The Good Stuff

by Michelle Stimpson

Will the picture perfect life…make the perfect marriage?

Sonia and Kennard have the “perfect” life: they both have successful careers, beautiful twins, and a charming house. But despite the fact that Kennard is a faithful breadwinner, his emotional distance from the family makes Sonia believe that a good marriage must be more than in name only. Sonia is a grown woman with responsibilities; she’s too old for make-believe…

Adrian couldn’t love her husband, Darryl, more if she tried. He’s the one person who’s shown her what real love means. But when it seems that Darryl’s more interested in making money than making babies, Adrian wonders what marriage is for? And when a devastating secret from Darryl’s past emerges, it seems that their vows may truly break.

The two women are heartbroken and on the verge of divorce when a common friend, Miss Erma, invites them to a prayer group. Between the prayers come stories of marriage—the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. Sonia and Adrian discover that marriage is more than wedding dresses and happily ever after. It is compromise, sacrifice, and patience—The Good Stuff!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2008

About the author

Hello, Goodreads community! I'm Michelle Stimpson, and storytelling is my heartbeat. I've found my calling in penning heartwarming women's fiction that offers a seat at the table of family, humor, and hope. As an author, my greatest joy comes from crafting narratives that resonate with anyone seeking to find laughter and light in the pages of a good book. My tagline, 'Read. Love. Repeat.', is a promise of the emotional journey I aim to provide—engaging stories you’ll love and yearn to revisit.

Happy Reading

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Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing, poignant tale of two couples whose idea of a perfect marriage is causing turmoil in their relationships. A great inspirational story for anyone who is soon to be married or already married.

[Daphine Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was free marriage counseling with biblical principles. Loved it!

[Diana Townsend · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, my issue with this book is the message to married women that in order for you to fix your marriage, you must be a Proverbs 31 woman. But, in today's society, who can be superwoman like that? And then, try to deal with a cold, distant, and trifling husband on top of all that? I disagree with the author and since she acknowledges that she is not a marriage counselor I hope women don't take this for more than what it is, fiction. The two wives, Adrian and Sonia, are in miserable marriages. Their old housekeeper Irma, who lives vicariously through them, starts a group of older women who want to counsel younger women on how to stay married. Their solution boils down to praying, which is great, but also allowing the husbands to continue doing wrong because a good wife is a submissive wife. Now, how does Irma or any of these other women know that these marriages needed to stay together? Why do the men get a free pass but the women have to strive to be better wives? And why do these men deserve to be coddled like children? I don't know why but Irma's character was so know it all and annoying, I couldn't stand it. I have mixed feelings about the message of this book as well. But the writing is clear and concise, and there were some funny relatable moments with the wives so overall it isn't a bust.

[Mai-Lor-A-Ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read; finished it in a sitting! Relationship with God present in the characters' every day life. Having said that, it's still fiction...not all relationships/marriages will be saved. Harsh but true.

[Gloria Dilworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting the good fight of Faith

I really enjoyed reading this book. It definitely held your attention while at the same time revealing insight to possibly real situations in your own life.
I loved the outcome and the pool of real life inspiring information.

[Cassie Whitlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring. Absolutely loved it!!!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutley love Ms. Stimpson writing style. It's related to women and our life stories. This was a very good read with many twists.

[Fhughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book on lasting relationships

[Charmetria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, I did not know what I was getting into with this book. It was too preachy for me.

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read if you are looking for Christian fiction to remind you that God is bigger than any situation or problem we encounter and can turn any situation around if you give Him the opportunity and get out of the way. A very uplifting , true to life read and a book I think is truly a ministry. I probably enjoyed the "Note from the Author" section as much as I enjoyed the book itself. Truly this nonfiction part of the book was pure ministry. Before even finishing the book I was on the internet looking for the Titus 2 Women's Ministry. Not to be too preachy but I think every church need this ministry in place. Adrian and Sonya both wondered how they had made the biggest mistake of their lives by marrying Darryl and Kennard. Really, how do you go from promising to love someone forever to wishing they would just disappear of the face of the earth or just out of you life. Well life happens to even the best of marriages and it brings happiness and joy along with heartache and pain. Both women want out! Fortunately for them they have one thing in common, Mrs. Irma. A praying woman with praying friends. Through their relationship with Erma, Beverly and Rose, these two women embark on a journey that changes not only them, but their husbands and their spiritual lives. Through prayer, patience and perseverance, both women watch God work out their situations for His glory because what they needed only He could have fixed. They didn't know how and were ready to throw in the towel and their husbands didn't have a clue between the two of them. I believe after reading this book these ladies were divinely connected for a purpose. And by the end of the novel, the purpose had been revealed, completed and started on a new chapter in the women's lives with more changes to come.

[A'ndrea Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Michelle Stimpson’s The Good Stuff, Sonia and Adrian are two married women who are at their breaking points. Their marriages to Kennard and Darryl have left them unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Just when they have given up hope and have decided that separation from their spouses is the only logical choice, a few older women, led by Mrs. Irma, take on the challenge of mentoring them and passing down “the good stuff” that has helped them to overcome trials and maintain their own marriages throughout the years.

I absolutely loved The Good Stuff. Stimpson’s writing of the friction between the two main couples was so realistic that it was watching people you know disagree. Married women going through tough times are likely to read this book and instantly relate to its main characters. The use of both Bible scriptures and the experiences of older women brought light and truth not only to the lives of these fictional characters, but will also bring truth to anyone who reads this book. Readers can expect to be challenged about their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors toward their spouses, and encouraged to believe that God can “work it out.” The book also contains an insert following the novel that highlights practical information you can use from the fictional study guide in the story. I recommend this book to married women young and old, as well as single women who are preparing for marriage.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started slow with one argument after another, none short of of bibical quotes. There was a good reveal in the later half of the book, but I wished the writer would have let the reader in on it earlier. This was a book club pick. If had been up to me, I would have stopped reading around 30% (Kindlespeak).

[Cecelia Andrews-jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing and an eye-opener. I learned things I wish I knew when I was married. It really could have saved my marriage.Michelle Stimpson

[Erica L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Wonderful wise and loving characters, great spiritual lessons and even a few "Bible Studies" thrown in for good measure! I finished this book knowing more than I did before reading it, Always a great sign of a good book foe me!

[Anita]

Prayer works and it's revealed in this book. I love how refreshing and real it is.

[Phano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading/self help book for those persons who may be experiencing some difficulty in their marriage.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about everyday struggles that we try to handle whwn we should let God

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read this book, though I skipped past the boring parts.

[Yvonneellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK AND I ENJOYED READING ABOUT THESE WOMEN'SFAITH IN GOD.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about two young women, and the Seasoned Mothers that help them save their marriages. Great story.