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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.

Books

—The Book of Revelations: A History of the Secrets Women Keep and Tell from the 1950S to the Present Day by Juliet Nicolson

Released in October and now available in paperback as well, bestselling social historian Juliet Nicolson uncovers one of the most enigmatic yet revealing aspects of human behavior. “The secrets we keep inside reflect the conventions and taboos of the world outside. As women traditionally sit at the heart of family life, their secrets can open a unique window onto wider society. The Book of Revelations unlocks a period of significant transformation for women, from the restrictions just after the Second World War, through the emancipation of the 1960s and 1970s, to the opportunities and dangers women meet online today.”

“As we travel through time, we encounter deeply moving first-person stories, rich social history and Juliet’s own experiences of secrecy. We witness long-buried family secrets shared at last, their keepers set free. Finally, we are forced to wonder whether, after a steady upwards curve of liberation, our daughters and granddaughters are once again in danger of being curtailed by censure, caution and fear. Or will they learn from the secrets of the past, to find a more secure footing for the future?”

—Cooking in the Wrong Century: A Novel by Teresa Präauer

From Austrian novelist Teresa Präuer, who is renowned in her own country, and with Cooking in the Wrong Century, she has her first novel translated into English. I have to say, this looks captivating. Described as “a witty satire about a dinner party where the foodie guests have a grand amount of taste but no social clue at all”, look at a more detailed synopsis of the plot, and quickly you will discover a commentary about our times and social critiques galore.

—Do Reset: Meditate. Move beyond thinking. Find clarity. by Jillian Lavender

Part of the Do Books series (46 books in all), Do Reset is book #41 and was released last year. This book, written by Vedic Meditation expert Jillian Lavender “shares how a daily reset helps us become more calm, creative and energized . . . Meditation is the most powerful tool to reset your system; to get past the noise, arrive at a state of inner mental quiet and tap into a virtually unlimited reservoir of energy and creative potential . . . in Do Reset, you will discover how this ancient practice can help you maintain your sense of self, provide clarity and move forward.”

—Rose & Renzo: A Novel by Carolyn O’Brien

Rose & Renzo takes us back to Manchester 1936, came recommended by Blackwell’s booksellers, and was released in May. Rose, described as a creative misfit, is one of two sisters who, after the death of their father, arrive in Manchester’s vibrant ‘Little Italy’.

“Fearing Rose’s impulsiveness, Ivy seeks to control Rose, forcing her to give up her cherished place at art school. Frustrated and desperate to pursue her passion, Rose meets Renzo, a painter arrived from Europe. Their connection is instant and powerful. Yet as their feelings deepen, Renzo’s past in Mussolini’s Italy remains a mystery.”

British Finds

—Beyond Paradise, season 4, BritBox

Each season of this series just gets better and better, which is hard to do because the cast has been stellar from the beginning, but as we get more attached to them, each episode becomes more endearing. I had the opportunity to watch season 4 on BBC One earlier this year, and it is a delight. The new season premiered on BritBox earlier this week on June 9th and will drop a new episode each Tuesday through July 14th.

—Elizabeth Scarlet Travel Tote, Open Flat, many different colors and designs

When I came across this travel bag (the company calls it a makeup bag, which it absolutely can be), it caught my eye BECAUSE my own travel tote for toiletries is the exact same design (compartments, how the zipper is designed, etc.), and I love it. I’ve had mine for about two or three years now, and it is highly functional, holds everything in its place, and can hold quite a lot. Mine is not as beautifully detailed on the exterior, and if I needed a replacement, I would pick one up from Elizabeth Scarlet, based in London. So if you are looking for a handy carry-all for your travel bathroom accoutrements, this is one to take a look at for beauty and function.

—Grantchester, season 11 (last season), PBS Masterpiece

The final season of Grantchester premieres this weekend on PBS Masterpiece here in the States. Running from June 14th through August 2nd, “return to Grantchester in the summer of 1963—each character standing at a crossroads that will shape their future. Alphy’s growing connection with the bishop’s daughter Meg coincides with more discoveries about his past and the life he might have lived . . . Geordie enjoys a period of relative calm with Cathy and their family, but a tempting offer from his commanding officer threatens to upend everything . . . Leonard, too, faces quiet yet profound change as caring for a neighbor’s son awakens a paternal side he never knew existed, challenging him to reevaluate his purpose. With themes of family, forgiveness, faith, and introspection, Grantchester’s last chapter promises self-discovery, hope, and transformation.”

Have a look at the trailer for the season below:

—Patience, season 2, PBS

So tickled this show returned, and already we know it has been renewed for a third season! Wildly popular when it premiered last year in the UK, Patience centers around a young autistic woman who works in the police archives in York. This season, a new detective leads the squad, Frankie Munroe, and while initially rattling Patience’s confidence as it appears she may not be able to consult as she has done with the police, eventually we see the strengths of both characters on display, and with each episode, a crime is solved. Have a look at the trailer below, and if this show interests you, I have included one more video at the end of this post of an interview with each of the characters that is quite enjoyable.

Décor

—Rejuvenation’s Shirley Table Lamp, two sizes

Progress is picking back up in the guest room now that the room is cleared out of all the wood for my other projects, and I am looking for table lamps with character. This one definitely is unique yet isn’t outrageous and, in its own way, quite timeless.

Francophile Finds

—Le Creuset’s Cloche Kettle, many colors

Le Creuset’s tea kettles, classic in large and small sizes, have always been a favorite of mine (and I may have gone through one or two by leaving them to boil water for too long on the stove 🤦‍♀️, which is why I have purchased a few), and their new Cloche kettle adds a touch of modern while still being classic in its own way. The small size has me envisioning a cozy afternoon or evening at home alone with a good book on a rainy day.

—The Monuments of Paris: A Novel by Violaine Huisman

A unique novel in that the French author draws much inspiration from her own life. Violaine Huisman’s first novel, The Book of Mother, was inspired largely by her own mother, yet still considered to be a novel. Now she turns her attention to her father in The Monuments of Paris. Well received in Paris when it was released, read a detailed synopsis of all that she explores in this “haunting portrait of twentieth-century France through the outsized ambitions, infidelities, and tragedies of the author’s own family, both real and imagined.” Already named by The New Yorker as the Best Book of the Year So Far (2026).

—Salads for All Seasons: French-inspired recipes to enjoy by Alexandra Stacey

This cookbook looks absolutely scrumptious and perfect for summer dining. Being released on Tuesday, June 16th, Salads for All Seasons, written by Alexandra Stacey, who grew up just outside of Paris with a French father and English mother, she “became accustomed to a classically French tradition of eating beautifully dressed, seasonal salads on an almost daily basis all year round; in her first book Salads for all Seasons she encourages you to do the same.”

“Divided into seasonal chapters and making the very most of the ingredients on offer, Alex demonstrates how through creating the right balance between texture, acidity, and flavor you can build vibrant bowls of goodness using a wide variety of fiber, protein, herbs, vegetables, vinaigrettes, and toppings.

“From the Perfect Salade Verte to a Fig, Walnut, and Brie Salad and a Classic Celeriac Remoulade with Smoked Salmon, Chives, and Capers, Salads for all Seasons bursts with timeless inspiration for all year round.”

Shopping

—COS Sale, up to 50% off

Great prices on everyday essentials, perfect for layering and mixing and matching. I have shopped three specific finds below that immediately caught my eye, and then did some more shopping in the scroll below.

Monument Tote Bag, $264

~SHOP THE SALE:

—The Fold London’s Adela Cami Ivory Silk Satin, black also available

Reading The Financial Times weekend edition is a ritual, and their style columnist has introduced me to more specific items that work perfectly with an everyday wardrobe yet ensure the items are well made. Case in point, this camisole from The Fold, comfortable straps that won’t fall off your shoulders with the help of the fitting capabilities. Available in black and white.

—Honna’s Blue & White Striped Pyjamas, more colors

The beach, a holiday somewhere, is calling, and these pajamas (I swear that I didn’t mistype them above, as that is the brand’s preferred spelling and accurate as well ☺️). Loving the thick stripe and V-neck.

—Palome’s Étoile Cashmere Hoodie, two colors

One item I live in around Le Papillon is my cashmere hoodie. Not oversized, just fitting perfectly with a slight drape, I have had it for four years and need a replacement, but will wear it until I do because it is so comfortable in the early morning or evening over bare shoulders. Navy (left) and grey (right) are available from Palome.

—Rampling Trouser, 100% seersucker, navy also available

The summer pants for elevating the wardrobe while keeping cool, all the while wearing a timeless piece. Seersucker, that tactile fabric finish, and then the stripe! Sharp, yet casual too. Love the ambiguity. ☺️

Television

—Star City, AppleTV

If you are looking for a historical drama, Star City may be just what you’re looking for. Premiering last week, it tells the story of “Soviet cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers who risk everything in an ambitious space program aiming to be the first to reach the moon.” Read the review in The Guardian where the series received 4/5 stars, and watch the trailer below.

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Fresh from the garden! The strawberries have been dripping off the potted plants on the kitchen porch, and I think a delicious dessert is on the menu this weekend to make the most of them!

This week has been leading up to tomorrow, the opening of preorders for Savoring the Sojourn (a 45-day window to not only order a signed copy of the book but also receive a special gift as well), and while I won’t talk too much about it here as you came to enjoy This & That content, look for a newsletter to arrive tomorrow morning (if you are subscribed – you can do so here) as well as a post here on the blog. All shipping details, gift details, and discounts for all three of TSLL’s previous books will be shared. And if you are reading this post on Saturday, click here to preorder your copy, and watch the trailer for the book below. I am absolutely teeming with excitement to launch this book and cannot wait to send it out into the world. If you have any questions about preordering that aren’t answered in the posts, newsletter, or product page, reach out to me. I am happy to help 😌

Now, the last full weekend of spring/autumn and as this weather is ideal in my book, I am going to be savoring being at home, pottering in the garden, and maybe heading to a nursery to pick up a new plant I have in mind for a spot I have been trying to figure out what to do with (more details on what and where exactly in June’s gardening post to be shared later this month with TOP Tier Members).

Have a most wonderful couple of days drinking in the June beauty, losing all track of time, and savoring the company you choose to keep. Until tomorrow, bonne journée !

~The gentleman thief returns! Omar Sy is Lupin, and season 4 has a premiere date! Learn all about what to expect and watch the trailer here. [Frenchly]

~A Garden AND Home Tour of the Week – Butter Wakefield’s colorful London home, and her pup is adorable as well. [Country Life]

~Burleigh, the charming and storied British teapot and teacup maker, was just acquired by Christopher Bailey, the former creative director of Burberry. Learn more about his plans for the company. [Financial Times, gift link]

~A new Hercule Poirot is coming. And . . . wait for it . . . he’s bringing the sex appeal.

~The best places for every type of UK holiday, according to CN Traveler.

~Speaking of visiting the UK: 36 Hours on the Isle of Skye, Scotland [NYTimes, gift link]

~Thrilled to see Bend, Oregon, made the list of the best wellness towns in America on a list of seven, and not surprised at all based on the criteria. For both people and dogs, this really is a healthy place to live. And I feel very fortunate to call it home. [Eating Well]

~A sense of trust one’s self – how to start building confidence. [The Guardian]

~What happens to our brain (and how do we feel) when we cut out sugar for a month? [Verywell Mind]

~If it takes a trending good label or nickname to get us to honor what nourishes us, then I am all for it. This go-round it is “Main Character Decor”. Find out what it is, and why it speaks the simply luxurious life language of curating a sanctuary that you will love today and down the road. [Real Simple]

~14 Charming Small Towns in France for Stunning Beaches, Vineyards, and Historic Castles [Travel + Leisure]

~This interview is worth watching if you are curious about the British series/show mentioned above, Patience, or are curious about the second season. And did you know the lead actor, Ella Maisy Purvis, is autistic as well? Purvis talks about what she has in common with her character, and listen as well to the lead stars talk about each of their characters and how they get along with each other in the show.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: June 5th

~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.