Caresse divorced Richard Rogers Peabody, freeing herself from a difficult and unhappy marriage. This marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to pursue her own interests and desires.

Caresse relocated to Paris, drawn by its vibrant artistic scene and its atmosphere of liberation. She quickly immersed herself in the bohemian lifestyle and began to associate with prominent writers and artists.

Together with her second husband, Harry Crosby, Caresse established the Crosby Continental Editions, a publishing house dedicated to showcasing avant-garde and experimental literature. This was a pivotal moment, transforming her into a major patron of the arts.

Caresse became a vital supporter of the Lost Generation of expatriate writers, including Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound. Her publishing house provided them with a platform and financial assistance, earning her the title of 'literary godmother'.

Caresse and Harry Crosby established Le Moulin du Soleil, a utopian community near Paris where artists and writers could live and work in a supportive and stimulating environment. This reflected their shared ideals of artistic freedom and communal living.