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More than a few new films that are must-watch, the loooooong anticipated return of a beloved series, a new app I highly recommend if you do much of your shopping online for keeping track of deliveries, the return of a favorite French mystery series, cozy cable-knit sweaters, three documentaries that explore civil rights, educational pressure for high-schoolers and why did Kenny G become a jazz fan favorite, but loathed by critics? All of that and much, much more.
Books
—The Christmas Bookshop: A Novel by Jenny Colgan
Released in November and already a New York Times bestseller, a go-to read for cosying in for a light-hearted escape. Set in Edinburgh, the main character “Carmen has been laid off from her department store job and now has perilously little cash and few options . . . taking a job with a client of her sister’s to help him revitalize his shabby old bookshop she begins to learn the inner workings of Mr. McCredie’s ancient bibliophile haven and becomes intrigued.”
~shop here on Bookshop.org
—Wine Style: Discover the wines you will love through 50 simple recipes by Kate Leahy
Released in July, “Wine Style is the modern, casual guide to finding which wines you love and what foods to pair them with. There are no rules here (especially none of the old-fashioned ones, like “seafood should always be paired with white wine”). Instead, this book is all about helping you explore new terrain in approachable ways.”
British Find
—The Great British Baking Show Holidays, Season 4 Premiere
Returning to Netflix with two new episodes premiering this Friday, step into the baking tent with favorite bakers from past seasons and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Check out the trailer below.
—Seasons at Highclere: Gardening, Growing, and Cooking Through the Year at the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon
Released to coordinate with the upcoming release of the second Downton Abbey film (set to premiere in March 2022), Seasons at Highclere includes “full-color photography specially commissioned for this book. The Countess of Carnarvon discusses entertaining for different seasonal feasts and holidays through the year and explores changing tastes and menus, plants and produce grown in the Highclere gardens, the charming menagerie of resident animals, and the traditions of living in the English countryside. Each season brings its own special activities and chores, many ancient, their names often a reference to the traditions and superstitions of country lore. Full of charming ideas and seasonal advice, this book will inspire readers seeking to brighten their approach to living with traditional English country style.”
Film
Premiering today, a film that critics praise, the documentary explores the tennis career of Arthur Ashe and his impact on tennis and HIV activism. Have a look at the trailer below.
A movie inspired by the events prompted by the pandemic and lockdowns, The End of Us tells the story of a couple who “after a savage breakup, must continue living together when California issues its stay-at-home order for COVID-19.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters now.
As a young girl who grew up in the nineties when Kenny G became popular, and then watched as the extraordinary popularity turned into loathing and poking fun, unbeknownst to me as to why, this documentary has my attention. Listening to Kenny G “examines one of the most popular instrumentalist of all time, Kenny G, and why he is polarizing to so many.” Released in theaters today, have a look at the trailer below.
Released this summer in the UK, look for Off the Rails to become available soon here in the states. “Three fifty-something women set out to repeat the European inter-railing adventures of their youth, after their close friend passes away leaving them rail tickets, and a final request: to take her teenage daughter with them.” Have a look at the trailer below.
Filmed “at Lowell High School, the top-ranked public high school in San Francisco, the seniors are stressed out.” A documentary filmed and created by Debbie Lum, Try Harder! “profiles five gifted students as they face the often brutal and rigorous process of college applications”. Released today, have a look at the trailer below.
Francophile Find
While I have many episodes to catch up on from previous seasons, on November 23rd, a new season of Murder In . . . was released MHz, a new episode each week for 12 weeks. Travel to a different locale in France in each episode solving murders and getting to know a new detective and their woes each time.
Miscellaneous
I just learned of a new app that helps you consolidate all of those emails notifying you of the tracking numbers of your purchases and holds them in one space. Phew! Route is free to download and in fewer than five minutes, I had set up my account and all of my current shipments from a handful of different shipping companies were compiled into one screen. So simple and incredibly helpful.
Music
—Love for Sale, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Released in August in coordination with their concert, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett teamed up one last time to sing favorite Cole Porter songs, and the album is called Love for Sale. Bennett’s Alzheimer’s has since worsened, but as Lady Gaga shared in a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, his ability to sing remains quite strong.
Shopping
—Emporio Armani draped waist wool knit dress (40% off)

Perfect for the holidays. Simple, classic, chic. (oh, and the dress looks quite comfortable as well :))
—Mansur Gavriel Soft Ruffled Clutch bag (four colors)

A good clutch, not too small, versatile for day or evening, Mansur Gavriel’s soft clutches offer exactly what I would love to have in my handbag capsule.
—Polo Ralph Lauren Lambswool cashmere cable-knit turtleneck

Television

~What to do in Paris this month [Hip Paris]
~The most stylish fireplaces in Paris (in case you were curious 😉 [Do It In Paris]
~10 fantasies to let go of before New Year [Marc & Angel]
~6 habits for Mental Health that will Change Your Life for the Better [Pick the Brain]
~How to be an excellent Gift Giver [Wirecutter]
~Having just received my renewed passport back in the mail, this is good news – Wait Times are coming down for Passport Applications and Renewals~ (mine took about 14-16 weeks, the good news that seems to be the worst of it)
~Quite grateful to hear this, finally – Au revoir to the ‘Perfect Parisian Woman’ Cliché [WSJ, requires a subscription]
~An article to ponder – Does London have better French food than Paris? This columnist thinks so. [The Guardian]
~Yet another favorite series has announced when it will return and it is soon! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is back on February 18th. Check out the trailer for Season 4 below.
~Last week a Broadway legend passed away at the age of 91, Stephen Sondheim. On Sunday, countless members of Broadway gathered to pay him tribute and sing one of his beloved songs, Sunday. Have a listen, and especially catch the final words (which are Sondheim’s) shared by Lin-Manuel Miranda upon introducing the song.
(Also, if you haven’t watched tick, tick . . . Boom (Netflix) I highly recommend it. Sondheim is played by Bradley Whitford as he played a significant role in Jonathan Larson’s real-life journey. In fact, the real Sondheim lent his voice to the voicemail Andrew Garfield’s character receives near the end of the movie.)
~Please note: Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.
Wonderful list! I’m looking forward to tucking into The Christmas Bookshop one of these evenings.
The article for John Galliano’s home links to the 6 habits for mental health site.
Happy weekend!
-Courtney
Courtney,
Thank you for bringing to my attention the error in the links. I have updated them, and here is the direct link to the home and garden tour (so lovely!) – https://www.vogue.com/article/inside-john-gallianos-treasure-filled-hideaway-in-northern-france
Also, I clicked on the Parisian Woman article on WSJ and it reminded me of my previous curiosity of your favorite online/paper subscriptions. It would be a fun post to read through if you’re ever interested!
I’m on the lookout to hone my content intake to quality over quantity and am considering only reading news through a weekend paper.
Great idea 🙂 Thank you for the suggestion. Reading the weekend newspapers I have found to be enough to stay caught up but not drowning or getting behind is trying to read all that may arrive. (My recycling bin thanks me as well :)).
Happy Friday!
I was so disappointed when I watch the finale of GBBO, so the news of a holiday special was almost a relief. I love that show so much. It is so calming and the camaraderie of the contestants inspiring. Also, how fun it will be to catch up with some of our old friends: Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda.
I am intrigued by The Christmas Bookshop, (and what a perfect time of year to enjoy it) as well as Off The Rails. I could really use the Route App this time of year as I am receiving packages daily for the holiday season.
Were people really poking fun at Kenny G? I had no idea. Maybe, I was too busy listening to Forever in Love.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
~Michelle
Thanks so much for the terrific recommendations!
I have a question… I’m trying to remember the name of a previous recommendation, a new program coming to Britbox. I think it takes place in France, with a British heroine solving mysteries? It looked delightful. Wish I could remember more!
Happy to help Pamela. I think you will find the show in this This & That (link) https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/ttnov122021/
Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Yes – Madame Blanc! Thanks, Shannon.
My pleasure! I have been enjoying a new episode each week and am quite enjoying the cast. I think you will too. The calm, grounded nature of the lead actress is refreshing.:)
SUCH a good T&T. I’ve got ‘The Christmas Bookshop’ on order and took a peekaloo at Leahy’s ‘Wine Style’–I really like her voice, so I am resisting buying and it is now on the ‘Possibilities for Santa’ list(amount to be spent AND number of gifts are always pre-determined, nothing overboard, creativity and humor very welcome). Just starting to sift through all the suggested reads–
*Good article about Julia and Paul Child, such an interesting couple who loved and married in what was considered ‘late’ in life.
*Josephine Baker. Incredible, incredible woman. Wonderful articles also available from both NPR and NYT about her recent induction into France’s Pantheon.
Tony Bennett, adore adore, what a legend. Germanotti is not only a fierce talent, but ineffably kind and awesome to do this for him.
Sondheim…how many times did we all sing his brilliant songs around a rickety upright piano during a cast party.
And you have hellebores blooming whilst my summer tomatoes and peppers are still at it!
Thank you Shannon. Sante to you and nose-kisses to Norman. XOXO
So much to look forward to enjoying in this weeks list! The End Of Us and Try Harder caught my eye. And i remember Off The Rails coming out here a while ago as it sadly coincided with the passing of Kelly Preston. It looks like a film I’d usually go to see with my mum and sister so will check it out.
And of course – And Just Like That… I am greatly looking forward to being reunited with Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda – plus some interesting new characters (Karen Pittman from The Morning Show!)
I went to see House of Gucci this week, and though clearly highly dramatised (Tom Ford’s review is an interesting read) I really enjoyed it. The soundtrack is really good too!
I look forward to joining the a cuppa moments chat today (Saturday here).
Happy weekend Shannon x
So much good stuff – thank you Shannon! I am SO, SO, SO excited for the next chapter of SATC 🙂 Just in case there are fellow Canadians reading – we can’t get HBO max here – it will be on Crave! I was worried it wouldn’t be watchable here. Phew!
Great as ever! 🙂
My favourites this weeK.
– The Christmas Bookshop – why is my next-to-read list getting longer and longer since I joined TSLL? 😉
– off the Rails
– Citizen Ashe,
– and delighted to learn about Mrs. Maisel return. Not so delighted to wait until February. Hmm.
I love Hellebores and yours has such a beautiful colour!
I hope everyone had a good weekend, and wish you all the very best for the week ahead.
Big hug, Shannon, and many pats for Norman. 🙂