A Fine Romance: Falling in Love With the English Countryside

Re-read, December 2022…
I savored Susan Branch's journal of a trip to England just as much the second time through. It's absolutely wonderful for reading just a few pages a day. A gorgeous volume that evokes all the most thrilling possibilities of two months to spend in multiple swoonworthy corners of the English countryside. Bliss!

Original review follows:

This book is a warm hug, a crackling fireplace, a handmade blanket, and whatever other metaphorical images of comfort you can think of.
It is the author's journal of a two-month trip to England, and it is delightful. She narrates day by day their sightseeing and the new habits they form in the English countryside, and her love for it all breathes through every sentence.
It is much more show more than a travelogue, and it is certainly not a travel guidebook. It is an account that has much in common with the way I would probably experience England if I ever get to go. There are long country walks, discoveries of new food and drink (and a few recipes, yay!), musings on the people and places so closely tied to English history, and affectionate tributes to her favorites. There are also BEAUTIFUL watercolors (this is one talented lady) in the margins. There are photographs too, but the paintings are the real stars. Because of the design choices on every page (including the use of handwriting instead of computer font), you really do feel like you have picked up someone's diary/scrapbook.
This book is not mainstream (what, really?! I thought everyone would be like me and wax poetic and starry-eyed about the beauties of the English countryside) ...there's no digital edition and not many libraries have it. My library was kind enough to find it for me through interlibrary loan. I highly recommend it! I mean, only if you like tea, cute little lambs, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, watercolors, wildflowers, castles, and happiness. show less

The very definition of twee. Anyone who has actually lived in Britain for any length of time will quickly realise this is the stuff of a million chocolate boxes and Visit England adverts. And yet...the illustrations are so pretty, the destinations so truly delightful, and the author's admiration so sincere, that I found myself enjoying this book in spite of myself.

I'm not a huge fan of the aspects of Susan Branch's books which deal with decorating - as a minimalist, I find her style to be cluttered and twee - but this is a terrific travel book with wonderful details about crossing to England on the QE2 as well as the English countryside - and a charming love letter to her husband.

Just loved this book, it's as well made, pictures, ribbon bookmark and artwork as the last book I read in the trilogy. After the first few pages of this book I ordered the 1st volume of the trilogy so I can see where the whole story started. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who's read any of the other volumes or just anyone who wants to read about an inspiring woman.

This is a warm hug of a book. So engaging with absolutely gorgeous presentation. Susan Branch puts little treasures on every page. Treat yourself!

A book that I could easily relate to since it showcases the author's love of everything British, a love I also share. It was fun to read her thoughts on experiences that I too have had, although at times it was a bit too twee for it's own good. Her water colors are sweet and I liked the addition of a few recipes that sound worth trying.
I'm glad I could travel along with her from my couch because the fact that they took 12 bags with them for two people would have truly taxed my patience!

Love! Love! Love! A cute, well-written tale of the author's trip to England with her husband. It is written in journal format and leaves nothing out. With pictures, drawings, and trips to the homes of inspirational English authors, this book is a must-read for any "Anglophile."