It was unwise to plan too carefully. It took only one great failure to learn that lesson.

- Belva Plain

All is pattern, all life, but we can't always see the pattern when we're part of it.

- Belva Plain

I stand and listen to people speaking french in the stores and in the street. It's such a pert, crisp language, elegant as ruffling taffeta.

- Belva Plain

How helpless we are, like netted birds, when we are caught by desire!

- Belva Plain

Oh, lovely Europe, your flowers and your wine, your bread, your music.

- Belva Plain

Danger hides in beauty and beauty in danger.

- Belva Plain

Separate from the other unnamed billions who walk the earth, each of these little groups of three or five or twelve, brought together by the shuffle …

- Belva Plain

... wore sorrow and anger like a worn-out coat and would not throw it away.

- Belva Plain