"I was my Grandma Ione's pet and, for years, the only one happy to listen to any conversation concerning her son, my father." Prologue, p. 3

"Patty Jane Dobbin's wedding dress was shell pink and of such a high-quality rayon that in the right light it looked like satin." Part 1: Chap. 1, p. 9

"Love bloomed in bunches for both Dobbin sisters that year." Part 1: Chap. 2, p. 23

"Despite Patty Jane's pronouncements from the beginning, it had been easy for Thor to ignore what seemed a nonexistent pregnancy." Part 1: Chap. 3, p. 38

"Patty Jane hugged her belly, imagining Mary's terror at laboring on a donkey, not knowing if she was going to give birth under a roof or a cold winter's moon." Part 1: Chap. 3, p. 46

"The plate rattled on the table as the waitress flung it in front of Patty Jane. Her movements slowed as she presented to Thor his tenderloin steak." Part...