A long-anticipated British limited series arrives in the states, two new French films, novels of romance and crime, books about becoming you, trusting your mind in the midst of groupthink, a memoir from a favorite British food columnist, a savvy sleuth returns to Dublin for a new season, cookbooks for simple pleasures, and savoring the seasons, along with clothing items to keep you cool and timelessly stylish. Oh! And some fantastic vintage finds for the home. Still there is more!

Books

—Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch

Being released on May 6th, Becoming You has been described as “An inspiring, wise and highly practical method for discovering your true self and identifying the fulfilling career just for you.” Suzy Welch, a professor who is “a respected expert in careers, decision-making, and identity formation, and the Director of NYU Stern’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing”, as well as a graduate of Harvard and Harvard Business School, and a former columnist for O: The Oprah Magazine, wrote Becoming You following “fifteen years of researching and testing with the heartfelt goal of helping people discover a way forward in a complex world. To that end, Becoming You guides readers through the process of excavating their truest values, identifying their outstanding aptitudes, and finally, pinpointing their economically viable interests, that is, the kind of work that calls them emotionally and intellectually, and also makes sense financially. Ultimately, Becoming You, at turns warm, witty, pragmatic, and filled with tough-love, is your guide to discovering the life you were meant to live.”

—Matriarch: A Memoir by Tina Knowles

Having had the opportunity to listen to an interview with Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, last weekend, I wanted to bring her new memoir to TSLL community. Matriarch takes readers through her entire life, beginning with her childhood in 1950s Galveston to raising her daughters and managing their careers while managing her own personal life and eventual divorce from their father. “This is a page-turning chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America—and the wisdom that women pass on to one another, mothers to daughters, across generations.”

Released on April 22nd

—The Retirement Plan: A Novel by Sue Hincenbergs 

Well, this caper looks like a riotous good time. Being released on May 6th, in The Retirement Plan, both the wives and the husbands have schemes up their sleeves that the other doesn’t know about because after “thirty years of friendship, Pam dreams of her perfect retirement with Nancy, Shalisa, Marlene, and their husbands—until their husbands pool their funds for an investment that goes terribly wrong. Suddenly, their golden years are looking as dreary as their marriages.” How are they going to attain their golden years dream? We’ll see what they get up to!

—Trust Your Mind: Embracing Nuance in a World of Self-Silencing by Jenara Nerenberg 

Also being released on May 6th, from the author of Divergent Mind and founder of The Neurodiversity Project. Jenara Nerenberg’s new book Trust Your Mind “empowers readers with tools to understand the mind and navigate an increasingly polarized world, from campuses and workplaces, to the media and beyond . . . [in her book], Nerenberg analyzes this phenomenon of ‘self-silencing,’ asking potent questions about how harmful groupthink has become accepted. Applying her expertise in journalism, psychology, and public health, she digs deep into urgent problems that are worsening under a culture of self-censorship, including loneliness, isolation, and polarization.” And then she offers hope. Sharing insights for how to identify and escape groupthink and transform fear into empathy, allowing space for authentic communication that reduces—rather than causes—harm to others, she reminds readers that the divisiveness need not be the norm.

British Finds

—Consider Yourself Kissed: A Novel by Jessica Stanley

I had to bring this novel to your attention because while it won’t be released in the states until the end of this month (May 27th), Consider Yourself Kissed is being released in the UK on Thursday May 8th, and just the fact that it isn’t your typical romantic portrayal of adult relationships, nor is it over-the top dramatic, but rather described as “an entertaining portrayal of the true, grown-up meaning of “happily ever after”, I thought it might be something to enjoy with interest. Order here from Blackwells or Preorder from US booksellers.

—The Heart-Shaped Tin: Stories of Love, Loss and Kitchen Objects by Bee Wilson

Another book that won’t be released in the states until later (November to be precise), but will be released next week in the UK, and comes from a much respected food writer, is The Heart-Shaped Tin. Described as a “strikingly original account from award-winning food writer Bee Wilson [who] charts how everyday objects take on deeply personal meanings in all our lives.” The Guardian and The Sunday Times have described it as the book to look out for in 2025

—Miss Austen, PBS Masterpiece

Finally, the wait is over for Jane Austen fans, and as we step into the month that will commemorate her 250th birthday, Miss Austen arrives on PBS Masterpiece beginning this Sunday May 4th. While already released in the UK (back in February), Miss Austen is adapted from Gill Hornsby’s international bestselling novel of the same name and tells the story in a four-episode arc of Jane’s sister Cassandra.

Set in England, 1840, “two decades after the death of her beloved sister, Jane, Cassandra Austen returns to the village of Kintbury and the home of her family friends, the Fowles. In a dusty corner of the vicarage, there is a cache of Jane’s letters that Cassandra is desperate to find. Dodging her hostess and a meddlesome housemaid, Cassandra eventually hunts down the letters and confronts the secrets they hold, secrets not only about Jane but about Cassandra herself. Will Cassandra bare the most private details of her life to the world, or commit her sister’s legacy to the flames?” Have a look at the trailer below.

Cookbooks

—Brunch Season: A Year of Delicious Mornings from the Buttermilk Kitchen by Suzanne Vizethann 

Step into Suzanne Vizethann’s Buttermilk Kitchen and its Maine cousin Buttermilk Kitchen Camden, with the new cookbook Brunch Season, and discover delicious recipe ideas to move you through all four seasons. With an abundance of southern inspiration (Buttermilk Kitchen is located in Georgia and opened in 2012), the cookbook blends tastes of both Northern and Southern tastes and food availability.

Having the opportunity to receive a copy of this cookbook, I savored just perusing through it, and being reminded of how each of the four seasons can be rich in delicious offerings with enough know-how of what to shop for, grow in our garden or pick up at the market. A photo with nearly every recipe, you will be looking forward to brunch all year-round.

—Simple Pleasures: Easy Recipes for Everyday Indulgence by Emma Fontanella

While released a couple of years ago, this is a must-have cookbook for dependable inspiration for those simple ‘yum’s of flavor that we may crave, but don’t want to spend all day making. Simple Pleasures includes over “100 recipes for breakfasts, breads and baked goods, pasta dishes, celebration cakes, and holiday baking alongside time-saving techniques and pastry chef shortcuts for restaurant-quality results with a fraction of the effort. You’ll also discover superfast microwave snacks that cook in a minute andnNostalgic childhood favorites, such as Instant Frozen Yogurt and Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.”

Francophile Finds

—Bonjour Tristesse

A new adaption of French writer Françoise Sagan’s Bonjour Tristesse comes to screens this weekend, and as The Paris Review shares that while Durga Chew-Bose’s directorial debut (she also wrote the screenplay) is a bit rocky, the details of each setting (the south of France) are carefully paid attention to for the viewer. The film centers around one relaxing summer in the south of France during which the main character, eighteen-year old Cécile (Lily McInerny),who is spending it with her father and his new lover who is similar to Cécile in age find their plans upended by the arrival of the enigmatic Anne (Chloë Sevigny), a New York fashion designer.

While many a reviewer has noted a distinct difference (and improvement) between the original adaptation of the novel that was released in 1958 to the one released now, one review in particular praises Bose’s depiction stating, that the film “feels more true to Sagan’s novel and becomes a more complex tale of the nature of female relationships, the mysteries within and their winding paths. The men here are more objects than fully fleshed-out characters as Cecile, Anne and Elsa find their lives intertwining in ways none of them might have predicted during the end of an idyllic summer. Perhaps it took a woman to expose those aspects of Sagan’s still beloved novel, and Bose succeeds in getting straight to the aching heart of Cecile.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

—French Riviera Bamboo & Rattan Armchair, vintage

Now this is a chair just to gawk at and dream about. While way out of my price range, I couldn’t help but stop and stare at it, and dream of a place it would go, or where it once was before it was scooped up by the treasure hunter who is selling it today.

From the 1960s

—Les Règles de l’Art (English title – The French Job)

Based on a true story that took place in Paris in 2010, comes a film I cannot wait to watch. Les Règles de l’Art premiered in France on April 30th, so I am not sure when it will be in the states, but when it does, you know I will be there watching, and I will definitely be sharing here on TSLL to give you the heads up. Specifically on May 19th in 2010, the man who became known as “the Spider-Man of Paris,” Vjeran Tomic, stole five priceless paintings from the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris – a Braque, a Picasso, a Léger, a Modigliani, and a Matisse valued at more than 100 million euros. And now a film depicting the planning that preceded the heist and the event in question itself comes to the big screen. Look for both drama and comedy throughout the film, as the trailer shares below.

—Off Track, MHzChoice

A new limited French drama/caper series just debuted on MHzChoice – Off Track, and it is worth watching as it kept me scratching my head until the final two episodes. If you are a regular viewer of French series, you will recognize many of the leading and supporting characters, so the cast is stellar. Told in eight episodes, Laurent begins to wonder if he really knows his wife Elsa at all when she disappears into thin air in the first episode, and the investigation to both find her, and who she really is, begins. Have a look at the trailer below.

Garden

—The Book of Garden Flowers by Angie Lewin and Christopher Stocks

Being released on May 6th in The Book of Garden Flower Christopher Stocks “feeds our affection for flowers by revealing the fascinating stories behind some of the most familiar and unusual plants to be found in creative gardens today.” Including 64 color illustrations, the book “focuses on nineteen of artist Angie Lewin’s favorite garden flowers, and includes reproductions of her paintings and illustrations, many of them created especially for the book. Tips for care and cultivation are also included.”

Shopping

—Argent’s Astor Loafer Mule, beige

A comfortable and stylish (love the slightly pointed, yet not severely, toe) slip-on mule loafer that works well with just about anything is a nice, dependable piece to have in the closet. And while we may be putting on our sandals here in a few months (if not already for some folks :)), these loafers will be ready for you to wear again come early autumn.

—Banana Republic High-Rise Barrel Tercel Linen pant (three colors)

The other day I saw a woman beautifully dressed in the grocery store wearing flat-front linen trousers and a simple white tee. It looked fantastic! Oh, and she also had a simple brown belt to complete the look. That was it – so effortless, yet perfect for the season. Linen, gotta love it! And so these pants, high-rise, with hems falling right at the ankle would be perfect for wearing to work with a simple flat (or mule as shared above!) or sandal for perusing the markets or on holiday.

—Essential-Antwerp sleeveless cotton-linen T-shirt (three colors available)

Loose and comfortable, secure, yet not binding, a top that is ready for summer leisure.

—Faherty’s Seacoast Crochet Cotton Crew long-sleeve top

Faherty just released their new summer collection, and I am loving this cotton sweater. Perfect for those early mornings or late evenings when it becomes just a bit cooler, but still, it’s summer. Cotton weaves with a wide-neck and stripes – check, check and check for timelessness and comfort.

And then, the long sleeves! Yes!

—IBELIV V Garden Tea bag

Still looking for a go-to summer tote for work or play? The Garden Tea bag is perfect with its sturdy double handles and subtle detail. Preorder it now and receive it in 2-4 weeks.

—Inslee Stationery

Inslee just announced the release of her new stationery, and with it being blank inside, you can have it on hand to use for anything life presents. Full of her detailed water-colored illustrations, pick your design with matching envelopes and always be stylishly ready. (for any new readers to the blog, Inslee is the artist behind the woman and pup at the top of the blog in the header as well as a handful of other illustrations seen throughout TSLL website)

—Jenni Kane’s Cotton Kate V-Neck, ivory/navy sweater

Okay, saving up for this one. Speaking of cotton sweaters, since I already have my wool and cashmere stripe sweaters, the one stripe version I don’t have is cotton. That needs to be rectified, and I think Jenni Kayne has solved the dilemma. ☺️ Perhaps for you as well.

—Vince Cotton-blend wrap shirt dress

Depending upon your skin tone, this dress would be a beautiful staple to have on hand. For me, my cool undertones don’t work well with khaki as I have to have a touch of grey in my beige (if that makes sense), but oh, I love this cut, style and length!

—Vintage Mushroom Table Lamp, Brass, 1970s

One more vintage find that I had to share. Isn’t it unique? Yet, unexpectedly classic as well in a modern-sort-of-way? From a dealer in Germany, if you have a spot for this special item, it will make a statement in a well-suited vignette – an office table, a guest room, a study? Hmmm, the mind dances to find a place 🤔.

Television

—Harry Wild, AcornTV, season 4

Jane Seymour is back for season 4 of Harry Wild, and I cannot wait to start watching the next six new episodes. Premiering on Monday, May 5th, head to Dublin where Harry (Harriet, a retired English professor played by Seymour) works with her assistant turned investigating partner Fergus (Rohan Nedd), to solve crimes the police can’t. Watch at the trailer below.

Let the sunshine in! This photo above captures how we greet the sunrise each morning now that the weather is warm enough – the front door is swung open, and the screen door secures Nelle inside while the foyer becomes flooded with light which streams all the way down to the kitchen where I am making breakfast. (Tour the entire foyer here, all items sourced.)

Spring just . . . wow. I love spring. Now that I am breathing a sigh of relief over my Acer Griseum trees (the news was one of the reasons I smile immensely in April, shared in the monthly Smile post earlier this week), if I am not typing away or in the office working on a project, the garden has my time and focus. What fun it has been ☺️. In fact, while you are reading this (if it is on Friday), I might be at a local nursery picking up a few things 🙃.

How has the new month of May begun for you? Hopefully with an open heart and energizing curiosity, and maybe with an exchange of either a Lily of the Valley or a single spring bloom with a friend, neighbor or loved one as the May Day tradition goes.

Yesterday, May’s A Cuppa Moments was posted sharing virtually fresh blooms from Le Papillon with members as it begins in the garden where the cherry blossoms continue to put on their show. If you are a TOP Tier Member, be sure to join us as the monthly thought to ponder invites members to both offer inspiration and seek it out when it comes to taking a leap that is absolutely worth it even if incredibly daunting initially to consider, along with 40 minutes of sharing books to read, shows and films to watch, walks with Nelle and overall, an opportunity to slow down, sip your favorite cuppa and be inspired whilst among virtual friends of TSLL community all living their unique simply luxurious life.

And now we head to the weekend, and while I am crossing my fingers and toes for the rain that is promised, perhaps you would prefer sunshine, whichever weather you are pining for, I do hope it occurs 😌. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, may you experience moments of triumph, a reason to rest easy and of course oodles of everyday moments to savor. Bonne journée !

~20 short rules for better days at work [What Work Should Be]

~Okay, so the electrified medicine cabinet – I am loving this idea and am on board for just about everything else as well on this list. Waiting to invest well is worth it. 🙂 24 Things Designers Always Invest in for Their Own Homes [Veranda]

~Listen to British gardener Carol KIein in a new interview where she holds nothing back and tells it like it is as well as why she is never going to retire. Why would you if you love what you do! 🙂 [Gardeners Illustrated]

~Visiting London on $1000 for a 3-day vacation [WSJ]

~If you love The Bear, and you are a Francophile, you might just want to check out the new series Carême on AppleTV+ [Frenchly]

~7 habits of people who have perpetually clean homes [Real Simple]

~8 basic decor styling mistakes made in our 20s and how to avoid them [Vogue Living]

~Cook and eat seasonally for spring just like the French – here is a list of ingredients [Taste France]

~New places in Paris to dine on the terrasse [Do It In Paris]

~12 Hidden Gems in Paris You Won’t Find in Guidebooks shared by someone who has lived there for over a decade [Travel + Leisure]

~The power of silence and how to really listen [Tiny Buddha]

~If you have upcoming plans to visit the south of France, this is a great list to check out – How to pack for Provence [Belle Provence Travels]

~Step into the Scottish Highlands on this epic roadtrip. The photographs alone will provide a momentary ‘travel moment’ in the day [Further]

~SJP discusses what Season three of And Just Like That will be about in a recent interview with The Today Show.

~Back in 2023, Sandra Sigman, friend of TSLL, shared in on the podcast that she had just purchased a Paris apartment in Saint Germain (listen to our conversation about her book French Blooms here, episode #355), and now she is giving a tour with HomeWorthy. Step inside with the video below.

~Explore last week’s This & That: April 25, 2025

From food to romance, to murder, to spring and summer style savings, that’s just to get us started! A new highly praised film about an unexpected friendship, a book to take you around Paris sharing where to eat for dining and cooking, a new Italian cookbook from a multi-times nominated James Beard chef who lives in Portland, Oregon, a new comedy series created by a beloved comedian of SNL, small and big screen, and still so much more. 

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse and sometimes welcome into your life mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.