The Engraver's Secret Quotes

“Whenever she anticipated this moment, she imagined feeling euphoric, giddy with excitement. But she is calm, serene.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“I have learnt to hide my true feelings behind a mask of obedience, and sometimes feigned ignorance. It has become a part of my nature, allowing my thoughts to remain my own even if my actions, words and demeanour are often at the command of others. Don’t we all wear masks, either to protect ourselves or to deceive others?”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Curve of buttocks and bare shoulders, diaphanous fabric skimming over full, rounded breasts, a gentle swell of belly. Fertile and feminine. Curves and plumpness artfully displayed in a glorification
of womanhood.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Despite it being a preliminary drawing, the execution is first-rate, the style exceptional. Clean lines, controlled proficiency, a master’s touch. Expert blending of light into shade. Chiaroscuro at its finest.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“The combination of surprise and confidence on her face is a challenge, a mixture of innocence and delight, guile and misapprehension, a sense of yearning and yet a hint of indifference, even disdain on her pretty features. This lady is indeed as fickle as they come.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“He wanted to relive the anguish of yesteryear, while I wanted to brush such painful memories aside.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“I am content with the choice I made. Regret is futile.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“I determined long ago that dwelling on bitterness is not for me. I have set aside the demons once plaguing me, and made peace with my past.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“No longer would I stand mutely by and let others decide my future and control my life. The only person I could trust was myself.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“A successful marriage is based on shared beliefs and respect, not idealistic passions.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“He is the only one who understands her past without knowing every detail, recognises her inner drive without asking for explanations, knows her flaws and loves her because of them, not in spite of them.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“You can’t work in isolation ... When you work on a project, if it’s going to be successful, you need to be a team player, accept suggestions from others, recognise there are others with experience and skills who can help.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Humans are complex creatures. Saying one thing yet doing another. Filled with faith yet doubting. Trusting one minute, suspicious the next.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Placing complete faith in a divine being is an extreme level of devotion, one she struggles to comprehend. But more frightening to her is the idea of having total faith in another human.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Like the linen press or a crate of goblets, I was to be bundled up and shipped to a new destination, my cries of frustration ignored. I was a chattel, to be stuffed in a crate and muffled with wood shavings.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“She hears the sadness in his voice, his words of condolence expressed in the same tone as those who attended [the] funeral, who arrived at the door bearing casseroles, cards and clichés. Each word spoken gently, as if the bereaved are so brittle they will shatter if someone speaks to them too quickly or too loudly.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Amid all the light-hearted chatter filling the room, how many of these people are sharing confidences, divulging secrets, betraying trust? Everyone appears friendly and solicitous, but can any of them be trusted?”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“I wrapped my arms around myself, wishing I could shrink into a ball of wool and roll under the table, to lie forgotten amongst canvas scraps and charcoal stubs.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Don’t think about whether the artwork or exhibit appeals … think about the emotion it stirs within you.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“It is admirable to seek knowledge at such a young age. Learn as much as you can.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“The question of guilt rankles. She knows what she’s done is wrong. Unethical, deceitful – however labelled, it is wrong. Yet the pesky little voice that has wormed its way inside her head continues to insist that her actions were sensible.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“The question of guilt rankles. She knows what she’s done is wrong. Unethical, deceitful – however
labelled, it is wrong. Yet the pesky little voice that has wormed its way inside her head continues to insist that her actions were sensible.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“But then a tiny worm of a voice begins in her ear. You’ll never get ahead if you’re not willing to take risks. It hisses and mutters, buzzing with derision, warning of lost opportunities. The best way to achieve greatness, it says, is to be remarkable. Be assertive. Take chances.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret

“Knowledge is a privilege we can nurture ourselves. It will help you withstand whatever comes your way in life.”
― Lisa Medved, The Engraver's Secret