Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls #1)

by Catherine Cowles

My aunt had come immediately, of course, but when she found out she wouldn’t have access to the trust my parents had left behind, she suddenly didn’t have the energy and resources to take care of a thirteen-year-old. And there was no one else. So, it was in that sterile hospital room that a social worker told me I’d become a ward of the state.

“That may be true, but Rho can’t hang this in her home. Not where people will see,” Nora hissed. Lolli straightened her shoulders and jutted her chin. “Would you tell that to The Met? The Louvre?” Nora’s eyes narrowed on her. “I hate to break it to you, Mom, but you are not the Michelangelo of diamond art.”

“The only thing they would want is for you to be happy.” My throat burned as it worked to hold back a sob. “I know. But sometimes being happy feels like the worst betrayal of all.”