Quite a few worthwhile books for summer reading that come highly praised and on a variety of differing topics. Also, many British finds this week – a favorite detective series returns, that likable American who coaches soccer football returns to Richmond, along with two books that reveal a piece of British history we may not have known about. Also, a new collection inspired by the Cotswolds and summer clothing finds that can also carry us into autumn. Still, there is more!

Books

—Alan Opts Out: A Novel by Courtney Maum 

Critics are quite enjoying this new novel about a power ad executive who, upon giving a pitch for a sought-after account, ends up bombing terribly due to help from a foe. However, this gives Alan an epiphany. “No longer will he exploit the insecurities of others in the service of capitalism. Alan is opting out.” While his wife isn’t happy, unexpectedly, “instead of shocking the neighbors, Alan’s commitment to a less-is-more lifestyle seems to be catching on. Could everyone want what Alan’s not selling?” This sounds like a thoughtful and intriguing summer read.

—The Story of Your Life: How Social Media Shapes the Way We Experience Everything by Kathryn Jezer-Morton

Described as an “eye-opening look at how social media shapes the stories we tell and the lives we lead. In The Story of Your Life, journalist and New York magazine columnist Kathryn Jezer-Morton examines how these algorithm-driven platforms not only change the way we share information but also shape the content itself. What stories do we choose to tell, and how do these choices reflect and shape our evolving identities?”

“By examining how we share, talk, and post about our milestones, vacations, homes, relationships, hardships, politics, and more, Jezer-Morton shows just how pervasive and influential our social media platforms have become in how we view ourselves and what we consider to be a life well lived.”

—Take What You Can Eat: A Novel by Naima Coster

The story begins in France when two young friends fall in love with the country during their study abroad experience while also becoming immediate friends for life. Fast forward to their thirties, “each married and with a baby girl on the way. When Milly suggests Val move to New York so they can raise their daughters together after a decade apart, it’s a resounding yes.

“Despite their excitement, the pair secretly wonders if their friendship has always worked best as a trio. On that first trip to France, these two motherless daughters were taken under the wing of an older woman named Helene. She showered them with money, love, and attention and showed them the possibilities of an independent and abundant future. But now, without Helene and her guidance, who are Milly and Val?”

“The realities of class and social capital, of strained marriages and the demands of motherhood, serve as constant reminders of how far apart they’ve grown. And no matter how much they try to avoid it, everything comes back to the rift that began all those years ago in France. What they’ve long tried to bury may finally destroy their sisterhood.”

—The Train Was Not Late by Komal Kamble 

I serendipitously came across this book earlier this summer (it was released in May), and quickly came to appreciate the artist and author’s posts. I quite enjoyed this post and this post.

—When Lemons Give You Life: A Novel by Anna Johnston

Being released on Tuesday, this book’s premise looks delicious and full of life-lifting reminders. “Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite. He’s done with grief, guilt, and the beige slop they call food at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, where he resides. Six decades of life have handed him all the lemons he can handle, so he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake one last tart as his final meal. But the act of cooking stirs a dormant joy, and soon he’s sneaking in after dark to serve up flavor and comfort to fellow residents, who come alive with each bite—all while hiding a lie big enough to destroy the one thing he has left to protect.”

“Lisa, Griff’s younger sister and sole visitor, is navigating a midlife ADHD diagnosis, a new romance, and unexpected news that could change everything. Despite their fractured relationship, she keeps showing up, even with hope for reconciliation long buried in the silence between them. But the truth has a way of boiling over, and when secrets, soufflés, and second chances collide, Griff and Lisa may discover a recipe for forgiveness.”

British Finds

—Artists, Siblings, Visionaries: The lives and loves of Gwen and Augustus John by Judith Mackrell 

Overwhelmingly positively received in Britain (released in June in the UK), and already longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-fiction, Artists, Siblings, Visionaries shares the lives of famous Welsh artist Augustus John (1878–1961) and Gwen John, also a Welsh artist (Augustus’ sister, who became famous for quiet, soft paintings of solitary women, empty rooms, and cats. She spent much of her life in France, and while once she was overshadowed by her brother Augustus and her lover Auguste Rodin, “she is now seen as a major 20th-century British painter.”

—The Chelsea Detective, season 4, AcornTV

Glad to see this series continues. And it will return with a new season on Tuesday, August 3rd, the beginning of four episodes being released. Have a look at the trailer below.

—The House of Boleyn: A Novel by Tracy Borman

Being released on August 4th, The House of Boleyn blends the history Tracy Borman knows so well with the creativity of her imagination. “Borman brings the Boleyn family’s three-decade rise and precipitous fall to vivid life. Borman surrounds the main dramatic events of the Boleyn saga with a colorful tableau in which familial and inter-familial rivalries threaten and true love often loses out to keen ambition.”

—Ted Lasso, season 4, AppleTV

It’s been three years, and we didn’t know if the show had indeed concluded for good or not (more about what Jason Sudeikis was thinking about that later in the video of the week), but it is. Ted Lasso returns with season 4 on Wednesday, August 5th. “Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second-division women’s football team. Throughout the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would. The new season reunites fan favorites, including Emmy Award winner Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Emmy Award winner Brett Goldstein, and Brendan Hunt.” Have a look at the trailer below.

Décor

—Crate & Barrel’s new Cotswolds Collection

The Cotswolds are an aspirational place to live for many, and Crate & Barrel brings a new collection to provide a taste of the English countryside into our homes wherever it may be found. I have shopped a few items below. They have some wonderful bed frames from which you can choose from a long list (more than 200) fabric swatches to customize it to your space, and for a fair price (an investment, but not absurd).

~SHOP THE NEW COLLECTION:

—Maitland-Smith Athenian Carryall (from Perigold)

Pup Parents

—The Foggy Dog’s Active Hands-free leash, many colors

Having a leash that suits our needs when we go walking, running, or exploring with our pups is a must to ensure enjoyment for them and us both, and this leash looks to be quite perfect to give your hands a break. The reviews are quite positive as well.

Shopping

—James Perse’s sheer slub V Neck tees, many colors

—Miguelina’s Bow-detailed linen-jacquard maxi dress

Timeless, breathable (ideal for summer), and capable of being worn for a casual occasion or dressed up a bit for a summer soirée.

—Valentino Garavani’s Striped Intarsia cotton sweater, 80% off

If red is your color, this is an awesome price not to miss. From a trusted luxury brand, the boatneckline, the cool-toned red, and made of cotton, a wonderful wardrobe essential for cool nights or early autumn days.

—Veronica Beard’s Carter Denim or Canvas short

Longer shorts are wisely becoming recognized as a stylish staple, and paired with top that balances the proportions, they make chic style comfortable.

---

The smoke cleared this week, and each day felt like a gift. With temperatures in the low eighties, it was hard to believe it was late July. Sitting out in the garden earlier this week, I snipped a few of these Golden Celebration roses seen above (they have a most wonderful musky scent) and brought them inside, leaving the many still on the shrub to bring even more sunshine to the garden.

In just over two weeks, TSLL’s 11th Annual French Week will commence! And that is why my nose is in Émile Zola’s novel Au Bonheur des Dames (as you will notice, I am reading the English translation), which is a fascinating critique of the emerging mass consumerism at that time- mid-to-late 1800s Paris. So many parallels can be made to the 21st century that we find ourselves in. But rest assured, there will be giveaways as per tradition, and each will celebrate French culture and quality finds at that. I will share a bit more about what the Grand Giveaway will be in tomorrow’s A Cuppa Moments with TOP Tier/Premier members.

Speaking of the new names for the tiers, in a post shared tomorrow, I will share why they are changing and exactly what they are (although I have tried to share a bit here and there already, so you may already know the new names). If you are a non-member, today is the last day to lock in the current membership prices before they increase tomorrow. Remember, you get to keep what you have forever, so Active members do not have to do anything – the price you have now and have had is yours for life – nothing changes for you :).

On Sunday, TSLL’s Annual Fall Shopping Guide will be shared to help you start preparing your autumn wardrobe, fill in the gaps, and navigate the trends worth investing in. If you are subscribed to TSLL’s Style Inspiration newsletter, you will receive it in your inbox when it is released.

Now to the weekend and to August! Wow! Already July is concluding, and the last month of summer (so to speak) is upon us. May you have a wonderful couple of days traveling, relaxing, taking a deep breath, whatever it is you need, and I will be back with a new post tomorrow! Bonne journée.

–A thoughtful read to encourage us to follow our curiosity – How ‘missing the boat’ led me somewhere better [Tiny Buddha]

~Perhaps you have read his latest – The Midnight Train, which was just released, and did you know that bestselling author Matt Haig is opening a bookstore up in Brighton. [The Guardian]

~James Beard winning pastry chef and author Nancy Silverton Says Every Beginner Baker Should Start With These 3 Dishes [Food & Wine]

~HOME TOUR OF THE WEEK: This Scottish estate is full of color and calm, and the grounds upon which it sits are quite stunning as well. [Frederic]

~A list to save for planning a trip to a British beach – Britain’s best coastal restaurants [Country Life]

~And another list for travel plans in Britain – Skip the Cotswolds: 10 historic towns set to become Britain’s next Instagram hotspots [Homes and Antiques]

~Loved this story. And while I am saving many French finds and stories for French Week in two weeks, I wanted to share one with you now: St.-Rémy-de-Provence has a wonderful farmers’ market (see my post here), and while the town is bustling during this event each Wednesday, it is also why they only have a part-time traffic light. [Perfectly Provence]

~When it comes to your approach to gardening, are you a minimalist or a maximist? Two Chelsea Show gardeners weigh in. [Elle Decor, subscription required]

~Meet the new cast soccer football players on Ted Lasso‘s season 4 [Elle]

~Okay, I am not hiding the fact that I cannot wait for Ted Lasso to be coming back (I am thrilled!), and this interview session with three of the main cast members is honest, fun, and a treat. Hannah Waddingham’s answer to why she felt the show landed with audiences when it premiered back in 2020 is beautiful. Thank you Hannah. Enjoy!

---

~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: July 24th

~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.