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Customer Reviews for Revell The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Revell The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Jim Anderson is a successful businessman, and his wife, Marilyn, is the perfect wife. And why wouldn't she be? He gives her everything she needs. That's why Jim never expected to come home one day and find Marilyn gone.
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn has had enough of feeling unloved and neglected. She wants to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it, even signing up for dance lessons, something Jim would never do. What will it take for Jim to finally become the man Marilyn needs him to be?
Average Customer Rating:
(17 Reviews) 17
Rating Snapshot (17 reviews)
5 stars
11
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
17 out of 17100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Review 1 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
WOW!!!
Date:May 11, 2013
Anonymous
Location:San Antonio, TX
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
WOW!!! and I really mean WOW!! This is no fairy tale little story that translates into a few mistakes from the man and a little fuss from the woman, some insistence from the same man, some magical kiss and BANG- happily ever after!!! This is a hard-core relationship explanation. I felt like I was told a true story of a friend that went above and beyond marriage counseling.
I love this book and plan not just to recommend it to my facebook and goodreads friends but to all couples that struggle in their marriage. Now, don't get me wrong, it is a lovely romance but in between, the advises given by Audrey and the personal transformation in Jim, the effect it had on his children, it was really deep. And the balance of the whole story line there aren't too many extremes, authors didn't go overboard with it- that made it very realistic. In fact I was so taken with it that I went online and researched the authors. So let me tell you, "listen" to all the details carefully because it is written by a pastor and a family counselor.
I loved the explanation of The Fear Dance. how many wrong "steps" are we making in the Dance of our marriage because of the fear?? And how does our partner respond to them?? It is true there is no losers. Marilyn did get rid of Jim by leaving him and yes she did make a loser of him in many people's eyes, but really was she a winner in it?? Absolutely not!!! she was free but not happy. Marriage is a dance for two and whether you lose and win you do it together...
One particular thing was a splash of cold water for me. And it is when Audrey tells him that we all believe in fairy tale -- that if we just meet that one special person all our problems will go away! What I have learned is that is not true; and when we realize it, we leave that person in search of another one to make it all better only to run the same circle again! So dear women, don't leave your men in search of another, do your best to dance happily with the one God already gave you. There is no one better.
I love this book and plan not just to recommend it to my facebook and goodreads friends but to all couples that struggle in their marriage. Now, don't get me wrong, it is a lovely romance but in between, the advises given by Audrey and the personal transformation in Jim, the effect it had on his children, it was really deep. And the balance of the whole story line there aren't too many extremes, authors didn't go overboard with it- that made it very realistic. In fact I was so taken with it that I went online and researched the authors. So let me tell you, "listen" to all the details carefully because it is written by a pastor and a family counselor.
I loved the explanation of The Fear Dance. how many wrong "steps" are we making in the Dance of our marriage because of the fear?? And how does our partner respond to them?? It is true there is no losers. Marilyn did get rid of Jim by leaving him and yes she did make a loser of him in many people's eyes, but really was she a winner in it?? Absolutely not!!! she was free but not happy. Marriage is a dance for two and whether you lose and win you do it together...
One particular thing was a splash of cold water for me. And it is when Audrey tells him that we all believe in fairy tale -- that if we just meet that one special person all our problems will go away! What I have learned is that is not true; and when we realize it, we leave that person in search of another one to make it all better only to run the same circle again! So dear women, don't leave your men in search of another, do your best to dance happily with the one God already gave you. There is no one better.
I want to really thank both authors for making such a perfect mix between a romance novel and family counseling, I know it got me thinking and I am sure will touch others too.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion!!
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Review 2 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
One-Two-Three - Glide
Date:April 15, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I disagree with another reviewer who said it was 'preachy'. For once a book marketed as a Christian piece; actually was. The emphasis on characters who are authentic followers of Jesus in genuinely devastating situations rises out of the muck and mire with their morals intact. What a refreshing change!
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Review 3 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Compelling story
Date:April 8, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Jim Anderson is stunned when he arrives home from work after a busy day and discovers his wife is missing. His shirts aren’t ironed. Dinner isn’t on the stove. How could she do this to him?
After twenty-seven years of being Jim’s version of a perfect wife, Marilyn has had enough. She leaves Jim a note telling him not to contact her, then settles into an apartment with a girlfriend. Finally free to do what she wants for a change, Marilyn finds a job and fulfills a lifetime dream by signing up for dance lessons.
As it turns out, Jim is the only one who’s clueless about why she left. Their children are not surprised and tell him so. At this point in The Dance, I have to confess that Walsh did such a good job of portraying Jim as a jerk that I was hoping Marilyn would just run far away and leave him forever.
However, the focus of this story is restoration. As the days of Marilyn’s absence mount up, Jim slowly recognizes that he’s to blame for the crumbling of his marriage, but has no idea what to do to win her back. How will he change a lifetime of putting himself first? And how can he expect to heal his marriage when Marilyn won’t even talk to him?
The Dance is the first in The Restoration series. Walsh and Smalley have written a remarkable novel that will impact readers as they take the journey of restoration along with the Andersons.
The Dance is a skillfully told story. I give it two hearty thumbs up!
After twenty-seven years of being Jim’s version of a perfect wife, Marilyn has had enough. She leaves Jim a note telling him not to contact her, then settles into an apartment with a girlfriend. Finally free to do what she wants for a change, Marilyn finds a job and fulfills a lifetime dream by signing up for dance lessons.
As it turns out, Jim is the only one who’s clueless about why she left. Their children are not surprised and tell him so. At this point in The Dance, I have to confess that Walsh did such a good job of portraying Jim as a jerk that I was hoping Marilyn would just run far away and leave him forever.
However, the focus of this story is restoration. As the days of Marilyn’s absence mount up, Jim slowly recognizes that he’s to blame for the crumbling of his marriage, but has no idea what to do to win her back. How will he change a lifetime of putting himself first? And how can he expect to heal his marriage when Marilyn won’t even talk to him?
The Dance is the first in The Restoration series. Walsh and Smalley have written a remarkable novel that will impact readers as they take the journey of restoration along with the Andersons.
The Dance is a skillfully told story. I give it two hearty thumbs up!
My thanks to the author and Revell for providing me with a review copy.
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Review 4 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
to dance or not to dance
Date:April 7, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I was so excited to read Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley's newest book and the 1st in their Restoration Series! With their name on the Front cover, you have high expectations, right!? right!
Jim and Marilyn are sadly, a very common example of many marriages today. Each is set in their "roles" and they have grown further apart as the years go by. For Marilyn, she had been crying out how unhappy she was and Jim just wasn't hearing exactly what she was saying or how serious she was.
The Dance is excellent and portrays a perfect look at what it takes to really work at putting your marriage back together, healing the wounds, and finding love all over again.
I really didn't think Jim was ever going to "get it." He frustrated me immensely! But I loved the journey Jim took and how he had his eyes opened! Marilyn's journey was totally different of course, but just as moving. I so appreciated how their children's thoughts and perspectives played a role, because no matter how old they are or even if they have moved out and lead a life on their own, they are still affected.
Overall, The Dance was excellent and I highly recommend it on so many levels! I CANNOT wait until book 2 is out!
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Review 5 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:April 7, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Sometimes a person has to walk away from a marriage before the spouse can look at what was rather than what it was perceived as at the time.
Marilyn allegedly had it all and gave it up to get a job and become a roommate in a tiny apartment. She fad finally reached the “fed up” point.
Jim can’t believe she actually left and wants nothing to do with him (don’t look for me; don’t call). They’ve been married 27 years, have three children and Jim still doesn’t have a clue.
It takes an older widow lady to open his eyes. Jim begins to heal, but wonders if his marriage ever can. After all, marriage is a dance that needs two partners.
***A special thank you to Donna Hausler for providing a review copy.***
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Review 6 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Teaching about Marriage through Fiction
Date:April 7, 2013
I was intrigued by the idea of Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley teaming up to write a new fiction series. I've loved the other books I've read by Dan Walsh, and Gary Smalley's series with Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorites of all time. So The Dance (and the whole series) definitely had potential for me.
I thought the story itself was really good. It was definitely hard to read about a couple whose marriage is falling apart and how it affected not only them but also their three kids. The book was so emotional ... just reading the emotions and thoughts of all parties involved and knowing that people that I know face similar situations was hard.
Audrey was my favorite character by far! I loved how her friendship with both Jim and Marilyn had such an impact on their marriage. Her story on its own was inspiring and I enjoyed the "secondary" story.
There were a few aspects of the book that bothered me. While I know the purpose of the book was to use fiction to teach about relationships, at times the book was super "preachy." Those sections took me out of the story and felt like I was reading more of a sermon or something. Also, the ending wrapped up really fast. So much of the story was spent talking about the problems of Jim and Marilyn's marriage and their individual efforts to resolve things and then the book ended without really giving much insight to how they planned to work on their problems together ... as a couple. The ending was sweet, don't get me wrong, but it was a little too "tidy" for me given how the book started.
Overall, though, The Dance was sweet, and I enjoyed this quick read. I'm not sure if I'll be reading the rest of this series or not. However, I'm still a huge fan of both of the authors! [3 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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Review 7 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Marriage Problems, Healing, Forgiveness & Restorat
Date:April 6, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley in their new book, "The Dance" Book One in The Restoration Series published by Revell takes us into the lives of Jim and Marilyn Anderson.
From the Back Cover: Love's recovery starts with a single step . . .
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs-a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.
After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons-something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.
Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn't anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him-starting with himself.
Without any doubt Dan Walsh is one of the best writers out there. He consistently writes books that go right to the heart, have wonderful characters that deal with issues that affect all of us. "The Dance" is no exception. "The Dance" is all about a marriage. For the majority of us if we are already not married then those that remain want to be married. This book touches on issues that can affect any marriage. The team of Walsh and Smalley takes these issues, put them in a fictional setting and get their point across without being preachy. There is healing, forgiveness, restoration all within the family and all from God. This is a wonderful book and a great beginning to a new series!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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Review 8 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Like a Christian "Shall We Dance"
Date:April 5, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This story started out a bit slow for me, but I found myself warming up to the characters and eventually softening toward Jim and Marilyn. Jim presented as an angry man who was upset about his wife leaving him and how that complicated his life and tarnished his image. There wasn't much to like about him at first. That was well portrayed and very good characterization by the authors. The fact that Marilyn was clearly bitter to the point that she didn't believe her husband even when he was sincere was also well done.
Then things started to turn around. I loved the change of heart that Jim had, but it started with recognizing that the responsibility for his failed marriage rested squarely on his shoulders. As long as it was everyone else's fault, it prevented him from having a change of heart. The conversations he had with his children were touching. The ending brought tears to my eyes. This book shows that marriage really does take work and that the death of love happens slowly over time, but even that can be restored. This was a touching and beautiful story of healing. I really enjoyed it.
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Review 9 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
EMOTIONAL AND COMPELLING!
Date:April 5, 2013
THE DANCE by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley is an interesting inspirational contemporary fiction set in River Oaks, Florida. First in
"The Restoration"series. Have your tissues ready,ladies, you will need them. Follow, Marilyn Anderson, the perfect wife to Jim,a successful businessman,and who is tired of the position after twenty seven years. She is looking for more adventure,passion, and a connection to her husband. Jim must win her back,after she leaves him for a new job. Along the way he finds out something about himself. A compelling story of second chances, love lost that may be found again,faith,redemption,forgiveness,healing and finding happiness. A must read for anyone who enjoys tearjerkers,learning more of marriage,it is a two way street,after all,inspirational stories,and an emotional story. I truly enjoyed "The Dance",while I have enjoyed this author's other stories, I feel this one touches not only the heart but the soul as well. A compelling and emotional read.You do not want to miss "The Dance" for a far better understanding of the depth of marriage as told through a wonderful fictional story. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
"The Restoration"series. Have your tissues ready,ladies, you will need them. Follow, Marilyn Anderson, the perfect wife to Jim,a successful businessman,and who is tired of the position after twenty seven years. She is looking for more adventure,passion, and a connection to her husband. Jim must win her back,after she leaves him for a new job. Along the way he finds out something about himself. A compelling story of second chances, love lost that may be found again,faith,redemption,forgiveness,healing and finding happiness. A must read for anyone who enjoys tearjerkers,learning more of marriage,it is a two way street,after all,inspirational stories,and an emotional story. I truly enjoyed "The Dance",while I have enjoyed this author's other stories, I feel this one touches not only the heart but the soul as well. A compelling and emotional read.You do not want to miss "The Dance" for a far better understanding of the depth of marriage as told through a wonderful fictional story. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
“Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
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Review 10 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
In a single word WOW! The Dance not to be missed!
Date:April 4, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Dance
The Restoration Series #1
By Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
The Restoration Series #1
By Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
For 27 years Jim Anderson thought he had the perfect marriage, but he is about to find out he was wrong! Marilyn has tried talking to Jim about the problems with their marriage, but he won't listen to anyone else so Marilyn does the only thing she can do - she leaves him.
The Dance is a journey to discover self and to save a marriage. Marilyn has lost who she is to her marriage and she takes this break to get a job, share an apartment with another Christian woman, and to go to a church where everything is not based on social status.
Jim can't understand why Marilyn would leave. He's given her everything that she could want - a beautiful house, social status, a nice car, expensive clothes - what could she possibly be unhappy about. Jim's first thought is that she must be seeing someone else. But his children especially Michelle and Doug disagree and mention that their mother has been unhappy for awhile.
A chance encounter with an older woman is about to change both Jim and Marilyn's lives if they will open their hearts and overcome their fears - fears that have controlled their marriage from the very beginning. It all started with a dance that never took place. Can another dance restore what could have been? Jim and Marilyn are about to find out that second chances are possible with God's help and a willing heart.
In a word WOW! The Dance should be required reading for everyone over the age of 15 ad it should be part of every family library. People who like Fire Proof or Courageous will be equally impressed with The Dance if not more so.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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Review 11 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Christian romance
Date:April 3, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
A year ago this month, I started a book review with a question about whether a man could write a good love story. My conclusion then was, "Yes, he can." The book I was reviewing was The Discovery, by none other than Dan Walsh. Well, Dan and co-author Gary Smalley have done nothing to change my mind about that answer!
The Dance is a heart-tugging and heart-warming story of the struggles and romance that are present in many marriages. The little things missing in her marriage add up to big things for Marilyn, and she takes desperate measures to get Jim's attention. The "chance" encounters Marilyn and Jim both have with the same person lead to lessons neither of them expected to learn.
As the story neared its conclusion, it was pretty evident where things were headed. The tender, emotional details, though, kept me tied to the pages as I read the conclusion through my tears.
Besides providing an extremely engaging story, The Dance challenges readers to make the most of their marriages and other family relationships. The authors' combination of skill in writing and insight about family relationships provides an excellent read. I look forward to more visits with the Anderson family in this Restoration series.
Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Thanks to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 12 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Inspirational journey of family restoration
Date:April 3, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Dan Walsh’s writing has been compared to Nicholas Sparks, and when I got The Dance after recently re-reading The Wedding by Sparks, I thought they would be similar, but other than the basic theme of restoration The Dance had a whole new dimension.
Book number one of the aptly sub-titled Restoration Series wisely reveals the fallout of an unhealthy marriage relationship and surface Christianity on every member of the family. Decades of missed-signals (Jim) and repressed frustration (Marilyn) are addressed after Marilyn initiates a separation and gets a job to support herself.
The incident that signaled the beginning of a one-sided power-based marriage, is the same tool that eventually brings the beginning of healing to the parents, and to their children.
Superficial spirituality is also addressed in the church relationships that Jim allowed to control business and family decisions and dynamics. Interestingly one of the children leads in pointing the parents in the right direction.
Gary Smalley’s voice is evident in the advice of a godly widow who sympathizes with the couples’ situation and gently encourages steps of reconciliation and restoration.
The Dance is an encouragement to examine our marital dynamics, each expressing the love they’d like to receive, while placing a higher value on commitment to one’s spouse than to any other person or group of people.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own
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Review 13 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Restoration is possible
Date:April 3, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Dan Walsh is such a talented writer, I've read all of his books and looked forward to this one with great anticipation. Being unfamiliar with Gary Smalley and not knowing how easy or difficult it is to co-write a book I wasn't quite sure what to expect but these two did not disappoint! This is a story that is being lived out in many couples marriages. Marilyn and Jim have been married for 27 years and after several years of Jim's first love being his work Marilyn decides to take a separation and moves to a nearby community leaving a note for Jim explaining why. He is shocked and doesn't understand, his first thought is to find her and bring her back.
God is at work though and puts other people in their paths to get His plan accomplished.
THE DANCE is an amazing story of restoration. A tale of how one hurtful thing can take root in your heart and fester until it consumes you, of how men and women see love and romance differently and how God can change heart's. Definitely a 5 star novel!
I received a copy of this book free from Revell Books in exchange for an honest review. Available April 2013
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Review 14 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
A Shocking Decision
Date:April 2, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Marriage is a daily challenge that two people have to constantly work at to make it the most that it can be. When one person doesn’t contribute, two people are unsatisfied and left wanting more. This is where you enter dangerous territory as Marilyn and Jim Anderson discover in The Dance.
The Anderson’s have been married twenty seven years! That would be counted as a success by today’s standards. But what really makes a marriage successful? Is it just the fact that two people stay married? That is no longer enough for Marilyn. She shocks Jim and everyone else in their lives when she walks out.
I struggled a bit as I read this. I would never encourage someone to leave their marriage but in this case, it seemed to be the rude awakening that Jim needed. He quickly discovers all that Marilyn does for him that goes unnoticed and unappreciated when he is left to do it himself. When asked why she left Marilyn’s response was, because he doesn’t dance. That sounds a bit strange doesn’t it? But as with anything, there’s always much more beneath the surface of a statement like that.
Marilyn decides if Jim isn’t going to dance with her, she will dance alone. Will Jim come to his senses in time or does he find living alone preferable? Will Marilyn remain alone in her dance or will her suave dance instructor win her over?
I was interested to read this collaboration between Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley. I often wonder how two authors can come together and write a novel together but they did it with astonishing success and cohesiveness. There are two voices in this story that come together as one. Can Jim and Marilyn do the same? Will they remain separated or will they learn to dance together?
Walking through marriage alone is a lonely place to be. You will laugh and cry traveling this journey with them. You won’t want to miss The Dance!
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Review 15 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
a romance novel for husbands, if you dare read it
Date:April 1, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Marilyn had had enough. She and Jim had been married for twenty seven years. Painful years for her. But Jim didn't have a clue about her pain. He was too busy being an important man at church, the church he picked out because of the possible business contacts. He was too taken by his real estate holdings to take her in his arms.
So she left one day while Jim was at his office. She left him a note, letting him know she just needed some time. She tried to tell him how she felt. She wondered if he would even begin to understand. His heart was no longer with her or their children.
So she left one day while Jim was at his office. She left him a note, letting him know she just needed some time. She tried to tell him how she felt. She wondered if he would even begin to understand. His heart was no longer with her or their children.
With Marilyn moving out, Jim slowing begins to face who he has become. It takes him a long time and it is not easy. Admitting you have mistreated those you are to love is hard.
The novel revolved around dance. Jim had refused to do the bride and groom dance at their wedding. Marilyn had been crushed. What had followed was a Christian home filled with legalism and harshness, including a couple whose hearts had drifted apart.
But throughout the novel we see that God has a plan to restore the couple, through dance.
But throughout the novel we see that God has a plan to restore the couple, through dance.
Jim pays attention to his uncle's wise words. “Words don't do it for a woman whose heart's grown cold. … You've gotta...live 'em.”
OK, men, this is a novel for you! If there was ever a “romance” novel for Christian husbands to read, this is it. If you want a penetrating look into how you may be treating your wife and children, dare read this book. But have a tissue ready as you near the end. Men do cry, don't they?
On another level, it was a bit strange for me to read about dance in a Christian setting. When I was a teen, dancing was forbidden in our church and family. It was viewed as too tempting for young people. It was interesting to read of Marilyn's struggles with some temptation as she takes dancing lessons from a handsome Latin fellow. It was just a bit strange to have dance be such an integral part of a Christian couple's restoration. Old prejudices die hard.
The only aspect of this novel that was less than perfect was the tearful and quick ending. However, the story of Marilyn and Jim is not over. This is the first in a new series of books from Walsh and Smalley dealing with restoration. I look forward to the next in the series of the Jim and Marilyn Anderson family.
There are discussion questions at the end of this book so it would make a good choice for reading groups.
Also, just a note that many of the healing steps in this novel come from Smalley's book, The DNA of Relationships.
Also, just a note that many of the healing steps in this novel come from Smalley's book, The DNA of Relationships.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.
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Review 16 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
A Treat
Date:April 1, 2013
Usually, books written by two authors turn me off, but this one proved an unexpected treat! From the first page, I knew that this was going to be an memorable book. The storyline moves at just the right pace. The characters are so real that they seem like people I know.
Even though I knew where the plot was heading, I loved turning the pages to see just how we were going to get there. Read this one, folks! I'm looking forward to following this family in Book 2 in the series, <i>The Promise.</i>
Discussion Questions included.
Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.
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Review 17 for The Dance, The Restoration Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:February 7, 2013
Everyone looking on would call theirs the perfect marriage. Jim is a successful businessman, Marilyn is the perfect wife. They live in a large and beautiful house in an excellent neighborhood, and attend the right church, where Jim is a deacon. Their oldest son is married with a young family, daughter Michele is in college and planning her wedding, and Doug, the youngest, is in high school. Everything seems to be running smoothly until Jim comes home from work one day to find an empty house, the laundry unsorted, and no meal cooking. He’s in total shock when he finds out that Marilyn has left.
The Dance tells the story of what may too frequently be under the surface in even a Christian marriage…a home where everyone is busy doing their own thing, but communication isn’t happening and hasn’t for some time. When Marilyn knows she can’t go on any longer with the situation, she leaves…but she still faces the decision – is this temporary or permanent? Thankfully, Jim and Marilyn do have a foundation of faith, and the story shows how individuals can change, relationships can be mended and even become better than before.
I enjoyed reading The Dance. It’s encouraging to read a story of how an unhappy marriage can be restored, and the lessons shared will benefit anyone in a relationship. There are also warnings – no matter how strong you believe you are, the enemy is prowling, and what seems harmless could actually be the first step down the wrong road. I’d recommend this book as a learning tool as well as a satisfying few hours of reading.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
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