The books piling up. The sales grabbing for our attention. September must be just around the corner. Yep, we’ve got new releases in fiction that have been long anticipated, helpful nonfiction books for improving the quality of living and well-being in love, work and life in general. Two new BritBox series premieres, a new film takes us to Brooklyn and tells a love story of both people and places, so many sales I had to tell myself to stop adding them to this week’s T&T – décor and clothing – I will definitely get your savings off to a great start, and still, there is more.
 

Books

—Happiness & Love: A Novel by Zoe Dubno

This novel has been generating buzz since the beginning of the year, and finally, on Tuesday September 2nd, it will be released. Happiness & Love takes place in one entire evening at a dinner party. Set in New York City, our narrator is a young woman who has just been to the funeral of her former best friend, and, admitting against her better judgment, accepts the invitation to come to dinner.

“Over the course of one outrageous and insufferable downtown dinner party at the home of her estranged best friends—an artist and curator couple, whom she now realizes stand for everything she detests—Happiness and Love is a debut novel about brazen materialism, self-obsession, and the empty careerism of so-called cultural elites.”

—Help in a Hurry: Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You’re Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed by Dr. Caroline Leaf

Knowledge is power, and because unwanted moments are a part of life, knowing how to nip them in the bud so they don’t expand or keep occurring beyond what is necessary is, or are, skills worth learning. Clinical neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf shares in her new book released in early August, Help in a Hurry, how you can quickly access and apply the simple strategies you need in the moment to regain control. Below are instances in which her skills will assist you:

• feeling under tremendous pressure
• feeling tired, angry, or full of regret
• ·dealing with intrusive thoughts
• your past is haunting you
• your inner critic won’t let up
• feeling like sometimes you abandon yourself to please others
• perfectionism is keeping you stuck or overwhelmed
• feeling setting and maintaining boundaries is difficult or guilt-inducing
• feeling trapped in a cycle you don’t know how to break
• feeling lost or directionless
• regreting over past mistakes is weighing you down

—Love’s Labour by Stephen Grosz

While not yet available in the states, but to be released on September 4th in the UK, Stephen Grosz, a psychoanalyst who is also a bestselling author with his first book The Examined Life, has a new book Love’s Labour. And “as a writer, he elegantly shows how we can deploy the agonies of love as tools for understanding. The labour of love is the work of a lifetime but in finally learning to see ourselves and our world clearly, we find we are truly ready to love one another.”

—Smarter: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less-Stressed Life by Emily Austen

Being released on September 2nd, entrepreneur and recovering productivity addict Emily Austen’s book Smarter dispels “the myth that over-productivity equals success, with a life-changing system for getting the right things done—instead of trying to do them all. With the ten pillars of the Smarter Method, you’ll learn how to: create your daily dos, track your energy, not your time, forget the 5 a.m. club, and join the 8 a.m. club, switch from multitasking to monotasking, and perform a busyness detox.”

—Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane by Devoney Looser

Now this exploration into each of Austen’s six novels looks to be full of both insight and humor.

“If we ever truly believed Jane Austen to be a quiet spinster, scholar Devoney Looser puts that myth to rest at last in Wild for Austen.These, and many other events and characters, come to life throughout this rollicking book. Austen, we learn, was far wilder in her time than we’ve given her credit for, and Looser traces the fascinating and fantastical journey her legacy has taken over the past 250 years.

“Looser also takes on entirely new scholarship, writing about Austen’s relationship to the abolitionist movement and women’s suffrage. In examining the legacy of Austen’s works, Looser reveals the film adaptations that might have changed Hollywood history had they come to fruition, and tells extraordinary stories of ghost-sightings, Austen novels cited in courts of law, and the eclectic members of the Austen extended family whose own outrageous lives seem wilder than fiction.”

British Finds

—The Great British Bake-Off/The Great British Baking Show

The date is set, and yep, next Friday evening here in the states, I have plans! I will be watching the new season of GBBO. 🙂 A new trailer was released last week, and it looks like we’re in for a surprise of something new? And a continuation of exceeding difficult theme weeks and tasks for the bakers. I have no doubt they are up to the challenge. This looks like it will be a great season. Tuesday September 2nd on Channel 4 in the UK and Friday September 5th on Netflix. Ready. Set. Bake!

—Lynley, BritBox

While I haven’t read American author (once an English teacher!) Elizabeth George’s series centered around Detective Inspector Lynley, I am looking forward to watching this new adaptation for television. “Tommy Lynley, an aristocratic detective, and Barbara Havers, a working-class maverick sergeant, share little in common; except a passion for justice. His intellect and her instincts make them an unlikely but formidable team.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for the series to premiere on September 4th when a new episode will drop each Thursday – 90 minutes each, four episodes in total.

—Return to Paradise, BritBox

For nearly a year I have been trying to figure out how to watch this second spin-off from the Death in Paradise franchise as it debuted already in Australia last year. Well, I didn’t have any luck, but now I don’t need any because Return to Paradise is coming to BritBox. Set in the fictitious small town of Dolphin Cove on an Australian coast, DI Mackenzie Clarke made a name for herself in London. Now she’s back in the last place she wants to be – her hometown of Dolphin Cove. An Aussie twist on Death in Paradise.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it to premiere Tuesday September 2nd. There will be four episodes, each about 45-55 minutes in length.

Décor

—Cultiver European Linen Flax sheets, 20% off

The sales are plentiful with Labor Day’s arrival, and if you are looking for linen sheets, duvets or pillowcases, be sure to check out Cultiver. I have shopped a few colors below, but there are quite a few more.

~SHOP

—Rejuvenation, Labor Day Sale, up to 60% off

Having purchased more than a few items from Rejuvenation for Le Papillon’s remodel over the years, their quality is worth welcoming into the home, and when there is a sale, that is always nice. 🙂 I have shopped a few indoor and outdoor finds for you below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

Films

—Love, Brooklyn

The film being released this weekend that caught my eye, and looks to be, yes, a romantic film, but a more inquisitive one, and from the male perspective is Love, Brooklyn. The film takes us into the lives of three longtime Brooklynites as they “navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.”

Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—Le Creuset’s New Modern Heritage Collection

One of the items that is a lifetime item in the kitchen – the Dutch oven from Le Creuset – is getting a makeover. (rest assured, the original designs are still being made) The new Modern Heritage collection brings more curves and modernity while keeping the colors we love. Flame after all is a perennial favorite (seen in the photos below).

—Vianne: A Novel by Joanne Harris

I have had this book on my list to share with you for a while. Coming from the author of Chocolat, Vianne is Joanne Harris welcoming us back to the world of chocolate.

“On the evening of July 4th, a young woman scatters her mother’s ashes in New York and follows the call of the changing winds to the French coastal city of Marseille. For the first time in her life, Vianne feels in control of her future. Charming her way into a job as a waitress, she tries to fit in, make friends, and come to terms with her pregnancy, knowing that by the time her child is born, the turning wind will have changed once again. As she discovers the joy of cooking for the very first time, making local recipes her own with the addition of bittersweet chocolate spices, she learns that this humble magic has the power to unlock secrets.”

Shopping

—Another Tomorrow cropped denim jacket

TSLL’s annual Fall Shopping Guide is going to be released a day earlier this year on August 31st because I want to give you Sunday to peruse and shop before you have to either travel home or get ready for work that will begin on Tuesday after a long weekend. With that said, my approach and offerings will be a bit different because we’re stepping away from organizing around trends. Because really, and the question has been asked for a few years now, are there really any trends, and for that matter seasons, except for the obvious needs of staying warm or cool? With a focus on sustainability rather than fast fashion, signature style instead of ever-fleeting popular style deviation, I will be shopping the trusted brands and their new collections, hand-selecting items to build your capsule wardrobe, a wardrobe you can return to year after year, ‘season’ after ‘season’.

With all of that said, and I will share more thoughts on this shift for TSLL’s Shopping Guides on Sunday, a denim jacket is a great staple to have. Perfect for layering, to dress up (hello! after yoga class and transitioning to another task or errand) or dress down a sharp look.

I have shopped two different jackets below – one investment item and one save item, but both have great style.

—GAP Icon Denim Jacket (petite, reg, tall available), on sale

—Banana Republic Factory Sale, 50-70% off everything

As mentioned above in the décor section, sales are everywhere, and one to peruse for separates and layers at a great price is Banana Republic Factory’s sale. I have done some shopping for you below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Je T’Aime Shirts

Perhaps you have heard or seen these classic button-up shirts with the embroidered French phrase Je t’aime on the button placket. Unisex in design, find the color you prefer and add a touch of French to your wardrobe.

Inspired by the film Les Choses de la vie by Claude Sautet, Figaret’s first unisex shirt is arguably still a “men’s shirt”, but one of my favorite clothing items is a men’s button-up.  “And the message addressed to the other or to oneself: “Je t’aime” is subtly embroidered on the back of the button placket, not far from the heart.”

—Jumper 1234 Cashmere Ragland Vee Neck Jumper, (five colors)

One of the many items you will see in TSLL’s Fall Shopping Guide are these jumpers/sweaters from Jumper 1234 – slightly oversized, available classic colors and a fair price for the quality and fabric.

—Madewell Labor Day Sale, 30% off Fall Style

Not only are their sale items on an additional discount, but Madewell’s fall styles are 30% off. Use promo code LONGWEEKEND. I’ve shopped a few items below to get you started. 🙂

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Nili Lotan Mitchell Jean, mid-rise relaxed straight leg jean (Simon wash)

—Rothy’s Double Bit Loafer Mule (more colors)

A new design available from Rothy’s are their double bit loafers and mules. Explore their loafers (sans mule style) and all of the colors. Shop them here.

Television

—The Paper, Peacock/NBC

If you loved The Office or enjoyed the first season of St. Denis Medical, then you will want to check out The Paper. Set in the midwest, a group of journalist and those with pluck and determination are tasked with bringing the paper back to life. Cue the chaos, the humor, the absurdity. A new series to bring the laughs. Premiering on September 4th, have a look at the trailer below.

—With Love, Meghan, season 2, Netflix

The second season of the Duchess of Sussex’s cooking and lifestyle series premiered earlier this week on the 26th. With Love, Meghan will include eight episodes and quite the line-up of names, concluding with José Andres. Have a look at the episode guide here and watch the trailer below.

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The final weekend of August, the sunset of summer arrives, and as I was taking Nelle for our evening walk in the neighborhood, I spied these sunflowers on the edge of the garden backlit by the setting sun. Savoring, savoring, savoring. Yes, indeed. From the fresh produce at the market, to the blooms in the garden, the slower pace of everydays before September invites us to pick up the pace a bit, this is a special time on the calendar.

In fact, Monday’s Motivational post spoke to this time of year – La Rentrée and I shared 14 pillars I tend to for a great return from summer into autumn. This past Sunday TSLL’s Intro to French Cooking class opened for enrollment and spatulas are up and probably being used quite busily as enrollees have begun to journey through the lessons. If you have been considering taking the course, but still have questions, be sure to check out the FAQ page here. And if you are already enrolled in the course, I am happy to share with you that we have spruced up the Dashboard for all of your Memberships (after you click on ‘accounts’ or login) as now you can easily see where to click on ‘Courses’ to access your course (previously they were a bit of a jumble on the left side). As well, you can easily set your ‘Commenting’ preferences as well (no longer is the tab called ‘Commenting Subscription’ which was just plain confusing! We finally fixed that!)

I shared above in the Shopping section, but just a reminder, TSLL’s Fall Shopping Guide will be posted this Sunday, full of hand-picked items to fill the gaps in your capsule wardrobe – a balance of investment and layering pieces, and then on Monday, TOP Tier Members get ready for September’s A Cuppa Moments and all that has been promised! (i.e. Nelle’s swimming debut! :)), but of course all of the other regular content you have come to look forward to as well.

Thank you for stopping by today as you conclude your week and look ahead to the weekend. Whether long or regular, or cut short for must-do responsibilities, may you experience lucky coincidences, good news and of course, oodles of everyday moments to savor. Below I have gathered up a few articles and one video I think you might enjoy, and until Sunday, bonne journée.

~I have French food – cooking and baking – on the mind with the recently launched Intro to French Cooking Class, so this article is a fun read – The Secrets of French Pastry [Taste France]

~I thoroughly loved the thoughtful details of Carrie Bradshaw’s Grammercy Park home in And Just Like That. And this IG post shares many close-up shots.

~Yum! A delicious pairing of flavor and protein for autumn’s arrival – ‘almost’ a classic as stated by Perfectly Provence – Pork Tenderloin in a Mustard Cream Sauce.

~How to make the perfect cup of tea [House & Garden UK]

~Home Tour of the Week: A Queen Anne overlooking the Thames in London? Okay, I’ll move in if you insist 😉 [House & Garden]

~And I had to have two home tours this week because . . . this Saint-Germain-des-Prés apartment in Paris renovated by French designer Pierre Lacroix is just too gorgeous to ignore [Vogue Living]

~Gardeners! 10 flowers for cutting and enjoying in August [Gardeners’ World]

~As if I needed an excuse to live, let alone visit the ocean – those who do may live longer! [Real Simple]

~Peach lovers! A recipe I am fairly confident I will be enjoying in the coming days and maybe you can enjoy it already! Peach Clafoutis! [Olive & Mango]

~If you’re looking for inspiration about embracing an entirely new chapter in your life – in Aussie designer Lisa Burdus’s case, moving to the other side of the world after her children left the nest, then this is the video for you! How Aussie Designer Lisa Burdus Built Her Dream Home in the Cotswolds

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~Explore last week’s This & That: August 22, 2025

~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.