Kansas Troubles

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Summary: Kansas, Quilts and Murder
Review: Benni Harper and her new husband, Gabe Ortiz leave California for a vacation in Kansas so that Benni can meet Gabe's family and old friends. The experience is stressful for Benni because she knows very little of Gabe's background or former life. As usual, Gabe is not into explaining things to Benni and they are constantly locking horns in between their flirting. Gabe's sister shares Benni's love of quilts and asks for her help in setting up a local quilt show. In the mean time, the murder of a young woman singer named Tyler takes place. She happened to be dating Gabe's old friend Rob and he is a suspect in her death. Tyler was also a runaway wife from the local Amish community and a superb quilter. When Benni sees the last quilt that Tyler made, she discovers some clues that could lead to the identity of the killer.

There's a lot of fascinating "quilt talk" in this book and some interesting facts about the state of Kansas. This is the third book in the Benni Harper series and I'm now committed to reading them all.

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Summary: Don't read this one first
Review: Don't make this the first Earlene Fowler you read. I thought Benni's character was really flat and hard to relate to. Other major characters such as Dove hardly even get an introduction of her own--Fowler asssumes you've alread one of her books. I read Irish Chain (set in Benni's home stomping grounds) later and suddenly I could relate. I though Benni was a kick and I will probably find Kansas Troubles a lot more fun the second time around.

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Summary: Loved the trip to Kansas!
Review: I enjoyed learning about Gabe's roots as well as Amish customs in this book. Even though Benni and Gabe are still working out their roles in their new relationship under the scrutiny of his mother and sisters, you know they are there for each other. And as for figuring out who the murderer really is, well, Earlene keeps you guessing. Another great book from Earlene Fowler!

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Summary: A great FAST-read fun mystery!
Review: I met Earlene at a Quilt Show in San Diego, and bought the book. The quilting connection is pretty strong, and as a quilter, I especially enjoyed that. The "mystery" element catches you, and it is definitely a good "curl up in a comfy" and read to the end. Benni IS a bit too feminist in her relationship with Gabe, but all in all, I very much enjoyed the story. Well written, I'll go back to the first book and read the series

Rating:
Summary: Good solid entry in this series
Review: I really like the Benni Harper series. She's independent, strong, and happily married. That's a nice combination. We also have a lot in common, since I was born in Texas and live in the West right now.

This book finds Benni and her husband Gabe on a trip to meet his family. Benni's husband is the silent type, and she soon discovers that she doesn't know as much about him as she'd like to. There's a murder (of course) and Benni can't help getting involved (also of course). Benni is having trouble bonding with her in-laws when she suspect them and everyone else of being involved in murder. Gee, my in-law trouble are so normal. Anyway, lots of fun. And if you like quilting, there's some great stuff in this book about the Amish tradition.

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Summary: Going home is never easy...
Review: Many people dread their first meeting with their new in-laws, it does not help that Benni and Gabe married after only knowing each other 3 months nor that Benni insists on keeping her last name (that of her dead husband) instead of taking Gabes. Meeting Gabe's family is hard enough, but after the murder of a beautiful young singer, Tyler Brown, Benni finds herself deep in a murder mystery where her husband's best friends are all prime suspects. She and Gabe struggle to find their footing in their marriage which seemed so right in California but under the scrutiny of his family seems ill advised. Discovering Tyler's true background as an Amish wife who has fled the community resulting in banishment from her family is startling. How did her life with the "English" lead to her death? Bennie is thrust into danger as she gets closer and closer to identifying the murderer. Will Gabe be able to protect her? Ms. Fowler's writing is fast paced and the story moves well. I did think there were a few loose ends in the story but nothing that will keep me from reading the rest of the Benni Harper mysteries. They are currently all on the top of my reading list. I love all the characters and enjoy seeing them fleshed out in each of the books, they have depth and multi-layers to them which I really like. Gramma Dove is an absolute hoot!

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Summary: Cute 'n corney
Review: This book is good for high school girls. The characters were about as flat as the Kansas landscape and not too colorful. What's with all the Coke instead of it's real name: Coca-Cola? Ple-e-ease. Too many characters had tightening around their mouths and eyes,and la-de-da didn't it all just end hunky-dorey with all their cowboy stuff and country songs and churchey junk. What's with all the fist raising done by the main character? I can't believe what passes for good reading today. I know I'm not about to read another one of this Bennie Harper stuff, I'm just used to better. I guess this book may appeal to christian country bumpkin types who don't have much of a life beyond songs by Rany Travis and the like. This writer ought to read some of the better "English" (that's England - across the ocean, get it?) writers who really know how to write. But, the story was somewhat cute in its own way

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Summary: Another great book in her series
Review: This is the first in her series that actually takes place near my area and the feel was just right. I have come to care about her characters and the suspense is really good. I didn't really suspect the right person until nearly the end. I am a quilt fan so the quilting connections are fun. I also find Chief Ortiz irresistable at least on the printed page.