YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR FAIRY TALES

My dad says I should blame it all on Vanna. It’s her fault I’ve been away so long!  I love the way that sounds.  But first thing’s first . . . we need MUSICA to go with our Fairy Tale.

butterflies IMG_1043

 Don’t be mad at us ~ we come bearing gifts . . . I’m sorry I’ve been away so long.  I hope I didn’t worry you, I missed you just as much as you missed me!  Everyone is happy and healthy around here and keeping out of trouble the best we can.  You can see we are surrounded with mini-miracles, Girl and Jack in the same photo!!  Yesterday! (Look at his cute folded paws!)

miracles

IMG_1032

‘Course the whole world is a miracle now that the lilacs are in bloom . . . this is my view out the window from my art table.

flower border

lilac

Here’s up close and personal, a bee’s-eye view.

bee

IMG_1058  Here’s the sky view, lilacs are everywhere on the Island right now ~ it smells wonderful outside!

  So here’s more of what’s been happening around here. Besides the fact that we have two new baby squirrels coming to the feeders ~ who won’t hold still for six seconds so I can take their picture, but they are adorable! The tiniest ears in the world.

IMG_0951

Our tulips and daffodils bloomed, so perky after that cold winter. You have to call that a miracle!

IMG_0979

And then there’s this . . . our ornamental pear tree.  I’m very big on spring flowers, I like the shock of it!  This does it for me!

get-attachment.aspx

IMG_0991

We still have a few of these Angelique tulips in bloom . . .

IMG_0998

My birthday was perfection, thank you all so much for your well wishes!  My dad and his wife Jeanie sent me this darling birdhouse!

birthday party

IMG_1053

And the dogwood did its part by blooming soon after . . .

dogwood

Heres another photo of the dogwood . . .

IMG_7436

When Joe was digging the hole to plant the dogwood, he found that little blue bottle in it.  I celebrate that little bottle all the time. Buried treasure! Kind of a fairy tale, don’t you think?

IMG_0978

Here’s another picture of the pear . . . I can’t get enough of it. I could live there.

IMG_0985

Here it is again, showing off with the weeping cherry and forsythia . . .

new england forsythia

And more forsythia, not to be outdone . . .

lilac

When we bought this house in 1989, there was a wonderful magnolia in the garden that bloomed every year and made the perfect spring picture for all passers by. In fact, long before I bought this house, I used to drive past it in the spring, just to see all the wonderful flowering trees in bloom.  The woman who owned the house before me, Mrs. Bowditch, was a garden lover.

magnolia tree

This was her tree, and the legacy she left for us.  But one day, this beautiful magnoliatree up and died, and I’ve mourned it ever since.  I know Mrs. Bowditch was looking down from heaven saying, “Susan, Put it back. It’s your job.”  It took three years to find the right kind here on the island to replace it with.  I wanted the exact same variety.  But they didn’t seem to carry it in our nurseries ~ only other varieties, with different flowers.  In addition, I find it hard to trust the name tags on the trees, I trust them more if there is a flower I can see.

planting a new Magnolia tree

There was exactly one flower on this one when we found it last year at Vineyard Gardens, but it looked like the right kind!!!  So excited, we took a chance and brought it home.

magnolia

And prayed that it wasn’t some sort of trick. I waited for it to bloom this year, and we got lucky, because it was the right kind! It still has a way to go before it reaches the glory of the original tree, but I am so happy to have this view back! A pure pleasure. Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Bowditch.Thank you for the inspiration!

magnolia tree

And here we are in the way back . . . enjoying more . . .  

spring!

IMG_5598

Oh yes, we’ve been celebrating by walking through the woods out to the pond and the ocean every day . . . 

IMG_3408

The leaves are back!  We watch seagulls, terns, finches and osprey flit, dive and prey and we do “Morning Science” which always starts with the words, “I wonder why” . . .  Big breaths of this air soothes the winter soul. A blessing.

lilac

Speaking of blessings, here’s one of the things I missed ~ well, I missed sharing it with you ~ was Princess Charlotte’s Birth Day!  Weren’t you thrilled they had a girl?  How perfect! And isn’t Kate’s dress adorable?  

Princess Charlotte William and Kate must wake up and pinch themselves every day!   Now Kate can shop for baby dresses!  Of course we non-royalty types celebrate in our own way, by drinking tea from our new Emma mugs!  Not a bad way to go!  Too cute! I hope everyone got one . . . Kellee announced their arrival on Facebook . . . I know they’ll sell out from Emma soon, if not already.  They always have a limited supply of these special event mugs which is the good news and the bad news!  

Another thing I missed with you was . . .

Mother's Day

So, Happy Mother’s Day to all of my soul-nurturing Girlfriends.  The world wouldn’t be fit to live in handwithout you!  You are kind of IT.   I just saw a wonderful movie that I think would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for you.  It’s not new, it came out in 2011, so it’s available on Netflix and all kinds of places, even on YouTube. I know you’ll love it.  It’s called The Well Digger’s Daughter.  It’s French, you have to read subtitles, but it’s easy to get used to and the cinematography is heaven with lovely views of the French countryside. I loved the musica too.  And the dad in this movie is wonderful too.  Also, the clothes on his five daughters!  It’s set just as WWI is beginning.  So happy Belated Mother’s Day dearest ones!   

flowers

So where have I been?  What is my pitiful excuse?  You aren’t buying the Vanna excuse?  I didn’t think so.

IMG_4020

envelopeI’ve been doing this .  I’ve been writing our book. I made you a promise to try to have it before Christmas do I decided to put my shoulder into it and make it actually happen. The Musica for today was a hint.  I’ve been playing it for inspiration and strength.   I think anyone who must march to a finish line would be helped by playing this music.

painting

IMG_4643

And this is where I am now.  Deep into my watercolors, making new art for our new book, which finally has a name.  You’ll be the first to know . . . ready?  I’m scared . . . OK, here we go . . . 

IMG_0635

Here’s the first time I wrote it . . . trying it on for size . . . to be or not to be, that is was the question.

paintbrush

IMG_0664

And I liked it! So here’s where I got serious.

IMG_1011

And here’s where I started to mean business.

butterflies Book Cover Mock-up3

 And here’s where there’s no turning back.  Yesterday, Kellee posted THE FAIRY TALE GIRL in the web store for presale (everytime I type presale, my auto fix changes it to “resale” and now it’s Donotdisturbchanging autofix to “outfox.”  Stop helping me outfox!)

Anyway, this is the book I’ve been trying to write since about 2006 and would not have been happy in life if I didn’t. I had to, even though it’s a completely new thing for me and I had to practice by writing A FINE ROMANCE first.  Which was not only fun, but very helpful as far as learning is concerned.

THE FAIRY TALE GIRL began as just one book, but when I added the art and photos and recipes, it was too big, so I had to make it two books ~ The Fairy Tale Girl comes complete with a cliff hanger ~ so very soon we’ll also have the sequel called MARTHA’S VINEYARD, ISLE of DREAMS. And guess what else?  They are novels! Based on my diaries.

my diariesYikesI know, but it’s true.  And this isn’t even all of them!  So, of course I’m scared to death!  But counting on the fact that

fairytalesI’m plowing forward despite trepidation.  I think you will like it, it’s sort of like the blog only more and longer. For the next month, before it goes to print, I will be digging through old 

img066photographs like this one, laying out my pages in the book with them so you can see what I’m writing about ~ and painting the art so you can go on a little virtual journey with me back to the 1900s.  What do you think? A novel with pictures!

For those of you interested in preordering The Fairy Tale Girl, yours will be signed copies and shipped to you first before anyone else ~  as soon after August 15th as possible, on a first-come first-serve basis (because we really never know how many to print of these things). The actual “Publication Date,” when you should be able to find it in stores, is October. That’s so we have time to send books to reviewers.

magicAnd now, because I’ve been away so long, and because that was bad, I want to make it up to you by GIVING AWAY the first ten copies of A Fairy Tale Girl by Susan BranchTHE FAIRY TALE GIRL to ten of YOU!  So leave a comment and we’ll have a drawing, and wear poor Vanna out with all the work to choose ten winners!  It’s good for her!  They’ll ship out the moment they arrive.  And BTW, if my Blog is delivered your email address, you need to come here to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ in order to leave a comment ~ at the very bottom of this post, where you see a row of tiny words, look for “comment,” click there, and voila, leave a comment, and you’ll be entered.

thankyoufor your support ~ love you Girls.  Everyday I’ve thought the same thing as I’ve been writing, “What would the Girlfriends like me to tell them about?”  This time it’s a fairy tale, complete with a Prince Charming, a bite of poison apple, and lessons learned!  We all have a bit of that fairy tale in us, right? ~ but I’m not telling anymore! Until maybe next time.  Previews are only fair. 

Have a wonderful day! XOXO 

bird

This entry was posted in Blog and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2,686 Responses to YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR FAIRY TALES

  1. Kathleen Matthews says:

    Yipee! I can’t wait to dive right in! Thanks for working so hard work so that we can enjoy a respite from reality!

    🙂
    Kathleen

  2. Laural Wood says:

    All things Susan Branch make my heart sing a new note….<3

  3. Jan Hamilton says:

    So glad to see your post today. I have missed you! The new book looks enchanting.

  4. Cindie says:

    i would love to win a copy of your book…we live in Florida but spent quite a few summers growing up on Nantucket….love the Cape and the Islands,

  5. sandy says:

    I missed you, but all your pictures were worth the wait:-) happy spring. In colorful Colorado we are expecting more snow! Of course I hope I win!

  6. Debbie says:

    I have been collecting your books for a long time-I am a big fan of your beautiful illustrations
    and your delightful words that come to us on each page! So happy for another book!
    Susan, Thank you!

  7. Shirley Wells says:

    If I win this, it will be just like winning the lottery–or maybe even better. Thanks for the chance!

  8. Diana from Ohio says:

    I love the title, can’t wait to read your book. If I win ok if not ok as I will be purchasing it! As always love your blog. Thank you for writing a book.

  9. Dee says:

    Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of your newest book!!!!!!!!!

  10. Connie Turnbull says:

    Susan, thanks for making a Minnesota dreary day a lot brighter! Please enter me in your giveaway for The Fairy Tale Girl. I’ll also pre-order a copy in case Vanna doesn’t pick my name. I love everything you do! The pics around your house of the blooming flowers are amazing and beautiful!

  11. Connie Turnbull says:

    I would love to read your new book! Everything you do is so charming and fun! Hello to Vanna!

  12. Dee says:

    Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of your newest book!!!!!!!!! Sorry you’ve had to work so hard, but it’s all definitely worth it!

  13. Brenda says:

    I missed seeing blog entries from you this past month but knew what you were busy with thanks to FOSB on Facebook. I know you give good wishes to actors by saying “break a leg” but what do you say to artists/writers: “break a pencil”? In any case, I wish you well with this new book.

  14. Patsy Gearheart says:

    Can’t wait to read the new book!
    Thank you so much.

  15. Lilacs, pear blossoms, dogwood, forsythia, cherry, and lots of flowers! Plus, you have finished your book, and we can preorder it! Plus, all of the other little gems you pass on to us! You make us so happy, Susan! Love you. Keep it up! xxoo

  16. Linda Royalty says:

    I can hardly wait for the new books. Please chose me Vanna. I want one so bad! I love this blog and all of the wonderful information Susan imparts. Love it all. Thanks to Susan for all of her hard work that she loves to share…..

  17. Gina Davis says:

    Tell Vanna to choose me! I can’t wait to read the books!
    I have truly missed reading your blog while you were away.
    Congratulations on the books!
    Gina

  18. kathy h says:

    I think my grandmother had that magnolia tree in her yard in Illinois – I have looked and looked all over St. Louis for that bloom but like you they are never in bloom to tell if it’s the correct bloom – I’m glad you found it.

  19. Judy F says:

    I can’t wait to see your newest creation!

  20. Deb says:

    I’d love to be one of your winners! I still don’t have your England book though!

  21. Cassie says:

    Thank you for your wonderful blog post ~ the latest and all of them! They are so pretty and so much fun. Your work is inspiring and so appreciated.

  22. Diane V. says:

    I can’t wait for the book(s) to come out!! Every time I open one of your books, it’s like a present to me! I’m so looking forward to your new ones!

  23. jillian gaumond says:

    Wow almost 2,000 comments?! Your eyes must be stinging from moderating them all. I can’t wait to read your new book!!! I am psyched! You are awesome for getting this book out in such a short amount of time! God bless you Susan Branch with your tenacity and creative juices 🙂 – Jillian

  24. Marie Atkinson says:

    Oh I’m so excited to read your new book! Loved “A Fine Romance”

  25. Cora says:

    Love the titles! I can’t wait to read the books!

  26. Barb H. from Saskatchewan says:

    Your blog was certainly missed! Lovely to see the photos of all the spring blooms. I would love to win your new book and be able to add it to my small but growing collection of Susan Branch editions! Thanks for the opportunity.

  27. Kate says:

    I absolutely cannot wait for this book!! 🙂 Gorgeous dress on the cover! Thank you!

  28. Moonlit Lake Lin says:

    Thanks for sharing your spring! It’s finally arrived in Michigan also. Looking forward to the next book. I’m still sharing A Fine Romance with friends in need, and rereading here and there.

  29. Martha J. says:

    I would LOVE to win a copy of your new book!

  30. Gaynor says:

    I love all of your lovely blossoms and that you shared them with us! My garden is waking up and every day there is something new that makes me linger over my morning coffee a few minutes more!

    Gaynor

  31. Stephanie C. says:

    Hi Susan! I have missed you sooooo much, but I knew that you were working on the new book! I am so very excited!!! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I sure hope you choose me!

  32. Ladonna says:

    Dear Susan (B=Beautiful as much as Branch!), just the photos of your water colors alone make me love your new book already!!! Your colorful, comforting art has brought me/us so much happiness for many years. Thank you!!!!
    C – Charlotte the Princess!
    O – old enough for fairy tales!
    L – lilacs & love from the heart of the home!
    O – oh I adore Peter Rabbit too!
    R – rabbits, quilts, cats, cooking & dishes bliss!!!!

  33. Linda Moore says:

    You are always the fairy tale princess, Susan. Love your work.

  34. Diane R says:

    So nice to have your blog back again, Susan! Awoke on Saturday May 2nd, which is my birthday, to learn that Kate had given birth that morning to a baby girl. I was completely thrilled! My own daughter gave me your Autumn Book 2014 for my birthday. (last year she gave me A Fine Romance!) I will be pre ordering your latest book I imagine, but thought I would leave a message, in case I get lucky!
    your watercolor art, inspires me and your writing is delightful…..
    Thanks so much!
    Diane

  35. Elaine Phillips says:

    love the pics of jack and girl together; missed you this month ;looking forward to the fairy tale girl love the title.Enjoy the lilacs; cant have them here in Fla,miss them every spring.Thanks for your blog Susan love u

  36. joni says:

    Thrilled for you and for all the girlfriends. While we each would like to be the winner of “The Fairy Tale Girl”, we really have already won by having each other through your blog! Wishing you all the best on this newest journey:)

  37. Karen Lewis says:

    Dear Susan,
    My mother who will be 90 young this September asked me to post you. She states that you are never too old for fairy tales. She loves you blog …the pictures of your home and yard remind her of the time she lived back East. She is looking forward to your new book.
    Happy Spring,
    Gloria and Karen

  38. Deb M. says:

    Susan, Welcome back, you have been surely missed. I would love to win a copy of your new book. Your first book is by my beside and I sneak a few peeks every night before I go to bed. Your blog brings me so much happiness. Thank you very much. Happy Spring!

  39. Jay Huyett says:

    Love to have a copy of your new book.

  40. Jane S. in PA says:

    Yaay. This is exciting news. I forgive you for being away so long! Lol

  41. Deb M. says:

    Susan, Welcome back, you have surely been missed. Congratulations on your new book and then another book how wonderful! I would so enjoy winning a copy. I have your first book by my bedside and each night I sneak a peek into the cover of the book. It is tremendous! Your blog page brings me great happiness. Thank you so very much. Happy Spring!

  42. Violet says:

    Everything you write,just takes me to a happy place.
    Love you Spring pictures.Now the year is reborn and young again.Amen

  43. Chris B says:

    You are wonderful! Thanks for brightening my day!

  44. Brenda Swanson says:

    I am so excited to see this new book! Your work is a special kind of magic!

  45. Sheri Lesh says:

    Not sure I have much of a chance of winning your new book…..it sounds delightful, I might add….but maybe Vanna will pick me!!!

  46. Deborah in Odessa, Tx says:

    What a worker you are. Look forward to the books…I ordered….Cause Vanna may not get my number…..LOL…I am sure the winners will enjoy their books. I can hardly wait for all my goodies..calendars and books. Yipppeeee! missed you, but knew your were working. Spring has Sprung. the weather out here in far west Texas has been very nice..we have actually had Spring like weather. Today felt bit like Summer.

  47. Mary Cay Martin says:

    count me in! Looking forward to your new books!

  48. Beverly says:

    Oh how we missed you, but such a great return- Spring, flowers, a birthday celebration AND a completion of a job well done! PS it is hard to get thise two faces in the same picture! Look forward to the books! XOX

  49. Linda says:

    Oooohhh, this looks wonderful! 🙂

  50. Deb J. says:

    Nice to have you back, Susan. Can’t wait for the book!

  51. Diane C says:

    A novel with pictures sounds wonderful! I really enjoyed A Fine Romance. The pictures and your artwork added to your writing were captivating. You know we’ll all be wondering which parts of this novel are from your diary.

  52. Laura says:

    How lovely to have you back! Enjoy the lovely weather.

  53. Jill says:

    I’ve always loved fairy tales! I’m looking forward to seeing the books in print!
    Jill

  54. Marie C in AZ says:

    What a wonderful post! Ooooh, a novel–can hardly wait! Lovely pic of Girl and Jack–finally together…we knew it would happen, didn’t we. Have a fairy tale day ~ Marie C

  55. Dear Susan,

    How remarkable to write, illustrate and publish a new book based on your life stories and adventures. I’m sure it will bring us all more enjoyment and tears, as you always touch our heartstrings!

    Thank you for sharing so much of the wonderfun (this is a word my Marmie and I created which explains your whimsical blogs) photos and captions!

    Sincerely,
    ~Barbara

    P.S. I’m not sure if you ever received my card, but the most amazing thing I have received from you has been your beautiful and lovely “I see skies of blue, clouds of white… and I think to myself What a Wonderful World…”, as it’s my Wedding Song and your colorful picture is such an inspiration to me. I used the print from an earlier calendar in my scrapbook. It’s breathtaking! Thank you again!

  56. karen martindale says:

    Dear Susan,
    I just finished reading A Fine Romance and loved it!
    Can’t wait to read the new book.
    Karen

  57. Sherri E says:

    Oh Susan, I can hardly wait to hold your book in my hands! Not an E-book but a real book with wonderful pages rich with art, hand lettering and your wonderful words! Thank You!! (hello to Vanna!) lol

  58. Joanne Wood says:

    Glad to see you are back. Figured you were working on your book. Today is my birthday, so your sharing of all the beauteous flowers in your yard was a nice present. Thank you. I have an old pink dogwood that is still producing pretty flowers even though it loses more lower branches each year. Your birthday was recent? Happy B’day to you Susan. And best wishes for the success of your new book.

  59. Susan H says:

    Your wonderful books have encouraged me over the years as I made a welcoming home to raise 4 kids in and entertain with great friends and family! Many of your ideas have become fun traditions in our home and recipes have been used to our friends and families delight. Thanks for the good times and looking forward to many more.

  60. Stacey says:

    So happy to see a new post on your blog and to know we are so close to publication! Please add my name to the drawing and I will also put my order in at the store. Thank you for all the lovely pictures of all your spring blossoms. We are currently on a wee trip around Wisconsin and seeing all the lilacs in bloom. I love driving by all the small family farms with tons of well established lilacs standing next to old oaks that shade the old farmhouses. The apple orchards are in full blossom right now, along with red buds and pear trees, forsythia and spiraea. And of course the national flower is everywhere….dandelions abound! Oh, blessed Spring.

  61. Ginene Nagel says:

    Don’t you just love a Ticonderoga pencil?
    ~Ginene

  62. Phyllis says:

    Ohhh but to escape the every day for a little while and dream, what a pleasure it would be to read “The Fairly Tale Girl”…

  63. Joan Shaw says:

    I am fairly new to your blog, thanks to my good friend Maggie. Look forward to all your new blogs now and love your photos. Especially loved your lilac pics as we just had a stroll through the Lilac Grove along the Niagara Parkway last week. A tiny bit of heaven !!!
    Kind regards, Joan

  64. Karen Felix says:

    I love Fairy Tales and reading a real one is something I’m looking forward to reading. Reading is a wonderful way to be able to live in another place and what better way to do that is read about a real life story. Thanks for creating a story we can all be a part of…

  65. Sandy K says:

    Oh I can hardly wait! The best kind of anticipation!

  66. Sharon C. says:

    Filled with anticipation to enjoy your two novels in the near future. Would be so blessed to hear good news from Vanna !

  67. Barbara Page says:

    I’ve missed you too…but am so happy the new book is coming soon! I can hardly wait!

  68. Barbara Page says:

    I’ve missed you too, but am so happy about the new book! I can hardly wait!

  69. Lynn D says:

    Oh, my dear, I’ve missed your words so much. So just tell Vanna to pick me ten times so I can gift this lovely book to nine of my friends. Seriously, thanks so much for sharing dogwood pictures. We have none in Colorado. Makes my Spring so much better. And I can smell the lilacs from here. Happy Spring!

  70. Mary says:

    Can’t wait for the new book – loved A Fine Romance, and want MORE!
    Thank you, Susan!

  71. Marsha MacLean says:

    I love that you are referring to a RNG as Vanna. I don’t think I ever realized just how you did it…its wonderful that you aren’t burdened with trying to figure out how… So excited to read the newest book!

    • sbranch says:

      It would be a horrible burden, have you read these wonderful comments? I could never choose!!!

  72. Jennifer Essad says:

    such a wonderful time of year, we all look forward to Spring, fresh air, beautiful new blossoms and the birds singing a happy song. Thank you so very much for this wonderful chance, I’m so looking forward to readying The Fairy Tale Girl.

  73. Zona from Oregon says:

    I have taken very little time for pleasure reading during the past three years, but I’m back in the fresh air and would love to win your sure-to-be-delightful new book!

  74. Stephanie says:

    Always love your posts, photos, quotes and your kitties! Looking forward to your new book!

  75. Clair says:

    Come on Vanna…Clair…pick Clair!!! 🙂
    Thank you, Susan, for being a bright spot in so many lives!!!! Hooray for Susan!!!

  76. Janet Hundley says:

    Can’t wait to read this book!

  77. Becki Barker says:

    Such news! I can hardly contain myself! When the book comes I will have to try and savor it, reading a little at a time instead of gobbling it up in a couple of sittings like A Fine Romance! Happy Spring, dear Susan!

  78. Sharon says:

    Hi Susan, Welcome back with another of your interesting topics! Hope I’m not too late in commenting for a chance to win another wonderful book of yours. I loved A Fine Romance! Congratulations on another book. So happy for you! Thank you.
    Sharon

  79. Dolores Tanner says:

    My oh my you have been busy!! but you never disappoint.. take care

  80. Stacey says:

    So glad you are back, I was worried about you! Great news about the book, I can’t wait to read it! Happy spring

  81. Karen Williams says:

    You’re back! Spring had arrived at your beautiful island, a royal baby for us all to coo over…I’ve lost a stone and you have a book we all want!
    How much better can this get?
    We’ve missed you so much, but glad you are all ok and survived that snow!
    Love
    Karen
    xoxoxoxo

  82. Dorothy Ann says:

    Hello!

    It’s quite exciting to hear about your new book…”The Fairy Tale Girl”
    and to perhaps to be one of the winners of a copy of your new novel.
    Well, it’s the “icing on the cake”.

    Yes, please do enter my name in your drawing. Thank you!

  83. SusLee says:

    Looking forward to reading YOUR fairy tale!!!! 🙂

  84. Bertie says:

    Oh how exciting, I can’t wait to read it!

  85. Cindy says:

    Cannot wait to read this real life fairy tale!

  86. Lisa Jorgensen says:

    How very happy to hear from you again. I am one of those odd people who is not on Facebook!! I wondered what happened to you, but was happy you were working hard on another great book. As I am also a Fairy Tale Girl, I can’t wait to read it.
    The photo of Girl Kitty and Jack is gorgeous. What an adorable pair!!

  87. Carol Ney says:

    I would dearly love a copy of “The Fairy Tale Girl”. There is something about the feel and smell of a book and the weight of it in my hands that adds to the experience of reading. I know that you understand this because of the way “A Fine Romance” was so beautifully produced and I can hardly wait to see how “The Fairy Tale Girl” will be presented–I know it will be on my shelf of “keepers”!

  88. Patty Willett says:

    Your blog refreshes me like the soft breeze that comes with a spring rain and gently showers my face.

  89. Terri says:

    Fairy tales are my favorite kind of stories and illustrated ones are even better, so that makes this book, the best of the best!

  90. willemien says:

    Dear Susan,
    Yes I’ve missed you/ your blog. So happy everything is alright. Love those lilacs, we also have a little schrub, they smell wonderful. How quite is that baby princess Charlotte ( her mom looks absolutely amazing after just giving birth!)
    We are expecting a little baby boy or girl in November, I feel very blessed, although my morning sickness isn’t a blessing I must say, but we’re used to that. I’m hoping your new book will also be available in the Netherlands!! Please say yes!
    Sending Lots of love from Holland
    xoxox Willemien

  91. Kristen says:

    I can’t wait to read this Susan! I’m 28 and feel at a cross roads about what I really want to do and where I really want to live. And I can’t wait to hear more about what led you to your life now, I know it hadn’t been easy, but I could sure use the encouragement that it’s possible to get there.

    • sbranch says:

      I wrote this book for the 28 year old in me because I was in exactly that same spot, didn’t know, and had a terrible time figuring it out. I hope very much this will be a help to you. xoxo Just keep doing what you’re doing and stay curious. It’s actually pretty normal not to know at 28.

  92. Vicki says:

    Hi, Susan; thanks for posting. I never feared; knew you’d do it when you could. As I’ve said before, we have to remember you are a professional working woman…you have a job! You have deadlines! The blog comes second, or third or whatever; just a happy surprise when you do a post (for which I’m always grateful because you will unfailingly give us something new to think about and gaze upon…and, oh, this time it’s such a joy to see your garden alive after all that snow which just seemed like ‘yesterday’).

    Dogwood and lilacs, not something of which I’m familiar with here in SoCal, so it’s lovely to see.

    Also can’t imagine what walks to the beach must smell and look like right now for you after the long winter. Heaven.

    Many congrats on your endeavors to write not one but two novels…how lucky are we to get one and a sequel, too. Can’t wait! It sounds like it’s been cathartic and important as well as enjoyable for you.

    You know, I missed the royal birth the first time around, with little George; just came into it days later, to my disappointment but, you know, life happens. With Charlotte, I was on the computer (insomnia/wired; I dunno!) RIGHT when the headline sprawled, ‘It’s A Girl!’ So, I feel like I’m ‘in’ on the ‘ground floor’ and will be watching her grow from afar from the very, very beginning. I’m corny that way. And I LOVE her name SO much!

    Okay, write on, dear Susan! Keep that pen flying! Paintbrushes at the ready!

  93. Melissa Andrew says:

    Something wonderful to look forward to! Thank you Susan.

  94. I love a good fairy tale, and that your new book is one. I’m living proof too, that fairy tales really DO come true. One day we’ll compare our tales over tea in our garden. (That’s an open invitation the next time you’re in England.) xxxooo

  95. Gladys Marie says:

    Bless you, Susan, for your inspiration, and for helping us Believe.

  96. Njean says:

    A fairy tale! How wonderful. I have missed you so much on your blog, so glad you are all doing well.

  97. MARILYN P. STALEY says:

    So excited for the 2 new books. Your blog fills my heart with joy. Happiness is your gift to us all as we read your newsy blog, enjoy your recipes, and travel the countryside with you on all of your adventures. Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us. Thank you for all that you do.

  98. Janice Bethel says:

    Oh please please pick me!!!!!

  99. Georgie Bonsanto says:

    Yes, Yes, YES!

    Yes to Everything! Your blog, your Beautiful flowers, your New book, you Give away! Yes yes yes to you you You! Oh dear Susan, we are all jumping up-and-down and celebrating!

    If you believe in Fairies then Clap Your Hands! If you believe in Faity Tale Girls then shout it from the rooftops!

    Soon we will be lost between the pages, Oooing and Aaahing, smiling to our hearts content. we will be taking a Joni. This one will take us into our hearts.

    I can’t wait! We will be taking a Joni. This one will take us into our hearts.

    I can’t wait! Signed me up for the giveaway! And… Just in case I am not one of the lucky 10 I’m heading off now to pre-order a copy. Signed me up for the giveaway! And… Just in case I am not one of the lucky 10 I’m heading off now to pre-order a copy. After all, Fairy Tale Girls have a way of always creating their own MAGIC!

    XOXO
    Georgie from NJ

    PS Joe had his big day yesterday. It was a long one but now he’s truly on the road to recovery. I am one happy fairytale girl 🙂

Comments are closed.