HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Just a little Valentine mood MUSICA for some of my very favorite people . . . ♥

Yesterday most of our snow had melted, the grass was green, and I was having little pangs of Spring Fever . . . and today, as the sun began to come up, I looked outside to one of the prettiest snowstorms I’ve seen in a long time.

Just a beautiful day on the island.  My girlfriend Margot called at 6am to say, “You have to go look at the sunrise!”  One look and I burrowed right back into winter . . .

And now, the wind is blowing clumps of snow off roofs and trees and making it look like it’s snowing, but it’s not.

It’s just adding to the romance of an already romantic day…

As does this . . .

It’s the feet I love the most.

I took Joe his breakfast a while ago.  His Valentine’s present.

I made it in a cookie cutter.

Happy Valentine’s Day Girlfriends! I hope you’ve all received your Valentine Willards! Just as you read, we’re having a drawing for a pre-publication copy of my new book A FINE ROMANCE! 

To be entered, just leave a comment (click on the tiny grey word “comments” just under this post). Sometime after the 20th, Vanna, our resident chooser-in-chief, will pick the winning name! When the book comes in, I’ll sign it and send it to the lucky winner. Until then, especially for today, I’m sending you virtual chocolate kisses and red roses and hope (sweetheart or no sweetheart, no one needs a sweetheart to celebrate Valentine’s Day) that your day includes something special just for you. xoxo Make all your Valentine dreams come true no matter what and be your own darling sweetheart!  Love you, THANK YOU!  I’m thrilled about the book, you just have to know … yesterday, I wrote the ending and I made myself cry!  Thank you for joining me on this book-writing adventure! xoxo P.S. Just in case you need it, you can view WILLARD here!

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2,234 Responses to HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

  1. Nancy B says:

    I poured myself a cup of tea in my Emma B Royal Jubilee cup and had a nice long visit with you and Willard. Thank you for sharing all those lovely pages of A Fine Romance. I’ll be pre-ordering as soon as I finish this comment! (Oh, Vanna! Please choose me. I can hardly wait!!) The “pudding” recipe looks quite yummy. You simply amaze me….thank you for being you!

    Happy Valentine’s Day!
    Nancy (from Bakersfield)

  2. Happy St. Valentine’s Day to you Susan. I am sending you this comment to tell you how much I have been enjoying your blog. Also, I MUST tell you. My very very first cook book was from you (many years ago) and I still have it!!! I am so happy to have found you.

    I, too, love England and I decided to move to an island too but it is on the west coast. I really wanted to move to England but since my son is in college on the west coast and since I am originally from CA, I thought it would be safer to move to an island off the beautiful state of Washington. I am in heaven. We do not get that much snow here – nothing like where you live – but we did have a couple of days here and there. Many gorgeous rainy days and clear sunny skies in the summer. I even built an English/French (Normandy) home.

    Anyway, now that I have found you, I must purchase your book from England. I cannot wait to get it and enjoy a fabulous read with a cuppa.

  3. Laura from England says:

    Thank you so much for the wonderful news the book is nearly finished. I live in Kent, England and have often been to Batemans and Sissinghurst and I think you have made me realise just how lucky I am. Haven’t travelled much through the rest of the country though – can’t wait for my armchair travel guide.

  4. Paulette Reeder says:

    Susan, Thank you for reminding me of what a beautiful word love is. You share so much in simple words and pictures both from your camera and your paint.

  5. Mona says:

    I just love the pictures of you and Joe! I hope you two had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! And nothing makes a house more cozy than sleeping cats and a warm fire. We’re having a bit of a warm spell here, should be 70 degrees by the weekend, but it’s nice to see your yard appropriately dressed for the season. Reading Willard was such an uplift today. The pages from your book made me hungry to read more, and the recipe for the Sticky Toffee Pudding just made me hungry! Looking forward to trying that one. Mmmmmmmm! I will be waiting, heart all aflutter, for A Fine Romance to make its appearance. Glad we have a chance to pre-order and not miss out! Thank you again and again!!!

  6. Susan says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    We’re expecting more snow here tomorrow. We haven’t had much this year, really, but I’m ok with less rather than more. (No Joe to help with the dreaded shoveling.)

  7. Wendy Beckham says:

    Dear Susan-
    Happy Valentines Day from AG. I was so excited to receive your Valentine posting and Willard. It just made the day more special. I was also excited to see that you will be doing a book signing in SLO. I always enjoyed your book signings when you had your store in AG. Thank you for your inspirational words and art. Looking forward to seeing you around town. Hope you and Joe have a wonderful day. Wendy

  8. leslie susan says:

    Your Snow White Heaven was a perfectly cozy place to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your Sweetheart! I love the bookmark you designed for A Fine Romance! Can’t wait for the real thing! Happy Valentine’s Day!

  9. Kathlene says:

    I am so looking forward to visiting England through your eyes and words and drawings. I know I will never see with my own eyes the beautiful country sides and villages. But you do have a way with words to make it so easy to visualize what you have seen and experienced. Thank you. And now it is time to have a late night cup of tea.

  10. Charlene H. from So. Calif. (S.F.Valley) says:

    Hello Susan! Opened my email to find a double blessing! A visit with Willard AND Susan! The news about the progress on your book is so exciting!! And the news from your cozy abode on MV is always so inviting, warm, and sweet! HAPPY VALENTINE DAY to you, too! These greetings come from your beloved Central Coast of California! I am writing from a sweet hotel in Cambria. The beautiful moonlit ocean is just across the street! My sister and I have brought our 85 year old mother up here for a special Valentine’s Day. We have had a lot of laughs, delicious meals, and special memory-making time with our mom who raised us single-handedly. We are so thankful for her health that allows her to get out and have some fun! It has been a very special Valentine’s day for us and when we return home this weekend, we will celebrate with our hubbies who encouraged us to take this time with our mom. Looking forward to reserve my copy of A FINE ROMANCE! And enter your generous drawing with this comment of appreciation of how you always bring out the best, Susan! Your joie de vivre is expressed so well through your art and through your writings! As always, thanks for sharing!

  11. Philippa says:

    Thankyou very much for the lovely new Willard.

  12. Once again a delightful post. I miss North American Winters over here in the UK. Rain is not so much fun to look at as snow . . . mind you it’s a lot easier to clean up! (THAT part I don’t miss!) Kitty paws are the best things in the world. If you could bottle that softness and smell . . . it would be a best seller. Just like puppy bellies. Oh were would we be without our fluffed and furry pals. Life just would not be the same. Happy Valentines day!

  13. Sue says:

    Oops! I forgot — when I left my comment earlier I meant to ask you what the seasoning is on your heart-shaped egg. It looks so yummy! 🙂

  14. I truly can not wait to read “A Fine Romance.” The cover is lovely.

  15. Tina Gasparett says:

    Happy Valentines Day. Loved your new Willard. And cant wait to read your new book. Give the kitties a little hug.

  16. Rosarito says:

    Thank you for all you do to make the world more beautiful. Can’t wait for the book to be out.

  17. Susan Ericksen of Bainbridge Island, Washington says:

    I LOVE kitty feet too!!!! What is it about them? and I love the way they curl up to sleep…something so cozy..It makes me warm just looking at them sleeping!!!! I like to nuzzle my face into their fur while they are asleep!!! nice smell and so cozy!!! Must be something from my childhood…But I love it!!!! meow! meow!!!!! Pet that Jack for me and blow a kiss to Miss Girl Kitty!!!! ♥

  18. Mary S. says:

    I really wish you would make more of your darling watercolors available to purchase for framing!! Especially the ocean/lighthouse/ship ones!!!!
    You wrote the ending?!!? Wowee!!!!
    Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA

  19. Veronica says:

    ‘Sweet Susan’,thank you for the love and care and passion through the beautiful illustrations and (even more) beautiful words that form stories to allow us to see and experience life that would maybe not otherwise be known. I hold you in such high esteem,my friend. Your life has melded with ours! We look forward to the expected life of adventure through your kind sharing. I hope this day has been fill ed with beautiful love of the sweet, simple and pure kind. You and your sweet man ‘Joe’. To you,to love and to being loved. My blessings to you both. Sending much love your way.

  20. Erin says:

    Congratulations on finishing the book! It will definitely be one to cherish. I’m happy for you, both for that accomplishment and for the cozy love in your life. Hearts to you, Sue! 🙂

  21. Janet says:

    Oh please let it be me this time! Thank you for all of your hard work that brings a bright light into our days.

  22. Angie says:

    Hello Susan,
    I have been in love with your work since I first discovered it in “Country Living”. It was actually my grandmama that did, she pulled out your recipes & we framed them together to hang in my home as a newlywed. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with so many, it has taught me how to shake away the stress & enjoy my surroundings.
    Love, Angie

  23. Carol Russell says:

    A beautiful blog entry, as usual. Hope this gets my name into the book drawing. Carol

  24. Missy says:

    I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day and my daughter’s birthday today by accompanying her to her sonogram! My first grandchild is due July 1st, a boy, and today’s sonogram is all about getting measurements! I’m so excited! After that, dinner out at a fabulous steakhouse.
    Hope you had a wonderful day!

  25. Sue R. from Maine says:

    Happy Valentines Susan! I made my husband High Tea with all the trimming and used my Royal Albert “Memory Lane” tea set. It was a college graduation gift from my parents and I have enjoyed adding to it as the years have gone by. My husband was thrilled with my surprise.
    Can’t wait to see your book completed! I have so many wonderful memories of my visit to the UK and I’m sure your book will be an all time favorite!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

  26. judi says:

    Oh….sigh…..finished?! Pat, pat, pat and BIG HUG – well done dear one. Great timing as you will probably be digging in the dirt soon:) It has been a wonderful journey with you from the time your ship left the harbor (I’m hooked on that webcam now:).

    Rained here ALL day yesterday which is very unusual for this time of year. I loved it:) I will be preordering your book soon. Now have to check for my Willard as I was gone all day yesterday. Love the pic of Joe bending you backwards – a classic romance shot:))))) toot toot

    • sbranch says:

      Our book isn’t quite done yet, I still have the art and photos to add to those last pages, I hope to send it in about the middle of March! But we are close. xoxo

  27. donna sutton says:

    I can hardly wait till your book comes out. If I can’t get to England which I hardly think I will be able too, at least it will give me something to dream about. What an adventure it will be. You have worked so hard, but I am sure it will be worth it. Your out look on life is so up lifting. I wish I was your real friend in life. How very fortunate all your friends are to have you as a friend.
    Good Luck, to you and yours. You are blessed.

  28. Gill says:

    Dear Susan, this quote reminded me of you-
    “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” ~ Abraham Lincoln.
    What a blessing it is that thorn bushes have roses. You are always the first to celebrate joy, love and roses!

  29. Leslie-Anne says:

    Your little corner of the world looks so beautiful, thanks for sharing it.

  30. Holly says:

    I love the feet, too! Eagerly awaiting the release of your book!!!

  31. Lynnie says:

    Oh please count me in for the giveaway! I would just be thrilled beyond words to win a pre-publication of your book…Lynnie

  32. Marie (Williamsburg, Virginia) says:

    Susan & Girlfriends~hope your Valentine’s Day was special and lovely. Susan, I’m in love with A Fine Romance already. Thanks for giving us a peek. You’re everyone’s Valentine sweetheart!

    Bliss!
    Marie xo

  33. Jeanne Murray says:

    What a thrill it would be to win a copy of your charming new book – your blog is a delight!

    Jeanne Murray

  34. Patti says:

    Seriously…the cookie cutter for the egg…brilliant! XOX

  35. Carol Baumer says:

    I have enjoyed reading your blog during your trip to England. I felt like I was there with you! Now reading as you write the book of your journey is just as wonderful!

  36. Clarissa Sharp says:

    Good Morning Susan!
    I suspected all along, but now I know it must be true-you and I would be great friends! I used to live in SLO, I have spent the winter hunkered with my creative endeavors while my husband,Hugh, puts logs on the fire! We have hot tea or coffee daily. My kitty cat can’t stand to be alone, and the chickens and dogs love it when I come outside! Yesterday morning I made homemade chocolate chip pancakes in a heart shaped cookie cutter for my family!!! They were all amazed when I told them all the stuff you had written about in your blog. Of course, I have your calendar, 3 baby Love books, several cookbooks, and just bought some of your notepads. I LOVE it when you send a Willard.
    I just had to write:) Thank you for being you! You should check out the Shorepath Cottage in Bar Harbor–You would love it, I bet:D
    Clarissa

  37. Bernie says:

    I have never been to England, but it is on my “bucket list”….until that time comes, I can dream the visit through your book. Thank-you in advance, Vanna, for picking me!!

  38. Pamela Patridge says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day to you Susan! Love your website! I look forward to each new post. I am SO excited about your new book! I, too, LOVE England. It is my dream destination. I would love to win a copy of your book! I know I already love it!!!

  39. willemien says:

    Hi Susan and Joe!

    Hope you’ve had a happy Valentines Day! I loved the egg in heartshape! Good idea. It looks so cosy your kitty sleeping.
    It would be wonderfull to get a copy of your new book, I can just picture myself: It’s snowing outside, and I’m reading your book, sitting by the fire with a cup of chocolatemilk! Yesterday we’ve had ice rain, I would rather have had lots of snow!

    Lots of love from Holland
    xoxo Willemien

  40. Wendy says:

    Enjoyed “Willard” very much, Susan. Thanks for a chance to win a pre-publication of the new book. It looks beautiful.

    Wendy

  41. marie sierra says:

    hi susan sending you happy valentines’day wishes all the way from Maryland!..i am fascinated by your new book and i wish you nothing but success with it! can’t wait to read it!!
    xox marie

  42. Dawn from Minnesota says:

    ONLY YOU!….can make my heart and mind…always feel like the same person! “A Fine Romance,” is gonna have your HeART on every square inch! How wonderful for us all! “Thank You!” It feels quite awesome to share in the sending off of “A Fine Romance” with you…just as the journey began not so long ago. I hope your day is full of sunshine and that your valentine weekend is just what you desire. Sending you love and happy tears this Valentines Day ….tears always seems happen when a dream comes true! Oh and this little valentine too……..
    youtube.com/watch?v=dQgUPxgqnfA
    xoxox from a silly vintage valentine! 🙂

  43. Elaine in Toronto says:

    Willard was filled with wonderment. It arrived just as promised in my mailbox at 9:00 am on the dot. I had a lovely lunch downtown yesterday with three friends, two of which are going to England in April. They are very excited about your beautiful book and everyone wants a copy. I will call Kellee today to see if your Canadian friends can pre order. Sure hope so. Loved seeing Petey “in his cups”! And your lambkin planters are so pretty and spring like. One of my friends has loaned me the first three seasons of Downton Abbey so will have to do some serious catching up. Had a lovely Valentine dinner with my sweetie of 36 years – crab casserole, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Thanks for sharing your Valentine’s day with us. Good luck to all the girlfriends in the draw for a copy of “A Fine Romance”.

  44. Anne Branco says:

    Happy Belated Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe. The egg looked absolutely yummy. What a great idea! I would absolutely LOVE to win the book. I can’t wait until it is released. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Have to dash off. Gotta read the new Willard! (Something else I always look forward to.)

  45. How wonderful that you are nearing completion on the new book! It must feel like the last mile of a marathon! Would love to win a copy, but I plan to buy one anyway, so the bases are covered…
    ;O)

  46. Vicki Panzarino says:

    Happy valentine’s day to you and Joe too. We had the same beautiful tree clinging snow….so lovely like lacy valentines. Loved Willard and am sooo excited that the book is almost complete! Happy day!

  47. Wendy Louise says:

    Good Morning, 🙂 I can’t wait for “A Fine Romance”, and every time I say it I end up singing and then I am at an extremely HAPPY place ! Wow you are soooo magical. We watched Swing Time after I cooked a romantic dinner last night and had your cream puffs for dessert, yummy !Now I want to tell you about my English connection. My beloved Grandmother is a Platt and her grandparents came over from England in the 1800’s and with them they brought this bed. It has a high head board that has beautiful carvings on it and a solid foot board. It was given to me when I was seven, slept in it until I got married. You see my wonderful husband is too tall to sleep in it, it was made for much shorter people back then. I still have my bed in the guest room for short people! I used to dream about their voyage and then my bed would become a boat and we would travel back and forth on the Atlantic. I have this dream and you are helping it come true with our itinerary. You see my parents have been to England many times and so has my husband on business. He is an adventurous type, rented a car and went riding through the countryside on his time away from work. He fell in love, so we are going, but when, I do not know yet, when I do you will be the first to know!!!! In the meantime I ordered many of “A Fine Romance” and will continue to dream. Thank-you, our lovely Susan Branch from the bottom of my Heart! OXOX

    • Wendy Louise says:

      Wonder if my computer is doing funny things, my comment still says “awaiting moderation”. Willard never showed up but I did find it at the bottom of the Post. How simply wonderful, you make are lives so rich by being here for us. Thank you for everything, you are such an inspiration to us all. oxox

  48. Nadine says:

    Congratulations on completing the book; what a feeling that must be, to finish such a work of art and send it on its way into the world! (Like finishing a quilt to the umpteenth power!) Please add my name to the drawing, what a thrill it would be to win! I’ll be pre-ordering anyway. I can always give that copy away WHEN I win the signed copy. LOL Enjoyed the WILLARD also. Still don’t know how you get so much done!

    Spring is coming! Yesterday I heard a mourning dove cooing, and later in the day, a cardinal was calling for his lady love. Yes, I live in the South, but we’re past the midpoint of February now, and time goes by so quickly.
    Nadine

  49. Jackie says:

    Dear Susan,
    Congratulations on completing your book. I am just so excited, and would be even more excited if I could actually win it. I know that this will be your best book ever, and I can’t wait to see it, hold it and read it! My husband and I are hooked on all things English, and your book will be the next best thing to being there.

  50. Julie H from Michigan says:

    Congratulations on completing your book! I’m looking forward to reading it and sharing a copy with my best friend. She and I look forward to your books and give them to each other as gifts. She doesn’t blog or read blogs but she was excited when I told her about your new book. She spent some time in England a few years back and I told her there might be places in your book she has visited. Susan I love your drawings and your writings. I am always awed at how you share your life in your blog. It is so interesting and upbeat. You really have a gift of inspiring people. Thanks for all you do!

    Julie

  51. Excited about your book……just in time for my 50 bday and vaca trip across the pond…..

  52. Lori says:

    Thank you for the Willard and helping us all find the joy in Valentine’s Day! So proud of you finishing up your book Susan. Can’t wait to see it.

  53. Shannon says:

    So looking forward to the new book!

  54. Judy from Maine says:

    In my “other life” before I left the big city for beautiful New England, I traveled to London for business on several occasions. Unfortunatly, I was young and didn’t appreciate the country life then. I remember on one visit my company counter part took me to her country cottage, thatched roof and all, but I can’t even tell you where it was. I feel very sad about that.( I do remember it was late fall and cold, and she made me a hot water bottle to take to bed with me to help keep me warm…how charming was that!) Flash forward all these many years and wouldn’t I give my eye teeth for a trip to the English countryside. And then I discovered your blog. I joined in the fun last spring just as you landed in England. (Of course, I did do some time travel back to share the cruise over) I’m not sure I’ll ever make it back to England in person, but I feel I have captured some of that long ago visit I made through your words and pictures. Thank you for giving that back to me. And now I can’t wait to order the book to start my arm chair trip to the English countryside…and who knows maybe someday I will walk in your footsteps in Merry Ole’ England . I’m going to put my pre-order in today, and I promise I won’t cancel if Vanna should happen to pick my name. I’ll just gift my order book to a dear friend.

  55. Cathy says:

    “Kitty paws” sleeping by the fire. I also have a Tuxedo Cat ( formally known as “Boots”) with those six toes. I was told years ago , six toed cats were only found on the coastal cities, where they were kept on ships to keep the rodent population under control. ( the extra toes were handy for climbing ships masts) any truth to this?
    Ernest Hemmingway’s cats on Key West all had six toes!
    Snow falling here in New England gives us a sense of calm, curling up like a cat and reading a good book.
    ( A Fine Romance ? )
    A good layer of snow on the ground, is nature’s way of storing up water for the garden flowers of Summer.
    Thank you Susan for your wonderful , creative, and colorful journals of everyday life.

  56. Donna says:

    Susan,
    I love your blog and Willard too. So inspiring. I look forward to reading A Fine Romance!

  57. Joan Ramseyer says:

    Susan….Even through the tears I’m sure you are breathing a sigh of relief that you have finished your wonderful book. Of course there will be the missing of the process, but all your fans are looking forward to getting a copy. My husband and I had lunch out yesterday for Valentine’s Day. We went to a cozy little restaurant and when we finished eating the owner came out of the kitchen and asked how long we had been together. My husband replied that we will be married 46 years in June but we’ve been together for 48 years. He actually has it down to the day. How romantice is that?

  58. Nicole Alvarez says:

    Since you have lived my dream I would love a copy of your book so I can see my dream whenever I open the pages!!

    Nicole in MD

  59. Sreekala says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day Susan and Joe!

    I’m so happy to hear that you’ve completed the book! I am so looking forward to it. It’ll be one of my highlights for this year for sure. First I get your calendar and now this!

    Someday when I tour England, I will have your book and the London travelogue of S.K. Pottekad (He is from my state and visited London and Europe post-WWII) with me. I am looking forward to seeing how it has changed since his times and enjoy all the beauty that you have enjoyed.

  60. Arianne says:

    Susan~
    We had such a busy Valentine’s Day. We walked around the mall with the kids and got each other gifts. But it wasn’t until I read your blog this morning that reminded me of how special my hubby is. The pics of the candle, the flowers, the pic of you & Joe, and your words reminded me. I met my hubby in high school when we were 18 years old. Now we are 31 and I’m pregnant with our third child. It’s hard to remember sometimes just how in love we are when life keeps you busy. Thanks for reminding me! Now I’m off to look at photo albums and think of something special for my hubby…
    ~Arianne

  61. Sherry Koster says:

    Me! Me! Pick me!

  62. Kelley S says:

    Susan, thank you for such a heartwarming post. I love England, too, and am anticipating your new book as much as I would a trip across the pond. I tried my best to ignore Valentine’s Day this year because I’m getting divorced and am without a Valentine of my own for the first time in years. But I read your post late in the day and the new Willard, and it reminded me how grand love really is and hope springs eternal. The darling pictures of sleeping Jack were icing on the cake.

  63. Christine says:

    You have such a BIG heart!
    Thank you for this drawing… I would LOVE to win.

  64. Barb says:

    I do love your blog. I do love your Willards. And I do love your books and am so looking forward to this new one! Happy Valentines Day. <3

  65. Martha says:

    Hi — I loved the newest Willard – the book looks incredible – I plan on pre-ordering it soon. The heart shaped egg is adorable – what a great idea! I’ll have to try that sometime.
    Martha from CT

  66. Mary Eva Ross says:

    Of course the minute I read through Willard I went out and pre-ordered my copy of A Fine Romance (and the weekly special :). I can hardly wait. I’ve followed you through the planning, the actual trip and now I can not wait to read through the diary. I also LOVE kitty paws. My favorite is when they are curled up in a ball with the one paw covering their little nose. It takes everything I have to keep from bothering them, and I usually just have to! Thank you again for all the positives you bring.

  67. Michele Gavaletz says:

    Already preordered A Fine Romance and I can’t wait – even put the potential arrival date on my Susan Branch calendar! Planning a trip to visit all the wonderful places as well with my husband (Joe too)! Love all things Susan Branch and have been a huge fan for years and have all my original Willards and every book and cookbook! Keep all of it coming – thank you for such a ray of sunshine in my life.

  68. Mary Cunningham says:

    Happy Day after Valentines Day! I was gone yesterday and without a computer! House,doggie,bird/rabbit sitting for a dear friend! Had mexican with my sweetie of 40+ years….still love him so much!

  69. Laurie Walt in Illinois says:

    I loved Willard! Can’t wait for the book, I pre-ordered! Puppy ears are my favorite animal part!:-)

  70. Barbara Straub says:

    A Fine Romance it is…and I have the calendar on my fridge! Looking at it every morning, I feel happy to start another day! Congratulations on this new book project that is almost finished! I cannot wait to read the new book!

  71. Lynn MCCormack says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day!! How is the cute neighbor doggie that comes to visit?

  72. Judith McCarthy says:

    You are always there when I need a sweet lift. Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day to you both!!!

  73. Maura says:

    I am looking forward to your new book, A Fine Romance. The title is perfect.
    I also loved the new Williard. Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year.

  74. I’m hoping HOPING I will win your newest book! I’m looking so forward to it coming out. Thank you for a chance to win!

    Michelle

  75. Linda Petersen says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day!! Happy Willard’s Day!! Happy “A Fine Romance” Chance To Win Day!! I hope all of you had a wonderful day & lots of LOVE filled your world :0). Thank you Susan for being “you” & the beautiful snow pictures. Our snow has just about all melted away. I’m a true winter girl & even a snowflake makes me happy. Have a lovely week-end Girlfriends!
    XOXO, Linda in ChinoValley, AZ.

  76. Sharon Henriksen says:

    Can’t wait to read your new book. We went to England for our 40th anniversary in September and just loved it. We did not see as much of the countryside ad you did so I am hoping your book will show us lots more. Happy Valentine’s Day!.
    Sharon

  77. Lorraine from White Plains, NY says:

    Isn’t it wonderful to have friends who know they can call you at 6 AM to share a beautiful sunrise! — And others who will share their once-in-a-lifetime trips to England with you! Thanks Susan!

  78. We went to England for our 40th anniversary in September but did not get to see much of the countryside. Hope your new book will show us what we missed so that we can plan another trip.
    Sharon

  79. ellen says:

    Dear Susan,
    Happy Valentine’s Day to you! I “discovered” you in the Country Register, a give away newspaper my quilting guild gives out. Delighted by your drawings and sayings, I checked out your web page and have been a faithful reader ever since. I feel like I have found a kindred spirit in you. I totally connect with your sayings, drawings, and blog. I look forward and love reading everything you write. Have already read all your books! Your book on England looks fantastic, as it is one of my favorite places. How could the land of castles, kings, queens, Robin Hood and the civilized act of High Tea not be fantastic!!!! Keep it coming.
    You feed the beauty in us all.

  80. We went to England for our 40th anniversary in September but did not see as much of the countryside as you and Joe did. Hoping your new book will show us what we missed.
    Sharon

  81. cynthia says:

    Happy Valentines to you and Joe!!! I hope your day was filled with the love of God and your husband’s! I BELIEVE this was the best Willard to date. I was so over whelmed by the way it touched me, all I could do was read it thru a slow streaming of tears. Thankyou Susan, what a lovely way to start my day. Iam sooo blessed to be a girlfriend of yours!! I just know today I will be smiling all day long because of you and Willard. I live in Canada and we try to holiday in California as much as possible, but when I read that you will be there in November, I ran to get the atlas to figure out where you’ll be and if we might make this possible. Something like your trip to England. If the stars line up… I will have the true pleasure of meeting you in person!!!! There is no DOUBT, about Fine Romance selling out, no one resist anything that Susan Branch publishes! Your girlfirends wait with bated breath!!! Thankyou Susan for sharing your private words and talents…. we love you!!!

  82. Ruth says:

    Oh Susan,
    I can’t wait to read your book! And the pictures are great! I have been only once to London and probably could not afford to go on a tour like yours but can’t wait to read all about it! So exciting a book and your art what could be better? Thanks so much for the presale!

  83. Sue says:

    The snow looks beautiful, I’m not a snow person anymore….bones break and feet fly to easy these days.

    Please, enter me in the contest, a beautiful book that I would be proud to own!

  84. Maryellen says:

    Love your Blog Susan. It’s what keeps me going during the long winter months here in Chicago. Wish I was in Martha’s Vineyard with you…looks so beautiful. Thanks for all the beautiful things you create to keep us happy!

  85. Cynthia says:

    Dear Susan, I enjoy your blogs so much, thank you for sharing with all of us! I received Willard yesterday for the first time – it was wonderful of course. Thank you, again, for adding inspiration, beauty and fun to the day with your website and blog.

  86. Ruth Elder says:

    I just ordered your very first book from Amazon. I have several of your others, (Autumn, Christmas, Book of Days) but I can’t WAIT for your new one!

  87. Happy Valentine’s Day! A perfect day to have a giveaway for “A Fine Romance”!! I cannot wait….. xoxo

  88. Mary Kathryn says:

    It’s a slim chance to win, but nonetheless, I would ADORE a copy of your lovely book, Susan. Happy Valentine’s Day!

  89. Susan W says:

    Happy V.D. Weekend! and no, V.D. is for Valentine’s Day! Such a cozy blog for a romantic weekend; it sure warms you up just to read it, and then re-read it taking a better look at the photos. It’s a simple pleasure, your blog is, that I like to read it in small doses. That way it lasts longer (Same with your Willards too)! Icy sidewalks this morning here and the birds are scrambling more at our feeders. The temperature is supposedly dropping so “natures Valentines” are stuffing themselves on the black oil sunflower seeds we offer. Enjoy the coziness of February!

  90. Ruth says:

    Happy day to you! I love your blog because it gives me complete comfort and love. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, drawings and “daily happenings”. I printed several of your A Fine Romance bookmarks as it will be a reminder of what is to come. Can’t wait!!
    Enjoy this day and stay warm in your lovely home.

  91. Diana - Highland, IL says:

    WOW!! SOOOO Many comments already!!! Gonna be a several cups of coffee read through this weekend on all the comments!!! 🙂 I just know that you will be printing oodles and oodles of books to keep us all happy! :-)…Happy belated Valentine’s Day!.. my sweetie gave me roses on Saturday.. he said he likes to beat the rush!!LOL.. and on Valentine’s day, we exchanged our cards and I made him a special dinner of some of his favs….a grilled gorgonzola stuffed pork chop, roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and shallots and garlic, and scalloped potatoes.. and dessert – chocolate covered strawberries.. we kinda had to take a break after dinner and do dishes and then have our dessert, but it was all delicious candelight coziness… HE even took a picture of the table with our food and setting.. I think I did a good job!! LOL… THANK YOU Susan for the Willard, the bookmark and the wonderful dream of winning the hot off the press book!! Lets keep enjoying our home fires, because I feel that our weather will be shifting soon… I am glad you are able to now start taking that break and relaxing! All the best!

  92. Mary says:

    Hi Susan, please put my name in for the book drawing! Thank you! The music..only you… is so perfect with all your pictures…and i love the heart egg idea!

  93. Cathy McC. says:

    Thank you for making us all your sweethearts! Hope you had a tissue handy as your finished your text — congratulations! Can you pick a favorite endeavor? Text? Photos? Art?
    We’re having light snowfall this morning in South Bend, but the “lake effect machine” is kicking in tonite. My hubby and I are making the great escape southward a few hours to go play with our grand-daughter — joy, joy, joy! Have a wonderful weekend! Ethel
    **Thanks for the darling bookmark — what a fabulous “appetizer”.

    • sbranch says:

      The hardest is writing it the way I feel and see it. The easiest part is the photos, because they each say a thousand words.

  94. Peggy Harris says:

    I can’t wait for your new book. We are planning a trip to England in June and are so excited.

  95. Cheryl says:

    Beautiful as usual! I love your heart!
    I am looking forward to the new book so much!
    Winning a copy would be fabulous!! May you and Joe have many more happy years together!!

  96. Suzan says:

    Good Morning Susan,
    Thanks you for the lovely valentine in both the Willard and your post today. I love coming to your blog and finding a new post. It makes my day so much happier. I am going to try again today to preorder your book. I would love to go to England and visit Beatrix Potter’s home. But alas I think I will have to make that trip through reading your book. Which I know I will love!
    Say hello to the kitties from the doxies at my house
    Suzan

  97. Kathryn says:

    So excited that you wrote a new book! Can’t wait to see it in print!
    Happy belated St. Valentine’s Day.

  98. Suzan says:

    Susan,
    I love, love the last picture in your post today. Everything in it loos so well loved and beautiful together.
    Suzan

  99. Connie says:

    Hi Susan, enjoyed reading my first Willard and thanking you for the cute, cute, book mark. I have a small collection of wonderful Victoria Books: Forget-Me-Nots – Victoria Book of Love, Victoria Intimate Home, Victoria Romantic Home, plus I have an old, old copy of Little Women, a beautiful really old Lord Byron book of poems, and a wonderful small Percy Shelley book of poems, and I feel that A Fine Romance would be a wonderful addition to my small but beautiful collection.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with all of us.

    P.S. I too love my kitty cat’s feet – the little pads are so soft!!!!

  100. Carol Landeis says:

    Hello Susan ~
    I can see the beautiful trees after the snowstorm and the wind blowing the snow off the rooftops. I live in the Midwest and know the sound of wind and the fireplace heating up my living room with my favorite cup and coffee. I would be excited if “Vanna” picked my name for the book. I cannot wait. Thank you friend for being you.
    Carol from North Dakota

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