Despite my previous fear that Henri Reverie was the devil, his words melted in my ears like spun sugar. I needed a temporary escape from life. Yet I wasn’t brave enough to say so.”
-- Olivia (chapter 1)

Importance: This initial passage helps the reader understand exactly what kind of position Olivia is currently in, and it also foreshadows her eventual escape from Portland.

My smile faded. My mind skipped back to a scene from earlier that day. I saw a small group of women with yellow ribbons pinned to their left shoulders. They shouted for equality on the steps of the courthouse. My own voice, along with Frannie’s and Kate’s, rang through the air in support.”
-- Olivia (chapter 1)

Importance: This passage helps to establish the setting of the story. The suffrage movement is a huge part of the book, and this part shows exactly where Olivia stands on the issue.

Well'- Father cleared his...
-- Olivia's Father (chapter 2)