Football means soccer, squash is soda, bonkers is nuts – I’m going to need an interpreter or something.

I stand there for a moment, resting my head on his chest and breathing him in. I wish I were bold enough to kiss him in public.

Jess falls asleep with her head against Darcy’s shoulder, and I see Mr. Hawthorne waggle his eyebrows at Mrs. Hawthorne, who smiles over at Mrs. Delaney. I guess I’m not the only one who’s noticed what’s going on.

When I saw my charmer thus come in accompanied by a cavalier, I seemed to hear a hiss, and the green snake of jealousy, rising on undulating coils from the moonlit balcony, glided within my waistcoat, and ate its way in two minutes to my heart’s core.

There’s an arched bridge that spans one of the narrow spots, and since it’s Christmas, it’s been decorated with garlands of evergreens and a big wreath with a red bow. There are Victorian gas lamps lining the pathways, and in the middle of the lake is a small island where a hut with a fireplace offers skaters a chance to warm themselves and drink hot chocolate.

They must visit Walden Pond,” says Mrs. Chadwick, whipping out a clipboard from who knows where and making a note. Becca’s mother is addicted to clipboards.

Um, it’s kind of a surprise.

For me, life and books are intertwined, and one is always reminding me of the other.

Friends are one of life’s richest blessings.

She reaches into the backpack she uses for a purse.