Customer Reviews

Christmas from the Heart of the Home

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am now ordering my third copy of this book to give to another relative who wishes a copy. I have had the book for more than 5 years and use it every year for Christmas cooking. Every Christmas Eve, I prepare one of Susan Branch's recipes and everyone's mouth waters in anticipation. This is the best book a Christmas lover could have. It's also a wonderful recipe book for those who are not fond of complicated Christmas recipes. This year, I made the Bread Pudding with Whiskey sauce for the first time and it was out of this world. The illustrations are fun and by now, I know the text better than Ms. Branch. Highly recommended.

My introduction to Susan Branch's "Christmas from the Heart of the Home" was about a year ago. A friend had it out and had decorated her home for a party using some of Susan's wonderful ideas ... I just "loved" the little ideas she had, so I immediately went out and purchased my own copy. I am marveled at her beautiful artwork, lovingly hand printed recipes and stories, and realistic drawings of everyday items. You can tell there is "love" in every stroke of her brush. By the time I finished reading every page, I felt I knew Susan personally, like an old friend. I have added other Susan Branch books to my collection, and have enjoyed the same quality, ideas, recipes, etc. I am continually amazed at her talents, and the care that she puts into each page. My sister visited me this Christmas and fell in love with my books. Although of meager means, she couldn't resist starting her own collection. My sister and I live hundreds of miles away, but Susan Branch has brought us even closer together. I am going to seek out her "newsletter' information next. Anyone who is lucky enough to own one of Susan's books will not be able to resist purchasing another. She is wonderful! Thank you!

I purchased this book a few years ago and just love it! The recipes and holiday ideas are terrific - (check out the christmas dough ornament recipe - talk about quick and easy! I promise you will never make that old bread dough ornament recipe again!). I especially appreciate the art in this book...so much work has gone into each page. At Christmas time I display the book on a small easel for all to see. I get more compliments from this "decoration" than any other in my house. Every year I have someone new to give it to as a Christmas gift. They instantly become Susan Branch fans!

This is a gorgeous book to own. It contains a wide range of Christmas topics. My favorite being the stocking stuffer page(page 58),crammed with ideas for things to put in stockings. It contains ideas for things to make your Christmas special or to make someone else's Christmas special. I liked her idea for gathering friends and family together for a picture while holding up a sign that says "I love you,(name here)!" or writing Merry Christmas in the snow and sending the photo to a loved one who is far away! There is a page dedicated to making gravy...ideal for someone who still needs help with the basics. Also, recipes for beautiful side dishes such as delicate and simple creamed pearl onions. She shares her ideas for decorating and gift giving (a jar of homemade star-shaped croutons!) This really is worth owning or giving as a Christmas present.

I was first introduced to Susan Branch when I purchased this book in 1998. The recipes are lovely, but even better, is the real personality that the author offers to all of her readers. She is genuine, and so full of passion for life, she will capture your heart. Since reading this book, I have purchased every book I can find by Susan Branch, and each and every one is as good as this one. The Summer Book, Vineyard Seasons, Baby Love, Christmas Joy, The Day Book, Celebrations, and Girlfriends. She writes bits and pieces about the real things in life, and has a drawing, a doodle, and a recipe for every thought that crosses her mind. I feel I can relate to her so well when I am reading her books, and she is like a sister to me, as she reminds me always of the love and happiness that my 3 sisters and I share, along with our mother, father and four brothers. If you write to Susan to get on her mailing list, she will let you know when new books are published, and you will recieve her newsletter, another joy to read. When I find a new book by Susan, and order it through Amazon, I have the book within a few days. I am delighted.

No matter what else is going on, this book is a wonderful holiday "pick-me-up". You will feel instantly more "Christmasy" after looking through it. I keep it on my coffee table throughout the holiday season.

As with all Susan Branch books, her watercolor illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They rnage from adorable little elfs to sumptuous holiday table settings.

The recipes are clearly written, her cookie recipes are particularly good and she offers great tips on presenting cookies as a holiday gift.

This is a great book to browse through around the holidays!

I bought this book when I first discovered Susan Branch books. I loved it so much I gave it to all my sisters and sisters-in-law. They have all used it as a reference during the holidays and even through out the year.I have given this book to so many others as well and they all love the book. I can only state that this book stands up with all the Susan Branch products and is wonderful and so useful.

This was the start of my Susan Branch collection! So warm and interesting, I wanted to read it cover to cover before even starting to cook! More than just a cookbook-- decorating ideas, delightful anecdotes about Susan's own childhood, suggestions for adding warmth to your home. I, too, receive her newsletter and have had the good fortune to meet Susan. I think Susan's work is a cross between Mary Engelbreit and Martha Stewart--a pleasure to look at and lots of great ideas...but ideas/stuff that ANYONE can do. Guaranteed to be a treasured keepsake!

Susan Branch books are the best, I have all of her books and find the Christmas books are the most special. I am one of the lucky ones who receive her newsletter. I recently sent her a letter to tell her of my love of her books and she wrote me a letter to thank me. Her books give you the feel of down home charm and make you remember the things that are important in life.

This book is so charming! I received it as a gift from a dear friend many years ago and I re-read it every Christmas! Recipes, ideas, and holiday thoughts pulled together with Susan Branch's truly unique artistry make this a favorite.