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Francophiles, if you are looking for a book to read or a show to watch, I have more than a few finds for you! Also, summer clothing finds for timeless style to keep you cool and effortlessly chic for years to come. Finds for the home as well, and signature ones at that. For Anglophiles, I just finished a limited travel series I think you are going to love, ESPECIALLY if you are a fan of Scotland. Quite a few television premieres of favorite shows, and still, there is more!
More to come soon! Learn more about all of the current membership offerings here, and remember if you already are a member, 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
—Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives by Darby Saxbe PhD
With Father’s Day this weekend in the States as well as around the world in many countries (third Sunday in June), this book caught my attention after I read this review in The Financial Times (gift link). in Dad Brain, “field-leading psychologist Darby Saxbe, PhD, explains how becoming a father changes men, from their bodies and brain architecture to their hormones and sense of purpose. Inspired by her relationship with her dad, Saxbe has studied fathers and families for over twenty years.”
“Readers may be surprised to learn that, in addition to altering a dad’s hormones and health (yes, men experience postpartum depression, and ‘dad bod’ is real), parenthood can also benefit men. Dads who spend time with their kids sharpen their paternal instincts and even show more youthful brains in later life. Dads’ unique approach to play makes kids more resilient, and fathers bring new insights to workplaces and build better societies. Ultimately, fatherhood can help men discover a richer, more connected, and more meaningful life.”
Released June 9th
—Marilyn and Her Books: The Literary Life of Marilyn Monroe by Gail Crowther
In Marilyn and Her Books, Gail Crowther “delves into Marilyn’s personal book collection and recounts some of these meetings, like when she shared an apartment with Shelley Winters in West Hollywood, where they entertained Dylan Thomas and Christopher Isherwood for drinks (probably several drinks), after which Monroe arranged for Thomas to meet his childhood hero, Charlie Chaplin. Or when Life magazine arranged for Monroe to be interviewed by Dame Edith Sitwell at the Sunset Tower Hotel, and Sitwell was both charmed and blown away by Monroe’s intelligence.
“Marilyn Monroe was a great reader and lover of books. Her association with writers did not stop at reading their words on the page. She was, of course, briefly married to one of America’s best-known playwrights, Arthur Miller, and met a number of other writers who moved in his literary world. But she also met authors independently of Miller, many of whom were fans of her films and keen to meet her.”
Released May 26th
—A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict
Released earlier this month, Marie Benedict’s historical fiction novel introduces us to two real-life women we may not know, but should and likely will be quite intrigued by in A Pair of Aces. Set in New York in the 1930s, “Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney for the City of New York and Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, has her sights set on the one and only Lucky Luciano, head of New York City’s five largest organized crime families. Other prosectors have tried to bring down Lucky, but they’ve all focused on the crime syndicate’s traditional businesses—bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking, and drug dealing—or tax evasion. No one has thought to approach the mob through its role in prostitution. Until Eunice. But she can’t get Luciano alone.
“Polly Adler has worked long and hard to build up her high-class brothel business. Her client list is filled with well-known names, both the famous and the infamous, who all know her booze is top-notch, her music first-rate, her food exquisite, and her girls the best. But Lucky has gone too far, putting her girls in danger, and Polly finally sees the chance to end his reign once and for all. Together, Eunice and Polly fashion a case utilizing a network of women.”
released June 2nd
—The Secret Book Society: A Novel by Madeline Martin
Taking us back to the late 19th century in London, “trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.”
“Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.”
Released in 2025, The Secret Book Society quickly became a bestseller.
British Find
—The Agency, season 2, Paramount+
Let in London, and centered around America’s CIA, and specifically CIA agent Martian (Michael Fassbender) who is ordered back to the agency even though he is torn between his personal life and his professional orders.
Adapted from the original French series, Le Bureau des Légendes which ran from 2015-2020, I thoroughly enjoyed the first season, and while quite intense, The Agency is smart, full of red herrings and revealing behind-the-scenes sacrifices of the agencies set up to protect their countries. Have a look at the trailer below and look for season two to premiere on Sunday June 21st and include ten episodes, one being released each week.
—Scotland’s Poshest Train with Alan Cummings, BritBox Premier & BBC Select
Ohhh, this limited series is a treat. If Scotland is a favorite destination, you will LOVE Scotland’s Poshest Train with Alan Cummings, and if it wasn’t on your list of places to travel to, it may just become one. Offered in four episodes, Alan Cummings, Scottish himself, spends most of one summer taking the various four or five day excursions the Royal Scottsman train provides to its passengers as they enjoy first-class dining, accommodations and history tours throughout the entire country.
I sat down and watched all four episodes this past week, and became completely enchanted with not only the mode of travel, but the Scottish countryside. The landscape, the history, the train’s accommodations and staff expertise, the series shares with us all not only what what is offered for the guests, but what the staff has to do along the way to make it happen. To book a seat on this train (or sleeping compartment as you have your own room) would be a quite special indeed. Have a look at the trailer below and find it now on BritBox Premier.
Décor
—Marabar tablecloth mauve & green, 170 x 260cm
If you are looking for plaid tablecloth’s The Conran Shop has you covered! No pun, okay, maybe a pun intended. 🙂
Other colorways are available, as are napkins and other décor items made of the same fabric.
—Table basse porte revues en rotin vintage, Selency
Always keeping my eye out for unique finds that also provide a function, I love to peruse France’s décor online ‘brocante’ Selency. This vintage rattan magazine rack coffee table would be a great way to mix high and low items, and is available for 125 Euros.
Francophile Find
—Becoming George: The Invention of George Sand by Fiona Sampson
Being released this coming Tuesday, Becoming George: The Invention of George Sand has been described as the “long-overdue reappraisal of the groundbreaking nineteenth-century writer who reshaped the literary and social norms of her age.” This year marks the 150th anniversary of Sand’s death, and award winning biographer Fiona Sampson asks the questions so few have asked, let alone ventured to find the actual answers to “Was her iconoclasm simply an act of courage, a declaration of absolute autonomy? Or did her sexual and emotional relationships with the leading figures of her day―from Fryderyk Chopin to Gustave Flaubert, and Alfred de Musset to Eugène Delacroix―form part of her dialogue with the world around her: a dialogue that’s intrinsic to writing itself? To what extent do we invent ourselves? And what can we learn, from Sand’s life and art, about how writers in particular invent themselves, and are reinvented by the society around them?”
An intriguing person to say the least, known to the world as George Sand was Aurore Dupin born in 1804 in a Paris garret, and by age thirty she had become the internationally renowned George Sand. “In English, her novels were outselling even Victor Hugo. Her enormous and radical corpus would grow to include seventy novels, travel writing, plays, autobiography, and political writing. But despite this prodigious talent, Sand was simultaneously a figure of scandal. Cigar-smoking, cross-dressing, and promiscuous, she seemed to break all the rules society set for women.”
—Diptyque Lemongrass & Geranium Summer Body Spray with essential oils (Limited Edition)
If you too struggle to avoid being noshed on by mosquitoes, scoop up Diptyque’s Summer limited edition of their summer body spray as it contains essential oils known to help repel mosquitoes. A lotion and bodywash are also available in the same scent.
—The Lady at the Louvre: A Historical Novel of Courage, Resistance, and Priceless Art by Helen Constantine
Released last year and highly praised, based on the true story many of us were introduced when learning about the Monuments Men in WWII, The Lady at the Louvre, shares how “in Nazi-occupied Paris, an unassuming Frenchwoman risked her life to protect some of Europe’s greatest treasures from Nazi looting. Her quiet defiance was key to the Monuments Men’s success. This novel brings her fascinating story to light.”
—L’Art du Crime, season 8, MHzChoice
I am absolutely thrilled about this news as it has been over a year since the last season of L’Art du Crime, or The Art of Crime. Premiering on Tuesday June 23rd, our favorite duo returns. “Nicolas Gob stars as Antoine Verlay, a police investigator whose knowledge of art is virtually nonexistent, while Éléonore Bernheim plays Florence Chassagne, an eccentric but brilliant art historian. Together, the mismatched pair solve murders connected to the worlds of painting, sculpture and cultural heritage, using art history as the key to unlocking each crime.” Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy four episodes in this season (two episodes per crime – each in a two-part delivery), one available each week. Also! Season 9 is already in the pipeline!
—P.S. from Paris by Marc Levy (translated from French into English by Sam Taylor)
While published nearly ten years ago, this novel from one of the more well-known modern French novelists is one to read if you haven’t already. P.S. from Paris is “a love story between a famous actress hiding in Paris and a bestselling writer lying to himself. They knew their friendship was going to be complicated, but love―and the City of Light―just might find a way.”
Originally released in 2017
—The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau: A Novel by Kristin Harmel
Released last June and a New York Times bestseller, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau centers about two jewel thieves, a priceless bracelet that disappears in 1940s Paris, and a quest for answers in a decades-old murder.
“Seventy years later, Colette—who has ‘redistributed’ $30 million in jewels over the decades to fund many worthy organizations—has done her best to put her tragic past behind her, but her life begins to unravel when the long-missing bracelet suddenly turns up in a museum exhibit in Boston. If Colette can discover where it has been all this time—and who owns it now—she may finally learn the truth about what happened to her sister. But she isn’t the only one for whom the bracelet holds answers, and when someone from her childhood lays claim to the diamonds, she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past as never before.”
Shopping
—Eberjey’s Linen Blend tank and shorts, many colors
Perfect for ensuring a comfortable night of sleep during the summer.
An investment dress, yes, but a timeless one that can be layered in spring or even end of August and early September.
Made of a lightweight voile with a tiered skirt, remain cool, protected from the sun and have versatility when it comes to being prepared for anything the schedule may hold.
—Loeffer Randall’s Granger natural/cognac straw tote
A summer tote, but elevated to take you to just about anywhere the warmer day’s schedule needs you to be. Loving the double strap – so handy.
—Margaux’s The Palermo Sandal, many colors
Comfortable and assuring that the sandal will let you walk freely without slipping off, this streamlined gladiator sandal style has thin straps that wrap to fit your feet, and it comes in many different colors.
Television
—The Bear, season 5, Hulu
The final season of the award-winning drama, The Bear, premieres on Thursday, June 25th and will include eight episodes. Look for this season to be just as intense as previous. Here’s a peek at what you can look forward to: “Season 5 picks up right after Sydney, Richie, and Natalie (Sugar) learn that Carmy has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them. The new partners must come together for a service that, they hope, earns them a Michelin star.” View the trailer below.
—Harry Wild, season 5, AcornTV
On Monday (June 22nd), literature professor Harriet “Harry” Wild (Jane Seymour) along with her sleuthing partner, young Fergis (Rohan Nedd) return to solving crimes in Dublin. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy six episodes.
—Sugar, AppleTV
Season two of Sugar premieres today, kicking off the eight-episode run. “Season two ushers in the return of Los Angeles’ iconic private detective and film connoisseur John Sugar (Colin Farrel), who takes on a new missing persons case — searching for the older brother of an up-and-coming local boxer — all while continuing the search for his beloved missing sister. As the investigation expands into a citywide conspiracy with sinister intentions, Sugar must reckon with himself to answer the question — how far will he go to do what’s right?” Have a look at the trailer below.
Summer has arrived, and while my foxgloves are close to blooming, when I spied these white beauties on a walk earlier this week, I had to gawk and take a few photos. Gorgeous!
I want to thank everyone who offered cheer and enthusiasm for the opening of the pre-ordering window for TSLL’s upcoming book, Savoring the Sojourn! Orders are coming in (and savings is being scooped up as each of TSLL’s previous three books are 20% until July 31st), and with each day, we step ever closer to having the books arriving at your doorstep. Oh! And did you know the first signing and reading event at Roundabout Books here in Bend is also a Live Zoom event? Yep! Learn more here and reserve your spot. (Learn more about preordering a copy of the book here.)
Recording of the audio book is underway, so come August 25th, all four formats (eBook – you can preorder that now here; hardback and paperback and audio) will be available globally through Amazon (my book distributor which gives me the freedom of choosing my editor, illustrator and so many other important details that ensure wherever you live in our grand world, you can enjoy TSLL’s books).
Also, a quick heads up if you are interested in enrolling in TSLL’s Contentment Masterclass. There are two days left to purchase at $300, and then, the price increases to $325 to reflect the new material added about understanding the nervous system (added in January). Learn more about the course here and enroll here.
Now, to the weekend as we straddle two seasons, concluding one with celebration and stepping into another with anticipation of all that is possible. Until Sunday, bonne journée!
~A reminder of the importance of the little things that make life truly special. [1000 Libraries]
~The NYTimes’s new Paris Travel Guide.
~TSLL’s Guest Bedroom update! The curtain fabric and design have been decided and are beginning to be created, AND you can see the fabric choices for the final pieces in this week’s Ponderings . . . post for TOP Tier Members. With this room on my mind, this post of oodles of small cottage bedroom ideas from House & Garden UK is a read full of inspiraiton.
~I talk a lot about William Morris whenever I oogle over wallpaper choices here at my home, Le Papillon. in fact, four rooms have been papered in his designs. Here is a concise and helpful article to introduce you to this British treasure who never goes out of style. [Homes and Antiques]
~Home Tour of the Week! Speaking of William Morris, this vintage dealer’s cottage in the Swedish countryside dons a few of his prints and the coziness is quite inviting throughout the entire sanctuary. [Domino]
~World travelers! Take a list at this list to see which cities around the world are the most walkable in 2026. I have to agree with No. 1 and No. 7, not sure if I agree with #3, and the rest I have yet to visit. [Time Out]
~Love books and to travel with those who do? Literary travel is having a moment. Learn more about many available excursions around the world. [NYTimes, gift link]
~A new study reveals how we foster resilience, and it has everything to do with our topic for this week’s episode – #428 – Cultivating Equanimity. [Women’s Health]
~I definitely plan my trips around food, and this article shares ways to consider if you prefer to do so as well. [Real Simple]
~The French game seen around the city of Paris and throughout France for that matter, but which is what and are they really that different? Pétanque and Bocce Ball – what’s the difference? [Veranda]
~An extra home tour of the week, and in video-style! Shared by Vogue, Tory Burch jtakes us into her Paris home, and I think you’re going to enjoy it. Have a look at the video below.
~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: June 12th
Quite a few international books that are arriving in the states and each look quite intriguing, summer clothing sales, a cookbook from a French cook who knows her seasonal salads, and they do look absolutely scrumptious (and simple!). Three favorite British television shows return, a new TV series takes us back in history to see the other side of the space race, eye-catching table lamps that are breaking the rules, and still, there is more.
~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.
