truly believe this is a book that should be in every household. It's one of those that can change your life.

I certainly hope it changes mine.

You can purchase it at the following places:
Deseret Book
Amazon
Amazon e-book

Best. Review. Ever!!!

Review of the Author, not the books!

Blog: I Am a Pistachio