Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
A new art exhibit in Paris not to miss, a new French romantic comedy to sweep you away to the City of Light as well even if you cannot be on the terra firma, books about history, about celebratory meals, about sleuthing librarians and bibliophiles ready to protect what they love, Broadway plays to pick up tickets to watch, a new British cosy mystery, a new clothing line from a trust source of quiet luxury, a new album after a long hiatus from a favorite singer and still, so much more!
Books
—I Am You: A Novel by Victoria Redel
Sarah Jessica Parker brought I Am You to my attention this past spring while doing her rounds of interviews for And Just Like That as it is from her publishing house SJP Lit. Set in 1600s Amsterdam, “at eight years old, Gerta Pieters is forced to disguise herself as a boy and sent to work for a genteel Dutch family. When their brilliant and beautiful daughter Maria sees through Gerta’s ruse, she insists that Gerta accompany her to Amsterdam and help her enter the elite, male-dominated art world.
“While Maria rises in the ranks of society as a painting prodigy, Gerta makes herself invaluable in every way: confidante, muse, lover. But as Gerta steps into her own talents, their relationship fractures into a complex web of obsession and rivalry—and the secrets they keep threaten to unravel everything.”
To be released Tuesday September 30th
—Dinner at the Night Library: A Novel by Hika Harada
An international bestseller from Japanese author Hika Harada, Dinner at the Night Library has now been translated into English and is ready for more to enjoy this bibliophile’s gem of a book.
“All Otaha Higuchi wants to do is work with books. However, the exhausting nature of her work at a chain bookstore, combined with her paltry salary and irritating manager quickly bring reality crashing down around her. She is on the verge of quitting when she receives a message from somebody anonymous, inviting her to apply for a job at ‘”The Night Library.” The hours are from seven o’clock to midnight. The library exclusively stores books by deceased authors, and none of them can be checked out – instead, they’re put on public display to be revered and celebrated by the library’s visitors, making it akin to a book museum.
“There, Otoha meets the other staff, a group of likeminded literary misfits, including a legendary chef who prepares incredible meals for the library’s employees at the end of each day. Night after night, she bonds with her colleagues over meals in the café, each of which are inspired by the literature on the shelves.”
When closure of the night library is threatened, the story has just begun. Will Otaha and her friends be able to save it, and if not, what will become of them? Look for this title to be released on Tuesday September 30th.
—Feminist History for Every Day of the Year: 366 Incredible Women, From Boudica To Taylor Swift by Kate Mosse
I always love to learn more about women’s history, as a lover of history in general, but also to deepen my appreciation and remind me not to take for granted, but as well stand up for equality when it is threatened to be taken away. Knowledge is the key. Released in the UK on the 18th and available in audio and Kindle format now in the US, Kate Mosse’s book Feminist History for Everyday Day of the Year is a book for readers of all ages. “From Mary Anning to Simone Biles, Billie Eilish to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai to Mary Wollstonecraft, discover the stories of 366 incredible women throughout history. Within these pages you’ll find well known figures and unsung heroes, key cultural moments and forgotten stories, spanning across the world and through time, from ancient times to the modern day.”
~Purchase in the US, the Kindle and audio versions here.
—The Librarians: A Novel by Sherry Thomas
Another worthwhile book being released on September 30th, The Librarians. “In the leafy suburbs of Austin, Texas, a small branch library welcomes the public every day of the week. But the patrons who love the helpful, unobtrusive staff and leave rave reviews on Yelp don’t always realize that their librarians are human, too.
“Hazel flees halfway across the world for what she hopes will be a new beginning. Jonathan, a six-foot-four former college football player, has never fit in anywhere else. Astrid tries to forget her heartbreak by immersing herself in work, but the man who ghosted her six months ago is back, promising trouble. And Sophie, who has the most to lose, maintains a careful and respectful distance from her coworkers, but soon that won’t be enough anymore. When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery–themed game night, the librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down.”
British Finds
—Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round by Paul Hollywood
Mr. Blue Eyes himself has a new cookbook, or should I say, ‘bakebook’ being released on Tuesday and it’s all about celebrations. Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round is fill the “perfect celebration bakes year-round. Whether a holiday feast or a big summer picnic, Hollywood has the perfect recipe for every crowd. From wintertime Yule Logs and Panetone Cake, autumnal Pumpkin Pie and Apple Doughnuts, or Key Lime Pie and a Marble Cherry Vanilla Tray Bake for warm months, each recipe is meant to be shared and devoured among friends and family on the most special days of the year. You’ll also find your new goto party food recipes like focaccia for a crowd, cheese straws, and the ultimate mini sausage rolls-and showstopping cakes from Japanese cheesecake to black forest gateau.”
And if you haven’t made Paul Hollywood’s Sausage Rolls, you are in for a treat. From the pastry to the filling, it is delicious. And good news! He includes one of those recipes in this book (photo below). Ready. Set. Bake!
—Murder Before Evensong, AcornTV
Based on the best-selling novels set in 1980s England by the Reverend Richard Coles, a new British cozy mystery series hits television screens on Monday September 29th. The first season includes six episodes, and centers around empathetic Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis) who applies his amateur sleuthing skills to find the murder amongst his congregation. “Clashing with the strict DS Neil Vanloo (Amit Shah and his overbearing mother (Amanda Redman)”, this looks to be a series to put on our watchlist. Have a look at a ‘behind-the-scenes’ video below to get a glimpse of the characters, the setting and the series.
Décor
—The Moustache Hook from Beata Heuman
A simple hook for that one spot that is small, yet needs the functionality to hang a couple of items. Look no further than Beata Heuman’s solid aged brass Mustache Hook!
I quite like the look of it, and am keeping it in mind should I want to put a hook in the guest bedroom for company to hang their purse, a coat, etc. and ensure they don’t forget it when they leave.
Films
—All of You, AppleTV+
Even though mixed reviews are coming in about this new film co-written by one of the leads Brett Goldstein, I am still curious enough to watch it, and maybe you are as well. Placed in the genre of science fiction romance, All of You is a story about “the romance of two best friends who harbor an unspoken love for one another even after a test matches one of them up with their supposed soulmate.” Let the existential questions begin! And have a look at the trailer below. Premiering today on AppleTV+
Eleanor the Great is Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, and stars Academy Award nominee June Squibb. Based on the screenwriter Tory Kamen’s family story of her grandmother, Eleanor the Great centers around Eleanor Morgenstein, 94, who after a devastating loss of her roommate of forty years moves her life from Florida to New York. Unintentionally, Eleanor is assumed to be a Holocaust survivor (when actually it was her beloved roommate who recently passed away); however, she doesn’t correct those who assume such, and thus the trouble and wittiness along with an unexpected friendship with a 19-year-old begin.
Have a look at the trailer and look for the film in theaters today.
—Lilith Fair: Bullding a Mystery
I can remember vividly when Lilith Fair was the event to have the opportunity to attend, especially in the PNW. As a fan of Sarah McLachlan’s music during the 90s when her music became almost an anthem for the emotional rollercoaster of being a young woman (my freshman college roommate played her cds endlessly – thankfully, I did not mind a bit 😉), it seemed normal for so many amazingly talented female musicians to come together for this unprecedented music event. I didn’t appreciate at the time all that they had to pushback against, and so I am grateful that now we have this film. Thank you ladies. Thank you very much for your tenacity, determination and sisterhood with one another.
Have a look at the trailer below and look for the documentary now on Hulu.
Francophile Finds
—Chatou de Foire, semi-annual event!
If you will be in Paris or anywhere in France for that matter at the end of this month (September 26-October 5th), make your way to the outskirts of Paris and attend this dream of a brocante event for treasure hunters. During this year’s French Week, I wrote all about my visit this past March, and I promise you, it will not disappoint.
Read about this semi-annual event, how to arrive from Paris, and directions here in TSLL’s detail post.
—French Lover, Netflix
Omar Sy in a romantic comedy set in Paris. Sounds like fun to me. The trailer explains everything. Have a look and watch it now, as French Lover just premiered today on Netflix.
—John Singer Sargent. Éblouir Paris (the Paris Years), Musée d’Orsay
Yet another event to visit if you will be in Paris this autumn or winter is the John Singer Sargent exhibition at Musée d’Orsay. Having just opened on September 23rd and running until January 11th, “the exhibition brings together over 90 of John Singer Sargent’s works, including some that have never been exhibited in France. It traces the meteoric rise of the young artist, who arrived in Paris in 1874, when he was eighteen years old, to study with Carolus-Duran. The exhibition covers his career up to the mid-1880s, when he moved to London after the scandal caused by his portrait of Madame Gautreau (Madame X) at the Salon in 1884 . . . which Sargent would later describe as ‘the best thing he had ever done’, even though it aroused hostile reactions at the Salon.” Oh, how I wish I could attend, and if you can, have a most wonderful visit.
Kitchen
–The Forever Peeler from Material Kitchen
I learned about this Y-shaped peeler while reading a profile piece on Samin Nosrat (check out her latest cookbook – Good Things – here. She shared in an interview with WSJ that just such a kitchen tool is a must, and if while visiting someone, they don’t have one, she will buy them one. 🙂 The high quality of Material Kitchens’s Forever Peeler is one of her favorite brands.
Music
—Better Broken, Sarah McLachlan
Paired with the release of the Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery documentary is a brand new album from Sarah McLachlan herself. After 11 years, this is long-anticipated, and after listening through her new album – Better Broken, it definitely is one to appreciate. I particularly like “One in a Long Line”. Have a listen to it below and be sure to check out the full lyrics on the official page of this video here.
Shopping
—Boden, 50% off sale
Boden is having a huge sale on just about everything. If you need to stock up on their popular boatneck Breton tops, or anything else, now would be a wonderful time, as well as scoop up a dress that caught your eye. The Bianca midi-length dress did just that for me.
—SHOP THE SALE:
—COS Merino Wool Polo Shirt, three colors available
Autumn is about layering pieces, and making sure those pieces are comfortable, yet thin enough to be layer able without becoming overheated. This classically stylish polo shirt from COS caught my attention as it would look quite sharp under a houndstooth blazer.
—Dôen Leone Jean in Villefort Wash
A good pair of jeans – not too long, not too short, not too tight, not too high, and really, all four of these boxes are checked with this jean from Dôen.
—Lucie cardigan from GWYN (formerly G.Label)
Perhaps you heard the news recently, Gwyneth has changed the name of her clothing line from G.Label to GWYN. Wanting a more personal name that also reflected her own style and vision, the new line became available a few days ago. I picked out two items below and a scroll of items just below that, but be sure to shop the entire collection here.
~The Lucie Cardigan, 90% merino wool, 10% cashmere
The V-Neck Boyfriend sweater (four colors), 100% cashmere
~SHOP THE COLLECTION:
—Ralph Lauren’s Lauren Stretch Jersey Asymmetrical Top, Navy (three colors available)
One more layering piece with a unique neckline.
Theatre
—Art, Broadway
The new shows are hitting Broadway in New York City, and Art is receiving strong reviews. With the cast of three well-known names, but in different genres of entertainment, Bobby Cannavale, James Corden and Neil Patrick Harris star as three longtime friends. Enter into the plot “one ridiculously expensive painting. Is it art, or is it just the world’s priciest inside joke? What begins as a polite debate over aesthetics and taste devolves into a clash of egos and resentments. Can their friendship survive, or will one of them finally draw the line? It’s just 100 minutes of minimalist art, maximalist laughs, and a moving look at what we really see and forgive in the people we love.” Sounds like a wonderful night at the theatre to me.
—Waiting for Godot, Broadway
Bill and Ted reunite after 36 years. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter star in Samuel Beckett’s 1953 play that originally debuted in London – Left Bank Theatre de Babylone. Waiting for Godot “revolves around two seemingly homeless men waiting for someone—or something—named Godot. Vladimir and Estragon wait near a tree, inhabiting a drama spun of their own consciousness. The result is a comical wordplay of poetry, dreamscapes, and nonsense, which has been interpreted as mankind’s inexhaustible search for meaning. Beckett’s language pioneered an expressionistic minimalism that captured the existential post-World War II Europe. His play remains one of the most magical and beautiful allegories of our time.”
Television
—Abbott Elementary, season 5
I am quite fond of this comedy series, and maybe you are as well. Now in its fifth season, Abbott Elementary returns on Thursday October 1st. Have a look at the trailer below.
I know I speak about the weather often in this T&T portion, and while a trivial topic in some contexts, Mother Nature gives us a daily opportunity to see the beauty, to see something wonderful and savor it. A skill, as was explored in Monday’s Motivational post that can elevate not only our today, but our tomorrows in amazing ways. When it comes to the weather here in Bend, I am just so grateful that we have four seasons. September, especially is quite special when summer turns to autumn as each year, it is the magic moment in Bend. While the trees are just barely beginning to turn, the temps, the parks such as Drake Park seen here, are a treat to visit. And visit Nelle and I did earlier this week. ☺️
Whether you are stepping into autumn along with me here in the Northern hemisphere or into spring with TSLL’s many southern hemisphere readers, I hope the season has begun well, and with a taste of auspiciousness tucked away waiting for you to find, realize and celebrate.
This week here at Le Papillon saw the cottage garden being installed, and to say I am ecstatic is absolutely, 100% an understatement. We now wait for the custom throw-over loop to be made, and then in October, a detailed post will be shared following its addition to the gate. I explained to my builder, who by the way has never made a gate before, that he definitely has a knack for it 😌.
Also, as I shared in a newsletter that went out to newsletter subscribers of the Online Course updates, today is the final day to save 20% off the Intro to French Cooking course. So be sure to take advantage of these savings if you are a TOP Tier Member (learn all about the benefits of joining TSLL Community here).
Speaking of the cooking class, the Filt bags keep being put to great use! Thank you Véronique for sharing this photo of your gift!
Now to the weekend! And the garden is calling with bulbs and peonies to plant, as well as time to just savor Bend and being able to be outside without a coat. I may or may not spend too much time staring at my new gate. I don’t think I will be able to help it 😉. Thank you for stopping by today, and may the upcoming couple of days be filled with cozy moments that give you nourishment, reasons to cheer and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée !
~Nigel Slater has a wonderful suggestion – ‘Stop doom scrolling and start ‘bloom-scrolling’ – Nigel Slater on the pleasures of keeping a garden diary [Gardens Illustrated]
~Manolo Blahnik on Margot Robbie, Marie Antoinette, fashion and footwear [Country Life]
~Violinist Joshua Bell shares 30 Years of classical music in 18 minutes, a TEDx talk
~Inslee’s calendar is now available for 2026!
~How to live your dharma [Tiny Buddha]
~Looking for a charming cottage to rent in Britain for your next holiday? Check out this list of 19 cottages as recommended by House & Garden UK.
~An insider’s guide to London – luxury Hotels, cozy pubs, and local-loved attractions and more [Travel + Leisure]
~On September 27th, Britain celebrates the 200th anniversary of the first passenger train journey and this video is a fun one to watch to take us through the history.
~Train travelers in France, a new class of seats is coming in January 2026! Optimum and Optimum Plus! Learn more about it here. [Business Travel News Europe]
~The Home Tour of the Week takes us to Tuscany, where this villa brings both quiet, cozy corners with ample space for hosting. [Domino[
~I thought many of you might enjoy the video for this week. Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were from the film of the same name starring alongside the gentleman that will never be forgotten, Robert Redford. It is worth pointing out, if you have watched the film, that there were actually many scenes cut that would have changed how Hubble was perceived. Barbra Streisand shared in this Vanity Fair interview how she has tried to get the film changed as she has the deleted footage.
~Explore last week’s This & That: September 19, 2025 here.
A new French series that I am thoroughly enjoying, the return of two shows for their sophomore season following strong firsts!, books about art, about joy, about true British interior style, inspiration for a seasonally inspired Commonplace Book, a peek into the Windsor households and more. And on the screen is a new film full of life inspiration centered around a conversation with two generations separated by multiple decades. Oh! And I didn’t forget the clothing – fall capsule finds and a fun Francophile find as well. 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 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.
