Christmas Joy : A Keepsake Book from the Heart of the Home

by Susan Branch

Susan Branch's inimitable whimsy and charm have won her a large and loyal following across America -- and made her previous gift books and cookbooks perennial bestsellers. This Keepsake Book features recipes and paintings for Christmas -- put one in someone's stocking! Ribbon marker.

Genres: Christmas, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Holiday, Art, Cooking, Inspirational

48 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1995

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.

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Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small little compact book for “Christmas Joy”! Beautifully illustrated with recipes and folklore. Definitely gets the reader ready for Christmas! 🎅🏻🎄🤶🏻

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas and Susan Branch. What more needs to be said? It's a wonderful book, as are all of Susan Branch's publications. It's heartwarming, filled with beautiful watercolor drawings, and a delight for the senses. Sit back with a quilt and a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy.

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no one like Susan Branch for bringing the most joy, fun and beauty into the Christmas season. I'm so happy to have this little book in my Christmas book collection—it's so wonderful!

I've loved every single book I've ever read by this lovely author and artist, including this one. One day, I will own them all!

Highly, highly recommended! (Though I do wish the font in this edition was a wee bit bigger for my wonky vision!)

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might be a little bit weird, reading a Christmas book in the middle of March, but I did it and I LOVED it! How can you not enjoy reading, staring at this beautiful book?! I think you have to read this book every December. It just fills you with happy, positive thoughts. You appreciate little treats of life. I think it doesn't take much to fill a home with love, hope, smiles, great scents, music…. This book brings you tips for December home decorations, recipes for cookies, gift ideas, how to plan a Christmas party, what to do on Christmas day, little silly superstitions ideas.. Plus Susan describes some of her childhood December memories.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Susan Branch books. I just wish they came in perhaps a bit larger print, as the eyes age they become very difficult to read--some of her handwritten script is tiny.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything that you love about a Susan Branch book - beautiful illustrations, little anecdotes and recipes which I love to read but never cook LOL! And, as usual, a little glimpse into life on Martha's Vineyard over the holidays. My only negative is the print was super small, making it difficult to read.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous watercolour artwork, calligraphy, colour, appeal to every sense in writing and content. Truly a gift book!
Multiple recipes including baking and beverages. Doable instructions for decorating. Creative content that inspires Christmas Spirit throughout.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to get you in the Christmas Spirit! Lovely pictures.

[Sheri Elsasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book reminding us to enjoy the Christmas holiday. You’ll find recipes, ideas for starting Christmas traditions, gift suggestions … it’s truly a great book with thoughtful and creative ideas to help keep the holidays memorable and meaningful.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

A lovely little book that will make you smile with recipes and ideas to bring holiday cheer.

[Kristy Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Susan Branch. Her books are all a little slice of heaven to my soul! 🥰🎄

[Helen Cicchetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the great ideas! Can't wait to try some of the cookie recipes that are different versions than mine!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book to get me in the Christmas spirit.
Favorite quotes: "Backward, turn backward O Time in your flight;
Make me a child again Just for tonight." by Elizabeth Akers Allen

"It is good to be children sometimes, and never beter than at Christmas." by Charles Dickens

"The Best Gifts are Tied with Heartstrings: The Gift of Enthusiasm, The Gift of Wonder, The Gift of Love, The Gift of Fun, The Gift of Contentedness, The Gift of Pleasure, The Gift of Love."

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Branch’s books are always a joy to read and this one didn’t disappoint. The book features quotes, beautiful illustrations, recipes and ideas to create a cosy Christmas. I have removed a star for this book due to the font size. As the book has a lot of handwritten style text it can be difficult to read at times.

[DaShannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A keepsake book with seasonal quotes, recipes, and crafts, this little tome is a beautifully charming seasonal read and flip through. Little, Brown publishing does a lovely job of putting together an illustrated book with a ribbon bookmark that is made for laying about during the season. It is a treat for the senses with recipes and things to make.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book every December. It feels like getting a hug from a friend I haven't seen in a while or having a cup of tea with the best girlfriend ever. I love the notes, asides and illustrations, along with the stories and the recipes. It's like no other book, except a Susan Branch book.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book. I just want to go to her house. I felt like she really nailed everything on the head that makes Christmas magical. Really fun, quick read that has great ideas of how to make more of the season.

[MaryBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, quick read perfect for the Christmas season!

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas cookbook, warm, delightful, just a real treasure!

[Dianna Florea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute ideas for Christmas in a perfect world. Not enough time to do it all but delightful to read. I did get some ideas.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book to get you into the Christmas Spirit.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love ideas for things to do and create at Christmas. I also love Susan Branch's artwork and writing. I buy her stickers and things whenever I can. This was a cute book featuring many ideas to use while celebrating the Christmas season. She also included some good recipes for cookies, crafts, etc. A book doesn't have to be long to be good. I may try some of her ideas next Christmas.

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Branch has written many books; this one is no different than the others in that it is colorful, nostalgic, and a real "keepsake" kind of book for yourself, or to give someone else.
Her illustrations are great. The quotes meaningful, and recipes and suggestions for Christmas entertaining are superb.
Loved it!

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Charming Treasured !
I received this as a Christmas gift from a dear friend who was moving away. From cover to cover I was enchanted by the art , words and recipes. I look forward to sharing the author's other books for the milestones in our family . ❤️

[Autum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book of ideas, recipes, traditions, and musings. Lovely.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 love the illustrations and memories

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very small, so I didn't get as much out of it as some of her other books, but still some cute illustrations and commentary.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up, rtc

[Pam Papworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrations and good ideas for the holiday season. I found the words difficult to read in the printed font.