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

“You would be the greatest ruler the world has ever known. You won’t be able to help it. Your term as empress would be the candle burning brightest just before darkness consumed all—and I am not exaggerating when I tell you, it quite literally would.”
― 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

“People like to remember childhood as all magic and no responsibilities, but that’s not really how it is. You have absolutely no control over your environment. It all comes down to the adults in your life, and . . . I don’t know. Every time Libby has a new kid, it’s like there’s this magic house in my heart that rearranges to make a new room for the baby. “And it always hurts. It’s terrifying. One more person who needs you.”
― Emily Henry, Book Lovers