25 Book Reviews

Thursday, April 4, 2013

A Story of Healing and Restoration

              "The Dance"
 By Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley 

This is a book that will touch every reader and hopefully change them for the better. I know it did, for me.  From the beginning of the first chapter, it is a story that compels you to keep it in your hands until you have finished it.

  After twenty seven years of marriage, Marilyn is very tired and discouraged. She has attempted to play the role of the perfect wife, with little success. Her husband, Jim , is a businessman , very successful in his field. He has supplied her every need- a beautiful home, financial freedom to be a stay at home mom and a collection of wordly goods! Marilyn has everything that she wants... EXCEPT for what is most important- LOVE!!

Marilyn has tried for years to be a faithful wife and companion , however feels a total failure. She finally tires of trying to find happiness and decides to take some time for herself.  Maybe if she sorts out her life, some content will be gained. So, she leaves her husband, without warning, gets a job and another place to live, making every attempt to "find herself" and attain some degree of contentment. Part of this involves her taking dance lessons. That is one thing Marilyn has always wanted to do, much to Jim's dismay.

The story , as well as describing Marilyn's life, shows us a man in agony. Jim is shocked to find his house empty, his life turned upside down. What did he do wrong??? It takes an unlikely ally to begin a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn't realize , is that this will also affect everyone around him, starting with himself.

I found this book to be a very powerful and emotional story that kept me up long after bedtime. The power of God and His ability to provide us with restoration and renewal of our faith shines throughout the story.

The characters are realistic and full of character. I could easily identify with the feelings they were experiencing. The lows and the highs were all there and are felt by the reader.  This is a roller coaster of a story, with a typical family experiencing a crisis none of us desires.  The important part is how they find their way back to a healthy relationship, centred on God. The impact on others is not to be taken lightly. It is a fact of life that what we do DOES affect our family.  

Definitely, a five star book!  It is definitely worth the read!

     
  "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
 

1 comment:

  1. Karla thanks for your thoughts on this book. I have been wanting to read because I like one of the authors Dan Walsh.
    Like you I can see where it would be helpful for all to read and get insight into their own families. sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete

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