Quite a few new books this week, a few center around art, another British history and a royal biographer, novels with feisty sleuths and middle-aged wanderings, along with cookbooks – one for vegetarians from a debut author and another for cooking simple dinner meals. And the latest novel from a French author who brought us Mona’s Eyes, Valentine’s cards from an artist who lives in Provence, clothing to accessorize with style, and still, much more. 

Books

—Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives by Daisy Fancourt

“From cradle to grave, engaging in the arts has remarkable effects on our health and well-being . . . This isn’t sensationalism, it’s science: the results of decades of studies gathering data from neuroimaging, molecular biomarkers, wearable sensors, cognitive assessments, and electronic health records. From professor Daisy Fancourt, an award-winning scientist and science communicator and director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health, her new book Art Cure explains how the arts and music act just like drugs to decrease depression, stress, and pain, reducing our dependence on medication. Going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theater decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty. Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body, even helping us to live longer.”

My copy is preordered and I look forward to reading it when it arrives next week!

—Drawing Masterclass: 100 Creative Techniques of Great Artists by Guy Noble

I spied a copy of this book in the photos of the Home Tour of the Week (shared below in the links list), and while I am not a traditional artist, I know there are many TSLL readers who are or who know someone who is. I wanted to bring to your attention a guide to the art of drawing that employs close analysis of great works to reveal techniques and lessons that will help practitioners at every level. In Drawing Masterclass (originally published in 2017), Guy Noble uses 100 great works on paper as the basis for its lessons, so you will find clear illustrations throughout the book. Each spread features a reproduction of a work and offers lessons on the artist’s approaches and techniques. Organized into chapters on nudes, figures, landscapes, still life, heads, fantasy, and abstraction, the book breaks down the featured works in different ways. 

—Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment by Daniel Coyle

Being released on Tuesday, February 3^rd, Daniel Coyle’s new book Flourish explores “the groups and people who demonstrate exceptional connectivity, presence, and dynamism. He draws on research and original reporting—taking us inside an unlikely brotherhood of thirty-three men who were trapped in a Chilean mine, a tiny Michigan deli that blossomed into a $90 million ecosystem of businesses, an inventive Dutch soccer team that revolutionized the sport as we know it, and a disconnected Paris district that remade itself into a tight-knit neighborhood—to reveal the principles and practices that ignite and sustain thriving. He finds that flourishing groups do two things: They make meaning (creating deep connections) and build community (forging a common good).”

This book becomes all the more inspiring upon discovering the two commonalities. Our community involvement, seeing and working together, is a powerful force that is near impossible to quantify in all that it can nourish and create. 

—To Kill a Cook by W.M. Akers

Now this looks like a fun mystery to solve alongside the protagonist, described as feisty, witty, and wise. Set in 1972 New York City, “Bernice Black is a food critic who finds her chef friend murdered and realizes she might be the only one to find the killer.”

Upon discovering the body, and waking to inform the cops upon their arrival at the scene of the crime, “her meeting with them proves only one thing–they know nothing about food or the seedy underworld that BB Black has made her home. With layoffs looming, Bernice makes the gamble of her career—she promises her editor she can catch Laurent’s killer before the week is out.”

—The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits 

A title that was a finalist for the 2025 Booker Prize and already a bestseller, Ben Markovits’ The Rest of Our Lives centers around Tom Layward. A man in his middle age, he had resolved to leave his wife, who had an affair twelve years ago, as soon as his youngest child left the nest. Now, while driving his college-bound daughter to Pittsburgh, he remembers his promise to himself. He is also on the run from his own health issues and a forced leave from work.”

“So, rather than returning to his wife in Westchester, Tom keeps driving west, with the vague plan of visiting people from his past—an old college friend, his ex-girlfriend, his brother, his son—en route, maybe, to California. He’s moving towards a future he hasn’t even envisioned yet while he considers his past and the choices he’s made that have brought him to this particular present. Pitch-perfect, tender, and keenly observed, The Rest of Our Lives is a story about what to do when the rest of your life is only just the beginning of your story.

—The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World by Brad Stulberg 

In a new book, The Way of Excellence released earlier this week, Brad Stulberg, host of the podcast, “excellence, actually” and author of bestselling books The Practice of Groundedness, “finds convergence between modern science, age-old philosophy, and daily practice to explain that we are wired to strive for excellence—it is what we are here to do, core to our humanity. Yet our environment often works against us. The path he shares to reclaim excellence means learning about:

• Defining, living, and working in alignment with your values
• Cultivating focus and concentration
• The power of prioritizing consistency over intensity
• Building durable confidence
• The connection between mastery and mattering
• Developing the courage to care deeply
• Designing environments that support excellence
• Plus much more”

British Finds

—Death in Paradise, season 15, BBC One

The 15^th season of Death in Paradise premieres tomorrow in the UK on BBC One and iPlayer. For BritBox viewers, we will likely have to wait until later in February for the new episodes to become available. Now, with BritBox’s new Premiere tier, if you pay on top of your BritBox subscription, you can access the episodes as soon as they become available and all of them at once. I haven’t elected to do this yet and have remained patient, waiting each week for a new episode of, for example, Shakespeare & Hathaway and, soon, Father Brown to premiere, but it is available.

I quite enjoy Death in Paradise, as we get swept away to Saint Marie, the beach, the Caribbean Sea, and with each new detective, they quickly become likable in their own way. Such is the case with the new lead detective, Di Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet.  

—Winston and the Windsors: How Churchill Shaped a Royal Dynasty by Andrew Morton

Released back in October, the biographer of the royals (most famously, Princess Diana’s), now sets his gaze on Winston Churchill, who, in many ways, is ‘royalty’ himself for all the reverence and assistance he gave to the Royals during some of the most unwanted and tumultuous times for the Windsors during the early and mid-20^th century. 

Andrew Morton’s Winston and the Windors focuses on the fact that “while many people in positions of power have advised kings and queens during their reign, Churchill was unique in his role: helping to shape not only a reign, but an entire royal dynasty.”

Cookbooks

—Dinner Tonight: 200 Quick Recipes for Inspired Weeknight Cooking by America’s Test Kitchen

Being released this coming Tuesday, and inspired (and edited) by Jack Bishop, TV cast member, tasting guru, and creator of the twice-weekly Dinner Tonight newsletter (which goes out to more than 1 million fans), America’s Test Kitchen’s latest cookbook Dinner Tonight is a this collection of 200 go-to recipes delivers plenty of ways to improve your weeknight eating:

• Fresh Ideas for Pantry Staples: Are you staring blankly at your pantry? These recipes give it new life (canned tuna = Spaghetti al Tonno; frozen peas = Beef Keema Matar).
• Modern Flavor Boosters: Every recipe showcases a smart way to add flavor, like an Old Bay–spiked lemon compound butter that melts over salmon fillets and pools into a bowl of confetti grits; or pomegranate molasses that becomes a one-ingredient glaze for chicken.
• Flexible Swaps: Got parsley but no cilantro? Ground turkey but no pork? These recipes indicate when swaps make sense.
• Riff on Recipes to Make New Meals: The sauce for Murgh Makhani (aka Butter Chicken) is so perfectly spiced, you’ll want to try it with tofu or chickpeas—we show you how.
• Comfort-Food Flavors in Low-Key Renditions: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Meatball Bahn Mi (can you tell we love meatballs?), and Gochujang Chicken and Tortellini offer maximum appeal with minimal effort. And that’s just the beginning of what you’ll find.

–Nourished Kitchen: Nourishing Vegetarian Recipes to Enjoy Everyday by Erica Rodriguez 

In her debut cookbook – Nourished Kitchen: Nourishing Vegetarian Recipes to Enjoy Everyday, “Registered Nutritionist Erica Rodriguez invites readers inside her kitchen and shares over 80 nourishing, vegetarian recipes using simple, everyday ingredients in side her kitchen and shares over 80 nourishing, vegetarian recipes using simple, everyday ingredients. These wholesome meals use minimal, nutrient-dense foods for maximum gain – offering simple solutions to all your health needs with a myriad of therapeutic benefits. Key benefits are listed at the bottom of every recipe – from supporting female hormonal balance and gut health, to brain function and skin health.”

“Learn how to increase the nutritional value of your meals with simple cooking techniques, easy additions, and tips. You’ll also find an easy-to-use, comprehensive guide to macro and micronutrients, explaining what foods they are present in and how you can create meals to match your needs.”

Décor

—Big Dipper Wax Words 100% Pure Beeswax Tapers, (aka dripless!)

Did you know that by design (thank you, Mother Nature!) beeswax candles are dripless, so long as there isn’t a draft or breeze, the wick is kept trimmed, and they are positioned upright? Yep! It’s true! “High-quality, natural waxes like beeswax are less likely to drip than lower-quality synthetic waxes like petroleum-based paraffin.” And with all of the other benefits of using beeswax (purifies the air, natural smell, etc.), that means a win-win-win!

As I shared in a Monday Motivational post earlier this month, each evening during the winter, you will find multiple brass and glass candlesticks holding tall beeswax tapers, and what a cozy atmosphere it creates. The key is affordability, but making sure they are beeswax and no dripping, please! I found these beeswax candles, sold by the dozen, and wonderfully priced – $13 for 12, and wanted to share (other color options are available). 

—Zara Home + Morris & Co. collection

Currently, I am exploring multiple William Morris designs for wallpaper in the hallways here at Le Papillon, having already papered my guest bathroom and guest bedroom (a reveal coming later this year) in two of his designs. There is something timeless, welcoming, and cozy about what he created nearly 200 years ago. So when I heard that Zara Home had teamed up with Morris & Co. for a collaboration, I wanted to see what they were offering. While only a few of his prints are used for fabric – pillows, sheets, and throws- they are timeless choices, and perhaps they suit your taste. Great prices for a partnership with a top-tier design house. 

Films

—Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!

A humorist who, for decades, has used comedy to draw attention to areas of society in need of growth or change, Mel Brooks has an impressive film and production resume (The Producers, for example, the Broadway play that won a record number of Tony Awards). 

Admired by many in the industry, two such people, Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, team up to direct a documentary that spotlights Brooks’ life, career, and unprecedented legacy. Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man! premiered earlier this month on HBO, and you can check out the trailer below. 

Francophile Finds

—Amour Stationery, set of 16 cards, from Jamie Beck

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and a thoughtful card to give would be one from Jamie Beck. Having her first batch of Merci stationery, the card quality is top-notch, and be sure to pick up some sealing wax and a signature seal to complete the gift, as there is no adhesive on the envelopes (but that is all to the good to give us the opportunity to add a special touch). 

The Amour set of 16 cards includes four different photographs, each with a different French saying associated with love. And the additional ‘holder’ for the cards looks like a book itself, a perfect way to keep them at the ready on your desk or a nearby office shelf. 

—Le Chat du Jardinier: un roman (The Gardeners’ Cat) by Thomas Schlesser

I know many of you read and enjoyed French author Thomas Schlesser’s novel Mona’s Eyes, so I wanted to bring to your attention his next novel, which was released earlier this week. So far, it is only available in French, but just look at the plot. Hopefully, this book will also soon have an English translation. I’m still not sure where the cat comes in based on what is shared in the synopsis, but no doubt, it will play a poignant part in the story. 

“A storm has just devastated the Provençal countryside. Louis, a highly sensitive gardener, can no longer cope with the mounting hardships and sinks into silent despair. He then meets an extraordinary woman. Thalie, a recently retired French teacher with a sunny and infectious personality, proposes a pact: Louis will tend to the olive trees and oleanders on her devastated neighboring estate, while she will introduce him to the power of poetry.

“From Sappho to Hugo and Rimbaud, from Pessoa to Neruda, this is a hymn to the words of the greatest poets, to friendship, and to life itself.”

Shopping

—Boden’s Camilla Cotton Argyle Sweater, two colors

The color combinations in this cotton argyle sweater are striking and a wonderful piece for both early spring/late winter and early autumn. 

—J.Crew’s Printed Silk Scarf, four prints

After watching the French series I shared with TOP Tier Members in the Smile post earlier this week (and will talk more about in Sunday’s A Cuppa Moments), I have been drawn to neck scarves, and this scarf caught my eye for both its color and design as well as its size (the price is under $60) – perfect for tying into a classic French knot around the neck. (The black and white polka dot is quite striking as well.)

—Sézane Garance Ankle Boots, light taupe

—Veronica Beard Magnolia Tie-Neck Blouse

—V Leather Belt in Hazelwood

You may be wondering (as I was), how does this belt remain fitted to my waist? Great question, and rest assured, there are adjustable keepers to keep the belt in place. Loving the statement of the ‘buckle’ that is still quite subtle with a touch of modern. 

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The enticement to enjoy a delicious winter salad worked earlier this week when I stepped into our local employee-owned Newport Market and saw this display. The pink radicchio I had never seen before, so I immediately added one head to my grocery cart and have been enjoying a mixed-greens salad for lunch each afternoon since.

Now to the big news that finally will be shared this weekend – the trailer for TSLL’s 4^th book! Yep! The time has come to share with you what the book is all about! TOP Tier Members will be able to watch the trailer during our monthly A Cuppa Moments chat this Sunday, and then on the following Sunday, February 8^th, a detailed post as well as newsletter will be sent out to everyone (sign up for the book newsletter here if you haven’t already), each sharing everything you want to know about the book. 

And with that, the final few days of January are upon us and February is knocking at the door. Happy weekend and thank you for stopping by. Below are a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy. Until Sunday, bonne journée. 

~Things to never pass up at a French flea market (brocante), according to a pro vintage buyer [Domino]

~A bad habit women especially are often conditioned to do by default – saying sorry when it isn’t necessary. A thoughtful read about self-awareness, healing and building strong, loving relationships – The Growth that Came from Not Saying Sorry [Tiny Buddha]

~ Nigella Lawson shares how she feels about being chosen to be a judge for the Great British Bake-Off, and I genuinely appreciate her comments about why she thinks the show is so loved and has endured for so long. Have a listen to an excerpt from her interview on This Morning.

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~House Tour of the Week! This elegant Notting Hill house decorated for a writer is thoughtful, cocoon-like and doesn’t clutter. The bathroom that peeks into the walk-in-closet, loving that particular photo (the arches!), and the table lamps sprinkled about along with simple bouquets. A tour full of decor inspiration whether we will ever live in a home like this or not.

~Ella McKay will be available to stream on Hulu next Thursday February 5th

~A local’s guide to visiting Paris [BBC]

~There is so much to love about Paris, but this one (albeit a first-world problem) is not something the locals like at all – in fact, they may even hate it.  [Monocle]

~Paris’ Spring/Summer Couture Week began earlier this week, and Schiaparelli’s collection filled the runway with works of art. Have a look. 

~17 tips from designers on decorating any room in the house [Every Girl]

~Shonda Rhimes opens up her LA apartment, designed by Michael S. Smith, for a tour in Veranda’s latest issue [subscription required]

~Let’s end on a uniting note, shall we? As someone who grew up and appreciated Mr. Rogers and continues to appreciate all that he taught, Lady Gaga revives the recognizable tune.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That, January 23rd

~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.