Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams

Susan Branch’s Memoirs #2

by Susan Branch

In the winter of 1982, long before she became the watercolor artist and author we know today, Susan Branch, 34-years-old and heart-broken from the sudden and unexpected end of her marriage in California, "ran away from home" to the Island of Martha's Vineyard.

It was meant to be temporary, a three-month time-out from the daily grind of being broken up and miserable, but within days of her arrival, alone and not quite in her right mind, Susan "accidentally" bought a tiny one-bedroom cottage in the woods. And that is how she discovered she was moving 3,000 miles away from everyone and everything she had known and loved.

Funny, observant, touching, and addictive (you are not going to want this book to end), based on the diaries she has kept all her life, Susan Branch relates her inspirational tale of starting over, of lost love and self discovery, her search for roots, purpose, and destiny with laugh-out-loud honesty. A road map for overcoming loss, following your heart, and making dreams come true, charmingly hand-lettered and watercolored in Susan's inimitable style, there are diary excerpts, recipes, and hundreds of photographs.

Printed in the USA, in full color with a ribbon bookmark, Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams is book number two of a continuing story . . . Book one was The Fairy Tale Girl which came out October 2015, and book 3, which was written first, was A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside published in August 2013.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Art, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Travel

368 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2016

About the author

I'm the author of the Heart of the Home series of hand-written and watercolored books, and most recently, a three-part illustrated memoir that begins with The Fairy Tale Girl (as the appetizer), goes to Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (for main course), and then (for dessert) it's A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside. (You can take the girl out of the cookbook, but you can never take the cookbook out of the girl.) Hope you love them. I've been waiting a long time to tell this story.

Follow Susan's Blog http://www.susanbranch.com/
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Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...

Reviews

[Susan Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting all my life to write this book and tell this story, now the last of the trilogy that began with The Fairy Tale Girl and ends with A Fine Romance is here and I hope you will love it. Because it's filled with my watercolors and photos and is about starting over from scratch, and who of us hasn't had to do that at one time? And there is this darling little cottage, a refuge, and me, moving far from home, me, who had never experienced a snow storm, or Autumn leaves. There's also the story of how I wrote and sold my first book, step by step, because to me that will always be a kind of miracle. I tried to write the kind of book I like to read where at the end I feel like I learned something I can apply to my own life. Can't wait to hear what you think! XOXO

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.....beautiful as can be....warm & charming.... intimate & inspiring!!! Handwritten gorgeous writing!!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

April 15, 2018 - Read it again and loved the hope and healing again. Each time through (this is the third, not the second, but I don't know why I didn't record the second time) I make a new recipe from the book as I read. She's right about the potato pancake recipe being just the thing for whatever ails you and if I'm not careful we may have a kitten by my fifth or sixth read.

I had forgotten how many times the Lord's name is taken in vain in the book though. That was rough.
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April 14, 2016 - This review is completely biased. I have loved Susan Branch's art and style since I discovered her in 2007. Having now read all three books about her journey to an artist and an author has me so happy.

After reading this latest volume, I want to move to Martha's Vineyard with my family. I want to hunker down during a nor'easter to paint, cook, and occasionally shovel my front path to walk into a small town.

Also, I want to meet her and her kitties. She has nearly convinced me that I would love a cat, and I am no fan of them. (She claims she wasn't always either but her adoration for them almost persuadeth me to be a cat lover.)

Almost. :)

This book continues the story begun in The Fairy Tale Girl. She has split with her husband and is broken hearted, flying to the other side of the USA to start a life without constantly discussing her breakup with everyone. She learns where she was weak, where she is strong (it's not a quick lesson) and where her dreams have always been.

I loved her chapter on meditation and writing down your dreams. I've always felt my dreams were both too large and too small to articulate. What I want isn't lauded by the world but it makes my heart soar. This story has encouragement woven on every page. Delicious recipes and enchanting watercolor illustrations simply add to its charm.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all three books now, and while A Fine Romance is my favorite of the three, this comes in a close second. Susan your writing and drawings are enchanted and enchanting, how blessed your life has turned out by being true to yourself. You are an inspirational genius! Thank you so much for sharing your life story in literally your own words, along with meaningful quotes and little hand-painted watercolor scenes and personal photos. I was teary when I came to the end but I can always re-read! And a quirky thing; the day I was reading the pages on meditation and reading biographies, diaries, etc. I noticed a quote on pg 179 by Mary Lou Cook about Heaven is within; that same night while reading my nightly devotional "Springs in the Valley" by Mrs. Charles Cowman, there was again a line about finding Heaven within yourself! I loved loved loved this book!

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much to love about Susan Branch’s beautiful books. Her style is engaging and cozy and the water-colored illustrations are gorgeous. Her books encourage me to want to try out some of her recipes. If I could, I would give her books away to all my favorite friends. This book is the second in a series of three memoirs. In this one, she’s making a new life for herself after a painful divorce. Her final book (“A Fine Romance”) is my favorite. That one is more of a travelogue through Britain.

Some of my favorite quotes:
“… because commonsensically speaking, a room full of good books had to better for your health than a room with no books in it at all.”

“And you know what helps loneliness? Beauty. Your heart can be sad, but it will leap at the sight of the moon on the water, or when light flickers through the leaves and flutters like butterfly wings on the wall. You might fall back into sadness, but then, thank goodness, you see something else, even the smallest of things, a pink rose in a vase, an amazing line of inspiration in a book, kitty paws the way they fold over each other, and it leaps again.”

“In all my days I’d never considered anything more important than home. In a chaotic world, it was sanctuary, it was where love grew.”

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 2025: The most huggable books, by the most huggable author. ♥️

January 2024: My third reading, and just as magical and life-affirming as the first two. This might be my favorite non-fiction book of all time. It makes me so happy. I love Susan Branch dearly.

January 2023: My second reading of this wonderful book was just as delightful and inspiring as the first. I think I'll reread A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside next. I need more Susan!

November 2020: What a gem of a book. It made me laugh and cry, and provided me with a lot of inspiration for my own life as well. I've been reading Susan Branch's books and following her wonderful blog for years and I think the world of her. I love her even more after reading about this difficult but ultimately rewarding and life-affirming part of her story.

The book itself is, like all of her books, beautifully hand-written and full of charming and lovely watercolor illustrations. Plus, there are recipes! In the words of Anne Shirley, “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” For me, Susan Branch is one of the most kindred spirits out there. A lovely memoir - highly recommended.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't just read Susan Branch's books, I devour them. They are a delight to the senses - colorful artwork that she does herself, watercolor images, sweet and "homey", recipes she shares, and a look into her life. I absolutely adore everything she writes.

In this book, Susan talks about making a new life for herself after a divorce. At the time, Susan was living in California with her then husband. At 34, she goes as far away as she can - from California to Martha's Vineyard, to heal and regain her sense of self. She intended to stay 3 months, and ended up buying a tiny cottage and turning it into a home.

It's hard to describe her books - you need to experience them for yourself. You will take your sweet time reading them, just as she means you to do. They are not "in your face" books, more like "girlfriend sharing secrets" types of books. They are heartwarming, beautiful, serene, and everything you could possibly want.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, the writing style, the art, the design of the book with the ribbon bookmark. I read mainly ebooks but I'm so glad I picked this physical book up, it would look terrible in my ereader. The story is great and inspiring and funny and sad and happy.

[CynthyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in the process of reading Susan Branch’s newest book, "Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams." I was going to wait until I finished it to write my Goodreads review, but I’m going to write it even though I’m only about half-way through.

I bought a copy of "Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams" on the internet right after its release. Then I went with friends to see Susan at a book signing at Vroman’s in Pasadena, and bought another copy so I could get my books signed. With two copies of her new book now calling to me from a prominent place in my room, I had to exercise every bit of self-control I could muster, because I knew I wouldn’t have time to truly savor each scrumptious morsel she had written (and painted) until later.

The day came at last, and I dove into Susan’s world, relishing every beautifully handwritten word, and each charming, colorful brushstroke--but only a little bit at a time so I could stretch it out as long as possible. Each night before I close my eyes to sleep, I curl up with Girl Kitty, Man Cat, and Bill, and tuck her grandmother’s nap blanket up under my chin (even though its 102 degrees outside) and pay Susan a visit. Just as a conversation with a good friend never really ends, but continues with each meeting, that’s how I feel about Susan and her book(s). Even though I only met her for a few seconds at Vroman’s, I feel like Susan is a dear old friend—thanks to her engaging, heartfelt, genuine, and detailed retelling of her life’s story. I can’t wait to finish her book about Holly Oak, but then I know I’ll be sorry when it’s over, and I’ll wish I had read just a little bit slower. The only thing to do is begin again!

Susan, (I know you will read my review, since you’ve read and responded to my others. I sincerely thank you for caring enough, and taking time enough to do that. ) Thank you so much for sharing your heart, your struggle, your joys (and sorrows), your sense of humor, and your delightful storytelling gift with your readers. We—(I’m speaking for others, now, but I think they will agree)—we feel we know you, we’re grateful you have trusted us with your friendship, and we love you for it.

Gratefully, Cynthy Black

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book...Loved Fairy Tale Girl and A Fine Romance, so I could not wait to read this one. Susan's outlook on life, home, celebrating every little thing, friendship, books, and movies is so in sync with my outlook that I own all of her books - and am hoping for more. I started with her first cookbook and so I really enjoyed reading this to learn of how that came to be. I was also impressed and inspired by her candor in sharing her life...it is an blessing to all of us. Love her blog, too....and can't start the year without a SB calendar...or two...or more !!!

[Nancy Royer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down. I lost a whole night of sleep with it. The best of the trilogy and very inspiring.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow, spring flowers, music and epigrams, great for this dark time

[Karen Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed Branch's earlier book about her travels in England, "A Fine Romance," I was eager to read this one. So eager I bought it in hardcover instead of waiting for the paperback edition to come out. A California girl who had always wanted to live where there were four seasons, she escaped from the breakdown of her marriage to Martha's Vineyard for what was suppsed to be a three-month stay. She's still there. She was looking for a rental house, but bought one instead, captivated by the house's name, the broken bird feeder, and the lonely story of the late owner. The house was as Agnes had left it when she went into a nursing home, and Susan kept many of her things, especially the old books. Her favorite was "Bartlett's Quotations." (A kindred spirit!) Slowly she recovered from the end of her "fairytale" marriage and made friends, and eventually found herself and her purpose in life. The result was her first book, "The Heart of the Home", which I am now reading. It was wonderful to read about her making the acquaintance of the four seasons. A jaded New Englander, I will now see them with new eyes. Like her other books this new one is full of Susan's illustrations and photographs, as well as recipes and wise and witty quotes. I realize I have become a"fan." Oh, yes, she also repaired the birdfeeder.

[Elly Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only problem I have with Susan's books is that they end ! I prolong that by just savoring each chapter. I'm not a grandma's quilt, calico curtains, baking cookies kind of gal. I say this not in defense of myself but for the potential reader who may think Susan's "homeyness" may appear to lack sophistication. Let me tell you that every page is a treat. Her lovely artwork gives added dimension to her words. Her finest quality is her honesty and the ability to make the reader feel like a friend. In revealing herself she allows us to relax and perhaps laugh at our own vulnerabilities. When I lived on the east coast I visited Martha's Vineyards many times and reading this book restored all those wonderful memories. Reading about her entrance into the world of becoming an author was fascinating. I loved her new discoveries about the differences between east and west coast living. And it doesn't hurt that she is a big time cat lover! Her illustrations of them were so endearing. She will be only thirty miles from my home this coming Saturday but is sold out. I know Arizona will embrace her. It's an absolute pleasure to read her books. Her artwork is a visual treat for the eyes and her words a treat for the heart.

[Cindy Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Susan's memoir - it was so inspiring! There were so many parallels between my life and hers that I found myself doing a copious amount of underlining. I love the style of this book - it is all handwritten and complimented with the author's photographs and watercolor illustrations. There are also recipes sprinkled throughout the book. This book took place in the 80s, and since my primary years of childhood took place in that decade, I could relate to a lot of her references. I have also been to every place she mentioned in the book having lived in New England for the past 13 years. A quick synopsis of the memoir: a woman recently separated from her husband decides to go to Martha's Vineyard for a 3 month getaway to sort out her life...but she ends up buying a cabin within a week of setting foot on the island and staying permanently. I was so delighted with this book that I just ordered "A Fine Romance" - her book about spending two months in the English countryside; I can't wait for the visit to Beatrix Potter's house (one of her idols and mine too).

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This signed book was given to my siblings and me by my aunt. I adored “A Fine Romance” and was excited to read this one. I received “Heart of the Home” when I was a teenager and I loved it! I drooled over her watercolors, copying them and trying to create my own style that was actually a low quality version of Susan’s. I loved seeing the familiar snippets from that book on “isle of Dreams” pages.
Susan adores beautiful and homey things. In a world of sleek lines and minimalism it is wonderful to see tea cups, eyelet lace and old quilts. I’m itching to go antiquing now.
Thank you, Susan! I’m in love with your books!

[Sarah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Susan Branch's books and adored this one. Read it all in two days as I simply couldn't put it down. The concluding part to her story, beautifully written and so interesting. She has lived such an interesting life, and I so want to move to a cottage on an island and write and draw (if only I could write or draw!). Off to read the first of her books again.

Read again in 2018 as I have been following Susan's trip to England on Twitter and by her blog. I can't wait for this new book to come out, so had to contend with reading this again. Loved it again.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Susan's books are wonderful! This one was particularly close to my heart because it's about her, but also about Martha's Vineyard. My husband, sons, and I spent many wonderful summer vacations there and love everything about this magical island!
I came late to the world of Susan Branch, but am enjoying total immersion. Amazon Marketplace is a wonderful place to find all her out of print books!

[Michele H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own Susan Branch's book, The Summer Book, and I was pleasantly surprised to find this title on the shelf at our library. She explains how she came to write and illustrate books, moving away from her ex-husband, family and friends in California to start a new life by herself on Martha's Vineyard. I still love her handwriting and watercolor pictures that add coziness to the pages. Can't wait to read book #1 in this series.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word - ADORABLE xo

[Michelle Guffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book. It is a treasure. I love how she weaves the perfect quotes onto all the pages. Loved it!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Branch is a lovely, beautiful person. So talented; a great artist and writer. One of my favorite people in the world.

[Koriane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the quotes, the art, and the personal story.

[Kelly Woelfel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Made me want to go to Martha's Vineyard.

[Sharon Ouderkirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected this second volume of Susan Branch's memoirs to be my favourite. The first one, Fairy Tale Girl is about her childhood and first marriage, and A Fine Romance was really a trip diary for a life-long dream to go to England. I loved them both and was enraptured with her combination water colours and narrative. But Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dream deals with the period of Susan's life where she comes into her own. After the failure of her first marriage, she moves to the East Coast to re-establish her life, and find herself. It is this process of really discovering her raison d'etre that intrigued me, and Branch does not disappoint. She didn't quote Joseph Campbell's famous line, "Follow Your Bliss" but she lived it. She had always had an obsession with food and cooking, she was developing her interest in art, and over time, she combined them into an enchanting cookbook, Heart of the Home: Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen. Through this process of creating her illustrated cookbook, she found her niche, her source of income, herself. Since she had always honoured her girlfriends, and kept them close (not the sort of dreadful woman who ditches her friends for a guy), it was no surprise that her girlfriends helped her on her way to find a publisher. As she said a few times at the end of the memoir "it all happened the way it was meant to happen." And despite her heartbreak at the end of her marriage, and the subsequent tough soul-searching she had to do, there is a flow to the narrative as it all comes together to her 'happy ending.'
Susan (I feel like she's a friend, so don't want to refer to her by her last name) has the blessed ability to be happy, and to seek happiness with a clean heart; it's what made her memoirs so -her favourite word - enchanting. If you are looking for a delightful, relaxing summer read, I recommend her three memoirs, and hope and trust you will love them, like I did.

[Sierra Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to the random memoir about the relatively unremarkable boomer housewife I found on my grandma’s coffee table, the one I found surprisingly relatable and comforting. I liked this one too, because unlike your typical memoir about someone going though unbelievable trauma or experiencing obscene success, this one highlighted tiny little everyday courage, something I usually only read of in literary fiction, seldom in untarnished 1st person, straight from the author’s life.

Though it’s still insane to me the differences between her world and mine. The fact that she didn’t work but was able to move to Martha’s Vineyard and immediately buy herself a house? Cannot fathom. Yet instead of getting caught up I how I may be stepping into adulthood in an economy far worse than hers, this novel really got me thinking about how lucky I am to be living in a day and age where I’ve been encouraged to be my own person, to pursue an engineering career, and to never feel the need to wrap my livelihood around a man. In some ways this felt like a pretty trivial book, but it gave me a lot of perspective.

[PriscillaL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is nothing more than a simple, beautiful memoir of a simple woman whose heart broke in California and then moved herself to Martha’s Vineyard. Susan Branch sprinkled magic throughout this book, her descriptions of the smallest things, nature, homes, and food gave me everything I ever look for in books; nostalgia and a strong sense of time and place. If you want to know what it’s like to live in New England, read these memoirs. If you want to learn to enjoy life through the ordinary, read these memoirs. For me, the nostalgia came from the descriptions of home life. Cooking in the kitchen with mom and siblings, slipping into a newly made bed after a warm bath and dad there to always make you feel safe and all the comfort of a cozy childhood. Susan also comes to terms with what she thought her life would be like and had the best revenge story! But all with dignity and grace. Susan? Want to be my friend? I feel like I know you so well now!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming & beautiful. A real visual treat for the eyes.

[Sharon R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way she writes, with little sayings an paintings. Nice that she stepped out on her own and finely got rid of Cliff, and found a nice guy. I want to read A Fairy Tale Girl.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams must be read together. The two books were originally meant to be one book, but Susan Branch’s life is so packed with living and inspiration that one book quickly became two very powerful volumes overflowing with growth, play, wisdom and a hefty dose of girl power. Though the books are heavy they are equally adorable, easy to tuck into and get lost for hours in. Susan Branch quickly becomes a sister within just a few pages and makes the reader feel like they are as much a part of her life as she is.

The Fairy Tale Girl is a more than just a memoir of the first 30 years of Susan Branch’s life. Though her childhood is sprinkled throughout, The Fairy Tale Girl is very much Susan Branch’s journey of self-enlightenment, highlighting the very poignant and inspirational chrysalis years of her first marriage. Though she discovers that she’s spending her life supporting her husband, she wisely doesn’t see this as a flaw in herself. Instead she spins it into the realization that she likes taking care of others, most importantly cooking for others, and making a house a home. In Fairy Tale Girl, Susan is just beginning to embrace the part of herself that she’s really not that sure of or aware of yet, and is slowly, and rather beautifully, discovering that she wants to turn this gift over to herself and the world to enjoy rather than letting her first husband reap all the benefits. Sure, it takes the brutal and heartbreaking realization that her husband will never be monogamous to push her in this direction. But this new direction gives her wings. And just as The Fairy Tale Girl concludes the reader is left wondering, what will she do with these new wings? Where will she fly?

To Martha’s Vineyard of course! This is where Californian Susan Branch can enjoy the seasons, serenity and wildness of the island. And through her storytelling, pictures and watercolor the reader flies right along with her, sharing her tears over the separation from her family and friends but delighting in her decision to stay on the island and buy a charming cottage just a few days after landing. The cottage gives shape to Susan Branch’s emerging talents as a writer and artist. She finds herself in the remnants of the previous owner's possessions - a 1950s white enamel gas stove, heaps of books and wild blueberries, and in the process of making it a home, she finds a home in herself.

Imagine, after your lowest moment in life, that you flee to a place that you’ve always wanted to go. Once you’re there you decide it’s where you belong. While you are exploring this new place and your new self you are healing without even knowing it. And you are growing. And one day, during all of this healing and growth you meet the person that you always knew you were. During a meditation class Susan’s teacher asked the class to “make a list of the things [they] didn’t like in [their] lives, and… rewrite the list and change the negatives into positives.” Susan wanted to write a cookbook. So she wrote, “I choose to write a cookbook.” And that’s exactly what she did. Sure, it didn’t happen with a snap of the fingers. She worked endlessly for a year, testing out all of her recipes and once satisfied, decorating each recipe with watercolor, quotes and memories.

But these two books are so much more than Susan’s memories of stretching her watercolor wings and using them to paint millions of sparkly pages to give to the world one book at a time. Each book is packed with ordinary and happy moments like making the first Thanksgiving turkey and accidentally leaving the little baggie inside, twirling cats around on dishtowels, chumming with friends and collecting heart rocks and jingle shells on the beach. You will chide yourself for reading too fast and excitedly and wisely flip back through the pages to examine your favorite pictures and artwork. I spent much time examining Susan Branch’s first art studio and her wedding pictures in The Fairy Tale Girl. And plenty of time absorbing all the homey cottage pictures and kitty watercolors in Martha’s Vineyard. Perhaps it’s fair to say that I spent just as much time tracing the borders and pondering the artwork and pictures as I did reading these two books. I truly believe Susan Branch’s journey into self and gifting that splendid self to the world will inspire your own personal growth and give you cause to celebrate your own colorful and vibrant wings. I may never move to an island, cook more than toast, find myself needing her recipe for starting over or convince a cat to hop on a towel for a ride, but I know that my life is richer, my connection to others stronger and my own set of wings just a few pages thicker after reading The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams.