Book Review - "The Dance"

Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley have partnered up to write a series together and this is a series that every couple should read and will want to read!  "The Dance" is book 1 in their Restoration Series and introduces us to the Anderson family.  A family that has the right image and a family who everyone believes is perfect; however this family is just like "real-life" families - families who struggles financially, emotionally, physically and who need to rely on God and communicate with each other. Jim and Marilyn have been married for 27 years and are parents of three children and are also now grandparents.  Jim has a good job, the couple has a beautiful home and Jim believes Marilyn is happy as she has everything she could want in life.  However, Marilyn is not happy.  Marilyn does not have a connection with Jim that she longs for and needs on a daily basis and one day she moves out, leaving behind a note, but not telling anyone where she is except for her daughter.  As Jim tries to come to terms with Marilyn not being in the home, he begins to talk with his children, really talk with them and listen.  At the same time, Marilyn is pursuing things that she has been wanting to do, work outside of the home and take dance lessons as well as continue to help their daughter plan for her upcoming wedding.  As Marilyn and Jim learn about themselves, their relationship and each other they also spend time with others who help them to learn and grow as well.  With the help of Audrey, Jim sets out to win back Marilyn and her heart.

 

This is such a well-written book and one that is filled with a lot for the reader to think about in regards to his or her own relationships.  This book addresses everyday issues and throws in help as well from Audrey (everyone needs an Audrey in his or her life!) and also some of Smalley's previous books.  This is an excellent start to the series and I cannot wait to spend more time with the Anderson family and learning more about the children.  I am looking forward to book 2, "The Promise," scheduled to release on September 1, 2013, just a few months away!

“Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”