Susan Branch's A Fine Romance, a review

I've been a fan of Susan Branch since purchasing her first cookbook long ago.

Even after downsizing and giving away a a lot of cookbooks over the years, I hold on to the above four.  They hold a permanent place on my kitchen bookshelves!

Many of Susan's fans were thrilled when she began blogging.  It has been even more fun to read her blog than I anticipated.  She is one of the few bloggers I read regularly (other than decorating blogs) that are not "women of Faith".   With that exception, she is still very much a soul sister.

Last year we went along with her on the two month long journey she and her husband, Joe, took to England.  She said at the time on various posts that she was keeping a journal which would eventually be shared. I knew from that first announcement I'd want a copy!

England and Susan's illustrations?  What could be better. 

Well, the day the book arrived I perused it a bit and then started seriously reading it the next day.  Which was not easy since I was dizzy!  But it was worth it and I had a hard time putting it down.

I loved this book immediately.  She shares how she met Joe after already deciding she would never get into a relationship again (if you know her story, she went through a very difficult divorce when she was young).

Then she takes us along on their "crossing" of the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2.  (Sigh... I am not a good sailor but I'd take Dramamine and spend every afternoon on the ship at their Tea Time party.)  Did you know there is a difference between a "crossing" and a "cruise"?

Then there is "the rest of the story" as we walk through the gorgeous countryside of England with her, stopping at beautiful homes and luscious gardens.  Not to mention how she describes the food.

What I did not realize until reading this book... and I should after enjoying her blog... is that Susan is as talented a writer as she is artist/illustrator.

Many of the homes and towns they stop at are those associated with famous authors. 

Since they were in England for two months, they would stay in an area for awhile and really get to know the people and places.

I've put this review in a "Show and Tell" format because words cannot express how beautiful this book is.  Only some pictures from it's pages can truly show why I love it so much.

It will always have a place on my bookshelf with favorites.  Most likely with the books I pick up and peruse from time to time that never truly gets shelved.  Give me a little chocolate, a cup of coffee in the morning (or tea in the afternoon), and this book... I'm happy.

For more information about A Fine Romance:  Falling in love with the English Countryside just mosey on over here.  At the time of this writing, the book is still $4.00-ish less than the pre-order price!

Legal Stuff... yes, that is an Associate's Link and when you order through it... you bless me (or any other blogger whose widget you enter Amazon through).  :)