I knew nothing about Susan Branch a few weeks ago; now I envy her, but in a good way.
To celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Susan and her husband boarded the Queen Mary 2, bound for two months in England. That two months involved stays in old stone cottages; visiting the homes and the lush, beautiful English gardens of some of her favorite literary figures – Beatrix Potter, Rudyard Kipling, James Herriot, and many more; and ambling through the English countryside to familiarize herself with the England that most tourists never see.
In what is essentially her trip diary, replete with handwritten entries, sprinkled with English recipes, watercolor paintings, pressed flowers, and more, Branch takes the reader beyond the tourist trail. You won’t read about Stonehenge or Big Ben or the changing of the Queen’s guard in A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside. You’ll be witness to Branch’s enthusiasm for out-of-the-way England and for her admiration to the nation for its dedication to preserving historical treasures.
Branch’s diary is a labor of love, the product of much thought and creative effort.
It’s not for everyone, but if you have a love for or an interest in the British Isles, and want to explore beyond the usual travel guides, pick it up and give a shot.
You’ll likely not be disappointed.