With books providing peeks into ever-stylish Parisian homes, rebel empresses from French and Austrian history, utilizing the garden for apothecary purposes, and cookbooks for mostly French recipes along with sophisticated snacking and salads, you are sure to find something you fancy. As well, a new series premieres that takes us to both Paris and New York and a favorite mystery series returns to take us New Zealand. Also, sales are plentiful at the moment for a variety of reasons, so you will find clothing and home finds hand-picked just for TSLL readers. Still, there is much more!

Books

—The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad

You may remember Suleika Jaouad from her book Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted which through the column that inspired the book that also was turned into a video series for The New York Times won her an Emmy Award. Now Jaouad returns with a new book The Book of Alchemy, being released next Tuesday. A guide to the art of journaling—and a meditation on the central questions of life— the book also includes contributions from Hanif Abdurraqib, Jon Batiste (the author’s partner), Salman Rushdie, Gloria Steinem, George Saunders, and many more.

From the author of Between Two Kingdoms

—Change the Recipe: Because You Can’t Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs by José Andrés

A unique collection of life lessons from renowned chef and humanitarian José André who is a Michelin-starred chef with more than forty restaurants and also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding the hungry in the wake of natural and man-made disasters.

Being released on April 22nd

—The Painter’s Daughters: A Novel by Emily Howes

Inspired by the real-life English portraiture and landscape painter Thomas Gainsborough who lived during the 1700s, Emily Howes’ new novel (released in February) tells the story of his two daughters. And while fictionalized, draws upon what we do know about them. His daughters, Peggy and Molly, were the frequent subject of his work. Howes draws upon documented history to create the plot. Presenting them as dear and best friends, “they spy on their father as he paints, rankle their mother as she manages the household, and run barefoot through the muddy fields that surround their home. But there is another reason they are inseparable: from a young age, Molly periodically experiences bouts of mental confusion, even forgetting who she is, and Peggy instinctively knows she must help cover up her sister’s condition”. But as they grow older, the constant help Peggy provides Molly may be to her sister’s detriment long-term. The plot looks intriguing to say the least.

British Finds

—The Comedy About Spies, West-End London, Noël Coward Theatre

If you will be in London at any time now through September, this new play looks to be one to go see. The Comedy of Spies running at the Noël Coward Theatre presents a crime to solve while being riddled with hilarity.

Set in the 1960’s, enjoy a “spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert. When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.”

—The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, book 3 of 4 in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney mystery series by Claudia Gray

The third book in this on-going mystery series takes a different approach to the plot of solving crime because in The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney are tasked with preventing the death of Lady Catherine. The great aunt of Mr. Darcy, she is “a woman of rank who rules over the estate of Rosings Park with an unimpeachable sense of propriety” and when her life is threatened, the sleuthing duo Jonathan and Juliet are “thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances—finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine’s carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs—are less than ideal. Also less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.” This looks like a wonderfully fun read that sweeps back into the era of Jane Austen’s England.

Cookbooks

—Life-Changing Salads: 100 Plant-Based Salads and Dressings Beyond Your Wildest Greens (HealthyGirl Kitchen) by Danielle Brown

The options for salad-making are endless, but where to start? HealthyGirl Kitchen’s Danielle Brown’s new cookbook is being released on Tuesday to help with just that. “With creative recipes like the spring roll salad and the Caesar pasta salad, you’ll never feel stuck in a salad rut again. Discover how to create creamy, indulgent dressings using nondairy yogurt or hummus, whip up nutrient-packed superfood blends, and master satisfying textures using nuts and seeds—all without compromising on flavor.” With more than 100 recipes all centered around being plant-based, discover how these nutrient-rich salads can become a staple in your menu repertoire.

—Peckish: Suggestions for the Sophisticated Snacker (a cookbook) by Suzanne Lenzer

Food stylist and author of the popular and editor-praised Graze cookbook, Suzanne Lenzer’s new book Peckish is all about upping our snacking game. Sharing 75 recipes, Lenzer’s philosophy centers around “mindful snacking (and home cooking) . . . Who doesn’t love standing in front of a full fridge wondering what to pull out for a covert snack? Eating is simply more fun when we have a few choices and are free to eat how we like, not simply how we’ve been conditioned.”

To be released on April 22nd

Francophile Finds

—Une Amitié Dangereuse/A Dangerous Friendship, PBS/Walter Presents

Premiering in the states on PBS today, the 18th, comes the French limited series (four episodes) One Amitié Dangereuse. Adapted from Juliette Benzoni’s historical romance novels, Marie des Intrigues and Marie des passions, the series delves into the fierce bond that develops between two startlingly different, yet equally powerful, women in 17th century France.

“The free-spirited Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Chevreuse, is as sensual as she is daring, and fearless when it comes to using her sexuality to wield political influence. Anne of Austria, Queen of France, is a shy, extremely proud, straight-laced young woman who was married to Louis XIII at the age of 14, then quickly abandoned by the feverish, impotent monarch. Marie sets out to bring the royal couple back together, bringing a lust for life and spontaneity into the staid household… as well as more than a few scandals.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Inside Paris by Ricardo Labougle

Released last autumn, Inside Paris takes readers inside the beautiful houses of Parisian interior and fashion designers, artists and influencers, expertly curated by photographer and author Ricardo Labougle. Including previously unseen interiors, look inside the “internationally-acclaimed Jacques Grange’s contemporary apartment situated in a Regency palace, the innovative rustic modernism of Studio KO, Vincent Darré’s breathtaking painted wall designs, which combine XVIII-century and 1920s styles, and Jacopo Etro’s architecturally exquisite space, enhanced by mid-century décor and filled with objets d’art.”

—Mostly French: Recipes from a Kitchen in Provence (cookbook) by McKenna Hold

As we know, the house, La Pitchoune, in Provence that Julia and Paul Child enjoyed staying during their time in the south of France has now been made available for cooking classes and renting out to travelers. And now the woman behind that endeavour has a cookbook that will be released this coming Tuesday. Author and cook McKenna Hold describes Mostly French as “a love letter to the food and place; it is lushly photographed, filled with 150 modern recipes, and for anyone who loves France and Julia Child.”

Discover “Makenna’s classic French staples—Roasted Tomato “Jam,” Dream Vinaigrette, and sauces like an easy Hollandaise, put to use next to meal-sized salads, roasts, and omelettes that make a meal. [Includes as well are] tips and tricks, and an extensive section on cheese and charcuterie boards for the golden hour of L’Apero.”

—My French Platter Replenished: In Search of a Dream Life in France by Annemarie Rawson

The follow-up memoir of the bestseller My French Platter returns us to France “when Annemarie and Steve are unceremoniously sacked by a belligerent boss, and they’re forced to find a new home and work. As they take on the management of their new employers’ majestic house, will the opportunities to create luscious food for the guests and explore rural France enable them to create a dream life? Or will French officialdom, family illness and a sudden career curveball send them hurrying home to New Zealand?”

—The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe by Nancy Goldstone

Released in February, and not be confused with the above royals spotlighted above for the mini-series, The Rebel Empresses chronicles the true story of “two of the most influential and glamorous women in nineteenth-century Europe—Elisabeth, empress of Austria, and Eugénie, empress of France—and their efforts to rule amid the scandal, intrigue, tragedy, and violence of their era.”

“When they married Emperors Franz Joseph and Napoleon III, respectively, Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France became two of the most famous women on the planet. Young and beautiful—becoming cultural and fashion icons of their time—they also played a pivotal role in ruling their realms during a tempestuous era characterized by unprecedented political and technological change.” Now this looks to be a fascinating read for history buffs and Francophiles as well as those wanting to learn more about women’s history that is often lesser known.

Garden

—Kew: The Apothecary’s Garden: The science and mythology of medicinal plants by Emma Wayland

Explore nature’s pharmacy and the healing power of plants in a new book from the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. “From soothing hops, chamomile and valerian, and invigorating guarana, maca and ginseng, to the infection-fighting turmeric and tea tree and the immunity-boosting turkey tail mushroom, herbal remedies, natural tinctures, and the historical and botanical background of plants are revealed through expert text and beautiful illustrations from the renowned Kew archive.”

To be Released on April 29th

Shopping

—J.Crew Sale, site-wide 40% off

For all sorts of reasons, there are an abundance of sales at the moment, so if you know what you want, it is time to scoop them up especially if your favorite brands are from overseas as in the coming days and weeks, prices and even availability to ship will change. J.Crew starts us off with a sale nearly across the board discounting 40% (I did notice that just a handful of items, often the items I would have wanted to share with you like this lightweight cashmere sweater, weren’t included, but just about everything else is). I have shopped a handful of items below, and all are 40% off.

Harbor Short in striped linen (many colors, solids too)

—SHOP THE SALE:

—Banana Republic, 30% off site-wide

A huge sale of note. Site-wide enjoy 30% off which will be applied at checkout automatically.

Telaio Baroque Pearl Hoop Earrings by Aureus + Argent

The Everyday Linen Shirt (many colors), reduced to $75

—La Ligne’s lightweight silk/cashmere blend Ben Sweater, more colors

While spring is upon us, a light-weight sweater is still a very good idea, at least for us here in Bend, and this sweater would be a beautiful transition piece.

—Sézane Mélissa High Sandals, camel multi-colored

A good sandal with some height is a great idea to have in a statement neutral, and this one from Sézane looks quite nice offering support and unique detailing.

—The White Company’s Santorini linen sheets, 50% off

If you have been waiting for quality linen sheets to go on sale, now is your moment. These are the sheets I purchase when I need restocking of my white linen flat sheet. And they are currently 50% off, as well as the pillowcases and duvet.

—Wide-leg lyocell linen trouser (many colors)

Having a quality neutral non-pleat front linen trouser is a great staple to have on hand for summer. Ideal for travel, for walking and for transitioning from morning to mid-day or mid-day to evening, they will keep you cool and provide protection from the sun.

Television

—The Brokenwood Mysteries, season 11, AcornTV

A wonderful show full of crimes to be solved returns and takes us back to New Zealand where DI Shepherd, Sims and Chalmers are up to the task. Look for the new season of The Brokenwood Mysteries to premiere this coming Monday April 21st (this new season will include six episodes, one being released each week). Have a look at the trailer below.

—Étoile, Amazon Prime

Created by the duo behind the award-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Daniel Palladino and Amy Sherman-Palladino bring viewers Étoile. Premiering next Thursday April 25th on Amazon Prime, step into the world of ballet when two world-renowned competing companies, the artistic staff and the dancers, “embark on an ambitious gambit to save their storied institutions by swapping their most talented stars”. Set in both New York and Paris, this looks like the new series of the season to watch.

Welcome to the long Easter weekend, and may you spy many a spring-blooms as you go about your walks, to your gatherings and anywhere else you find yourself savoring the weekend. Right here in Le Papillon’s garden the tulips are dazzling with many of the daffodils still shining their brilliant yellows. The birds as well have been providing wonderful music all the day long, and I must say, I adore this time of year just being home and going about the everyday business.

Whether you are observing the holiday or simply savoring a weekend, I hope you have a wonderful few days. Last weekend, Nelle and I were busy in the garden, and I look forward to pottering about again this weekend, so look forward to the monthly gardening post this coming Monday.

This week on the blog was a full one, so if you haven’t already perused what has been shared, be sure to look back through all of the posts here if you haven’t signed up for the weekly newsletter yet (you can do that here – it’s free!). There was a new podcast episode (#402) all about approachable life habits to engage in for a healthy and strong body and mind for the rest of our life, an Anglophile Petit Plaisir, a motivational post to reassure that your efforts put in long ago will pay off and for TOP Tier members, the monthly Ponderings . . . post was shared (this is a more intimate This & That post, full of specific finds and personal recommendations and conversation – life journey, beauty, and more private peeks and wonderings into my life).

Thank you for stopping by today whether it is bright and early on a Friday, the middle of your last workday of the week, a leisurely start or rest on Saturday or Sunday or beyond, so tickled you are here and wishing you a wonderful spring weekend. Below are a handful or articles and one much-anticipated video I had to share. 🙂 Bonne journée !

~A list of the best places to shop in Paris [CNTraveller]

~I thoroughly appreciated Oliver Burkeman’s article reminding us that The News ≠ Your Life.

~Jennifer Aniston’s shares four ‘basic’ habits she sticks to for a healthy routine. [Today Show]

~Tour American interior designer living in Paris’ Timothy Corrigan’s sophisticated apartment in the 16th [House & garden UK]

~If you will be in Paris during the French Tennis Open at Roland-Garros but don’t have a ticket, a new free fan zone is going to be set up in the Place à la Concorde for you to watch and enjoy the matches. [Sortir à Paris]

~A favorite British Easter recipe – Hot Cross Buns [Discover Britain]

~Monty Don will be designing a garden for the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show, and specifically a dog-friendly garden. So, yep, his pup Ned is helping with the decision-making. Have a look! [Gardens Illustrated]

~11 ways to make your living room feel more luxurious [Vogue Living]

~And if you need a bit of a pick me up, here are 21 little joys for tough days as shared by fellow busy creative types [NYTimes, gift link]

~Ahhhhh, finally ☺️. This made the start of the week all the sweeter when it was released. And what a fun summer it will be with a new episode every Thursday to enjoy. Season 3 of And Just Like That just released their trailer and announced May 29th as its premiere date. Have a look and look forward to 12 episodes with the season concluding on August 14th.

~Explore last week’s This & That: April 11, 2025

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. 

~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.