Punctual Picks #19

A nineteenth Punctual Picks with its share of discoveries.

Weleda ; Lip Care

When the TV programme À Bon Entendeur convinced me to change some of my bathroom products, I started with lip care. For over twenty years, I used a product that suited me very well, without ever paying attention to its ingredients. So I chose to switch to a balm that is kinder to the body.

Weleda

Recuerdame ; A Colombian Cooking Notebook

Through more than 60 iconic recipes, Juan Arbelaez invites us on a journey to the heart of the country that shaped his childhood. From crispy arepas to tasty empanadas, from comforting sancocho to fragrant ajiaco, not forgetting the delicious pan de yuca… Juan shares with us the memories of his youth, the life of his neighbourhoods, his passion for the vibrant produce of ever-lively markets, and the precious recipes passed down from generation to generation.

It is all captured in a lively and captivating photo album. I had also devoted an article to À table en 20 minutes chrono (in French), his previous book.

Juan Arbelaez

The Three Musketeers ; Martin Bourboulon

I love cinema, even if I don’t go often. I had the pleasure of discovering Martin Bourboulon’s adaptation of The Three Musketeers, released in 2023. Split into two parts, D’Artagnan and Milady, the film brings together a cast of renowned actors. With François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmaï and the talented Eva Green, it could only be grand. Two great moments of French cinema that carried me away into an enchanting dream.

D’Artagnan | Milady

111 Places That You Must Not Miss

The 111 Places That You Must Not Miss collection is a wonderful series of books. Each volume explores a city, a canton or a region of the world through 111 places. The research is thorough and the presentation particularly careful. Some volumes are devoted to 111 objects or brands, such as 111 gins not to be missed. That one has in fact already found its place in my bookcase.

111 Places

The Marlow Murder Club

Judith Potts, 77, leads an eccentric life. One evening, she hears a scream and a gunshot at her neighbour’s house, convinced that a murder has taken place. Despite police scepticism, Judith, together with Becks, the vicar’s wife, and Suzie, the dog walker, decides to solve the mystery.

Written by Robert Thorogood, creator of the series Death in Paradise, this saga blends humour and mystery with original characters. Totally hooked on the cosy mystery genre, I loved investigating alongside these famous ladies. These light novels are ideally devoured with a steaming cup of tea and a shortbread, by the fire.

Éditions de La Martinière

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Punctual Picks #19