What wonderful new novels are being released, and two new heart-warming films, along with a new French film that while not yet here in the states is one for those in France a must-see! Also, a return of a favorite, fun British/French mystery series, summer clothing sales to explore, a new tea from France inspired by a famous and well-known art destination, Giada returns and oh! jump on your bike and get ready to travel around France! This and so much more to discover in this week’s This & That!

Books

—Four Mothers: An Intimate Journey through the First Year of Parenthood in Four Countries by Abigail Leonard

Gaining perspective to see what is possible, to learn from each other and expand the possibilities. These are the gifts I have found myself repeatedly being grateful for whether gained through travel while spending time in different cultures, sitting in the classroom learning about different cultures or having conversations with others from different cultures. Four Mothers is just such a book to offer perspective in real-time, a contemporary “peeking in” so to speak into the lives of four mothers raising their first child in four different cultures around the world.

Released this past spring Abigail Leonard’s Four Mothers is a “narrative of four real women—Anna from Finland, Tsukasa from Japan, Sarah from the U.S., and Chelsea from Kenya” that “interweaves [each woman’s] story with a critically researched exploration of how parental support programs evolved in each country—and why some provide more help than others. As nations around the world debate programs like paid leave, universal daycare, reproductive healthcare, and family tax incentives, Four Mothers offers a uniquely intimate, moving portrait of what those policies mean for parents on the ground—and considers what modern families really want.”

While I may not be a traditional mother, it is my hope to bring share content that deepens awareness so that all women may have the choice to have children should they choose to, and in so doing continue to maintain their well-being and dignity to be fully realized in all their potential, mother or not. We can learn so much for other cultures in a variety of ways to better understand both the needs and varied approaches as well as avoid unnecessary mistakes to ensure all women, and thus their children and family, thrive during all chapters of their lives.

—The Homemade God: A Novel by Rachel Joyce

The plot of this new novel being released on July 8th immediately caught my attention. It all begins with a heatwave sweeping across Europe, and “four siblings have gathered at their family’s lake house to seek answers about their father, a famous artist, who recently remarried a much younger woman and decamped to Italy to finish his long-awaited masterpiece. Now he is dead. And there is no sign of his final painting.”

—Radical Tenderness: The Value of Vulnerability in an Often Unkind World by Gisele Barreto Fetterman 

I have a feeling many TSLL readers have heard of the term radical acceptance, coined by Tara Brach, so when I saw this new book Radical Tenderness and with our most recent conversation topic in July’s A Cuppa Moments, I wanted to share news of its release on July 8th.

“In Radical Tenderness, Gisele Barreto Fetterman courageously shares her story of power through vulnerability—from her childhood survival years as a Brazilian-American undocumented immigrant, to the prejudice she experienced in corporate and political settings, to her hardships and resilience stepping into her husband’s role when he suffered a stroke. Through it all Gisele learned that leading with tenderness—whether at the office, as a boss, or as a human being—can help us face challenges in a healthier, more authentic way, and in turn guides others to do the same.

“Ultimately, Gisele redefines strength and leadership for our modern times, presenting tools for surviving and thriving in a world designed to wreck the tender-hearted.” 

—A View from Lake Como: A Novel by Adriana Trigiani

The perfect summer read perhaps and not because A View from Lake Como is light-hearted or frivolous, but because it will sweep readers away to a beautiful locale while following the protagonist on a deep exploration of herself, something that travel gives us the gift to receive should we accept it. So whether you are traveling abroad this summer, or like me, staying home, this will be a novel to provide the gift of venturing whether you are ticket-in-hand or teacup-in-hand at home. 😌

First, let’s just be clear, at first, we’re talking about Lake Como, New Jersey, so yep, the ‘other Lake Como’, but rest assured bestselling author Adriana Trigiani doesn’t leave us with out a trip to Italy, as the protagonist Jess Capodimonte Baratta, after a death in the family that shakes everyone to the core, escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy. 

“From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one – this one yep, in Italy), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.”

—The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant, book 1 in the series by Liza Tully

A new mystery series kicks off on July 8th, and with it a mixed-generational duo is on the case! The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant pairs Gen Z Olivia Blunt, who is thrilled to be hired as assistant to the nationally renowned investigator Aubrey Merritt. I will let you read the synopsis of their first case here. It looks like it will be a fun caper and I do hope many more to come.

British Finds

—The Original: A Novel by Nell Stevens

Another novel involving art and a mystery! The Original was positively reviewed in this past weekend’s Financial Times, and immediately due to its setting and subject, I put it on my to-be-read list.

Set in a grand English country house in 1899, an aspiring art forger must unravel whether the man claiming to be her long-lost cousin is an impostor.

“As Grace cultivates her talent as a copyist, she realizes that her uncanny ability to recreate paintings might offer her a means of escape. Secretly, she puts this skill to use as an art forger, creating fake masterpieces in candlelit corners of the estate. Saving the money she makes from her sales, she plans a new life far from the family that has never seemed to want her.

Then, a letter arrives from the South Atlantic. The writer claims to be her cousin Charles, long presumed dead at sea, who wishes to reconnect with his family. When Charles returns, Grace’s aunt welcomes him with open arms; yet fractures appear in the household. Some believe he is who he says he is. Others are convinced he’s an impostor. As a court date looms to determine his legitimacy―and his claim to the family fortune―Grace must decide what she believes, and what she’s willing to risk.”

Film

—Four Mothers

While released back in 2024 in Ireland, Four Mothers was just released here in the states, and it comes with raving reviews. “A struggling novelist who is forced to take care of three eccentric older women – and his own mother – over the course of one chaotic weekend in Dublin.” Be sure to have a look at the trailer to learn more about this playful plot that shifts what it means to both provide companionship and to be nurturing.

—The Life of Chuck

Repeatedly, The Life of Chuck is be recommended by film critics, and after closer investigation, I can see why. Don’t let the co-creator of the film scare you – it’s Stephen King. This is not the horror genre he is often equated with. Rather, remember that he also wrote The Green Mile, and what a delight that film was. That is the film-genre-family in which The Life of Chuck falls. It must be noted, that Mike Flanagan wrote the screenplay as well as directed it.

The Life of Chuck, “the extraordinary story of an ordinary man is a tale celebrates the life of Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz as he experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us”. While it is rated R, it is only for language and does not contain violence or explicit content. Have a look the trailer and the cast below. Already in theaters as it was released in June. Go and enjoy!

Francophile Finds

—Les Soldes, France, summer 2025

If you are in France at the moment, go and seize the day! Les Soldes are on, and that means awesome savings country-wide. The sales kicked off on June 25th this year and will conclude on July 22. Learn more about this worthwhile shopping and savings event in France here.

—Le Tour de France

I cannot wait for this year’s Tour de France both the men’s and women’s, and while I say this every year, this year, they will be serpentining and racing through Brittany/Bretagne for four days (men’s) and for the first three days of the women’s, and that has me tickled beyond due to having just spent a week in the northern part of the region this past March (more on my trip here). Kicking off in NE France – Lille – tomorrow (see the map below), get ready for three weeks (with two break days) of cycling around La Belle France. And this year, the cyclists will conclude the race back where they usually do (last year they concluded in Nice due to the Olympics – but wasn’t that a gorgeous ending too!) in Paris on July 27th.

And then overlapping by a weekend, Le Tour de France Femmes begins on July 26th and runs for nine stages concluding on August 6th. See their route here and view it also on Peacock in the states.

Needless to say, just as I am already enjoying my evenings vicariously traveling abroad (currently to England to watch Wimbledon), starting this Saturday, each evening will conclude with watching Le Tour de France (available on Peacock for streaming).

—The Madame Blanc Mysteries, season 4, AcornTV

The sleuthy, fun and vivacious crew of Brits living in France are back in season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Kicking off this coming Monday, enjoy seven episodes in this new season on AcornTV. (Thank you Véronique for bringing its return to my attention!)

—Paris Perfect Winter Holiday Sale!

Earlier this year, I shared my experience staying for five nights in Paris Perfect’s Place de Dauphine – I couldn’t recommend their accommodations more highly, and if that post piqued your interest and you will be visiting Paris during the winter holidays, now is the time to reserve your accommodations.

“Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Paris for less with our exclusive early bird offer! Book your festive stay using promo code “XMASJULY” from July 2 to July 13, 2025 and receive 15% off participating apartments for stays between December 20, 2025 and January 3, 2026 (5-night minimum). Whether it’s sipping hot chocolate by the Eiffel Tower or strolling through Paris’s enchanting holiday markets, make this year’s holiday season one to remember!”

—Thé du Louvre — Courtyard Tea, Palais des Thés

A favorite French tea brand that I always have in my tea cupboard is Palais des Thés. And while I will make sure to have my favorite varietals on hand (see a list here), scoping out what is new is always fun. And it is their Thé du Louvre caught my attention. Palais de Thés partnered with the Musée de Louvre to come up with four different black tea special varietals, and Côté Cour is described as “a black tea blend with vibrant citrus notes that include the rich flavor of wild blackberry, offering a rounded, elegant touch.” Okay, I am listening! As this is quite similar to my afternoon favorite from the company – Montagne Bleue!

Shopping

—Banana Republic Factory, Summer Sale

Sales are a bit ubiquitous at the moment, and if you’re shopping and know what you need, the savings can be nice if your item is included in the savings. Currently with BR Factory’s sale, everything is 50-70% off. I have shopped a few items below, but be sure to shop the entire sale.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—BleuSalt’s Classic Crew long sleeve

A classic, but with an upgrade as this classic crew with long sleeves is made of 95% tercel modal and 5% spandex which makes the fabric breathable and enables it to be machine washed and dried with no shrinkage. There are many solid colors available as well, but this navy and white stripe would be a staple to have on had to dress up or down.

—Polo Ralph Lauren (Princess of Wales shirt), Striped linen shirt and shop it here also

The Princess of Wales visited the RHS Garden of Wellbeing at Colchester this week to mark the planting of the rose created in her name – Catherine’s Rose – by David Austen. She looked phenomenal as always, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the brands of the top and blazer were. So I did some digging. And I found the shirt and the blazer. Good news! The shirt is quite affordable – a staple item to keep you cool and stylish from Polo Ralph Lauren. The blazer is also linen and from Blazé Milano, the Italian brand known for its ‘smiley’ pockets, shop it here.

Television

—Giada in the Kitchen, Amazon Prime

Just premiering in June, a new series from Giada de Laurentiis, but NOT a cooking series! Nope! Giada is stepping into home improvement projects with Giada in the Kitchen helping homeowners design a better functioning cooking space in their homes. As someone who loves to cook when I travel, when you figure out how to cook well, and realize that design has as much to do with be successful as the ingredients and tools, it deepens the appreciation upon returning home to Le Papillon.

And did you know about Giada’s YouTube channel, if you do want to step into the kitchen with her? Be sure to check out Giadzy. Have a look at the trailer of Giada in the Kitchen now, and find it on Amazon Prime.

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If you follow TSLL’s garden IG account you have been bombarded with my delight in the sweat peas as of late. Oh my goodness, but it is such a thing to celebrate because it has taken four years for such growth and well, any blooms, to occur! So yep, here are the first blooms (above), and currently, each morning, afternoon and evening, I will admit, I am out in the garden sticking my nose in the flowers and savoring their scent. ☺️

I hope July has begun well for you, and you too are finding something in your everyday to cheer, celebrate and savor. I have been busy in the kitchen since last Friday and will be back in the kitchen again today to film more for the upcoming Intro to French Cooking: Everyday Deliciousness video course as the natural light streaming into the space is perfect (you can learn more about the course here). I know many of you are celebrating the long Fourth of July weekend, so wishing you a wonderful summer holiday of food, sun and relaxing.

Between filming, feeding the roses their second feed, watching Wimbledon and Le Tour de France, the weekend looks to be a full and fun one.

Thank you for stopping by today, and may you enjoy delicious flavors of summer, reason to feel buoyant and confident about something you are hopeful for and of course oodles of everyday moments to savor. Until Monday, bonne journée.

~Wimbledon by the numbers. Any guesses as to how many tennis balls are put into play each year or how many strawberries are enjoyed? It’s all here in this list! [Country Life]

~Home tour of the week and just in time for the summer holidays! British interior designer Rita Konig has just revealed a recent project in the Hamptons, and it is a classic summer getaway – whispers of Nancy Meyer’ kitchen inspo have been mentioned ☺️. Tour the home here in Architectural Digest and watch Rita Konig’s video here where she shares along with architect Gil Schafer how to design a good house.

~Something often misunderstood when it comes to gardening regarding how to do it properly, and when we do, what an amazing difference for both the plants and our water bill! How to water your plants. [Gardeners’ World]

~A bit of a theme this week as it pertains to creating a workable kitchen and as someone who has and loves her small kitchen, I found myself nodding in agreement to many of the tips shared by interior designers for creating beautiful small kitchens. [House & Garden UK]

~A wonderful article to ponder about making the choice to learn. [Seth Godin]

~Amazon Prime Days take place between July 8-11, so if there is something such as tech or any other items you have been needing an Amazon has, this could be a great time to save significantly.

~An extra home tour, and this one is not to miss — found in Portland, Oregon – a historic manse, and a five year project now complete. Every room in this Georgian Revival is decorated and designed to a “T”. So much inspiration throughout. Enjoy. [Architectural Digest]

~Downton Abbey’s Grand Finale released the full trailer this week, and more details of the storyline are revealed.

~Back in May, La Venue de L’Avenir – which translates to The Coming of the Future but the English title is Colours of Time – premiered in France, and soon (although it isn’t known exactly when), it will premiere internationally. I will be sure to share with you in a future This & That when it does. For now, have a look at the trailer of this film which looks absolutely delightful.

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~Explore last week’s This & That: June 27, 2025

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