"Witches are just women who are naturally attuned to magic in our world," Nell said.  "They can manipulate it, when others can't even sense its presence." 
-The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken

"Her throat hurt.  Her chest hurt.  Love hurt.  So why was she happy?"
-The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

"But she did not go.  Either she could not find the time, or she could not fine the energy, or it seemed a great distance to Market Square, or she remembered that on her own she was in danger from Wizard Howl - anyway, every day it seemed more difficult to go and see her sister.  It was very odd.  Sophie had always thought she was nearly as strong-minded as Lettie.  Now she was finding that there were some things she could only do when were no excuses left." 
-Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

"What made me think I wanted life to be interesting?" she asked as she ran.  "I'd be far too scared.  It comes of being the eldest of three."
-Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

"Hilary intended to be a great many things, and a good little girl was not one of them."
- Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson

"Running away and pursuing one's dream was quite a piratical thing to do." 
- Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson