A Fine Romance: Falling in Love With the English Countryside

OK, color me a Susan Branch fangirl. I’ve been collecting her books since the first one, and got my sister hooked on them shortly afterwards. One of my annual gifts to sis is at least one SB calendar. And then I discovered her blog shortly after its inception. Oh, joy. So, when she announced her trip to England and regularly posted about her exploits in advance of the book, I just couldn’t wait for the result. Naturally, I ordered one for my sister, as well. After that intro, it’s obvious that I’m a bit biased, but I can honestly say the book exceeded my expectations. If you’re already a fan of Susan, you won’t want to miss out on it. If you’re new to Susan, this is a good introduction. If you’re an Anglophile, are thinking of traveling to England, or like beautiful, whimsical art books, then this is also worth a look-see. So, what do you get? Well, this is pretty much a step-by-step recounting of the weeks’ long trip Susan and her husband Joe took, from doorstep to doorstep. Reading about the voyage on the Queen Mary 2 alone is worth the price of admission. A transatlantic crossing by ship is now on my wish list. While in England, Susan and Joe visited friends, went for long walks and drives, stopped by country houses and gardens, shopped, ate at pubs and tea shops, and just breathed in the ambiance of England. If you yearn for the glamour of London or better known tourist spots, then this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you prefer a more “quaint” and leisurely sort of trip while taking in the quiet beauty of small towns and countryside, then this is most definitely the book you want. And, of course, it’s perfect for armchair tourists. You never even have to actually leave home, but can vicariously experience Susan and Joe’s journey while in your jammies. Susan has a wonderful writing style. She takes great joy in the small things in life and she infects her readers with her generous spirit and humor. And, as with all of Susan’s books, they are a visual delight. All of the text is handwritten in Susan’s distinctive calligraphy. The book is also jam-packed with illustrations, predominantly Susan’s watercolors, but also photographs. The book isn’t just pretty, tho; it also has a serious side. It’s very practical and informative and, if you want to know more about any of the sites visited, there’s a terrific appendix as well as additional information on her blog. This is a book you could easily devour in one sitting, but then come back to in order to savor individual passages or chapters. Buy one as a treat for yourself. And then buy one (or lots) as a treat for a friend. Enjoy!

One of my favorite books! Paintings, photos, and text blend to perfectly set the scene for this lovely trip through England!

I love love this book. This will be one of those books that I will treasure forever, it's the book where it'll have a special place on your bookshelf or in your library. It's part diary (not boring at all though!), part travel - lots of funny and need to know info if you're planning on going to the English countryside (yes please!), part history (again, not boring at all). It's just an endearing book. Lovely watercolors done by Susan Branch, as well as photos of her travels, her life with her lovely husband - the book is just lovely - I can't describe it any better. If you love charm, you'll want this book.

The most beautifully ef and written adventure book I have read in a long time. I made one of the delicate lemon crispy cookies that were incredibly delicious.

A joy to read. Lots of good detail. Will use info next time I go to England. And the format and illustrations were so fun.

I have loved Susan Branch's lovely hand-colored and hand-written books ever since I can remember, and always have one of her small calendars for our bedroom. When I saw the preview of this book--a chronicle of Branch's visit to England with her husband--I ordered it so fast my credit card practically whipsnapped. And this exquisite little book did not disappoint, especially as it arrived the same day as a distressing time at work. It's a loving diary of their anniversary trip to England aboard the Queen Mary II, and then their weeks visiting different areas of England including the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, visiting friends, gardens, and historical sites, written by hand in Susan's charming manner, with photographs and incidental drawings and quotations filling each page. Each section is written with such enthusiasm that I teared up when Susan fulfilled her dream and visited the beloved farmstead of her favorite artist, Hill Top Farm, the home of Beatrix Potter. She even prefaces the story with the sweet and simple story of how she met her present husband upon moving back east after a heartbreaking divorce. A must for Anglophiles and Susan Branch fans, and a perfect book for anyone who likes cozy corners, lovely flowers, and picturesque countryside.

Sweet drawings nicely done

I love England; that's the reason I bought this book. I'm so glad I did! Not only did I get a wonderful 'trip' through England, but I discovered that I love Ms. Branch's artwork and style of writing. I did find the font a bit hard to read at first, but I soon got used to it and now I love it. The illustrations and photographs in the book are beyond beautiful, and there are lovely quotes and a few maps and recipes. I felt like I was right there beside Susan and her husband, Joe, as they traveled across the ocean on the Queen Mary 2 and through England. The book is amazingly informative without being the least bit boring, as some (most) travel books can be, and laugh-out-loud funny in spots. I've read it twice and am planning on reading it again because it just makes me feel happy. I'm also anxiously awaiting for the book to come back in stock as I want to give it as a Christmas present to my sisters, aunts, nieces and friends. I'm sure they will treasure it as much as I do!

Es el diario de viaje de una pareja al campo inglés para celebrar si aniversario de boda. Es precioso!!! Lleno de ilustraciones y descripciones hechas por la propia autora. Está lleno de aventuras, de color, de anécdotas... una joya!. Está en inglés.

A most delightful story about an American couple who take their dream vacation in the English countryside. Full of facinating stories about the different places they visit with wonderful artistic sketches and very original presentation. It is written like a person's diary of events mixed with photos and poetry - thoroughly entertaining and a beautiful to look through. There are English recipes and tips on how to handle a British holiday. A dream of a little book - would make an excellend gift to anyone from England or who wishes to travel in England.

... sollte sich dieses Buch einfach gönnen! Ein wirklich mit "Kopf, Herz und Hand" gestaltetes, sehr persönliches Reisetagebuch, dass ich nicht mehr so schnell im Regal sehen werde, denn entweder genieße ich es selbst, benutze es als Kochbuch und bereite eines der vielen verlockenden Rezepte zu oder ich bemühe mich, es von einer begeisterten Freundin zurück zu ergattern! Es macht nicht nur Lust auf eine weitere Englandreise sondern es inspiriert auch zum Schreiben eines eigenen Reisetagebuchs. Danke, Susan!

I've been a long time writing a review about this wonderful book. I've been a fan of Susan Branch for a few years [...]now and even though I'm English I really looked forward to the release of this book. I bought a copy for me, which I ended up giving away to someone desperate to read it, before I had glanced at it. I bought a copy for my mum for Christmas, but she finished reading it one evening and the next day started it again! So I finally got round to buying a third copy just for me! Susan's wonderful, evocative writing made me feel as if I were there with her and her charming watercolour illustrations are lovely. Whether you know the areas she visited or not it's a great read - poignant, funny and full of detail. She's currently writing another book. Can't wait!

Perfecto