“...he couldn't help but wonder what Hannah might have looked like if...he'd answered that question April had asked him years ago.”

“All good things originate with the Creator God, he'd been taught, and the Song of Life was no exception.”

“A good editor is like a pair of Spanx: firming up the body, making the subject look good, and absolutely invisible.”

“Then, as now, it was just uncomfortable. Now, as then, it was a lifted chin and a crooked smile that said more than they would ever allow themselves to communicate.”

“Go back to bed, Cowan. I want no promises from you.”

“Cowan son of Branieucc, you're the only one of my people that I know for sure still lives.”

“I used to look at Jinks and marvel at her smooth complexion, but over the years I have come to realise that she has been spared wrinkles by virtue of never having succumbed to heavy thought.”