I always thought everybody made up stories in their heads - never thought about actually writing them down on paper until I was snowed in with the kids in the blizzard of '79 - 3 feet of snow. I live in a rural area and was stuck. No morning kindergarten - it was a nightmare.

If that isn't typical male stupidity! If something doesn't work, kick it or swear at it!

Better, Cilla thought, to be alone on a quiet night than to be alone in a crowd. Much better.

Lots of people think things would be better some other way. That's why the world's lousy with theme parks.

It's an exceptional thing to have someone in your life who knows and understands you so well. Who loves who you are. A very exceptional thing.

Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live.

She walked with a ghost of herself, one full of potential and possibility. One who was fearless. Where had that girl gone?