Book Review: Secret Sisters

Tristi Pinkston is not a first-time novelist and it shows in her writing. This is a lighthearted, funny novel that will entertain, and at the same time teach some important truths about how we should be as a person. BUT it is NOT preachy--not in the least.

One thing that I've noticed in this 'type' of LDS humor novel is how over the top the characters are--it drives me crazy. However, in this novel, the characters don't feel over the top, but real and the choices they make are logical given their situations.

Yes, the Relief Society President chooses to spy on a family they are concerned about--the sheriff won't help and she has a convenient grandson (I think he is a grandson) who is an electronics genius and wants to test out some of his own inventions in terms of spyware . . . and well one little thing leads to another. In the middle of all of this, other things are happening in the little town of Omni and to help out the Bishop, who is having blood pressure problems, well the Relief Society Presidency is going to do everything they can to help out! And if that includes spying on someone, they're going to do what it takes. I loved how Ida Mae often worried about her own personal challenges--such as judging people--just as much as she worried about being tossed in jail!

I thoroughly enjoyed the older ladies--just visualizing them in some of these situations made for a lot of hilarity. However, my husband, who also read the book would have preferred the women to have been younger--in their mid-30's. For me, sometimes I could totally see my grandmother in some of these women and it made it thoroughly delightful for me.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who knows LDS culture. In all honesty, if you aren't LDS or aren't familiar with the culture, a lot of the humor might be lost. Amy--if you are reading my blogs--you would love this book!

Another recommendation? Don't read this book when you are hungry. These are the ladies of the generation that didn't know or care that cookies aren't healthy food for you. I seriously wanted to go bake something--thank goodness there weren't any recipes in the back of the book. I think I would have gone and done some cooking! However, there are plans for an entire Ida Mae Cookbook eventually. I'm going to buy it too! And probably gain some weight in the process, but some of those treats sounded SO GOOD!

My only complaint about this book? I couldn't quite seem to get a grasp on one character--the secretary of the Relief Society Presidency. I kept getting her confused with other characters. I'm not too sure why.

All in all--buy the book if you are LDS, a female, have ever been in the Relief Society Presidency, or have ever had a grandmother who thinks cookies are a food group!

To buy the book go here.