Julie Carpenter

“He had the vague thought that riding a difficult mare for so many years had given her an unseen reservoir of power. Luminous as she appeared, she was no will-o’-the-wisp. She was formidable. Strong.”
― Mimi Matthews, The Muse of Maiden Lane

“She had promised herself nearly a year past she would never consider marrying a man until she could be certain of his trustworthiness and intentions. James had proven his character over and over again, from the first moments of their acquaintance. She loved him and was far more capable of understanding and giving her affection than ever she'd been before.”
― Emily Opal, The Gentlewoman Companion

“Starlight, of course,” he said solemnly. “For you, it will always be starlight.”
― Mimi Matthews, The Muse of Maiden Lane

“Effie's brow lifted. Miss Corvus never received any of the girls in her private rooms. Not even the teachers. At least, she hadn't during Effie's tenure. Miss Corvus's rooms had always been sealed off, as impenetrable as a tomb, behind an impassable set of tall, iron-banded wooden doors. Not even the canniest members of the Academy had dared attempt entry.”
― Mimi Matthews, Rules for Ruin