A film to get the holiday chuckle and good cheer started, two biopics about two well-known Hollywood names, a new British mystery series with a familar face at the helm, a new book about an artist so many know and love, clothing for autumn and winter style – both for dressing up and getting cozy and books to remind us about the power (and necessity of books and reading), classical musicians who teach us to harmonize in life even during difficult times, and still, so much more.

Books

~A note about the books chosen each week for T&T, and where to find the books that Shannon loves, recommends, and is reading: T&T books are chosen based on new releases for the coming week that look to be of interest to TSLL readers. In the monthly A Cuppa Moments with Premier Members, she shares in detail the books she loves and is recommending and the books she is currently reading and enjoying. Be sure to explore all of those books in the A Cuppa Moments posts and videos in the Archives.

—The Man Who Read Books: A Novel by Rachid Benzine 

Chosen as Barnes & Noble’s Best Fiction of 2026, The Man Who Reads Books tells the story of a French photographer who arrives in Palestine to photograph the bombings in the Gaza Strip. Who he meets is an old bookseller sitting on the steps of his bookshop, with a stack of books next to him. As the young photojournalist raises his camera to take a photo of him, the bookseller urges him to first listen to his story. What the man has to share is a life lesson and the book that taught him about life, activism, the joys of love, tragedy, and more.

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—More Days at the Torunka Cafe: The Scent of Happines by Satoshi Yagisawa 

Another worthwile novel first a bestseller in its country of orgin (in this case, Japan), and translated now for an international audience to enjoy. More Days at the Torunka Café is the second book in the series following Days at the Torunka Café, a café in Japan that gives readers a glimpse into everyday moments, everyday strangers who go about their life, stopping into the cafe and find unexpected connection at a time and in a place they would never have anticipated to do so.

The series is endearing, filled with reminders for us to hold on to hope, to keep living the life that sits well in our being, and to never give up being kind, brave and human.

British Finds

—Dead Before Tea Time

If you enjoy Agatha Raisin on AcornTV, and if you have read any of the many books originally written by M.C. Beaton, now by R.W. Green, then get ready for a new mystery in the long-running series.

Dead Before Tea Time brings us a mystery that occurs when the local pub is threatened with closure as the landlord raises the rent. The town is understandably in an uproar, and then Agatha finds a dead body: a man who was behind the pub going out of business. Cozy mystery readers, get ready to start sleuthing!

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—The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff

Earlier this autumn I shared the book of letters written by Helene Hanff 84, Charing Cross Road that was adapted into a movie starring Anne Bancroff and Anthony Hopkins. (A wonderful film! Highly recommend.) In the follow-up book, or the book that was written by Hanff sharing her time in London when she finally did arrive in the city, readers have The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street.

I want to thank TSLL member and long-time reader Dani for sharing how much she enjoyed this book after having read the above title that preceded it. And so, I pass it on to you, as the book shares Hanff, at the age of 55 (in the 1970s) exploring literary landmarks and forging unforgettable friendships.

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—Lessons in Harmony: A Novel by Jonathan Coe

I am quite curious to read Lessons in Harmony. If you enjoy classical music or the Belle Époque period of France captures your interest, then be sure to explore this title. The year is 1907, and composer Maurice Ravel has established himself as a respected, and quite young, artist in France. Ravel is encouraged to teach a rising British composer called Ralph Vaughan Williams. Things go well, despite their differing styles, until the war arrives. What will they do?

If you are in London, the author will be talking about his new book at the Institute Français next Tuesday, November 10th. You can purchase tickets here.

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—Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint

Ohhhh, this film looks absolutely fantastic. And it premieres today in the UK (hopefully soon thereafter in the States). A film to bring the holiday cheer amidst the navigation of family relations and unexpected cheerful connections. Have a look at the trailer below.

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—The Northumbrian Mysteries, BBC One

I heard about this new mystery series starring Grantchester’s Robson Green, and recently remembered to take a look at BBC One’s website, and as luck would have it, it premiered in October. I have watched the first four episodes (there will be eight in the first season), and enjoyed them. The Northumbrian Mysteries takes Green and doesn’t give him a badge, but instead turns him into an ordinary guy who is on the recovering side of a gambling addiction. Set along the coastline of NE England, he is volunteering at a priory and has been befriended by the monk in charge, played by Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral). Enter Oxford-educated DI Rose O’Connell (played by Liz White), who comes to realize Joe Ruby (Green) may be a helpful source for solving local crimes. I really like White in this role, and have to admit that I like Green in this role far more than his character in Grantchester (even though he grew on me as the series evolved).

Right now, the series is only available on BBC One, but I am hoping it will make its way to AcornTV or BritBox in the next year. I’ll keep you posted.

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—Return to Paradise, season 3, BBC One

What is available on BritBox are seasons 1 and 2 of Return to Paradise, which means that soon, the new season will be showing up there too, but for now, turn on BBC One. Season 3 of this spin-off from Death in Paradise, which is set in Australia, premieres today. Have a look at the trailer below and check out the cast on their press tour via their Instagram account.

Cookbooks

—Season to Taste: Comforting Recipes You Won’t Find in a Restaurant by Corre Larkin 

Maybe you follow Corre Larkin on IG (2 million people do, so it is highly likely ;), but either way, her first cookbook shares more than 100 recipes to share how to cook elegant, yet approachable recipes for delicious meals. And this Halibut in Cream makes a great case to pick up the cookbook.

Films

—Avedon, Netflix

If you picked up a fashion magazine in the 1990s or early aughts, you were likely looking at quite a few photographs by Richard Avedon. And now, in this new documentary, viewers get to know the man behind the camera as captured by archival photographs and intimate interviews with those who worked with him. Look for this film to premiere on Netflix on November 12th and view the trailer below.

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—Being Heumann, AppleTV

Highly reviewed by critics, a documentary based on the book written by Judith Heumann, released in 2020, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. Sharing the story that took place in 1977, disability rights activist Judy Heumann led “a historic 28-day occupation of San Francisco’s Federal Building, uniting protesters in a fight for accessibility laws and equal rights.” Have a look at the trailer below and find it on AppleTV starting today.

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—I Play Rocky

This new biopic shares the story of Sylvester Stallone and the true account of, at the time, an unknown actor “who believed he wasn’t meant to just write ‘Rocky’, but to play Rocky Balboa. Facing constant rejection, Stallone risks everything, refusing to give up the lead role against impossible odds.” Anthony Ippolito stars as Stallone, and the film is getting a warm response from critics so far. Have a look at the trailer below. A

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—Jimmy

Another biopic, and this time, it is a role that Jimmy Stewart has in a film we now all know very well when the holidays roll around, which saved the actor’s life. Stewart has just returned from WWII, serving as a combat pilot, and was struggling with depression. KJ Apa stars as Stewart, and the film is on track to receiving some Academy Award recognition. Have a look at the trailer for Jimmy below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

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—Learning to Drive

This film is on my watchlist this weekend, and how I missed it when it was released more than 10 years ago, I do not know. Learning to Drive stars two top names I enjoy seeing on screen – Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley (and you will also see Sarita Choudhury from And Just Like That)- and between the comedy coming from Clarkson’s midlife quandary and the mismatched duo who mesh beautifully, it looks like a delightful film to watch. Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Claude Monet: A Life in Letters by Teresa Krasny

My copy is preordered! Being released on Tuesday, November 10th, are letters that have never before been translated into English from the well-known Impressionist French artist Claude Monet. Back in 2023, art biographer Jackie Wullschläger had access to these letters, which had never before been used in an English biography (the book is titled Monet: A Restless Vision, and it is phenomenal- a source for my book Savoring the Sojourn when Monet is written about). Now, in A Life in Letters, we have them all, and they are paired with illustrations and annotation.

Readers will discover Monet’s letters―to his friends, family, fellow artists, patrons, and gallerists—gaining insight into the thoughts into his world and mind. Below are two excerpted pages.

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—Madame Blanc, season 5, AcornTV

A cozy mystery series that keeps things light and fun, and always ends with a resolution and a happy reunion (at least by the end of the season). We return to France (really, it’s filmed in Malta, but it poses well for Provence), and this time Jean and Dom are preparing for their wedding taking place during the holidays. There will be seven episodes in this season, which includes a holiday episode. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the season to premiere on Monday, November 9th on AcornTV.

Shopping

—Brooks Brothers’s Merino Wool Belted Dolman-Sleeve dress, two colors

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—Cole Haan’s Blanche Snip Toe Tall Boot (black and brown available), 30% off black

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—Gant’s Pleated Beltd Dress, evening blue

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—Jumper 1234’s Rainbow Arms Cashmere Crew Neck jumper, four colors

Cozy, retro, and timeless too. Loving the slightly oversized design, and I have a feeling this would be a very soft sweater to pull on when getting cozy at home on a snowy or blustery evening.

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—La Ligne NYC’s Ben V Neck sweater, many colors

A lightweight sweater that, as shown below, would layer well with a slub tee and blazer.

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—LilySilk’s Black Friday Sale has begun (up to 70% off)

Black Friday sales have begun, and if you, like me, are subscribed to various newsletters, you are well aware of the sales that have begun :). LilySilk is a brand I recommend, and their entire site is on sale.

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—Sézane’s Torsade Trinket Dish or Compote (two sizes, and colors)

Items for beautiful display, classic touches that safely can be something to use and include in your kitchen decor and servingware for years to come.

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—Tuckernuck’s Plaid Wool Blend Arlene Midi Skirt

As mentioned above with Cole Haan’s black boots, this plaid skirt brings the style and the warmth, and works well with any knee-high boot you have.

Television

—Awkwafina: The Unlikely Cook, AppleTV

Awkwafina, aka Nora Lum, or is it the other way around ;), even though she is the descendant of restaurant royalty, she doesn’t know how to cook . . . but she wants to. So in this new series, she decides to go on a road trip, a culinary road trip to learn how to do just that and then return home to revive her family’s Chinese eatery in Flushing, New York. A pop-up at the time being, she does hope to open it up again as a permanent destination in the future. Have a look at the trailer below, and it premieres today on AppleTV.

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Sometimes the best photos are the ones you don’t plan for, and that was just the case earlier this week. In my twill gardening pants (they are loved and well-worn), dusty Chelsea boots, and warm quilted coat – it was quite chilly that morning even with the sun shining), I was beaming because I had the opportunity to be in a photo with my Nelle!

While Nelle and I took a morning walk through Drake Park here in Bend, on this particular day, a stunner of a maple tree was spotlighted by the low November morning light and shone like gold. I stopped to gawk and so too did someone else. She, someone who was visiting Bend, it turned out, asked if I might take her photo. I happily said yes, and then she offered to take mine. At first, I thought, “Nahh, I live here. I see this all the . . . ” but the truth is, we don’t see this beauty all the time even if we do live here. This leaf foliage in brilliant yellow, still lingering on the tree, isn’t guaranteed, and even if it happens, I may not happen to take a walk at that time or that week, so I changed my mind and accepted her offer, and I am so glad I did – it’s now the photo on the Start Here/Introductions page. (You can see the tree and its leaves in motion here in this IG post.)

We find ourselves in the first week of November, and while already sales have begun and holiday films and tunes have pressed their play button, I am sinking happily into these three weeks of November pre-holiday calm.

I want to thank everyone who has already taken the time to fill out the End-of-the-Year Survey as we look ahead to the content of 2027, and if you haven’t filled it out yet and would like to, you can do so here. Already, a few updates/changes have been made inspired by your feedback – no longer are 3rd party ads on the podcast going to begin each episode, and I did my best to keep this month’s A Cuppa Moments a bit shorter (closer to 30 minutes than to 60). I have also added many of the reviews you shared about the blog on the Blog Reviews page (thank you for your kind words and all that you shared! The detail will be very helpful to new readers.) All of this is to say I am reading each one and taking into consideration what you love, enjoy, return to, look forward to, and would like to add or change.

Now to the weekend, and while this past week I began to finalize the annual Holiday Gift Guide for Anglophiles and Francophiles, look for it to be released in a couple of weeks (Saturday, November 21st). I want you to enjoy this time of pre-holiday chill and not rush ahead. There will be enough time for treasure-hunting and finding the perfect gift, but in the meantime, enjoy yourself and savor this magical in-between time before the hustle and bustle begin.

Have a most wonderful couple of days, and until Sunday, when the new Moment du Méditation is shared, bonne journée.

~I quite liked this IG video, because it involves Paris, kindness and well, that’s perfect. A Part 2 in a series, Part 3 is just as fabulous. [@tellmewrld]

~Home Tour of the Week: A Georgian manse in the English countryside that is home to two artists, and seeing a welcoming, cozy home thoughtfully adorned with art everywhere is a treat for the soul and the eyes. [House & Garden UK]

~If you travel and prefer tea, it can feel like a luxury to discover you have been catered to. Consequently, I usually always try to remember to pack my favorite teas with me, but still, having a teapot is a treat as one is often not in the room where many coffee pots are. This article made me smile, but also underscored how sweet it is to see tea remembered in a hotel room. The article shares the British hotels that never forget us tea lovers. [FT.com]

~Let’s slip over to France for a moment, and how to prepare son balcon et sa terrasse for winter [Architectural Digest, France, in French]

~The new teatime in Paris at The Ritz as of this past September. Learn more. [Bonjour Paris]

~Antique hunters! If you are in the UK this November, keep this calendar. [Homes and Antiques]

~How to be a great holiday guest [Artful Living]

~Catherine Zeta-Jones shares her five favorite places in Wales. [NYTimes, gift link]

~Gardeners, there are still tasks we can do in November! Have a look at this list from Outside Interests/House & Garden UK.

~While we will have to wait until early next year to watch this French film, it is one that looks worth the wait for bringing the hilarity in juxtaposing two Francophone countries, and as depicted in the film, what may appear to be a clash of usage and culture, may actually be an endearing moment of seeing all that we have in common. Have a look at the trailer below for Maudits Français.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: October 30th

~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.