Sarah Hogan is stunned and angry when Jonathan asks for a divorce after almost twenty years of marriage. How will she support herself and the children? What else is she trained to do? Jonathan laughs at Sarah’s decision to start a catering business, but Sarah finds support in her next-door neighbor and best friend, Joan Anderson. When Sarah’s heavy use of sleeping pills is discovered, Joan confronts her, then helps her through the withdrawal period. Sarah’s casual relationship with Jeff Matthews slowly develops into something very special. Everyone is elated about Sarah and Jeff’s engagement except for fifteen-year-old Paul. After he runs away from home, Paul finally realizes that Jeff cares more about their family than does Jonathan, his own father. Wedding plans proceed smoothly during a very hectic holiday season, until a horrendous auto accident leaves Sarah badly injured. It is during her hospital stay that Sarah finally understands that only through faith and trust in God will she have the strength to get through each day.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Anna Popescu is a member of the American Christian Writers Association (ACWA), the South Valley Christian Writer's Group, and the online Christian Writer's Group (CWG). Her publishing credits include several articles for magazines such as "The Gem" and "ThisChristianLife."
Anna has literally lived across the country and back. She and her husband, Rick, live in central California. Anna's two grown children live in the Phoenix, Arizona, area.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
A LITTLE BIT OF WONDERFUL (Chapter 1 Excerpt)
Sarah was standing at the kitchen sink peeling carrots for the salad when Jonathan breezed in the door. She glanced at the clock-five fifteen-then back at Jonathan.
"What's that look for?" he asked. "Can't a man come home early for a change?" He dropped his briefcase on the floor. "I have some things to do tonight. That's all."
Sarah dried her hands and followed him down the hall to their bedroom. "Are you okay?" she asked, then stopped abruptly in the doorway. Jonathan was walking out of his closet carrying two suitcases.
"What did you say?" he asked, flinging the suitcases onto the bed.
"I-oh, never mind." She continued into the room and stood at the end of the bed.
"Another business trip?" Jonathan's curt nod matched his quick movements as he packed.
"How long will you be gone this time?"
Jonathan barely paused before placing another shirt into the garment bag. "Listen. I think it's time for us to go our separate ways, so I won't be coming home after this trip."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. What was he saying? And why won't he even look at me?
"I've rented an apartment on James Street." He zipped up the garment bag. "I'll move the rest of my things out of here some time after I get back from Houston."
"You already have an apartment? How long have you been planning this, then?"
"I haven't actually been planning it at all. Bob, the new attorney, and his wife just bought a house, so their apartment is available. When I heard about it, I asked about subletting it, and they thought it was a great idea because then they wouldn't have to break their lease. The apartment is vacant now, so I can move in right away."
Sarah stood there in shock, then looked distractedly around before walking over and sinking down heavily into the chintz-covered armchair.
"Sarah, I . . . "
"Why?" she interrupted, staring at him. "Why are you doing this?"
"Look, you must know I've been unhappy for a while. I just-" he glanced around the room, then back at her. He shrugged. "I need more."
"More? More than what?"
"This." His hand swept around, indicating the room and the backyard beyond. "Us," he said, finally looking back at her.
Sarah stood suddenly. "Who is she?" she asked, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.
"She? What are you talking about?" He turned and walked into the bathroom. She could see him in the mirror loading his small travel case with a razor, shaving cream, deodorant, and shampoo. He returned to the bedroom without even glancing at her.
"Are you actually trying to tell me there's no one else?" Her voice sounded too loud even to her.
He hesitated. "Okay, so now you know." He shrugged. "So what?"
Sarah's shoulders drooped. "So . . . I knew about her just like I've known about the others."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This story has heart,
By Peggy Blann Phifer "Peg" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Little Bit of Wonderful (Paperback)
When Sarah Hogan is suddenly plunged into the chaotic nightmare of a single mother of four, she finds the day-to-day struggle almost more than she can bear. But our awesome God had His own plans for Sarah, and you'll enjoy reading the way He takes control.
Acting on a suggestion from her best friend and neighbor, Joan Anderson, Sarah decides to set up her own catering business, much to the amusement and disdain of her ex. He is sure she'll fall flat on her face. In fact, he even seems to actually want that to happen. Though he doesn't want Sarah anymore, it appears he wants Sarah to need him. But Sarah is determined to make this venture work-and it does. She even adds a personal shopping service to her catering business. But all is not well. Sarah's increasing dependency on sleeping pills puts her business in jeopardy, and she starts missing appointments, until Joan steps in and helps Sarah through the withdrawal period. Sarah's blossoming relationship with Jeff Matthews, her first personal shopping customer, inexorably pulls Sarah into a close encounter with God - though she resists. Soon, Jeff and Sarah announce their engagement, and happy plans are underway for the wedding. But Sarah's fifteen-year-old son Paul is not happy. Confused and hurt by his father's desertion, Paul runs away from home during the hurly-burly of the wedding plans. Yet Paul finally learns that it is Jeff who truly cares about him and his brothers and sister. The wedding plans are abruptly interrupted when Sarah is critically injured in an automobile accident. It is during her hospitalization that Sarah comes to realize and understand that it is the God she has been resisting that has brought her through. And that it is by faith and trust in this very God that will give her the strength to face the next day, and the next... Anna Popescu writes with great sensitivity and compassion. This book truly moved me and I'm sure you readers will find satisfaction in the story of Sarah and Jeff. I urge to you find a copy of it and dedicate some quality time to read A Little Bit of Wonderful.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vivid, Real.....,
By "gramof3" (California, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Little Bit of Wonderful (Paperback)
Little Bit of Wonderful is gentle, heartbreaking, romantic, positive, inspiring and all too real. The chapter dealing with Sarah's runaway son and their drive home is vivid and exciting ....couldn't read fast enough. The title of book fits perfectly its content. Thanks for the excellent read. Mary Hamm
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Next-Door-People Kind of Book,
By Anna Popescu (Chino Valley, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Little Bit of Wonderful (Paperback)
A Little Bit of Wonderful is packed with interpersonal relationships that play out often just as they do in our daily lives. The relationships between friends, parents and children, and even those of an estranged divorced couple are realistic and comfortable. We find ourselves becoming cheerleaders for the success of an entrepreneurial venture, encouragers for the one falling deeper into drug dependence, and the frantic parent waiting for a runaway child. This book is a homey, cozy, pragmatic, next-door-people kind of book. Once you pick it up, find a comfortable place to settle in because you will no doubt remain there for many hours! Kudos to Anna for creating scenarios involving the typical struggling family. It is refreshing for the reader to view the many family problems and their solutions objectively instead of being the subject of the various dilemmas. --Patrica Knight, Belgrade Lakes, Maine
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