Books about health, ancient history (and thus updated women’s history), murder, art and recipes from the backroads of Italy. Also, a new film that critics are raving about, but it is not being talked about too much yet by the public, two new series premiere, clothing for spring, sheets to sleep on for the rest of your life, and still so much more.

Books

—33 Place Brugman: A Novel by Alice Austen

When I learned about this novel, I quickly became intrigued. Now on my TBR (to be read) list, and hopefully to be read soon, the debut novel of Alice Austen has been described as “a love story, mystery, and philosophical puzzle, told in the singular voices of the residents of a Beaux Arts apartment house in Belgium during World War II.”

Released on March 11th

The debut novel by Alice Austen

—Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome by Jane Draycott

As we know, the victors of war and those in power have control over how the narratives of historic events are told and thus remembered. So I appreciate historian Jane Draycott’s reading between the lines of the ancient evidence, and presenting a more nuanced interpretation of the life of Fulvia, who during the years leading up to the fall of the Roman Republic moved in the most powerful social circles, and by her death in 40 BCE had amassed a degree of political and military power unprecedented for a woman.
 
“Fulvia’s success came at considerable cost, however. None of her three marriages to politically powerful men—most famously to Marc Antony—lasted, and three of her five children died violently. She was repeatedly ridiculed for daring to step outside the confines of the domestic sphere. The deliberate and systematic destruction of her reputation shaped her legacy for two millennia.”

Draycott “invites readers to visit an unfamiliar Rome, one in which women played a crucial role during Rome’s violent transition from a republic to the dictatorship of the Roman Empire.” Anyone who appreciates ancient history and women’s history will find this book a definite must-add to your library.

Already available in the UK being released on April 3rd (cover below), Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome will be released in the states on July 22nd (preorder here).

—The Gut-Brain Paradox: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog, and Reverse Disease by Healing Your Microbiome by Dr. Steven R Gundry MD 

Being released on April 15th, Dr. Steven R. Gundry, the New York Times bestselling author of the groundbreaking Plant Paradox series, shares compelling evidence that our gut microbiome is driving our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and our mental, emotional, and neuronal health—and shows us how to heal our microbiomes to take back control of our minds.

In The Gut-Brian Paradox shines a light on “how the one-two punch of leaky gut and gut dysbiosis, together driven by western diets, overuse of antibiotics and other medications, and environmental toxins allow pathogenic bacteria to take over. These “bad bugs” cause inflammation and hijack the intricate messaging systems that run from the gut to the brain, setting the stage for neurological changes, brain fog, neurodegeneration, mental health issues, personality alterations, and even addiction.

“However, these changes are reversible. Featuring the latest science, easy-to-follow recipes, and supplement guides, The Gut-Brain Paradox shows us how to eat to restore not only our inner balance, but our mental energy and well-being, too.”

—Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn, book #2 in Killers of a Certain Age series

Perhaps you were one of the many readers who read and enjoyed the first book in the mystery series of Killers of a Certain Age, and if so, good news! Book #2 is being released on Tuesday! Kills Well With Others finds the four main characters, who are also assassins, being called back into action. “When they receive a summons from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers.

“Someone on the inside has compiled a list of important kills committed by Museum agents, connected to a single, shadowy figure, an Eastern European gangster with an iron fist, some serious criminal ambition, and a tendency to kill first and ask questions later. This new nemesis is murdering agents who got in the way of their power hungry plans and the aging quartet of killers is next.” However, I have an inkling, they will thwart the deadly plans and live to see another book in the series. 😉 Now to discover exactly how they do it.

—Spring is the Only Season: How It Works, What It Does and Why it Matters by Simon Barnes

Released back in March, this British title by Simon Barnes, Spring is the Only Season “provides a fresh and compelling look at this period of the calendar year. He explains the science of the seasons, which are caused by the planet’s 23.5 degree tilt; he also highlights the music, the paintings and the poetry that have tried to capture it . . . However, while the Earth will continue to spin on its tilting axis, he reveals how our impact on the planet is beginning to destroy the natural course of the seasons, and that elements of the beloved spring – from migrating birds to emerging butterflies – are endangered by climate change. But it’s not too late. Not yet. We can still make a difference and so continue to enjoy the pleasures of spring.”

Order from Blackwells and have it shipped to the states for a nominal cost.

British Finds

—Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz, book #3 in the Susan Ryeland Mystery series

If you live in the UK, or would like to order from Blackwells, Anthony Horowitz’s third mystery in the Susan Ryeland series is now available (and soon to be taped for the television series as well). If you live in the states, rest assured, it will be available soon – May 13th. Now to the plot. Marble Hall Murders centers around the third novel about Atticus Pünd that Ryeland is tasked to edit. Now back in England and “the new ‘continuation’ novel is by Eliot Crace, grandson of Miriam Crace who was the biggest selling children’s author in the world until her death exactly twenty years ago. Eliot believes that Miriam was deliberately poisoned. And when he tells Susan that he has hidden the identity of Miriam’s killer inside his book, Susan knows she’s in trouble once again.

“As Susan works on Pünd’s Last Case, a story set in an exotic villa in the South of France, she uncovers more and more parallels between the past and the present, the fictional and the real world – until suddenly she finds that she has become a target herself.”

Released on April 10th in the UK (cover seen right) and to be released on May 13th in the US (preorder here).

—The Romantic: A Novel by William Boyd

From the internationally award winning British author William Boyd, The Romantic tells the story of “One man, many lives . . . Cashel Greville Ross [who] experiences more of everything than most, from the rapturous to the devastating, from surprising good luck to unexpected loss. Born in 1799, Cashel seeks his fortune across the turbulence of multiple continents, from County Cork to rural Massachusetts, from Waterloo to Zanzibar, embedded with the East Indian Army in Sri Lanka, sunning himself alongside the Romantic poets in Pisa. He travels the world as a soldier, a farmer, a felon, a writer, even a father. And he experiences all the vicissitudes of existence, including a once-in-a-lifetime love that will haunt the rest of his days. In the end, his great accomplishment is to discover who he truly is—which is the romance of life itself, and the beating heart of The Romantic.”

Chosen by Hatchards Bookshop as the non-fiction book of the month when it was released in September 2023.

—Towards Zero, BritBox

Currently already available in the UK, now a new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero is coming to BritBox. Staring Anjelica Huston, Matthew Rhys, and Clarke Peters, watch the three-part limited series which takes viewers back to England, 1936. “After a scandalous celebrity divorce, Nevile Strange and his ex-wife Audrey make the unthinkable decision to spend a summer together at Gull’s Point, their childhood home and the coastal estate of Nevile’s aunt, Lady Tressilian (Huston). With unfinished business between the former childhood sweethearts, plus the presence of Nevile’s new wife Kay, tensions are running high. Add to this a long-suffering lady’s companion, a mysterious gentleman’s valet, an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan and a French con man, and soon there will be murder. A troubled detective must rediscover his purpose to untangle a toxic web of jealousy, deceit and dysfunction. Can he solve the crime before another victim meets their death? An explosive love triangle, a formidable matriarch and a house party of enemies. All compelled… Towards Zero.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for the series to premiere on Wednesday April 16th (the first episode), and each day thereafter the following two episodes.

Cookbooks

—Milkstreet Backroads Italy: Finding Italy’s Forgotten Recipes by Christopher Kimball and J. M. Hirsch 

Being released next Tuesday, “Discover the real techniques, ingredients, and stories behind the Italian dishes you know and love—and the ones you’ve yet to try—with more than 145 delicious recipes that bring simplicity back to Italian cooking in Milkstreet’s Backroads Italy cookbook . . . here is a taste of what you will discover: new ways with pasta, from foolproof cacio e pepe in Rome to Puglia’s olive oil—crisped fettuccine with chickpeas and a lemony pesto from Amalfi, where the pasta itself is enriched with citrus. Plus some surprising tomato sauces, including spaghetti all’assassina from Bari—spicy, charred, and made in one skillet.”

Films

—The Uninvited

Now this film looks quite intriguing and full of plotlines to prompt a wonderful discussion afterwards. The Uninvited premieres today, and is set in the Hollywood Hills. “Rose and Sammy’s party is interrupted by an unexpected stranger. As drinks flow and secrets spill, ambition and identity clash in a sharp, unhinged look at a world obsessed with youth and fame.”

Rotten Tomatoes has it sitting at 100%, and if you look at the cast, no doubt the dialogue will keep us on our toes with these actors delivering the lines: Rufus Sewell, Walton Goggins, Elizabeth Reaser, Pedro Pascal and, the star of the film, Lois Smith. Have a look at the trailer.

Francophile Finds

—The French Honeymoon: A Novel by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

This is not your happy-ending, light-hearted Paris novel. However, I still wanted to bring it to your attention, and if nothing else, let you know what this title is about. A thriller that reveals that not all who honeymoon in Paris are having a jolly good time of it. While I doubt I will be reading this book, sometimes different titles call to us, and perhaps the story of “Taylor Quinn [who] arrives at her honeymoon suite in the City of Love alone, sans suitcase, but with wads of stolen cash” is just what you might want to explore. Learn more about the plot here.

Shopping

—BA&SH Valley Long dress, off-white print

A bohemian style that would work as nicely in spring as it would in autumn. Find a solid statement belt, sandals for warmer weather and boots, as seen here, for cooler weather, and this dress becomes a trusted staple in the shoulder season capsule wardrobes.

—Me + Em Navy Tweed Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits can absolutely be timeless if they fit us well, drape nicely and flatter our silhouette. The fabric alone of Me + Em’s tweed jumpsuit caught my eye, and the classic collared v-neck and sleeves with the thick monochromatic belt are details of note. Based on your height, check out the length of the inseam on the shopping page. I wish they made the inseam a bit longer, as it is designed to be a cropped leg for regular sizes, and full, long leg for petites. Either way, definitely worth consideration as I think it would be a fabulous staple for many years to come.

—Rough Linen Orkney Linen Sheets

Last week, as the Petit Plaisir, I mentioned that vintage linen sheets are a definite simple luxury to welcome into your everyday sleep routine. And when you can’t find vintage, find a high quality new sheet from a brand who knows their linen. Rough Linen uses 100% European flax, and offers different sizes for both the flat and fitted sheets. While definitely an investment to save up for, as the brand’s owners shared in this article last weekend in WSJ’s Off Duty article, simply begin with one sheet, a top sheet, and see how you like sleeping with linen (you can always use the flat sheet as a bottom sheet as well, as this was how it traditionally was used – both top and bottom. Then add the fitted. Eventually you will discover, you aren’t replacing or having to reorder these sheets as the quality provides at least a good decade of use. (Just a note: the brand recommends tumbling drying them, but I always line-dry my linen sheets to ensure they last even longer; however, one detail they encourage and I do think would be a good idea, is washing them in cold water.)

—Shebobo Totes, Zafran Two Tone Wide Stripe, three sizes and many different colors

A couple of years ago, one of the French Week giveaways was a large tote from Shebobo, and as farmers’ market season is either soon to begin or has already begun, I wanted to share with you some of their new totes. Available in three different sizes, and in many different colors and designs, their large Blush Swirl tote, seen below, will do the job of holding your fresh produce while always being timelessly chic.

—The Short Sleeve Shirt, many colors and prints

A great button-up collared shirt is a classic item to have in the closet, but often we forget about the short-sleeve option. The brand, The Shirt, offers their classic Short Sleeve Shirt, in colors that will mix well with many different colors and bottom separates. I am particularly drawn to the blues (surprise, surprise ☺️).

—Storm Stopper Mackintosh Trench, dune khaki, from Buck Mason

An English classic design at a fraction of what the traditional Mac coat will cost you. Buck Mason’s Storm Stopper is one that will be worn for years.

—Wrap London Striped Shorts

I recently saw these ‘striped’ shorts and took note because they look like a wonderful go-to pair of shorts for summer that will mix and match with everything. And in fact, these shorts, aren’t actually striped at all. It’s the fabric that makes them look as if they have stripes.

A cotton-linen blend, this combination offers “the durability of linen with the softness of cotton, resulting in a material that is both breathable and comfortable. Indigo-dyed warp threads intersect with ecru threads in the weft, creating a fine, textured stripe pattern. The uneven colour of the indigo-dyed yarns adds a natural, artisanal depth and character to the fabric.”

Television

—Government Cheese, AppleTV+

Premiering next Wednesday, David Oyelowo stars as Hampton Chambers in Government Cheese. “Upon being released from prison, his long-awaited family reunion doesn’t go quite as he’d planned; during his absence, Hampton’s wife and sons have formed an unconventional family unit and Hampton’s return spins their world into chaos.” Described as “a surrealist family comedy”, the series is set in 1969 San Fernando Valley and tells the story of the Chambers, a quirky family pursuing lofty and seemingly impossible dreams, beautifully unfettered by the realities of the world. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Your Friends & Neighbors, AppleTV+

Speaking of unconventional. Jon Hamm’s character in the new drama series Your Friends & Neighbors takes an approach for staying financially afloat that is bound to prompt more than drama. Premiering today on AppleTV+, two episodes become available, and the following seven will drop every Friday through the end of May. The series has already been renewed for a second season. Have a look at the trailer below.

Nelle joined me at our local bookstore earlier this week, where I stopped by to drop off a couple of signed books, and decided to stay for lunch and a good read of The Paris Express novel. She always loves visiting Roundabout Books because they offer treats and lots of love. It began to rain while we were inside which made for a lovely afternoon.

The garden as well has been a joy to spend time in, especially in the mornings, as seen below, Nelle checks out her Dark & Handsome Hellebores. I love that time of day when the neighborhood is just waking up, the light is soft, and the birds are singing freely.

I wanted to thank Laurie S. for her email this week about how Monday’s Motivational post spoke to her, and thank Carol C. who did something that truly is one of the best compliments expressing enjoyment of what you find here on TSLL – sharing it with those you love and who you think it will speak to. Thank you both for your kind words this week. I am so grateful you enjoy the blog’s content. You brought a smile to my week! 😌

I hope your week has offered moments to bring you a smile as well. Whether it was exhausting, thrilling, challenging or even trying, you have now made it to Friday, and whenever your work week or bustle ends, may you find time to slow down and pause. Thank you for stopping by today, and may the weekend ahead be full of lucky surprises, fresh blooms and oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until tomorrow, when the monthly Ponderings . . . post for TOP Tier Members will be shared, bonne journée.

~With Easter just around the corner, is a list of the best Easter Chocolate companies in the UK [Taste France]

~And, now to Paris. Just to look at their creations is to look at pieces of art. Here is the list of the best Easter chocolates in the City of Light [Do It In Paris]

~Okay, TSLL British readers, I am curious to know if you agree with this list. 🙂 Country Life (UK) just released their ‘best places to live’ rankings for towns, villages and cities in England and Wales

~No. 5 & #4 on this list are regularly stocked in my own pantry/épicerie, and yep, many more as well. Discover the 13 items a French person likely has in their pantry [PureWow]

~Benjamin Moore paints just released the colors to create the cozy cottage you may have been envisioning [Homes & Gardens UK]

~Speaking of cozy decorating, a list of 15 home items to help you achieve the Nancy Meyers’ effect in your own home and lifestyle. [Veranda]

~Four classic French dessert recipes shared here, excerpted from the cookbook Sweet France: The 100 Best Recipes from the Greatest French Pastry Chefs (published in 2023) [France Today]

~What’s going on in April in Paris [Hip Paris]

~5 Stores in Paris to find Chanel, Dior and More at a Markdown [NYTimes, gift link]

~Now, this is my kind of ‘movie’ trailer. 🙂 So grateful for Britain’s love and investment (and sharing!) of their gardens. Here is that trailer I was talking about – The Greatest Show In Earth: The RHS (yep, ‘in’, not ‘on’!)

~Explore last week’s This & That: April 4, 2025

Oodles of cookbooks on all sorts of topics – healthy, sweet, simple and delicious (of course!). Also, there are books on living well, embracing and nurturing your inner artist, choosing the clothing and approach to style that works best for you, a continuation of two favorite mystery series and still more titles to explore. Also, an award-winning comedy series returns, a favorite classic French film is newly restored and ready to be viewed by a new generation and shopping for summer dresses as well as cozy pajamas, all on sale!, is shared. Still, there is much 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.