Keepsake (True North, #3)

by Sarina Bowen

trying to remember what life felt like when you weren’t bargaining with God to save your sorry ass.

and the dragons in my heart forgot to blow their fire.

She looked vivid, as if God had painted her features with bolder paints than he used on the rest of the world.

he’d softened her with lush curves and a full mouth.

until I heard the sound of a truly beautiful laugh. It was low and musical and knowing.

Psalm 96. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. In August, the fields of Vermont were at their most jubilant.

difference between living on a ranch where books were banned and a farm where books were freely discussed and traded could not be underestimated.

During the day I could hold it all together. But when darkness closed in and I let my guard down, my dragons shook their chains and began to roar.

God laughs at plans,

my fearlessness was a point of pride. Back then I’d thought that bad experiences only made for good stories.

But I’d always had this crazy idea that the adventure would be over if I didn’t do everything the hard way.

could sense him there, a big wall of calm at my back.

But I thought—if we all act scared of each other all the time, we’ll all just huddle in our corners. And the world will stay fearful.”

“But I like to face trouble in a dress and lipstick. Makes me feel more confident.”

You’re more interesting, by a factor of a million.”

cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

“Really? Because I’m kind of pissed off on your behalf. Anyone who uses the church to justify throwing their own people away is an asshole.”

“Someone once told me that nothing bad ever happens when the Chili Peppers are playing.”

they’ll believe soon, when more coffee plants die off in Central America. The arabica plant doesn’t do as well in higher temperatures.”

“I think even the most cynical politicians will come around when their access to coffee is thwarted. And hops aren’t growing so well in Washington State lately. So beer could be next.”

it’s just so cold. Their legalese makes me want to punch someone.”

There’s a line in Job that reads: Look at the heavens and see; And behold the clouds—they are higher than you. Many things were just plain bigger than my desires.

Pretty soon you’ll bump into your sorrow on the street, and just give it a little wave. It will still be familiar, but not so startling.”

M.O. is to spend each day showing Paradise Ranch her middle finger.

My dragons took long naps on their chains and forgot to frighten me with their fiery roar.

that levity was fragile and should be enjoyed.

they don’t feel as raw. It’s like watching a storm blow out again after the worst is over.”

Eve tradition I adopted one year in Spain. You’re supposed to wear red underwear for luck

“Have you met me?” Audrey asked. “Of course there’s bacon.”

Eat some black-eyed peas just for insurance. They’re good luck on New Year’s.”

“They’re humble,” Ruth said. “So we’ll start the New Year with humility.”