Feb 242012
 


Product Details:

  • Title: Targets In Ties
  • Author: Tristi Pinkston
  • Paperback: 258 pages
  • Publisher: Walnut Springs Press. (January 30, 2012)
  • Genre: Mystery
  • ISBN-10: 1599928078
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599928074

 

 

Book Description:

Secret Sisters Mystery
After two long years, Ren’s mission is finally over, and
it’s time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick
him up. They have their itinerary all planned out visiting the ruins in
the Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf and then they’ll
head to Ren’s mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But a
wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find
themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry.
Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they can do
keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper
making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure
yet?
My Review:
Is it possible for The Secret Sisters Mysteries to get even better than the last one? I am here to say, “Yes!” Targets in Ties, by Tristi Pinkston, had more laugh out loud moments than the last book. Of course life is never “normal”, when your name is Ida Mae, and trouble follows you wherever you go.
Ida Mae, Tansy and Arlette are touring through Mexico with a jewel thief on their tails. They
are in Mexico for some R&R and to pick up Ida Mae’s nephew, Ren, who has been on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. Of course, they end up in trouble sooner, rather than later. Targets in Ties once again makes you snicker and chuckle your way page after page. For example…
He could very well be telling the truth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to help him,” Arlette said, “We could let him work this out on his own.”
“When have we ever let someone work things out on their own?” Tansy demanded to know.
Arlette nodded. “You’re right. We aren’t very good at staying out of other people’s business. But maybe we should start now!”
That passage had me laughing so hard, while sitting in a quiet DR’s office; quiet, all except for me, who was cracking up disturbing others peace. I couldn’t help myself!! I also couldn’t hold back during a conversation between Ida Mae and Tansy…
“Ida Mae shuddered. “We’ve never been this close to danger before.” She tried to process it.
“We’ve been locked in closets and sheds, and injected with stuff, but…this is different. That person meant to kill someone today.”
Tansy shook her head. “They should take people like that and put them in leprechaun colonies.”
Ida Mae blinked. “What?”
“You know how they take all of the leprechauns and make them live far away from the villages, where they can’t be seen? Well, they should hunt down whoever shot at us and do the same thing to them.”
“I think you mean leper colonies.” Ida Mae said.
“It’s all the same thing, isn’t it?”
“Not exactly, but I do understand your sentiment.”
That whole conversation was side splitting to me! In my mind I could see all of the leprechauns rounded up and sent away. Tristi’s writing always brings out some emotion, especially that it makes me happy. I feel lucky to have her books to read.
 
Targets in Ties is cleverly written, full of mystery,with a great plot, and of course, the three elderly ladies who know how to kick fanny, in their own bumbling, but delightful way! This is why Target in Ties receives  5 stars from me.
You Can Win This!
Leave a comment on this blog post, and go 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.

More About the Author:

Tristi Pinkston is the author of seven published novels – “Nothing to
Regret,” “Strength to Endure,” “Season of Sacrifice,” “Agent in Old Lace,” “Secret Sisters,” “Dearly Departed,”  and “Hang’ Em High”. She also works as a freelance editor and online writing instructor. When she’s not writing,editing, or homeschooling her children, she enjoys reading, watching good movies, and taking really long naps

 

Purchase your copy of Targets in Ties, or start with Secret Sisters, then Dearly Departed, and Hang ‘Em High.
Learn more about Tristi Pinkston and her work as an author, editor, and blogger. Learn more about the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

**I want to thank Walnut Springs Press for the review copy of Target in Ties. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.** 

 

 

Feb 022012
 

Today we welcome Tristi Pinkston, author of several novels including her most recent book, Targets in Ties, book four in the Secret Sisters mystery series. Scroll down for details about the Targets in Ties book launch and the fun prizes Tristi will be giving away.

Please help us welcome Tristi to the LDSWBR blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment!

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Are You a Doer or a Talker?

I am very blessed to be a published author, and even more blessed to have been published multiple times. I really am living the life I’ve always wanted—I get to stay home with my kids, have a career that I love, and write books that people want to read. I truly consider myself so, so blessed.

I’ve had the chance to speak with writers who are looking to make the leap from “prospective author” to “published author.” They ask me questions about my journey, which I’m more than happy to answer, and then I listen to their responses. I hear them say things like, “Oh, you’re so lucky. I wish that would happen to me.” Or they say, “I’ve sent out ten queries this week, so it shouldn’t be too much longer before I have a contract too.” Can you hear the difference in those two responses?

Some writers dream about being published, but they never take serious action. They will sigh wistfully when they hear someone else talk about their contracts or their publisher, and then they bemoan the fact that they’re still seeking. Other writers are proactive. They are constantly working toward improving their craft. They send out the queries. They attend conferences. They network. They make friends in the right places. They do their research and their legwork. And when success comes their way, it’s not because they were lucky—it’s because they had prepared themselves to accept the opportunity when it came.

I have to admit, I get a little frustrated when I listen to people moan about their careers (or lack of careers). I’m going to share a little secret with you—if you keep doing what you’re doing, you will always be where you are. If you want to get somewhere else, you have to do something different. I have experienced for myself the power that comes from sitting down and making a goal sheet, then creating a to-do list off that goal sheet, and then getting down to business. In fact, an excellent program to help you do just that thing is found at http://www.30daypush.com. Don’t talk about what you want to achieve—make a comprehensive plan, and follow through.

If you’re not published yet, but you know the positive steps to take, you will get published. If you are published, but are unhappy with your sales or your situation, take some positive steps, and your situation will improve. Here’s another secret—you are in control of your life. You don’t have to wait for good things to happen to you—you can be the catalyst that makes good things happen to you.

Yes, you will have to be patient. No, success won’t happen overnight. But you will be creating the atmosphere in which success can thrive. You will learn things on your journey that will prepare you for success. Think for a minute about the difference between a person who just has a ton of money handed to them versus the person who has worked hard for their money. Doesn’t the person who worked for it appreciate it more and know how to budget it and take care of it? It’s the same thing with success. When you’ve been in the trenches and have worked your way out of it, it tastes so much sweeter.

Ask yourself one simple question: Am I a doer or a talker? Doers get things done. Doers are strong, powerful, positive—and they inspire others. Talkers usually end up just talking to themselves in a lonely little corner somewhere. Take control of your life. Change the things you can change. Learn different ways to cope with the areas you can’t change. And then you’ll be creating an atmosphere where success is drawn to you.

Tristi Pinkston is the author of nine books and works as a freelance editor and virtual book tour coordinator. You can learn more about her at www.tristipinkston.com, and purchase her latest book, Targets in Ties, at AMAZON.

You are also invited to attend her launch party for Targets in Ties on Thursday, February 2nd, from 5 – 7 pm at Pioneer Book, 858 S. State in Orem, Utah. Click here http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-time-for-secret-sisters-fiesta.html for all the details, and to learn about a fun online contest for those who are unable to attend the launch.

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Thank you, Tristi! 

Dec 172011
 

8 days until Christmas

 

Tristi Pinkston is the mother of four, the author of eight, the wife of one, and the taker of really long naps. She works as a freelance editor and virtual book tour coordinator, and she is a popular presenter at writers conferences all over the Intermountain West. She has a number of new books coming out in 2012, from fiction to nonfiction to self-help, and she’s excited about all of them.

Connect with Tristi: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

TRISTI: I want to go reindeer wrangling. I’ve heard it’s tricky because they run really fast and they fly, but I bet I could do it. You never know until you try.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

TRISTI: Hmmm … you know, that’s a hard one. There are so many authors that I love, and I’d be delighted by any of them. Let’s say something new by Dee Henderson, Elizabeth Peters, Jessica Day George, or Shannon Hale. Yep, any of those would be awesome. And if any of them happen to be reading this and want to make a donation to a very good cause, Merry Christmas to me!

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

TRISTI: The best Christmas I ever had was the year my mom found a refurbished manual typewriter at the thrift store and got it for me. I was ten years old, and I was so excited. I started learning how to type right away, and because the machine was manual, my pinkie fingers got really sore, really fast. I wonder if my mom knew what she was starting with that gift – from there, I’ve graduated to more … sophisticated … forms of word processing, but since I was ten, I’ve spent quite a lot of time every day on a keyboard of some kind.

LDSWBR: Reindeer wrangling – lol – I would SO pay to see that! Thanks, Tristi. Merry Christmas!

* * * * *

Buy Hang ’em High by Tristi Pinkston

AMAZON | SECRET SISTERS (Bk 1) | DEARLY DEPARTED (Bk 2)

Read our Combined review of Hang ’em High.

Have you ever typed up a document on a manual typewriter? If so, did it have a white-out ribbon or did you have to make corrections by hand?

* * * * *

To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

  • **Required entry (+1) – Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.
  • Bonus entry (+1 total) – Follow Tristi on her blog, Twitter or Facebook and send an email to ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com telling us how you follow Tristi.
  • Additional entries (one time +1 entry each) – 1) Subscribe to LDSWBR through email 2) Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter 3) Like LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook (all found at the the top of the right sidebar on the LDSWBR blog). NOTE: If you already subscribe through email, follow us on Twitter, or Like us on Facebook you must tell us in a comment for the extra entries to count.
  • By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

 

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

 

Book prizes donated by their authors:

  • Winners choice of  Divinely Designed, Luck of the Draw, or Minor Adjustments by Rachael Renee Anderson (new addition to the prize list!)
  • Winner’s choice of Secret Sisters, Dearly Departed, or Hang ’em High by Tristi Pinkston (new addition to the prize list!)
  • Montana Summer by Jeanette Miller
  • Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon
  • Not My Type by Melanie Jacobson
  • Cinder & Ella by Melissa Lemon (ebook)
  • Pride & Popularity by Jenni James
  • The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
  • Rearview Mirror by Stephanie Black (paperback or Kindle)
  • The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry
  • Winner’s choice of one of the books in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series by Josi S. Kilpack (including Banana Split which will be released in February 2012)
  • Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
  • Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson
  • Circle of Secrets by Kimberley Griffiths Little
  • Indelible by Lani Woodland and a swag bag!
  • Identity by Betsy Love
  • The Hainan Incident by D.M. Coffman (autographed copy)
  • Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford
  • Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
  • The Breakup Artist by Shannen Crane Camp
  • Seers by Heather Frost
Don’t forget to comment! Merry Christmas and happy reading!
Sep 272011
 

Hang ’em High (Secret Sisters #3)

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published: July 2011

Softcover; 258 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-59992-800-5

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy for honest review except for Mindy who purchased hers :)

***Tristi’s giving away a free manuscript evaluation! Read on for details.***

Shanda’s Review

In Hang ’em High, we meet Keith, Ida Mae’s long-time estranged son. Keith invites Ida Mae up to visit his dude ranch in Montana in the middle of winter and welcomes Arlette and Tansy as well. When Keith’s prize stud is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Ida Mae convinces her son to let her do some investigating.

The Secret Sisters are soon joined by Eden, Kevin and Ida Mae’s beau, George. What follows is an entertaining tale layered with hilarious adventure, mystery, rebuilding family connections, and a hint of romance.

While I knew I would like the Secret Sisters series, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do. I’m surprised at how much I’ve come to care about and appreciate these three older ladies, their quirky personalities and crazy antics. I know that when I sit down to read a Secret Sisters mystery, I am guaranteed an entertaining story, intriguing mystery, and a good laugh or two.

I give Hang ’em High 4 stars out of 5 for helping me see that you’re never too old to learn and change, for making me smile, and for leaving me excited for the next book in the series.

Mindy’s Review

Hang ’em High had me smiling and laughing from the start, and for that I knew I was going to love this book. Ida Mae and her grown kids are estranged, have been for years. Arlette secretly wrote to Keith and Kim to tell them about Ida Mae’s accidents (see Dearly Departed). Keith was the only one that responded; he was thrilled and invited Ida Mae to his dude ranch for a visit. Ida Mae couldn’t be happier, there has been some unresolved issues with her kids and she was glad that she could try to clear the air with one of them. Ida Mae gets her courage and calls Keith to see if the offer was still there for her to come see him in Montana. At a shopping spree in Walmart, Ida Mae invites Tansy and Arlette to come along too. They make it to Montana just in time to beat the big snow storm knocking at the door, and just in time for a mystery involving some breeding horses at the ranch.

I loved this book. Every page had something witty and funny. Tristi’s writing is so consistent, and her characters are so full of heart and humor. Ida Mae is my favorite, but I love how all the characters are written in their own unique and special way. I won’t give away too much, but my favorite part is when the ladies are trying to break in a window. Laugh out loud funny.

4 stars out of 5. Hang ’em High is a fast paced, quick read. Very funny. I finished fast and it left me hungry for the next one. Luckily I don’t have to wait long. Targets in Ties comes out in January of next year!

Sheila’s Review can be found her personal blog: Why Not? Because I Said So!

Hang ’em High is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

Visit Tristi’s website: http://www.tristipinkston.com and blog: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com

Contest Info!

To celebrate the release of Tristi’s eighth book, she’s holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com. In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston’s blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you’re not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.

Have you read any of the Secret Sisters Mysteries yet? If so, do you have a favorite character?
Jun 092011
 

12 days until summer!

Tristi Pinkston is the mother of four, author of six (soon to be seven) and the wife of one. She loves reading, watching good movies, and taking ridiculously long naps. She is a freelance editor, a virtual book tour coordinator, mentor, writing instructor, Cubmaster, and headless chicken.

Visit Tristi on her website: www.tristipinkston.com and blog: Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

Follow Tristi on Facebook and Twitter: @TristiPinkston

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

TRISTI: Cozy mystery is my choice these days, but I also enjoy historical fiction and general fiction. I just love books, can I say?

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

TRISTI: I look forward to the possibility of possibly, maybe, finding time to read anything at all, if I can fit it in. Life has been crazy lately, but books are necessary for survival!

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

TRISTI: The perfect summer day is warm, but not too hot, and has a gentle cooling breeze blowing. My hair turned out really well, I’m dressed in cute clothes, and my perfectly behaved children are walking respectfully at my side, speaking kind words to each other. My handsome husband takes my hand and tells me I’m more beautiful today than on our wedding day, and someone drives up and hands us a million dollars. That would be a perfect day. Oh, and I’m skinny.

LDSWBR: Nice! Thanks, Tristi. Have a great summer!

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston (Walnut Springs Press; January 2011) is available for purchase from Amazon.

Do you get to read as much as you want? What types of things often keep you from reading?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

Feb 222011
 

Dearly Departed

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published Date: January 2011

Softcover: 270 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-935217-89-3

FTC FYI: Borrowed from friend

I’m a big fan of Tristi Pinkston, both as a person and an author. Previously I have read a few of her more serious historical novels, so it was a real treat to read about the fun and quirky women known as “The Secret Sisters.” Tristi’s fun personality shines through Ida Mae, Tansy, Eden, Hattie, and even Arlette, not to mention sweet old George.

After enjoying Tristi’s more serious novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading The Secret Sisters series. I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest, and I’m not just saying that because I’m part of the blog tour. I loved the characters, story and writing in Dearly Departed. Eden, especially, has become one of my favorites. I think if I was an obituary editor, I would go to some of the funerals, too. I really liked that about her. And, Tristi, c’mon!- how dare you invite someone like Kevin to the party? How is Eden supposed to choose? I’m not sure if I’m Team Ren or Team Kevin, and usually I have a definite opinion in this type of situation.

Clean writing, memorable characters, and a story both fun and suspenseful make Dearly Departed a definite must-read. The only thing that could make it better? Reading the copy you won! See details below to find out how you could win one of three copies of Dearly Departed as well as a Grand Prize.

Ida Mae Babbitt rides again!
Ida Mae Babbitt may be a reformed woman, but trouble just can’t stay away.
Follow the blog tour for Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston and learn
about Ida Mae’s latest adventure.

We will be giving away THREE copies of Dearly Departed.

One GRAND PRIZE winner will win this fun scrapbooking pack.

It’s easy to enter:

  1. Visit the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you’re excited to read Dearly Departed. Remember to include your email address.
  2. For an additional entry become a follower of Walnut Springs Press blog, Tristi’s blog, or any of the fabulous review blogs. Leave a comment letting us know who’s blog you now follow.
  3. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you’ll receive an additional entry for each post.

Good luck! Entries close at midnight (MST) on March 6th.

***
Ida Mae Babbitt has done her community service and is a reformed woman – no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette’s granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae – with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle – checks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she’s buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

****

February 16th
Starcrossed Book Reviews
(Nichole Giles)

Febraury 17
Inksplasher

(Karlene Browning)

February 18
Heather Justesen

February 21
Elizabeth Mueller

February 22
LDS Women’s Book Review
(Shanda Cottam)

February 23
Rachelle Writes
(Rachelle Christensen)

Sometimes Hard But Oh So Worth It

(Kimberly Coates)

February 24
Fire and Ice
(Heather Gardner)

February 28
Cheryl’s Book Nook
(Cheryl Koch)

March 1
JDP News
(Joyce DiPastena)

March 2
Teri Rodeman

March 3
Why Not? Because I Said So
(Sheila Staley)