Quotes from Mary Jo Putney

But why, she thought wryly, did a man seem more attractive as he became less available? How humbling to think one had so much in common with a cow stretching its neck through a gate for better grass.

I've always thought of this city as Disneyland for adults. ... There's no danger of Las Vegas expiring from an excess of good taste.

Samuel Johnson said a second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience, " Kirkland said.

Like cats and ice cream, showers were among life's simple, uncomplicated pleasures.

Life is a good deal more comfortable if one doesn't expect it to be fair.

I love Christmas. A time to slow down and enjoy life and be with my family and friends. In busy years, it keeps me sane. In bad years, it makes me feel whole again.

But gratitude would not have me love you as I do. Love was inspired by what you are - the good, the bad, and even the foolish, which is what you're being right now.

What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever.

Once you can fake sincerity, you can fake anything.

I don't know what you hope for in a husband, but if it is to be loved … well, I think it would be very easy to fall in love with you.

I don't usually look back. When I make foolish decisions, I file the consequences under lessons learned and tell myself not to be stupid in the same way again.

Softly he continued, "You need to ask God for forgiveness. That's His job, isn't it? To forgive imperfect humankind. You are quick to forgive others and offer them kindness. Do the same for yourself.

She always imagined the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and Blessed Mother as points of light in the center of her heart, and as she prayed, the light expanded, flowing through her body and soul, smoothing away knots of guilt and sorrow and fear until her whole being glowed with harmony.

Michael is easier to understand—he had to believe in Caroline. To betray a friend was despicable—to acknowledge that he had done so for a woman who was utterly unworthy

behind the anger, she saw that he loved her

I think that marriage is always the triumph of hope over fear.

and certainly unchristian, to hate someone for the color of his skin, yet such trivial things can change the pattern of a life.

Disdain for authority is the bedrock of my character.

What a pity that men couldn't find such satisfactions without killing so many of their fellows.

Don't you care that your neighbors are suffering?" "In a word, no. The Bible says that the poor will always be with us, and if Jesus couldn't change that, I certainly can't.

form, not the crashing waves far below at the base of the cliff. She looked eerily like the sketch that Kenneth had drawn of

Has anyone ever pointed out that you're too clever by half?" "It's been mentioned. Why do you think I'm a spinster?

There was deep truth in the fact that men spoke of Holy Mother Church, for the Church was the force of civilization and compassion among nations, just as women brought mercy and gentleness to men.

Gentlemen do not work. Since I do not work, therefore I must be a gentleman.