A new-to-me French drama series set in Paris (loving it!), friends and family sales not to miss, books about seasonal decorating, reading, books and the humor bookselling can bring, a mystery set in London that revolves around . . . (you’ll just have to start exploring to find out!), autumn clothing to get cozy and stylish in, a new UK drama series with a fabulous lead actor, the kick-off of another drama series, this one set in London that has people talking, and a favorite mystery series that is returning after two years. Plus, so much more.

Books

—A Country Style: Living and Creating with Nature through the Seasons by Harriet Thistlethwayte

Perhaps you follow @yomargey on IG, or perhaps you are looking for seasonal inspiration for the home. In her first book, Harriet Thistlethwayte, as she is more formally known, brings the inspiration. Living in Herefordshire, England, it is her Victorian greenhouse that serves as the inspiration for sharing “the trials and tribulations of rural living, her love for flowers and chippy old furniture.”

“From creating a small cut-flower patch, to creating a festive decorative wreath, Harriet Thistlethwayte’s A Country Style is an unhurried guide to making the most of the seasons, indoor and out.”

—How to Be Good at Life: Simple Systems to Achieve More and Stress Less by Ben Meer

Ben Meer has been dubbed “The Systems Guy” by Forbes. He has spent years “studying what separates people who consistently thrive from those who merely survive. Drawing on insights from behavioral science and systems thinking, he introduces DRIVE, a five-step method for turning any goal into a system that works. In his new book How to Be Good at Life, he will give you the full toolkit, which will include:

• Discover that the payoff isn’t just productivity, but a sense of calm and lightness
• Go beyond habits to build systems for everyday routines and projects
• Design systems across your seven Life Engines: Health, Relationships, Career, Money, Emotions, Mind, and Environment”
• and more.

—The Quiet Age: Creating a Calm Life in a Chaotic World by Cory Allen

I first learned about this author via Instagram (@heycoryallen) with his shared quotes, and now with his new book The Quiet Age, he has put it all into a hold-in-your-hand version (audio and ebook too).

Available this coming Tuesday, Allen draws on “his own mindfulness journey, offering grounding reminders to slow down, be present, and reconnect with what truly matters.”

—Reading Matters: A History for the Digital Age by Joel Halldorf

Released originally in Sweden in 2023, it is “now available in translation, having been released in English this past summer. In Reading Matters, Joel Halldorf presents a sweeping history of transformations in reading and writing, tracing precedents in the invention of writing, the shift from clay tablets to papyrus and from scrolls to codices, the advent of printing, and the development of industrial printing. It explores how each new format of writing has encouraged new ways to think, relate, and organize the world. Essentially, it is not only what we read that is important, but how we read.”

British Finds

—Pierre, Channel 4

I recently learned of this new drama series that will be premiering in the UK this Monday (9pm), and the development of the lead character immediately had me interested in wanting to watch it. (I do hope it comes to the States either via Walter Presents or some other streaming platform.) David Harewood stars as Pierre who is a West London duty solicitor. Described as a charming, funny, even glamorous in an unglamorous profession, he “juggl[s] the pressures of his job, a fragile personal life and [is] just keeping his head above water financially. His resilience is tested when he begins investigating the suspicious death of a young black client, Michael. As Pierre challenges the police’s portrayal of Michael as a criminal, he unravels a chilling web of institutional corruption.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Return of the Bookseller Diarist by Shaun Bythell

I cannot wait for this new book to arrive and to dive into the hilarity told with dry humor from the bookseller in Wigstown, Scotland (one of the many, but he is the one who tells the tales), Shaun Bythell. I have laughed outloud many times while reading his previous books of the same category, and since it has been a few years since is last book, I wait in great anticipation.

I had to order my preordered copy from Blackwells, as Amazon (while they did have it listed this summer) no longer is selling it at the moment, or any other bookseller state-side. I have a feeling that will change, but Blackwells is the same price, no extra for shipping and will arrive in about two weeks.

—Small Prophets, AppleTV

While already having premiered in the UK a year or so ago, this British comedy is premiering Wednesday, October 7th, on Apple TV. “Eccentric Michael Sleep, whose darling partner, Clea, disappeared seven years ago, sets out to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery by Tim Sullivan

I learned about this book in this past weekend’s Financial Times, and the review was glowing and the plot intriguing, so I wanted to share. This is book eight of nine in Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross series, but I say, dive in where you find a plot that perks up your interest, and The Tailor did just that for me. Take a look at it:

“When a man is found dead in the first-class toilet of a train—his throat cut, a plastic bag over his head—the grisly scene shocks his fellow officers. Cross registers every detail, but it’s not the blood that interests him. It’s the victim’s exquisite suit.

“The dead man is a tailor by the name of Billy Titcomb, trusted by clients around the world for his meticulousness and discretion. With his new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie, Cross starts pulling at the threads. There’s a widow grieving in peculiar ways. A dead scientist whose suicide doesn’t add up. And two South Korean tourists with embassy connections who keep showing up in places they shouldn’t. The deeper Cross digs, the less this looks like a simple murder, and the more it looks like a professional operation.”

Released just this past August (the 11th), already it’s a national bestseller thousands of rave reviews.

Films

—Karl

Inspired by the biography written by William Middleton back in 2023, Paradise Now, this new documentary will premiere on Tuesday, October 6th on Paramount+. Telling the life story of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Sisley Friends and Family Sale, 20% off everything

I do love Sisley’s products, and while I only use a few because, well, they aren’t cheap, when they do have a sale, it’s worthwhile to scoop up what you love. Enjoy 20% off (no coupon necessary) site-wide. Below are two of the items I use regularly (the primer I mix with my tinted moisturizer which allows it to stretch further, and you really don’t need much. There is a slight radiance that it does give your skin which I love. And the lip balm is superior to any far less expensive product (unfortunately). I do need to stock up on that one as I have my primer already (it lasts for about six months, sometimes longer.

—Tout Le Monde Ment (English title, Everybody Lies, PBS/Channel 4

Stumbled upon this one (recommended to me based on what I watch), and I am glad I did. I am thoroughly enjoying Everybody Lies (in French Tout Le Monde Ment). There is only one season (eight episodes, two episodes per case), and it premiered in 2022. Set in Paris, and more specifically in an old bookshop that I think is on the Île Saint Louis based on watching the lead actor cycle to work, Verner (Vincent Elbaz) is a former cop who was undeservedly let go from the force three years ago. He is dogged about pursuing the truth and when important people become ensnared by him, they will do what they can to have him removed. Needless to say, he’s back in a consultant capacity with the prosecutor’s office. The team meets at the bookshop where Verner has been helping out since losing his job with the police, and that too provides for some lovely bibliophile conversation. Have a look at the trailer below. I think you will enjoy this one.

Watch on Channel 4 here.

Watch on PBS here.

—At Home with Patricia Wells, Volume III, Sale

One more sale! And this is the last one. Walter and Patricia Wells are selling the last bits and bobs of their Provencal home in Vaison-la-Romaine. You will find many kitchen and tableware items, along with some paintings and outdoor and gardening tools. You can preview the entire catalog below or through the link here.

Shopping

—Banana Republic x La Ligne The Cropped Cotton Cardigan

—J.Crew’s Skinny Silk Scarf in Stripe, more colors

—Loeffer Randall’s Harper Brown Leather Ankle Boot

—Madewell’s The Mila Sweater in 100% softwool, more colors

—Sézane’s Laurent Jumper, argyle beige, ecru and blue jacquard

—Vince Friends & Family Sale, 25% off site-wide

Another Friends & Family Sale, and while this time you will need to enter the promo code FF25, you also save 25% site-wide! I picked out two items that caught my eye (that midi dress would be a wonderful travel outfit in autumn, don’t you think? And the cardigan below has the perfect hem length to sit just below the waist, loving it.

Television

—Abbott’s Elementary, season 6 – ABC/Hulu

Let the hilarity begin, and let the decompressing for teachers everywhere be made available to remind you that you are not alone. Returning on Wednesday, October 7th, the staff and students are back in school at Abbott’s Elementary. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Signora Volpe, season 3, AcornTV

It’s been two years since season two was enjoyed, so I am relieved to see it continues on. Felicia Fox stars as Signora Volpe (Mrs. Fox) and takes us back to Italy to solve crimes and consider a bit of romance as well. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the first of three episodes to premiere on Monday, October 5th.

—War, HBO Max

Get ready for the drama. Wowza, in this new series, Sienna Miller stars as an international film star who is married (but soon divorcing) to a tech tycoon played by Dominic West. When Miller’s character is served with papers while walking the red carpet, the battle “between two prestigious, rival London law firms—Cathcarts and Taylor & Byrne—go to war over massive, headline-making legal cases.”

“After growing suspicious of her husband’s fidelity, Carla orchestrates a honeytrap to catch him. This sparks a ruthless legal and PR battle where millions of pounds are at stake, careers are on the line, and both legal teams resort to underhanded tactics.” Have a look at the trailer below and watch the first episode now (it premiered last night – Thursday), with seven more episodes to come in this first season.

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As you read this (if it is Thursday evening or Friday), the first book signing of Savoring the Sojourn is wrapping up, and while I am writing this before the event, I want to thank all of you who joined over Zoom or in person. The sunflowers from the garden joined me (see the IG reel below), books were signed, and hopefully I didn’t stumble too much (or talk too much) over my words, as I could talk about this book endlessly

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A post shared by Shannon Ables (The Simply Luxurious Life® ➡️ TSLL.co ) (@thesimplyluxuriouslife)

And now to the weekend we go! I am looking forward to sitting down and watching GBBO tonight (the first episode was a delight, and reminded me of what I miss each time a season concludes in November), doing some minor pottering in the garden, and really just savoring the beauty as seen above in the Over the Moon rose.

If you are a Premier member, the new A Cuppa Moments is up and ready to be enjoyed, and this go-round we are celebrating the 6th anniversary of our first A Cuppa! Yep! We’ve been gathering monthly for six years, and I am so grateful to the members who make this online space welcoming, curious, kind, and encouraging to be brave. Learn more about becoming a Premier member here and discover all of the many benefits (ad-free reading is one awesome one!).

May the upcoming weekend be full of seasonal beauty (autumn or spring!), engaging in activities and spending time with folks you love, and of course, oodles of opportunities to savor simple pleasures. Until Sunday, bonne journée. Oh! There are links and one video I think you will enjoy below!

~It’s now autumn and apples are being harvested, which makes it a wonderful time to remind us of the many health benefits of these simple snacks. They really can keep the doctor away! 🙂 [NYTimes, gift link]

~Speaking of autumn, specifically October, what to plan and do in the garden! [House & Garden UK]

~A great article to remind us how letting fear guide our life decisions is getting in the way of living a life that is possible and is full of fulfillment, contentment and discovery of all that is possible. 7 Things Fear Has Stole from You [Marc & Angel]

~Check out all of Celine Dion’s fashionable looks from her Parisian residency [Vanity Fair]

~This article brought a smile as I am becoming quite fond of my own garden gate, and as British garden expert Alan Titchmarsh shares, a garden gate is the invitation and hint at all the wonderfulness to come upon crossing the threshold. [Country Life]

~In my new book, Vincent van Gogh and some of his most beloved paintings are mentioned to further explain what makes something a masterpiece, and as this article reveals, sometimes, initially, the masses just don’t get it. Thankfully, one person did. Learn more about who did see his genius. [NYtimes, gift link]

~Home Tour of the Week A Georgia-inspired new build set in the Cotswold countryside that is full of upholstered furniture, modern pops of bright color, and do check out the utility room. [House & Garden UK]

~Take a tour of Brittany’s Emerald Coast (the northern part of this beautiful NW region of France). [NYTimes, gift link]

~The two authors of Pardon Our French (highly recommend) give a great interview (in English) to French channel France 24. So much of what they talk about is what we continue to underscore as important to living a simply luxuriously life – putting work in its place, savoring the everyday details and other seemingly simple, yet powerful shifts in how we engage with our day.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: September 25th

~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.