Hi Girlfriends!!! MUSICA . . . Here we are, in Cincinnati, Ohio, going soon to our Saturday book signing at Joseph-Beth at 2 pm . . . I had a few hours this morning so I thought I’d update you on this lovely trip across country . . . where everything is blossoming and it’s . . .
You should see the wild dogwoods, both pink and white, all through Pennsylvania and here in Ohio . . . they grow wild, and in the Allegheny mountains, they were so thick they almost looked like snow!
Most trees are leafing out now . . .
And so far, our welcoming committees have been outstanding! This almost required a dog-napping . . .
Where are we? I don’t know. But, thank goodness, because . . .
None of this would be possible without my map-man, pathfinder, van organizer, sidekick and love of my life. ♥
Here we are, just pulling out of our driveway on the Island, heading for the ferry in the Fine Romance van, all packed and “ready” as we’ll ever be, because this is it! 
Kisses goodbye . . . 💋
And so it begins . . . SO EXCITING . . . For a little San Fernando Valley Girl, this is beyond wonderful . . .
Meeting all our wonderful Girlfriends, Blog Girls, FOSB’s, and Tweetettes . . . do you see yourself here?
Oh, yes we can!
Sometimes I read from one of the books . . . and I always answer questions . . .
Here I am, ear scratching while talking to our Twitter Girlfriend Georgie @FarmGirlGeorgie (she’s wearing a scarf she just made from her new Spoonflower fabric) and we are speaking . . .
This is Liz, the event coordinator at R.J. Julia’s in Connecticut, introducing me . . .
We’ve been having fun wherever we go . . .
We love our little Independent Bookstores . . .
The Learned Owl is a family affair, that’s Kate Schlademan (who owns the store) in the green, with her mom and dad, Lois and Jim . . .
These bookstores add so much character to their towns, towns that make for a wonderful livable, homey America . . . we celebrate them!
Out of the 23 book signings we’ve scheduled, today in Cincinnati will be our fifth . . . we still have 18 to go . . . Come see us! ← Click there for our itinerary.
But if you can’t make it, we’ve left signed copies of all the books at each of the stores we’ve visited . . . (even a few Autumn books) ~ you’ll find phone numbers for these stores in our itinerary . . .
I’d love for you to meet some of our friends . . . like Barbara and her husband . . .
Yes! Our Fairy Tale Guys have been there too!
And so many Girlfriends!
And twin sisters too . . .
All with so much in common . . .
And perfect timing for Mother’s Day . . . so many Moms and Daughters . . .
The “road” has been fun, as it always is . . . so much to see. This little car parked next to us at one of our hotels . . . we thought, “How green! Only a rubber band to keep this one going!”
I waited until the cart was half empty before I took the photo, to make us look at least a little bit civilized . . . so you didn’t get to see that we really did bring the kitchen sink.
I’m always trying to catch good photos out our car windows . . . Pennsylvania has the most beautiful old stone houses and barns . . .
Not a lot of traffic if you keep off the main highways! Here we are on our way to a tiny town in Ohio called, of all things, and most appropriately, “Willard.”
We wanted to stop there to visit with our printer . . . the ones who make it possible for us to put “made in America” on all of our books . . .
Here we are in the waiting room, looking out the window toward the parking lot on a perfectly gorgeous spring day!
The printing plant was huge, covering over 30 acres, there were even railroad cars parked inside, being filled . . . and SO interesting, a place filled to the brim with books ~ and with them, the hopes and dreams of authors and publishers, that they may have created something to help make the world a better place.♥
. . . I’m sorry, they wouldn’t let us take photos inside, so I can’t show you. We had to walk down little yellow painted walkways (for safety sake) and wear earplugs! HUGE MACHINES . . . and all those trade secrets had to be protected. But they showed us how HEART OF THE HOME was coming along, and gave us the components of the book, pages, ribbon, cover . . . to take with us.
The pages aren’t bound yet, but they’ve been sewn together . . . I’m wild about the color, love the paper, really happy about the new recipes and the new art . . . my baby has a whole new set of clothes! ♥
It was a treat to meet the people responsible and see pages so very hot off the press!♨️
Seems like just yesterday I was doing this . . .🎨
So, let’s see, what other fun things have we seen? Oh yes, we love to visit supermarkets in other parts of the country . . . This is Hienen’s in Hudson, Ohio ~ a perfectly wonderful place, GO there if you can… you will love it . . . It’s Trader Joe’s, times ten, every kind of flower, a real butcher cutting meat, huge salad bar, beautiful already-made salads, gorgeous breads, and then of course, the dessert section! No, we did not JUST take pictures!
Loved the architecture there too . . . and these charming spring wreaths . . .
And the tree lined streets . . .
And the signs of spring everywhere we looked . . . I had to take pictures for you, flowers to wish you the very happiest . . .
To all you wonderful mothers and nurturers everywhere. While we’ve been on the road, we’ve had Teacher’s Day and Nurse’s Day too, nurturers all! Be sure to reward yourselves . . .♥ Make that milk cake you see on your May calendar page, or go HERE for the recipe . . . And then . . . do this . . .
B e c a u s e . . . .
And you deserve it! Okay, off I go to the exercise room to ride that bike and read my new book . . . We’ll keep in touch . . . thank you for coming along. Hope we get to see some of you along the way! Thank you for your wonderful, tear-inducing, comments about the new book ~ and, well, for everything! XOXO
I think that Willard, Ohio is where another wonderful cookbook author is from, John Hadamuscin. Be so careful on the road!! Love you Susan❤❤❤
Joe is a great driver! xoxo We’ll be careful.
Hello Susan (and Joe) ~
What a pleasure it was seeing you at Joseph-Beth Bookstore last Saturday! My husband and I road tripped down from Michigan, and had the most wonderful weekend. He’s my favorite co-traveler. We chat about things that often get lost in the day to day, sing in the car, tell stories and get just plain silly. It sounds as if your travels have the same marvelous mix! I hope you enjoyed the cookies (we’ve found that regular snacks make trips much more enjoyable. You are always so generous, I just wanted to give a little back – hope that was ok). Thank you for taking the time to tell us your stories, for answering questions and for the wisteria seeds. What a nice treat. You mention that you are nervous speaking in front of groups, but you seem so relaxed and comfortable. And you looked so pretty (I loved your orange shoes)! Happy and safe travels as you continue on.
I ride the bike in the fitness room, come back and eat a cookie, stretch on the floor, get up and eat a cookie. It’s all balancing out. Thank you Sue! Now I watch people who are not regulars on TV, like someone talking about their new book . . . they don’t look nervous either, but my tummy flutters for them because I know they just must be! xoxo
As always, the best “read” of my Day~ Your blog is “Picture Perfect” and I always
feel you write it just for me~
jody in Michigan xoxoxox
Thank you Jody . . . xoxo In a way I do write it just for you.
It was so wonderful to meet you and Joe at R J Julia’s in Madison last week. Thank you for coming. Perhaps you’ve seen this blog about the Tokyo quilt festival but if not I think you’ll be amazed by the needlework based on Beatrix Potter’s characters. Absolutely stunning. williammorrisandmichele.blogspot.com/2016/01/tokyo-quilt-festval-part-2.html
I have seen that Kathy, and you are so right, just stunning. The creativity and patience!
Chicago at rush hour…yikes! Mpls. Is bigger but locals know the back roads etc. I’m not on Twitter either so have been looking for your travel posts on your Facebook page. Finally looked at your Twitter page and I can see some but not comment. Have a fabulous time today (seems to me it was a pear cider treat last time)😎 Hope you get some “picnic clouds” soon. I’ll keep checking. Ha, where did you snitch that lilac? I’d do the same😇 Xoxo judi
There was a bush growing outside an antique store where we stopped in Crawfordsville, Indiana ~ I was careful not to get caught! Joe hid in the car. 😇
Susan (aka my new mom):
We met in Hudson, OH along with my daughter Sarah. Your books have stepped in and filled a void I’ve had since I lost my mother over 10 years ago. Sarah is my oldest and I always thought our relationship was like the one you had with your mom. I can’t tell you how much it meant to see that you posted our picture on your blog. You are just as kind and sweet in person as I imagined. My daughter started reading your new book out loud to me as we made our 2 1/2 hour drive home to Latrobe, Pa. You seemed so in love with your first home on Martha’s Vineyard and its a joy to read about. Was it hard to move out of it and into your current home? You tell a great story…novels are your thing! Have a great time on the rest of your book tour and trip to England.
It’s easy to see that you and Sarah DO have that wonderful mother-daughter relationship … look at her eyes! Pools of love! You’ve done a great job. It wasn’t so hard to leave Holly Oak, because of Joe. He came along, and it was pretty easy to see that my little house was too small for him, and his bigger house was too much like a fraternity house for me, so we found Spring Street and it was irresistible . . . all those new rooms to decorate! Had to do it! Thank you for your kind words. I do know about the void left when we lose our most important people. XOXO
Thank you so much for the tea party fun last night in Wilmette, IL! It was so wonderful seeing you again and I do thank you for taking the time to greet each of us so sweetly. Loved hearing your talk and the question/answer time was so great! Everything about it was a perfect day. Met sweet new girlfriends! Hope your drive today is much less stressful! xo
Oh Karen, it was so great to meet you! We start going toward Iowa tonight this afternoon . . . next stop, Grand Rapids!
Everyday and every stop is pure excitement….thanks for sharing the trip! Travel safe….
It’s been wonderful! Thank you Linda.
This was so much fun reading your travel adventures as your commentaries on Downton Abbey! Thanks for taking us along. So much fun seeing your friends and fans.
Glad you are enjoying Lida . . . xoxo
Hi Susan and Joe! I’m so happy to be “traveling” along with you both! I’ve never been to Ohio but Pennsylvania is lovely. There’s nothing like Lancaster County and the beautiful old stone houses and farms. I wasn’t among all the friends in the picture but I hope one day to see you both at a bookstore here on Long Island. 🙂 Today is a glorious Spring day; there is nothing like it! Safe travels! Love, Karen xoxo
Poor Chicago is getting drenched, with sound effects and visuals of thunder and lightning! Spring showers . . . And yes, I just fell in love with those stone houses in PA … we have to go back!
A couple of ideas that perhaps you’ve had, too, but I’d love it if you could comment on them. Wish I’d thought to ask in New Hope! 1) Any chance of audio books of the trilogy, or at least FAIRY TALE and ISLE OF DREAMS? I would love to listen to you (or the right actress) read them! And 2) your next book could finish up the story of the little house (do you still own it, or when did you sell it and do you know whoever lives there now?), and all the details of looking for, finding, decorating, and living in your current home? I know you cover tons of this in your blog, but I would love a large hardcover book (ie., Mary Engelbreit’s book “Home Sweet Home” about her own house) with tons of photos and stories!
Yes, thinking about audio, maybe I could do one next winter. Have also been thinking of another book about “the house of creativity.” I know I could have fun with that!
Another book, about the house?!?!?! YAAAY WOOHOO YIPPEE :)❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I also hear a little bird saying “PANCAKES” and “TEA BOOK” 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much for kind of taking us with you, Sue! Is there any chance of maybe posting a video of one of your talks, for those of us who won’t get to meet you but would love to hear you?
We’ve not managed to make any videos of the talks, so much is always going on. But some people are recording with their phones. I think there might be some of it on my Facebook page . . .
My son the budding filmmaker plans to film your book talk in Prescott … the little slice of heaven on 6/11 … and will post on the blog afterward 🙂
I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. 😜
No worries if you’d rather not! I want you to enjoy sipping tea under the willow tree with the girlfriends and not stress about being filmed 🙂 He can make a short video of the tea itself, set to music, so we remember a very special day ♥ Enjoy the drive! xoxo
No, if I pretend I don’t know then it’s okay. I should really do this myself sometime, so it would be good.
Susan, What a wonderful afternoon of laughter girlfriends Joe and YOU! The rain didn’t dampen anything! The scarf saga had a happy ending! My Joe got to see your Joe again! Even now, a week later I’m reliving everything over and over 🙂
How happy I am for all the girlfriends still waiting for you. They have a big treat in store!
It was WONDERFUL seeing you again!
XO
Georgie from NJ
I am too Georgie, living it over again as I go to sleep at night. Couldn’t have been nicer, all except if it could have been longer! XOXO Your Joe looked great!
Beautiful dogwood & meeting our girlfriends/boyfriends, & Blue Moon, great blog my dear! Thank you!!! I’m with you all in spirit, so fun to travel cross country with you in the Romance van! Have a fabulous day! xoxoxo
Dear Susan,
I purchased your book from RJ Julia’s Madison, Ct… I enjoyed reading ” Isle of Dreams”
I thought I would read a while one evening, at 3:30 AM ! I finished this great read!!!
I loved this wonderful, delightful experience. Thank you so very much..Your friend,Betsy
Isn’t America a fantastic place? One of the most memorable trips my husband and I ever took was when we drove a mustang convertible the entire length of Rt 66 from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. We stayed in B&Bs and iconic old motels including the Blue Swallow and the Wigwam Motel. We ate at some of the most fun diners and dives along the way. Sometimes the towns were so off the beaten path that sage brush actually blew across the main street. We met the most wonderful people along the way. We all tend to forget how wonderful our fellow Americans are and how wonderful our country is. Despite our differences we are all part of this great big wonderful country. Taking a road trip like you are doing and posting blogs along the way helps us all to remember that.
Hi Susan, I have been busy so I didn’t open your newsletter until May 7th, and noticed that you were having the book signing in Hudson, not far from me on May 5th. (I save your newsletter to enjoy when I have time) So disappointed we missed you. so I printed the bookmark and thought I would buy your book for my one daughter who is an avid reader, mother, teacher and has been a fan of your work from day 1. Well on Mother’s Day I was telling my daughter that we missed your book signing and she surprises me with your book, signed with a note: Happy Mother’s day from Lorrie and Me. It was truly the most meaningful present I received. (She and her friend came to see you in Hudson and kept it a secret) I love to read, but don’t take the time for that luxury because I would ignore everything around me. I started your book and half way thru can’t put it down.I love your books, have your last one “A Fine Romance” (which also was a gift from my daughter) and really enjoyed it as I would love to travel to England, have a seaglass friend there. (I make seaglass things) So to surprise my daughter for her birthday mid June, I want to order your “Fairy Tale Girl” and hope that you will be kind enough to sign it special to her. Not sure how that can be done, maybe not since you are on book tour, but it would be really nice.
Thank you so much for all the enjoyable reads, you make me aware of all the beautiful things that surround us everyday!
I’m enjoying the vicarious trip with you! Seeing all those lovely ladies (men and girls), reminds me that there are lots of people out there just like me–dreaming the dream and loving the beauty and wholesomeness of the world you bring us. Thanks and keep having fun.
BTW, I grew up in the LA area in the 50’s and 60’s too–we could have passed one another on the 10 freeway, the Pacific Coast Highway or the long windy road to Mt. Baldy! While you were working in SLO, I was dreaming my own dreams under a big sycamore tree in our back yard, painting my own white-picket-fence perfect pictures and writing my own happily-ever-after poems. We might have been friends–nice that we are now!
So excited for the release of your original book! We don’t have that one. So we will be getting three when it’s released!! One for me and one for each of my girls!!!
Fabulous post. Spring is sprung all across the land filling everyones hearts with hope and smiles. Be safe. Take vitamins, wash hands plenty cause of shaking colds into your lives. Lots and lots of good tea
Ms. Branch,
It was a pleasure for my friend Susan and I to meet you at the Learned Owl Bookstore in Hudson, Ohio. We have been fans of yours for many years and were so excited that you were doing a book signing near us. Everything about the evening was wonderful….meeting you, and your Joe (he was the nicest), seeing your van, and meeting lots of ladies who were just as excited as we were. Then to top things off there it was…. A PICTURE OF US ON YOUR BLOG!! Thanks again for the musical notes that you drew in my books as we talked about the song “Layla” that I was named after. It’s just the little things and seeing those notes makes me so happy, and will always help me to remember meeting you at that little bookstore in Hudson. God bless you and Joe on your journey.
Yes, I knew it was you the moment I saw your name! It was just as fun for me Layla, just a joyful day. Please say hello to Susan for me . . . and thank you so much. xoxo
I can’t believe you are going to Vroman’s in Pasadena! I grew up just a few miles south of there and that is where I bought my first book with my own money. Don’t remember what it was but I’m pretty sure it was fairy tales of some sort. I’m only a couple of years older than you so many of your memories are similar to mine growing up in the 50’s in the other valley!
Have a grand time…sadly we now live in Mississippi so I won’t be able to meet you. Maybe someday you might think of visiting So MS or New Orleans?
Love your books…
I think the closest we’ll get just isn’t very close, Memphis and Georgia are both on the tour . . . but we’re traveling eight thousand miles, and some of the corners of the country were just a bit too far . . . I know not everyone can travel, but we’re trying to meet people at least half way! Yes, Vroman’s … My grandma bought me a cookbook there for my hope chest, long before I was doing much cooking. It has a Vroman’s sticker right next to her inscription. I treasure it.
Hi!
I have recently found your blog, Susan. How wonderful, beautiful, inspiring. I have already subscribed for your Newsletter.
You know, I can buy your books from a bookstore here, they import upon orders.
By the way, I am from Brazil. My name is Eliana.
On a post of your blog from some time ago I saw that your friends, sometimes, become pen pals. I would love to be a pen pal of one, or some, of your girl friends, who surely are as cool as you.
I don’t have the talents you do, but I am very passionate.
I am NOT on Facebook, where I believe would be the right place to find a pen pal, so I am giving it a try here.
Thanks. Warmest Wishes from Brazil.
Hello Eliana from Brazil . . . so nice to hear from you! Let’s put your comment up here and see if anyone might happen to read this who is also looking for a pen pal. But yes, it’s my Facebook page where lots of Pen Pals go to be found. Thank you so much for writing . . . happy to meet you!
dear Susan,
my childhood friend Ann Havlik from San Luis Obispo gave me your book A Fine Romance and I was utterly enthralled with it, to the extent that I read it 5! Times. then I ordered Fairy Tale Girl and your most recent Martha’s Vineyard and I must tell you how much I enjoy your whole philosophy of life.
a few days ago, after reading your blog post, I dreamed about you en route to a signing in California. my friend Ann was in it as were you. I had a wonderful feeling when
I woke up, as if I had finally got to meet someone dear. I used to love to knit but a stroke 3years ago has rendered my left hand immovable. I still have hope that I can get my left hand to work again. meanwhile I can imagine myself knitting, straw weaving and sewing. I must tAke my hat off to you for embarking on this monumental road trip! does Joe ever get cranky? I would like to hear more about him. blessings be upon you both and Happy Trails!
Thank you so much Nan! I love dreams like yours, where you get to have your cake and eat it too, and never move from the bed while doing it. I’m sorry about your hand, wicked aging, praying that it will come back to you. They do, you know, it might just happen. Joe is a very even-tempered person, while I zoom all over the place, he is a rock of steadiness . . . never cranky, just sometimes quiet. He’s really enjoying our book tour . . . now I introduce him and he talks to everyone and even signs books sometimes. Plus he talks to all the men who’ve brought their wives and girlfriends, it’s very sweet. Blessings on you Nan, xoxo
Susan, thank you so much for your kind reply.
I just love your art….it speaks to me and brings back childhood memories nearly forgotten….thank you for sharing with us! May your travels be safe and your life continue to be blessed!
Thank you Pat!
Hi Susan, I just finished reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, and I didn’t want it to end! The way you’ve turned domesticity into a career is awe inspiring! I’ve read your other two books as well as have most of your cookbooks – keep writing!! I love many of the same things you do, although I can’t paint at all. I sew instead and have turned that into a business. You never cease to amaze me, and you put a smile on my face when I read your books, blog, etc. Thank you!
Thank you so much Pat! I’m happy to have you hear . . . and congratulations on making the thing you love into a business! It can be a lot more work, but then, it doesn’t FEEL like work!
Hi Susan,
Belatedly, I want to thank you for including New Hope, PA on your book signing journey. The event certainly rates as a highlight of my year, especially since neighbor/Girlfriend Carol & I were able to attend together. It was great to hear you read your passages aloud, could have sat there forever. I love to hear an author read their own words. I also like to echo the request for a “house book”. You gave us so many details regarding Holly Oak that a book about your present home (am I forgetting a name?) would be the icing on the cake. Details please! Lastly, I have to tell you that yesterday I went to a church tag sale with my 3 year old grandson. Never too early to introduce them to the concept & what do I see before me but an almost 20 piece set of Rose Chintz china! It wasn’t priced & I held my breath while hanging onto Lucas. $23 dollars later I am the owner, I just need to find a teacup on ebay. Somehow it reminds me of china my Mother had years ago. Did I need this purchase? No but it made me so happy & just had to share! Safe journey to you and Joe! PS, Did you like the little “goodie bag” I gave you?
You should have seen my jaw drop as I was reading your tag sale find. $23! That is amazing! And so fun! Good for you! I love the idea of the house book . . . and details! xoxo I loved the goodie bag too! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
I just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams and enjoyed them both so much. You are a real inspiration! You write so well, right from the heart. I found it hard to put your books down. Now I’m about to start on A Fine Romance and can hardly wait to get started. I loved reading about how you wrote Heart of the Home and have my copy in my bookcase beside me. I bought it when it first came out and chose it because it looked so pretty, then I found out I liked the recipes too! I’m so happy you and Joe found each other, you deserve the best!
I wish you well in all your new writing and painting endeavors and look forward to seeing them all!!
Love from me to you,
Marlene
Chilliwack, BC Canada
How nice to hear from you Marlene! I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying the books! Thank you so much! xoxo
Hi Susan,
Just loved the book about the Vineyard and wondered about the house you live in now. Is this another story for a book or did I miss your write up of it in another place?
I haven’t written about it yet, but basically, Holly Oak was really too small for two people when one of them was Joe!
Hi Susan, Ive enjoyed reading your first two books and am looking forward to reading your new book Isle of Dreams. Thank you so much for all your blogs and your books.
You’re so welcome Rita!
So glad you are having a great time in the heartland! Have fun, stay safe whilst driving and make sure you get some “me” time so you don’t get worn out with all that fun. 🙂
The turnout looks great- so many lucky girlfriends. Can’t wait for my turn too.
xoxo
Gabi
Me too Gabi!
Hi Susan! Just finished reading your new book , Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, and wish it wouldn’t end. I purposely read slow because I was enjoying it sooo much and wanted to have it to come back to. I love your descriptions of nature and the people you meet. I love pictures to go along with what I’m reading and picturing it all in my mind as well. I read your other two books as well and felt the same way about those (A Fine Romance, and The Fairy Tale Girl). Wanted to go to Cincinnati,to see you at your book signing but had a wedding in Cleveland to attend that same day. Thank you for such wonderful books and your uplifting spirit. Joanne Dahlman
Thank you, Joanne, I’m so happy you enjoyed the books. Now we’re in Kansas City! I can’t believe how fast it’s all going! xoxo
Hi Susan, I am just catching up on your blog, and sooo excited for your book tour…hoping to see you at Titcomb’s when you are heading back this way….my daughter and her husband will be off to Scotland for the week, and so I will be at their home in E. Sandwich “in residence” for my teen grands…!!! Conveniently, and happily for me, it will coincide with your visit to Sandwich!!! yea- oh- yea!!!!! Also, not surprised that your life may become a movie….what a happy circumstance if it happens for you…I could see it as a Hallmark Movie Series- !!! All happy endings!!!! My niece purchased your newest book when it was immediately available and just loved it! I will hope to purchase and have you sign it in person for once!!! Safe travels!!!!!
What good timing we have Carol! See you at Titcombs! It’s the last bookstore on our tour, so it will also be a celebration! XOXOXO
Hi Susan,
I can’t believe it’s been over 2 weeks since my husband and I met you at RJ Julia’s in Connecticut. Despite the rainy weather, it turned out to be a terrific day. My husband was standing in for my sister, whose daughter had just given birth the day before, and she was thrilled beyond belief at the personal message you wrote in her book. Thanks for being so gracious and posing for pictures. It was wonderful meeting you! Hope you continue to have a wonderful and safe trip. P.S. My husband Gerry says hi!
Unless the gremlins are taking over, I believe I saw your comment before, but just in cases, it’s lovely to hear from you Mary-Agnes. Thank you for coming to see me! And a big hello to Gerry!
Dear Susan,
It was SUCH a pleasure to meet you (and Joe!) in St. Charles, MO on Sunday. I even met some wonderful girlfriends in line who share the joy of you and your art!! I love all your art, recipes and now your 3 books – as I told you, I finished reading Martha’s Vineyard on Friday before meeting you on Sunday. I loved every bit of all 3 books and didn’t want them to end. So now I’m going to re-read A Fine Romance to get my fill. Thank you for all you do and sharing your warmth with all of us across the country!!
It’s been such a pleasure for us Karen, meeting every one . . . truly a gift we won’t forget.
Finally taking time to sit down and tell you how much I enjoyed reading Isle of Dreams. FABULOUS! I’ve been to the Vineyard once so I can picture so many of the places you talk about – Holly Oak is absolutely charming, you turned it in to a home. My favorite photo in the book is on page 259, you and your mom when you were a child. that photo just grabbed my heart and put a smile on my face. Your mother is beautiful, you were such a cute little girl (grown in to a beautiful woman) and the look on your face is all about determination.
Now, I anxiously await the 30th anniversary addition of Heart of the Home 🙂
Thank you so much Linda, lovely to hear from you, and thank you for the compliment to my mom the beautiful one, and to me, the determined one! xoxoxo
I loved this post. How do you do it all…and on the road too? I was born in Ohio in 1946 and moved to California in 1980. I have read all of your books so I can say that our life stories don’t match exactly, but they are close. I moved in the opposite direction as you did. I never regretted it. I love California. That’s why this post is extra special to me. I still do get homesick for Ohio. It is beautiful too.
Yes, we were passing ships! Always difficult to be in love with two places at the same time!
I’ve been a fan for years. Especially love your stickers!!
Thank you Susan!
Dear Susan:
I remember thirty years ago when we first met. I am so happy to still know you. I love all your work. You have been very encouraging to me in my life. I love you like a sister. Take care and thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Rhoda Tuckey
Thank you Rhoda! xoxo
Can’t wait for you visit to Utah this week!! Safe travels XOXO
I’m here, and the sun is just coming up!
Kitty, kitty, kitty…what have you done? That little ribbon hanging from my Susan Branch book is not there for you to chew. It is there for me to mark my page. Oh well, I will always love you, kitty.
I’m reading this lovely trilogy again, Susan. Loving it just as much the second time.
Oh nooooo, Deb! Not the ribbon! 🙂 Baaaad Kitty! 😺
Susan, I love your book Isle of Dreams and I keep it on my little table now in my bedroom! I love the paintings, the beautiful calligraphy , yet above all I love your story -real- and I read it over and over! I get entertained by your books, and for the moment when looking at your pages, all my worries go away, and I am immersed into your world, what was happening to you back then – You said Joe is your guardian angel. I do feel the same way about my wonderful husband Sam. Please keep up the good work with your lovely books!
Well, here’s to our guardian angels! And thank you so much, I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the book, and doubly happy to know it “entertained” you . . . I so hoped it would. XOXO
Hi Susan,
I can’t believe it’s been 3 weeks since my husband and I met you at RJ Julia’s in Connecticut. Despite the rainy weather, it turned out to be a terrific day. My husband was standing in for my sister, whose daughter had just given birth the day before, and she was thrilled beyond belief at the personal message you wrote in her book. Thanks for being so gracious and posing for pictures. It was wonderful meeting you! Hope you continue to have a wonderful and safe trip. P.S. My husband Gerry says hi!
Has it really been 3 weeks? One thing about being on the road, I seem to lose all concept of time! So nice to hear from you again Mary-Agnes! Happy New Baby to your family and hi back to Gerry!
I sit here reading the comments of those who have already been to your book signings and who have met you and the anticipation is getting the best of me…!
Can’t wait to meet you actually at Booksellers in Memphis …! It will be such a joy for me…a “red-letter day”, for sure! Sounds like you and Joe are thoroughly enjoying all of the stops. I finished reading your latest book, Isle of Dreams, and I was so sad to finish it, but not a bad sad; it will be like an old friend waiting for me when I do go back and read it again…which will be very soon! It was truly entertaining and such a beautiful book. You really know how to put those words down just right, and what with each page full of personality via your paintings, pictures, quotes (just in the right place!), makes for a masterpiece, in my book! My calico, Lily, got so jealous because I was reading your book and not paying attention to her, that she marched right up on my lap and propped her head over the top of the book and just stared at me. That would have been a good selfie, but then I would have had to put the book down, and I think that’s what she had planned..but it didn’t work!! Enjoy the journey, Susan..you and Joe, and make lots of memories! Have fun and see ya’ll soon!
You outsmarted your kitty!! Not often can we say that! Thank you Susan, that was wonderful. I look forward to meeting you in Memphis! xoxox
Hi Susan! I had the pleasure and honor of meeting you in Cincinnati at Joseph Beth bookstore. I could have listened to your stories all day… I enjoyed it so much! I also, MUCH TO MY DISMAY, just finished your latest amazing book about Martha’s Vineyard. I tried so hard to make it last longer, but I couldn’t help myself…it was so wonderful!!!!!! I visited the Island years ago and felt like I was there again…just without the suitcases or the plane ride ( which I also detest..and LOVED your description of your trip to the island.) Your books make me feel so good, but I definitely cried when your sweet kitty died…so sad. I’ve experienced the loss of 4 dogs so I understood how you felt. I’m anxiously awaiting your next book and thank you for visiting Cincinnati! We love you here in the Queen City!!!!!! All the best to you and Joe as you continue your book tour. Sincerely, Linda Riesenbeck
So nice to hear from you Linda, and thank you so much for your book “review” — I’m so happy you liked it! Have a wonderful day!
You should stop in Michigan sometime. You have lots of fans here. Enjoying the book!
We were in Grand Rapids in 2013 . . . we tried to go to different places this time . . . but we loved it and hopefully we’ll get to go back someday!
When are you in MA or NH summer of 2016? I’ll be there, with my daughter and sister!
I’ll be at Titcombs Bookshop, in East Sandwich, on Cape Cod TODAY, at 1 pm…. this is my last event until July 28, in Brewster, MA, at the Brewster Ladies Library for the Beatrix Potter 150th Birthday Party…I think all the tickets are gone (they’re free) but I believe there is a waiting list. And that will likely be it for the summer. If something else happens, I’ll be sure to announce it on the blog! Thank you for asking!