A new British mystery series that looks to be filled with hilarity, a reboot of a classic British crime series, an international film that deserves accolades galore, a new French film to make you chuckle, and another film full of chuckles, no doubt, that comes from Ben Stiller. On the books front – books about uncommon sense, taking risks, cottage living and more. And summer style finds, as well as discounts, are included as well for staying cool while looking timeless. Still, there is more!

Beginning August 1st, the prices for TOP Tier and BASIC memberships will change to the following:

• TOP:
  • Quarterly — $28 (currently $23)
  • Annually — $95 (currently $85)
  • Monthly is no longer available
• BASIC:
  • Monthly — $7 (currently $4.50)
  • Annually —$65.99 (currently $48)

Lock in the current low rates in the next eight days before we usher in these changes. Explore memberships here.

~Current Active members, rest assured, if you are already a paying member (BASIC or TOP Tier), your rate doesn’t change and is yours for life. You don’t need to do a thing. 🙂

Books

—Country People: A Novel by Daniel Mason 

The premise of this new novel, Country People, caught my interest as it involves a curious and kind soul, a truffle-hunting pup, academia, and a mystery. “Miles Krzelewski is a devoted husband, a doting father beloved for his outlandish bedtime stories, and the proud owner of a truffle-hunting dog in a land with no truffles. He is also a bit lost, twelve years late with his PhD on Russian folktales and increasingly haunted by a sense that he’s become a disappointment to his family. So when his wife, Kate, accepts a visiting professorship at a prestigious college in the faraway forests of Vermont, he decides that this will be the year to finally move forward with his life.”

“The new friends, the enchanted woods, the histories: sure, no PhD, but all good fun. Until Miles stumbles upon a bizarre—perhaps ridiculous—local legend, which, he soon suspects, might not be just a legend after all.”

—Life Inside A Cottage: Interior inspiration from today’s cottage dwellers by Nell Card and Rachel Vere

Released this past spring (April 2026), if cottages intrigue you as much as they intrigue me (quite a lot!), then Life Inside a Cottage may be a book to pick up. Described as “an engaging examination of the enduring appeal of the cottage―considering such things as what defines a cottage? What are the challenges of living in one? And what
makes cottages so uniquely beguiling? Divided into chapters by style of cottage, including historic, urban, cottage industries, contemporary, and creative, each one will open with a main feature showcasing an exemplary cottage owned by a notable creative, designer, or maker. The beautiful images will unlock their different aesthetics and explore the lifestyles that flourish within.”

—The Risk Worth Taking: A Story of Breaking Free and Trading for a Life You Love by Teri Ijeoma 

Author Teri Ijeoma’s own life is the inspiration and reminder of the risks worth taking, as well as offering a less-often-written financial book. “Follow Erin’s journey from burnout to breakthrough as she trades corporate chaos for financial freedom through stock trading.

“When an unexpected event forces her to reevaluate everything, Erin steps into a world she never imagined—learning to trade, mastering the market, and reclaiming her time, freedom, and purpose. But her journey isn’t just about dollars and charts—it’s about rediscovering herself, taking risks, and rewriting her future.

“This isn’t a textbook—it’s a transformational story packed with practical tools, emotional breakthroughs, and powerful lessons. Whether you’re a trading rookie or looking to reignite your financial goals, this story will inspire you to bet on yourself. Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Use trading as a pathway to personal and financial freedom
• Build wealth without sacrificing your time
• Develop confidence with simple, actionable trading strategies
• Work from anywhere and live life on your terms
• Embrace risk, bounce back from failure, and trust yourself fully”

—Uncommon Sense: Rethinking Ordinary Problems in Extraordinary Ways by William R. Brody

Author of Uncommon Sense William R. Brody, a renowned physician-scientist and the former president of Johns Hopkins University, writes his book to explain why some of the most successful people in the world never finish college, while others with every academic advantage still struggle to find their way. His “answer lies in a truth higher education all too often overlooks: life, unlike textbooks, has no answer key. Most of the truly important questions we face rarely have a ready rubric and a simple solution.”

“Brody distills lessons from decades in medicine, engineering, entrepreneurship, and academic leadership into a thoughtful, surprising, and often humorous exploration of how to think―and live―beyond the syllabus. Born from his popular Johns Hopkins seminar aimed at graduating seniors, the book exposes the gap between classroom achievement and real-world wisdom, offering readers a practical framework for navigating the unpredictable opportunities and sometimes contrarian decisions that define success and fulfillment.

“Examining paradoxes of ambition, limits to rational problem-solving, and the value of curiosity and integrity, Brody reveals how unconventional thinking, humility, and ethical reasoning can guide better choices in work and in life.”

British Finds

—Bergerac, reboot (coming soon to PBS), already airing in the UK

If you live in the UK, you likely already know that this reboot has happened, as season one aired last year, and season two is being filmed. Here in the States, we just received great news that PBS has optioned the rights to air it on its platform. When will it be premiering? That has not been shared yet (likely late 2026 or early 2027), but rest assured, I will be including it here on a future Thist & That when it does.

If you haven’t watched the original Bergerac series starring John Nettles (BAFTA-award-winning series running for nine seasons), you are in for a treat. Yes, the original aired more than thirty years ago, but still, it’s Nettles as Bergerac, and it’s set on Jersey, in the Channel Islands. The latter really does become a main character of the show. Knowing and appreciating the original makes me all the more curious to watch the reboot.

Have a look at the trailer for the new adaptation starring Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac.

—The Hairdresser Mysteries, BBC One

This fun new dramedy looks like a hoot! Having aired in the UK earlier this summer, there isn’t word yet on when it will air in the US, but I am sure it is coming soon. Set back in the 1970s, Sally Phillips stars as Lily Petal, and why not “call her Call Shear-lock Holmes 😉! “Petal’s tangled in the mysteries of her new village home.” There are six episodes in the first season. See some of the cast below in the IG scroll.

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Cookbooks

—101 Things to Do with Pasta by Donna Kelly

Released earlier this month, this “compact cookbook is ideal for home cooks seeking to make easy, economical, and nourishing family-friendly meals, including gluten-free options. Pasta is the perfect delivery system for healthy ingredients like leafy greens, lean meats, beans, or fish. It’s also a healthy comfort food and one of the most affordable meal options on shelves.”

—Maxi’s Kitchen: Easy Go-To Recipes to Make Again and Again: A Cookbook by Maxine Sharf 

Released back in March, Maxine Sharf‘s debut cookbook, Maxi’s Kitchen, “is organized by day of the week, with intentions for each day that help you pick the perfect recipe to match your mood. Start the week with quick and simple dishes like Honey-Mustard Salmon with Pistachios and Dill, and easy, one-pan meals like Cheesy Enchilada Skillet with Crunchy Tortilla Chips. Get through the midweek slump with fun handhelds like Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups, then treat yourself to an indulgent date night with Creamy Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti. For Maxine, weekends are for spending time with friends and family, so think small bites meant for sharing, like French Onion Crostini, or more ambitious, immersive projects, like Grandma’s Wontons. And Sunday is all about brunch, with classics like Mom’s Fluffy Pancakes.”

Films

—The Dink, AppleTV

Perfect for summer viewing, as I have a feeling many laughs will be enjoyed. The Dink is co-created by Ben Stiller and the star of the movie, Jake Johnson. Johnson plays a washed-up tennis pro who is tapped to help save a struggling country club, but he will have to break a sacred vow: play pickleball. Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Stiller complete the main cast, and there are cameos by Andy Roddick and John McEnroe. Have a look at the trailer below and find it on AppleTV beginning today.

—A Sad and Beautiful World

This film is far more serious, and I hope it is in contention for the best International film at the next Academy Awards. A Sad and Beautiful World is set in Lebanon and spans over three decades, following the friendship and eventual romance of the two leads. Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Finds

—L’Objet du Délit (Crescendo)

Released in France back in May as the summer season began, this comedy/satire takes place “behind the scenes of an ambitious production of the opera ‘The Marriage of Figaro.’ Tensions rise when an accusation of sexual assault emerges, jeopardizing the production and forcing everyone to take a stand.” Have a look at the trailer below, and if you have the chance, or if you are in France (or flying and it is offered for viewing), have a go and watch!

—Louise Damas’s Créoles La Torsade (earrings) 30mm

Having a pair of French jewelry designer Louise Damas’ earrings, I do like her subtle yet signature pieces. They are also available in silver, and different hoop sizes are available as well.

Shopping

—COS’s pleated cotton-linen midi skirt

—J.Crew’s Vintage jersey ringer T-shirt dress in stripe

Again, if you have the gams, this is a summer casual dress for you. And for less than $100, available at a great price.

—Madewell’s Jamie Boat Shoe, four colors, an additional 50% off

These boat shoes caught my eye as, yes, there is a bit of a preppy look to them, but they are also loafer-esque, which means they would transition well into autumn while keeping it casual with the playful laces. And at the price they are available, perhaps the perfect shoe for having at the ready for slipping on and off when you need to just go out and about without thinking too much about your footwear, but knowing it looks great. Use LASTCHANCE as the coupon code for the additional savings

—Rails’ Tuscany Shirt, Salino Stripe

—Reiss’s Samira Scarf-Print Belted Midi Dress in Navy/Ivory (petite also available)

—Toteme’s Buttercup Oversized Crew-neck sweater, from Liberty

This sweater is an investment, but it will be a sweater that will last. Made of 100% cotton, this yellow shade is subtle and flattering. The slight boat-neck has me enchanted, and if yellow were my color, I would scoop it up. Maybe they will have a pink version somewhere. One can hope.

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July continues to bring what July brings, sunshine, heat, showers, lightning and some smoke. Each and all are to be expected, and while the latter isn’t enjoyable, it certainly makes you revel with a deeper appreciation when it clears out, and the skies (and all beings that live below her) are free to breathe easily.

Mother Nature must love farmers’ markets because on the day of the farmers’ market this week, she cleared the skies and invited us all to delight in the fresh produce. Above is the bounty Nelle and I found, and the herb you see on the far right is tulsi (a basil varietal), and WOW, did it offer an amazing scent. Incredibly fragrant, and while standing in line to purchase other vegetables from the farmers’ stand that gave this bundle of tulsi to each shopper for free, the aroma of the herbs was quite amazing.

I continue to be reminded of the depth of flavor seasonal produce provides, as after roasting the broccoli seen here, the flavor profile far surpassed anything picked up at the traditional grocery store. With that said, just a reminder that you too can dance with the fresh produce and enjoy seasonal meals throughout the season, and it really is quite simple. I teach you how to do it all in my Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness class – learn more here. Below is what Jamie C. shared this week about her experience taking the course and a photo of what she made with what she picked up at the market (isn’t her plating inviting!). Thank you Jamie for so generously sharing all that you have.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I am hungry! ☺️

This week on the blog, the tour of my foyer, which after six years is finally, finally! complete was shared. Visit it here, where you can not only see the new basketweave parquet flooring and custom closet, but also see oodles of Before photos, guiding objectives, sourcing (discover the hook that has TOP Tier Members wanting their own and where to find it!), and more. The fourth and final part in the Seasonal Savorings post was shared on Monday, and on Tuesday, the monthly Ponderings . . . post was shared, which included haircare and skincare products I am loving and exploring, as well as other more personal This & That finds.

Now though is the weekend’s beginning, and may you have a wonderful couple of days soaking up the long days, sleeping well, and letting your curiosity take it where it wants to show you what you may have never thought you would find, but always hoped you might. Until Sunday, bonne journée!

~Parisians embrace aging with typical élan, like the French know how to do. [Air Mail, subscription may be required]

~Home Tour of the Week: A 1910 San Francisco Craftsman drenched in muted jewel-tones and full of restrained beautiful décor. [Domino]

~For only the second time in Le Tour de France’s history, will the cyclists be on the new route that takes them up to, through and around Montmartre, adding in a spectacle of racing that brings an new element of competition to the race. I will be watching, as the race this past week has been eventful to say the least. [Paris. fr]

~The Devil Wears Prada 2 will be available to stream on Disney+/Hulu on Wednesday July 29th

~While I am not a vegan, but definitely a lover of eating well and thoughtfully, I found this list to provide a helpful eminder of plant-based protein sources and how much per gram each servings provides. [IG @vegangreenplanet]

~Treasure hunters! Here is a list of 10 valuable antiques designers look for at estate sales. [House Beautiful]

~Food shopping with David Lebovitz and Romain, live in Paris [DL’s podcast]

~Speaking of seasonal shopping, this Strawberry and Basil Galette is a delicious idea [Pardon Your French]

~The award-winning drama from AppleTV, The Morning Show just confirmed two things: season 5 will be coming in 2027, and it will be its final season.

~A tongue-in-cheek, yet still full of ideas, 24 Hours In London with Daisy Edgar-Jones, who stars in the upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility gives viewers a tour of the city. Not able to shake her characters easily, she strolls through the city in character. Enjoy! (Look for the film to be released on October 16th)

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That, July 17th

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.