What do you think?
Rate this book
Home Economics: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 4 May 27“A rollicking, heartfelt tale of one woman’s quest to win back her own life.”
—Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of The Shampoo Effect
A darkly humorous and wise novel about a disgraced American homemaking icon determined to win back her former Hudson Valley house—in a story that asks: what would you do to get the home, and the life, you loved back?
When former 1990s American homemaking icon, Punch Tillis, agrees to fill in as a cater-waiter for a fundraiser at Brieskill Farm, the historic Hudson Valley home she and her husband lovingly renovated (and disastrously lost), she expects to serve ninety plates of wilted greens and leave. Instead, after the event ends, she accidentally falls asleep in her old bedroom. The next morning, realizing no one has noticed her mistake, Punch decides she might as well stay another night. Or maybe two. What’s the harm?
Thirty years earlier Punch Tillis had built an empire as a do-it-yourself-and-do-it-right model for women everywhere: cookbooks, a television show, and eventually, her own line of custom paint. But when her drive and ambition brought the entire enterprise crashing down, Punch lost everything—her husband, her brand name, and worst of all, her beloved Brieskill Farm.
Then local college student, Lily, tells Punch that squatting can lead to tenancy rights and Punch enthusiastically begins her renewed tenure at Brieskill Farm, every acre of which reminds her of a life that, despite her hard work, still slipped through her fingers.
With Lily’s help—herself a budding social media savant and aspiring filmmaker—Punch’s residency quickly gains national attention. But when Brieskill’s current owners get wind of Punch’s adventure, they marshal the full support of the legal system to stop her. The ensuing drama makes for a story of redemption that is both just and deeply satisfying.
Ultimately, Home Economics is about intergenerational friendships, the power of community, and what, precisely, makes a house a home.
—Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of The Shampoo Effect
A darkly humorous and wise novel about a disgraced American homemaking icon determined to win back her former Hudson Valley house—in a story that asks: what would you do to get the home, and the life, you loved back?
When former 1990s American homemaking icon, Punch Tillis, agrees to fill in as a cater-waiter for a fundraiser at Brieskill Farm, the historic Hudson Valley home she and her husband lovingly renovated (and disastrously lost), she expects to serve ninety plates of wilted greens and leave. Instead, after the event ends, she accidentally falls asleep in her old bedroom. The next morning, realizing no one has noticed her mistake, Punch decides she might as well stay another night. Or maybe two. What’s the harm?
Thirty years earlier Punch Tillis had built an empire as a do-it-yourself-and-do-it-right model for women everywhere: cookbooks, a television show, and eventually, her own line of custom paint. But when her drive and ambition brought the entire enterprise crashing down, Punch lost everything—her husband, her brand name, and worst of all, her beloved Brieskill Farm.
Then local college student, Lily, tells Punch that squatting can lead to tenancy rights and Punch enthusiastically begins her renewed tenure at Brieskill Farm, every acre of which reminds her of a life that, despite her hard work, still slipped through her fingers.
With Lily’s help—herself a budding social media savant and aspiring filmmaker—Punch’s residency quickly gains national attention. But when Brieskill’s current owners get wind of Punch’s adventure, they marshal the full support of the legal system to stop her. The ensuing drama makes for a story of redemption that is both just and deeply satisfying.
Ultimately, Home Economics is about intergenerational friendships, the power of community, and what, precisely, makes a house a home.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 4, 2027
About the author
Katy Hays
11 books1,244 followersKaty Hays is a Californian, writer, and cake aficionado. She is the author of New York Times bestsellers, The Cloisters and Saltwater. She lives in the shadow of the Sierra with her husband and their dog, Queso. When not writing (or eating cake) Katy is a skier, cyclist, trail runner, Eastern Sierra enthusiast, and—well, reader.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 5, 2026
Punch Tillis has never done anything wrong IN HER LIFE!!!!! (Okay that’s a lie but she gets a pass for being so extremely funny)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Katy Hays has done it again! I absolutely love her writing, and I was so excited to pick up Home Economics. And that cover?! It’s so beautiful and unique, and I love when a book catches my eye before I’ve even read the first page. Punch Tillis is a former homemaking queen who lost just about everything, including her beloved Hudson Valley farmhouse. So what does she do when she gets the chance to return to the place she once called home? Accidentally falls asleep in her old bedroom and decides to stay. I loved the quirky premise and the dark humor woven throughout this story. I also really enjoyed the intergenerational friendship and the reminder that home is about so much more than four walls and a pretty kitchen. This author always brings something special to her stories, and this one was such a fun and heartfelt ride. Apparently you can go home again…even if you have to squat your way back in!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Yesteryear meets Martha Stewart Living in this fast-paced novel in which our perfectionist protagonist sets out to reclaim both the historic home she lovingly restored and her tarnished reputation with the help of an ambitious film student, some courageous squatters, and a handsome small town lawyer. I enjoyed this fun read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews