A Christmas Gathering Quotes

“What is it? That you are imperfect, too? Like the rest of us? Victor, did you suppose I did not know you've made errors, mistakes, and perhaps worse? If not, what would we have in common? You might forgive my flaws, but you would never understand them. There would always be blemishes you would prefer were not there. Can you really forgive, if you have no need to be forgiven?”
― Anne Perry, A Christmas Gathering

“I'm not talking about dislike. If you stand for anything at all, there will be people who dislike you," she said impatiently. "I chose the word hate because I meant it.”
― Anne Perry, A Christmas Gathering

“As one grew older, one remembered only the energy, the optimistic side of being young. Time removed many of the agonies of uncertainty, self-doubt, loneliness, and the confusion that can hurt so much. Maybe it was just as well. Age brought its own diffucult pains.”
― Anne Perry, A Christmas Gathering

“I'm sorry," Narraway said gently. "This is not what Christmas is meant to be. We'll have no goose, no Christmas pudding, no red candles or decorated tree."

Vespasia took his hand between hers. "That is not what Christmas is meant to be. It's nice, but it's not important."

"Isn't it?"

"Not in the least. In fact, it sometimes gets in the way. Christmas is about accepting that we all make mistakes, for which we will be forgiven, but first we must forgive others. And then when the knot slips undone and lets go, we can forgive ourselves as well.”
― Anne Perry, A Christmas Gathering