A fun and sleuthy French series returns and takes us to Marseille, books about décor and how to create the sanctuary that nourishes you, cookbooks that take us to the Mediterranean, explore the concept of art in our life, how to heal and thrive, as well as a charming tour of England. Plus, sales continue on clothes and décor, and a new documentary about the woman who is considered the best comic writer of England. Still there is more.
 

Books

—Becoming the One: Heal Your Past, Transform Your Relationship Patterns, and Come Home to Yourself by Sheleana Aiyana

I happened upon Sheleana Aiyana’s IG account a couple of months ago, and learned about her international bestselling book – Becoming One. Upon further exploration, I appreciated her awareness of reasons why we may become doubtful or ‘unsuccessful’ if we are seeking a healthy relationship that we feel we can truly be ourselves. “If you find yourself struggling to let go after a relationship ends, or you keep hitting the same wall in dating and relationships with emotionally unavailable people, this is not a sign that you are broken. It is a sign that somewhere along the way, you learned to sacrifice yourself in order to be loved.”

While she understands that “the desire for love is wired into the very fibers of our being, before you can create rewarding bonds with others, first you must stand wholeheartedly in self-acceptance. Becoming the One is an invitation to find your way home to yourself.” Wherever you find yourself, whatever you are trying to understand or strengthen, I wanted to share this book with TSLL community.

—The Expat Affair: A Novel by Kimberly Belle

Kimberly Belle’s new novel crossed my radar as I was perusing Blackwell’s newly released titles. Set in Amsterdam and centered around a crime to solve, then add a diamond theft, and well, the plot just gets more and more intriguing. Plus, the protagonist is a strong female lead, so I looked further into the plot. The Expat Affair begins with Rayna Dumont arriving in Amsterdam for a fresh start. Then she meets Xander. Handsome and successful, it isn’t until after their first night together that things start to get interesting – “Xander is found dead and millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds missing from his safe.”

—Spatial Alchemy: Design Your Home to Transform Your Life by Olga Naiman

Now this book, just released in April, looks fascinating all the way around. Almost as if it is speaking the language of living simply luxuriously and focusing entirely on the home we live in. Spatial Alchemy centers around the assertion that “we can harness interior design as a tool for personal transformation.“

“Olga Naiman reveals her unique step-by-step road map for personal empowerment and evolution through home design. Like the ancient alchemists, she’ll teach you the secrets of shaping the mundane into the magical—so you can begin to uncover and then manifest what you truly want in life. Then you’ll begin the process of mindfully designing your space to better serve your personal goals, support your emotional needs, and offer comfort to your body and mind.” Take a look at two pages from the book for a taste of what you will discover.

—What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory by Bette Adriaanse and Brian Eno

Described as curious and playful, full of ideas and life, What Art Does “is an inspiring call to imagine a different future. It is a chance to understand how art is made by all of us. How it creates communities, opens our worlds, and can transform us.”

released March 2025

British Finds

—Jane Austen: The Making of a Genius, BBC2

Thank you to Sarah H. who lives in Britain for bringing this new documentary to my attention. Jane Austen: The Making of a Genius just premiered in the UK this past Monday, and is comprised of eight episodes. Described as sharing “the incredible story of a young woman who ripped up the rulebook and reinvented the novel, Jane Austen’s life story is told by famous faces who celebrate her remarkable life and beloved stories that still resonate today.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Charming England by Heide Christiansen 

A big thank you to Reynada for bringing my attention to another ‘Charming’ book by Heide Christiansen. In last week’s This & That, I shared Charming France, which was released earlier this week, and her Charming England was also just released on the 27th.

“Immerse yourself in the charming streets, medieval towns and authentic fishing villages that make up England’s charm. From bustling London to picturesque villages like the Cotswolds, where time seems to stand still and tradition is still alive. 

“Experience the locals’ favorite places, from cozy pubs and traditional tea houses to charming bookstores and secret stores. Our enchanting photos capture the authentic atmosphere of Good Old England and will enchant you. With a lovingly illustrated map, practical information and entertaining travel stories, we offer you the perfect companion for your trip.”

—LK Bennett, up to 30% off everything

If your style aesthetic aligns with LK Bennett, now is the time to shop. Everything is 30% off. From dresses, to shoes, to bags and more, have a look at a few finds below and be sure to shop the entire sale here.

~SHOP THE SALE:

Cookbooks

—Garlic, Olive Oil + Everything Mediterranean: Simple Recipes for the Home Cook by Daen Lia

When summer arrives, there is just something enticing about food inspired by Mediterranean fare, and Daen Lia’s Spanish and Italian roots provide the know-how of all the possibilities of the deliciousness available.

“With high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a little bit of butter, fresh herbs, and no-fuss techniques, such as pan-roasting, Daen shares the building blocks that enable you to make delicious meals, most of which can be ready in way less than an hour. Use a batch of silky Garlic Confit (just garlic melted into olive oil) to turn a basic meat sauce into the standout Confit Ragu Bolognese; or just add the delectable garlic onto Daen’s classic Focaccia. Here, too, you will find Peach, Tomato, and Burrata Salad drizzled with Basil Olive Oil; One-Pan Roasted Fish Puttanesca with burst cherry tomatoes, and a Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nut Quiche with a crispy puff pastry crust.” Yum!!

Francophile Finds

—La Stagiaire [The Intern], PBS/Walter Presents, season 3

I thoroughly enjoyed this series when I watched it about a year ago, zooming through the first two seasons. Now the third is available on PBS, and we return to the south of France where Constance, 50 years old, and once a farmer and mayor of her village near Marseille, continues her work as la stagiaire (intern) working her way toward becoming a judge. Her mentor, so to speak, alongside whom she works, is a young judge whom she respects, yet differs with him from time to time in their approach to solving crimes.

One of my favorite recurring aspects of this series is Constance’s relationship with her husband Barth who works from home on the farm His strong emotional intelligence and love of life is refreshing.

And good news, there are nine seasons in this series, so after you move through the eight episodes of season 3, you have many more that will no doubt come along to watch!

—The Image of Her: A Novel by Simone de Beauvoir (English, new edition)

Finally available in English, translated by Lauren Elgin, comes one of Simone de Beauvoir’s most recognizable feminist titles. The Image of Her centers around Laurence, who appears to be living the perfect life. Set in the French countryside in the 1960s, Laurence feels anything but content.

“Weekends in the country, weekdays in Paris – Laurence’s life features all the trappings of 1960s French bourgeoisie. She has money, a handsome husband, two daughters and a lover. She also has a successful career as an advertising copywriter, though her mind writes copy while she’s at home, and dreams of domesticity in the office.

“All her life she has strived to meet the expectations of others. But when her 10-year-old daughter, Catherine, starts to vocalise her despair about the unfairness of the world, Laurence must finally grapple with a life that prizes image over truth . . . The Image of Her is a classic story of womanhood and its oppressors, parents and their children, and the quest for personal truth.”

—My French Country Home Boutique Sale on all Antiques! 30% off (two days only)

Sharon Santoni’s online boutique includes many antiques found at the various French brocantes she visits. And for the first time, My French Country Home is having a sale on all of the antiques in the shop. Save 30% and no need to worry about a promo code as the prices are already reduced. Lasting only two days – yesterday and today (Friday May 30th), if you find something you love, scoop it up! These color vases immediately caught my eye, of which there are many more in different shapes and colors.

—Roland Garros, French Open, tennis

The second tennis Grand Slam of the year has begun, and you can stream all the matches on Max or TNT. Currently in the third round, look for the championship matches next weekend in Paris.

Décor

—The Citizenry, 20% off site-wide

Extending their Memorial Day sale, if you are looking for baskets, rugs, even towels and linen sheets, be sure to check out their sale. I have shopped a few items below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Seagrass Footed Bowl, The White Company

Summertime and simple elevating, figuratively, of the food as it is presented or served is simple to do, and inexpensive, with this seagrass footed bowl. I am loving this short pedestal for holding anything that is shared with the table.

Shopping

—Lilysilk’s Water Repellant Classic Trench Coat

A big thank you to long-time reader and member Janet B. for introducing me to not only this brand – Lilysilk – but specifically this trench coat. Janet lives near Seattle, so it rains a bunch, and she, having purchased this coat, raved about its quality and fit. I am loving its classic style and how the buttons are hidden when the coat is closed. Beautiful and timeless!

—Net-a-Porter, Semi-Annual Sale, up to 50% off

Another sale to peruse! Of course, sales are only worth the savings if the items are what we would pay full price for and know would work in our wardrobes, but this sale, if you have a designer you love, is offering lovely savings. The TODs loafers especially caught my attention. Shop a few finds I selected below.

Hunting Season’s Figue & Leather clutch (40% off)

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale

Another sale of note. And nope, this isn’t the Anniversary sale – that one is still to come in July. I promise to do a full exploration of all that will be worth taking note of when the time arrives. For now, there are some good discounts in this sale too if you have a particular brand in mind.

—Pour Les Femmes, High-Low Ruffle Maxi Dress, Hawaiian Blue, 25% off site-wide

A dress for summer lounging on those hot, hot days. Made with Pour les Femmes’ quality fabric and now 25% off. It is quite a nice deal.

Television

—Dept. Q, Netflix

English actor Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey) steps into the lead in Dept. Q which premiered yesterday on Netflix. Starring as “a brash but brilliant cop”, he is tasked with “being the head of a new police department where he leads an unlikely team of misfits in solving Edinburgh’s cold cases”. While it looks dark in parts, it also looks to have a very likable cast and show premise. Have a look at the trailer below to see if you’d like to check it out.

Summer weather arrived this week and then so did a few rain showers, both equally lovely. Nelle and I trekked down to the farmers’ market and picked a few bits and bobs, then meandered back home where we sat on the front porch while the rain fell. Exquisite moments, each one.

This weekend, the dahlias will be going out into the garden after I lift the tulips, and perhaps a couple of hours will be set aside to go watch  Jane Austen a Gâché Ma Vie for a matinee viewing as I cannot wait to watch that film.

How has your week been, and the long weekend leading into it? Hopefully it went very well indeed, and now you are heading back into another weekend ready to dance and delight with whatever is in store.

Below I have gathered up a few articles you might enjoy and the video this week is a garden tour most definitely worth taking. You will be stepping into a garden in France that takes inspiration from both the English and the French. It is a dream! Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by. ☺️ Bonne journée !

~Two simple ways to determine if something is noise or helpful data to pay attention to [Seth Godin]

~And Just Like That, season 3 premiered last night, and if you too enjoy Seema, be sure to check out last week’s New York Times’ Sunday profile to get to know Sarita Choudhury and how she spends a typical Sunday. [gifted]

~Save these for your next visit to Paris! 5 Michelin-starred restaurant with lunches under 70€. [Do It In Paris]

~Check out Paris’ new cheese museum [France Today]

~Mark the calendar for September 17th as that is when The Morning Show‘s fourth season will premiere on AppleTV! Check out some of the new cast in this IG post.

~As I shared in this month’s Smile post – one of my rooms will finally be finished with the decision about the window treatments – bringing the project to a conclusion. Wahoo!, so the question is How do you know when a room is finished? 7 British interior designers share how they know. [Homes & Garden UK]

~Kristin Davis’s shares 33 of her favorite people, places and things [AirMail]

~I enjoyed this recent column from interior designer Carlos Garcia in the spring issue of House & Garden UK – what makes a country home different from one in the city?

~A smart list to take note of – 11 Ways to sleep better on a plane [Travel + Leisure]

~Speaking of travel – How travel and help you live a happier and longer life [Afar]

~Discover where to find the best croissants in Paris [Hip Paris]

~Tour Dior’s creative director, Cordelia de Castellane’s flower-filled French & English garden, and check out her new book, Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House which takes you inside even further, sharing full of tips, photos and inspiration as well. “Je suis au garden.”

~Explore last weeks This & That: May 23, 2025

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.

~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.