Party Party Party Party Party Party Party MUSICA
We go from party to another around here, from Tea Party to Birthday Party! Lots of our girlfriends are having a birthday month, lots of new babies are being born, but you may have noticed on your calendars, it’s also someone else’s birthday on Sunday, and she would be 147 years old. ♥
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y
So what makes sense for today’s blog is cake and presents! Right? First we’ll have cake, and then we’ll have presents. OK? That’s the normal way for a Birthday Party! And never forget, we are the normal ones! ♥
L A V E N D E R P O L E N T A C A K E
This Lavender Polenta Cake is a plain cake alright ~ really easy to make, deliciously moist with an amazing crunch, plus, it’s gluten free — but the recipe, which I got from my girlfriend Siobhan (“Shivon”) when we were in England, calls for ingredients that aren’t “everyday” fare. Don’t let that stop you, because if you’re like me, and something tells me you are, this cake will become a standby. The recipe calls for fine yellow cornmeal (or polenta flour) and almond flour. Our supermarket carries them, but I’m pretty sure that won’t be true everywhere. You can order them from the lovely Bob’s Red Mill web site. If you’re not familiar with Bob’s Red Mill, you are in for a treat. They also have everything you need to cook for a gluten free diet.
The recipe also calls for superfine sugar, which my market does not carry. But I made my own, I just whirled regular sugar in the blender until it was superfine. Super easy!
No problem coming up with a pound of unsalted butter, allowed to come to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until it’s . . .
. . . pale and light.
Then stir in the almond flour . . .
. . . and vanilla.
Beat in six eggs, one at a time (Don’t worry, I’m putting the recipe at the end of this as a party favor! ♥)
I’ve made this cake with orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, and this time, with lime zest and juice. All are truly wonderful, it’s up to you. And btw, if you haven’t used one of these wonderful microplane zesters yet, we have them for you in our webstore, because they are a must-have tool! No more knuckles in your food! You pull the razor-sharp edges across the fruit, the zest collects on the top with no pain or strain at all . . . it makes it so easy to measure too.
So you fold in the zest and juice . . .
along with the polenta (cornmeal) flour, salt and baking flour … just pop it all in,
along with dried culinary lavender flowers (just click there to get them on-line). The recipe calls for three tablespoons — and this is correct. Don’t worry, it will not taste like soap, just so very light, and pretty in the cake.
This cake serves a lot of people ~ twenty four! It’s perfect for a party, but you can also halve the recipe very easily and bake it in a 9″ cake pan. I wanted the big cake for our Tea Party but I don’t have the called-for 12″ cake pan, so I bake mine in this 12″ iron frying pan, which works perfectly.
Into the oven it goes until the house is filled with fragrance and the cake is brown. Let it a cool a while, flip it over onto a serving plate and it comes right out of the pan.
And this is it, close up. Delectable! Also addictive. Here’s the recipe as it will appear in our new book!
It’s your party favor, but there’s more.
And I have some heartstrings for you. ♥ Starting with our Royal Baby Gift Giveaway.
Vanna left for the beach hours ago, but she didn’t forget to draw a name before she hopped into her yellow convertible 1959 T-bird and sped off, sunshine glinting off blonde curls blowing in the ocean air. What a life that girl has!
Such a happy thing, a Baby Book, filled with love and hope and firsts for everything. I’ve been loving the stories from our Girlfriends of babies coming, of new grandchildren on the way. I did not envy Vanna’s position of choosing just one winner. I did ask her to try hard to get me someone who’s expecting a baby into their family. And she did that. Oh yes, she did that.
I’m thrilled to announce that the winner of this trio of gifts is a first-time mommy to-be who is decorating her own Peter Rabbit room for her first born child coming in September, a real “birth-day” . . . she’s having her own little Prince, and her name is OLIVIA. So happy for you dear Olivia, congratulations to you and your whole family! Let us know when the time is right and we will hold hands on this blog and say a prayer and say, “Pushhhhhh.” We can be a big help! ♥ (Mas MUSICA)
So now, I have another little gift for you in honor of Beatrix Potter and you don’t even have to pin the tail on the donkey! If you CLICK HERE, you can print out this name tag on card stock (just put it into your printer like regular paper, the printer will do the rest) . . .
. . . and then when you come to one of our book signings next month (and as we drive across country) you can wear your name tag and we’ll know we’re Blog Girlfriends ~ I’ll know you, and you’ll know each other! Fun! (Kellee is going to put this name tag on our EVENTS page, just in case you forget where it is.) ♥ And if this isn’t quite enough, I have something else for you . . .
. . . I’m thinking maybe a nice parting gift for everyone would be something to read?
Because we got a surprise on Friday . . . at our California studio . . .
Oh yeah girls, your books arrived! Early! Boxes and boxes of books, A FINE ROMANCE ~ Falling in Love with the English Countryside! is born. What a cute baby! Sweet smelling with ribbons and everything! (I’m secretly screaming inside, how about you? Did I surprise you? They surprised me! :-)) The first page you have to read is Page 9 where I mention you.
And now these two darling girls, Kellee on the left, and Sheri on the right, with lots of help from our wonderful Alfredo, our right-hand man (on the truck but not looking at the camera), will ship their little fingers to the bone. The books will leave the studio as they were ordered … the first of you to order will get yours first. I have no idea how long it will take to get them all into their envelopes with addresses, so please be patient with us, because these two are the hardest workers in the world and will get them out as quickly as humanly possible!!! Look how strong they look!
So of course, we are celebrating birth-days and dreams come true. Our Twitter Girlfriend Janie made us a Dream Banner to match the Bon Voyage Banner she gave Joe and me when we went to England (you’ll see it in our book, in the stateroom on board the ship). She made just a few for anyone who might want to focus on a dream for themselves. They come with their own little envelope, and they’ll be in the web store on Monday. ♥
And the last gift today, in honor of Beatrix Potter and Olivia, and all of you with new babies in your lives or hoping for one, or dreaming of one, or remembering what it was like to be one ~ these are the two games we used to play on our babies faces when I was little and the oldest of eight children. The babies love it.
That’s it Girlfriends, for today, just another day in paradise. Happy Birthday Beatrix! Congratulations Olivia! Click teacups! Eat cake! Happy weekend! See you soon! xoxo
BTW Susan – for anyone having difficulty finding the ingredients for the Polenta Cake (or any of your wonderful recipes!), may I suggest the King Arthur Flour website? (kingarthurflour.com) They have everything a professional or home baker can imagine, including many different flours and flavorings and yummy additions to your recipes. They have these mini cinnamon chips that dissolve and spread their cinnamon-y-ness throughout whatever you’re baking — simply magical in scones! (and no, I’m not a stockholder of the company! just a happy baker!)
Thank you, we always love to hear about favorite places!
Thank you for posting this!!!!!
Well, as with others, I received your wonderful book yesterday = wanted to read the whole ting last night but am savoring…love all aobut it, even the “feel” of the paper – have alos checked into Queen Mary tickets – husband and I were going to Ireland next year for 35th anniversary – may end up taking a “large boat” on the way there instead – thanks for the inspiration!
It’s something you’ll never forget if you have the time to do it Maureen!
So excited that my book arrived, just yesterday. I ripped it open and felt like I was holding something magical, a treasure chest just waiting to be opened. I had to discipline myself and set it aside or would never accomplish what I needed to do that day. We are leaving for a cruise to Alaska and I have so much to get done. I think the book will find its way into my suitcase. Picture sitting on a deck chair, gazing now and then at the scenery of Alaska but lost in a book about England!!! Not too shabby. 🙂
What a life! 🙂
I came home yesterday & there in my mailbox was the most wonderful surprise-the book we have all been waiting for! I sat right down with a cup of tea & read the introduction & then browsed through. Can’t wait to savor the rest of it! Thank you, Susan, for creating such a beautiful book!
You are so welcome Gale!
If I thought the anticipation of waiting everyday for the blog entry so I could continue “my trip with you” was something else, the anticipation of opening this parcel when it came yesterday was of much higher magnitude! My precious hubby chuckled as I held it first while the tea pot was wooing at me to make the cup of tea (such a ritual he says!) Then opening it – oh my!!! Simply over the top Susan! You have totally and completely removed me from these horrid desert temperatures and re-planted me right back in the heart of our trip together. And its got a bookplate signed by you! This book will take hours and hours of wonderful pots of tea and leisurely reading to get through. My hubby picked it up as soon as I went to refill the tea pot and was just in awe at all the beautiful handwriting and photos and drawings. He saw you on the back and said “Yep, she looks just like someone who would share tea with you and be your girlfriend if she lived down the street. No wonder you adore her!” He is such a great guy…. I hope I can get the book back now. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Love it, man-approved! Thank you Charlene, and thank your sweetheart too …. xoxo
Dear Susan,
It has been so much fun reading these last several comments b/c they all begin with, “My book came!”
Well, yesterday, I had a long day getting ready for school (yes, really) and I was feeling my cold symptoms getting worse and worse. “Just to get home!” I thought. Then, getting the mail–and there it was! Yes, I, too, can chime in with the hundreds of others and say, “MY BOOK CAME!”
Good Grief! Priority Mail! I felt like royalty!!
But the book–I am in heaven–and that’s the truth. Right now, in the book we are all on the ship, eating, dancing, dozing, and reveling in the experience of a “crossing” not a “cruise”.
Susan, I can’t tell you how many times you say something and I want to make a comment to you. (for instance, when you put on your sea bands and wished they made some that would be fancy for dress up occasions and flannel for bedtime. Yes, me too! I have thought that also b/c I use them when on the water.) And I think since so many of us were on the trip, we are saying, “yes, I remember that.” We are reliving our fun time with you and Joe.
I love your pictures and drawings. I love the red ribbon marking my place in the book right this very minute. I love the size–a handy “guide book” size just right for slipping in a tote bag while you (me!!) are touring the English countryside. I love that it reads like a journal! I love the little stars that lead me to MORE information. And your wonderful personality shines through clear as clear in all your drawing and writing. 🙂
One thing, a question.
You mentioned earlier that you were going to have an English dictionary with words and their meanings unique to England. Did you? Just wondering.
Thank you for making such a wonderful book! You are wonderful and the best part is you are a Girlfriend to us all!
Love,
Linda
There’s a link to that in one of the Index’s … 🙂
Rabbit…rabbit…
Oh Linda…you got your book. Good for you. I know mine has shipped, but have been unable to get to the post office. I am going tomorrow come hell or high water and cross my fingers as I slip the key into the lock of the PO box. Jim is out of town and I am on my own, so I rush home to let our dear dogs out after a ten hour stay in the house. Bless their hearts, I don’t know how they do it! Both dog are getting up in years. So stopping at the post office has just not been possible. I am going to try tomorrow on my way to work….I can just be late!
All the girlfriends say it is over the moon, as we knew it would be.
Seems like you just got done with school……..time to go back? yikes not like it used to be.
Enjoy your reading time friend! I am right behind you as soon as I get my book. Can’t you just envision all the girlfriends all over the world, reading AFR? If all the books had arrived simultaneously the world would have ground to a halt! Now that would have been magic!
Love, Chris
Your priorities are right on Chris! ♥
Good morning~
I received the book yesterday but had no time to even open the package. It was the first thing on my mind this morning as I settled into the stool @ the kitchen island with my cup of coffee. It’s not every day that a book is published and I know first-hand the inspiration behind it, the heart of the author herself!
I immediately absorbed the dust jacket, front/back and inside flaps before inhaling the end-papers….so, so beautiful! A turn of the first page to see your signature and your incredible artwork and an involuntary sigh escapes my lips…I’m awestruck at your talent and the quality of this book already!
Moving on…in the weird way that I read things….back to front; I read the touching quotes about “the little things”, “the ordinary arts”, “living the life God gave us”, “heart to hand to giving” and I could feel an ocean of emotion building inside of me! By the time I read about your return to your home on the island, I was moved to tears and held this book to my heart, caressing it like a baby. I had to stop right there and send you this note…Sue, you have a God-given gift of being able to shed light on the beauty, the joy, the wonder of our world. I feel ever-so grateful to be on the receiving end of this extraordinary gift! Thank you!
Oh, and btw…I don’t know why, another weird thing about the way I look at books, I guess…I took the dust jacket off and when I saw how gorgeous the binding is…I can imagine this book in a stack on a table a century from now (maybe in Izzy’s daughter’s home :))…a timeless work of art!
George and I will see you in Sandwich in a few weeks, book in hand…it’s already in my heart.
xoxoDebbie
By the time I got to “ocean of emotion” I was tearing up! You are making me cry, Debbie, I am dumbstruck. How did I get this lucky? xoxo See you in Sandwich, hello to George and thank you a thousand times. 😉 For my whole book-writing life I’ve wanted to share everything with the readers of my books, because I always felt the connection. And now, here we are, and it’s more than I ever imagined.
How did you work it out so that my BOOK came on my birthday! Oh, this is the best present. I knew it was coming soon and have been checking for it each day. Somehow missed checking yesterday and this morning I realized it might be there. Off to the mailbox at the end of the road in my PJs to find it sitting there all alone in it’s little halo. Hope the neighbors didn’t mind my quiet squeals as I rushed home with it clasped tightly to my chest. I am wrapped in ANTICIPATION with Carly singing about it in the background. I will try to slowly wring out the exquisite pleasure of …oh, who am I kidding? No doubt I will join you all in ripping it open and soaking it in. But I have my whole day re-scheduled to make this the center of my day. So looking forward to it! TY for one of the bestest surprise bday gifts ever!
Oh my goodness, how great, it’s your Birthday Katherine! Thank you so much, happiest returns of the day!
Happy Birthday, Katherine! What a wonderful birthday treat! I am counting my book (received it today!) as an early birthday surprise…mine is on the 4th!! Hope you had a happy, wonderful day!
Christy
Dear Susan, I received your book yesterday evening, all the way up here in Maine, and read the first half of it last night. I could only put it down because it was getting late and I’d been outside painting all day long and was sooo tired, but OH it was hard to stop and turn out the light! And now, this morning, I am anticipating finishing it with the same feeling I get the day after Thanksgiving. All that deliciousness! Just sitting there waiting! Like PIE!
;O)
Okay, so halfway in, what can I say about the book… here goes… you seem to have a way, and it is evident in all of your books, but in this one especially – because it is so personal – of putting your finger right on what truly matters in life. ‘New Rules’ on page 70 – I mean really, anyone, read them and try not to weep from happiness! You wear your heart on your sleeve and remind us that life is too short not to do otherwise (thinking of Sandy, as I write this, and all of us who suffer loss). All the little touches throughout, of humor, kindness, generosity, acceptance, it’s all so YOU, and so REAL. Your little bow to the fickle hand of fate, on Joe’s page, that was particularly good. Thank you so much for telling your story, what a beautiful story it is – dreams dreamed then made real. Nothing better. More later, when I finish READING.
Dear dear Sarah, what can I say except thank you so much; I just read this to Joe, and he is as touched as I am. xoxo
Susan, I finished reading, and with a full heart did some other things for the afternoon, then returned to your book in the evening to re-read all my favorite parts. (The whole section about Beatrix Potter was SO beautiful…) I also read bits aloud to my husband, and he, a Maine man of the quiet and thoughtful type, said, “That’s really good.” (Not just a book for the girls, then!) LOVE the diary format, and I so hope all the positive comments you’ve gotten will encourage you to continue publishing your writing in this way. I love your cookery books too, but I have to say, all the little glimpses of your life around the edges of the recipes, both in words and in painting, are what keeps me coming back to your earlier books. As much as I love food (ahem).
;O)
An aside – if you haven’t already, please read the sequel to “Elizabeth and Her German Garden” – it’s called “The Solitary Summer” and is equally amazing, if not better. My favorite of all her books.
To sum up – heartfelt congratulations on your lovely book – I wish I could break a bottle of champagne over the corner of those pallets of books, as they launch into the world! But I don’t think you’ll need any extra luck – they are already setting sail just fine! xxoo!
Thank you Sarah … Love your quiet Maine Man comment! If you think about it, A FINE ROMANCE is my first real writing book. So, as you can imagine, I wasn’t sure how it would all go! It’s a thrill to see it’s OK! I have another story, I think it would be something everyone would like. Going to do it!
I have Solitary Summer in my “pile” of to-read books! Thank you!
Do we get any hints at what this story might be about? 🙂
Those six years between arriving on the island, and JOE!
Susan, we would all love to read about that special chapter in your life! ♡ What a great idea!!
Those were the years that changed every thing. Looking back, it’s so clear (compared to the completely muddy view I had at the time!).
Yes, please! Oh, yes, yes, yes! Sign me up for preorder! 🙂 By the way, I tried to interest Hubby in Joe’s dapper little beret…no luck there! He’s a baseball cap/bee veil type guy (he’s a beekeeper) and he looks very handsome in them. I must say, however, that Joe’s beret suits him very well!!
It’s not a hat for everyone ~ men do know what they want on their heads!
Hooray! So glad to hear you are going to write more of your story – I love the autobiographical parts in ‘Girlfriends Forever’ about your childhood and best friends, and would love to read about that time in your life when you made a home for yourself on the island and began to paint and write your books… I’m with Shannon, sign me up!
Susan,
I am sooo looking forward to your next book! Add me to the presale as well 🙂 Your writing feels as cozy as Gladys Tabors <3
Christy
Such a lovely compliment!
Oh Susan, your(my) book just arrived and it is gorgeous. Love the end papers!! I thumbed through each page and I feel as if I have discovered a long lost diary. It is just wonderful!!! I will wait ’til tea time to start reading it (if I can). Be very proud of yourself, she’s a beauty. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Kellee, Sheri and Alfredo, you’re the best ~ take the afternoon off!! What??? I’ve got my book!! They deserve a break!! It’s a long way to Florida and they did it in record time!!
Florida! Love it Peggy!
I just know the book is going to come in the mail today! Another hour or two before the mailman gets here but I keep looking out the window anyway. I called Talking Leaves,an independent bookstore in Buffalo, about making contact for a signing. Hope your itinerary isn’t set in stone yet and you are able to add that to your plans. Remember..Niagara-on-the-Lake,Ontario is a stones throw and I know you’d love it! Either way I’ll be driving to wherever the closest one is!
And yes!!!! It did come in today and I love it!!
It did! Good Cindy!
The book arrived yesterday and it is wonderful, beautiful, so delightful, and utterly charming. You really outdid yourself with this one! Today I have a new book to read, I have tea, I have cake and it’s a rainy day. Everything is perfect.
Perfect! xoxo Susan
Dear Susan, Flags are flying high on my street! Got an email today from Customer Service that “A Fine Romance” is on its way!!!!!!!!!!! Put your seat belt on: we bought a new mailbox just for this occasion. Our 1924 cottage had a teeny tiny mailbox, and we’ve sustained damage to mail rec’d because of this. Well IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TO “A FINE ROMANCE”! Mailbox is roomy- plenty large enough for a perfect delivery.
And….I am hosting a Celebration Party to proclaim the arrival of “A Fine Romance”. I’m gathering friends who know you and some prospective girlfriends who need to know you. You’re invited!! Besides tasty treats, we will toast you and Joe over iced peach tea!
I am so excited for me, and so proud of you Susan for your hard-working efforts in authoring and completing this treasured edition- a piece of you that will be passed down through the generations that follow us. “You got ‘er did!” 🙂
Thank you Gini! And hooray for your new mailbox! xoxo How was your party?
:Hi Susan,
Went to check the mail and lo and behold! There it was! The “elves” are certainly efficient! Alfredo, Sheri and Kellee are wonderful! And of course, you, sweet Susan and Joe! And the kitties who were left behind to manage the “home front”! I haven’t even opened the package yet! Can you tell how excited I am? I am taking a journey this afternoon and probably won’t even be back for dinner! I am going to fall into that little treasure and savor every bit.
A HUGE THANK YOU!
Blessings!
You are welcome Patricia!
Susan,
Your book came in the mail today. It is such a treasure!!! I enjoyed your trip to England every day in your blog & now we get to enjoy it again with your beautiful book in our hands! Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us. You are one nifty & talented lady!!! Joe & you are so lucky to have each other. You make the world a happier place. ~ Shar
Thank you Shar, and you definitely did your part in making me happy with that nice comment!
Hi Susan!
What a surprise! The book arrived yesterday! I’ve been counting the days forever now, anticipating, and thought we would have to wait another month. So happy it’s here now! And definitely worth waiting for. It’s so beautifully done. I am savoring every page like delicious dark chocolate. And I haven’t even started reading it yet. (LOL) Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift of yours. I will certainly treasure this book always.
xoxo “Like delicious dark chocolate” ~ I could not ask for more! 🙂
Hi…
I am sooooo excited…my book came today!!!!! It was raining cats and dogs here…was so worried if I missed the mail, it would get damaged. My kind hubby went out in the rain with an umbrella to get the mail as soon as the mail was delivered. There it was..all nice and dry without a scratch. It is beautiful!
What a wonderful job you did on it. The signed book plate made it even more special. It will bring back many memories of my trip a decade ago! I am soooo pleased…it arrived a month before I expected it too. Tell your girls who
got it ready for shipment that they did a great job!!!
Well I must go read some now!!
Kathie from Limerick, Pa
I will tell them Kathie! Thank you!
Oh yay, oh yay, my book is on its way! It made my day, and I just have to say, oh yay!
Little poet!
My book is here, my book is here, oh Susan dear, my book is HERE!
I took a picture of it and my 4:00 after work tea and toast to post on my newly revamped blog. It is now safely away from sticky lemon curd fingers! Can hardly wait! It is so lovely!
God bless Susan and Joe and Kellee and Sheri. God bless us every one!
Thank you Terri!
I’ve been mostly out of touch online while our phone line was being repaired (tree limb took it down – eek). With a baby granddaughter, I’m a bit sorry I missed the chance of the exciting baby giveaway (though I am so glad it did go to a mommy-to-be. Way to pick ’em, Vanna!) – but reading this, I still feel like a winner, anyway. Hip hip hurray – the book is on its way! It feels like Christmas eve – I can hardly wait 🙂
Magical! My smile has been from ear to ear since my (our) book arrived yesterday. What a joy to behold! I know I will have to keep it nearby each and every day just to browse through, dream with, and enjoy each and every page, word, art. Susan, my sincerest thanks for creating such joy. It gave me goosebumps! I was so thrilled with page “9”. I said, “That’s me!!!” I always wished we were friends and now, in print, I know we really are. Brava girlfriend. I love the red ribbon too. I could go on and on and on……
That’s you alright! Thank you Susie!
Dear Susan,
A fine Romance arrived today, August 1st….a perfectly beautiful, mild summer afternoon. I wanted to wait and open it when I could make a cup of tea and find a quiet corner this evening…but I just couldn’t help myself! I opened the package so carefully and just held the book for a moment. It is a wonderful size and weight…and it smells so good (as new books always do!) 🙂
I loooove the collage you made for the inside cover (I think we discussed this a few weeks back!) It was especially fun to see the reply you received from Windsor Castle. I took in all of the details in the following pages. The illustration of you and Joe sitting on top of the world is just precious. The words on page 11, your preface, just filled my heart with joy for you & Joe and anticipation for the rest of this beautiful story. I stopped myself at the end of page 12, printed off the darling lamb bookmark, and promised myself I would tuck myself away this evening to truly savor each page filled with your words, your art and your heart.
Thank you Susan for taking us along on this journey. This will always be the most special book in my library. I look forward to meeting you this autumn.
Kindredly,
Christy
Me too Christy, and thank you so much, love all the details!
Dear Sweet Sue,
I am up to page 112, the diary is LOVELY! You and Joe are so *lucky* – and you know it which makes it even better!!!
You mentioned pear cider so favorably that I went out and bought a four pack of Magner’s Pear Cider today 🙂 Can’t wait to try it later this evening!
Thanks again for sharing your story. It is so much fun remembering back to each blog post while you were away and matching them up to your diary entries!
Have a nice weekend!
xo,
Christy
PS…the little lamb bookmark compliments each page perfectly! Such a wonderful artist you are…in every way <3
xoxo Christy! Thank you!
I hope you like it, tell me what you think!
Hi Susan,
I am up to page 174 now. I had to read and re-read your tour of Hill Top. I can imagine just how you felt to finally “meet” Beatrix Potter. (I loved when you picked the flowers from her garden. I am very certain she wouldn’t have minded a bit. My husband doesn’t have those “outlaw tendencies” either, haha!) I felt very similar when I visited Louisa May Alcott’s home in Concord. There are a number of people I still need to visit who have touched my heart so deeply through the years. I would really love to visit Green Gables and “meet” Maud Montgomery in PEI!
Oh! The Pear Cider was a hit! So light and fruity, yet not too sweet. Perfect with cheese, crackers and fruit.
xo,
Christy
I felt like I always felt meeting her on my road of life, off and on, from my twenties forward, I wanted to know more. I think I finally have the whole story now! I loved Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House too. She was another woman ahead of her time.
Dear Susan,
I finished reading A Fine Romance last evening…I was sad when I turned that last page!! What a lovely, true story – the very best kind! Thank you for weaving through so many blessings, for celebrating a handmade life, for sprinkling in so many beautiful life observations, and sharing so many wonderful ideas for a life well lived. Everyone should read this book…imagine how happy they all would be – their hearts would be bursting with joy! My heart is simply overflowing. Thank you Susan. Now I shall go back through and re-read. Each page is a special treasure on it’s own.
xo,
Christy
Thank you dear Christy! xoxo
Hi Susan,
I received my book yesterday and I can’t put it down. I’m reading slowly so that I can look at every tiny detail. Like you and your Elizabeth book, I want it to last as long as possible. And my pot of tea tastes so much better right now.
My husband and I are having dinner with friends tonight. My excuse for bringing the book along is so that I can show it to them. I’m sure it would be tooooo rude to read it while everyone else is talking – but it is tempting 🙂
I’ve taken a book to football games, so I know the feeling! 🙂
Oh, Susan! A Fine Romance is a delight! My copy arrived between torrential downpours here in Colorado Springs and I will be spending tonight curled up with this lovely book. Thank you and Joe SO much for sharing your trip to England with us. On another note, may I say I love the size of the book? It’s compact and cozy and fits in my hand ever so well!
Cheers!
That’s what I hoped for, I was thinking “intimate, cozy.”
I found the bookplate – didn’t realize it was glued to the page…it’s adorable!
Oh my my!! I see I’m not the first to come running to the computer, so excited that I’m covered in goose bumps! I knew the book would be just lovely, but I had no idea it would be more than lovely….adorable, scrapbook-like, make-you-feel-good-when-you-flip-through-it, so completely precious….and I love the cream-colored pages…and the red ribbon !! Well, madam, I bow before our queen…the queen of the girlfriends, and commend you for a fantastic, over-the-moon job!
This will be traveling with me in 12 days (much squealing!!) to have you sign my name alongside the bookplate… oh, it just can’t get here soon enough!
Take care and have Joe give you lots of pats on the back and hurrahs and hugs for all of us,
Christie Ray, Franklin, TN
Oh my Christie, you are such a doll. Thank you! It means so much to hear this! I’ll see you soon!!!
OMGOODNESS ME! Dearest Susan….my book JUST arrived within the hour! I tore open the packaging and was blown away! 🙂 It is one of the top 3 most beautiful books I have ever seen…..it looks exactly like a diary that I have dreamed of creating myself…but couldnt…lol. Susan, this is perfection and worth more than I paid for it for sure. I just had to write to you immediately and say a huge THANK YOU! You have so much to be proud about with this “journal”. Oh…and thank you for signing it too! That is such a sweet, personal touch for the “girlfriends” who travelled with you and Joe last year. I was going to save this for when my daughter went away to her first year in college and I felt lonely….BUT….maybe I just cannot wait! 🙂 Thank you again! xoxo Diane
I hope this doesnt overload your website because I keep writing, but one last message: I did begin reading our book! I am on page 38-39 with Jack and GK commenting on how they would feel if you left them….and OMGOODNESS…..I am in love with your romance with Joe! I was laughing my head off in my rocking chair on my front porch with my two kitties staring at me in bewilderment…and I am sure the neighbors thought I looked insane….but you have the most touching and hilarious romance story. I laughed because of the way you expressed your thoughts about Joe being a possible Axe Murderer…sooo funny! I have to also comment on all of the 100’s of special details that you have given us with this book….and to say THANK YOU. It really seems so personal and so generously given and put together. Even the red ribbon is such an elegant touch…and so helpful so I dont bend the pages! When I showed my husband my book, I told him ” I have a NEW FRIEND!” He smiled and laughed and nodded because he understands how that is actually true for me! lol. I will be carrying this around with me for a very very long time, and it is going right onto my coffee table in the living room with all of my other SB books….the place of “honor”. Okay, I feel silly rambling now, but I am so excited and wanted to send you a virtual hug right now and tell you how much this means to me. Give Joe a hug too for allowing his personal stories to be shared…..you two are perfect for each other!!! 🙂 I hope you are enjoying this time and all of our excitement MORE than we are……! xoxox
Virtual Hugs received! I am enjoying it more than I ever imagined!!! Because of letters like yours, and because we have found this happy place to gather and connect! How could it get any better!?
SO happy you like it Diane! Thank you for coming along for the ride!
I just got my book in the mail today, and even though you’ve already had so many comments, I just couldn’t
stay quiet. It is just beautiful! I don’t know how to read it- one or two pages a day to make it last or all at once because it’s so hard to stop? Thank you so much for your labor of love (both of life and England).
I’m being spoiled, and will never be the same. xoxo I appreciate every word!
It’s so much fun to read about the Girlfriend excitement spreading across the SB Nation! What a happy surprise to find AFR in my mailbox today! I took an Emma mug of tea into the parlor, closed the door, savored one page at a time, not looking ahead (hard). Thank you for sharing the beginning of your love story, which is adorable and wonderful (I love that Joe went out in the snow in Boston for flowers and champagne!). I am on the Queen Mary with you now (It’s not easy being green made me laugh out loud), and look forward to bedtime when I can open your book and fall back in. I have loved all your books, but this one is especially enchanting. Pure charm. It is already on my gift list for giving to special friends!
Thank you so much Rosanne, just lovely to read your comments.
I found my book in the mail box today before the mail man arrived but I got my mail yesterday and it wasn’t there. It is a mystery who put it in the box and when! On my way upstairs to go open it and enjoy being swept away to England! ..so thrilled!
You got it! Good!
My book is happily waiting for me to enjoy it…I am savoring the thought of opening it and little by little (if I can restain myself!) going through it and go on the trip to England with you. I know it will be a treasure, everything you do certainly is! Thank you for all of the pleasure you give to sooo many folks! Happy book delivery day! Karen
Happy Book delivery day!
Dear Susan,
My book arrived and I haven’t been able to put it down! It is sooo wonderful. The writing and the photos and the wonderful watercolors. You have really outdone yourself with this book. Love it! We have a wonderful book store here in Bethlehem, Pa. It is the Moravian Bookshop.
We would love it if you could visit sometime. Bethlehem is the Christmas city you know.
Have a wonderful trip as you traverse the countryside with that doll of a guy, Joe!
Best wishes,
Marianne in PA.
We would love to! Thank you Marianne!
I received “A Fine Romance” yesterday and wanted to let you know how much I LOVE it!! I don’t want to put it down, but I also don’t want to finish it too soon…does that make sense? Anyway, you did a fantastic job on it and I know it will be a book that I will look at again and again. Also, thank you for signing it…that makes it extra special. ☺
I spend the whole day reading your book. Absolutely lovely! And then I bounced over to Amazon to see what Beatrix Potter books they have for sale. I came across this one and wanted to make sure you knew it was coming out. amazon.com/Beatrix-Potters-Gardening-Life-Childrens/dp/1604693630/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1375403428&sr=8-19&keywords=beatrix+potter
It looks like one to add to the wish list!
Congratulations on your new book. I am thrilled to have it in my collection!
I’m thrilled to have it be there, thank you Kelley!
I got my book today and started reading it right away.This is your best book ever!!! We need one like this for Martha’s Vineyard, and maybe Paris too:)
Thanks so much for all you do for us.
Andrea T.
I should do one for the island. That would be fun.
Susan, I just found “our” book in my mailbox today!!!!!! Whoopee! It fit the mailbox exactly. Let me thank you for all your beautiful artwork and pics! I now can answer that pesky question “what is your favorite book?” (don’t you hate that one? well I always did till now) Yes, A Fine Romance, by Susan Branch is the top of them all. Thank you and bless you!
LOL “pesky!” Thank you Anna Marie!!
Just got word today my book is on the way! Yeah!
You have been going “all-out” now for months on end and the body can tolerate only it’s limited amount of stress — even enjoyable stress- -soooo now ist’s time to back- off for a week or two ……..get yourself to the nearest cruise ship port of call and get away with your knitting and Joe for a few days relaxation …give your system a healthy break that it requires …….leave your computer home ….your girl friends will understand — they want a good strong person like you to be there for a long time …..DO IT. Dad
See how my Daddy is? He is the BEST!
Jack, you’ll be able to pamper and spoil Susan and Joe when they come visit for your birthday. You’re a good Dad.
I couldn’t agree more Jack…..
Susan, Father Does know best!!! You deserve just you & Joe time!!
Agree with your Dad 100%!! Go and “be” with Joe for a few days. We will all survive.
Jack, every time you post I miss my beloved father so very much, he left this life much much too early. Susan is so very blessed to have you!!! I love that you are here in this virtual world sharing it with her. Blessings to you!
~Jamie
Me too me too me too, Light of my life!
Hmmm, cruise ship to Arizona:)
Jack,
Susan is such a lucky girl to have a Daddy like you to spoil her! I am sure you know that is one of the very reasons she grew up to be the wonderful lady she is today.
Have a happy birthday and enjoy your visit with your girl!
Christy
Always listen to your Daddy.
Daddy’s know best.
♥Deb♥
Susan, received the beautiful, romantic book yesterday! Its so lovely seeing all the places in England, so well done on such nice paper. I’m making chocolate cake for my husband’s Birthday tomorrow — looking for the perfect recipe!
I have a perfect chocolate birthday cake on page 98 of my Autumn Book, in case that helps! Happy Birthday to your Husband!
Just had to come back and say — Cake was a success! Thank you. Also, I read the part about Irais and Minora in your new book after just having read it THAT morning in Elizabeth and her German Garden… so funny.
So witty! So English sense of humor! Glad to hear about the cake!
Susan, my book was awaiting my return from a work trip and I’ve spent a wonderful evening leafing through it and looking at all of your watercolor work and photos. Just wonderful! Can’t wait to read it! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Carolyn, happy it got there!
I got it, I got it!!!! I’m soooooo happy! Can’t wait to start reading your book tonight! OH Susan, what a wonderful job you did! Just Beautiful !!!!!
Thank You for all your hard work to create such a masterpiece!
Happy, Happy, Happy,
Lorna 🙂 🙂 🙂
P.S.
You’ve got great elves!!!
I’ve got great elves! 🙂
Guess what I got in the mail today?! I didn’t even open it. I’m waiting until this weekend so I can savor every page! I don’t know if my willpower will hold out. 🙂
We shall see xoxo
If I had known MY BOOKS had arrived (!!!!) I would never have gotten dinner on the table tonight! My husband just brought the mail in and now the dishes are in the sink and there they will stay because I’m off to go read! *HAPPY*HAPPY*HAPPY* Thank you, Susan!!
Thank YOU Teresa!
By the way, I bought all the ingredients to make your Orange Lavender Cake for a family party Saturday and the book is here and…well…..good grief….I’m beside myself!
“Good grief” 🙂
I got home last night (this morning!) at 2:30 am after taking my teenage daughter and friends to an amusement park out of state and when I walked in the door I saw THE BOOK! I was so excited I tore open the package (carefully) and began to read…. I could barely keep my eyes open but I just love what I’ve read so far.. a magical book. Thanks for writing it and sharing your journey with us.
Thank you Carolyn, sweet dreams!
My book has not arrived yet! Where is it? I can’t wait!
It’s coming Judy . . . going out by the truckloads daily! Can’t be too long now!
My book arrived today as well, much earlier than expected! I am going to try and read this sensibly instead of devouring it in one sitting. Well, maybe just a few pages….page 11 with your dear dedications, page 70 with The New Rules, the inside cover that is just like a scrapbook and the signed book plate – oh my! What a wonderful surprise and just like you to add that little extra something that makes things so special. Thanks for bringing us all on this journey with you. What a giving person you are!
xoxo Marilyn, thank you!
Just had to tell you! I just downloaded 7 free Elizabeth Von Arnim books on my Kindle for PC! Thanks for the tip on this author! Can’t wait to read them! Did I mention they are FREE!??
Wow! That’s good to know, thank you Cynthia!
Dear Susan,
I just had a feeling your new book would be waiting for me in the mailbox today and sure enough, it was there. I couldn’t wait to open it, which I did immediately. It is the most adorable, funny, charming book I have ever read or owned! Thank you so much for writing it and sharing it with all of us. My sister bought the book for my birthday, which isn’t until October, but I can’t wait until then to read it, of course. I loved reading about the beginning of your “Fine Romance” with Joe. It was meant to be! I laughed out loud when I read about the ax-murderer (and my daughters agreed) because that sounds like something I would say. Ha I have only read to page 40 so far and have had to stop and share your words with my daughter many times. Both of my girls are going to have to read it when I am done. One of my girls even bought me my very own “Petey” doll on Ebay and hid him on my bookshelf for me to discover when I came home from a trip recently. (She knew how much I liked him) He has just been waiting there patiently for the “new” book to arrive! Thank you again, Susan, for sharing your love and your life with us. You are an angel. ^o^
Your daughters sound like wonderful partners in crime. Thank you Joanie, I can’t tell you how much your words mean to me. Honestly, no one really knows if what they are writing is going to make sense, hearing from you is wonderful and also a bit of a relief! 🙂
My book arrived today —
OMG : Your Best. Book. So. Far.
Love it – thank you, Susan, for being my friend.
xoxo
Thank you Nancy, for being mine. xoxo
Hi Susan! My copy of your lovely book arrived today. It was so busy here today that I didn’t get to look at it until bedtime. So, I’ve been reading under the covers with a flash light since my husband turned off the lights—- something I haven’t done since I was about 13!! I absolutely love the book. It’s just the right size, the inside covers are beautiful, it smells wonderful, the art and your stories so touching…. and I’m only on page 61. Thank you for creating this little treasure. All my sister’s will be getting a copy for Christmas. So far, my favorite part is the love story. {{{Hugs}}}
Laughed at you with the flashlight Holly! Thank you!
Girlfriends, Just FYI “Elizabeth and Her German Garden” is a free kindle download at Amazon. It’s next in my reading cue.
You will love it so much ~ I’m happy for you to be reading it for the first time!
Dear Susan,
I’m so excited that my books came today! One for me and one for my mom! I love mine so much! I know my mom will love hers also! She’s been to England twice, so it will bring back special memories for her! I haven’t been but it is a dream of mine to go and your book will be my guide. You have such a way with words and all the special words of others are wonderful! Also your drawings and pictures are perfect! It really is my very favorite book that I have, and I have ALOT of books! Thank you so much for your AWESOME creation!
Blessings
You are so welcome Sherri, thank you for liking it!!!
Yay! Yipee Yay! YippeYay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got an e-mail — my book is on it’s way!
Yay! Yippe Yay! Yippe Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay Sue!
WOW! It’s here already! Amazing!
I’ve only glanced a tiny bit so far. 🙁
I’m head-over-heels in corn, tomatoes and cucumbers these days. Hopefully, I can find some quiet time soon — when I’m not too tired to concentrate and just read. In the meantime, maybe I can catch a few more glimpses here and there. 🙂
The garden calls! Sounds wonderful!
Hi Susan,
Made my way to Smallhythe Place last night, just before midnight (there was a gentle rain here in NH so it really set the scene!). I am totally absorbed! I laughed out loud when I read about your first adventures driving on the “wrong” side of the road. OMG! What a riot. You two are so adventurous and you do with with a sense of humor! I could just picture it. Love, love, love it! You continue to amaze . . .
Smallhythe, a little bit of heaven. So happy you’re enjoying it Jackie! Means the world to me to hear from you.
P.S.
This book is just the right size to hold comfortably in my hands. You thought of everything!!!?!
I wanted it to be cozy! I know my girls! ♥
What is happiness, let me count the ways, (1.) A huge teacup full of earl gray, (2.) a cool evening sitting on my front porch swing and (3.) READING MY VERY OWN COPY OF A FINE ROMANCE SIGNED BY OUR SUSAN. Life is good. Thank you so much for being you and for being here for us !!!!!!!!!!!
And you too, Linda, thank you for being there for me! xo
Got THE BOOK yesterday – and I made myself wait until after dinner was done to open it……so pretty and love everything about it! I started reading …… stopped at page 36…..need to slow down and enjoy every page!!! I noticed your writing style changed on pages – just like a real diary! Some fancier than others….so cool. Each page brings something new to enjoy and savor! I kept thinking about how this was a true labor of love…..and the results are fantastic. Love the story about your beginnings with Joe – you are a sweet “meant to be” couple! So glad you found each other! Well…..back to reading! Have a glorious weekend! 🙂
Thank you Connie! SO happy you are liking it!
Dear Sweet Sue: I love it! Read the ♥ story last night and the 1st 2 days on the ship. And, I was still smiling when I went to sleep & slept 7 hours – yahoo, that’s amazing for me! Can hardly wait until reading time tonight. Reading a wee bit at a time is tortuous, but the anticipation is tingling!!! Love the cover, & every single page, & remembering your twittering & blogging along the way makes it all very special! Thank you tons for writing such a great book! Love, Joanie
I had really good inspiration! 🙂 Thank you Joanie!
Many moons ago, I placed an order online for A Fine Romance. Something unusual (weird) with my computer occurred, and I did not receive a confirmation. So, I placed another order, and, again, no confirmation. Following up on this, slipped through the cracks on my part, and now I am wondering if, in fact, the order(s) even went through. I may receive one copy, two copies or, Heaven forbid, no copies! Can you please advise on how I can check into whether my order was actually placed? I have all of your cookbooks and don’t want to miss out on this one which I know will be spectacular.
Please, always keep your positive, happy, warm persona. It always brightens my day!
I sent your comment to Kellee, hopefully she will be able to figure this out! 🙂 Thank you Suzanne!
Oh Susan! I got my book yesterday! It’s beautiful! I love it and to know that we were all with you on the journey and through all the hard work put into this…I just can’t put into words! Thank you!! I (as others in previous posts) love all the personal comments and Joe’s input. You two were definitely destined to be together. How wonderful love is. I was so tired last night and I suddenly was wide awake after starting the book 🙂 It would have been easy to read it all the way through without stopping (which I plan on doing this weekend ;). Please try to stop somewhere near Cincinnati for a book signing…I just want to give you a big ‘ol hug…Thank you for being so good to us! ps…hug kitties for me 🙂
I’ll do it Vicki — thank you so much!
Dear Susan,
Today I received a wonderful surprise…..from my rural mail carrier Greg, pulled in the drive up to the house, honked his horn and came to the door (cause the box didn’t fit in the mailbox) carrying a USPS priority box with my TWO A Fine Romance books!! WOO HOO!! HAPPY DANCE ALL OVER THE HOUSE!! I am speechless, it is the most gorgeous book I have ever laid my eyes and hands and mind on, each page is exquisite and every page I am oohing and aahhing over!!
Handwritten pages, your illustrations, the photographs are…….are…….are……….. utterlygorgeoustakemeawaySusanBranchtoEngland!!! THANK YOU!!! You are the most talented woman I am so thrilled to call my GIRLFRIEND!!! You have certainly outdone yourself!! I cannot say enough and just know that you have made my day!
Hugs and Kisses to you
Candice
ThankyoudarlingCandice,whatwouldlifebewithoutfriendslikeyou!!!
Oh My!!!!!!!!!!!!
As my 4 year old granddaughter said to her 2 year old brother
when she saw Granddaddy pull out the hide-a-bed for the first
time. “Come quick, I knew it was going to be good but I didn’t
know it was going to be this wonderful!” That really applies to
your wonderful little book. The perfect bedside companion.
Your love story made me giggle. Love it. You are a darling
couple. Also, today my 5 year old feral cat got in my lap and
snuggled with me for the first time. I couldn’t believe it.
All of the comments made me realize I had to bake a little
cake so I baked an Oatmeal Raisin Loaf to go with my tea.
Somehow I didn’t know that you were doing the whole book in
handwriting. WOW! Can’t wait to read more and I still think you
two could go into the travel business after each book. Can we
go to Italy next? Pleeeeeease!
We were just talking about that . . . 🙂
It’s here! It’s here! And it’s Beautiful! I received my copy yesterday. I had it mailed to my work address (afraid it would get smooshed in my tiny P.O. box). It was a very LOOONG day as I couldn’t wait to get home to open my package. (Which was done with much pomp and circumstance.) I was so excited and actually had tears in my eyes (no, I’m not a crazy person–well, maybe just a smidge) when I saw that you had signed it. I can’t wait to really begin reading tonight (with tea by my side). I know this book will become one of my most treasured possessions. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful, magical trip with us and for this beautiful book. Have a wonderful weekend. (I’ll be busy reading.) Anne
It’s been my pleasure Anne, the whole way ….
P/S: Thank you for letting us pre-order and thank you to the
girlfriend who thought about it. Your helpers have done a
great job and they are appreciated. Thanks!
Thank you back Julia!
Oh my, the book came. Actually, I should type it THE BOOK!!!!! And I’m beside myself because Lucy is out of town and I haven’t wanted to open mine without her present opening hers. And she won’t get home til tonite. I’ve walked by that package at least 50 times, kind of remind me of the way Petey looks at you. It just has kept staring at me. And I’ve texted Lucy a half dozen times saying I would wait. So we agreed upon bagels at Einstein’s in the morning, and we’ll do a picture walk through together. That was all I needed to know that I simply HAD to open the package and rub my hands over THE BOOK, to flip through the pages —- just so I could get an idea of how long this little breakfast picture walk would take. Oh my again — it’ll take days, weeks, months — we many never take it all in! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I am promising the world I will NOT start reading THE BOOK until Lucy and I are sitting next to each other, each with BOOK in hand, savoring each page, as far as we get before we are called home! The best is, we are planning a lake-day on Monday and we can continue where we left off! I know there must be hundreds of FOSB just loving this weekend when we can feel even closer to England, to the heart of our own home, and to yours. Hugs, Ethel
It’s so fun to read with a girlfriend when there are pictures involved, so I get why Lucy and Ethel NEED to be together for this one! xoxo Enjoy!
I received your lovely book in the mail just a few minutes ago and I know that I am going to love every bit of it! I am going to finish up what I am currently reading so that I can devote all my attention to “A Fine Romance”…I want to savor every page of it!
So many have said it so much better but I want to add my hearty Thank You and virtual hug to you along with everyone else’s thank yous and hugs to you. Wednesday was a happy day because A Fine Romance came in the mail and I’ve been reading it/savoring it like a fine pear cider (which I hope to try sometime.)
I hope you do, its quite wonderful, in fact, let’s see, what time is it . . . 🙂
I received my book and it is just lovely. Oh Susan you should be so proud! I only looked briefly, I am saving it for Saturday morning. But I can’t quit touching it, the red ribbon is so crisp and the pages look like a treasured diary (which indeed they are). How blessed are we to have such a wonderful friend that would let us be part of something so intimate and special. My heart is singing!! Thank you! and thank you to all the hard workers who helped you make it happen. xoxo Joy
Every time you write, just as I’m thinking, she writes so joyfully, you sign your name and I go, Perfect!
Oh Susan, my four copies of your book arrived in today’s mail- what a lovely, lovely book you have written for all of US! Will you sign my four copies when my daughter and I go to your book signing at the Innisfree Bookstore in Meredith, NH? I hope so. My daughter is taking the day off from work to go there with me- we have planned this since we found out you would be in Meredith. We can’t wait!! Thank you again for writing this delightful and beautiful book!
I will love to sign your books Karen! See you there!
What a way to start the month of August! We get our mail between 4:30 and 5 and I could not wait to get inside and tear open that envelope. For once I was happy there was no one else at the neighborhood mailbox. It’s a good thing I had dinner cooking on the stove because once I opened the book I was gone! To MV and then Boston (my hometown). Your way of writing is a true gift. I always felt I was right there with you in the Black Dog and then at the Lennox Hotel (my husband worked there when he was in college!). Thank you for sharing the wonderful story of how you and Joe got together. You and I are truly blessed in the husband department. I was so engrossed I hardly noticed my husband had come home and I quickly caught him up (Look–they stayed at the Lenox!). When I turned the page and saw Joe with the flowers I got a tear. On to England!
On to England! I’m right with you Ann!
Ann….wasn’t that just the best part…Joe with all of those flowers! Boy was Susan in t r o u b l e!!! Haha! What a wonderful story! 🙂
I was so in trouble! 🙂
I just posted on GoodReads…but had to come here and say it again…THANK YOU!!!
I love it, it feels good, it smells good and I know darn good and well it is just going to be the BEST! I just received it today, I baked a Lemon Lavender Polenta Cake and when that is finished and out of the oven..guess what I am going to England again with you…xoxox
Perfect! Thank you Sue! Mmmmm, that cake, I want one in MY oven! 🙂
Traaa-laaaaa! Your book arrived! I’ve only thumbed through it so far, but I just love it! The photographs, stories, recipes, paintings, the red ribbon and signed book plate are putting a big smile on my face. I have found it to be absolutely charming and plan on reading slowly and savoring every page. I want to share a book with you that I read last month for Book Group. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce is about a man walking across the English countryside to see an old friend before she dies. It is full of love and comapassion, humor and charm. I think you’ll love it as much as we all did.
Just ordered it! Thank you Sara! Looks perfect for our cross-country trip.
I put that book on hold at the library and it just came in. Will have to enjoy this book until my “A Fine Romance” comes. So much fun to read all the beautiful comments. I will enjoy mine even more when it does come.
Thanks so much for mentioning this book, Sara. It’s now on my want-to-read list. ( A list which I will never catch up with unless book publication is suspended for a year. Or two! )
I was out doing errands and come home to a package … guess what was inside?!? Your book, “A Fine Romance”! I screamed for JOY! I am now sitting on my front porch in the shade, an iced coffee by my side, a cute kitty curled up on the grass next to my two dogs, and YOUR BOOK! I’m in heaven. I can’t wait to turn each page and savor every moment. Thank you!
Sounds pretty perfect Sharma! Schmoosh the kitty for me!
Today has been one of those days!! I just wanted to sit in a quiet spot and wait for the day to be over. But I had to keep on. I went out to run some errands and my book came while I was gone. It almost make me cry when I opened it. I have looked forward to getting it since I ordered it. I want to savor every page and take my time. Needless to say my day became better instantly!! Thank you so much for writing it.
Ohhh, Arnette, I’m so glad. Now for that quiet spot . . .
Oh My Gosh!!!! Got OUR book!!!! It’s just so…You! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Yay! My book came in yesterday, its absolutely beautiful Susan! I went to bed with it last night and just could not wait to dive into it. I want to read it slowly so that I can savor every moment, and absorb every last detail, so I only allow myself a few pages each night because I know I will not want it to end. The book jacket is just lovely, you did such a smashing job! I read how you and Joe met…soooo romantic…really this could be the next hit movie with a story as wonderful as yours. Thank you for all the time, love and effort that I can see you put into this little beauty, I will treasure it forever….~ East Longmeadow, Ma.
Oh my I forgot to tell you that my new (old) O’keefe and Merritt stove is on its way as I write this all the way from Colorado! I was so excited to let you know! It’s a six burner, double oven beauty and as you can tell I am overjoyed with anticipation. The first thing I plan on baking in it is that lovely lavender polenta cake. It’s because of you that I fell in love with this stove, and it has been my dream for so long…so thankyou Sue for the inspiration and my dream coming true….~East Longmeadow, Ma.
YOU are going to LOVE it Suzanne — on its way! How exciting! It bakes the best cakes, the ovens are heavy, the whole stove is just a treat! And you made your dream come true, worthy of all the time and effort, and money too, it’s a lifetime of goodness!
Thank you Suzanne xoxo … it’s a dream come true reading all of these wonderful comments!
I’m Kicking Up my Heels and dancing around, my book came and I am happy as can be. I hope you don’t mind but I’m using your pic of the gal reading your book on my sidebar with a link to your blog about your book. Let me know if you want me to remove it or not. vintagegalstyle.com/ I just want to shout it out to everyone! I would like to post my thoughts on it once I have read some with a few pics of the book pages, OK with you?
PS: My GF and I are going to do phone sessions discussing your book when hers arrives…she lives in CO and I’m in MI…so much fun because your book is beyond words fabulous!! YOU GO GIRL…you are the best and a sincerely lovely person.
Hugs from across the miles, Lynnie
Love reading with friends! Your own little by-phone book club! Thank you Lynnie!
I’d love it Lynnie! Thank you!
I am only on page 17, but OH! The romance! I love “how we met” stories! If I’m ever lucky enough to get to Martha’s Vineyard, I’m coming with my Black Dog hat in hand, hoping to run into Joe and Sue, Vineyard residents…
Loving this!
When we go out with another couple, I almost always ask “How did you two meet?” I love those stories too! I love the way it makes their eyes light up to tell it!
I can only echo what everyone has said previously…….I was so excited to receive my book, thankfully dinner was cooked, no time to make a cup of tea or a special cake, I dove right into the book and finished it early this morning. Soooooo wonderful and brought back some memories of my own. As a child I once had a “Petey”, bought while making one of several crossings in the 1950’s. Think I gave it away when I became too “grown-up” to play with dolls. Love, love, love the book….including the new book smell and also the little first time it has been opened creak/squeak sounds I hear. Thank you so much for your gift to us, what a wonderful book. PS My black and white kitty also thanks you….he thinks the red ribbon was included just for his benefit to play with and try to chew!
You and your kitty are both welcome! xoxo
My book arrived safe and sound in Maryland on Aug 1. I was surprised how quickly it got here! I have cleared my calendar for the weekend and there will be a marathon reading at my house. I haven’t peeked yet and can’t wait to dive in. Just by the index you posted I can tell it’s going to be fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing your he(art)!
Thank you Janet — hope you like it!
I just collected the book from my mailbox and my eyes are filled with tears. It’s the most wonderful and beautiful book I’ve ever seen filled with all of my favorite things…England, Beatrix Potter, the Cotswolds (where my family is from and one of our surnames is even Broadway!), Cranford, James Herriot, gardens, recipes, tea,etc…all wrapped up in a beautiful and touching love story! I can’t wait to wrap myself up in every page over and over again. It will sit by bedside forever. Thank you for sharing your diary with us ♥
So happy you like it (so far!) — all of our favorite things!
I am so proud of myself! I waited all day to open my package, I KNEW there would be no work done and no food prepped for the week-end if I dared to even peek. But oh the pure joy that awaits, the house is clean, laundry done, plenty of food for the week-end awaits and a weather forecast for thunderstorms and lots of rain….perfect reading, dreaming weather. So far I have only smelled the deliciousness of new book, but I am in my p.j.’s, ready to read. Thank you Susan! Happy week-end to us all 🙂
I think I need to come live at your house! 🙂
I received your book today. It’s even MORE beautiful in person! Thank you Susan and team.
I got my book yesterday and it is wonderful- I will treasure it forever- especially with your signature on the address label inside. :o)
Susan, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful 25+ yr love story. I read very fast, and go through most books in about 4 hrs. I am taking A Fine Romance so very slow. I stopped at day 5. There is so much to look at and take in. And you should add a hanky warning! I had to stop reading to go get one. I am savoring your adventure in a way I usually reserve for incredibly good chocolate. It is truly a work of Art.
YOU should provide a hanky warning too!:-) Thank you Terri!
Well, just like I end up doing with that lovely chocolate, I got up in the middle of the night and scarfed down more Fine Romance! :-). Just one more page, I would say. I just have to read one more! I did stop at halfway. I cannot imagine any author in the world getting the wonderful advanced reviews that you have. Ok, I’m really going to stop gushing now. But your heart must be fairly bursting! You truly, sincerely and richly deserve every accolade.
Truly bursting. I’m verklempt, out of words, I could just do straight hearts to answer all comments! Thank you Terri. It’s this blog, and us, we are a fine romance xoxo
I haven’t received my 4 books yet….still waiting, trying not to read too many comments that might ‘give-away’ anything, (finding it hard not to though!) I have really enjoyed all the cozy places the girlfriends find to read their books, the tea, their animals snuggled next to them, the baking….it’s so cute!! I love reading that. Well…I know a watched pot never boils….but I can’t help it….still waiting and watching. Grants Pass, OR is THE worst place for air quality in the USA. So not too hard to stay inside and wait!! Wish me luck, maybe tomorrow!!!
ps…..we don’t usually have bad air…it’s the fires!
Hope they get there soon Karen! I don’t think anyone’s really giving anything away, but I do adore these comments. Until now I’ve never really known for sure how our book would be received, even though Joe keeps telling me, “they will love it.” I’m on cloud nine.
It is late on a Friday night, and I have just returned from a lovely journey through the English countryside. My heart is filled to the brim with wildflower meadows, stone cottages, sweet little lambs, Beatrix Potter, pubs and tea rooms. Thank you for a very special book. It is overflowing with information, history, humor, and most of all, love. It wasn’t until I’d finished reading and flipped back to the beginning that I realized the bookplate is pasted in and has your signature! What a sweet touch, and so like you! Your quotes and observations about life always inspire happiness and are so life affirming, and that is a very fine thing. xoxoxo
I’m getting reduced to whimpering noises now…. xoxo
ALL DONE…cover to cover…every word, every photo, every watercolor…will reread and reread…but this book is going in a plastic bag to be treasured and saved for my grandchildren when they get older….I am not lending this one out,to anyone…It is a phenominal book, a work of the soul. Totally one unto itself. thank you for my generational treasure….Now I will go purchase another, and read and lend out to my friends who are house bound, or in nursing homes or hospitals….The joy that you have created will touch more people in more countries and bring fond memories of their days in England….You are a “National Treasure”, Susan S. Branch……..Blessings from my Island to yours! Susan xo
Make me cry Susan! It’s too early for crying! But your words, and really, all these lovely comments, I just bow my head. Thank you.♥
Just got my book yesterday! It could not have come at a better time. My dad is in the hospital headed for a nursing home – rapid health decline in a month. Which leaves my mom at home alone for the first time in 64 years. Thank God she is just 10 minutes from my home. Big changes for both of us and your book will help me relax when I can. What a treasure it will be right now. Thank you!
Oh dear Sue, very sorry to hear that. Yes, you are very lucky, only 10 min away. I’m way too far from my parents and I feel it more every day. All my best to you, and your mom, and your dad. xoxo
Thanks Susan, even though we have never met, I feel like we are friends. Just taking things one day at a time. I have loads of family support from my wonderful husband (25 yrs!) and 2 adult sons.
THE book came yesterday afternoon. I had projects going so was waiting till I could sit and savor it. Whilst going in and out doing laundry between projects -I noticed out of the corner of my eye – my HUSBAND was reading YOUR book. Ha, he ended up reading half the book and said, “she can really write”. Finally last night I read half the book. Susan, it is so lovely, touching …fun! I’m saving going back to it later today so I can drink in more:) Thank you friend! Have fun at the “B” party!!! judi
That makes me so happy! I was thinking it might just be a woman’s book! Not ‘Just’ but I like to hear that a man likes it too!
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my Beatrix Potter week! It certainly will be one of my favorite memories of my children’s childhood!!! We have been blessed with a grant to take our family to the UK for six weeks this fall and we will be staying in one of houses that Beatrix owned for one of those weeks. We’ve been looking forward to this for TWO years!!! Can’t wait!
OH! Heather, I’m so happy to see you. Everyone should read your BlackberryRambles Blog about your Beatrix Potter Summer School. The memory of this will never leave your children! It’s brilliant. SO proud of YOU! Lots of work, but what a thing! And now your trip to look forward to! I love this so much! I asked Peg to put it on my FOSB Facebook page too — it’ll be up later — I want you to know what a great thing that was for you to do.♥ People think it’s hard to become a hero, but it’s really not. Nothing to it, you just do it! xoxo
I skipped over to Blackberry Rambles Blog early this morning as well.. noticing it on your “twitter”…’ absolutely loved it and I agree with you, Susan…the memory will never leave those children…what a gift !!!!
What a gift! And so much work! I want to go to that summer school! 🙂
… me too !!.. come to think of it, I want to go to England now too, with such a good, new book I’ve just received !!!!!… xoxo
Me too, want to go back! xoxo
I honestly believe you will, Susan !!… as for me, I’ll begin that dream so that it may come true !!
Heather, will you be staying at Yew Tree Farm with your family? How wonderful that you will be able to take the whole family for such a memorable trip! After this fun Beatrix Potter week, they will certainly find it coming alive in a different way when they walk where Beatrix walked, won’t they? xo
My book arrived yesterday and it was ‘love at first sight’ and I hadn’t even opened it. I guess you know what I’ll be reading this w/e. Thanks for the memories. XXXOOO
Glad it arrived Marge!
Susan, I found a used copy of your book “Baby Love” for the yet-to-arrive grandson of my oldest BFF ( we’ve known each other for 47 years). I ordered the book through Chapters and thought, what if its already filled in, lol. But it wasn’t! It’s so charming. I looked at every page. His grandmother has saved his father’s Peter Rabbit dishes received when he was born. So what a wonderful welcome for a brand new baby.- Susan Branch and Beatrix Potter. Still waiting to hear about my books and calendars being shipped. They should arrive together and soon.
I sure hope so Elaine, let me know if they don’t. Love that you found Baby Love (and had the wonderful dishes!) — always a thrill to see a filled-in baby book when I go on book signings. xoxo Thank you!
Received “the book” yesterday. I’m loving it; however, I’m reading just a bit at a time. I want to savor the contents as long as possible.
Glad to know you got it Janice!
What can I add to all the above but to say the book is “perfect”. I was one of the girlfriends in the suitcase and am now savoring the trip again. What must it be like to be YOU knowing that life has come to a standstill for all those who have just received your book and will be reading it this weekend! Must read slowly to savor it. P.S. your Joe is a gem!
Yes he’s a doll! xoxo Thank you Joan!
I tried really hard to make it last, but I failed miserably. You made me not only want to go to England, I want to live there! There are no words for me to write as they have all been said, by all the wonderful girlfriends but I wanted you to know that your book is now in a place of honor in my home, on the mantle right next to my Gladys Taber books. Thank you Susan for this most beautiful treasure.
Thank you so much for telling me Sharon! xoxo
Dearest Susan,
It’s so hard to even find the words to tell you how much I enjoyed our new book!! Yesterday, I read for hours and hours on the porch swing with iced tea {and LOTS of tissues!}. Were you also in tears as you wrote and watercolored over the past year? As I finished reading, I just held A Fine Romance close to my heart for the longest time. What an amazing love story you have shared with the world!! ♡ Thank you so much for letting all of us be a part of your journey. Thank you for all of the important life lessons. What a true blessing you are to the world, Susan!!
When John saw how moved I was by your English diary, we both knew we must move the English countryside right to the top of our “Places to Travel” list. You have turned me, a lifelong Francophile, into a new Anglophile!!!! We are already talking about which areas to visit {and worrying about the driving!!}. So, many heartfelt thanks from BOTH of us! ♡ Wonderful discoveries lie ahead!!
Now, as I begin my second reading, I will stop and follow each link in the Appendix. Such inspiration for trip planning! My third reading will be very special, too. I’m planning to just reread one entry each day ~ savoring and dreaming. It will be the perfect time to add so many of your wonderful quotes to my Quotations Journal. So, our new book will fill many, many more happy hours!
It’s exciting to read everyone’s thoughts about A Fine Romance as we share one very special book among so many friends! It’s really so wonderful that the books arrived early, Susan, while you were still at home to savor all of the joy you have created! May the days to come be lighthearted and sweet! ♡
See you in Chicagoland!
Love and big hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
I would cry sometimes when I was writing. I cry sometimes when I read it now, there’s something about missing that place that comes over me. Thank you so much Dawn! I know you will love traveling in England, despite the driving thing. I really think English people would do themselves well to mark our American-driven cars so they know to steer clear of us! You’ve probably seen in London that they paint the crosswalks with arrows that say LOOK HERE, so we don’t look the wrong way before crossing. Very kind of them!!!
At the end of the Viet Nam war we were stationed in Guam, we took a trip to Hong Kong, run by Britain at the time, and I saved my husbands life about 3 different times for that very same reason, they all drove like the English on the wrong side of the road and I had to grab him because he was looking the wrong way!! (He owes me..HA!) Susan, it’s too bad you don’t fly because that place is absolutely fantastic, steeped in so much romantic history and oh the shopping…..
I bet boats go there . . . 🙂 Good job on life saving Karen!
Such sweet memories bring happy tears every time!! ♡ I have visited my friends in Germany 14 times and traveled to so many countries with them. They always make time to travel to France with me! They are such a blessing in my life!! It’s having dear, faraway friends that makes the world such a special place! I know you and Joe understand…
Now it’s so easy to stay close via the Internet, but there is nothing better than a real visit, with real hugs!! So happy that Rachel and Paul are coming to visit! Very soon, you must plan another trip to visit them! ♡ Kindred spirits!!
You are so right Dawn!
I just realized something. Our young French student just left earlier in the week and I was telling her we’d probably go to England before we’d go to France because we can speak the language there…..but what I just realized is it’s a trade-off! Speak the language and die on the road vs. not speak the language and live to tell about it!
LOL!!! These are the choices!!! Actually, I’ve been to both, I prefer death on the road! LOL
I keep checking in for a new and special post and read Dawn’s comment…thank you, Dawn…I keep wanting to write how I feel about Susan’s Fine Romance…but my words are never enough… Dawn, you came the closest to how I’m feeling…thank you , thank you for being here !!!… this journal is so special to so many of us !!!… thank you Susan !!!… as always, take care and with love….
I think you do a great job too Mary! Really. xoxo
You are so sweet, Mary! It’s really hard to find the words to describe the powerful feelings evoked by Susan’s English diary. Your heartfelt words are just perfect… and express exactly how so many of us are feeling about A Fine Romance. ♡
It’s wonderful to be part of such an amazing group of Girlfriends!!
OK-
Retirement has happened to me after 30 years of having the best job in the world-Teaching- Those first grades filled me up every day. My husband’s retirement dream- train across the US. This will work since our daughter and her family (two Presbyterian Ministers)live in Charlotte N.C. We always fly- but now we will have the time! My dream- England and the cottages and gardens. So…. There is no stopping us now. You have inspired me girl friend. My husband’s first because he has put up with me- Then mine. Thank you so much for sharing your joy of living and your appreciation of a loving husband. You remind me of how lucky I am.
Your the Best!
Lani
No stopping you! You go girl! Life is but a dream — enjoy!
So….. dear Susan, all I’ve gotten done today is 1 load of laundry, but I’m half through our book. Trying to make it last, savoring every last little wiggle of wit and watercolor! I just finished the first visit to Sissinghurst and REALLY want to be there now! Mainly to help garden! haha!! I’ve peaked ahead, saw the corgie with the crown… LOVE them, looking for a special one to live with us. I’m using the many sheep bookmarks I printed out to mark my favorite places. I’ve also made lists of my special people who NEED this book to start their own dreams. (you may want to start the second printing now) All in all I think I’ve been busy though my home doesn’t reflect it today! My husband thinks today would be a good day to do BIG shopping, (buying all the heavy stuff we all need plus groceries — which I hate) but I don’t think so. I’m indisposed….going back to England in my mind, at least for a few more hours. I hope we (your enthusiastic readers) don’t crash your server!!
My publisher mentioned a possible second printing for the first time yesterday! They must have heard you Holly! Love your comments, thank you so much!!
Is everyone else who is in the middle of reading your book, thinking…”I remember when we went there!!:))” or is it just me…
Loving it….can’t put it down….totally neglecting the Saturday chores…
All smiles,
Christie
….and it helps that its a rainy day…and I’m wrapped in my green Tasha Tudor style cottage shawl…since we’re in the pub on pg 97…
Perfect, Christie, I’m in my green shawl too, right now, it’s a chilly day on Martha’s Vineyard — like fall!
Dearest Sue,
It is so wonderful to be a part of this “girlfriends” community, and I just want to give you a big hug and thank you for having me. It makes me feel special somehow, which I know is silly but…
Anyway, like so many of us, I received my much anticipated A Fine Romance yesterday and found myself completely immersed in it within minutes. I had a dog snuggled up on each side of me, a nice cup of tea within reach, and my new favorite book in my lap before me. It made me puddle up (so romantic), laugh out loud (do me a favor and try not to talk. hahahahha!), cringe, feel wonder and amazement. I loved learning about the real lives of the people who lived in the places you visited. And seeing the beauty of England. And visiting with Rachel and Siobhan. And – Joe is still a doll and so fun to travel with! Did I mention yet that I LOVE your new book?!
You are a true blessing to me. I miss you when I’m gone, I’m so happy that nothing has changed between us when I return. You’re a best friend who I’ve never met! And I thank you for that, too.
I hope to meet you during your book tour. I’m finding just the right paper to print my nametag on so you’ll recognize me 🙂 You have such a way of making us all feel so special!
Thank you, sweet Sue, for all you do for us!
I must go finish my favorite book, I’m almost there. It’s a great one – called A Fine Romance. You should read it sometime – if you haven’t already 🙂
Love to all.
♥Deb♥
Nothing will ever change between us, because this blog is for kindred spirits … we have so much in common, despite differences in location, even countries, age, lifestyle, income, political leanings — blah on all that, because this is the blog for heart, and that we have in spades! Thank you so much Deb … for being here, and for your lovely comments about our book! xoxo