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What great books this week – some fiction, some so intriguing they may seem fictitious, but nope! They are true! Also, cookbooks for simple and sweet treats, a movie that looks absolutely magnificent in so many ways, the return of series that involve drama, comedy, and sleuthing, and, of course, a handful of clothing finds for effortless style this autumn. Still, there is more!
Books
—The Girl in Blue: Renoir’s Portrait of a Dynasty Erased by Doreen Carvajal
A step back into history to learn more about a painting that became ever more famous because of its history during one of the darkest times in history. In 1941, the painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, La Petite Irène (The Girl in Blue) was stolen during a raid of the Chambord chateau in the Loire Valley of France by the Nazis. “The portrait would enchant or curse nearly everyone who coveted it, but the living, breathing girl it depicted slipped from view. This is her story.”
The girl seen in the painting was Irène Cahen d’Anvers. “Born into Belle Époque privilege and a wealthy Jewish dynasty. Defiant by nature, she abandoned her religion and her arranged marriage, becoming a figure at once scandalous, elusive and resilient. As the Occupation gripped Paris, her family was targeted, persecuted and deported―punished for demanding the return of what had been stolen. Irène survived by hiding in plain sight, while questions lingered decades later about how and why.
“Drawing on newly uncovered documents, newspaper accounts, and archival records, Doreen Carvajal reconstructs the intertwined journeys of a woman and a painting that was seized by the Nazis, traded through a shadowy art market, and pursued by a powerful collector.”
to be released October 20th
—Partita: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara Kingsolver is back, and this time, she dances back and forth between the past and the present, involves a musician who is skilled on the piano, and introduces us to Livia Cable. Livia “has made her peace with her marriage and modest livelihood in the farm country where she grew up, until a shocking phone call from an old lover shakes her to the core. Decades earlier, this man knew her as Livia Bohusz, a music conservatory student estranged from her home and family, uncertain of anything except her passion for music and promise as an extraordinary pianist. His request, now, to see her again stirs up ghosts she’s kept at bay for a lifetime.”
released on October 6th (2026)
—The Queen of Lombard Street: A Novel by Lisa Kleypas
Set during Victorian times, The Queen of Lombard Street is “about a trailblazing female economist who’s determined to build Britain’s first women’s bank, but she must fight both financial corruption and a system intent on destroying the newly found family she’s created.”
to be released October 20th
British Finds
King Charles has partnered with Burberry, offering a collection inspired by his estate, Highgrove. With scarves depicting images of the home and garden featuring artwork painted by the King himself, along with trenches and cashmere scarves in the olive green hue often associated with Highgrove, all proceeds from sales go to The King’s Foundation.
—Death on the Royal Yacht by S.J. Bennett
Another enjoyable, cosy mystery series that I greatly enjoy is Her Majesty The Queen Investigates by S.J. Bennett, and the wait is almost over for the next book to be released. Book six takes us back to the 1960s with a young Queen Elizabeth II. Nineteen sixty-six, to be precise, and on the Caribbean Sea. “The Queen is touring the islands of the West Indies aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Her schedule is packed with official visits, but when her new diary secretary, young Pamela Sinclair, is found dead in her cabin, the whole trip threatens to be thrown off course.” Let the amateur sleuthing of the queen begin!
to be released on October 20th
—The Gold, season 2, PBS
The second and final season of The Gold premieres this Sunday on PBS, and while in the first season, the infamous Brink’s-Mat robbery itself was the plot, along with how £26 million worth of bullion was smelted and sold back into the system, season two picks up “as police realize they were only ever chasing half of what was stolen.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for six episodes in this new season.
—Lights & Lamps’ Sloane Table Lamp
I’ve been sharing the progress happening with the guest bedroom redecorating project each week, and now that the bed is in place, it is time to focus on the lighting. Currently looking at a few different types of lights (some were explored in September’s Ponderings . . . post), and of course table lamps are being considered as well. While this lamp only ships in the UK, it definitely has a combination of a multi-pleated fabric shade and a brass lamp stand that I love. A bit modern and timeless in how classic the elements are.
—Professor T, season 5, PBS Masterpiece
This was a great season, having had the opportunity to watch it on PBS’s Passport option back in August, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for a treat and a cliffhanger by the season’s end. Look for the new season to premiere this Sunday, October 18th. Have a look at the trailer below.
Another adaptation of a favorite Jane Austen novel, but this one does look to be a step up and worth returning to the movie house to watch. Have a look at the trailer below and find it playing starting today.
Cookbooks
—The Joy of Cookies: New Classics and Old Favorites to Share by Joanne Chang
Cookie season has begun! And this new cookbook from James Beard winner Joanne Chang is a perfect resource to get your creativity flowing if you want to both mix it up while never forgetting the classics. Being released this coming Tuesday, happy baking!
—Simply Ina: A Barefoot Contessa cookbook
Ina Garten is back with another cookbook, sticking to her trusted approach: simple and delicious. In Simply Ina, discover a “new collection of 85 easy yet impressive recipes for every meal of the day, from make-ahead lunches to effortless appetizers and showstopping dinners.”
Film
We’ve been waiting since this past August to watch what looks to be a fun film of mystery that takes us to France, and the wait is over. Becoming available on Amazon Prime just last evening, Masterplan starring Stanley Tucci is ready to watch. Have a look at the trailer below.
Oh, now this looks like an amazing film, and a long-overdue film at that. Tenzing tells the story we may have thought we knew, but the reason the history was able to be made has been more than a bit overshadowed.
“In 1953, Tenzing Norgay, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, both outsiders on a British Expedition, defied insurmountable odds to achieve what was once thought impossible, reaching the summit of the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. After six previous attempts, Tenzing risked everything for one final venture. He had to navigate treacherous politics and perilous weather as he embarked on the most significant climb of his life. Through it all, he did so with humor, warmth, and generosity towards his fellow climbers, but also deep reverence and respect for the sacred Mother Goddess of his mountain, Jomolungma.”
Genden Phuntsok stars as Tenzing, and look for Tom Hiddleston as Edmund Hillary and William DeFoe as John Hunt Look for the film today on AppleTV and also in theaters. Find the trailer below.
Francophile Finds
—Maigret, season 2, PBS Masterpiece
A new season is about to premiere and Sundays on PBS Masterpiece are going to be quite full of wonderful dramas to enjoy. This time, Maigret goes to Budapest. There are six episodes, two episodes per mystery, adapted this time from the novels by George Simenon: The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien, Maigret’s Revolver, and The Yellow Dog. Have a look at the trailer below.
Shopping
—Aimé Gabby Cashmere cardigan, sand
An investment sweater, and a sweater that will be enjoyable to wear for many years to come.
The London brand with a French name
—Ann Mashburn’s Moira Blazer, in color heather navy cavalry twill
A classic blazer, navy and made of sturdy cotton twill. A versatile piece for layering, dressing up and dressing down.
—Banana Republic Factory Sale, up to 50% off everything
If you’re looking for layering basics or a great winter coat at an awesome price, this is a sale to explore! I have shopped a few worthwhile finds below.
SHOP THE SALE:
—Modern Citizen Marlee Lightweight Wrap V-Neck Sweater
Available at a great price, the flattering neckline and drape would be a stylish piece all its own or underneath a blazer or jacket.
—Polo Ralph Lauren’s The Ricky Pant, four colors
A great utility pant made of cotton, and with an inseam of 31″. Shop Nordstrom’s for French Workwear blue here. Shop at Bloomingdale’s here, for Olive – shop Saks here.
—Rothy’s The Ivy Sneaker, many colors (washable)
I do love a good Rothy shoe, and their new sneakers are washable, colorful and classic.
—Strathberry’s Skinny silk scarf, many colors and prints
Earlier this week, Part Dix of the Signature Style series – building a Lifetime Wardrobe – shared everything about shopping for scarves, and the ribbon/skinny style was one style explored and raved about (by moi!).
Television
—Nobody Wants This, season 3, Netflix
The series returns, and in its third season, Noah and Joanne are moving in together. Let the drama and hilarity begin! Have a look at the trailer and look for 10 new episodes to become available with the premiere on Thursday, October 22nd on Netflix.
The first so-so frost may have arrived, but the sunshine remained as well, and what a beautiful week it was.
Captured above is a moment seen while walking along Mirror Pond on our way to the final farmers’ market of the year. And while we (Nelle loves going too, exploring for dropped berries at the farmers’ stands) will miss this weekly ritual during the next five or so months, it was a truly delicious and special year that I savored immensely. Each week, we went to our favorite farmers’ stands while also exploring new offerings from other farmers and creators. The regularity of seeing fellow shoppers and farmers meant we built a familiarity with one another, and it really is something that we look forward to returning to experiencing come spring.
How was your October week? I hope it went smoothly, that there were moments of respite and delight, as well as deliciousness. The weekend ahead for me will involve time with a special loved one, cooking the finds from the market in favorite recipes, and enjoying reading a new book that just arrived, as well as perhaps visiting the pumpkin patch.
Below are a handful of articles and one short, yet perhaps-will-make-you-chuckle short video, and until Sunday, bonne journée.
~My second favorite article of the week (the one at the top of my list is further below): Okay, fellow Notting Hill fans, let’s take a look behind ‘that’ blue door. It’s now on the market and what a unique history of ownership it has had. Enjoy! [FT.com, gift link]
~Thank you Rona B. for sharing this article with me and TSLL! I am drawn to many on this list that share 15 great cottages and cabins for autumn escapes in the UK. [The Guardian]
~Home Tour of the Week: A Victorian terrace in north London that blends British and Chinese influence to reflect the owner’s heritage. I am drawn to the tranquil neutrality with subtle design surprises. Beautiful. [House & Garden UK]
~How to develop your eye for style when it comes to interior design. Tips from a british Vogue fashion editor. [Living, etc.]
~Absolute, hands down favorite article this week: Words of wisdom from 25 world-class entrepreneurs [Monocle]
~British interior designer takes us shopping in Provence at one of the most wonderful brocante markets – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. [FT.com, gift link]
~More and more women are shifting their running exercise routine from the road to the trail. That is definitely typical here in Bend. Here’s why and how to do it, along with the benefits. [Women’s Health]
~For autumn nibbling – Pumpkin Nutella Swirl quick bread [Delish]
~And a little something from the UK’s SNL skits. This one stars James Norton and a staring contest.
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: October 9th
This week brings must-visit art exhibits if you will be in Paris or London in the coming months, films to prompt conversation about social media, fame and more. Novels that place us into intriguing worlds with delightful characters unique in their world and no doubt will have us cheering for them. The return of a favorite British amateur sleuth, the return of an American diplomat in the UK, fall clothing finds and sales of note and still there is more!
~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.
