The list of great books to explore continues! So many this week – historical fiction, mysteries, social science explorations, a book about books, contemporary fiction and yep, still more! Two wonderful films debut this week on two very different topics, the return of an award winning comedy series to prime-time television, let the celebrating and dining of this national favorite dish begin today!, clothing on sale and quality capsule pieces to explore, and an online décor destination to keep in your favorites for conscientious wares that are just as stunning as they are sustainably sourced. Plus more!

Books

—Everyone on This Train is a Suspect: A Novel by Benjamin Stevenson

Released this past Tuesday, from the bestselling author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone on This Train is a Suspect will most certainly look to take inspiration from Agatha Christie, and in this novel, all the suspects are crime writers, so therefore hypothetically know how to get away with a crime, so when the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society hosts their crime-writing festival aboard the Ghan, the famous train between Darwin and Adelaide, the first person narration begins, and the murders do as well. But who did it, and will we ever be able to find out?

—Fluke: Chance, Chaos and Why Everything We Do Matters by Brian Klaas

Released January 23rd, Brian Klaas draws on “social science, chaos theory, history, evolutionary biology, and philosophy to provide a fresh look at why things happen—all while providing mind-bending lessons on how we can live smarter, be happier, and lead more fulfilling lives.

“In Fluke, myth-shattering social scientist Brian Klaas dives deeply into the phenomenon of random chance and the chaos it can sow, taking aim at most people’s neat and tidy storybook version of reality. The book’s argument is that we willfully ignore a bewildering truth: but for a few small changes, our lives—and our societies—could be radically different.”

—Helle & Death by Oskar Jensen

Yet another book inspired partially by the long-running successful play by Agatha Christie, The Mouse Trap, I learned about Oskar Jensen’s new book while reading this past weekend’s Financial Times and quickly became intrigued. Helle & Death is set during a snowstorm, in a country house, sound familiar? But this is what is not – “Old friends reunited . . . and Torben Helle – art historian, Danish ex-pat and owner of several excellent Scandinavian jumpers – finds himself dragged to a remote snowbound Northumbrian mansion for a ten-year reunion with old university friends. At the dinner table their host, a reclusive and irritating tech entrepreneur, makes some shocking revelations. And when these are followed by an apparent suicide, the group faces a test of their wits… and their trust.” Dah dah dahhhhh.

—Vintage Contemporaries: A Novel by Dan Kois

Released this past January and already an Editor’s Pick, “Slate editor Dan Kois makes his fiction debut with this stunning coming-of-age novel set in New York City, about the joys of unexpected life-altering friendships, the power of finding ourselves in the moment, and the importance of forgiving ourselves when we inevitably mess everything up . . . Vintage Contemporaries is a novel about art, parenthood, loyalty, and fighting for a cause—the times we do the right thing, and the times we fail—set in New York City on both sides of the millennium.”

—Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries and Just One More Page before Lights Out by Shannon Reed

“With one simple goal in mind, long-time teacher and life-long reader, Shannon Reed, makes the case in her new book, Why We Read, that we should read for pleasure above all else . . . Reed shares surprising stories from her life as a reader and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students. From the varied novels she cherishes (Gone Girl, Their Eyes Were Watching God) to the ones she didn’t (Tess of the d’Urbervilles), Reed takes us on a rollicking tour through the comforting world of literature, celebrating the books we love, the readers who love them, and the ways in which literature can transform us for the better.”

—The Women: The novel by Kristin Hannah

Being released on February 6th, The Women takes us back to the Vietnam War and into the lives of the women who served, then returning to the states forever changed as well as returning to a country that doesn’t look or the feel the same either. “The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.”

British Finds

—Three Little Birds, BritBox

Released this past January on BritBox is a new series in six parts that follows the lives of three women who board a ship from Jamaica to begin a new life in Britain. “Inspired by the writer of the series Sir Lenny Henry mother’s stories about leaving Jamaica for Britain in the 1950’s as part of the Windrush Generation”, Three Little Birds centers around sisters Leah and Chantrelle and their friend Hosanna as the reality and their new life in Britain collide. Have a look at the trailer below and watch the first three episodes now.

Décor

—Green Row’s Recycled Glass 2-Tier Chandelier

Backed by Williams-Sonoma, Green Row is a new venture in décor that adheres to five key tenets regarding the wares they sell: designed to last, responsible materials, healthy living, ethical production and thoughtfully made (learn more specifically here). So when I came across this recycled glass chandelier, I saved it immediately as I have been looking for three years for a chandelier for my primary bedroom. Indeed, I will have to save up, but I am enamored, and perhaps you are as well. But if you are not, I have a feeling you will enjoy perusing their site – fabric lampshades, linens, tableware and so much more.

Film

—Fitting In

Based partially on the screenwriter and director, Molly McGlynn’s own life experience, Fitting In, tells the story of a teen girl who is diagnosed with a reproductive condition that upends her plans to have a sex life, propelling her to explore unusual methods. Her relationships are challenged with everyone in her life, but most importantly, herself. Have a look at the trailer to understand. It looks to be unique, honest and lovely. In theaters beginning today.

—The Monk and the Gun

Being released in limited theaters today and nationally next Friday is a film not to miss. A satirical commentary providing a critical lens on American culture, The Monk and the Gun looks to be a sublime film with an intriguing ending. Written and directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, who is Bhutanese himself, the film using the philosophy of the Bhutan people to ask viewers to question a way of a life (America’s) that is often blindly accepted as ‘normal’.

Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Find

—Celebrate France’s Crêpe Day with a delicious crêpe of your choice!

If it’s February 2nd, not only is it Grounhog’s Day, but it is also the French culture’s celebration of Crêpes! “Chandeleur, or Candlemas as it is known elsewhere in the world”, takes place on February 2nd and while stemming from both religious and pagan origins, it is a delicious holiday at that. Read La Cuisine Paris’s Fevrier’s newsletter here to learn all about this annual food holiday, and if you haven’t welcomed a crêpe pan into your batterie de cuisine, this one from the French culinary brand de Buyer is available at a very nice price.

I know what I will be enjoying this weekend, either for lunch, dinner or dessert! Here are a few recipes to try:

Gardening

—Gardeners’ World Compilation Series

The premiere of Gardeners’ World for the new season is still just over a month away (March 15th), but in the meantime, you can watch brand new episodes full of compilations of favorite segments shared over the past couple of years. Two episodes have already aired (check BritBox for viewers in the states), and I have a feeling I will be tuning in this weekend with a hot cuppa.

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Shopping

—ARCH4 Gladiolus cashmere polo sweater, two colors

Subtle and statement making, either color depending upon your skin tone, is available in a classic everyday style – polo collar and long sleeve. Sizes are going quickly in ivory, so if that is your color, be sure to scoop one up. I am loving the fuchsia as that is definitely in my color wheel. 🙂

—Fold London’s Harrow Blouse Blush

—Mango’s Sale, up to 70% off

The sale continues and there are still many capsule finds available at great savings.

SHOP THE SALE:

—Banana Republic Factory, 50% off everything

For simple basics, savings are everywhere at the Factory of Banana Republic.

~SHOP THE SALE:

Television

—Abbott’s Elementary, season 3 premiere

Quinta Brunson has been earning praise since the debut of her comedy series on ABC, Abbott’s Elementary, and now, after a prolonged wait due to the strike, the third season is upon us, premiering next week on Wednesday February 7th. Winning the best actress award at the Golden Globes and Emmy’s, Brunson along with the rest of the cast is a wonderful way to enjoy 30 minutes each mid-week. Have a look at the trailer below for season 3.

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Well, along with enjoying a crêpe or two this weekend, it will also be a weekend when Norman will receive his regular groom after Nelle had hers last weekend, perhaps a loop or two of skiing up on the mountain and saying hello to a new month that is full of auspicious surprises waiting to be discovered.

I hope this past week has gone well for you and you are reflecting on a January that began the new year on the best foot. Now, a new month begins, and I hope you too are looking ahead to stepping with confidence and curiosity into while a short month, has absolutely the potential to be quite awesome.

This past week, FR 105 concluded, and that means that I am finally graduating on to the 200 levels of French language – wahoo! This weekend, I will be making sure I celebrate this progress as I have never gone continually so far in my learning with this language I absolutely adore and finally am seeing improvements in my understanding, speaking and writing. Phew!

This past week has been a full one on the blog, beginning this past Saturday with a full detailed tour of the kitchen, February’s A Cuppa Moments, the monthly Smile post and a Motivational post that continues the two-month series of a new year, new life. And if you are subscribed to the monthly newsletter, subscribers heard the news first! – you can now learn more about TSLL’s premiere online course – the Contentment Master Class as an FAQ page has been created.

Thank you for stopping by today, and may the weekend bring you just the right amount of books to get lost in, rendez-vous to captivate your enthusiasm and of course many everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée.

—7 Cultural French rules to not forget according to HipParis

~A wonderfully cozy and welcoming Cotswold cottage to tour [House & Garden UK]

~The importance of quiet so you can listen [Zen Habits]

~Which side of the Seine is Best? Depends upon which type of trip you desire [WSJ]

~A delicious hybrid – scones and cinnamon rolls – a Giant Cinnamon Roll Scone [NY Cooking]

~The value of having compassion for yourself when setbacks occur along the road toward a desired goal [WSJ]

~Speaking of those resolutions or intentions (whatever your chosen approach), psychologists are saying that February is the best month for success with them. [NYTimes, gift link]

~Monty Don’s Tasks & Advice for February

~The 2024 guide to the Michelin starred restaurants in the UK and Ireland [CN Traveler]

~Omar Sy. Je l’adore. Here is a fun video as he gets ready for the Louis Vuitton show at the Plaza Athénée in Paris.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: January 26, 2024

~~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse and sometimes welcome into your life mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.