Greenwich, CT April 2026

All The More Reason to Smile.

Greenwich Braces is a state of the art orthodontic office for both children and adults founded in 1998. It is our mission to treat each patient as our family member, while providing the highest quality of orthodontic care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our doctors and orthodontic team go to extreme lengths to make our patients feel comfortable.

Dr. Tiffany Christensen

Dr. Rosemary Ryan

Dr. Amanda Iorio

The Return on Intention

There is something about Greenwich that understands both ambition and reinvention.

It’s a town rooted in history yet constantly evolving. A place where legacy and forward-thinking live side by side. And in many ways, that duality defines this month’s issue.

Our cover story features Carola Lovering, a bestselling author whose work has captivated audiences far beyond the tri-state area. With deep roots in this community and an intimate understanding of its emotional landscape, Carola has transformed personal experience into cultural conversation.  Tell Me Lies didn’t simply become a hit show, it sparked dialogue about modern love, power, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves. Her voice is sharp, honest, and unmistakably informed by the world she grew up in.

That theme of reinvention continues throughout these pages.

We are thrilled to feature Greenwich’s own Lara Spencer, co-anchor of  Good Morning America , who is now hosting a new show centered on secondhand shopping filmed right here in Fairfield County. Lara’s career has always blended style with substance, and this latest chapter celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the idea that something old can become extraordinary again. There is something very Greenwich about that, respecting heritage while reimagining it for today.

Anna Barnes of @bliss_and_bellinis reminds us this month that investing in yourself is never a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether through wellness, education, or personal growth, the strongest returns are often internal before they’re external.

And speaking of smart investments, Tanya Meyers of @mode_t_ shares her insight on fashion pieces that truly pay you back — not just in resale value, but in confidence, longevity, and personal brand. In a world that moves quickly, intentional choices matter.

We also take you abroad to Florence, Italy, where Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo offers breathtaking views from a centuries-old hilltop villa. Perspective, whether gained through travel, storytelling, or style has a way of clarifying what truly matters.

At its core, this issue is about value.

The value of truth in art. The value of reinvention. The value of investing in yourself. The value of community.

Greenwich has long been a place where ideas begin and evolve. It’s an honor to spotlight the people and stories shaping that evolution.

And as always, stay tuned as we are preparing something special that will bring literature, conversation, and community together in a way we cannot wait to share.

With gratitude,

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Lara Casiple | lara.casiple@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com

Andrea Alderson | andrea.alderson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sara Gaynes Levy, Anna Barnes, Tanya Meyers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brook Road Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

LAURA SABIA, PUBLISHER @GREENWICHLIFESTYLEMAG

Periodontist & Implant Surgeon

Dr. Traynor Practices the Most Advanced Techniques in Periodontics and Implant Placement Including:

· Laser Therapy to Treat Gum Infections and Regrow Bone (LANAP)

· Laser Therapy to Save Failing Implants

· Cosmetic Treatments to Improve the Look of Your Smile

· State of the Art Technology for Custom Implant Placement

· Same Day Implant Placement for Broken Teeth

inside the issue

Where History Meets the Tuscan Sky

A medieval villa-turned-hotel in the rolling hills south of Florence, where sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and ancient gardens make every moment feel extraordinary.

Lara Spencer: Greenwich’s Second-Hand Queen

’Good Morning America’ anchor Lara Spencer hosts a new show about secondhand shopping, filmed here in Fairfield County. Invest in Yourself

The most

asset you’ll ever own is you!

Bestselling author Carola Lovering reflects on the emotional complexity behind Tell Me Lies, the cultural impact of its adaptation, and how growing up locally continues to shape the stories she’s most compelled to tell.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Scott Stuart to Receive 2026 Peterson Business Award

Greenwich Library announced that Greenwich resident Scott Stuart, co-founder and partner of Sageview Capital, will receive the 2026 Peterson Business Award at the annual Peterson Business Award Dinner on April 9, 2026, at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency. The award recognizes Stuart’s leadership and longstanding philanthropic commitment to the Greenwich community. Co-chaired by Alexandra Codraro, Lawrence Codraro, Jr., and Anne Farrell, the event is the Library’s premier fundraiser. Tickets are now available to support library programs.

Introducing Greenwich Wellness Week

Greenwich Wellness Week is a curated, seven-day activation organized by Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine, spotlighting the businesses shaping health and well-being in our community. Modeled after Restaurant Week, each participating provider presents a limited-time introductory or promotional offer designed to welcome new clients and drive meaningful engagement. The initiative connects Greenwich residents with trusted local wellness brands while supporting local businesses in our community. Contact us at Greenwich@citylifestyle.com for more information or to participate.

Exceptional 2026 new construction offering resort-style living on a private 1.2-acre lot just moments from town, enhanced by professionally designed landscaping. Designed by Schettino Architects, the five-bedroom home features seven full baths and two powder rooms with a bright, open layout ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The second floor includes a luxurious primary suite with balcony, dual walk-in closets, and spa bath, plus three additional ensuite bedrooms.

The lower level offers a gym with sauna, theater, hockey area, and guest suite, while the third floor provides flexible office or play space. Outdoors, enjoy a pool and spa, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, patios, three-car garage, and a fully equipped pool house with lounge, bedroom, bath, and covered porch. Q1 2027 move-in.

M. 203.536.1195

abates@houlihanlawrence.com amandabatesrealtor.com

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA | PHOTOGRAPHY

A medieval villa-turned-hotel in the rolling hills south of Florence, where sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and ancient gardens make every moment feel extraordinary.

Set high on the verdant Bellosguardo hill, just a short drive from Florence’s historic center, Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo lives up to its name: the Tower of the Beautiful View. Perched above the Arno Valley and its terracotta-roofed skyline, this 13th-century villa offers an unparalleled panorama that unfolds from dawn’s first light to the golden hour glow of sunset.

Originally built as a hunting lodge and family residence for the Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti, a close friend of Dante, the structure evolved over centuries into a noble villa adorned with artistic treasures and echoing with stories of Florence’s rich cultural history.

Today, Torre di Bellosguardo remains a rare blend of historic authenticity and intimate hospitality. Its 16 uniquely appointed rooms and suites occupy an estate that once hosted Renaissance thinkers. Legend has it that Galileo Galilei studied the stars from this very tower, imbuing every stay with a sense of continuity and tradition.

The hotel’s location is its defining feature: a quiet hilltop sanctuary framed by olive groves, cypresses, and meticulously tended gardens. From the terraced lawns to the poolside lounge, each vantage point presents a sweeping tableau of Florence’s skyline, including the iconic Duomo and Palazzo Pitti, framed by Tuscan hills and sky. Guests here don’t just visit Florence, they  watch it, as centuries of history rise and recede beneath the shifting light.

Stepping through the gates feels like entering a private residence rather than a traditional hotel. Antique furnishings, original frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and carved stone fireplaces whisper of bygone eras, while modern comforts air conditioning, private baths, Wi-Fi, and mini-bars ensure every stay is relaxed and contemporary.

The villa’s story is woven into the very walls: in the early 1500s, the Michelin-rated residence saw frescoes commissioned by the Roti Michelozzi family, and its grand entrance still features sculpture and art that reflect the Renaissance spirit. Later, in the early 20th

century, Baroness Marion von Hornstein-Franchetti transformed the estate into a gathering place for intellectuals and nobility from across Europe, a legacy that lingered long before its conversion to a hotel roughly a quarter-century ago.

Despite its proximity to Florence which is just ten minutes by car, Torre di Bellosguardo delivers a sense of seclusion and serenity that few city stays can match.

Mornings here might begin with coffee on a private terrace overlooking rolling hills, followed by a leisurely stroll through the citrus-woodland garden or a swim in the pool with an unobstructed vista of the Renaissance city. As the sun dips, the rustling orchard and olive groves invite guests to linger with a glass of Chianti, watching as Florence’s terracotta hues melt into twilight.

While the atmosphere is rooted in history, modern touches ensure comfort and convenience. Daily housekeeping, poolside amenities, and attentive service create a welcoming environment for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, all eager to experience a view like no other

Perhaps the city’s greatest gift to guests at Torre di Bellosguardo is perspective. Not just the physical view stretching from hilltop to cathedral dome, but a deeper sense of place and history. Here, amid the whisper of olive branches and the glow of Tuscan sunsets, Florence isn’t merely a destination you visit; it’s a vista you carry with you

Learn more at https://www.torrebellosguardo.com

BEST TIMES TO VISIT HOTEL TORRE DI BELLOSGUARDO

APRIL–JUNE (SPRING IN BLOOM)

Arguably the most magical season on the Bellosguardo hill. The gardens are lush, olive trees shimmer in soft green, and temperatures are ideal for long mornings on the terrace. Florence is lively but not yet at peak summer intensity.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER (GOLDEN LIGHT SEASON)

Early fall brings warm days, cooler evenings, and the kind of Tuscan sunsets that feel almost cinematic. The vineyard harvest season adds another romantic layer to the landscape, and the views from the tower glow in amber tones.

JULY–AUGUST (FOR SUN SEEKERS)

While Florence can be hot, the elevated position of the hotel offers more breeze than the city center. The pool becomes a welcome retreat after sightseeing, and evenings on the terrace feel expansive and celebratory.

NOVEMBER–MARCH (QUIET & REFLECTIVE)

A slower, more intimate Florence. Fewer crowds mean unhurried museum visits and a peaceful atmosphere. The villa’s historic interiors feel especially cozy during cooler months.

Closet Investments That Actually Pay You Back.

TIMELESS PIECES I RECOMMEND TO HELP YOU LOOK PULLED TOGETHER, SPEND SMARTER, AND GET DRESSED WITH LESS STRESS EVERY DAY

ARTICLE BY TANYA MEYERS

- FASHION STYLIST @MODE_T_

“Investment pieces” means different things to everyone. For me, it’s any piece you buy on purpose because you know you’ll wear it on repeat, and it makes the rest of your closet easier to use. That’s the real point, less stress, more outfits, and more wear out of what you already own.

What makes something feel like an investment is quality plus versatility, no matter where it comes from. I always start with fabrics that hold up, wool, merino or cashmere, crisp woven cotton, silk, real leather, and structured denim. Then I check the details, clean stitching, strong seams, and hardware that feels solid.

1. The blazer you can live in

Choose the shape that fits your real life. If you are constantly on the go, softer tailoring and a relaxed shoulder feel effortless. If you want more authority, look for cleaner lines and a sharper lapel.

Quality notes: A wool blazer or structured cotton will hold its shape better than thin synthetics. A good lining helps it glide and keeps it looking crisp.

3. Shoes that cover your calendar

Shoes can make or break an outfit, and the shoes you wear most should be comfortable and pulled-together. My top categories: a great loafer, a clean sneaker, and a simple boot that works with jeans, trousers, and dresses. For dinners and events, add one dressy option, either a classic pump or a minimal heeled sandal you can actually walk in.

Quality notes: Look for real leather uppers, clean stitching, and a sole that feels substantial. For heels, stability matters. Bonus points if they can be resoled.

2. The coat that upgrades every outfit

Outerwear is one of the smartest places to invest in because it is the first thing people see for months of the year. A great coat elevates everything underneath, even a simple sweater and jeans. Start with two workhorse options: a classic wool coat (camel, black, navy, charcoal) and a puffer or quilted coat that feels intentional, even when it is oversized. If you want an elevated third option, a shearling or fur piece is a true cold-weather investment, warm, timeless, and instantly chic

Quality notes: Choose weighty wool, durable outer fabric on puffers, quality filling, even stitching, and for shearling or fur, dense and even hide with clean seams and secure closures.

4. Denim that fits like it was made for you

The right jeans make everything else easier. I would rather you have one or two pairs you truly love than a row of jeans you keep skipping over.

For most people, a straight leg or slight wide leg is the most versatile. Dark wash reads refined. Medium wash feels casual.

Focus on the rise that flatters you and a leg shape that balances your proportions. Quality notes: Denim should feel structured. If you like stretch, keep it minimal so it bounces back. Quick test: sit, walk, reach. If you’re tugging or adjusting, they’re not the one.

CONTINUED >

5. A bag that works for your real days

A bag is an investment when it fits what you actually carry, sits comfortably, and works with most of your wardrobe. For everyday, I love a roomy shoulder bag, plus a crossbody for hands-free days. If you are regularly going out, add one small evening bag, a sleek clutch or mini shoulder bag. Neutrals are easiest, and "neutral" does not mean only black. Espresso, taupe, burgundy, and deep olive all wear like neutrals.

Quality notes: Look for real leather, solid stitching, and straps that feel secure and comfortable.

6. Knitwear that feels good and wears well

A great knit is comfort and polish in one piece. Your core knit lineup: a crewneck, a cardigan you can wear as a top, and a lightweight sweater for layering. And if you are a turtleneck person, add one to the mix, it is a true core piece when you love how it feels and looks.

Quality notes: A denser knit holds its shape better, especially at cuffs and hems.

7. Elevated basics that do the heavy lifting

A crisp button-down, a blouse with beautiful drape, a knit top that keeps its shape, and a tee that is not seethrough. They sound simple, but they are the pieces that make everything else work.

Quality notes: Choose smooth, structured woven cotton for button-downs, silk or a silk blend for drape, and heavier cotton jersey tees that keep their shape.

The rules I apply when looking for “investment pieces”

Can I style it at least three ways with what I own? Does it fit my real schedule? Will I choose it on a normal day? Is the fabric and construction good enough to last? Do I feel like myself in it?

A

final thought from my dressing room to yours

Building a closet you love is not about buying more. It is about buying smarter, with a clear idea of what you want your style to feel like. Start with the category that causes you the most daily stress, then invest there. When the foundation is right, getting dressed gets easy, and you actually wear what you own. And if you ever want a second set of eyes, I’m always here, just a call away. Sometimes it helps to refine what you have and make it work harder

LARA SPENCER: GREENWICH’S SECOND-HAND QUEEN

’Good Morning America’ anchor Lara Spencer hosts a new show about secondhand shopping, filmed here in Fairfield County.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Lara Spencer has been sharing her love of thrifted finds for years. She wrote a book, I Brake for Yard Sales, chronicling her secondhand shopping secrets; she created and hosted HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, which aired from 2012-2019; and she often shows off her incredible vintage finds on her Instagram, @lara.spencer. Now, the Emmy-award winning anchor and host of Good Morning America is back with another treasure-hunting series, this time in her own backyard of Fairfield County. Lara is the executive producer and host of That Thrifting Show, which premieres on Thursday, March 19 at 9 p.m. on Freeform, with the first six episodes available to stream on Hulu the next day. Each of the 12 episodes of the series features two interior-design duos, who hunt for beautiful, unique vintage and thrift store finds to create a magazine-worthy room, with only two days and a $2,000 budget. Style experts Robert Hartwell, Dani Klaric, and Preston Konrad will judge the thrifted designs. We chatted with her about her new show and what it was like to film it in and around her hometown of Greenwich.

SARA GAYNES LEVY: SECOND-HAND FINDS HAVE BEEN A PASSION OF YOURS FOR A LONG TIME. HOW DID YOU FIRST DEVELOP YOUR LOVE FOR VINTAGE AND THRIFTING?

Lara Spencer: I’ve been thrifting and going to yard sales since I was very young. My mom had a great eye and loved hunting for vintage furniture to restore. She would bring me everywhere with her, and that’s really where it all began for me.

SGL: WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BRING A NEW SERIES ABOUT THRIFTING TO TV?

LS: I love seeing how into thrifting and upcycling my kids and their friends are. There’s a whole new audience that really understands and respects sustainable design. I also knew the fans of Flea Market Flip would be there. That show was so special. My goal was to create a sister show, but with its own identity and brand.

SGL: THAT THRIFTING SHOW WILL REALLY SHOW OFF GREENWICH AND FAIRFIELD COUNTY. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO MAKE A SERIES LIKE THIS ON YOUR HOME TURF?

LS: It was such a joy to bring viewers to some of my favorite places and highlight the wonderful people who run them. We live in an area where people are incredibly generous with donations of furniture, accessories, and art. That makes these places so fun to shop. I think viewers are going to be amazed by what our teams found and how they transformed those pieces into stunning rooms.

SGL: WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM FILMING?

LS: This series was a joy from start to finish. If I had to choose one, it would be when the producers and crew would gather at the warehouse waiting for the teams to return from their shopping trips. Watching them unload vans filled with furniture, art, and rugs they had scored at local consignment shops and thrift stores was so exciting. We were constantly amazed by their choices.

“IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND YOU HAVE A SPOT FOR IT, BUY IT.”

SGL: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP TIPS FOR KNOWING IF A THRIFTED ITEM IS A WORTHY PURCHASE, ESPECIALLY FOR A DISCERNING FAIRFIELD COUNTY SHOPPER?

LS: My number one tip is: if it makes you happy and you have a spot for it, buy it. I look for things that are pretty, good quality, and useful. One great lesson I learned from the design teams on TTS is don’t be afraid to let the salesperson know what you are hoping to find and ask if they have anything that might work for that specific look.

SGL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOTH, LE TIGRE, AT FAIRFIELD COUNTY ANTIQUE & DESIGN.

LS:  It’s all about finding great pieces that are unique and tell a story. My partner, Lisa Richardson, and I have been friends since nursery school in Garden City, New York, and our moms taught us everything we know about “the hunt” as they were both avid thrifters. We honor them with our booth filled with pieces we know they would love. Come see for yourself!

SGL: I KNOW YOUR SALES THERE SUPPORT THE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE (@ANIMALLEAGUE). HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THEM AND WHY IS THAT ORGANIZATION SO CLOSE TO YOUR HEART?

LS: Both of our babies are from there, Riva the retriever mix and Betty the corgi. They do such important work as the largest no-kill shelter in the world for both dogs and cats. Any money donated goes toward rescuing these precious animals until they can find their forever home.

SGL: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS?

LS: I can’t drive on Post Road in Westport without stopping by Furniture on Consignment. The owner Jim is so lovely and very knowledgeable. Other hotspots include the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. And auctions are a great resource. I love Modern Day Auctions and Black Rock Galleries.

SGL: HOW HAS LIVING IN GREENWICH INFLUENCED YOUR PERSONAL HOME DECOR PHILOSOPHY?

LS: I would say it’s made me appreciate so many styles and become more open to trying new things. We have beautiful antique homes alongside clean, modern new builds. This is a town filled with people who have exceptional taste, so it’s always inspiring to see the furnishings and art they choose.

My own home is always evolving, at least a little bit. Amy Hirsch did an incredible job with the interior design when we bought in 2018, and we haven’t touched the design foundation, but I have continued to curate the art and accessories over the years. I would describe my home’s style as transitional with modern finishes. It’s luxe and textural and a little unexpected.

By adding my finds to Amy’s exceptional work, it has made it feel fun, homey, and just perfect for us. And I always follow my own advice. When I find a vintage piece that makes me happy and works in our space, I get it.  This interview has been edited and condensed.

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Invest in Yourself

The most valuable asset you’ll ever own is you!

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

Find A Workout You

Love

Move your body in a way that feels like a privilege, not a punishment.

@PUREBARREDARIEN

Finding a workout you genuinely love transforms movement from obligation into investment. When exercise feels joyful rather than forced, consistency follows and with consistency, that’s where the real return happens. Keeping your body strong and mobile supports mental clarity, energy, confidence, and long-term health. For me, that’s Pure Barre in Darien; the movement, muscle building burn, and community. That hour isn’t just a class; it’s a reset button. Prioritizing movement is one of the most powerful ways to invest in yourself every single day.

Be In Your Most

Confident Skin

When you feel confident in your skin, you show up at your very best.

@NICHOLSMD_DERMATOLOGY

A dermatologist who makes you feel truly comfortable in your own skin is worth its weight in gold. It’s not about changing your face, it’s about feeling confident, informed, and cared for in your own skin. I’ve been a client of NicholsMD for ten years and they’re my ultimate derm team. I leave my yearly skin checks feeling reassured, knowing the NicholsMD team is thorough and genuinely looking out for my health. Beyond that, they enhance my skin by prioritizing effective skincare and treatments that deliver natural, healthy results. When you trust the team guiding your skincare journey, it’s easy to show up feeling polished, confident, and completely comfortable in your own skin.

There’s a certain allure to the word investment. Images of portfolios, property, and long-term returns immediately come to mind but the most valuable asset you will ever manage isn’t a stock or a savings account — it’s you. Long before the visible wins show up, the real groundwork happens in the small, everyday choices you make about your health, your learning, your confidence, and how you spend your time.

Investing in yourself is not indulgent; it’s strategic. From choosing the workout that strengthens your body and clears your mind to seeking out experts who help you feel capable and confident in your own skin. It’s enrolling in courses

that sharpens your skills, even when there’s no immediate applause. These decisions rarely offer instant gratification, but, much like a savings account, they compound in ways that are transformative.

In a culture that often celebrates visible markers of success, self-investment can sometimes feel invisible when you’re doing it. When you prioritize your well-being and growth, you expand your capacity — to lead, to create, to earn, and to connect. The returns show up in stronger boundaries, clearer vision, deeper relationships, and opportunities you’re prepared to seize. Ultimately, investing in yourself is the most powerful way to shape the life you want to live.

Keep learning — growth is what sharpens your mind and expands your potential.

Continued learning is one of the most rewarding ways to invest in yourself — it keeps your brain sharp, sparks creativity, and builds confidence. Trying new hobbies is a fun and low-pressure way to start, whether it’s needlepoint or cooking classes. If you’re unsure where to begin, logging in for a class on MasterClass is a simple first step; there are endless, deeply interesting classes to try. Exploring something new expands your skills, challenges your mind, and reminds you that growth doesn’t stop at any age.

Continue Learning Enhance Your Circle

Elevate your circle — the people around you shape your standards and your future.

Surrounding yourself with good, ambitious people is one of the most powerful ways to invest in yourself — because it matters who’s in your circle. The energy around you shapes your standards, your mindset, and your belief in what’s possible. When you’re surrounded by driven, supportive individuals, you’re inspired to think bigger and move with intention. Joining the Emboss Life Community has been such a meaningful way to level up my inner circle — connecting with like-minded women who challenge, support, and inspire me to grow.

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ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Carola Lovering:

Writing What We’re Afraid to Say

From Upper Westchester to Hollywood, the bestselling author reflects on love, vulnerability, and the stories that refuse to let us look away

Before the television adaptation, before the Calvin Klein campaign, before  Tell Me Lies became a cultural obsession dissected across TikTok and late-night group texts, there was a girl growing up in Upper Westchester, spending summer days at the country club and watching boats drift across the Sound.

That girl was Carola Lovering.

And the emotional terrain of this region. Its privilege, its pressure, its intimacy, its drama would one day become the backdrop for the stories that made her a phenomenon.

“This part of the world has always been home to me,” she says. “Even when I’ve lived elsewhere. My family is here. My closest friends are here. And as a writer, I’m constantly drawn back to it because I know it so intimately, its people, its class distinctions, its emotional undercurrents.”

In  Tell Me Lies , Lucy’s hometown of Cold Spring Harbor mirrors Bedford in subtle but unmistakable ways. The lazy summer days at the tennis club. The ease and boredom of adolescence. The familiar ritual of meeting at the pool. The scene where Lucy and Stephen take a boat out onto Long Island Sound one summer night feels almost autobiographical to anyone who has grown up in Fairfield or Westchester County.

Readers recognize it because they’ve lived it.

And that intimacy, the specificity of place is part of what gives Lovering’s work its quiet power.

The Story That Changed Everything

Carola didn’t always know she would become a novelist. As a teenager, she loved writing and reading, but she wasn’t someone with a crystal-clear career trajectory.

That changed in the aftermath of an on-again, off-again toxic relationship during and after college.

When it finally ended, she was devastated. Confused. Unmoored. Overwhelmed by emotions she didn’t know how to process.

A friend suggested she write about it.

So she did.

What began as catharsis became  Tell Me Lies,  a raw, psychologically complex exploration of obsession, humiliation, longing, and the kind of love that fractures your sense of self.

“I think many people have been in Lucy’s shoes before,” she says. “Or at least know someone who has. It’s often the most humiliating, shameful experiences that tap into our deepest vulnerabilities and that’s what connects us as humans.”

That emotional honesty is precisely why audiences can’t look away.

The television adaptation didn’t just expand her readership, it ignited fandom. As a consulting producer, Lovering was closely involved in season one, visiting the set and watching her characters take physical form. Seeing Grace Van Patten as Lucy and Jackson White as Stephen felt surreal.

CONTINUED >

“I truly cannot think of a more perfect Lucy or Stephen,” she says. “Their casting is a huge part of what makes the show.”

By season two and especially season three, the response reached another level. Social media engagement exploded. The discourse deepened. And when the two leads appeared in a Calvin Klein campaign, it crystallized something.

“It felt iconic,” she says. “That was a moment where I realized this was bigger than I imagined.”

Yet what makes  Tell Me Lies culturally relevant isn’t chemistry or glamour. It’s restraint.

The show does not glorify toxicity.

“We all know Stephen is toxic and that’s the point. You’re not supposed to root for him and Lucy,” she explains. “I grew up watching shows that arguably glamorized certain unhealthy dynamics. I don’t think that was healthy for my generation. I’m glad  Tell Me Lies shines a light on toxicity instead of ignoring it.”

Why We Can’t Look Away

Part of what makes  Tell Me Lies resonate so deeply is that it captures a generational shift in how we talk about love.

For decades, pop culture romanticized dysfunction. The brooding bad boy. The push-pull dynamic. The woman who endures emotional chaos because the chemistry is electric. Those narratives weren’t presented as cautionary tales, they were presented as destiny.

Lovering’s work disrupts that.

Stephen is magnetic, yes. But he is also manipulative. Lucy is intelligent and self-aware, yet repeatedly pulled into a dynamic that erodes her confidence. The tension isn’t about whether they’ll end up together, it’s about whether she’ll survive herself inside the relationship.

That distinction matters.

In a post-therapy, post-#MeToo, emotionally literate culture, audiences crave stories that reflect the complexity of desire without romanticizing harm. They want to see the mess without pretending it’s aspirational. Lovering gives them that.

And perhaps no setting is more fertile ground for that kind of storytelling than the tri-state area.

This region, Westchester, Fairfield County, the commuter towns just outside Manhattan exist at a fascinating intersection of affluence and insecurity. Achievement is expected. Image is curated. Social hierarchies form early and harden quickly. Summers revolve around

country clubs and tennis courts. Friendships are intimate, but reputations are fragile.

There is privilege here, certainly but also pressure.

That emotional landscape of ambition, comparison, longing, and the fear of falling short seeps into Lovering’s fiction. The boats on the Sound, the poolside afternoons, the quiet, tree-lined roads: they are beautiful, yes. But they are also stages upon which identity is performed and tested.

Readers from this area recognize the subtext immediately.

They know the feeling of wanting something or someone who threatens their stability. They understand how easily external polish can mask internal unraveling. They see themselves in Lucy not because her circumstances are extreme, but because her vulnerability feels familiar.

By anchoring her novels in places she knows intimately, Lovering achieves something rare: specificity that becomes universal.

She writes about Bedford and Cold Spring Harbor, about tennis clubs and shoreline summers but she’s really writing about the universal ache to be chosen, to be seen, to matter.

And that’s why we can’t look away.

The Personal Layer

Success has changed her career but not the work itself.

“There are more eyes on my writing now,” she says. “And yes, success has boosted my confidence. But it hasn’t made the process any less daunting.”

There are no shortcuts in writing.

The joy, she explains, is in the work itself. The quiet hours at her desk, the frustration, the breakthroughs. Even when drafting feels clunky or agonizing, she feels grateful that this is what she gets to do.

At the moment, she’s navigating a new chapter in more ways than one. She welcomed her third baby in December and is on what she calls a “self-imposed maternity leave” in quotes, because writers don’t really get to turn off.

When she’s actively drafting a novel, her days are structured. Kids to school. Coffee. Emails. Then the manuscript. A thousand words a day, if possible. She writes until she hits her word-count goal or reaches a natural stopping point, closing her laptop around five when her children return home.

Writing is not a hobby.

“It’s very much a full-time job,” she says. “A job I happen to love, but a job nonetheless.”

To protect her creativity amid Hollywood attention and social media noise, she follows advice from her agent: start writing the next thing.

“Keep yourself busy creating,” she says. “That’s the best way to tune out the noise.”

When she needs to reset locally, she heads to Kaia Yoga in Darien, takes long walks near her home, or attends author events at Athena Books in Old Greenwich, Barrett Bookstore in Darien, and Elm Street Books in New Canaan, independent spaces that keep the literary community alive.

Her hometown, she says, is “community-oriented.”

That word feels fitting.

What’s Next

Her fifth novel,  Whiteout, will publish next winter. Set in Aspen, it explores motherhood, marriage, and mental health. Suspenseful, but not quite a thriller.

“I’ve been working on it since 2023,” she says. “I can’t wait to finally share it.”

“I’m currently collaborating with a studio on adapting another of my stories for TV; while I can’t share specifics yet I’m incredibly excited about this potential adaptation.”

Despite the scale of her success, she approaches new projects the same way she always has: trying to improve with each book.

At this stage of her life, raising three young children, she feels especially called to explore motherhood and how parenting reshapes marriage.

The emotional complexity never disappears. It simply evolves.

And perhaps that is what defines Carola Lovering most: a refusal to look away from what’s uncomfortable. Her advice to young writers growing up here is simple, and powerful:

“The thing you are most afraid to write. Write that.”

Because vulnerability breeds relatability. And relatability breeds connection.

From Bedford to Greenwich to Darien, her stories echo with the tension and tenderness of this region. The tennis courts. The country clubs. The Sound at dusk. The marriages under pressure. The ambition. The longing.

She writes what we’re ashamed to admit. And in doing so, she transforms shame into art.

On Writing Fearlessly

“The thing you are most afraid to write. Write that. So often what we’re most scared of sharing is exactly what people want to read. Vulnerability breeds relatability. Break through your shame and create art from it.”

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Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

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events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 7TH

Great American Treasures

Greenwich Historical Society | 7:00 PM

Greenwich Historical Society warmly welcomes all to the final installment of their winter lecture series. The presentation extends the exhibition The Holley Boarding House: Inspiring American Impressionism into an in-depth exploration of how the Holley women established a lasting legacy with their boarding house and examines how women have made their mark in preserving national heritage.

APRIL 9TH

2026 Peterson Business Award Dinner

Greenwich Hyatt Regency Hotel | 7:00 PM

The Peterson Business Award Dinner is Greenwich Library’s most prestigious major fundraiser and is vital to maintaining the quality and availability of the Library’s more than 2,200 annual programs and events. The Peterson Business Award recognizes Scott Stuart’s leadership in business and his longstanding philanthropic commitment to the Greenwich community.

APRIL 16TH

Neighbor to Neighbor Annual Spring Luncheon

Greenwich Country Club | 11:30 AM

Don't miss Neighbor to Neighbor's Annual Spring Luncheon, featuring Jasmine Mitchell and Tom Arden, the winner and finalist of  The Great British Baking Show 2025! This event supports Neighbor to Neighbor's mission, which serves over 600 Greenwich households with food and necessities.

APRIL 25TH

Spring Migration Bird Tour

Greenwich Audubon Center | 7:00 AM

Join Bird Education Specialist Ryan MacLean for a morning bird tour at the Greenwich Audubon Center! The center’s open fields, apple orchard, wetlands, and woodlands provide great habitat for migrating birds such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, orioles, and others. Binoculars will be available for those who don’t have them! The program is free but participants must register in advance.

APRIL 25TH

Ruby Red & White Ball

Riverside Yacht Club | 6:00 PM

The Ruby Red & White Ball is the signature fundraiser for the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter. This unforgettable night honors extraordinary heroes in our community. Through powerful stories shared by the military, humanitarian, and corporate honorees, you'll celebrate the strength, courage, and compassion that define the very best of humanity.

APRIL 28TH

Sole Sisters 21st Annual Luncheon

Greenwich Country Club | 10:00 AM

Save the date for the Sole Sisters Annual Luncheon! Jenna Bush Hager will join Juliet Faithfull to discuss Liar’s Dice, Faithfull’s award-winning debut novel. Celebrate sisterhood with an inspiring conversation exploring connection, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that unite women at this special annual event.

RIVERSIDE PERFECTION

6 BD • 5.2 BA • 8,364 SF

Elegantly set in the heart of Riverside, just moments from the shoreline, this distinguished 2018 residence embodies refined luxury and sits on over half an acre of beautifully level property. Encompassing more than 8,300 square feet across three impeccably finished levels, the home is framed by professional landscaping and appointed with a heated pool, cold plunge, sauna and built-in gas grill.

Schedule a private showing with Jenny and Kristen. Get in touch today.

Jenny Allen

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

M: 203.921.6327

jenny.allen@compass.com

jennyallen_greenwich

Kristen Studwell

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

M: 203.496.9383

kristen.studwell@compass.com krissystuds

Compass Connecticut, LLC, O: 203.343.0141 | compass.com