I knew you were coming so I got ready! First off, click here for my new theme MUSICA (which you will understand if you’ve read the Willard ~ eeeek!). 🙂
And now, HELLO WILLARD PEOPLE! Welcome to the Blog! 
Since I wrote the Newsletter, guess what!? So excited and happy to tell you, that the Giveaway I mentioned has just been doubled ~ because look what showed up ↓
Do you know what this is? It’s
in Chinese!
Here are my two children meeting for the first time.♥
Yes! It’s the just published (but only in China) Chinese version of our book A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English 
Countryside. Now I have the extreme privilege, among other things, of taking the Chinese people up to Hilltop to see Beatrix Potter’s legacy!
Who would have ever thought it possible!? I’ve been pouring over the book, looking at all the details. They did such a nice job. They even kept the watercolored first letters on every page because they thought they “looked pretty!” Even when I mentioned that it might not make sense in Chinese because those first letters have nothing to do with the text ~ they still wanted them which is one reason I really like this publisher!
It’s almost, page for page, exactly like the English version…and it’s a real book you can hold in your hands, because did you know, studies are showing that reading “real” books is healthier and increases intelligence? They are!
See the little writing around the poppy? And the captions? They made sure all the movies were there and the music too! And where there are English words,they used a cute little handwriting font.
I’m trying to see it through their eyes. I wonder if they say the same stuff to each other in China? I bet they do.
Now they know more about us than I ever imagined. They know that there are idiots all OVER the world. Isn’t that funny? I am happy to be an idiot in the quest for world peace.♥ 
Like this, now they know this! I signed the contract for this book over a year ago, but I didn’t realize how I 
would feel when it actually arrived. I’m honored, but not used to it yet. None of my other books have ever been in any language except English . . . But as the song goes, you are my lucky star . . .⭐️
Here’s the recipe for Rachel’s Lemon Butter cookies! There 
will be people in China eating Rachel’s cookies! I wonder if they changed the part about how Joe and I met and all of that ~ the one hotel room, the robe like armor, etc. Maybe one of you reads Chinese and can tell us!
I get to take them to Siobhan’s house too! I wonder if they have fairy lights and pink sofas in their kitchens the way Siobhan does? Probably they do! I hope some of them write me!
Notice the little bits and pieces, some of the English writing is still there, all the hearts, the captions, the watercolored underlines, the little arrows, are all still there. They took such good care! What a small world it is.♥
Here we are about to discover King Richard’s childhood castle, remember? And the arrows pointing to the castle ruins are still there! That Chinese lettering is so cute! If I would have been born in China I would have LOVED that handwriting. It’s like little pictures. They must all be artists over there!
Here’s the part in the book where I saw the Irish seagulls as the Queen Mary 2 passed under Ireland . . . in Chinese! I immediately sent a copy to the Thomas Crane Public Library because I was told they have a very large Chinese population in the Quincy (near Boston) area . . . it will be a surprise, I hope they like it!
And the rest of the books I kept. So far. I mean it’s only been a couple of days.
Oops, there’s one right now!
Look at that watercolored title! So my thought is that we might have a little east meets west as our second 
Giveaway, and include, with a signed copy of our rare Chinese Romance book, a canister of that delicious Gingerbread Tea I mentioned in the Willard, perfect for the season! So even if you can’t read Chinese, you can have a cup of tea and look at the pictures! So now when you leave a comment, you’ll be entered for Two Giveaways, not just one . . . there will be Two Lucky Winners. We just doubled the odds!
A LIFE SHARED IS A JOY DOUBLED. (OR QUADRUPLED, OR in the case of this Blog? MUCH MORE.)
All the books in both of these Giveaways can be personalized just the way you’d like, including the out-of-print Christmas from the Heart of the Home. Which means you might have some pretty good little gifts here ~ a mug and some fairy tales are always appreciated at the holidays!
And you might be asking, will we be selling the Chinese book in our web store? And the answer is, yes, kinda. We got a few of them, not very many, they are in our web store 
right now . . . but they are expensive which probably has something to do with our dollar and their (what is it? Yen?). Plus, they cost a LOT to ship them over . . . so we don’t figure we’ll run out of what we have too soon. But IF we do run out, and IF you don’t get one and IF you still want one, the new plan is that we will then take preorders so we 
know how many to get, and do a one-time purchase just for our Blog Girls. We’re not going to carry this book because of the cost, which is something around $40 each, but check it out if you think it’s something you might want to have. I don’t think there will be too many of them here in America, and they can always be an interesting conversation piece!
So now, let’s change the subject and do a little
Shall we? With Mas Musica? Oui! I’ve always just naturally gathered healthful winter fat to protect myself against wolves and starvation in the freezing cold, but already 
this year, from all the sitting, I’m afraid I could feed an entire wolf pack all by myself. So I’m looking to get a little healthier so that when I finish Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (BTW, that’s a new little piece of art I did for the book yesterday ~ of me, ←on the plane, landing in Boston, singing my fear song ~ it’s dawn outside that window, on a very stormy day ~ but I digress big time), I can go out on the road and you will still recognize me! So in the quest for that, I thought I’d give you Joe’s recipe for the most delicious, crunchy tender salmon steaks in the world!
And just in case you’d like to make this, but good salmon is hard to come by in your neck of the woods, call Louie at the Net Result here on the Island (1-800-394-6071 and tell him Joey sent you) and he will overnight you the most delicious fresh fish imaginable, in a box also filled with Martha’s Vineyard sea air for which, believe it or not, he charges NOTHING ~ and they have everything, including oysters, clams, and Lobsters, fresh cod, and this delicious salmon.
The magic in well cooked salmon is in the crust! And no one does it better than Joe.
If I was the one making this, I would ask Louie to cut off the skin for me. But Joe knows just what he’s doing . . . gets his sharp little knife under there and wastes not a shred. You definitely want the skin off so you can make it crusty on both sides.
Then he rinses it in cold water and pats it very dry with paper towels.
And cuts it into steaks
which he liberally peppers and sprinkles sea salt over . .
He put the tiniest bit of olive oil in the pan — 2 tsp. — and heated it over high heat until, as he put it, the pan was “shimmering.” This is what a shimmering pan looks like.
He added the fish to the shimmering pan, with the skin-side up, he then salted and peppered that side. The salmon cooked, uncovered, over medium high heat for about eight minutes until they were toasty brown. For good browning, none of the pieces should be touching each other. And if you have a thinner piece, like we did, make sure it cooks for a shorter amount of time.
When he turned them over, they looked like this. Already I want to pick off a piece of the crunchy crust, that little piece hanging off the left end of the piece in the front would be perfect thank you.
But I didn’t have long to wait. Another four minutes on that other side, and voila! Once again, Joe B. Hall shows 
his cooking genius, totally up to the magic.♥ Tender in the middle, crisp on the outside, healthy all over! Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a crisp green salad and you will go to bed laughing at how healthy you are.
Alrighty then! I’ve now managed to swallow up a large chunk of your busy day! I hope I’m satisfied. I COULD actually go on! I have tablescapes to show you, light and shadows, quilts! Oh yes, there will be more.
OK, I hear you, but one more thing, please don’t worry if you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, they take four days 
to all go out, if you’ve signed up, but haven’t gotten yours by Saturday, let us know ~ be sure to check your spam folder first.) ~ And be SURE to leave a comment at the bottom of this post (click on those tiniest letters that say comment) so you’ll be entered in the drawing for the GiveAways!
Oops, one more thing ~ I found this wonderful photograph I thought you might like to use as a screen saver for the season. Just click there. We’ll put it up in the web store under “Free Stuff” soon along with lots more festive things for the season ~ it’s that time of year!
Isn’t it gorgeous? We were just there a few months back ~ it’s Louisa May Alcott’s House, Orchard House, in the snow. So, romantic. Can’t you just see her and her sisters throwing snowballs in their long skirts? I’ll leave you (finally, whew!) with that lovely thought. Enjoy your day Girlfriends! God Bless our world, and especially beautiful Paris. ♥ XOXO
And don’t think I did this all by myself . . .
Oh boy! The very idea of Susan Branch coming to Seattle! Elliot Bay FB page here I come. I will gather up the girlfriends and camp in front of the store like I used to wait for the Rose Parade if you come to Elliot Bay.
LOL, well if you call, they’ll say yes when we ask if we can come, and we’ll see you there!
Thanks for the lovely entertainment- so glad you showed us parts of your book in Chinese!
Hi Susan, just received two of your books which I ordered thru Amazon, The Fairy Tale Girl and Girlfriends Forever. Can’t wait to read both of them. I also owned A Fine Romance and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love everything about your books, the writings, the drawings and of course the love you put into making it. You are one talented lady. I also enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for making all of us happy through your writing.
Nor Azlina, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
Thank you Nor, it is so nice to hear from someone so far away.
I so enjoy your blog and books!
I have to say, I squealed like a fan girl when I saw you liked my review on Goodreads! I took a screenshot and showed my Mama! Lol. Cannot wait until your next book!
How could I not like it? Thank you SO much Alexis!
So much exciting news! I am so looking forward to your new book and reading the rest of your story plus hoping that you can come to Powell’s in Oregon. You can bet I will be contacting them about having a book signing for you. Going to your book signing at Titcomb’s bookshop was a highlight of my 5 weeks on the east coast. You and Joe are so nice and so wonderful and I feel blessed that I was able to meet both of you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you Susan for taking the time to make us all happy.
Sounds like you have an exciting year to look forward to!
Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving!!
Hi Lisa,
Have you donned the Princess Diana sweater your Father brought back to you from London in this colder weather we’re all having? It would be “smashin'” to see a picture of you in that sweater some day! I don’t Facebook so not sure how that would work. But if you’re game to send a picture of you wearing it we will find a way. Who knows, maybe SB would like to see it, too?
God Save the Queen, Prince William and Harry too👑👑👑
You have a good memory Carrie!
The story of her father pounding the pavement in search of the Diana sweater is forever emblazoned in my gray matter. 🇬🇧
He found the Warm and Wonderful store on a little out of the way street. It was love for his daughters that made him hunt all over for that sweater. He did not like to shop! My Dad loved England so much. He would have loved Susan’s book. That sweater will always be so special to me!! I miss my Dad so much.
Wow Carrie, you do have a good memory!!
I am not on Facebook either, (yes, unbelievable in these days.) I could send a photo, I don’t know how we could exchange addresses, maybe Susan knows how we could do that.
I will probably wear the sweater around Christmas. Living in California, we have had so few days of cold so far. It brings such precious memories for me of my dear Dad, and of Princess Diana.
Both of you agree to write [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ on the same day, tell her to please share your addresses with each other. That should work!
Hi Lisa,
So pleased you are game 👏
Here is my email address: [email protected]
Thank you Susan for offering to facilitate this. Your generosity of spirit is so lovely.
Great blog and enjoyed Willard! Don’t see Pennsylvania on your tour. Any chance of it being on your schedule? Beautiful state. Central Pa is Amish country. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia also gorgeous. Chinese book sounds like it would be so interesting to have. Can u believe it – Hollywood. WOW!!!!! Hope to meet you somewhere on the tour. Joan
PS going to send u some photos of BP figures u got me collecting.
Hi Susan,
Ok, I just did two things. First, I ore-ordered your wonderful upcoming book, and secondly, I just liked Vroman’s Bookstore of Pasadena’s Facebook page and asked them if they would please invite you for a book signing, as I would dearly love to meet you! Here’s hoping they hear from enough of us to get you in the front door!
Best wishes,
Lauri Hyde
Thank you Lauri!! I love Vroman’s too!
Greetings again Susan from down under in Sydney, Australia on a REALLY HOT Thursday evening. It is only Spring but we are having a heatwave, tomorrow is to be the same heat, oh no!
My reason for writing…..I have just read Willard, and seen all your proposed travels across the US AND your tour next year to England and Scotland so I have a question.
..
Would you and Joe consider coming all the way down to the beautiful land down under??? Think for a while before you say no. We have the Dymocks Literary Events luncheons (Dymocks is a large bookstore in Sydney) and the lady who runs these successful luncheons invites authors from far and wide, local and overseas to come and have lunch at one of the many gorgeous hotels in Sydney and talk about their latest books. I don’t know how far ahead her bookings are but if you are interested I would love to put your name forward as I have followed you for years, way back to my early scrapbooking days.
Mull it over with Joe. If you don’t like flying (and it IS a long flight), then the Queen Elizabeth 2 sails from New York to Sydney.
LOL “Think for a while before you say no . . .” I would LOVE to . . . it’s just a matter of time these days . . .You’re so sweet to ask. Happy Spring! xoxo
Susan, Please think of coming to Book Ends in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
They are on our list . . . please like them on Facebook if they’re there and put in a request that I come …. it would be a big help! Thank you!
So exciting to be published in Chinese ! Imagine a book tour there !
They did a great job translating the artwork.
Love your blog ! A happy place in our World!
Orchard House photo is a keeper ! Visited there once myself !
And went swimming in Waldon pond ! 🙂
A blessing.
The books look gorgeous. So exciting to be translated into another language, and so lucky for many more people to enjoy your wonderful words and art work.
Any plans to come to Australia in the future ?
Not now, but I would LOVE to!
Hi Susan,
Wow, you have lots of exciting news! Hope to see you at Politics and Prose.
Me too! Please like them on Facebook and ask for me to come, they are such a popular bookstore and v. choosey about who “they let in!” 🙂
As always, this post was delightful. Congrats on your translated book.
Thank you for the giveaway! I can’t wait to see your happy times next year, I love your books so much. Thanks for a great giveaway, and thanks for giving yourself to all of us!!
My kitties (3) always look forward to visiting your blog and hearing the birds singing! My heart sings too when I read the news and see a favorite quote so beautifully illustrated! Happy almost Thanksgiving to you…
You are going to Scotland! I went in May..absolutely fell in love with the Country and its lovely people. Can’t wait to visit again thru you. Don’t miss the isle of Kerrera and the Tea Room….a gorgeous hike! Joan
Please come to San Diego on your next book tour!
Your blog & “Willard” always put me in the mood for the seasons & holidays! So many good ideas for decorating & for food, plus the importance of family & friends!
As always, I much enjoyed your blog post, Susan. The pictures, artwork, and upbeat words all made my day. Can’t wait to try the salmon recipe. Thank you for this opportunity to possibly win a prize.
Thank you Susan for all of the fun and joy you bring to my “inbox!” God bless you!
Wouldn’t my 2 adopted Chinese grandchildren love a copy of your new book in Chinese!! Beautiful book–congratulations on this accomplishment.
What an honor to see your book translated into Chinese! It looks fabulous, Susan. Congratulations!
Oh, Susan, what joy…you and Joe will be coming to our shores next year…am already as excited as an excited thing on an excited day!
And Scotland??. Lucky, lucky you!
If I am lucky too a win your prize..I would give the Chinese version of your book to my friend’s daughter, Charlotte who has just passed her Chinese language degree at Cambridge!! Then she can sit and tell her mum about it whilst I read my own English version!!
Feel like you’ve blessed us all with the blog and a Willard! Thanks Susan!
Love
Karen x x x xooooox x x x
Ps sorry for spelling mistooks!!!!
Dear Susan,
I just want to thank you for always being a bright spot in my day. I have a job where I work with urban children and families, as well as refugees and immigrants, and I see a lot of harshness, struggle and heartbreak on a daily basis, and I so much enjoy when I have the opportunity to sit and read one of your blogs or a Willard. Thank you so very much for all that you do, you are such a blessing to so many people! So grateful that you share so much love and joy!! Hope to see you in Cleveland again someday:)
Thank you for what you do. I’m sure you are the bright spot in many people’s days. xoxo
Thank you so very much! I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!
Hi Susan,
I always enjoy your blog and Willard, too!! Just wanted to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Regina in Indiana
Loved your new Willard and THRILLED you took my advice to send a copy of the Chinese version of A Fine Romance to the Thomas Crane library..I will check in with my librarian friends to see how it’s doing! Happy Thanksgiving dear girl!
Aha! I knew it was one of the Girlfriends but couldn’t remember who had told me . . . was hoping I would hear from you Amy! Such a good idea, I hope they like it!
I would love to win these books for my mother in law, who first introduced my family to your cookbooks 20 years ago. We’ve been reading and following you ever since. She is also an ocean lover, wonderful cook and baker and lives in the hills of upstate New York where sometimes she gets snowed in (happily) and watches old movies and reads. Thank you for the chance to get her some more reading material (even in Chinese !)
Thank you, again, for sharing yourself with us! The whimsy of your art and beauty of your words make me smile…a wonderful way to start any day!
Wow! What exciting news to see your book in Chinese! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your talent, your pictures, and your life with us! I greatly miss the East Coast and so enjoy the beauty you share. Blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Loved getting to spend my breakfast time with the new Willard this morning. You brighten my days… thank you.
Congratulations on all of your GREAT news!! You deserve it!! Looking forward to your new book next year!! 😉
Goodness those pictures made me hungry! That salmon looks fabulous! I love starting my day with a blog post to read 🙂 I have most of your books but haven’t gotten Fairy Tale girl yet, I’m waiting for the holidays to be over and recover 🙂
I so enjoyed Willard today! Thank you for starting my day off with some beautiful art, stories, and joy. I’m looking forward to working on learning Arf and Arfy with my daughters- they will love it 🙂 Congratulations on the translation of your book into Chinese. We’d love to see you in Central Florida one day!
Ohhh, A Fine Romance in Chinese is like a work of art on top of a work of art! It is beautiful the way the characters fit on the pages. I am so happy that you had the chance to share this book with them too. They are going to love it and maybe some will join us here on your Girlfriends Blog? I hope so!
2016 is going to be an awesome year and I am hoping you come close enough to me so that I can drive and attend one of your book signing events. Plus, we have just booked a trip to England and Scotland in September/early October weeks. Ohh, it would be a dream come true to have one of your events coincide with our being there and I could attend!!! When you finalize your plans and post the dates, maybe a miracle will coincide. If not, you can be sure I plan to travel along with the other Girlfriends in the rumble seat singing and laughing our way along the beautiful winding roads as Joe carefully handles the driving part. Yay for Joe!! He took such good care of us last trip and we had such a blast.
My Willard arrived this morning and it was wonderful as always! I love your Willards. They always make me feel like the world is safe and as it should be. After the tragic events of the last week in Paris, I was in great need of a dose of security and comfort and Willard came to the rescue! Thank-you Susan for reminding us that home and love are the ingredients we can always cling to when the waters get rough. It is our memories of family and friends that we have and create that will give us the fortitude to do what has to be done. Oh, and a BIG helping of Grandma’s Thanksgiving dressing!!! wink!
The books look beautiful. Karen
Good Morning Susan! I, like you, am a morning person. I was up early getting my coffee and maple cream cookies (tis the season) and settled in to read Willard and the blog! Your news is sooooo exciting!!! New books, movies, travel… so happy for you! Getting ready for all the holiday festivities around here. Thank you for sharing your life, Joe and kitties with us. Your books are on my Christmas list! Hope to win the drawing. Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations on this amazing chapter of your life. You must go to sleep smiling. Well-deserved. Toni
Might you be thinking of a book tour in China next? That would be quite an adventure!
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
Susan, once again, thank you for all you do. Blessings to you, your family, and all your friends this Thanksgiving!
Always a pleasure to read your blogs and Willard. Excited about the Scotland trip. Take me with you!
.. Hi Susan !!… I just woke up to find that Willard arrived early this morning !!..what WONDERFUL news !!..thank you for including all of us in your plans !!..I see on the map that you will be in Washington state for your book tour..I am in the Renton / Issaquah area right now…so clos to Seattle !!.. (beautiful country !!! )…wow !!..how do you sleep with so much excitement going on ??.. and a overseas trip to Scotland ?? ( and we get to go as well ?! )… I pre-ordered Martha’s Isle of Dreams already..something tells me that this will be one of my favorites of yours..and that is saying alot !! (because, of course, they are all my favorites )..I will keep this short because you have alot of reading to do right now..with love, as always…
Thrilling about your Chinese translation, how cool is that! Love the new Willard, too – and possible movie/tv contract, OMG, yes please! I mean, wow… See, you never can tell where those dreams you dream will eventually take you. Blessings on all your endeavors for the coming year, and don’t forget to go easy on yourself (take lots of naps along the way?). Best wishes from Maine.
Susan, thank you for your delightful missives to my inbox. Upon reading your posts, the remainder of the day has a certain light-hearted quality. I treasure your books, as well.
Oh my goodness, your books in Chinese?! The printing looks like artwork, too. I would be ever so happy if I could be the winner of your latest giveaway!
Love from Diane in North Carolina
So, so love your blog! It brightens my day and gives me hope….. Would love to win your giveaway! Would you ever consider coming to Canada on your booktour? we have a large and very beautiful independent bookstore in Winnipeg.
Thanks!
Well, hope springs eternal, so glad for you that you can spread some joy and beauty to a country and people so far away without ever having to leave home! I know it will be a great success!
I can’t wait to read your second book! Going to go preorder it now.
Ahhh that was nice. I just splurged and spent some great relaxation time reading both the Willard and the blog. Just the antidote I needed with my busy MSW grad school schedule. Now I am refreshed and ready to finish up my presentation for class this afternoon. Thanks!
The book in Chinese turned out beautifully~they really did do a lovely on that translation.
Have loved your books and calendars for a long time and LOVE MV too! My hubby and I figured out a way to get there and back this summer in one (very long) day from where we are on Cape Ann. We hit the road super early with only what we could carry in backpacks. We used the busses on the island so we could pick a good weather day and leave the car in Woods Hole and just walk on the ferry. All went well and we were on our favorite beach in Aquinnah before 10am! Our teenagers were so annoyed that they got left out of the adventure that they insisted we do it again~so we brought them along a second time. Once college tuitions are paid for maybe we can go back to actually staying overnight there. HA!
So enjoyed Willard….and so enjoying the thought that you may come to the Pacific NW….Elliot Bay Bookstore is in one of the dwindling historic, cozy parts of Seattle…..your sense of history and uniqueness is needed here in Seattle as it goes through growing pains of knocking down old buildings like crazy, and it becomes harder and harder to see and feel what came before us….Powell’s Books in Portland is wonderful, and there is certainly a respect for history there! Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park (north of Seattle) and Edmonds Bookshop in Edmonds (north of Seattle) are also shops you would enjoy connecting with…..thanks again and see you in Seattle….
Reading Willard and the newest post filled me with the cozy holiday spirit for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks for setting the mood! Blessings!!!
All this is just lovely, I love good news and new adventures!
How opportune Willard arrived in my mailbox on a long night when i cant sleep, wonderful to see my favourite book in Chinese Congratulations,
Now if you come to Australia it is only a short hop to NZ ,you would love our Clean Green Islands of natural beauty,
Thank you for your beautiful work
Barbara
New Zealand
Love your posts, they bring joy to me at work.
Awesome Willard !!! Thank you so very much for such a uplifting and entertaining post!!
Makes my day!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
what a double delightful treat!
would love seeing you here in Panama City Beach Florida..
especially in the middle of winter when it is so cold everywhere else! 😉
The picture Orchard House is beautiful!
thanks for sharing!
A wonderful Willard and Blog on a rainy ‘ol day! Always a treat to hear all your news ….I hope the Hollywood dream comes true…what a lovely surprise to see your book in movie form….who would play you???
Wowza Susan! I enjoy your blog and your books, calendars, with words of inspiration each year – thank you!
Hi,
Thanks for another delightful Willard and Blog! I am trying to learn to speak arf and arfy. I would love to teach it to my granddaughters as our secret language! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your life and the excitements to come! Hope to see you in Nashville or Atlanta next year! Blessings to you and Joe.
I read your Christmas Book every year around this time to get me in the Christmas spirit. The book also reminds me to clean all my glass in the house to make it sparkle😉
Over the moon excited to think you might come to Salt Lake City on your book tour! Love, Eileen
I’m so excited that you will be back in England next year. I love to live vicariously through your journeys. If you’re in the Northeast part of England you must try Coleman’s seafood. They have the best fish and chips in the country! They are close to the beach so after spending a few hours collecting shells and if you’re lucky old pieces of English pottery, it is a real treat. I would love to win the giveaway two of my favorite things…Susan Branch books and Emma Bridgewater mugs! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Kim
You will love Scotland! We were in Scotland and Ireland in September and fell in love with the countryside and the people (maybe not the haggis). You will notice the color green like you never have and flowers are everywhere. And then in Scotland there are those cute curly haired Highland cattle. Oh my. And the sheep on the hillside, really so much to love about Scotland and Ireland. Have fun!
I was so excited to get my Willard. and now to see the GIVEAWAY doubled, WOW!! I can honestly say I ALMOST miss the snow of New England. Almost.
Love your books, blog, Willard & all. Wish I could own all you’ve ever published. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with me!
Susan
Dear Susan!
Thanks so much for everything you share with us. I’m ordering the new book today! Good luck with your travels, lots of fun times ahead!
It’s always a treat to find Willard in my inbox. =) Thank you!
I just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl. I loved it! I must tell you though A Fine Romance has really made me want to take the same adventure! By the way, I purchased some Gladys Taber books after you introduced me to her books. Thanks for all the good inspiration down here in Georgia!
Loved every single thing in this wonderful post! Thank you so much for spoiling us with all your time, energy and positivity! You’re the best! Wishing you, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack a beautiful Thanksgiving! ♥
Love, Love, Love your blog and Willard! Have read both with my sweet kitty (Penny) curled up by me….. heaven on earth! Blessings to you!
Our family–my husband Joe and I along with three children–were blessed to live in China from 1998-1999. What an ADVENTURE! We absolutely loved it BUT I did struggle with the lack of beautiful (Western) things…having your book available will bring sunshine and beauty into the loves of many in China, both Chinese and ex-pats!
Wonderful Willard and blog post, as always! Congrats on the Chinese translation of your book, I’m excited you might be able to visit Powell’s in Portland, I may have to visit Scotland again after you write about your visit and thank you for the giveaways. Whew!
Winter looks so pretty in pictures! I’m getting older so the aches that come with it…not so much.
Love visiting your blog and imagining walking to the sea!!
Thanks Susan
Remembering France, so very sad.
Very exciting about your book being published in Chinese!!!!! Congratulations!!!! You’ve earned it!!!!
Thanks for being you! Reading Willard and this blog was good for my sad heart grieving for Paris. I went to my first book club meeting last night, with women all over 55, it was wonderful! Have a great Thanksgiving!
I just read my first Willard!! What fun! I live near Chicago but have family in the Atlanta and St Louis areas so what I will do is like both of these book stores and then I will have 2 chances to meet you!! Plus I can see my sweet mom! I must tell you when my husband and I were in England in June, I took a plush Peter Rabbit and he had his photo taken in many lovely spots; but my favorite was when I placed him on the chamomile stone bench at Sissinghurst Castle and snapped a photo. Your book was a big part in helping me plan our 16 days in heaven. THANK YOU!
I just loved hearing that!
Since I’m late to the party here, someone may have already mentioned it, but the British Baking show is going to run for a week on (I think it’s ABC, but definitely one of the major networks) starting November 30th. So excited that there’s a possibility you might be coming to the Tattered Cover in Denver for your book signing. I’m 2 hours away, but the trip would be well worth it. I have a question though. I think I would have to buy the book there in order to join the signing, rather than bring my own copy, wouldn’t I?
I love reading Willard and your blog about all your adventures. I also very much enjoy seeing the pics of your home and local sites. I have never been to Martha’s Vineyard and it is fun and interesting to see it through your eyes. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Enjoyed this whole post as usual.You would be such a fun friend to hang out with.Thank You for the privilege and enjoyment of at least doing it digitally.I’m glad not to have missed out on this exciting giveaway.Chinese,how lovely for You.I still need to get Your latest book,Maybe,just maybe with fingers crossed. Denise
Congrats on the Chinese version of your book! How exciting.
Love Willard and all your fun posts. Thank you for all you do to entertain us!
We would love for you to do a book signing in Michigan!
Loved this Willard, as always. So happy you are coming to England next year, I shall try very hard to get to the girlfriends picnic.
I can almost smell that gingerbread tea!
I always enjoy reading about what you, Joe and the kitties are up to! Thank you!
What fun!! (Pretend that’s in Chinese!!). Can’t wait for the new books. Enjoy the holidays.
Wow, your book in Chinese! That is amazing! I am still waiting for my Willard, but I am sure it will not disappoint. I always look forward to reading about all of your fun adventures in your blog and the Willard. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us!
I always look forward to seeing your blog. Happy to enter your contest. Maybe I will have good luck!
Such a beautiful blog…so lovely to be shared with all!
Willard is always a joy to read…thank you 🍁
Susan, your Willards, and blog are like a incredible ahh moment for me. I love the artwork, and also the photography! The walk on the beach and heart shaped stones. I grew up on Lake Michigan, and we picked up sand washed colored glass that was smooth and shiny when wet. Brings back long ago childhood memories.
Blessings to you
A Willard & a Blog post all in one week!!! Have to admit I have not read all of Willard yet, it’s a busy week. BUT, tomorrow is my day off & so I will be sitting with Willard & a hot cup of coffee tomorrow once the kiddos head off to school.
Hugs!
Laura
Hello! I just quickly looked over the Willard and Blog because I am at work, and should be working…but I was checking my email and saw the Willard. I can’t wait to get home this evening, and make a nice cup of tea, and sit down and read it in full. I love your pictures. We don’t get the seasons here in Florida, and I love that you take us all the places you go so that I may enjoy them too.
Happy Holidays to you and Joe..Stay safe and warm!!
Dear Sue, Wow it just gets better and better. Thank you for the wonderful Willard and blog Love all this exciting news. The possibility of having your masterpieces as part of Hollywood. Woowee. Well if it ever does come to be….I think you should play yourself….just saying. After all you are the real star in all of our eyes. The best. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe and kitties. We are all so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you, thank you.
Debbie R in Valencia, CA
So happy there’s another book coming! Wish you could come to Canada on your tour!
This may be my second comment–not so great at navigating the blog. Love your post!!
oh my most favorite kind of post susan dear, one which i devour quickly, then go over twice more for a delicious savoring. your book looks marvelous in chinese! hope you can come to VROMANS in pasadena california. i will insist they have you!
Just read the Willard – really looking forward to the new book. Loved The Fairy Tale Girl – I always wonder if an author’s new book will be as good as the last, and your books are just wonderful. Love the art, recipes.
And thank you for mentioning Beatrix Potter’s birthday. I wasn’t aware. I run a school library and I think I’ll be reading Peter Rabbit perhaps with a party hat on later this year 🙂
This Willard was definitely worth the wait!!! Happy Thanksgiving Susan!!!
I just bought some salmon last night and I can’t wait to try your recipe. It looks delicious and I LOVE salmon.
I live in the Dallas area and wish you could come here. I guess that I will drive to Austin. Reading your blog and newsletter is so relaxing, like hugging your grandmother. My grandmother and mother were both fabulous cooks. I miss them so much. Happy days to you and a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving.