Mysteries abound in this week’s This & That from a variety of authors, praised and beloved, as well as a hilarious “Seinfeld”-esque satirical tv series that has hopped the pond and arrived in America. But let’s hop back to Britain because a new season of a favorite cosy mystery series will be kicking off next week, as well as a new garden book from a long-time trusted head gardener in Britain sharing her expertise for gardening year-round with pots. Oh, and I have oodles of clothing finds this week, from classic hues to vibrant yellow in timeless cuts, you are assured to be dressed effortlessly and well with what is shared. And then there is a décor sale of note along with, well, I don’t want to give it all away, there is still so much more!

Books

—The Alternatives: A Novel by Caoilinn Hughes

Released earlier this week from highly respected Irish novelist Caroilinn Hughes is a book about four sisters, the Flattery sisters, The Alternatives. Each sister leads “disparate, distanced lives, from classrooms in Connecticut to ritzy catering gigs in London’s Notting Hill, until one day their oldest sister, a geologist haunted by a terrible awareness of the earth’s future, abruptly vanishes from her work and home. Together for the first time in years, the Flatterys descend on the Irish countryside in search of a sister who doesn’t want to be found. Sheltered in a derelict bungalow, they reach into their common past, confronting both old wounds and a desperately uncertain future.”

—The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

Being released next Tuesday from the bestselling novelist Amy Tan, a non-fiction book about, yep, birds. What exactly about birds? Shared through daily entries, thoughtful question and original sketches by Tan as well, The Backyard Bird Chronicles begins in 2016 when Tan became “overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.” I am very much looking forward to reading this book for all sorts of reasons, and perhaps you are as well.

—The Sicilian Inheritance: A Novel by Jo Piazza

A national bestseller and an editor’s pick, The Sicilian Inheritance, released on April 2nd, tells the story of Sara Marsala who barely knows who she is anymore after the failure of her business and marriage . . . the plot involves “a twist-filled adventure that takes Sara all over the picturesque Italian countryside as she races to solve a mystery and learn the story of Serafina—a feisty and headstrong young woman in the early 1900s thrust into motherhood in her teens, who fought for a better life not just for herself but for all the women of her small village. Unsurprisingly the more she challenges the status quo, the more she finds herself in danger. As Sara discovers more about Serafina, she also realizes she is coming head-to-head with the same menacing forces that took down her great-grandmother. At once an immersive multigenerational mystery and an ode to the undaunted heroism of everyday women, The Sicilian Inheritance is an atmospheric, page-turning delight.”

British Finds

—Hapless, Peacock

If you, like me, quite enjoyed Seinfeld (admittedly, it was a cult-favorite during my early teenage years, so I understand if it is not to everyone’s taste as our youthful delights speak to perhaps our own confusion about our life and the world, and Seinfeld’s focus on “nothingness” turned off the pressure a bit, but I digress), the Brits have a comedy series that is very much of the same family of comedy and even a bit more perhaps. Hapless now has three seasons available, and just this past April 4th premiered on Peacock. Hapless shares the “misadventures of Paul Green, an investigative journalist working for a small Jewish publication in the UK, The Jewish Enquirer.” Have a look at the trailer below and, as the photo depicts, it may not be for young ears.

—The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton

I have a feeling many TSLL readers already follow Paula Sutton and so know about this exciting news that she is dipping her toes into the cosy mystery genre, and already has two books to share with readers. Paula’s Hill House Vintage Murder Series begins with the Potting Shed Murder, and as she just announced on her popular Instagram account, book two is ready for purchase now as well.

—The Sirens Sang of Murder by Sarah Caudwell (book 3 of 4)

Sadly, the talented author Sarah Caudwell (this was her pseudonym, Sarah Cockburn was her actual name) is no longer with us, having passed away in 2000, but her writing will forever be with us, and it is her mystery novel The Sirens Sang of Murder that is part of a four-part book series – the Hilary Tamar, Oxford don turned supersleuth series – that is now in reprint (along with the rest of the series), and critics are tickled it’s back, and I look forward to the far too long delayed introduction.

—Sister Boniface, season 3, BritBox

The vespa driving nun, Sister Boniface is back! Following the Christmas special back in December, season three will continue beginning Wednesday April 24th on BritBox with the regular and delightful cast returning to solve the crimes in the fictitious Great Slaughter, England. Look for a total of eight new episodes.

Décor

—Greenrow Callie Oval Basket

Having a basket or two around the house for stylish storage is always a good idea, so why can’t the basket be stylish and statement making itself? This one certainly is from Greenrow and I wanted to share. 🙂

—Serena & Lily, Dine In & Out Sale, up to 25% off

With a sale currently taking place on items for dining both outside and in, and my thoughts on the outside and the garden at the moment, I wanted to bring these savings to your attention. From napkins, tablecloths, trays, furniture and placemats as well as silverware, getting ready for spring and summer dining just sounds like delicious fun. I have shopped a few finds below, but be sure to check out the entire sale.

Plumeria Tray

—Shop the Sale:

—Windsor Candlelight, two sizes, from Farmhouse Pottery

Francophile Finds

—La Vie: A Year in Rural France by John Lewis-Stempel 

Released last year, if you are aching to be out in the countryside of France as I am, this might be just the book you were looking for. British writer John Lewis-Stempel who was for many years a farmer in England, “yearned once again to live in a landscape where turtle doves purr and nightingales sing, as they did almost everywhere in his childhood. He wanted to be self-sufficient, to make his own wine and learn the secrets of truffle farming. And so, buying an old honey-coloured limestone house with bright blue shutters, the Lewis-Stempels began their new life as peasant farmers.Over that first year, Lewis-Stempel fell in love with the French countryside, from the wild boar that trot past the kitchen window to the glow-worms and citronella candles that flicker in the evening garden. Although it began as a practical enterprise, it quickly became an affair of the of learning to bite the end off the morning baguette; taking two hours for lunch; in short, living the good life – or as the French say, La Vie.”

—Liberty, Equality, Fashion: The Women Who Styled the French Revolution by Anne Higonnet 

Being released next Tuesday, step back into Revolutionary France, and learn how Josephine Bonaparte, the future Empress of France, and Térézia Tallien, the most beautiful woman in Europe, as well as Juliette Récamier, muse of intellectuals “dared a sartorial revolt. Together they shed the underwear cages and massive, rigid garments that women had been obliged to wear for centuries. They slipped into light, mobile dresses, cropped their hair short, wrapped themselves in shawls, and championed the handbag. Juliette made the new style stand for individual liberty . . . was the fastest and most total change in clothing history. Two centuries ahead of its time, it was rolled back after only a decade by misogynist rumors of obscene extravagance. New evidence allows the real fashion revolution to be told. This is a story for our time: of a revolution that demanded universal human rights, of self-creation, of women empowering each other, and of transcendent glamor.” This book has my attention. I look forward to reading it soon.

—A Murder Most French (an American in Paris mystery) by Colleen Cambridge

I know many TSLL readers thoroughly enjoyed Colleen Cambridge’s first mystery in this series that involves Julia Child and Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, well now, book two in the series is available! Or will be this Tuesday ☺️. Tabitha Knight is the protagonist that leads the plot yet again, and this time around “the legendary school holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. It’s a treat for any aspiring cook—until one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottle—and promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. It’s the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha.”

—Simon Pérèle Nocturne Silk Top and Shorts, sleepwear (more colors)

Garden

—A Year Full of Pots: Container Flowers for All Seasons by Sarah Raven

Currently, this book is being read here at Le Papillon as my own bulbs and perennials and soon annuals will be coming to life in the garden, and I am learning an abundance. Released on April 9th, Sarah Raven, whose garden at Perch Hill is where she resides, gardens and harvests all that she shares and sells, (and did you know she actually worked at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens earlier in her resume?), in A Year Full of Posts shares “practical design tips that will enhance your containers. Use ingenious tricks when combining flower colors such as choosing a BRIDE (the star of the show), a BRIDESMAID (similar to the bride but smaller and less conspicuous), and a GATECRASHER (the color contrast, which brings the whole thing to life). Learn all about the types of forms and plant structures-THRILLER, FILLER, PILLAR, and SPILLER-and how to put them to best use. And even consider simple concepts with newfound importance, like mounting flower pots onto a wall or elevating them to the table so you see more of them, for instant impact.” I am all about learning more from those who know faaaar more than I could ever imagine. So grateful for her sharing.

Psst … I have oodles more garden books recently released shared in this month’s garden post. Be sure to check it out.

Shopping

—Bademia Leather Slingbacks by Paloma Barceló (black also available)

Dressing up for the spring and summer, but also making our sandals summer and spring appropriate, that is what these chaussures most definitely do.

—Banana Republic The Perfect Linen Shirt (more colors and three different sizes – petite, regular and tall)

—Boden Belted Silk Shirt, vibrant yellow, save 15% off

This shirt just brings the sunshine, and I love the modern touch of a slightly slim long cut with the belt. Perhaps you already have an idea for an outfit with a favorite pair of denim or pants (or shorts!).

—Elie Tahari’s Cotton Utility Dress (three colors)

Love this style and while paying attention to the current trend of dresses – midi and multi-stitched lower half to create a bit of movement and freedom for strolling and staying cool.

—Elie Tahari’s Short Sleeve Silk Utility shirt (more colors)

I stopped by Elie Tahari this week and was tickled with what I found, so I have these three finds (one more find is below this one) to share with you. 🙂

—Elie Tahari’s Fit & Flare Stripe Cotton Dress

—Sézane Monique Jacket

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Spring has arrived I do believe here in Bend, or perhaps it just feels like spring because I am outside pottering about whenever a moment becomes available, planting new plants, weeding, on Monday I was planting the new replacement aspen, or simply just gawking whilst sitting on the garden porch while listening to the birdsong (and keeping the bird cafés filled :)). With that said, with a full week on the blog sharing the tour of the Oregon Tulip Farm, a new podcast episode, the monthly ponderings (I did some shopping for that short trench you might be looking for!) and preparing for the annual membership sale, balancing work inside with stepping outside made both tasks all the more enjoyable.

And yep! You read that correctly, the Annual Once-A-Year Membership Sale is on at the moment and savings and upgrades are available during this limited time savings through this Sunday April 21st for both TOP and BASIC Tiers, so be sure to check your weekly newsletter as it has all the promo codes for you (click here to have a look if you can’t locate it), and learn more about all the benefits of becoming a member here.

But back to spring and flowers and warmer weather. I snapped this above shared photo while dropping into a favorite local bakery earlier this week. The juxtaposition of the multitude of white daffodils and green bistro chair/table set immediately stopped me in my tracks, and I guess that is what being present is about. We need not take a photo when such moments catch our awe or interest, but simply taking note, seeing it and yep, then savoring it is what elevates our life, and once we make this into a habit, we begin to see so much more that prompts us smile than we ever realized was possible.

I hope you had a lovely week and now have the opportunity to take a deep breath, two or many and luxuriate in being still. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, wishing you laugh-out loud surprises that bring delight, a bite into something so delicious your eyes roll back in your head and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Bonne journée.

~Worry not Miss Scarlet & The Duke fans! It was just announced that Tom Durant Pritchard will join the cast as Detective Inspector Alexander Blake. Learn more here.

~I definitely won’t say no to a David Lebovitz recipe for anything that is tiramisù, here is his recipe for a Chocolate and Prune version.

~Probably something most of us know or will not be surprised by, but working late and volatile hours are a recipe for burn-out. [NPR]

~A garden to tour with awe and admiration in Wiltshire with its crisp symmetry [House & Garden UK]

~Something to ogle at as these new tea set designs from Italian luxury brand Ginori 1735 are works of art, thus the price, but still, I had to share how beautiful they are.

~Who would have thought?! The hottest restaurant in France is an all you can eat buffet, according to this New Yorker article written by Lauren Collins.

~Thoroughly appreciated and found myself saving multiple places shared in Jo Rodger’s article for An Art Lover’s Weekend in London [House & Garden UK]

~And now staying in Britain, did you know that British Airways’ Spring Sale is currently running? But not for much longer. The prices are quite nice, but scoop up your tickets before April 23rd.

~And the torch for this summer’s Olympics has been lit and is on its way to Paris! Watch it take place here in Olympia.

~I always enjoy getting inside of the minds (and homes) of creatives, and in the video below, Alaïa’s creative director who lives in Antwerp, Belgium, Pieter Mulier, shares his home and the objects that he holds dear. So much of what he shares speaks my language – gardening, books and of course his dog John John. The intentionality he lives with in his home, where he has lived for 10 years, offers much to ponder and oodles of inspiration.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: April 12, 2024:

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