With France celebrating Le Quatorze Juillet next week, you will find quite a few Francophile Finds – primarily books and in many different genres. Also, three films – one based on a true story, another to tug at the heartstrings, and the other to take you on a wild ride with two great (and fearless) female leads. An Australian female sleuth returns, a favorite American cook takes us on his travels to four favorite global destinations, and you’ll also find summer clothing, some on sale and others wonderful for layering and taking us to the beach as well as into autumn due to its versatility. Still, there is more!

The other significant change to the membership model is that the names of TOP Tier and BASIC Tier will be changing! If you are currently a TOP Tier Member, you can find out what they will be when you watch
July’s A Cuppa Moments. 

~explore which membership works best for you here~

Learn more about all of the current membership offerings here, and if you already are a member and would like to upgrade, simply visit the Dashboard (by clicking ‘Account’ in the upper left-hand corner of the blog), click the ‘Subscription/Membership’ tab, and in the right column of your Active membership, click “Change” to choose the new membership schedule or tier you prefer. 

Books

—I Want You to Be Happy: A Novel by Jem Calder

A debut novel from Jem Calder, and described by Sally Rooney as being “a tender, witty, and sharp debut novel about the passions and peculiarities of modern love”, I Want You to Be Happy introduces readers to Chuck and Joey. Meeting in a bar, he’s in his mid-thirties; she’s twelve years younger. He long ago abandoned his ambition of being a novelist and works as a copywriter at a big ad agency. ‘Lead copywriter,’ he corrects himself. Joey is living paycheck to paycheck on her barista wages and privately dreams of making it as a poet.”

—It Will Come Back to You: Collected Stories by Sigrid Nunez 

Chosen by the LA Times, Boston Globe and other publications as the best book of the summer, with nine novels to her name, over thirty years, Sigrid Nunez has established herself as “one of contemporary fiction’s most distinctive voices. . . In It Will Come Back to You, Nunez brings together thirteen of her best stories from the decades-long sweep of her career, tracing the origins of her style and her remarkable artistic range. Moving from the momentous to the mundane, Nunez maintains her expert balance between gravity and levity while probing the philosophical questions that illuminate her work.”

—What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Food: The truth about modern diets and health – everything you should know about what you’re eating and why it matters by Dr. Alan Desmond 

Also being released on July 14th, What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Food “draw[s] on over 20 years of experience as a doctor and gastroenterologist, Dr Alan Desmond . . . addressing common misconceptions [where you will] learn which protein-rich foods are the foundation of a truly healthy diet, how ultra-processed foods might be sabotaging your health, and why dietary fibre is the unsung hero of gut health and overall well-being.

“This book is about more than just avoiding disease. It’s about optimizing your diet for better digestion, more energy, a sharper mind, for a longer, healthier, and happier life.”

British Finds

—500 Miles

Premiering just a few weeks ago on June 26th, 500 Miles is set in both England and Ireland when two brothers run away from home in England to reach their estranged grandfather on Ireland’s west coast. Bill Nighy stars as the grandfather who, following a tragic event years ago that resulted in the death of his wife, is estranged from his daughter as a result. However, as his daughter and her husband near separation, their children decide that the only person who can prevent the split is their grandfather. So they set out on a 500-mile journey to Ireland. Have a look at the trailer below.

—Country Christie: Country Tales from the Queen of Mystery – A Collection of Agatha Christie’s Finest Countryside Mysteries Featuring Her Most Iconic Detectives by Agatha Christie

A new collection of more than 10 of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, each set in the English countryside, return to solving the mysteries with your favorite sleuths – Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford and Parker Pyne – all in one book.

—Return to Paradise, season 2, BritBox

As Beyond Paradise wraps up its latest season this coming Tuesday on BritBox, Return to Paradise begins. DI Mackenzie Clarke remains in her hometown of Dolphin Cove after deciding not to return to London when the review of her suspension clears her name. This new season continues to spotlight her savvy sleuthing skills while also leading to a personal life dilemma. Having already watched this season earlier this year on the BBC, I think you will enjoy it, and look for season three to come along next year, as they are in the middle of filming it as I type. Have a look at the trailer for season two below.

Cookbooks

—Cooking: Simply and Well for One or Many by Jeremy Lee

While this cookbook was released back in 2023, I wanted to bring it to your attention because due to the great success of it, Jeremy Lee has a new cookbook being released this autumn which is already receiving rave reviews. In this first cookbook – Cooking: Simply and Well for One or Many, you will discover just that. A beloved British chef, Jeremy Lee, has an ethos guided by the premise that “food honed from great ingredients” is the key. “Cooking is brimming with stories, wit, infectious joy for food and indispensable advice.”

—Vegetable Recipes by Jess Elliott Dennison

Available through John Sandoe Books, being published independently, Vegetable Recipes comes from the author of Midweek Recipes. Discover vegetarian pleasures for every season, and learn more about the author who makes her home in Edinburgh here.

Film

—Marc by Sofia, HBO Max

Fashion lovers and fans of Sofia Coppola films, here is a film by the talented director spotlighting her friend, designer Marc Jacobs. Premiering next week on Thursday, July 16th, the documentary, Marc by Sofia, serves as Coppola’s account of the life and career of fashion designer Marc Jacobs. Watch the trailer below.

—Reading Lolita in Tehran

While this film has taken about two years to arrive in the States, based on the reviews and being adapted from a highly praised memoir, it looks to be well worth the wait. Reading Lolita in Tehran brings to the screen the true story of Azar Nafisi, “a literature professor in revolutionary Iran who, amidst censorship and religious extremism, gathers seven of her most dedicated female students to immerse themselves in banned literary classics.” Have a look at the trailer below and find it in theaters beginning today.

—Ride or Die

On a completely different note, an action film starring two great female leads, we have seen in very different roles from what we find them portraying in Ride or Die. But as it is summer and we may be looking for a less serious film, I wanted to share this with you as it premieres today. The leads, Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham are both each one of the many executive producers of this film, and star as best friends Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) and Judith Burton (Waddingham). Thinking they knew everything about each other, quite quickly, Claybourne realizes Judith is an international assassin. “When a mysterious figure emerges from Judith’s past and a hit goes horribly wrong, both of their worlds are turned upside down as they’re forced to go on the run together. It’s a race against time and a road trip across Europe, with law enforcement, highly trained assassins, and some very dangerous criminals at their heels.” Get ready for a wild ride! Have a look at the trailer below.

Francophile Finds

—The Art of French Baking by Ginette Mathiot 

As Le Quatorze Juillet is being celebrated next week, a French dessert is definitely one to consider making and savoring. And released last September is a “classic collection of more than 350 authentic French dessert recipes from the ultimate authority on French home cooking.” The Art of French Baking “contains more than 350 accessible recipes for the home baker, from Tarte Tatin and Hazelnut Petit Fours to Cherry Tartlets and Choux Buns, as well as more than 100 recipes for jams, preserves, compotes, and pickles. Novice bakers will appreciate step-by-step guides to classic pastry techniques and expert advice for troubleshooting common pastry problems, while home cooks of all skill levels will discover sweet treats to suit every palate.”

—En Route: A Journey Through France in the Company of Great Writers by Peter Fiennes 

When I first learned of this book earlier this year after reading an excerpt in The Financial Times, I quickly placed my pre-order. In En Route Peter Fiennes “explores France’s sense of its own people, place, and identity through some of its greatest writers and artists. Moving between the centuries, from the Arthurian forests and Neolithic fields of Brittany to the banlieues of Paris, Fiennes follows the threads of history across France. And wonders what is next for this sublime, mysterious, and sometimes fractious country.”

—Gerard Darel’s Chemise à fleurs, on sale

A timeless floral blouse for elevating a casual look during summer or carrying style into autumn and even spring with a pair of trousers, dark denim, or a skirt.

—Happy Life: A (satirical) novel by David Foenkinos 

Translated from French, this novel asks us to consider how, if given the chance, we would reinvent ourselves. The pondering of just this idea occurs while Eric Kherson—40, divorced, distracted—is spiraling and eventually finds himself in Seoul, South Korea. “He has devoted his life to a successful career as the marketing director of a leading sports brand. But when family disaster rocks him to his core, he finds himself adrift from his family and questioning all his choices. That is, until an acquaintance from his schooldays offers him a high-powered government position. Desperate for escape, he throws himself into her enigmatic world of high-risk deals and endless networking, doing anything it takes to get a contract signed.

“But on a business trip to Seoul, Eric starts feeling worse than ever. Wandering the city’s streets, he comes across Happy Life, a store that offers its customers something that could change their lives: a fake funeral. Happy Life will write your eulogy, arrange the flowers, and allow you to lie inside your own coffin. Why? They believe the experience will help you reinvent yourself.”

—The Renoir Girls: A Hidden History of Art, War & Betrayal by Catherine Ostler 

Paris, 1881. Three sisters of a prominent French Jewish family, each painted as children by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The Renoir Girls by historian Catherine Ostler involves “an extraordinary cast of characters, from the girls themselves, their mother’s lovers, a heroic British General; from the King of Spain to Dreyfus, Proust, and Maupassant—this is a story about one of the world’s most famous pictures, The Pink and the Blue (view the painting here). But really it is a story about Paris—one that prefers to be hidden. With access to never-before-seen letters, diaries, and personal recollections—it is a tale of privilege, beauty, and betrayal almost lost in the shimmering memory of a vanished world.”

—The Secrets of Provence: A Novel by Daisy Wood

So many books are being released on Bastille Day that center on France in some way, and The Secrets of Provence is another. First, we reflect back to Provence, 1940. “Thrown out of occupied Paris by the Nazis, brave, beautiful Mathilde finds refuge with her cousin in Provence, where she’s soon drawn into the Resistance movement. But Mathilde’s greatest pain and greatest joy are wrapped up in the most heartbreaking secret of all: one she must hide even from her beloved husband and keep for the rest of her days.”

Fast forward to Paris, present day. “Juliette’s life should be perfect, with her bookshop established and her long-term relationship feeling settled, but something just isn’t clicking. Her thoughts turn to tracing her roots. An old photograph will lead Juliette to a crumbling château, where she uncovers a story that will change her life in the most unexpected way…”

—Sézane’s Isea Shirt

Shopping

—Banana Republic’s Mini Zip Tote, on sale

Reduced $75, this cotton canvas tote with leather and suede details offers a classic aesthetic, a comfortable mid-size, and the ease of slinging over your body to get about traveling, exploring, and enjoying your day with ease.

—Evereve’s Marine Full Length denim pant from Sanctuary

While a denim wide-leg jean, add a pinstripe, and you are dressed up just a bit more while remaining uber comfortable and casual.

—J.Crew’s Open-knit V-neck sweater in linen blend, three colors available

Cool, neutral, stylish, and perfect for layering over a camisole or swimsuit top.

Television

—The Best of the World with Antoni Porowski, National Geographic

Summer is the time for travel series, and this one premiered last month. Travel along with Antoni Porowski to London, Paris, Mexico City, and New York City, and discover further evidence as to why these cities are so beloved. View the trailer below.

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Nelle and I ventured to see family earlier this week, and found ourselves amongst my mother’s peonies. A restful few days, and sweet, cool nights of deep sleep, I hope you too are finding time to visit places and people who bring similar feelings, moments, and discoveries.

Now, back in Bend, between recording the audio book version of Savoring the Sojourn and writing the regular content for the blog, I’m cheering on France and England in the World Cup, wishing for the cyclists’ sake in Le Tour that the temps would drop in the south of France, and watching a match or two at Wimbledon. Such a great overlap of so many high level sporting events at the moment.

Speaking of TSLL’s 4th book, last Sunday, I shared a bit more of a peek inside Savoring the Sojourn on IG while sitting in my garden, and you can watch it here. Thank you to everyone for their shared enthusiasm for the August 25th arrival.

TOP Tier members have been sharing their responses to this month’s A Cuppa Moments question, and while I am a bit delayed this month in responding due to travel, I look forward to joining the conversation later today (Friday).

And a heads-up for savings! On Tuesday, July 14th, TSLL’s Annual Membership sale begins! Running through July 19th, this is the one time each year you can save significantly on the first payment and then lock in your regular rate (which will be the current rates, not the new rates that will be put into place in August). Explore each membership option here to see which works best for you, and be sure to sign up to receive TSLL’s weekly or monthly newsletter to receive the coupons that you will need to save at checkout.

Below are a handful of articles and one fun video that provoke immediate laughter that I think you might enjoy. May the coming weekend be savored, rejuvenating, and may it be sprinkled with everyday moments to savor. Until Sunday, bonne journée.

~HOME TOUR OF THE WEEK: If you like Parisian apartments and vintage décor, I think you’re going to love this tour of Sézane’s founder Morgane Sézalory, left bank home. [House & Garden UK]

~Be sure to visit Palais Garnier before 2027 because! Paris’ Opera will be closed from 2027-2032 for renovations. [Le Monde, English]

~Ideas for planning your next itinerary to France! The Ultimate South of France Road Trip for Art and Design Lovers [W Magazine]

~Why bordeom is a feeling to embrace. [LifeHack]

~More French pastries to try. As if we needed an excuse to try more 😉 [CNN]

~How to enjoy Bastille Day, Le Quatorze Juillet, like a Parisian [Frenchly]

~What to do in Paris in July [Hip Paris]

~10 Worthwhile things to find in the 18th arrondissement in Paris [Earful Tower]

~Let’s not forget about Britain! Buckingham Palace unveils stunning transformation of its Picture Gallery as the State Rooms open for summer, and some never-before-seen masterpieces [Britain Magazine]

~Anglophiles! Ludwig is coming back with season 2 very soon! Here is a very, VERY short peek at the new season and look for news about when in August it will premiere right here on TSLL in a future This & That post.

~And the sunshine, the sophisticated décor, and animals at Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus’ homestead in Portugal is a tour not to miss. [Architectural Digest]

~Favorite video and laugh-out-loud moment of the week! James Corden drives Kylian Mbappé through Madrid to training a month ago and asks all the questions about the World Cup and also, gives him fashion advice and offers a flute for Kylian to play. Just wait until the end for the laughs to commence. Needless to say, Kylian is a good sport.

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~Explore last week’s editiion of This & That: July 3rd

~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.