Lorna Seilstad > Quotes

“Dear God,how can I live a vanilla life when I'm a strawberry girl?”
― Lorna Seilstad, Making Waves

“If we’re lucky, God blesses us with a few folks who are willing to look beyond the flaws and see the person we try so hard to hide. And if we’re blessed, we find someone who’ll love us anyway.”
― Lorna Seilstad, Making Waves

“Lord, I can’t live in his mashed potato world. I need my tubers scalloped and diced and baked and fried and different every time. I need excitement and change as much as I need air.”
― Lorna Seilstad, Making Waves

“I think she fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“If you don't like something, then you should either be quiet about it or be willing to do something to change it.”
― Lorna Seilstad, While Love Stirs

“Remember, nobility knows no race or station. Always judge a man by his heart and actions.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“I want you to be true to who God made you to be and not compromise your values for anyone or anything.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“When you love someone, they deserve to know the truth”
― Lorna Seilstad, Making Waves

“She whirled, intending to head back down the stairs. Carter caught her wrist. “You can ride down with me.” More heat flooded her face, and the afternoon sun seemed to pour down with greater intensity. She considered walking away, but the pain in her backside predicted a less than ladylike gait. He’d see her waddle, and her humiliation would double. But riding down the toboggan run with him? “Carter, I’m not sure.” His eyes darkened. “Is it because of earlier?” “Aw, ease up on her, Stockton.” Ducky stepped forward. “It’s not her fault if she doesn’t want to be around a cad like you. Walking into ladies’ bathhouses and all.” Comfortable teasing laced his voice. “She can take my toboggan, and I’ll ride down with you.” He flopped the toboggan down on the deck and held out his hand. “Will that work, Miss Graham?” “Yes, thank you very much.” She took his hand and gingerly seated herself. Picking up the reins on the toboggan, she turned to nod to Ducky to release her. Instead, she found Carter. Her eyes widened. “Hold on.” The smile had crept back into his voice. “You’re about to go on the ride of your life.” The sled lunged forward and her stomach lodged in her throat—not from the ride as much as the unspoken promise Carter’s words seemed to hold.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“This is the excuse you’ve been looking for, isn’t it?” He heard the hard edge in his voice. “You think you can push me away before I get the chance to hurt you. You’ll go bury your feelings in a pile of work just like you always do. You’re scared to love me, but you’re too late, Emily Graham. You already do.” “I never said that.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Emily picked up her fork and contemplated eating the waffles left-handed in front of Carter. Her skin prickled as she imagined a trail of strawberry syrup cascading down the ruffles of her pristine blouse. “Aren’t you going to eat, Emily?” Grandma Kate asked. “Your waffles will get soggy.” “I like it when the syrup soaks in.” “Nonsense.” Her grandmother waved her hand in the air, shoved her own empty plate away, and set a leather-bound ledger on the table. Emily bit her lip and used the side of her fork to try to cut off the corner. Ah. Success. She glanced up and caught Carter grinning at her. Heat flooded her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze back to her breakfast. Even without looking, she knew he was still watching. She’d show him she was a woman who could tackle anything—big or small. Her grandmother thumbed through the ledger. “And Carter studied finance, Emily. Since your brother is busy running your father’s business, I’ve asked Carter to help me manage my assets.” “But I thought—” Emily jerked. The bite of waffle on the tip of her fork, drenched in strawberry syrup, went flying across the table. 4 Instinct alone propelled Carter to catch the chunk of waffle midair. The contents squished in his palm, and he grabbed his napkin from the table. When he’d managed to scrub the worst of the berry stain off, he looked up and met Emily’s horrified gaze. Laughter rumbled in his chest, but with great effort he kept it in check.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Let’s take a break.” “But I have to go home to get ready.” He sat down and tugged her down beside him. “So, you’re still going with me?” She smiled. “I have to go with you. You’re the only one who will appreciate my green dress.” He chuckled and pulled her close. “You’ll be gorgeous.” “Croak, croak,” she mumbled. “Emily, when are you going to start seeing yourself as beautifully as I do?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“If we don’t have dreams, Lilly, what do we have? Besides, aren’t you the one who always says to delight myself in the Lord and He will give me the desires of my heart?”
― Lorna Seilstad, Making Waves

“shoving a clump of weeds off her face, she clambered to her feet. When she looked at the bank, there stood Lincoln, now in shirtsleeves and barefoot. He stretched out his hand toward her. She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “I know you could get out all on your own.” His voice was tender, and the mirth was gone from his face. “But you don’t have to.” Her anger blew away like the down of a dandelion, and her insides swirled. He was making a point, and he was offering her much more than assistance in getting out of this lake. But did he realize what he was asking her to do? She was the oldest sister. She took responsibility. She handled everything life threw at her, and she didn’t count on anyone’s help. Not even the Lord’s, a small voice whispered inside her. Rubbing her chilled arms, she took one step closer and stopped. “Hannah, I’m giving you the freedom to choose.” His dove-blue eyes were filled with hope. “I won’t push you, but I thought you liked taking risks.” “I do.” “Then take a risk on me.” Hannah stared at Lincoln’s outstretched hand and smiled. She’d take a risk, all right. As soon as his hand clasped around her own, she yanked him with all her might toward the water.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“I love you, Carter Stockton. I love how you want to follow God, I love your trustworthiness, and I love the tumble of curls on your forehead.” “Is that a yes?” “That, my love, is a grand slam.” With a whoop, he lifted her from the ground and spun her in a circle until the dizziness in her head matched the dizziness in her heart.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Tessa whooped and Charlotte squealed as the swing spun faster. The centrifugal force weakened Hannah’s tenuous hold. Her fingers slipped, and she slid across the seat—and into Lincoln’s open arms. Immediately, he pulled her tight against him as if he’d been waiting for the moment. That figured. She felt the hardness of his chest against her back and started to pull away. His hand came to rest protectively over her midsection, searing her flesh through her shirtwaist. He pressed his lips to her ear. “Can’t let you go flying off like some Tympanuchus cupido.” She swallowed hard as her heart drummed against her rib cage. Could he feel the pounding beneath his large hand?”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“If a man loves you, he won't try to make you into something you're not.”
― Lorna Seilstad, While Love Stirs

“A godly man who loves a woman will want to cover her, protect her, and provide for her, but dear, you first have to accept the edge of his robe.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“I look ridiculous.” “You look like a beautiful baseball player.” He paused and grinned. “And that blush looks lovely with your outfit.” She rolled her eyes. “Have you forgotten I have a bat in my hands?” “Ah, but can you use it?”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Carter snickered, and Emily shot him a glare. His midair catch obviously hadn’t won him any favor in her eyes. If he had to guess, she’d tried and convicted him of being a cocky baseball player, not worthy of thinking beyond the field. Fine. He’d change her mind. He enjoyed a challenge. And she should realize he wasn’t used to losing.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Arms flailing, Lincoln fought his rapid descent. Mud gave way beneath his feet, and he landed with a splash in Union Park’s lake. Shocked to his core, he looked up into Hannah’s laughing face. “W-why did you do that?” “I decided to take a risk.” She giggled, backing away, almost daring him to retaliate. “And if you’re going to spend time with me, you might as well learn there are going to be some surprises.” “Is that so?” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his chest warmed. So, she was accepting his offer. “Well, Miss Gregory, you’d better expect some surprises as well.” He rushed toward her, creating a spray in his wake. She squealed and dove out of his reach. He caught her waist and pulled the laughing woman into his arms. With her hair hanging in damp rivulets around her face and her eyes alight with anticipation, she took his breath away. She shivered against his chest. “Lincoln Cole, if you douse me again—” She squirmed in his arms, then looked into his eyes and stilled. She licked her lips. “What are you doing?” He raised his hand, removed soggy weed from her hair, and cupped her cheek. “Giving you the surprise you deserve.” She shivered again, and he noticed a bluish tinge to her lips. Good grief. She was freezing, and even if he wanted to warm her up as only he could, standing in a lake was hardly the place for a first kiss. Before desire won over practicality, he bent and tossed her over his shoulder. “Put me down!” She squirmed and pounded on his back with her fists. “It would serve you right if I did toss you back in.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“You are the most stubborn creature God ever placed on this earth, Emily Graham.” “Thank you.” “I didn’t mean it as a compliment, and I’m not saying I was wrong.” He shoved up his shirtsleeves. “No one—and I mean no one—is going to talk disrespectfully about you when I’m around.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“So tell me about those courtship displays.” Did he honestly expect her to share that? With his hands splayed across her waist, sending a current through her entire body? He helped her down, stepped away, and motioned with his hand for her to continue. “Go on. I’m listening.” Could he see the flush of her cheeks? Her discomfort at the subject? He cocked an eyebrow at her, making it clear he didn’t plan to let this go and that he enjoyed making her squirm. She could do this. It was factual information. She cleared her throat and met his eye. “The birds show off at dawn and dusk. The males display their plumage and call out to the females. They may drum their wings or rattle their tails, and occasionally they may fight with other males.” Lincoln held her gaze. “If he’s willing to fight for her, then the female he’s interested in must really be a prize.” Hannah’s heart fluttered like the wings of a bird. She looked away. She had to find something to distract him from this present course of discussion. “Hey, look, that’s a prairie chicken.” “I suppose you even know its Latin name.” “Tympanuchus cupido.” “Did you say something about Cupid?” Her mouth opened, but no words formed. Good grief. This was going from bad to worse.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“He hopped down from his perch and met her on the walk. “For you.” He held out the daisy. “Your favorite, right?” “You remembered.” “Of course I did. The other day you said you loved its simple beauty.” A rosy blush bloomed on her cheeks, and he grinned.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Carter told you he loves you, didn’t he?” Wide-eyed, Emily turned from the mirror. “How did you know?” “You nearly floated into the house when you came home. And now your face switches from joy to terror in seconds.” Grandma Kate smiled, the wrinkles crinkling around her eyes. “And what did you say?” Heat infusing her cheeks, Emily licked her lips. “Ah, he didn’t let you answer. Smart boy.” “Grandma!” The older woman waddled to the door. “It’s good to make him wait a bit for your declaration. You should pray about it before you say anything. Affairs of the heart need to be placed in the hands of the Lover of our souls. Only God knows what is best.” She tilted her head to the side to take in both ear bobs. “He’s a good man, Emily. Don’t be afraid.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“Why should I help you? Can’t you get Hannah to like you on your own?” His brilliant idea of making an alliance with the sisters was beginning to tarnish, and Tessa didn’t appear to want to make this easy. Did obstinacy run in the Gregory family? Negotiating with a roomful of lawyers was easier than this. “I simply thought we could all help each other.” He flicked a bud casing from the automobile’s windshield. “Hannah doesn’t seem to like leaving you and your sister home alone, and I’d like to spend some time with her, so going on a picnic together works for all of us.” Tessa caressed the steering wheel. “Except for Hannah if she doesn’t want to be around you.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Did she say that?” “Naw, she’s almost as moony-eyed about you as Charlotte is about George—but she’d skin me alive if she knew I told you that.” Tessa pretended to make a turn. “But something must be wrong, or you wouldn’t be here trying to get Charlotte and me on your side.” “I think you’re too smart for your own good.”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“God doesn't want us to settle for what's in front of our face. He wants to bless us with things beyond our imagination.”
― Lorna Seilstad, While Love Stirs

“Lincoln, I meant what I said yesterday.” It wouldn’t be fair to let him have any illusions about today. “I know you did.” He turned and flashed her a dangerously handsome smile. “But your sisters and I want to celebrate your first day. Don’t spoil this for them, Hannah. And can there be any harm in a little picnic?”
― Lorna Seilstad, When Love Calls

“Am I still your girl?” “You’ve never stopped.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch

“As he intertwined his fingers with Emily’s, warmth pooled in his chest. He studied her as she closed her eyes to enjoy the music. She truly had no idea how beautiful she was. Even more so inside. And in those moments when he’d waited for her, he’d realized something. He had a future now. He didn’t need to keep his feelings silent any longer. The last strains still hung in the air when he pressed his lips to her ear. “Emily,” he whispered, “I do believe I love you.”
― Lorna Seilstad, A Great Catch