Quite a few British finds this week, from a return of a favorite series after a two-year hiatus, another female-led series is back, and a new book about the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Also, books: one tells the true story of the most curious art theft, another is a novel by a Nobel Prize-winning author, and then we have a book for bibliophiles that just looks ideal for winter reading. We cannot forget the Francophile finds – home and style beauties, and two locations for a British restful getaway have been found. Still, there is more!

Books

—The Ballad of the Last Guest: A Novel by Peter Handke (translated by Krishna Winston)

I learned about this book recently, and its premise, written by Nobel Prize-winning author Peter Handke, caught my attention because it is often the case that when we return after many years to a place we remember fondly, we discover it has changed in significant ways. The Ballad of the Last follows Gregor, who “returns home from another continent. The landscape, formerly dotted with small villages, has been absorbed into the outskirts of a large city, both familiar and foreign at the same time. His father sits playing cards, waiting for him, but Gregor is surprised to find his sister holding an infant . . . In the end, Gregor is never quite able to stay put. He is drawn out into the world, into the streets and alleys of what is now a city, to the cinema, the soccer stadium, the forest, and above all the old fruit orchard, now overgrown and beyond saving. As he walks, the present and the past become intertwined―memories of childhood surface, and inner voices enter into dialogue.”

—Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books by Hwang Bo-reum 

Bibliophiles, a book to savor this winter as we cozy in. Everyday Day I Read comes from the author of the international bestseller Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, “a heartfelt invitation to reflect on your relationship with reading and celebrate the joys of books”.

Full of essays about books, in each one, “Hwang Bo-reum contemplates what living a life immersed in reading means. She goes beyond the usual questions of what to read and how often, exploring the relationship between reading and writing, when to turn to a bestseller vs. browse the corners of a bookstore, the value of reading outside of your favorite genre, falling in love with book characters, and more.”

—Home: How to Love It, Live in It and Find Joy in It by India Knight

Released in October, inspired by her popular Substack newsletter, India Knight’s book Home “explores and celebrates the essence of what makes a home. Whether it is grand or modest, urban or rural, rented or owned, shared or occupied solo, her mission is to make you sigh with contentment the moment you’re through your front door.”

“From understanding the best lightbulbs and the most flattering paint colours, or knowing what to make when you’ve asked people to dinner and have forgotten (or maybe never learned) how to cook, Home debunks intimidating ideas about ‘taste’ and celebrates the timeless importance of charm.”

—The Rembrandt Heist: The Story of a Criminal Genius, a Stolen Masterpiece, and an Enigmatic Friendship by Anthony M. Amore 

Chosen as Smithsonian’s Book of the Year for 2025, The Rembrandt Heist tells the true story of how one man plotted to steal one of the world’s most valuable paintings—and return it. Well now, that’s a head scratcher, and makes me all the more eager to read it!

“On April 14, 1975, Myles Connor, already a known art thief, entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in disguise along with a cohort. The pair went directly the Dutch Gallery and proceeded to remove Portrait of Elsbeth van Rijn from its place on the wall. After a brief scuffle with the guards—with Myles deterring his partner from shooting a bystander—the pair was gone, leaving behind no traceable evidence amidst the mayhem . . . But there was a flip side to this story. One involving Connor’s best friend—Al Dotoli—who lived a life in the music industry, far from the world of art heists. Dotoli’s own masterpiece of a plan hinged on the Rembrandt’s return.”

British Finds

—The Reading Party in west Cotswolds

So after watching Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, the idea of whiling away time at a beautiful English country estate or country property, writing or reading the entire time and being catered to, sounds like one of the best holidays ever.

And guess what? There are many places that offer just this sort of getaway. One is hosted by Christen, self-described as an avid reader, former bookseller, collector of vintage Penguin books, and owner of Middle Colenso Farm. A couple of times a year, she hosts just this sort of event for four nights (a long weekend), and while her March event is already full, her late May event still has spots.

Read all about this special place here, and follow Christen Pears here on IG.

—Hawkwood New Year Reading Retreat

On the very same topic, and happening in January, is a weekend getaway for readers. Book a room during this special reading getaway where you will be tucked away in the English countryside in the Cotswolds at Hawkwood, a Grade II listed 19th-century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Meals included, January 16-18th sounds like a wonderful mid-winter retreat where you will enjoy “an unhurried weekend of reading in our cosy manor house, tea & coffee on tap, nourishing meals, and lunch with a published author. Wander our woodlands, explore the Cotswold countryside, and return to your books with no interruptions – the perfect winter escape.”

I do so hope a TSLL reader will be able to go and enjoy, and then, please do, tell us all about it. ☺️🇬🇧❤️🫖📚

—Midsomer Murders, season 25, AcornTV

It has been two years (usually we only have to wait one), but the wait is nearly over. Hurrah! Returning on Monday, December 8th, the sleuthing crew is back in Midsomer to solve the most creative murders. There will be four episodes, one each week, leading all the way up to the end of the year – December 29th. Each episode is as we have come to enjoy – 90 minutes. Have a look at the trailer and get ready to snuggle in on Monday!

—Miss Scarlet, season 6, PBS Masterpiece, Passport members

If you have a PBS Passport (all supporters of PBS or NPR can set one up for no additional cost), you will have early access to the new season (season 6) of Miss Scarlet. Premiering on Sunday, December 7th, Eliza (Kate Phillips) is back in six one-hour episodes, all available to binge this Sunday. For all viewers, the season will premiere on January 11th. Have a look at the trailer below. December looks like it is going to be full of fantastic cozy mysteries. Wahoo!

—Queen Elizabeth II: A Concise Biography of an Exceptional Sovereign by Sir David Cannadine

The subtitle reveals the design of this latest biography of Queen Elizabeth II, whose 100th birthday would be this coming April. Full of year-by-year glimpses into how her reign unfolded, Sir David Cannadine also includes what would appear to be trivial details that reveal her personality, interests, and approach to the public, from her love of jigsaw puzzles and her choice of dance partners to her love of animals, but to many of us, I have a feeling, would be greatly enjoyed.

Francophile Finds

—Bugaia, Zelda candle

Included in Sharon Santoni’s most recent My French Country Box (November 2025) was an introduction (for me) to the French candle brand Bugaia. And you can buy your own, directly from MFCH here, selecting the scent you prefer. The vessel itself is gorgeous, so once the candle is finished, use it to hold small essentials atop your vanity or desk. Parfait! I will be sure to post a photo soon as the package just arrived yesterday.

—Léo et Violette’s Le Marcia handbag

I learned about Léo et Violette’s Le Marcia handbag recently, and took note of this ideal medium size – large enough to hold a book, but small enough to drape over the shoulder or use as a crossbody. The strap adjusts to provide both options, and the interior provides many options for organization and ease of finding what you need.

One detail I appreciate about their design approach is that no logos appear on the bag itself. Founded in “2013 by a Parisian couple, Léo et Violette design timeless leather goods, where minimalist design and artisanal craftsmanship are deeply intertwined. From their Parisian Studio, every piece is carefully designed, combining clean lines with functional details.”

—Mariage Fréres is shipping to the US again!

During my trip to France this past March, one of my regular stops was to stock up on my favorite teas from Mariage Fréres – buying large bags of one or two varietals. Little did I know that I was thankfully stocked enough for the rest of the year, as in August, Mariage Fréres stopped shipping to the US due to the imposed tariffs. I immediately began reducing my rations of this treat. Thankfully, good news arrived in my inbox this week when MF shared they were now shipping to the States again! Merci beaucoup! Shipping is free on purchases of $150 or more, and only $17 on purchases under $150. You may incur customs fees once it reaches the United States. I am not sure exactly, but based on other companies I have had goods shipped from France recently, would likely be 10% of your price.

All of this is to say that I am so grateful to continue to have some of my favorite teas always stocked here at Le Papillon. Their Darjeeling teas are what I stock up on most of all. Their black tea, French Blue, is a favorite for breakfast as well. The Darjeeling I am currently enjoying is Bloomfield, and I also recommend Master, which was a Petit Plaisir a couple of years ago. Their Vert Provence is my go-to green tea of choice. Below are a few pics from my visit to the 6th arrondissement location in Paris (13 Rue des Grands Augustins) as well as descriptions of these mentioned teas.

Gardening

—Diary of a Keen Gardener by Mary Keen

A new gardening book that has been reviewed repeatedly with praise from British garden columnists (read The Financial Times review here) is The Diary of a Keen Gardener, published in November, from Mary Keen. She “has created some of the finest gardens in England. But rather than tell the story of those paradises, this is the diary about everyday watchfulness in the places Mary loves best – her own back garden and allotment nearby.”

“Beginning at the lowest ebb of the grower’s year – when November leaves are falling and flowers in retreat – Mary shows us how one’s perspective of time changes in the pleasure of nurturing plants. Time can slide to a standstill as you stop to stare at a flower, or flash to the past when another triggers a memory. As the diary records the ordinary, the ephemeral and the horticulturally useful, in a patchwork of life and tasks, we also witness the little dramas in the village where she lives and meet her family and friends who are an integral part of her gardening community.”

I would love to read this book over the winter holiday and will be placing my order soon.

Shopping

—Cole Haan’s Fair Isle Beanie, on sale

—The Foggy Dog sweaters

Over the weekend, I shared this IG Reel (video) of Ms. Nelle wiggling about in her new sweater gifted to us from my mother (thank you Mom!). Here is where you can shop for yours as well as pursue many other warm coats and knits. Shop the sweaters and coats here.

—Quince’s Wool Cashmere Classic Single-Breasted Coat, many colors

Available for only $200, these cashmere-blend coats are timeless, versatile, and will keep us warm. ☺️

—Reiss’ Ameira Silk-Satin Concealed-Placket Shirt in Ivory

In December’s A Cuppa Moments, I shared details about a new series I will kick off in January that has to do with signature style (more details will come on January 1st with the first post to be shared later in the month (January). And these classic separate pieces caught my eye as worth paying attention to.

—Reiss’ Miranda Lace-Trim Sheer Button-Through Blouse in Cream

—Tiny Buddha 2026 Day-to-Day Calendar: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives 

The new year is about to begin, and a day calendar sharing an inspiring quote of inspiration and reassurance is always a helpful way to begin the day well. Founder of the Tiny Buddha blog, Lori Deschene’s Day-to-Day Calendar: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives looks like just the perfect dose of calm.

Television

—First Snow at Fraggle Rock, AppleTV

Yep, I was one of those kids in the 80s/90s who loved watching Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock (maybe you were as well?), and now there is a short holiday film. Watch the “Fraggles, Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey, and Boober, make the holiday season sing with musical artist Lele Pons.” Premiering today on AppleTV. Have a look at the trailer below and let’s get our Fraggle on!

—Jay Kelly, Netflix

While I already mentioned this new film last month when it premiered in theaters, I wanted to alert you to its availability on Netflix starting today. Have a look at George Clooney as Jay Kelly. I think I will have to tune in when a couple of hours relaxing present themselves.

---

Nelle found the snow on Sunday! Our first dusting of the season here around town, and while it didn’t stay long, it was beautiful to see as we took our walk amongst and under the towering pine trees in one of the local parks.

This week has been a revving up of the holiday season here at home, where on Tuesday you would have found me on my roof and ladders stringing up lights along the rooflines and on one of the spruce trees that I realized has grown quite a lot since I moved in five years ago. Wowza! Couldn’t reach the top even with my extended ladder, so made a few lasso tosses and hoped for the best. To my eye, the proportions at night look alright! Phew. Then, I decorated the front porch, doing something a bit different, and again, it turned out okay, I think. I will be sure to share a photo in December’s Ponderings… with TOP Tier members.

Work on the book continues along, and this week brought a glimpse at the nearly complete cover (ohhhhh, loving it!) as well as beginning to put the manuscript into the template – so far, so good! So, all in all, a great week.

How has your first week of December unfolded? Hopefully, very well indeed, as the holiday spirit energy lifts your mood and tickles your taste buds.

May the upcoming weekend be full of sweet delights, lots of holiday lights just as you prefer, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée !

~Fellow Gen-Xers! This article was a fun read – Is Gen X Actually the Greatest Generation? ) [NYTimes gift link]

~Ina Garten answered Air Mail’s Good Life questions, and while some we’ve known the answer to for years, there were a few that were great reminders of letting go and trusting.

~How ‘Unplugging’ Became Luxury’s Most Valuable Currency [Vogue Business, subscription may be required]

~A Yale study found that reading 30 minutes each day extends one’s life by nearly two years! [Bookish Flights, IG]

~The Most Beautiful Bookstores in London for Christmas Shopping [1000 Libraries]

~Thank your Rona for sharing this article with us from ArtNet – How Monet created his water lily pond in Giverny.

~And if you are heading up to Scotland – The Most Beautiful Bookstores in Edinburgh for Christmas Shopping

~Robert Kime’s interior decor projects continue to inspire me, and his very first project, completed more than 40 years ago, has recently switched owners for the first time since Kime’s work. Have a look at what they kept and what they changed. [House & Garden UK]

~Nigel Slater’s Apple & Cardamon Cake, snuggle in now and pour a hot kettle full of water for tea! [The Observer]

~Now, for this week’s video, let’s step out into the garden of Nina Leeming who lives in Sussex and also offerings gardening classes (learn more about them here).

---

~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: November 28th

~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.