Best Is Yet to Come

Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin (1943–2014) was a beloved storyteller with an unforgettable sense of humor. In her final book, The Best Is Yet to Come, Smollin—the author of five books, a gifted motivational speaker, and a trusted counselor—warmly encourages readers to live each moment fully, to discover the sacred in the ordinary, and to remember that the best is yet to come, affirming Christian hope.

In what was to be the last chapter of the book, Sr. Anne Bryan Smollin wanted to tell the story of a woman who wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand. The woman told her husband that at the many potluck church dinners she attended, she was always told to hold onto her fork after the main dish because there was still one more course—dessert. The best was yet to come!

Sr. Anne possessed an uncanny gift to inject new life into familiar words and simple lessons such as “life is a precious gift,” “don’t take yourself too seriously,” and “little things mean a lot.” She reminds us in her final work that no matter how difficult some moments in life can be, the best is yet to come.  

In the tradition of her popular books Tickle Your Soul and Live, Laugh, and Be Blessed, Sr. Anne’s down-to-earth wisdom and warm sense of humor once again break through the mundane routine of life, inviting you to wake up and take a fresh look around. Twenty-seven brief chapters will take you on a delightful tour through topics such as keeping perspective, living in the present moment, seeing the connections, and appreciating the past.

The book was written just before Sr. Anne’s untimely death and is being published posthumously in honor of her work and inspiration. Lifelong friend Sr. Patricia St. John, C.S.J., put the finishing touches on this manuscript. In her foreword, Sr. Patti recalls some of Sr. Anne’s personal qualities—her wide-open heart to anyone in need, her delight in simple things, her ability to lovingly focus on each person she met—the same qualities she imparts as you read this book.

Features & Benefits

• Proceeds of this book, published in Sr. Anne’s honor, go to her religious order, the Sisters of St. Joseph.