This wasn't the kind of book that you now through. It is deep and thought-provoking. And it has personal impact. It is causing me to rethink some things about marriage. I highly recommend it! ( )

The Dance is the first book of Gary Smalley's and Dan Walsh's Restoration series. There are four books in the series. I have discovered that all the books can be read independently, but are easier understood and experienced if you read this first book before the others. I read this book after reading book four. Reading it filled in the gaps for me and helped me understand the underlying premise of the series. Book 1, at the time I have written this review, was/is a free ebook. You may want to check now to see if it is still free, before reading books two, three, and four.

Jim Anderson is the owner of Anderson Development, a commercial real estate company. He has built this company up from the ground himself. He is understandably proud of his accomplishments. His business has been successful for a long time, although recently it has reflected the slump in the American economy. In my opinion, Jim is a typical alpha male, in that the world must revolve around him, including his family. This has only created pain in his household, though he doesn't see that. Suddenly and unexpectedly for Jim, his wife of 27 years left him. She quietly moved out, leaving most of her belongings behind.

Marilyn Anderson loves how she's been protected and cared for by Jim. She loved her new home in the planned community. She took pleasure in choosing all the furniture and decorating the house right down to the smallest details. She could appreciate how Jim has worked hard to maintain their way of life. He provided well for their three children. He gave them nearly anything they wanted. But it wasn't enough. He gave them everything but his heart. He was a legalistic Christian who didn't live by the heart of Christ but by rules. Marilyn had felt this lack the moment they were married until one day she couldn't stand it anymore. Overwhelmed with sadness, she went out in search of a job, found an older person to board with, and left. The driving question in this book--what would it take for Jim and Marilyn to reconcile? This is their story and the beginning of the series.

This book has so many elements I could relate to as I was reading it. First, both authors have been counselors and involved with Christian ministry and with marriage relationships for many years. Gary Smalley's book on marriage helped my own marriage when my husband and I were a young couple. Dan Walsh admitted that Smalley's books on communication aided his own young marriage as well. Through the expertise of both these men, this book is filled with nuggets of gold. The character development is heart gripping and real. The book is written just the way I enjoy reading character-based literature.

Second, the turn around doesn't occur overnight. It actually takes Jim about half the book length before he even began to look within himself to discover if he has done something to run off his wife and alienate his children. It easily provides us readers a character we "love to hate". He is both despicable and a person we want to see turn his life around. I truly wanted to get my hands on his neck and choke the guy at the beginning of the story. I certainly yelled at him, in my mind, from time to time.

Third, there's a vivid analogy written into the storyline--that of a dance. The analogy which is responsible for the title, has multiple layers which we come to understand better as the story progresses. It is so well written and incorporated that it helps keep the storyline moving along at a good clip. Finally, I related very well with Marilyn's plight. The break in their marriage wasn't all Jim's doing. Marilyn had much to learn before she could reconcile with her husband. In the series, the first step they take at the conclusion of this story is continued in the remaining three books. The three books each feature one of Jim and Marilyn's children as they fit into the theme of the series. Jim and Marilyn's story continues as a subplot, while the major plots are dedicated to each adult child in turn. That is why I not only recommend this book to you, but the series as well. ( )

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.

“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 ( )