A new month and new releases across the board in film, books, television and clothing collections. A new British series set in Devon, a new cooking season with Ina Garten, books set in Cornwall, a book written by the Duchess of York, a book from British garden expert Sarah Raven, and three more novels on diverse topics of interest. Also, a few finds from France’s version of Charish – brocante finds and treasures and quality French cashmere on sale for both women and men. Plus, so much more.

Books

—The Golden Spoon: A Novel by Jessa Maxwell

British Bake-off meets Midsomer Murders. A unique pairing to be sure, and set in Vermont. Let me explain. The Golden Spoon will be released on Tuesday and involves “six awe-struck bakers who have descended on the grounds of Grafton, the leafy and imposing Vermont estate that is not only the filming site for ‘Bake Week’ but also the childhood home of the show’s famous host, celebrated baker Betsy Martin . . . As the baking competition commences, things begin to go awry. At first, it’s merely sabotage—sugar replaced with salt, a burner turned to high—but when a body is discovered, everyone is a suspect.”

—The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today by Lewis Howes

Also being released on Tuesday from New York Times bestselling author Lewis Howes is The Greatest Mindset sharing (1) “Clearly define a Meaningful Mission to enhance your purpose for this season of life, (2) Identify the root causes of self-doubt and conquer the fears that hold you back, (3) Transform your mind to end self-sabotaging thoughts to live a rich life, and (4) Manifest your greatness to make the maximum positive impact on those around you.”

—Pineapple Street: A Novel by Jenny Jackson

Book critics are looking forward to Jenny Jackson’s new novel being released this Tuesday Pineapple Street that involves the story of three women in one wealthy Brooklyn clan Darley, Sasha and Georgiana. Each navigating their lives as each runs into a cross-roads in their individual worlds.

British Finds

—Beyond Paradise, BritBox

I couldn’t wait to share this new British cozy mystery series when I stumbled upon the first episode last weekend, and consequently, it became the podcast episode #352’s Petit Plaisir for good reason. A spin-off series from the wildly popular Death in Paradise. One of the most beloved Detective Inspectors from Death in Paradise Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) is the star of Beyond Paradise, set in a coastal Devon town that is quite idyllic. Mixing crime solving and Marshall’s unique comedic chops, add a Derry Girl (Dylan Lewallyn) and it becomes quite a fun series. Check out the trailer below and look for new episodes to be dropped each week on BritBox.

—Endeavour, Season 9 (final season)

The first episode of the final season of Endeavour aired this past Sunday on iTV (coming soon to Masterpiece Mystery, PBS), and there will be a total of three. Have a look at the trailer below and watch Shaun Evans who stars as Inspector Morse and Fred Thursday (Roger Allam) in what looks to be fairly dramatic final season as it will reveal how the two characters came to be estranged. However, on a happier note, with the conclusion of Endeavour, maybe that means Roger Allam can focus on producing and starring in the second season of Murder in Provence? I do hope so.

—A Most Intriguing Lady: A Novel by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

Yep, the Duchess of York has a new novel, and it’s already selling very well.  A Most Intriguing Lady is a historical saga about a Duke’s daughter—the perfect Victorian lady—who secretly moonlights as an amateur sleuth for high society’s inner circle. Well, now I am intrigued. 🙂

—Welcome to the School by the Sea, book #1 in a series of 3 by Jenny Colgan

If you want to escape to the seaside in Cornwall, England, Jenny Colgan’s new series is one to savor. The third book in the series will be released on Tuesday, but I thought I first better begin with the premiere title – Welcome to School by the Sea. Set in a “little boarding school by the sea, Maggie, the newest teacher at Downey House, is determined to make her mark. She’s delighted by her new teaching job, but will it come at the expense of her relationship with her safe, dependable boyfriend Stan? Simone is excited and nervous: she’s won a scholarship to the prestigious boarding school and wants to make her parents proud. Forced to share a room with the glossy, posh girls of Downey House, she needs to find a friend, fast. Fliss is furious. She’s never wanted to go to boarding school and hates being sent away from her home. As Simone tries desperately to fit in, Fliss tries desperately to get out. Over the course of one year, friendships will bloom and lives will be changed forever.”

—A Year Full of Veg: A Harvest for All Seasons by Sarah Raven

For the gardeners out there! Being released on March 9th is one of two new books from British gardener Sarah Raven, A Year Full of Veg (if you are a TOP Tier Member, be sure to watch March’s episode of A Cuppa Moments as I share the second book that I am highly anticipating). “As well as planting inspiration, Sarah reveals expert tips and techniques for growing and harvesting flavourful crops from January through to December, all based on easy, efficient and productive techniques that ensure you’ll always have something fresh to use in the kitchen.”

Film

—A Little White Lie

Released to VOD and in theaters is a new film with a great cast, and even though critics aren’t raving about the performance, they are somewhat enjoying the storyline. Either way, it actually looks like a fun film to watch. A Little White Lie involves a reclusive author who nobody is quite sure as to what he looks like, and when a book event takes place where he is said to appear, it sparks quite the hilarity of events. Have a look at the trailer.

Francophile Find

—Eric Bompard Outlet

French cashmere company Eric Bompard is a trusted source for quality sweaters, scarves and hats (I have been wearing their cashmere stocking cap all winter and loving its comfort and warmth), and they now have an online outlet shop that is worth checking out. I have picked out two items that are 50% off, but there is much more for both women and men.

—Night Flight to Paris, book 2 in the Kate Rees series by Cara Black

American mystery novelist who spends much time in Paris Cara Black is back with the second book in her second series. This series centers around American markswoman Kate Rees during WWII, which began with the first book Three Hours in Paris that became a National bestseller. Learn more here.

—Selency Copper Fish Pan, brocante find

A handful of months ago I introduced here on This & That the French (western European) version of America’s Chairish – an online flea market destination where bartering is common place and the finds are treasures when you come upon. Selency is a destination where you can easily spend hours perusing, and if you can’t be in France to visit the brocantes, this is a great place to shop. Below are two finds you might be interested in.

—Selency Old Farmhouse Chest, price negotiable, brocante find

A signature piece and perhaps exactly what you were looking for. They are asking less than €340 and are willing to negotiate.

Shopping

—Boden Fluid Tailored Blazer, ivory (on sale)

—Banana Republic Sedona Linen Dress (three colors)

Summer is coming and if I were traveling to Provence this year, I would scoop up this dress. Perfect for wearing in the summer heat of the south of France, these linen dresses are classic, comfortable and versatile.

Television

—Be My Guest w/Ina Garten, Food Network

Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa) returns with her second season of Be My Guest on the Food Network and streaming on Discovery+. The first guest is Misty Copeland, the first African American woman ever to be a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Have a look at a peek at the new season below:

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A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten)

—Perry Mason, season 2, HBO Max

The first season was a hit, and if you love thrillers and mystery and being taken back to the mid-twentieth century, you will enjoy Emmy Award Winner Matthew Rhys starring as Perry Mason on HBO Max. Premiering March 6th, have a look at the trailer below.

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The blue sky seen above brought a breath of exhilaration following ten-straight days of working on blog content with February’s conclusion and March’s beginning; stepping outside and heading up to the mountain where fresh snow had fallen was deeply rejuvenating. And Norman and Nelle enjoyed themselves as well. ☺️❄️

With six new postings this past week (listed below), I hope you found and enjoyed something that spoke to you. It is my pleasure and genuine enjoyment to explore, create and share all that you find here on TSLL, and then I have to remind myself to take a breath which I did Wednesday evening by watching more than a few episodes of Candice Renoir (thank goodness there are a total of 9 seasons, because the conclusion of season 5 caught my breath :)).

• The annual birthday post: Why Not . . . Make Your Birthday the Start of a New Year & 4 Important Life Truths Learned in my 44th Year
• TSLL’s Annual Spring Shopping Guide, 2023: 90+ handpicked items ready to shop
• episode #352: How to Experience More Aha Moments in Your Life
• what I will be watching tonight: Petit Plaisir #352, Beyond Paradise, BritBox series
• For TOP Tier Members: A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon, March 2023
  • explore the benefits of becoming a TOP Tier Member here.

I want to thank again everyone who sent birthday wishes my way this week. I felt the love and kindness, and it meant more than you may ever fully know (see below a message I posted earlier this week). Mille mercis.

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A post shared by Shannon Ables (The Simply Luxurious Life ➡️ tsll.co) (@thesimplyluxuriouslife)

The garden may not be ready for us to step outside here in Bend yet, but indoors, things are beginning to come together with the three different projects of curtains I am working on with my dear friend Veronique. The brackets for the curtains in the kitchen are now securely in place, the rods for the foyer arrived yesterday and the rod for the office windows should be arriving next week with the curtains being made this week for each at Studio Vero. Speaking of Veronique, she just officially announced this week that March is the final month in her boutique as she is moving to Spain later this spring and closing up shop. As a dear friend and talented interior designer, there will be an absence in both worlds when she moves, as without her Le Papillon would not be the sanctuary that it has become, and as a friend, with a shared love for Europe and someone who loves France as much as I do, not having her companionship will create a void. Which is to say, I had better figure out how to travel to France and Spain tout de suite!

Speaking of home, that is where I will remain this weekend, and am looking forward to it. Sharon Santoni’s My Stylish French Box arrived last week (seen above are a few of the many treasures that were given to subscribers, hand-selected this time by photographer living in Provence and bestselling author Jamie Beck) and Beck’s book is a gem, full of exquisite photography that I am happily keeping in my library. So with books to read, some sleep to catch up on, and definitely some spontaneous fun outings with the pups and on my own, I look forward to having no concrete plans and letting the next two days unfold as my energy directs me.

Thank you very much for stopping by today and wishing you a wonderful weekend. Below I have pulled together links and one video I think you might enjoy. Until Monday, bonne journée!

~If you are interested in gifting or receiving February’s My Stylish French Box, there are still a few boxes left. Here’s a direct link to purchase.

~Monty Don’s March Tips & Advice post for the garden.

~Tour this former cowshed transformed into an elegant house in Hampshire [House & Garden UK]

~Break-ups are difficult for everyone, but for HSP they can be overly intense. Tips for how to recover from a breakup as an HSP [High Sensitive Refuge]

~A GOOP Guide for Paris Flea Markets: The Best Stalls and Tips from Designers

~Early spring and rhubarb go together beautifully, and Nigel Slater’s recently shared recipe for Rhubarb Triffle is a recipe I look forward to trying when my rhubarb plant emerges from hibernation. [The Guardian]

~Five things a first-time gardener needs for spring [Gardenista]

~One more for the gardeners! 10 Ways to cut gardening costs [GW Magazine]

~12 little lies to stop telling yourself [Marc and Angel]

~Advice on aging for each decade from readers of The Good Trade.

~And one more, 10 pieces of sage life advice [NPR]

~The 2nd season of The Gilded Age is suspected to be released in September, but I think it may be released sooner – we’ll see; however, while we wait, explore these eight decorating rules as we look ahead to a lavish second season in the series [House & Garden UK]

~I cannot wait!!!! Season 3 of one of the smartest comedies on television is finally returning! Here is the trailer just released earlier this week – Ted Lasso (listen to episode #313) – or read this detailed post on why I HIGHLY recommend this series.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: February 24, 2023

~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.