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Autumn from the Heart of the Home
This is the 10th Anniversary Edition of Susan Branch's twelfth cooking and lifestyle book, newly published - with a ribbon bookmark - by Spring Street Publishing, a new printing to replace the original edition (now out-of-print) which was published by Little Brown & Co. in 2004. Handwritten and watercolored in the charming style of Susan Branch, this book celebrates the wonderfulness that is Autumn not only with delicious easy-to-make family favorites such as Cinnamon Ice Cream, Touchdown Chili, Corn Pudding, and Pumpkin Cheesecake, but you will literally feel and see the leaves falling on her pages while Susan shares her special insights and stories for Woods-Walking, Entertaining, Decorating, Halloween, and Afternoon Tea. And so much more.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2004
6 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Susan Branch
110 books1,101 followersI'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/
Follow Susan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friend...
Follow Susan on Twitter https://twitter.com/dearsusanbranch
Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...
Follow Susan's Blog http://www.susanbranch.com/
Follow Susan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friend...
Follow Susan on Twitter https://twitter.com/dearsusanbranch
Susan's BOOKTOUR May-July 2016 http://www.susanbranch.com/coming-soo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 12, 2014
Well, of course I really loved it! Now all my favorite recipes are in one place! All I have to do is open the book and I'm inspired for the season. I hope you all like it too because I wrote it for you. xoxo Happy Autumn!
August 18, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Autumn from the Heart of the Home from our local library. I had been cruising Ms. Branch's blog, http://www.susanbranch.com, searching through her archives. I admired her self-taught watercolor drawings, her cheery outlook on life and the author's eclectic country-chic style of decorating.
After I opened the pages, the first thing that popped into my head was the older Gooseberry Patch cookbooks from years gone by. -Newer books are still published today.- Besides buying them in bookstores, Cracker Barrel restaurants carried them. A close group of friends and I use to collect them. Alas, I no longer own my treasured stash. *Sigh.*
Like this cookbook, they were loaded with warm colors common to the seasonal theme, comfort food recipes and snippets of suggestions to bring out the best during that special time of the year. I could be wrong but the big difference between GP and this book was the amount of quotes that Ms. Branch included. From Dolly Parton to Frances Burnette.
After you get ahold of this, fix yourself a hot drink, sit down in your comfortable chair and award yourself some special time. You deserve it.
After I opened the pages, the first thing that popped into my head was the older Gooseberry Patch cookbooks from years gone by. -Newer books are still published today.- Besides buying them in bookstores, Cracker Barrel restaurants carried them. A close group of friends and I use to collect them. Alas, I no longer own my treasured stash. *Sigh.*
Like this cookbook, they were loaded with warm colors common to the seasonal theme, comfort food recipes and snippets of suggestions to bring out the best during that special time of the year. I could be wrong but the big difference between GP and this book was the amount of quotes that Ms. Branch included. From Dolly Parton to Frances Burnette.
After you get ahold of this, fix yourself a hot drink, sit down in your comfortable chair and award yourself some special time. You deserve it.
September 10, 2025
I am now officially ready for autumn and in the mood to cook and bake some delicious autumnal inspired food!
October 16, 2025
If you’re looking for Autumn inspiration - look no further. Every page is pure whimsy! This book has it all: cozy vibes, seasonal quotes, ideas for home decor and crafts, gift basket ideas for the sick friend or just because, inspiration for parties, and many recipes to whip up for that quiet night at home.
Susan Branch can certainly illustrate! Each page is adorned with watercolor scenes of orange leaves, rolling hills, mugs of cocoa, and cable knit sweaters. Font is handwritten so it’s like a cherished journal shared with a friend.
Can she cook, though?
Yes, she can! I’ve tried several recipes already and have another scheduled for this Sunday. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how delicious the dishes are. My taste buds love highly complex flavors, and while this is cozier, simpler fare, I am quite enjoying it. It’s comfort food at its finest. (Just add a touch more salt).
Don’t leave this one on the coffee table (though it is lovely to look at). Make sure you incorporate the many charming ideas into your home.
Watch this reel to see how I was inspired!
Content Considerations: a few pages on Halloween. Mentions alcohol and provides a couple recipes for drinks.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Susan Branch can certainly illustrate! Each page is adorned with watercolor scenes of orange leaves, rolling hills, mugs of cocoa, and cable knit sweaters. Font is handwritten so it’s like a cherished journal shared with a friend.
Can she cook, though?
Yes, she can! I’ve tried several recipes already and have another scheduled for this Sunday. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how delicious the dishes are. My taste buds love highly complex flavors, and while this is cozier, simpler fare, I am quite enjoying it. It’s comfort food at its finest. (Just add a touch more salt).
Don’t leave this one on the coffee table (though it is lovely to look at). Make sure you incorporate the many charming ideas into your home.
Watch this reel to see how I was inspired!
Content Considerations: a few pages on Halloween. Mentions alcohol and provides a couple recipes for drinks.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
March 5, 2017
I LOVE Susan Branch!! She is so much more than a cookbook author or illustrator (which is already more than enough)....she is an artist that can make you feel such joy it's amazing! Get this book, even if you don't cook. Her drawings and stories alone throughout the book are so entertaining and nostalgic....
September 13, 2024
A glorious book with all the best autumnal vibes!
There is just so much to love about this colorful coffee table book—delicious recipes, beautiful artwork and lettering, inspiration quotes, crafty ideas and a sparkling and cozy voice that is unique to Susan Branch. I love everything about it!
I breezed through the book very quickly because it was so fun and interesting, but I'll be leaving it out to flip through during the months of September and October. My favorite section was the very end with all of the warm sweets and drinks to make...perfect for enjoying along with a handmade blanket and favorite book.
All of Susan Branch's books are magical, but this one really won my heart. Love love!! Highly recommended!
There is just so much to love about this colorful coffee table book—delicious recipes, beautiful artwork and lettering, inspiration quotes, crafty ideas and a sparkling and cozy voice that is unique to Susan Branch. I love everything about it!
I breezed through the book very quickly because it was so fun and interesting, but I'll be leaving it out to flip through during the months of September and October. My favorite section was the very end with all of the warm sweets and drinks to make...perfect for enjoying along with a handmade blanket and favorite book.
All of Susan Branch's books are magical, but this one really won my heart. Love love!! Highly recommended!
October 19, 2024
Autumn from the Heart of the Home by Susan Branch is a cozy, autumnal nonfiction book full of recipes, quotes, crafts, and stories to inspire readers to celebrate the autumn season with family and friends. There are also suggestions for decorating, entertaining, and creating gift baskets.
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~ George Eliot
This charming lifestyle book was chosen by the Cozy Cottage Book Club to read in September, and it was my introduction to Susan Branch. Autumn is my favorite season of the year, so reading it to kick off the fall season was perfect. I liked that this book has a little bit of everything to create a heartwarming journey throughout the autumn months. I love quotes, and there are plenty of them intermingled with pretty watercolor illustrations. The recipes sound delightfully yummy, and some of the recipes I'd like to try include: Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Corn Pudding, Indiana Ham and Sweet Potato Soup, Corn Chowder, and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Many of the crafts are simple and some incorprate leaves and flowers. Branch's stories with family photos are inserted throughout the book which I enjoyed and found interesting. This book is ideal to have out during the autumn months to peruse at one's leisure.
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~ George Eliot
This charming lifestyle book was chosen by the Cozy Cottage Book Club to read in September, and it was my introduction to Susan Branch. Autumn is my favorite season of the year, so reading it to kick off the fall season was perfect. I liked that this book has a little bit of everything to create a heartwarming journey throughout the autumn months. I love quotes, and there are plenty of them intermingled with pretty watercolor illustrations. The recipes sound delightfully yummy, and some of the recipes I'd like to try include: Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Corn Pudding, Indiana Ham and Sweet Potato Soup, Corn Chowder, and Cranberry Apple Crisp. Many of the crafts are simple and some incorprate leaves and flowers. Branch's stories with family photos are inserted throughout the book which I enjoyed and found interesting. This book is ideal to have out during the autumn months to peruse at one's leisure.
October 19, 2012
It's fall! In celebration of my favorite season of the year, I just had to re-read this wonderful, cozy book! Oh, the recipes, the ideas for fall parties, the stories, the illustrations! I love each and every one of Susan Branch's "From the Heart of the Home" books, but this one is my favorite by far!
December 2, 2008
This is an excellent homespun book, featuring illustrations and recipes by the author, including less known concoctions. It reminded me a lot of Tasha Tudor in the way the book was drawn and done in almost perfect handwriting. It's a very homey rendition of a cookbook/Martha Stewart homekeeping/homemaker's companion. I would also recommend checking out her other seasonal books.
December 22, 2013
Susan Branch's books are a fun combination - a bit of Martha Stewart, a bit of Southern Living (Martha's Vineyard style), and a little bit of your grandmother's cookbooks. Though our styles are different I find her decorating and party ideas inspiring. Her books are charming with little sketches and stories throughout and I find reading them much like sitting down with a friend to chat.
March 20, 2015
I love all of Susan Branch's art, recipes and domestic quotes and tips. Her autumn book is the heart and soul of autumn. There are quite a few recipes in here I will print and put in my personal cookbook.
February 23, 2009
Was given this by Terri, for our mutual Autumn birthdays. Loved the corn chowder in this book.
November 21, 2010
I'm wild about all of her books that are so much more than just cookbooks. Love the sayings and the great recipes and the art.
September 14, 2011
Wonderful fall read. Gets you in the mood for Fall!! I take it out every year to enjoy my favorite season.
June 19, 2013
Susan captures my favorite season perfectly.
July 17, 2013
Autumn is my favorite season.
December 3, 2013
I love the format/setup, drawings, and recipes of this book.
October 21, 2014
Great recipe book with lovely water colors and stories about timeless holiday family traditions. I love this book!
July 27, 2015
I love her books. Beautiful watercolors, tasty treats, and a love of nature and the seasons that I manage to find cozy, inspiring, and invigorating all at once.
July 22, 2020
I love Susan Branch. :)
November 9, 2014
I love it. Now I must have all Susan Branch books
September 18, 2023
5 ⭐️
A gorgeously illustrated book full of recipes, decorating ideas, musings about nature, and the autumn season. My heart felt full reading this book and taking in all of the beautiful artwork. I will definitely get more of her books!
A gorgeously illustrated book full of recipes, decorating ideas, musings about nature, and the autumn season. My heart felt full reading this book and taking in all of the beautiful artwork. I will definitely get more of her books!
July 23, 2025
this was so much more than just a cook book!!!! homemaking & comfort creating + cooking at its finest :’) I absolutely adored this! 🍁🧸🍎🍂☕️🧣✨
(and YES it’s counting towards my reading goal ok!!! I read every story, description, recipe, and word in this book 😌)
(and YES it’s counting towards my reading goal ok!!! I read every story, description, recipe, and word in this book 😌)
September 19, 2023
Adorable! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes. This will be a re-read every autumn.
November 24, 2024
So beautiful. Fun words, stories and paintings on every page. I'm going to make her cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving, and hope for leftover turkey to try her turkey in the straw recipe. Susan Branch is just wonderful.
October 3, 2018
Just what I wanted from this book! I am Midwestern by birth, and lived there half my life. Now I’m a Southern California resident longing for true autumn at this time of year. That is why I picked it up.
I enjoyed this book - the gentle art, the humor, the welcoming voice, and the quotes. It was fun to read the recipes, decide which ones to try, and look forward to doing so. I also enjoyed the decorating and entertaining ideas.
My girls scout leaders did a very similar thing when I was young! And I squealed with spooky delight the whole way through, too. This comment refers to pages 116-117. It was fun to recall that memory.
I like the handwritten book. It’s like getting an old-fashioned yet ever charming hand-written letter. The stories and life shared through out caught my interest and gave a sweet sense of connection.
Susan Branch books are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are mine. Now I should make her scone recipe to go with it! In this hectic world with information overload, it’s a joy to pull away to enjoy a pleasant book like this. And I love autumn!
I enjoyed this book - the gentle art, the humor, the welcoming voice, and the quotes. It was fun to read the recipes, decide which ones to try, and look forward to doing so. I also enjoyed the decorating and entertaining ideas.
My girls scout leaders did a very similar thing when I was young! And I squealed with spooky delight the whole way through, too. This comment refers to pages 116-117. It was fun to recall that memory.
I like the handwritten book. It’s like getting an old-fashioned yet ever charming hand-written letter. The stories and life shared through out caught my interest and gave a sweet sense of connection.
Susan Branch books are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are mine. Now I should make her scone recipe to go with it! In this hectic world with information overload, it’s a joy to pull away to enjoy a pleasant book like this. And I love autumn!
November 12, 2015
"We are in for a spell of perfect weather now, every day luminous, every night brimmed with stars. Picnics at noon, supper by the applewood fire at night, a walk in the cool moonlight before bed."
- Gladys Taber
This was such a beautiful, magical, cozy book to read. While it may be filled with recipes, even those not interested in cooking will delight in this book! It is filled with lovely quotes and pictures that instantly put you in the autumn mood. Her poetic writing is reminiscent of L. M. Montgomery in the way that she captures the beauty of nature and the small moments in life. This was the perfect book for me today, as fall is not over yet - just the cozy and comforting read I needed to take my mind off of things. I will definitely be checking out more books by the author, and even buying myself this for next fall! This book is a great way to celebrate the season and the beauty of life. I also loved the little snapshots she gave of her own life and what she and her husband do to delight in the season.
August 10, 2008
Susan Branch's cookbooks are the perfect downtime read for me when I feel like being pampered, and this cookbook of hers is my favorite one of all. The author illustrates her own cookbooks with watercolors and tells little snippets of her life in New England. It makes you feel like your visiting with a friend there. The recipes all look decadently delicious; definitely not the kind I'd make everyday, but certainly the ones I'd entertain making on a pampered afternoon to go with the perfect cup of herbal tea.
September 29, 2014
I don't think it gets cozier than this. While only a couple of the recipes are to my taste, and Branch's style is far more elaborate than mine (she's more of a Victorian-meets-retro '50s and I'm more of a Arts and Crafts-meets-Maine coast) it was a comforting read.
September 1, 2015
I love Branch's whimsical, nature-adoring, season-celebrating style. This book is loaded with wonderful quotes, recipes, and ideas for enjoying autumn, as well as her beautiful illustrations. Perfect book to enjoy in the lead up to my favorite season of the year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews