Month: August 2026

ECONOGAL > 2026 > August

August 2026 Wrap-Up

Posted on by Econogal

Monsoon Rains for The High Plains

While the triple digit heat remained in the first half of August 2026, monsoon weather grew stronger as the month passed. We have had rain almost every night for the last ten days. Quite the respite from the dry windy days. However, the amount has not been enough to erase the drought.

So, gardening (aka pulling weeds that grow out of thin air) in the mornings and quilting or reading filled the afternoons. The dog days of summer are slowly passing by. Other locations in the world have not been as lucky. Melting glaciers and flash floods have filled the headlines. Mother Nature continues to rule over man.

New Quilt

Another baby quilt was completed in August 2026 and yet another started. A traditional Log Cabin was made for the younger of the “Cousin Twins.” Since it had a panel for the backing, it appears to be two sided.

The new quilt is a corner Log Cabin. A twist on my favorite pattern which I have not made before. The eight blocks are complete, and I am playing with the configuration. Reds, greens and creamy yellows make a nice combination. My goal is to complete this one in time for Christmas gift giving.

Both of the fifteen-month-olds seem to like their respective quilts. The oldest received his just in time for his birthday. While one of the fabrics is key in both, they are quite distinct. I may do the same with the identical twins since it worked so well with the “Cousin Twins.”

Panel Backing
Traditional Log Cabin; Center Square Fabric from her Dad's Baby Quilt
Possible Arrangement One
Possible Arrangement Two
One quilt block enlarged to create an entire baby quilt in blues and whites
Quilt for the oldest of the Cousin Twins

In The Library in August 2026

Fantastic finds from the new release table at the public library made for great reading this month. However, I grabbed a book by a popular author on Friday to read over the weekend. Less than a quarter of the way through I put it down. She has written over 150 novels and if I have read any of them it was decades ago. The dialogue was stilted and the plot sequence was terrible. I hope these well-known New York Times best-selling authors have not resorted to using AI.

Furthermore, the publisher should be ashamed for releasing a book with so many errors. And maybe it is time to give a new author a shot. Harper Collins, I am directing this at you.

On the positive side, the end of the year list will be difficult to determine. Many new authors as well as new to me authors are writing remarkable stories. The second in the series by Alice Henderson was checked out and I like to read books in order when they are in series format. So, I found another debut novelist. My hope is for a much better experience than above.

Mixed Fruit Jelly in August 2026

The robins devoured my seedless grapes out by the Big Garden but stayed away from the vine in my back yard. But the green grapes don’t yield the prettiest color for jelly. In addition to extracting grape juice, I mixed peaches, apples and blueberries together and combined the juices. If I can reproduce the outcome with a second batch I will share the recipe.

Looking Forward

The final days of August 2026 produced shorter days with highs in the 90s instead of the triple digit brutal heat that started the month. As we count the days down to the equinox, the trend should continue, However, a freeze on Labor Day such as in 2020 is not on the table.

Several more book reviews are already in the pipeline including the outstanding Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim. Outstanding fiction is everywhere, so I will no longer finish a book just to finish it. People do change over the course of a lifetime!

The Hope Keeper Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Big Blue Diamond

A glimpse of the Hope Diamond on the cover of The Hope Keeper grabbed my attention from the new release table at the library. Noted historical novelist Heather Webb creates a Gatsby-like setting as the backdrop of the novel. She successfully blends fictional characters with actual historical figures.

She also applies anthropomorphism to the diamond. A quirky twist which enhances the history of the stone. Bad luck certainly followed Evalyn McLean everywhere. Socialite McLean was the last private owner of the blue diamond.

Elisabeth Beaumont- Heroine of The Hope Keeper

Historical fiction is at its best when the author inserts a believable character into the actual past. Elisabeth is such a character. Daughter of a master jeweler, Elisabeth is still reeling from the death of her twin brother Julien. She boldly approaches the McLeans hoping to discover truth. Eventually she becomes part of the crowd. Evalyn McLean hires her as a personal jeweler. And a pet project.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth tries to understand her brother’s actions in the short time before his death. Her questioning skills improve along with her self-confidence. Yet, she still is vulnerable. Personal growth occurs as she sees beyond the artificial shallowness of the socialites.

Work vs. Play

On numerous occasions, the author differentiates between those who are productive and the wasteful characters of life. In addition to the family jewelry thread, Webb spends time showcasing the work and workers of the Smithsonian. Of great note is the number of women given opportunity by the museum. However, the author keeps history accurate as many of the women provided volunteer labor.

Recommendation for The Hope Keeper

I enjoyed this library checkout. The frivolousness of the McLean crowd contrasts with the hard-working individuals that keep Washington D.C. working behind the scenes. Elisabeth’s inner conflict tipping toward a productive life brings a satisfactory conclusion to the story.

Heather Webb takes a few literary licenses with the timeline of the novel. But those familiar with the curse of the Hope Diamond need not worry over exact acquisition dates. Historical fiction fans may want to own a copy. General fiction readers can look for a copy at the local library.

A Solitude of Wolverines Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Library Checkout

A Solitude of Wolverines stood out on the new checkout table at the library. Since the Alice Henderson novel was released in 2020, one of the librarians must have discovered this author with a passion for nature. And now I have as well.

Protagonist Alex Carter is a wildlife biologist escaping Boston civilization to study wolverines on a land preserve in rural Montana. Locals greet her with mixed reactions ranging from friendly interest to outright hostility. Fiercely independent, Alex is unaware of the great danger she faces.

Wolverines

Both in the novel and in real life, wolverines are not commonly spotted animals in the lower 48 states. Henderson, a real-life surveyor of endangered species utilizes her character of Alex to share detailed information about the habits and habitats of wolverines. Lengthy descriptions are spread throughout the book as a backdrop of the action-suspense novel.

Plot of A Solitude of Wolverines

The story follows Alex as she places live camera traps on various parts of the mountain. One camera pictures an injured man.  Then Alex comes across the individual. He is incoherent and needs help. But he disappears before she can call out a search and rescue team. Unfortunately, Alex then becomes the target. Pitting training learned from her deceased military Mom, Alex fights fer her own survival as well as the survival of others; both people and animals.

Recommendation

This is the first of the Alex Carter series begun in 2020. Spring of 2026 is the most recent release with Storm Warning. From what I can tell, all the books feature animals under threat from encroaching civilization and climate change. Will Henderson continue to share abundant biological information in subsequent books in the series? I will need to read another to find out. Merging scientific information with an action suspense format can be quite tricky.

Towards the latter third of the book, the action suspense takes over the long descriptions of the habits of wolverines. Overall, this was a good book, but not an easy escape into fiction. Furthermore, Henderson does not shy away from political opinion. Quite an interesting approach. Look for A Solitude of Wolverines at your local library.

Whistler Book Review

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Heartfelt

Whistler by Ann Patchett is a heartfelt read. The title is derived by a short story within the story of a horse returning to save his mistress from death. Thus, Patchett uses parallelism throughout the novel.

Daphne Fuller reunites with a long-lost stepfather after a lifetime. Eddie Triplett and Daphne share a bond that runs deep. The divorce and her mother’s remarriage to yet another stepfather created distance between mother and oldest child. Because Daphne could not forget her love for Eddie.  Nor did she understand her mom’s needs and fears. After all she was still a child. Whistler gives insight to the story behind the story.

Reunited

Daphne always believed it was her fault Eddie was cast out. After all, she was in the car when it slid off the hillside. But her mom’s fear for her safety was only a minor consideration. Back together again, Eddie reveals the truth behind the separation. Furthermore, he shares his regret. Would he do things differently if given another chance? And could he really ignore his true self?

And what would Daphne change? While she regrets never giving her next stepfather a chance, she is compassionate towards her half-brothers. More importantly, she was there for her biological father when he was going through chemo. Her memories of that are interspersed with the discovery of Eddie’s closeness with the man that came before him.

Parallels abound between Daphne and Eddie. Both are childless. Both have one true love. And both missed the other.

The future also plays a part in the restoration of the relationship between Daphne and Eddie. Will they finish the story of Whistler for publication?

Life’s Journey

The overarching theme of Whistler is the interconnection of life and death, and the decisions made along the path. The importance of family and close friends is part and parcel. Patchett illustrates connectivity through her secondary characters. All are closely intwined with the two leads. For Daphne, Leda is both best friend and sister. Jonathan is Daphne’s devoted husband.

Eddie has his confusing and conflicting yet undeniable ties to his college roommate along with the roommate’s wife of 50 years. Plus, his lost friendship to his ex-wife. Will they make amends? The novel packs surprises and questions about identities and how normal incidents can greatly impact us for the rest of our lives.

Recommendation for Whistler

Whistler contains a range of emotions as the pages turn. The ending allows the reader to imagine how life will continue for all the characters. Yet, the final pages are conclusive. Daphne and her family, including Eddie, weave a place in the reader’s heart.

Finally, the original Whistler earns his story. This is a don’t miss book.

June Baby Book Review

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First Time Author

Debut novelist Shannon Garvey presents more than a beach read with June Baby. The novel marks the transition from youth to maturity delayed by overwhelming grief. While the addition of a love triangle may provide traditional summer angst, the deep topics of unwanted pregnancy and homosexuality create a book beyond the usual escape.

Ruth

The story begins in 2013 with Ruth being shipped off to Block Island. Her father can no longer handle her grief. Both are reeling from the death of mother and wife, Maggie. Ruth lands on the doorstep of Diana- a friend of her mother’s from a long ago summer. Author Garvey does a great job of moving between 2013 and 2023. Her protagonist is stuck in grief upon more grief with the recent death of Diana.

Ruth is one of the most complex characters one can stumble across. She tugs at your heart strings while acting outrageously. The reader has empathy. And yet…she has so much baggage.

Secrets of June Baby

The novel unravels mysteries to Ruth and the reader simultaneously. The passage of time and cultural acceptance during that span are key. Much has changed since the turn of the century and yet families still hold onto privacy, even among loved ones.

June Baby provides multiple paths for the characters to choose from. Their choices are not always clear. But are any of life’s decisions easy to make? No one can tell what the future holds.

Recommendation for June Baby

Shannon Garvey presents a flawed heroine stuck on repeat. The summer of 2023 allows Ruth to change directions. The final pages are a bit open-ended allowing the reader to imagine the future.

I picked up the book off the new novels table at the local library. The description included Block Island, a locale never visited but often discussed during my college days. I expected an easy summer read and was rewarded with a serious novel of grief and growth. I highly recommend.

It’s Not Her Book Review

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Intense Suspense

Warning, It’s Not Her will haunt you. The 2026 release by Mary Kubica is disturbing on many levels. A page- turner filled with intense scenes as well as action, the novel joins many other contemporary tales exposing the dangers of social media and unsupervised tweens.

Dysfunctional families, unhappy marriages and the depth of friendship are all at play in this murder mystery. The writing flows and the author uses flashbacks to bring a bit of comfort and closure with respect to warring characters. But just a little bit because you can’t say your sorry once a person is dead.

Courtney Gray Protagonist

The story unfolds through the eyes of Courtney Gray and, through flashbacks, her seventeen-year-old niece, Reese. The flashbacks are required because Reese has disappeared. Only dead bodies and blood are left behind.

Courtney tries to solve the mystery of her missing niece while dealing with the death of family and best friend. Along the way she begins questioning everybody and everything. Is Reese’s disappearance tied to a missing girl from years before?

It’s Not Her Storyline

The plot of It’s Not Her is extremely well done. The killer(s) and kidnapper remain a mystery until the end. In both cases, the murders are not premeditated. But the individuals involved take great lengths to cover up the deaths. And the greatest tragedy of all is the loss of innocent lives.

Recommendation For It’s Not Her

Mary Kubica is a best-selling author of suspense. Since this is the first novel, I have read penned by her, I do not know if It’s Not Her is exceptional work. But I can tell you the book is haunting. Any teenager or mother of a teenager will connect with the story and the characters. Kubica captures the angst of this age group. Not quite an adult but with adult feelings and tendencies.

My greatest problem with the book is pinning all the terrible outcomes on the behavior and use of social media on the youngest family members. This is a trend I find disturbing. Fortunately, I don’t see novels of this type appealing to many in the ten to twelve year old range. (Nor would I recommend it for anyone that young.) Adults need to take responsibility for how much social media and AI youngsters are exposed to. I do believe this is Kubica’s point. And it is a disturbing one. Well worth a read.