Year: 2026

ECONOGAL > 2026

The Fair Weather Friend Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Captivating Novel

Jessie Garcia’s The Fair Weather Friend captivated me from start to finish. This can’t put down book is full of surprises right up to the very end. And I am not quite sure how I feel about the outcome. Multiple characters in the novel face moral dilemmas. Not all choose wisely.

The story has numerous points of view with most of the main characters baring their souls to the reader. Some are deserving of empathy, most are not. The Fair Weather Friend is so much more than a murder mystery.

Overarching Theme

At the heart of the story is a repetitive and unsettling theme of ethical choice. Unsettling because so many of the characters lack empathy for others and thus don’t follow the golden rule. Furthermore, greed and envy also make an appearance. As does guilt. All human frailties, and The Fair Weather Friend shines an ugly light on these and other shortcomings of the soul.

Demise of Faith, The Fair Weather Friend

Faith’s early demise by foul play keeps her from protagonist status. But the story truly revolves around her. A popular TV meteorologist, her murder is the focus of the story. The other characters are either suspects, co-workers or fans. Garcia advances the story through various points of view.

Garcia’s twists in the plot are truly surprising. Additionally, many of the characters lack empathy for the murder victim. Indeed, they make the departed unlikeable.

Then a second character is murdered, and everything twists again.

Author Jessie Garcia

The writing is exceptional. I could not put the book down. However, it is not a feel good story. Only a few characters are likeable. Most of the relationships have serious flaws. And an innocent, but very flawed, character takes the fall for the murders.

Thus, Garcia forces the reader to explore guilt and ethics. The Fair Weather Friend makes a great choice for a class discussion or book club meeting. Put this book on your reading list!

The First Time I Saw Him Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Good Sequel

Laura Dave’s The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. It is just as action packed and suspenseful. But, not quite as many twists and turns as the previous novel. This book literally picks up where the other one ends.

Hannah and Bailey

Mother and stepdaughter are settled in California. Both working with fulfilling careers. The book opens with Bailey bringing a new boyfriend to meet Hannah. Normal life. Or almost, Hannah thinks she has just spoken with Owen, Bailey’s dad.

Then the next morning everything changes. Bailey’s grandfather has died and their lives are once again in danger. Is Owen involved? Regardless they face a threat and are again on the run.

Flashbacks in The First Time I Saw Him

Laura Dave uses flashbacks to move the story forward. However, in this sequel they include multiple points of view. This allows the reader to gain more understanding of the men in the background. Owen, Nicholas and Frank all played pivotal roles in the past. And are important in keeping Hannah and Bailey safe as they flee the country.

Emotional Impact of The First Time I Saw Him

Multiple emotions are at play for both the characters and the reader. Keeping loved ones safe is an innate desire and that theme stays constant throughout The First Time I Saw Him. What boundaries will be tested to safeguard family?  Also, what role will forgiveness play among family and the closest of friends. These questions are central to the storyline.

Recommendation

The First Time I Saw Him is satisfying. However, the heartbreak is not as deep as in the previous novel. Those readers that love happy endings will be met part way. Unfortunately, there is always a cost of dealing with the mob. And forgiving and forgetting is also a challenge. This is a great book to give or own. Plus, your local library will certainly want a copy as well. Laura Dave has penned another winner.

 

The Bride Wore White Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

A Romance at Heart

A fairly recent release (2023), The Bride Wore White is a romance combined with a hefty dose of the paranormal. It has been a decade or more since I have read anything penned by Jayne Ann Krentz under the name of Amanda Quick. The novel is spooky violent at the beginning, so much so that I almost put it down. But I am glad I finished. The romance tempers the multitude of murders.

The Psychic Dream Consultant

Prudence Ryland better known as Madame Ariadne reads and interprets dreams. At the start of The Bride Wore White, a client unknowingly reveals to her that his mission that night is to kill her. Prudence channels all her power to thwart him. Naturally, she flees the city immediately.

But things get worse.

Even though she changes careers, the past finds her. So she turns to Luther Pell and Jack Wingate for protection. Sparks fly between Prudence and Jack.

Extrasensory Perception

Prudence comes from a long line of women with psychic abilities. The type of ability Jack doesn’t believe in. Yet Prudence thinks Jack may also possess paranormal abilities. Perhaps heightened by the chemical explosion that so badly scarred his face and his dreams. Both Prudence and Jack need all their powers to trap the murderers.

Greed and Murder in The Bride Wore White

Using Prudence as bait as well as logic and insight, Jack narrows the suspects down one-by-one. However, the author throws out twists and turns so that the reader is kept guessing. In the end multiple suspects are greedy enough to commit murder. Suspects become victims. Finally, there is one left standing.

Recommendation

Amanda Quick lovers most likely already own The Bride Wore White. Copies are still available online. Most libraries probably have copies of this spicy romance. I enjoyed the book and recommend to all romance lovers. The characters attraction works and the plethora of villains works well too.

I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Great Library Find

I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees by Bob Seay is a library find that is absolutely delightful. Pinpointing the genre is a bit difficult. The story reminds me of books I loved long ago. Seay’s story is a mix of Ray Bradbury and George Orwell with a healthy dose of Dave Barry. The book can be found on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Compliance in I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees

The book set in suburban Denver focuses on the Algorithm Compliance Department of Peregrine Perch, Colorado. Since Peregrine Perch has a mayor, the community is bigger than a subdivision with an HOA. But the rules and regulations remind one of such an entity. And of course, there are many departments of compliance in Peregrine Perch to keep the residents in line.

Wendell Jones- Protagonist

We meet Wendell Jones on an executive bonding retreat for the various compliance officers of Peregrine Perch. He is out of his natural element and quite concerned about the first day task, rock climbing in California. He completes the task and immediately quits. Both the retreat and his job.

Back in Colorado, he begins walking dogs for a living. And starts a rebellion against his old boss. Key to Wendell’s transformation from compliance officer to renegade leader for common sense laws are friends, Michael Porter, Mr. Tuttle, owner of an area landscape company, Erica, and the many residents of Peregrine Perch.

Wendell becomes a hero to all as he sabotages park landscape rules and regulations.

Algorithms, AI and Bureaucrats

The overarching theme in I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees is the dark side of algorithms and artificial intelligence. Common sense goes out the window when a society tries to keep everything within a narrow window of parameters. Exceptions and anomalies are part of life, but it is easier for bureaucrats to maintain conformity. Otherwise, those in charge must engage in critical thinking to ensure fairness and justice. Algorithms and AI are restricted by their inputs. At least for now, computers cannot think for themselves.

Recommendation for I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees

I absolutely love this book. Well-written and edited, Mr. Seay’s work rivals many of the books I review from established publishers. So, for my followers in the field of publishing, always bombarding me to read free copies, take some time to buy a copy of I know Why Old Men Plant Trees. You might just find your next best-selling author…unless you are just an algorithm or AI bot.

January 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on by Econogal

Better Late than Never

Even though a day late, I think the January 2026 Wrap-Up is important to release. The month dragged at times. Some days lasted forever. Any one with a psych background could probably explain. Much anticipated activities and the counterpart, dreaded activities create the semblance of time altering. That is the case for January 2026.

Quilting Through the Winter Cold

Small 9 x 11 doll quilt in rainbow ordered strips of various patterns.
Front of doll quilt

The temperatures really fluctuated during the day this month, from below freezing to almost seventy degrees Fahrenheit. But once the sun goes down the temperatures plummet below freezing. Small towns on the High Plains lack the concrete infrastructure to hold onto the heat. Perfect weather for working on quilts.

This month brought both piecing and hand quilting. Best of all, it gave me a chance to help my oldest grandchild sew her first doll quilt. She is tall enough to reach the foot peddle on the sewing machine. It did take some practice to regulate the speed.

Quilt backing made from fabric with a checkerboard type of print.
Doll Quilt Backing

The strip quilt was 9 x 11, perfect for a Barbie doll. She picked out a favorite scrap and then several additional scrap strips to blend with it. I helped her with the rotary cutting. She also made a pre-printed Barbie tablecloth to give to her younger sister who loves to have tea parties and picnics with her dolls.

January 2026 In the Library

In addition to the reviewed books, two other reviews will drop in the next week to ten days. The delightful Bob Seay book, I Know Why Old Men Plant Trees and the super scary at the start Amanda Quick Romance, The Bride Wore White.

Additionally, I calmed my nerves with the re-reading of Dolores Johnson’s cozy murder mystery Pressed to Kill from the Mandy Dyer Series set in Denver, Colorado. I also treated myself to a favorite Catherine Coulter medieval action/romance The Valcourt Heiress.

Update on my Heart

My diagnosis is too many Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and the number and symptoms are such that corrections with changes in lifestyle and medication fall short. So, I will have a PVC Ablation at the start of the week. One of my aunts has had the procedure along with others I know. It is amazing what types of medical interventions we have.

So, January 2026 passed slowly. But now I am on the eve of a heart procedure that should bring relief and prevent the muscle from deteriorating. Because the heart is the most important muscle one has, I want to keep mine as strong as possible.

Multiplying Seed Catalogs

Posted on by Econogal

January Sprouts Seed Catalogs

Numerous seed catalogs piled on a table.It is January and seed catalogs are multiplying at my house. Online shopping is not a mainstay for me. I prefer supporting the small town businesses. But garden seeds are an exception. Due to the climate, plants need to get started indoors sooner than later.

Since I buy seeds late January to early February, I am now on the list for numerous seed suppliers even if I have never heard of them before. And to a certain extent these companies are reaping a return on their purchase of lists. I always look at the new offerings and sometimes I will try a new company.

Favorite Seed Catalogs

Most of the seed catalogs arriving on my doorstep could qualify as a favorite. Standbys such as Burpee, Gurney’s, Johnny’s and Jung appear multiple times a year. Then there are the specialty types. Rare seeds, heirloom seeds, kitchen seeds all seem to find me. Some are thick and glossy, while others are old-fashioned with diagrams instead of photos. I eagerly await them all.

This year both Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and The Seed Savers Catalog arrived before the new year. Perhaps a belief that the early bird will get the seed buyer. However, like previous years, it is the first really cold snap that has me turning and marking pages in the plethora of seed catalogs.

No Signs of Seed Inflation

While most catalogs are gone from last year, I do have the 2025 Seed Savers Exchange catalog from 2025. I compared like-to-like prices of my favorite seeds. The costs were identical. I do not know if that is true across all the seed catalogs. Or even across everything in this particular catalog. Seed Savers offers hundreds, if not over a thousand products and I did not check out every one.

2026 Garden

I am just in the beginning stages of planning this year’s garden. After three years of no squash in order to persuade the squash bugs to move elsewhere, I will add acorn squash back into the mix.

The peanuts I threw into the garden as a last-ditch attempt for plants did produce some seed. However, the seeds are smaller than average.

Sweet Potato slips will need to be ordered again. No crop last year means no roots saved to produce slips for this year’s garden.

At this time there is only one new baby expected in the family. However, other things will impact the size of the garden. And the time devoted to gardening. All are inputs for determining just how much seed to order. After all the planning and work, everything depends on the timing of mother nature. What are you planting this year?

Innocence Road Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

New to Me Author

Laura Griffin penned Innocence Road. Since she is a new to me author, I do not know if this book will remain among her stand-alone novels or if it will turn into yet another series. It certainly has potential. The protagonist is interesting; with her flaws and the way she pushes others away. Furthermore, rural Texas near the Big Bend area is a rich setting for description and a complex background to develop both storylines and characters.

Protagonist of Innocence Road

Leanne Everhart returned to Madrone, Texas following the death of her father. She now works for the Madrone Police Department just like he did. Following in his shadow is not easy.

Tough and experienced by a stint in the city, Leanne faces a complicated life back in the small town. Her brother is a recovering addict with a secret girlfriend. And then there is her mom. Since her mom remarried just weeks after her father’s death, Leanne holds a bit of a grudge.

Finally, Duncan Harper, a sheriff’s deputy has a soft spot for Leanne. But she is keeping him at arm’s length despite her feelings for him. Why, is a bit of a mystery. So, life is complicated for Leanne even without two major cases popping up to catch her off-guard.

Plot of Innocence Road

Leanne is assigned the case of a brutally murdered young woman. The body was found along a stretch of highway, desolate and isolated. Simultaneously, a murder case her boss and her father had solved is thrown out and the local man convicted of the slaying returns to Madrone.

The two cases overlap and Leanne finds herself butting heads with everyone from her boss to her mother. Is it possible her dad sent an innocent man to prison? Just one of many questions posited.

Recommendation

Laura Griffin is a best-selling author, and it shows. She presents many possible culprits and creates suspense as well as mystery. The unveiling of the villain was a bit of a surprise, yet very plausible. I will continue to look for books from this author. I highly recommend either purchasing Innocence Road from your favorite bookstore or visiting your local library.

The Black Wolf Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Long Awaited Sequel

Louise Penny’s The Black Wolf is a follow up to The Grey Wolf. The book more than satisfied my anticipation for the sequel and the latest in the Armand Gamache series. While The Black Wolf continues the saga, Penny has penned a totally new story. Political intrigue and action blended with climate change awareness and the age-old need for basic survival. And what is more critical for a country than clean water?

Theme of The Black Wolf

Climate change is central to the novel. Specifically, the author writes about wildfire, similar to the huge wildfires North America has experienced over the last few years. She deftly ties the wildfires to water quality. Furthermore, Penny takes this point one step further. “What happens when the water runs out?” Historically, wars are fought over resources and power. Penny stresses this fact throughout The Black Wolf. And as often happens fiction can be a precursor to life. Is it possible that Canada could become the 51st state?

Plethora of Characters

One of the complexities of the Gamache series is the plethora of characters. It is possible for the reader to become confused. Another difficulty relates to Inspector Gamache inability to decide who the mastermind is. And who can be trusted. This is intentional. The twists and turns engage the reader.

The characters are divided into three groups, those always in the books, those appearing from time to time and first-time appearances. New readers will have a hard time keeping everything straight in The Black Wolf. Perhaps even devoted followers.

The Black Wolf and Current Events

One of the zingers in the novel relates to the current political climate. The plot of The Black Wolf hinges on strained relations between Canada and the United States of America. Penny proposes in her fiction that a plot is underfoot to merge the two countries. Both misinformation and disinformation play a part. Power figures include politicians and the mafia as well as various police forces. The current real-life idea of a fifty-first state iterated by President Trump mirrors the fiction. Penny unknowingly foreshadowed this power move. Again, it boils down to “What happens when the water runs out?”

Recommendation

The Black Wolf lives up to expectations. In fact, the novel exceeds. The added climate change theme fits well with current events. This is fiction, but what will happen if the climate scientists are right and the United States runs out of water? Is invasion of Canada a possibility? Inspector Gamache and his wife Reine-Marie think so.

This is a great book to borrow, or buy, and share. Louise Penny has another winner.

The Correspondent Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Sybil Van Antwerp

A recent recommendation was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I enjoyed this book and finished it in just two days. The greatest challenge comes from the author choosing to write the entire book as a series of letters and emails. Hence the title.

Another quirk is the protagonist is in her 70s. Sybil is blunt, a bit antagonistic at times, and quite possibly lonely. She is also fascinating.

The Final Ten Years

The Correspondent begins in 2012. At first, the letters are spaced close together and the reader discovers Sybil’s background and character in fits and starts. She corresponds mostly by hand-written notes with everyone from family members and favorite authors to children and teenagers. She also fires off missives of anger and contempt to individuals deserving such admonishments.

The book reveals everything through this format. And while it may be difficult to follow at first, Evans does an excellent job engaging the reader. Over the course of the decade, Sybil grows and gains understanding, even as she reaches her eighties.

Key Themes in The Correspondent

Aging is a small piece of the novel. Health issues creep up as the years pass reflecting real life. Sybil is losing her sight, and this threatens her at the core. Writing letters becomes increasingly difficult and as the years go by, and time between missives widens.

The overarching theme is family relationships. The mother-daughter relationship between Sybil and her daughter, Fiona, is a major component of the story. As is the loss of a child. So, it is not surprising that grief, guilt, culpability and blame play important parts in The Correspondent.

Love and Joy

Another significant theme is more upbeat. Sybil is courted by two men as the story progresses. Can she find happiness on her own terms? Do second chances at love happen in the senior years? Again, all of this transpires through letters. Furthermore, the reader becomes more and more intrigued by the characters from their methods of correspondence.

Love and joy also reignite Sybil’s passion for life with the discovery of unknown family members.

Reparations

Finally, the author solidifies Sybil’s morals through forgiveness and reparations towards those few individuals she has wronged. In this manner, Evans shows how individuals never stop evolving in character. Until they are no longer with us.

Recommendation

I enjoyed The Correspondent. It is a great debut novel. The format is quite different in that the entire book is a series of letters. This takes tremendous effort to bring the characters to life and Virginia Evans succeeds. It is easy to see why the novel is a top seller. Visit your library or bookstore and find a copy to read.