At the beginning of the month I said I would share some of the Substack Newsletters I enjoy. I subscribe to quite a few; both general and specific. Some are written by wonderfully experienced journalists and professional writers, others by people with developing interests and expertise, and others who are amateurs, such as myself, who simply want a small record of their thoughts, favourite recipes and ways to live a (slightly) more considered life.

Among the first Substacks I subscribed to was Kate’s The Cook’s Edit . Kate regularly writes about recipes and travel she summarises and links to articles in the British press, and her posts are always full of super ideas and suggestions. If you’re planning a seasonal meal, looking for a weekend away or a holiday somewhere new in Europe, then Kate’s archive is well worth exploring.

At the same time I started reading Angie’s Changing Pages. Angie has just published her first book, All Those Hands Held. I will be buying a copy in May and really look forward to reading it.

Charlotte Into the Kitchen with Charlotte Pike is a trained chef, a judge of The Good Food Awards, a member of the Guild of Food writers with several super recipe books. It was delightful to attend her most recent book launch for the super Quick Prep, Slow Cook . Do subscribe for seasonal recipes and suggestions for your pantry.

I love reading about people cooking in France, their adventures shopping, the delicious seasonal food from their regions, these are a few favourites.

Trish Deseine’s Substack

Licked Spoon by Debora Robertson

Letter from Nettle & Quince

A Table in France

Carolyn Boyd’s France Traveller is superb, as is her book Amuse Bouche .

There are also plenty of newsletters about living in France, Judy has a great digest of many of them, ‘le bulletin’ .

It’s Jane Austen’s 250th Anniversary this year, I’m really enjoying Daisy Goodwin’s The Pemberley Papers, the further adventures of some well known Austen characters.

Caroline writes fascinating pieces about animals, travel and France, Free-Styling@60.

Paola writes about Life in Ireland .

Francey’s newsletter is delightful, full of insight and lovely ideas, Letter from South Town .

I love reading India Knight, Home , she includes fascinating links, this weekend they included a BBC food programme about Ballymaloe, (my younger son studied there a while ago, completing their intensive 12 week course, he is the best chef/cook I know!) and what to buy in the M&S food hall.

I really enjoy Onwards and Sideways by Sophia Money-Coutts, this week I’m curious about the glass of water and pearls idea that the Sheik suggested to her, and loved what she wrote about long marriages. (My husband and I will be 40 years together on 5th November, there have occasionally been fireworks!)

I read Tania Kindersley’s book Backwards in High Heels: The Impossible Art of Being Female followed her blog for several years and recently rediscovered her writing and gorgeous photographs both here and on Instagram. She writes beautifully and passionately, especially about friendship, horses and dogs, do read Postcards from Scotland , take a look at The Place of Peace too.

Jessica Fellowes is another fascinating writer, Your Fellowes Reader is well worth reading. I’m going to read the Mitford Murders during the summer.

I think that’s probably enough for today. There are several writers I follow here, but they either publish infrequently or haven’t posted a newsletter for several months. I don’t wish for anyone to feel pressurised into writing!

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The photo at the top is our local beach here in Brittany, I’m really enjoying our quiet Easter break, I will be writing my usual monthly newsletter for May 1st. Wishing you a Happy Easter, enjoy the chocolate eggs!