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We’re bursting at the seams this week with oodles of series premieres, three French series returning or kicking off, two new film premieres and of course oodles of books – cookbooks, life inspiration books, health and knowledge for eating intelligently, a book for pup parents and more! Also! Anglophiles who love a cozy mystery who will be visiting the UK in the coming months, I have a play I think you will want to book tickets to see, and then we have autumn capsule wardrobe treasures, plus much more!
Books
—Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy
Illustrator and best selling author Charlie Mackesy is back with another book to inspire and remind us of how to find peace in the now. With Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm (to be released on October 14th), “Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer. When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm?” Have a look at two of the pages from the story below.
—Around the Table: 52 Essays on Food and Life by Diana Henry
A daily read on food and life from cookbook author Diana Henry would be a wonderful joy to welcome into the everyday. Born in Northern Ireland, British food writer Henry shares selected essays in Around the Table, handpicked from over two decades of her cookbooks. “From the bustling Turkish groceries of the Edgware Road to the kitchen table of a cottage in rural France, a trattoria tucked away in the suburbs of Rome to the chilly Vermont countryside famed for its maple syrup, Diana Henry has followed her tastebuds around the world.”
Sounds like a delicious and inspiring way to enjoy a few moments each day – reading about food as well as travel.
—Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us by Julia Belluz and Kevin Hall PhD
One of the reasons I find great peace and thus enjoyment in cooking my own meals is that I know what I am eating, and the more I learn about food and how to add flavor, as well as what health benefits can be found in certain ingredients, the playfulness increases and so do the combinations! “In Food Intelligence, award-winning health journalist, Julia Belluz, and internationally renowned nutrition and metabolism scientist, Kevin Hall, cut through the myths about nutrition to deliver a comprehensive book on food, diet, metabolism and healthy eating.”
Released last month, Food Intelligence shares “how diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes are not a result of a failure of will power but rather are consequences of food systems working as designed; the real science behind how protein, fat, carbs and vitamins impact our bodies; the wonders of metabolism; how our food environment shapes our eating behaviors and the food choices we make every day and more.”
—I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose Forever by Cathryn Michon
When I learned of this new book written and illustrated for dog parents, I had to share. Cathryn Michon’s I’m Still Here: A Dog’s Purpose is a poem of reassurance sharing all of the good news our beloved four-legged companions want us to remember. Whether your sweet companions are snuggled next to you as you read or you hold them in your heart, this book is a beautiful reminder that they remain with us forever. Have a look at one of the pages below. Maybe you know someone who would find comfort in reading this book, or perhaps is needs to be a gift you give to yourself. To each of you, thank you for being so loving to your four-legged companions.
—Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
If the idea of setting goals becomes daunting or frustrating or just doesn’t mesh well with how you prefer to move with life, yet you still desire to figure out your journey, the one you were uniquely made to travel, then Tiny Experiments may be the book for you. Released this past spring and receiving strong positive reviews, “neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff reveals that all you need is an experimental mindset to turn challenges into self-discovery and doubt into opportunity. [Teaching] readers how replace the old linear model of success with a circular model of growth in which goals are discovered, pursued, and adapted—not in a vacuum, but in conversation with the larger world, she shares how to discover your true ambitions through conducting tiny personal experiments, dismantle harmful beliefs about success that have kept you stuck, dare to make decisions true to your own aspirations, as well as why it is actually more helpful to stop trying to find your purpose and start living instead.”
British Finds
—Beyond Paradise, season 3 —BritBox
Season 3 of Beyond Paradise is finally available for viewers outside of the UK! Premiering on Tuesday October 14th, return to the Devon coast where the cast is trying to live a quiet, peaceful life, but a few crimes need to be solved first. I had the opportunity to watch this season in full this past April on the BBC Player and absolutely loved it. The seasons keep getting stronger, and I am confident you will enjoy it. Look for six episodes, one dropping each Tuesday for the remainder of autumn. Have a look at the trailer below.
—Midsomer Murders On Stage, UK and Ireland tour
If anyone has the opportunity to watch this play, please do report back about your experience. I wish I had plans to visit the UK in the next six months. I would be buying my tickets in a heartbeat! Yes, the long-running cozy mystery series created by Caroline Graham is taking to the theatre stage, and the curtains open later this month (see the full schedule via the link above). AND, guess who stars as Barnaby? You will definitely recognize this British actor as he starred in the television series in the early seasons. Made me shout out loud with glee when I discovered who it was. Have a look at the trailer to find out who I am talking about. And please, go watch this show!☺️🇬🇧❤️
—Sims Hilditch: Beautifully British Interiors by Giles Kime
If you love traditional British country interiors for everyday life, yet full of style and attention to detail, this is the decor book to purchase. Giles Kime is also a regular contributor to Country Living, and in his new book Beautifully British Interiors he spotlights the British design firm Sims Hilditch. “Sims Hilditch creates interiors that epitomize the English country house look of today. The firm embraces—in this, its second, book—the best of old and new British design, traditional materials, and a pared-back aesthetic to create stylishly comfortable rooms for twenty-first-century living.”
“This book not only explores the fruits of complex and rewarding collaborations that artfully breathe new life into old buildings but also offers an insight into an exciting new chapter in the fascinating story of classic English country houses. New materials and technologies, paired with traditional decorative devices, reinvigorate a Victorian house in the city, an eighteenth-century country house, a Jacobean manor, an apartment in London’s Old War Office, and many other quintessentially British residences.”
Released in early September, if you are an Anglophile and are looking for decor inspiration, this would be a wonderful book to have as a resource.
Cookbooks
—Chocolat: Parisian Desserts and Other Delights (Essential Parisian Recipes) by Aleksandra Crapanzano
She has done it again! I am thrilled to see this new cookbook from Aleksandra Crapanzano who brought us Gâteau a couple of years ago, a cookbook I have in my own library and reference whenever I am looking for everyday French-inspired cake recipe ideas. In Chocolat, she takes the same approach, sharing French, specifically Parisian, recipes for home baking. “Discover chocolate creations like pâte à tartiner (homemade Nutella) and gâteau au chocolat, a rich, nearly flourless cake with a texture that dances between mousse and moist crumb. The recipe for this cake in Chocolat is the little black dress of desserts: simple yet irresistible. While desserts like profiteroles, éclairs, or bûches de Noël require some practice, many chocolate desserts are easy to make, thanks to chocolate’s minimal need for additional ingredients.”
Have a look at a short video promoting the book below, and pre-order a copy now to receive it on its release date this coming Tuesday.
—Milk Street Shorts: Recipes That Pack a Punch by Christopher Kimball
Keeping it simple and delicious! “In Milk Street Shorts, Christopher Kimball and his team of cooks and editors have developed a repertoire of nearly 150 genius recipes that are casual, improvisational, and fun. These recipes are not just short—they’re bolder, better cooking because they’re short. Their essential cleverness gives them power that does not require long ingredient lists or all-day cooking.” Look for this cookbook to be released next Tuesday as well!
Films
To give you an idea of what to expect when you sit down to watch Julia Roberts and cast in the new film After the Hunt, The New Yorker described it as “a pleasurably ludicrous house of cards“. If that piques your interest, then I think you are in for quite the film to watch. Premiering in the US today and in the UK next Friday, After the Hunt centers around “a college professor [who] finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.” Have a look at the trailer below.
Upon watching an interview with Jennifer Lopez this past weekend on CBS Sunday Morning (I highly recommend it – she shares a worthwhile reminder about unwanted moments and struggle, a perspective to remember as we have talk about here on TSLL), I became more curious to watch her new film, a musical, and latest rendition of the Kiss of the Spider Woman. Lopez is already receiving some Oscar buzz for her role, and based on all that she does in this film, I can see why. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it to premiere today in a theater near you.
Francophile Finds
—Cassandre, season 3 – MHzChoice
Favorite French series are back on MHzChoice! Set in Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, Florence Cassandre is the lead detective in Cassandre, and season 3 is now dropping new episodes each Tuesday. The first of the season is now available, and you can see the intro to that episode below.
—Family Cases (French title – Les Pennacs), MHzChoice
A new series, its first season, on MHz Choice is Family Cases and while being a drama centered around solving a murder in each episode, it is quirky, it is all about family – specifically a daughter and father, and there is also a pet chicken named Marguerite. I have watched five episodes of Les Pennacs/Family Cases, and the hilarity (while subtle) increases with each episode. Most definitely a drama series, the family dynamic adds the softness, especially the retired father who cares for Marguerite. Have a look at a peek at the series below.
—La Stagiaire (English title – The Intern), season 4 — PBS/Walter Presents
I was delighted to discover that a new season of La Stagiaire/The Intern is now available on PBS. I thoroughly enjoyed the first three seasons, and the fourth is off to a great start. Set in Marseille while also taking us to Aix-en-Provence in a few episodes, the camaraderie continues to be the strength of the series between le juge (judge) and la stagiaire (intern). All episodes of season 4 are available now on PBS Compass.
Shopping
—1stDibs Autumn Sale, 40% off
Having found a handful of items over the years at 1stDibs as I customized Le Papillon, their sales are worth checking out to see if the items we have saved are now nicely available at more friendly prices. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to check out the entire sale here. Sale ends on Monday.
~SHOP THE SALE:
—Belle Dress in Paisley Canopy
From J. McLaughlin, a beautiful print for fall in a classic style – the shirt dress.
—Vince’s Pressed Plaid Satin Slip Skirt
Another capsule piece for the autumn wardrobe with a touch of zhush with the satin finish.
—Zosia Cashmere Sweater in Stripe
One more item from J.McLaughlin, a sweater that I am pondering adding to my wardrobe and maybe it catches your eye as well. The button detail and medium to light-weight cashmere would make this a lovely layering piece.
Television
—The Diplomat, season 3 — Netflix
Returning next Thursday is the political drama starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, and now Allison Janney as the newly sworn-in US President. With eight episodes, I am going to challenge myself not to binge, but I think I have already lost the challenge with my impatience. It is always difficult for me to stop when I begin watching this series. Find The Diplomat on Netflix.
Carrie Preston returns as the quirky attorney, turned police consultant Elsbeth Tascioni this coming Sunday in season 3 of Elsbeth. Have a look at the trailer to see what we can expect. It seems to me that they are hinting at her returning from Scotland as the season begins, perhaps from spending time with her gentleman friend? Hmmm 🙂 We’ll see!
—Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars, AppleTV+
Have you ever wondered what it must be like to work in restaurants that try to earn, and eventually do acquire, a Michelin Star? Well, in this new series from AppleTV+, we now get a chance to see behind the scenes and discover what the judges look for. Check out the trailer below and begin watching Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars today.
Nominated for an Emmy for her role in season 1 of Matlock, Cathy Bates returns in season 2 premiering this Sunday, October 12th. Have a look at the trailer below!
CBS has quite the line-up of mystery series to watch, and Watson, while being a slightly different type of mystery to solve – medical focused – does harken back to the well-known characters created by Sir Conan Doyle. Premiering on Monday October 13th, watch Morris Chestnut, who stars as Dr. Watson in season 2. Have a look at the trailer below. It looks like his Sherlock will be part of the new season.
The pumpkin season has begun! And Nelle had quite the fun time at our local pumpkin patch.
Autumn in general has begun with so much beauty – from the Harvest Moon earlier this week, gentle rains after many beautiful days full of sunshine, at this rate, I am keeping my outdoor furniture outside for a few more weeks because the afternoons and mornings are ideal for savoring outside in the garden with a hot cuppa and book in hand.
Hopefully your week has unfolded well, perhaps with progress paired with happy coincidences and moments of everyday life to rest in with a smile that spontaneously appears upon your face and will not leave. Okay, that sounds a bit creepy, but you get my meaning. Happy moments to revel in with deep appreciation.
Quite a bit of progress happened on TSLL’s 4th book this week, and with each day I sit down and polish even further, I become ever more eager to bring it to you next year. Between the blog, work on the book and playing in the garden, life has been sweet and productive. As I shared with my neighbor this week when she asked what I had been up to, I shared head-down focused on projects (launching Intro to French Cooking and now wholly focused on the 4th book) paired with everyday nourishment which is found in my hobbies outside and inside the home here in Bend. Grateful for the balance.
Speaking of the cooking class! As students move through the course, they have been sharing how it is going, and I have now created a Reviews page for the class – you can view it here.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead that is full of cozy moments inspired by the season, aha moments that answer that one niggling question, and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée !
—Explore this article (and save!) this illustrated guide sharing How to spend the perfect day in Paris [Monocle]
~Train rides to enjoy the autumn foliage in Europe [NYTimes, gift link]
~Five helpful apps for learning the French language [Frenchly]
~France rolls out their croissant-scented stamp! [Connexion]
~Another reminder of the many benefits of exercise, as a way to bring more calm and peace into our daily life – the mind-altering effect of a challenging workout. [The Atlantic, subscription may be required]
—Another list to save for your next trip to Paris – 10 of the best bookshops in Paris (a different, and most unique list) [Monocle]
~Take a typographical tour through Paris – all of that iconic signage and the fonts they choose [FT.com, gift link]
~TSLL’s October monthly garden post will be shared next week as we wrap up this garden year before kicking off this monthly series again in March 2026, and with that in mind, here is a post to get us ready – What to plant and what tasks to do in October! [House & Garden UK]
~Home tour of the week! The upholstery and fabric choices alone throughout this Cotswold’s house are a treat for the eye and full of inspiration for curtains (check out the edging on the drapes in the kitchen), furniture and more. [House & Garden UK]
~What to do in Paris in October – events, foliage and exhibits [Hip Paris]
~Tips for making the best scones from Saveur. I wonder if British bakers will agree, want to add anything? Please do share. 🙂
~11 effortless style tips seen at Paris Fashion Week, street-style [Harpers Bazaar]
~Good news! Drops of God, season 2 has a release date! Watch the teaser here and 2026 looks to be starting off well!
~Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen shares the one recipe that has terrified her, until now, and I think she nailed it. Saving this recipe for Opera Cake.
~Did my fellow bibliophiles know about this rare book heist? I am just learning about the Pushkin job that took place between 2022 and 2023 throughout Europe. [The Guardian]
~Where to stay in Paris – 21 of the best boutique and luxury hotels as reviewed by Lindsay Tramuta [Afar]
~This film looks like a wonderful one to watch, and while there is no premiere date yet, an has been self-funded with support from donors, look for it likely in 2026. Set in Scotland, have a look at the trailer for Premature below.
~Explore last week’s This & That: October 3rd
Books and bread, even gluten-free bread! British bank heists, Venetian-set novels, effortless clothing options and the effortless chic icon herself. The art of two different life necessities for a wonderful life, vintage décor finds for treasure hunters, a new French series, a long-running series returns and a documentary of overcoming the nay-sayers. All of that and so much more.
~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.
Thank you for letting us know about the new book “Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm”.
I just pre-ordered it. Someone gifted me the prior book, which was a joy to read. Reminiscent of Saint-Exupéry’s “Le Petit Prince”.
Charlie Mackesy’s first book was quite special, wasn’t it? 🙂 I too am grateful I have it, and will have to add his new one to my library. Great comparison to Le Petit Prince. Thank you for sharing that Jasmina. 🙂 Have a beautiful autumn weekend.
Good morning – I couldn’t even wait until I finished reading this weeks post to respond, I can’t believe that Midsomer Murders is going to be a play! It is a show that has gotten me through many times in my life and I will always love it. Even more exciting is who is playing detective Barnaby, Daniel Casey!!! So exciting, it makes me want to plan a trip to to the UK!!
Rebecca, Isn’t that a lovely ‘plot twist’ to see Daniel Casey as Barnaby! 🙂 Such a great idea and what fun theatre-goers will have. Thank you for sharing your excitement! I am right there with you. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!