Emma

“I’m not ashamed of my upbringing, but the more you tell a person about yourself, the more power you hand over. And I particularly avoid sharing Mom with strangers, like the memory of her is a newspaper clipping and every time I take it out, she fades and creases a little more.”
― Emily Henry, Book Lovers

“The thought sends a strange hollow ache out through my limbs. Something like loneliness. Something like Ebenezer Scrooge watching his nephew Fred’s Christmas party through the frosty window. An outsideness made all the more stark by the revelation of insideness.”
― Emily Henry, Book Lovers

“There are moments in time that are incredibly cruel. The worst occur when true greatness begins to bud but is snuffed out before the blossom. You are the star allowed only to flicker briefly in the morning light, erased by the rising sun.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Farilane

“Kile?” she stopped him.
He turned.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
For the first time, he appeared at a total loss. “Sorry? I don’t understand. For what?”
“This must be awful for you.”
“This must be awful . . . for me?”
“I don’t know what it is you did, what crimes you committed, but I can see this penance of yours is beyond horrible. I’d rather be the forest than the fire. Whether you succeed or not, allow me to add my voice to the many who must have thanked you over the centuries for what you are trying to do.”
Kile stared at her, dumbfounded. He blinked, balled his hands into fists, wet his lips, then took a deep and steady breath.
“What?” she asked.
“You are the first.” He turned quickly and headed for the door.”
― Michael J. Sullivan, Farilane