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Favorite French dramas have returned! As well as a cooking show from a beloved British cook and baker who just announced some very big news this week. Books, books, and more books – novels, life guidance, historical, and more. The return of two series, each very different from one another, but both favorites of their ardent fans, and timeless quality clothing items, as well as some fun thrown in for a touch of color, also get to know a French clothing brand with an ethos TSLL will appreciate, and still so much more to explore and discover.
Books
—The Art of Unexpected Solutions: Using Lateral Thinking to Find Breakthroughs by Paul Sloane
If you are looking for ideas for how to think outside of the box when it comes to work, solutions, and idea creation, then Paul Sloane’s new book, which is being released this coming Tuesday, may be just what you are looking for. The Art of Unexpected Solutions “shows you how to experiment and think divergently in order to discover new and innovative ways of doing business . . . Using real-world examples and insightful research, Sloane shows you how to explore unconventional ideas in order to break new ground in business.”
—The Cafe on the Edge of the World: A Story About the Meaning of Life by John Strelecky
While having been released a handful of years ago with great success (translated into 45 languages), inspirational author and world traveler John Strelecky’s book The Cafe on the Edge of the World is one to read if you are looking for just that – a dose of inspiration (I learned about him via his IG account which I quite enjoy for his encouraging quotes). The reason I share this book with you now is that it will be newly released in hardback later this spring, and while there are only 130 pages, this book exemplifies quality over quantity. Whether paperback or hardback, it will be one to read.
“A small cafe at a location so remote it stands in the middle of the middle of nowhere, a visitor finds three unusual questions on the back of a menu. Why are you here?, Do you fear death?, and Are you fulfilled? With this food for thought and the guidance of three people at the cafe, the main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way realizing a new way to look at life, himself, and just how much you can learn from a green sea turtle.”
—When the Museum Is Closed: A Novel by EmiYagi, Yuki Tejima (translator)
Now, soon to be available in English this coming Tuesday, When the Museum is Closed is a surreal storyline, but an engaging and curious one that readers are quite enjoying it. “Rika Horauchi’s new part-time job is to converse with a statue of Venus—in Latin—every Monday, when the museum is closed. Initially reluctant, Rika starts to enjoy her strange new job. Recommended by her old university professor for her exemplary language skills, Rika leads an otherwise unassuming life, working the rest of the week in a frozen-food warehouse. As Venus comes to life in the quiet of the museum, they talk about everything. Venus opens up new worlds for Rika, both intellectually and emotionally. They soon fall in love. But when the museum’s curator, Hshibami, makes it clear he wants to keep Venus for himself, what will Rika do?”
A different type of novel that comes from author of Diary of a Void, a book that was chosen as Best Book of the Year in 2023 by The New Yorker, NPR, The New York Public Library and an editor’s choice book from The New York Times.
British Finds
—Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen by Alice Loxton
While I shared this historical book last September in an Outfits of the Month post, I wanted to make sure to bring it to your attention on its release date here in the states (Eleanor was released last year in the UK). TSLL readers who have already had the chance to pick it up are praising it – both for its content and the beauty of the book design. Alice Loxton, a renowned historian, “journeys in search of England’s forgotten queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways.”
Taking us back to 1290 England, during the time “when the country mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I, her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalised in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.” Loxton walks this same journey during November and December 2024, and here is the book that came forth. Look for Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen to be available on Tuesday January 27th.
—Father Brown, season 13, Britbox
Returning to BritBox on Tuesday January 27th (the new season has already begun in the UK, kicking off on the 9th of January), in its 13th season is the sleuthing priest, Father Brown. Look for 10 episodes, with a new one dropping each week. Guest stars this season will be Maureen Lipman, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Debra Stephenson, Davood Ghadami, Kevin Harvey, George Rainsford and Timothy Watson.
—Prue Leith’s Coswold Kitchen, season 3, ITV1
The big news this week for British Bake Off fans is that Prue Leith announced her departure after nine years in the tent, judging alongside Paul Hollywood. But the good news I want to share with you today is that we still have her on television because a new season/series of her cooking show, filmed in her home, began airing earlier this month (January 3rd). Each episode welcomes a guest to join Prue in her kitchen, and this season, they include Raymond Blanc, Tom Kerridge, Angela Griffin, and others. Have a look at a peek below, and find previous seasons, 1 & 2, on PBS here.
—Winter: The Story of a Season by Val McDermid
Released in the States on January 13th, award-winning Scottish crime writer Val McDermid’s new book, which is a departure from her typical genre, focuses on the season we find ourselves. Winter takes us on an adventure through the season, from the frosty streets of Edinburgh to the windblown Scottish coast, from Bonfire Night and Christmas to Burns Night and Up Helly Aa. Recalling in parallel memories from her own childhood—of skating over frozen lakes and carving a “neep” (rutabaga) for Halloween to being taken to see her first real Christmas tree in the town square—McDermid offers a wise and enchanting meditation on winter and its ever-changing, sometimes ephemeral, traditions.”
“A hygge-filled journey through winter nights, McDermid reminds us that it is a time of rest, retreat and creativity, for scribbling in notebooks and settling in beside the fire.”
Films
Claire Foy stars in the movie adaptation of the memoir H is for Hawk, written by Helen Macdonald (find the novel here, originally published in 2015).
Fierce and feral, Helen’s goshawk Mabel’s temperament mirrors her own state of grief after her father’s death, and together raptor and human come to discover the gift and truth of being alive. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.
Francophile Finds
—Astrid, season 5, PBS
The French crime-solving series, Astrid, the original series that inspired Patience (both are available on PBS) is back with a new season from Walter Presents (presented on PBS Passport and their streaming station/app). Many TSLL readers watch and enjoy the original that stars French actress Sara Mortensen as Astrid Nielson, who works in the library of the judicial police, and Lola Dewaere as Raphaëlle, the police commander who sees Astrid’s brilliance as an asset rather than seeing her having Asperger’s as a deficit. You may recognize Dewaere from Mademoiselle Holmes, the new mystery series chosen as a Petit Plaisir last year (#411), and Mortensen from many different French mystery series found on MHzChoice.
The fifth season (and all past seasons) is available on the PBS streaming app now, having premiered earlier this month.
—Monique Escapes by Édouard Louis (translated by John Lambert)
Coming highly recommended by The Financial Times, it was my reading of an interview with the French author of Monique Escapes that made me most curious about his new novel, the first translated into English from French. Édouard Louis is not shy and quite direct about attributing his childhood and lived experience into his work, and in fact, Monique Escapes is inspired by his own mother, although it is a novel.
The story begins when “Édouard receives a tearful phone call from his mother, Monique. She tells him that the man she lives with in Paris is abusive, inflicting upon her the same drunken behaviour as Édouard’s father, repeating the same cycles of violence, shame and humiliation she fled from before. Step by step, they plan her escape, celebrating each small victory of Monique’s new beginning. But how do you rebuild your life when you’ve never truly known freedom?”
“Monique Escapes is an intimate portrait of a mother fighting for her self-determination, and of the son who becomes her ally. It is a story of reinvention, the price of liberty and the remaking of the relationship between a mother and a son who, despite the weight of their shared history, manage to find each other again.”
Currently only available in the UK and Europe, you can order a copy of the English translation from Blackwells.
—Mister K.’s The Lewis Cap (many colors)
This French brand is one to shop, not only for their quality timeless designs, but for their brand ethos as well. Dedicated to not overproducing and also making clothing that will last, their mission is to produce what is needed, as it is needed, so as not to overproduce. And their promise is to make it beautiful and do it well.
First, I found their Lewis Cap, made of 100% wool, and well, having one of these on hand, along with my flat caps, would be a ‘baseball cap’ I would definitely define as timeless and chic. And they are available for less than $100. (They do ship to the States.)
—Mister k.’s The Edmond wool blazer, four colors
One more find from this brand because again, it is a brand to follow, a brand founded in 2018 by Charlotte Husson. The Edmond wool blazer is designed to be slightly oversized and is inspired by the men’s wardrobe, with rounded lines and subtle details, offering relaxed elegance. And the price for such a high-quality, classic piece is reasonable as well. Loving the buttons!
—Munch, season 4, Walter Presents/PBS
I was absolutely delighted and surprised in the best of ways earlier this week to discover that Munch is back! Having zoomed through the first three seasons a couple of years ago, finally the fourth season is available. If you haven’t watched this series yet, but enjoyed Master Crimes or any series with a strong female lawyer lead, then you are going to enjoy this series. Munch is short for Gabrielle Munchovski, a French defense attorney working in Paris guided by her heart and backs it up with her feisty intellectual side. It is her team who help solve the crime that seems impossible that creates the series a pleasure to watch. I highly recommend it, and will try to pace myself through this latest batch of new episodes. Bonne chance to that! 😉🇫🇷❤️
Shopping
—Boden’s Lucy Relaxed Cotton Cardigan-Multi Hotch
A cotton cardigan with a personality! Loving this playful staple to immediately add a dose of color to any everyday ensemble.
—DL1961 Joice Shirt Short Sleeve, denim, two washes
This top is in DL1961’s new collection as we prepare for spring, and the sculpting caught my eye. Maybe yours as well.
—Frame’s The Cashmere Easy Crew, navy stripe tee
Cashmere, short-sleeves, and in ivory and navy – a classic. A great transitional separate for bridging from winter into spring.
—Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater, many colors
Quince’s prices are hard to beat on quality pieces, and this oversized sweater looks to be the perfect cozying-in item to snuggle up in for the rest of winter.
—Rue Sophie’s Oudine Sheer Wool Top, black
A layering piece for winter to be worn under your blazer, your jacket, your cardigan, your sweater vest, you name it.
—Sur la Table’s Glass Storage Containers, 10-piece set, on sale
And as we tidy up our kitchens and our eating regimen, as may be the case for a New Year’s intention, these helpful food storage containers are on sale.
Television
—Bridgerton, season 4, Netflix
After a long wait, the new season ofBridgerton premieres in six days, on Thursday, January 29th. Look for four episodes to be available in Part One, and Part Two to begin on February 26th with the remaining four episodes. Have a look at the trailer below.
–Shrinking, season 3, AppleTV
I have been looking forward to Shrinking returning. Having finally discovered how much fun and smart this comedy series is, I zoomed through seasons one and two about a year ago following season two’s release. Now, on Wednesday, January 28th, season three will premiere, and I cannot wait to restart my Apple TV subscription. Have a look at the trailer below.
The magical beauty that Mother Nature has been gifting us this past week here in Bend has brought out the photographers. Multiple times this week, while on our morning walk, I crossed paths with folks hefting serious professional camera gear, and for good reason – the scenery was gorgeous! I did my best and captured what I could, as seen above at Dillon Falls, as we were just out of the fog that settled on the area overnight, leaving morning temps in the low 20s (Fahrenheit). Needless to say, we may have been bundled up to the chin and then some, but it was worth it to gaze upon this sight.
Much progress is happening here at Le Papillon between the new book (the reveal, complete with trailer will be shared mid-February) and projects throughout the house (the ceiling in the office is painted, and so many other projects are unexpectedly coming together as well far more quickly than I anticipated); and I have to remind myself to take a breath. But I must admit, it is an exciting time, and if I am finding it difficult to slow down for these reasons, I am not too hard on myself ☺️.
This week on the blog has been quite busy which you may have noticed – from the weekly Méditations mini-episode/post, a seasonal Savorings post (27 ways to savor Winter), a new podcast episode and a Petit Plaisir for Francophiles that I think you will want to take with you on your next trip to Paris, and exclusively for TOP Tier Members, the monthly Ponderings . . . post which prompted lovely conversation, sharing of ideas.
Also, I wanted to thank again Lory B., who shared a wonderfully detailed review (see below) about her experience having finished the Intro to French Cooking class. Also shared this week from student enrolled and long-time member of TSLL, Mindy H., is how much she has discovered about unexpected deliciousness, and making the trip to the farmers’ market a weekly excursion rather than an occasional treat. Find all of the reviews here.
If you are looking into the new year and wanting to eat well, but always deliciously, while also keeping it simple, then this course really will teach you how. Learn more about this self-paced video class here.
Now to the weekend! May the days ahead find you delighted by the evanescent beauty of the season you find yourself, remembering to take a moment to rest, and of course, savoring oodles of moments. Until Sunday, bonne journée.
~Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu lets us peek inside her handbag, and it is her hairpin that has me intrigued. [Harper’s Bazaar UK]
~Home of the Week: Simple, sophisticated and the product of a mother-and-daughter duo who teamed up to bring a converted Cotswolds barn back to life. [Country Life]
~I found myself taking all sorts of plant notes while touring this cottage garden in Kent. [House & Garden UK]
~How chef Samin Nosrat keeps up a casual weekly dinner with friends [NPR]
~A short, yet full of thoughts to ponder on fake news and trust and why the former is so easily accepted as truth from Seth Godin.
~This week’s concluding image is one of Claude Monet’s famous green bridge (and pond he made in Giverny over which the bridge stretches) decorated in freshly fallen snow.
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That, January 16th
Sooooooo many books this week, and books with a range of topics to choose from – food (French food), mindfulness, novels about living well and gaining perspective, memoirs about bucking cultural trends, art and improved life quality, iconic fashion, how to figure out your career focus, and still more. A much-enjoyed drama series returns to Apple, full of more twists and turns, and a bit of sipping wine as we go, signature finds for the home, many on sale, and quite a few clothing finds as well, many of those on sale too. Still, there is more!
~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.
