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Ninety percent of all of the items shared with week are British Inspired, but rest assured those that aren’t are special finds indeed that you won’t want to miss out on. From book upon book taking us to Britain – novels, travel guides, mysteries, to spring and summer clothing along with sales of note not to miss, British brands that come highly recommended for having stylish and timeless items to scoop up. Summer in the city begins and will run all summer in an anticipated series return, a new French book that will have you booking your next trip to France, and quite a few items are inspired by an appreciation for Jane Austen. And still, there is more.
Books
—Austen at Sea: A Novel by Natalie Jenner
Released on May 6th from the bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, comes Austen at Sea centered around two devoted fans of Jane Austen who are also the daughters of a Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice in 1865. Having accomplished as much as was possible for women during this time and chafing at the many restrictions put upon women, they “start a secret correspondence with Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother, now in his nineties. He sends them an original letter from his sister and invites them to come visit him in England.”
And so the sisters “sneak away without a chaperone to sail to England. On their ship are the Nelson brothers who unbeknownst to the two women are also in contact with Sir Francis Austen, writer Louisa May Alcott, Sara-Beth Gleason―wealthy daughter of a Pennsylvania state senator with her eye on the Nelsons―and, a would-be last-minute chaperone to the Stevenson sisters, Justice Thomas Nash”. So begins the adventure, and nobody’s life will be the same upon reaching the other side of the pond.
—The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson
Being released this coming Tuesday May 26th, The Busybody Book Club centers around Nova Davies who “having recently moved from London to a small Cornish seaside village, starts a book club at the local community center, but so far it’s a disaster. The five members disagree on everything, and to make matters worse, a significant sum of money is stolen during one of the meetings, putting the much-loved community center at risk.”
“Suspicion for the theft falls on book club member Michael, especially when he disappears and a dead body turns up at his house. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael’s been framed, while romance reader Arthur believes there’s a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi fan Ash thinks dark forces are at play.”
—Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II by Becky Aikman
Released on May 6th, Spitfires, while centering around American female pilots who flew in WWII, takes us to England, and no, these Americans didn’t fly for the US. They flew for the British. Their determination to fly even when denied by their own country finally came to pass when Britain say, fly for us. (Yet another reason I adore you Britain.) “In 1942, a group of American women, who weren’t permitted to fly for the U.S. Army, traveled to England to ferry fighter planes and bombers for the British Royal Air Force. Drawing on interviews and unpublished diaries, letters, and records, the author Becky Aikman relates the true stories of nine of these remarkable women pilots.”
British Finds
—The Cottage in Interwar England: Class and the Picturesque (Architectural History of the British Isles) by George Entwistle
As soon as I learned of this new book, I put it into my shopping cart. When it comes to history, especially British history, and wanting to know all about cottages and their backstory, George Entwistle’s The Cottage in Interwar England looks be full of enlightening content.
“This book explores the powerful hold on the national imagination of cottage architecture in the interwar period and its hitherto under-examined influence on the politics and aesthetics of class, council housing, conservation, and on the 1920s and 1930s boom in speculative house-building. The book examines the relationships between working-class council houses specifically steered away from looking like the cottage picturesque; traditional cottages appropriated by middle-class weekenders, adopted by conservationists, and mythologised by politicians in the 1920s; new-build speculative housing that the public bought (in the 1920s and 1930s) and architects deprecated because it was designed to evoke the cottage; and early modernist houses, celebrated by architects but treated with suspicion by the public because their aesthetics were at odds with the Picturesque tradition.”
Released March 5, 2025
—English Humour for Beginners by George Mikes
While released back in 2016, I wanted to bring you a book to lighten the mood. English Humour for Beginners comes from the author of How to Be a Brit (2015) which is equally funny, so that book as well would be a wonderful purchase (cover below).
—London: The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers by Jack Chesher
Okay travelers! This is the new book to pick up if you want to stray off the beaten path of tourist sites and destinations in London. The Hidden Corners for Curious Wanderers, just released this past April, comes from the Instagram account @LivingLondonHistory. “Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was captured? Or in which backstreet you can find the pub that hid the masterminds behind the Great Train Robbery? Or perhaps which pocket park contains the remains of a great medieval monastery? Have your questions answered and let London: The Hidden Corners reveal the capital’s unique and shadowy mysteries.”
—Postal Paths: Rediscovering Britain’s Forgotten Routes and the People Who Walked Them by Alan Cleaver
Now, for those wandering further – onto the rambling trails and paths out in the British countryside, this is the book for you! “Postal paths span the length and breadth of Britain – from the furthermost corners of the Outer Hebrides to the isolated communities clinging to the cliffs of the Rame Peninsula in south-east Cornwall. For over 200 years, postmen and women have delivered post to homes across Britain on foot, no matter how remote.”
“A chance remark by a farmer about a Postman’s Path led Alan Cleaver on a quest to discover more about this network of lanes, short-cuts and footpaths in the British landscape. From the rolling fells of Cumbria to Kent’s shingle coast, he walked in the footsteps of 20th Century posties. And what he found, through conversation and painstaking research, was not just beautiful scenery. It was an incredible, forgotten slice of social history – the tales and toil of rural postmen and women trudging down lanes, over fields, and even across rivers to make sure the post always came on time.”
Released in the UK on April 24, 2025. You can order from Blackwells and have it shipped worldwide.
—Joolz Guides: Rather Splendid London Pub Walks: A Charming Trundle through London’s Neighbourhoods via Its Fabulous Drinking Houses by Julian McDonnell
One more travel guide, and this one takes us back to London to the many pubs dotting the city. Released back in April, discover “18 around popular and lesser-known parts of the city. Rather Splendid London Pub Walks takes you on a leisurely weekend meander in search of a drink and a story. Each walk starts in a famous local, taking the scenic route from there to other popular pubs in the area. Whether it’s a wander around Wapping or the regal environs of Greenwich, along the Thames from leafy Chiswick, visiting the old gin palaces of Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia or historic boozers in Mayfair and Westminster, London is packed with gorgeous old public houses that can tell a million weird, wild and wonderful stories.”
Films
—Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (original title – Jane Austen a Gâché ma Vie)
While I mentioned this film back in February when it premiered in France, I wanted to share it again with you because beginning today, a limited release begins here in the states. Then on May 30th, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life will be released nationwide. I noticed that Bend theaters will have it here, and I cannot wait to watch it. Also, AppleTV will have it available to stream as well soon. Beginning in Paris at the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, we then travel with the protagonist to Jane Austen’s England for a writer’s retreat. So the best of both worlds for TSLL readers. 🙂
Francophile Finds
—Charming France by Heide Christiansen
Being released on May 27th, from travel writer and fellow Francophile, Heide Christiansen’s book Charming France takes readers “to the most enchanting corners of France from Brittany to Provence through atmospheric photography and very personal texts: Revel in the dreamy blue sea of the Côte d’Azure around Menton and Nice or wander through romantic parks and castles. Visit charming bistros, bars and cafés that invite you to experience the typical French joie de vivre. Stroll through historic old towns with charming bookshops and boutiques or discover picturesque villages and the unique flair of authentic fishing villages.” With more than 200 pages and filled with photographs, I have a feeling a trip to France will be inspired when you welcome this book into your library, and that is a lovely sideeffect to ‘have’ to experience. 🙂
Shopping
—Alex Mill’s Ina Pleated Pant, 100% cotton
Perfect for leisure spring and summer outfits, these cotton ankle skimming pants are comfortable with a touch of slight pizazz in the pleats and timeless in their fit.
—Annabel Navy Polka Dot Navy & Ivory dress
Earlier this week, in episode #404 of the podcast,”11 Classic British Wardrobe Details for Effortless Style” (which is now, already, a favorite reader post of all-time) garnered many comments, and one comment is full of recommended British brands to explore if you appreciate quality British clothing. I want to thank long-time reader and member of TSLL, Kameela for so generously sharing all of the brands that she did. Taking guidance from her list, I have shopped a few items for a couple of the brands, and one is Annabel. The polka dots, forever a classic print, offer a summer dress for any special occasion or simply stepping outside to enjoy the sunshine and meeting a friend for lunch.
—Aspiga LInen Shirtdress, khaki or navy
Linen, with a classic length but this time with two signature details – notice the button placement and the sleeve length and style. Unique, yet still timeless.
—Boden, 25% off everything
Memorial Day Sales are happening, and Boden is offering some great savings. And it’s site-wide. Simply use promo code 7N7G, and save 25% off everything. I have shopped a few items below.
~SHOP THE SALE:
—Naomi Striped Shirtdress In Cotton Poplin, white & navy
One more item from Alex Mill that is another classic piece, but has a touch of youth to it with the shorter length. But depending upon your stature, it could definitely be worn no matter what your age. Loving the cuffed sleeves, dark blue rather than light blue which is more common and the classic neckline.
—Barbour Mixed Tartan Umbrella
One of the 11 items included in episode #404 mentioned above regarding the British wardrobe items for effortless style comes in the form of an accessory. And it will not surprise you that it is an umbrella. And here is a classic travel umbrella to scoop up.
—Elemis Memorial Weekend Sale, 25% off, site wide
A favorite quality British beauty brand is Elemis. I use their cleansing balm in rose scent and love it. Enjoy 25% off all of their products with promo code . MDW25
—GingerLily, London’s Silk Eye Masks
An English silk bedding company, Gingerly epitomizes luxury with their sheet sets, but even if silk either isn’t your preference for the bed, or it is not quite in the budget at the moment, their silk eye masks as well as pillowcases are worth exploring.
A sale is taking place on a wide-range of items at Mulberry, including the handbag below. While a luxury item, if you have your eye on one in particular, now is the time to enjoy some nice savings.
~Shop the Sale:
—NavyGrey’s The Cotton EASY sweater
Earlier this spring I shared how having a cotton sweater is an unexpected must-have item that I love to wear as it provides the warmth that is needed on those unexpected chilly days in spring or early autumn, yet you can rest assured you will never get hot.
NavyGrey’s cotton classic crewneck sweater in a neutral color would be a staple to reach for again and again.
French beauty and body care company Nuxe is offering wonderfully nice savings on many of their products, and the one I am stocking up on (I tend to do so during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and then again six months later around Memorial Day or whenever they have a lovely sale in the spring) is their Rêve de Thé.
Enjoy 20% off my favorite body lotion – Rêve de Thé Toning-Firming Cream
A well-known name in English brands as it pertains to stationery and luxury notebooks is Sloane. When I spied their blank notebook titled Gardening Notes I had to share. But there are so many other wonderful quality items once you know how you move through your day and what would enhance it all the more.
~Notebook, Gardening, multiple colors~
~Refillable Jotter Pads w/perforated paper, many colors available~
—TSLL’s Notepad Sale, A Cuppa Ideas & To Market, To Market
Enjoy up to 20% off all of the notepads with A Cuppa Ideas and To Market, To Market in their bundles, or single purchase of either. No promo code is necessary as the discount is already applied. This is the once-a-year opportunity to save significantly on these two designs, as we do the same thing during French Week for the French notepads.
While definitely more analog, these notepads come with 50 pages, a magnet on the back and ensure you don’t miss an item you want to keep track of whether you are next to your tech or not. Also, detailed measurements for each notepad (they are slightly different in size) are on the product page. On my own fridge, you will see (right photo) that I have three different notepads, and one is To Market, To Market for keeping a running list of the grocery list. I have been using it since I designed these nearly 10 years ago, and I am so tickled to be able to keep offering them.
—Union Jack Flag Mug, 16 oz, Pimpernel
Each of us has our preferred style of mug, and perhaps this one is yours!
—’A Very English’ Alphabet Greeting Card, also, ‘A Very English Food & Drink‘ Alphabet Greeting Card
A bit of fun if you have an Anglophile who you communicate with via post, greeting cards they will definitely appreciate.
Television
—And Just Like That, season 3, Max
While not at all British, I had to include mention of the anticipated third season premiere of And Just Like That. On Thursday May 29th, ‘summer in the city’ begins on Max at 9pm and runs until August 14th – 12 new episodes for a very full and fun, and love-focused season. Have a look at the trailer below. You know what I will be watching next Thursday. 🙂
Happy Friday! And as we near the end of British Week (there are still three more posts to be shared, and one is the Grand Giveaway!), it has been a delight to see so many TSLL readers stop by and join in on the conversations in the Comments’ section, explore the giveaways and share glimpses of aspects of their everyday lives that draw inspiration from Britain. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, explored and shared your delight in the British culture. It has been a joy to bring this content to you.
Nelle has been my patient, truly very patient, assistant as I have been all but sleeping with my laptop this week, so she is looking forward to her mum putting the tech away come this weekend and giving her more of my full attention. 🙂
However, the best form of exhaustion is to have become tired doing something you love, and I sincerely look forward to this week each year. A smile stretches across my face each day as I look forward to sharing as much as I can during this week. Each evening concluded with watching episodes of The Chelsea Flower Show, paired with a cuppa and a snuggled pup by my side. Such a special week I savored, and I hope you have been as well. Sometimes I forget how so many details throughout the everyday derive themselves from the British culture, and it is upon writing a post or putting together an episode or selecting a giveaway that I realize how much of an Anglophile I am. In that truth, I know I am in good company with you, TSLL readers. 🙂
Catch up on all of the posts shared so far (12!) during this annual celebration of all things British here, and don’t forget that if you become a new TOP Tier Member now through Sunday, you will also receive a coupon to save 20% off TSLL’s Contentment Masterclass (the window for enrollment to utilize the savings is available during the first month of your new membership).
Also! Each year during British and French Week, one giveaway is reserved for subscribers of the weekly newsletter, so if you have subscribed and haven’t checked your inbox yet, be sure to do so. Directions are included to sharing with you what is being given away (hint, hint – the photo seen here) and how to enter.
With the long Memorial Day weekend coming upon us here in the states and Mother’s Day in France this Sunday, if you will be enjoying more time to do as you prefer in the coming days, may you have time to your own company, relaxing moments with loved ones and of course, many everyday moments to luxuriate in. Be sure to stop by later today when the Grand Giveaway will be posted. And on Saturday, the final two posts will be shared – a classic British sweet treat and the bookend post to what kicked off our week – Miss Marple kindred spirits, this post will be for you!
But today’s This & That is not finished yet! Below are a few articles and one video I thought you might enjoy, and until later today, cheers!
~A London home tour to find oodles of British décor inspiration – A Georgian flat in Marylebone – loving all of the upholstered headboards, lamps and furniture. [House & Garden UK]
~Where to go in Cornwall, a guide from the locals [NYTimes, gift link]
~British Airways is having their annual spring sale! Secure your next trip and save money while you’re at it. Sale ends May 27th.
~Explore the plants that stole the show at Chelsea [House & Garden UK]
~This breakfast recipe looks simple and yum, even if it sounds fancy – Eggs Florentine [Smitten Kitchen]
~British illustrator Lucy Claire has created a Monty Don + Ned watercolor that is now available in prints (thank you long-time TSLL reader for bringing this to my attention!💛). Shop here.
~7 beautiful ideas to transform your backyard into a calming retreat [Homes & Gardens UK]
~If you’re traveling by plane this summer, here are seven outfits to keep you comfortable and chic. [Who What Wear UK]
~Nine garden design ideas to steal from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show [Gardens Illustrated]
~The Cannes Film Festival has been underway and here are all of the many best looks. [Vogue UK]
~This is seriously cool – Literary salons are making a comeback in London, where live readings—complete with D.J.’s—are eclipsing nightclubs [AirMail]
~Looking to move to the English countryside? Check out this “picture-perfect Cotswolds manor house with magical gardens and an ancient orchard” [Country Life UK]
~Old phrases to start using again [@lit.by.adam]
~Monty Don’s garden designed with Jamie Butterworth definitely was worth the wait, and in case you haven’t seen it yet, or would like a closer look, Jamie provides just that in this video. A quick note about one of the details in the ‘shed’ or dog house is that all of the curtains and the blankets are made out of actual jeans from Monty Don that he used to wear but are now worn out. His wife Sarah made them to continue with the ‘reclaimed’ touch as the shed is also made out of reclaimed materials. 🙂 Enjoy the tour!
~Explore last week’s This & That: May 16, 2025
Books about beauty taught by French women who have figured it out, growing your own flowers all year-round, the wellness industry and is it really living up to all its promises, Matisse’s women as told in a much talked about new based on true-events-novel, and a French food, travel book to savor. Plus, Stanley Tucci returns, dresses for spring and summer for timeless style, a new French exhibit not to miss (and not in Paris), and still 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.
