Rebellious Heart Quotes

“When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“Education has the capability of making women better wives and mothers. Since families are the cornerstone of our society, we should strengthen women's abilities to teach their children because then we strengthen our society as a whole.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“You will do those great things beside a great man.” Mother lifted her chin and started toward the door. “And that man is waiting for you downstairs. I shall send him up to see you now.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“Where’s Ben?” she asked after another painful swallow. The angle of the light in the room signaled morning. She’d survived the first horrible night of the illness. That was something for which to be grateful. “He didn’t want to go. But your mama kicked him out yesterday.” Phoebe bounded to the hearth fire and removed another pot of steaming water she had dangling from a gridiron that belonged to the kitchen. Susanna fought a wave of dizziness and frustration. “But don’t you worry none.” Phoebe returned to the bedside with the steaming pot, the scent of sassafras and rum drifting under the canopy of her bed. “It’s gonna take a pack of wolves to keep that man from coming back to see you.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“Susanna Smith is the right woman for you, Ben. Together the two of you will set out to conquer all the injustices in the world.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“Please don’t make the same mistake I did.” “What mistake?” Susanna’s feet touched the hard earth, and the darkness of the cavern threatened to engulf her. “I once gave up the possibility of love with a wonderful man because I was foolish enough to care about his lack of position in the community more than the goodness in his heart.” Grandmother Eve’s face was shadowed. For a moment Susanna could only stare at the merry woman who’d brought joy and hope to her life for so many years. She wouldn’t have guessed Grandmother Eve had experienced heartache. “I’ve learned to love and respect your grandfather over the years,” she said softly. “But I can’t ever forget what a foolish young woman I was.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“So, you’re in love with the Smith girl?” Ben stumbled at his father’s question that was really more of a statement. “No. Not at all.” He forced a short laugh. “Of course I’m not in love with Susanna Smith.” “Well, you certainly fooled me tonight.” “I cannot deny I’m attracted to Susanna,” he admitted. “Who wouldn’t be? She’s intelligent, witty, and interesting.” “She sounds like the perfect match for you.” He wanted to agree. Susanna was everything Hannah was not. He thought about her more than he should. And even in her grandfather’s study earlier, he’d felt a pull toward her that was unbearably strong and difficult to resist. He knew he needed to control himself better around Susanna. Surely he would have less trouble with his attraction once he was finally engaged to Hannah. “I’m in the process of trying to propose marriage to Hannah Quincy.” His father plodded forward without missing a step. “Then you love Miss Quincy?” Did he love Hannah? Ben shook his head. “Sometimes there are factors more important than love.” “Then you are in love with her wealth rather than her person?” Ben wanted to rebut his father’s words—similar to those of Parson Wibird from earlier in the day—but something about his father’s bluntness kept him from doing so. “Hannah Quincy will give me what I currently lack, namely the status and approval of my peers.” His father was silent for a long moment, the steady scraping of their boots against the dirt road reminding Ben of the steadiness of the man by his side. He was a deacon of the church and had been the selectman of the town for years. There was not a nobler or more respected man among the community. “There’s more than one way to earn the approval of your peers.” His father spoke slowly as if weighing his words carefully. “And often the best way is through strength of character.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“So you’re not offended that I kissed you?” His voice was low and his smile widened. “I hardly think that’s an appropriate question to ask a lady.” She fought against her own smile. “I think you liked my kiss.” “It was fair enough—” “Fair?” He leaned a hand against the door next to her head. “Admit it, Susanna. My kiss was swoon-worthy.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart

“Ben gave an exasperated sigh. Then he strode toward her, seized her arm, and dragged her to the nearest table. “Who’s coming?” she asked, too surprised by his actions to resist. “Lieutenant Wolfe and his assistant.” Ben plopped onto the bench. Before she knew what was happening, he’d tugged her down, leaving her little choice but to land upon his lap. “Mr. Ross!” She gasped. “Whatever is the meaning of such familiarity?” He slid one arm around her and at the same time began unbuttoning his waistcoat. Heat crept up her neck into her cheeks. She pushed against his shoulders and attempted to rise. “Stay put.” His arm around her waist pinned her, holding her prisoner.”
― Jody Hedlund, Rebellious Heart