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Restoration #1
The Dance
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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.
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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
280 people are currently reading
1562 people want to read
About the author
Dan Walsh
36 books747 followersDan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
May 11, 2013
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 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!!
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!!
November 23, 2019
Very touching and enjoyable. The authors do an amazing job of getting into the heads of their characters.
April 6, 2013
More like 4.5 stars.
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.
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.
January 18, 2017
From Goodreads: "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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the romantic first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but earnest characters as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that will ultimately affect their whole family."
I think I have become addicted to Dan Walsh. His books all seem to touch my life's story in some way or other. This is no exception. While dealing with the effects of a wife "who had everything" but decided to leave, Jim discovers that his perfect world was in his mind only. Through the use of ballroom dancing and one feisty old dance teacher, he rediscovers what is important in life.
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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the romantic first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but earnest characters as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that will ultimately affect their whole family."
I think I have become addicted to Dan Walsh. His books all seem to touch my life's story in some way or other. This is no exception. While dealing with the effects of a wife "who had everything" but decided to leave, Jim discovers that his perfect world was in his mind only. Through the use of ballroom dancing and one feisty old dance teacher, he rediscovers what is important in life.
March 30, 2013
The Overview
Twenty-seven years of marriage and Marilyn Anderson is walking out. Her husband is shocked while their three grown kids, in varying degrees, are anything but shocked. We see this happen in real life all around us and wonder how, why, and what on earth happened? The Dance brings real life events to the pages of a novel as the Walsh and Smalley work the characters through understanding why it happened and how to fix the problems that have built up over the years.
The Readability
All 325 pages of this first novel in The Restoration Series are easy reading. The story flows beautifully in the style I have come to enjoy from Dan Walsh. It only took about 4 hours to read it from start to finish and the plot itself is easy to follow.
The Highlights
The emotions that the characters express are easy to relate to and this story brings out the truth of the slow fade behind the scenes of so many "Christian" marriages. I enjoyed how the authors brought out the feelings of the grown children in this situation and not just the struggling husband and wife. The way they cast light onto the shallowness of how the church handled the issue was sadly real. I felt that it was easy to feel drawn into this story.
The Downside
While this story deals with the reality of what is taking place around so many of us- or even in some many reader's lives - it did so in a shallow way. The story is built on twenty-seven years of brokenness but ends with a short and emotional conclusion that doesn't reconcile all the baggage that was unpacked through the book. Seeing that this is the first in a series of four books I assume, and hope, that the authors will continue to deal with the problems in books two through four.
This is a novel so I do not expect that it give specific counsel in how to fix our problems, but I was disappointed in the way that it did not dig into how the main characters worked through their personal problems in a more helpful way. I believe many readers will identify to the husband or wife, but rather than being encouraged or equipped to tackle their own marriage issues, they will close the book longing for a romantic ending to their own mess. In short, it makes the process look much easier and simpler than it is in real life.
The Recommendation
I recommend this book for it's clean entertainment value. However, I caution women in struggling marriages to read with caution and guard your own emotions as I believe it would be easy to take on Marilyn's emotions as your own and/or cause your heart to long for the quick and romantic ending that is not as real as we would like to think.
* * *
I received a copy of this book for review purposes, but the opinions I expressed are my own. This book is available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Twenty-seven years of marriage and Marilyn Anderson is walking out. Her husband is shocked while their three grown kids, in varying degrees, are anything but shocked. We see this happen in real life all around us and wonder how, why, and what on earth happened? The Dance brings real life events to the pages of a novel as the Walsh and Smalley work the characters through understanding why it happened and how to fix the problems that have built up over the years.
The Readability
All 325 pages of this first novel in The Restoration Series are easy reading. The story flows beautifully in the style I have come to enjoy from Dan Walsh. It only took about 4 hours to read it from start to finish and the plot itself is easy to follow.
The Highlights
The emotions that the characters express are easy to relate to and this story brings out the truth of the slow fade behind the scenes of so many "Christian" marriages. I enjoyed how the authors brought out the feelings of the grown children in this situation and not just the struggling husband and wife. The way they cast light onto the shallowness of how the church handled the issue was sadly real. I felt that it was easy to feel drawn into this story.
The Downside
While this story deals with the reality of what is taking place around so many of us- or even in some many reader's lives - it did so in a shallow way. The story is built on twenty-seven years of brokenness but ends with a short and emotional conclusion that doesn't reconcile all the baggage that was unpacked through the book. Seeing that this is the first in a series of four books I assume, and hope, that the authors will continue to deal with the problems in books two through four.
This is a novel so I do not expect that it give specific counsel in how to fix our problems, but I was disappointed in the way that it did not dig into how the main characters worked through their personal problems in a more helpful way. I believe many readers will identify to the husband or wife, but rather than being encouraged or equipped to tackle their own marriage issues, they will close the book longing for a romantic ending to their own mess. In short, it makes the process look much easier and simpler than it is in real life.
The Recommendation
I recommend this book for it's clean entertainment value. However, I caution women in struggling marriages to read with caution and guard your own emotions as I believe it would be easy to take on Marilyn's emotions as your own and/or cause your heart to long for the quick and romantic ending that is not as real as we would like to think.
* * *
I received a copy of this book for review purposes, but the opinions I expressed are my own. This book is available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
April 4, 2013
On a sunny day in central Florida, Marilyn has finally had enough, she can't believe she is actually doing what she is going to do, but she does it. She takes just what she needs from her beautiful home in River Oaks, leaves Jim a letter on his dresser and leaves. She is not leaving for good, she just wants space to think. She is tired of being a dangling charm on his arm, the nanny for his children, his maid, cook, and following his every command without him even asking what she thinks.
Jim is a successful businessman who has supplied all of Marilyn's needs, a beautiful home, financial freedom so she can be a stay-at-home mom, yet he has no idea what she really wants, what her desires are, dreams, why? He doesn't ask, nor it seems he cares.
Thus begins both Marilyn and Jim learning to dance both literally and figuratively. Marilyn is living in an apartment, working making her own money, something she has longed to do. She casually meets a Audrey at a restaurant who tells her about dance classes at dance studio that her and her husband use to own. Marilyn begins to take lessons, and finds that she is rather good.
Interestingly enough Audrey begins to coach Jim, not just in dancing, but in marriage.
In doing this Jim begins to see his mistakes, and it's not about Marilyn but about him.
I found myself bawling through different parts of the book.
I also enjoyed that this book was set in Central Florida. :) Gave me lots of good memories of my old haunts!
I knew this book was going to be a home run with Dan Walsh, adding Gary Smalley was the icing on the cake. These two have written a book that will touch your heart and soul, and leave you thinking about the characters long after you close the last page. The good thing is that this is the beginning of a series so we will see more of the Andersons.
I highly recommend this book and shine a light on it for pointing a path to Christ!
Jim is a successful businessman who has supplied all of Marilyn's needs, a beautiful home, financial freedom so she can be a stay-at-home mom, yet he has no idea what she really wants, what her desires are, dreams, why? He doesn't ask, nor it seems he cares.
Thus begins both Marilyn and Jim learning to dance both literally and figuratively. Marilyn is living in an apartment, working making her own money, something she has longed to do. She casually meets a Audrey at a restaurant who tells her about dance classes at dance studio that her and her husband use to own. Marilyn begins to take lessons, and finds that she is rather good.
Interestingly enough Audrey begins to coach Jim, not just in dancing, but in marriage.
In doing this Jim begins to see his mistakes, and it's not about Marilyn but about him.
I found myself bawling through different parts of the book.
I also enjoyed that this book was set in Central Florida. :) Gave me lots of good memories of my old haunts!
I knew this book was going to be a home run with Dan Walsh, adding Gary Smalley was the icing on the cake. These two have written a book that will touch your heart and soul, and leave you thinking about the characters long after you close the last page. The good thing is that this is the beginning of a series so we will see more of the Andersons.
I highly recommend this book and shine a light on it for pointing a path to Christ!
April 8, 2013
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!
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!
May 27, 2018
Touching story, thoughtfully written
Wow. What a remarkable, powerful book. I read this in a day—truly could not put it down!!
Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley did a fantastic job co-authoring this book. Sometimes when authors co-write, you can tell when one author stops and the other starts—the tones shift and the flow stops. But this was seamless. They are a great team in this story.
The scenes with the hurricane were particularly gripping! I had to keep reading until I found out what was going to happen. Very tense, in a good way. Felt like I was right there.
Fabo book and very moving. One I would pick up again in future.
Wow. What a remarkable, powerful book. I read this in a day—truly could not put it down!!
Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley did a fantastic job co-authoring this book. Sometimes when authors co-write, you can tell when one author stops and the other starts—the tones shift and the flow stops. But this was seamless. They are a great team in this story.
The scenes with the hurricane were particularly gripping! I had to keep reading until I found out what was going to happen. Very tense, in a good way. Felt like I was right there.
Fabo book and very moving. One I would pick up again in future.
February 25, 2019
When Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley get together and write a book it has to be good.
This is a great message that all people need to hear. A great eye opener for those of us where are married and filled with information for those who are not.
There’s never been a better time to work on enriching our relationships and this is a great beginning!!!
This is a great message that all people need to hear. A great eye opener for those of us where are married and filled with information for those who are not.
There’s never been a better time to work on enriching our relationships and this is a great beginning!!!
February 26, 2021
I was challenged beyond my original thoughts when I first started reading this book. I am looking forward to reading not only the rest of the series, but also the 2 books recommended at the end, one of which, is, the DNA of Relationships.
June 19, 2020
Loved this. Hope for every wife who feels like a fixture. A lesson for every husband who needs a wake-up call. Beautifully Christ-centered. Smoothly written for an easy read.
November 11, 2013
Jim and Marilyn Anderson have lived in a relatively one-sided marriage since the day they wed and Jim refused to dance with Marilyn, both disappointing and embarrassing her. Jim's refusal to dance with her began a 27-year relationship based on Jim's priorities and demands with little regard for Marilyn's needs and desires. She was merely of a trophy wife, beautiful, the perfect hostess, and dutifully playing the role of a submissive wife. Extremely unhappy, Marilyn quietly leaves Jim in a search for peace and purpose. Jim's reaction to discovering that Marilyn has left him only results in escalating anger. His stress level is already out of control as a result of his struggling business. Both Christians, Jim can't believe that Marilyn would leave him, nor could he understand why.
As Marilyn attempts to work through her anger and unhappiness, she enrolls in a dance class. The freedom she feels as she learns to dance takes away some of the stress of her unfulfilled life. Jim is approached by Audrey, the former owner of the dance studio, and she convinces him to take private lessons from her. Her lessons run far deeper than just the basic dance steps. Audrey begins to open Jim's heart to his failings as a husband. As she weaves these lessons of a successful and happy, Christ-centered relationship with her lessons in dance Jim's fears and inability express himself are revealed. As she shows him these steps he begins to break down and discover the pain that he caused his wife and children, but wonders if he can overcome the damage that has already resulted.
This poignant fictional story of a struggling relationship is blended with examples for finding healing. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley have woven a tapestry of fiction and Christian instruction in making a weak marriage strong through the lives of Jim and Marilyn and the blunders of a disrespectful husband. Though Marilyn's character is portrayed in relative innocence regarding the failing marriage, the focus on Jim's lack of respect and concern for his wife is pivotal in revealing the ravages of a selfish nature, lack of respect, fear of failure and subsequent embarrassment. This book is both heartwrenching and heartwarming as these characters seek forgiveness and mercy in an attempt to find their way to a fulfilling relationship. Fortunately I have the second book in the series, and upon finishing The Dance, immediately began to read it. I'm looking forward to discovering the future for Jim and Marilyn's marriage and their relationships with their grown children.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.
As Marilyn attempts to work through her anger and unhappiness, she enrolls in a dance class. The freedom she feels as she learns to dance takes away some of the stress of her unfulfilled life. Jim is approached by Audrey, the former owner of the dance studio, and she convinces him to take private lessons from her. Her lessons run far deeper than just the basic dance steps. Audrey begins to open Jim's heart to his failings as a husband. As she weaves these lessons of a successful and happy, Christ-centered relationship with her lessons in dance Jim's fears and inability express himself are revealed. As she shows him these steps he begins to break down and discover the pain that he caused his wife and children, but wonders if he can overcome the damage that has already resulted.
This poignant fictional story of a struggling relationship is blended with examples for finding healing. Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley have woven a tapestry of fiction and Christian instruction in making a weak marriage strong through the lives of Jim and Marilyn and the blunders of a disrespectful husband. Though Marilyn's character is portrayed in relative innocence regarding the failing marriage, the focus on Jim's lack of respect and concern for his wife is pivotal in revealing the ravages of a selfish nature, lack of respect, fear of failure and subsequent embarrassment. This book is both heartwrenching and heartwarming as these characters seek forgiveness and mercy in an attempt to find their way to a fulfilling relationship. Fortunately I have the second book in the series, and upon finishing The Dance, immediately began to read it. I'm looking forward to discovering the future for Jim and Marilyn's marriage and their relationships with their grown children.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.
April 7, 2013
I don’t think I have read anything by Gary Smalley before, but I have certainly read every book written by Dan Walsh. He is one of my favorite authors, so I knew this would be a good book. Dan and Gary have come together to create a very readable and realistic story and touched me as I am sure it will touch others.
The Dance is a story about marriage, a troubled marriage. I’m sure there isn’t a married person out there who would not be able to relate to this story somehow. Every marriage has struggles and quite often these struggles can be resolved before it’s too late. This book hit close to home, as I’m sure it will with a lot of readers. I’m sure that is what the authors intended and they did a very good job with it.
I liked how The Dance was a fast read. Sometimes with emotional books, they can be a bit heavy and slow. I don’t care for that. I would rather get to the happy ending and find a little something to take away from a story. This book was good in that way. I think I am going to enjoy the rest of this series from this writing team. I can easily recommend this book to both men and women. Dan Walsh is very good at writing with heart, which appeals to women, but being a man, he is able to appeal to men as well.
The Dance is a story about marriage, a troubled marriage. I’m sure there isn’t a married person out there who would not be able to relate to this story somehow. Every marriage has struggles and quite often these struggles can be resolved before it’s too late. This book hit close to home, as I’m sure it will with a lot of readers. I’m sure that is what the authors intended and they did a very good job with it.
I liked how The Dance was a fast read. Sometimes with emotional books, they can be a bit heavy and slow. I don’t care for that. I would rather get to the happy ending and find a little something to take away from a story. This book was good in that way. I think I am going to enjoy the rest of this series from this writing team. I can easily recommend this book to both men and women. Dan Walsh is very good at writing with heart, which appeals to women, but being a man, he is able to appeal to men as well.
July 15, 2014
the only ready i did not do this one as a 5 is because it started really slow for me fook me a bit to get into it but i have to say that when i got into it. I was not able to put it down even had tears in my eyes at times. My favorite character is Jim. What he learns and how he learns it is something that i can picture and am sure people have gone through. recommend this book to men and women married or not there is a message for all in this one.
October 21, 2015
A must read
It doesn't matter if you think your marriage is perfect or if it is falling apart, there is much to learn. This was a great book with lots of lessons told through Marilyn's story. I could not put it down until I was finished. I can not say enough about how great this book is....YOU just have to read it to see what all the hype is about!
It doesn't matter if you think your marriage is perfect or if it is falling apart, there is much to learn. This was a great book with lots of lessons told through Marilyn's story. I could not put it down until I was finished. I can not say enough about how great this book is....YOU just have to read it to see what all the hype is about!
October 27, 2015
Quick read - predictable book. Husband is too busy with his own interests and work that he doesn't notice his wife's unhappiness until he come home one night to find her gone. The book focuses mostly on the wife 's search to find herself again and in the meantime the husband realizes the mistakes he has made and try's to win her back.
August 27, 2016
A nice enough book. A bit preachy and churchy, which is fine but not really my cup of tea.
October 29, 2019
I loved this story and the teaching that Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley worked into it. It is a story that will stay with me and I would gladly recommend this book to others. It was fun, it was interesting and it was well done.
The book is written by two men and two great Christian authors, but there was one point in particular that seemed wrong and somewhat sexist to me - i.e. Jim was devastated that Marilyn would not only take dance lessons with a man younger than her but that she would be at the dance studio alone with him, and he thought that surely she must be having an affair with this attractive young man, and yet it was perfectly fine and acceptable for him to go to an older, attractive woman's house on a regular basis to take dance lessons from her, and he had a great time doing it. Obviously, if they both wanted and anticipated working on their marriage reconciliation, neither one of them should have been alone with a member of the opposite sex, and especially not in a seductive environment which involved a couple dancing alone together.
Wondering if anyone else found that strange!
The book is written by two men and two great Christian authors, but there was one point in particular that seemed wrong and somewhat sexist to me - i.e. Jim was devastated that Marilyn would not only take dance lessons with a man younger than her but that she would be at the dance studio alone with him, and he thought that surely she must be having an affair with this attractive young man, and yet it was perfectly fine and acceptable for him to go to an older, attractive woman's house on a regular basis to take dance lessons from her, and he had a great time doing it. Obviously, if they both wanted and anticipated working on their marriage reconciliation, neither one of them should have been alone with a member of the opposite sex, and especially not in a seductive environment which involved a couple dancing alone together.
Wondering if anyone else found that strange!
September 15, 2021
Dan and Marilyn Anderson had the perfect Christian marriage - until Marilyn walked out. As Jim struggles to understand Marilyn's leaving, he slowly gains insight into marriage relationships. With two unlikely advisors, Jim tries to win back Marilyn's heart.
Co-written with Gary Smalley, a family relationship expert, Walsh's book has interesting insights into what makes marriages tick. I learned some new marriage strategies that are worth working on.
Walsh's storyline was fairly predictable, however. In his contemporary novels, he tends to get bogged down in boring minutia - describing in detail people ordering food at a restaurant, etc. His characters are mostly believable. I didn't like Jim at first but was rooting for him by the end. I never could understand how Marilyn was so spineless for 27 years, though, and seemed to have no hobbies or friends.
Overall, this was a book that kept me interested until the end, with a satisfying conclusion.
Co-written with Gary Smalley, a family relationship expert, Walsh's book has interesting insights into what makes marriages tick. I learned some new marriage strategies that are worth working on.
Walsh's storyline was fairly predictable, however. In his contemporary novels, he tends to get bogged down in boring minutia - describing in detail people ordering food at a restaurant, etc. His characters are mostly believable. I didn't like Jim at first but was rooting for him by the end. I never could understand how Marilyn was so spineless for 27 years, though, and seemed to have no hobbies or friends.
Overall, this was a book that kept me interested until the end, with a satisfying conclusion.
June 18, 2023
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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.
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?
Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.
December 10, 2018
This was a slow moving book. It was also several decades behind the times when it came to styles, verbage, media, names, attitudes, etc... which took away from the story. It was written in 2013 yet had the focus of the characters & events stuck in the 1990's. It just wasn't believable because of that major discrepancy. I did like what Jim learned throughout the book. And the storyline towards the end finally picked up some speed & was more believable as well as enjoyable to read about. And I am interested in reading the book by Gary Smalley mentioned in the notes at the end of the book called The DNA of Relationships.
February 28, 2025
Fascinating
Wish I had this book 40 years ago, might have saved my marriage. We married young right out of high school and neither of us knew how to relate to one another as spouses. Had a child earlier on and that did not help our personal relationship. I had a poor example as I basically followed my Dad's ways in his marriage. My Christian mother was all that saved their marriage but that did not help me as I figured my dad knew what to do and I didn't learn from my mistakes until many years later after a second failed marriage. EVERY married couple and those planning to marry can certainly benefit by reading this book, especially men.
Wish I had this book 40 years ago, might have saved my marriage. We married young right out of high school and neither of us knew how to relate to one another as spouses. Had a child earlier on and that did not help our personal relationship. I had a poor example as I basically followed my Dad's ways in his marriage. My Christian mother was all that saved their marriage but that did not help me as I figured my dad knew what to do and I didn't learn from my mistakes until many years later after a second failed marriage. EVERY married couple and those planning to marry can certainly benefit by reading this book, especially men.
August 2, 2025
Marriage is a dance.
The analogy holds. Gary Smalley’s understanding of the God-intended relationship of marriage combined with Dan Walsh’s story styling gives this book a “realness” that many other books fail to accomplish. These characters are people you recognize either in your self or someone close to you. Jim’s submission to God’s direction and Marilyn’s sense of guarding her heart against false and inappropriate temptations brings home the necessity to hear wise counsel and heed it. Both these authors are favorites of mine, and they never disappoint me expectations. Enjoy and be inspired.
The analogy holds. Gary Smalley’s understanding of the God-intended relationship of marriage combined with Dan Walsh’s story styling gives this book a “realness” that many other books fail to accomplish. These characters are people you recognize either in your self or someone close to you. Jim’s submission to God’s direction and Marilyn’s sense of guarding her heart against false and inappropriate temptations brings home the necessity to hear wise counsel and heed it. Both these authors are favorites of mine, and they never disappoint me expectations. Enjoy and be inspired.
November 14, 2018
As if reading my autobiography.
So much of this story fit my life but I ended up divorced. Still reading this was somehow encouraging. I’m encouraged to keep praying for God to do the work in my ex and my heart and with the relationship between our children and their dad. I know God can bring the right people into each of our lives to help us make the changes that need to happen. A wonderful helpful book. God bless the author.
So much of this story fit my life but I ended up divorced. Still reading this was somehow encouraging. I’m encouraged to keep praying for God to do the work in my ex and my heart and with the relationship between our children and their dad. I know God can bring the right people into each of our lives to help us make the changes that need to happen. A wonderful helpful book. God bless the author.
July 31, 2020
Written alongside Gary Smalley this book is an excellent read.
What can you do when your wife walks out on you after 27 years and you think that nothing was wrong.
After dealing with his anger Jim Anderson starts on a journey that will lead him to find love and faith again.
Its a journey he doesn't undertake on his own but with the help of his three children, a dance instructor and his Uncle manages to find his way back.
What can you do when your wife walks out on you after 27 years and you think that nothing was wrong.
After dealing with his anger Jim Anderson starts on a journey that will lead him to find love and faith again.
Its a journey he doesn't undertake on his own but with the help of his three children, a dance instructor and his Uncle manages to find his way back.
January 9, 2023
The Missing Ingredient
Love, genuine and true, is the missing ingredient in many relationships today. Not just between wives and husbands, but in all family relationships, including the family of God. Walsh and Smalley's instincts and insights on relationships make their efforts insightful and entertaining at the same. I am going to purchase the next book in this 4 book series, THE PROMISE, as soon as I finish writing this review of The Dance.
Love, genuine and true, is the missing ingredient in many relationships today. Not just between wives and husbands, but in all family relationships, including the family of God. Walsh and Smalley's instincts and insights on relationships make their efforts insightful and entertaining at the same. I am going to purchase the next book in this 4 book series, THE PROMISE, as soon as I finish writing this review of The Dance.
February 1, 2025
Unrealistic
This book reminded me of why I stopped reading Christian fiction. Its always rich people with perfect lives and this is no different, its a stupid hallmark movie really.
And if they'd said one more time that they're Christian and they can't get divorced, I'd scream. Both main characters are selfish and childish, its shocking they're even married adults. But that's par for the course with Christian novels. I don't plan on reading the rest of this gag inducing crap
This book reminded me of why I stopped reading Christian fiction. Its always rich people with perfect lives and this is no different, its a stupid hallmark movie really.
And if they'd said one more time that they're Christian and they can't get divorced, I'd scream. Both main characters are selfish and childish, its shocking they're even married adults. But that's par for the course with Christian novels. I don't plan on reading the rest of this gag inducing crap
March 7, 2025
Aan het begin moet je even inkomen, maar later zit je in het verhaal.
Het woord: herstel past bij dit boek. De schrijvers weten heel mooi te beschrijven hoe je een relatie kan herstellen. Ben je bereidt om naar jezelf te kijken, hulp te vragen van anderen en je laten transformeren?
Durf jij moeilijke vragen aan jezelf te stellen en te vragen aan de ander wat hij/zij ziet.
Mooi verhaal; die je weer scherp zet om naar jezelf te kijken.
Het woord: herstel past bij dit boek. De schrijvers weten heel mooi te beschrijven hoe je een relatie kan herstellen. Ben je bereidt om naar jezelf te kijken, hulp te vragen van anderen en je laten transformeren?
Durf jij moeilijke vragen aan jezelf te stellen en te vragen aan de ander wat hij/zij ziet.
Mooi verhaal; die je weer scherp zet om naar jezelf te kijken.
February 8, 2017
This couple has been married for years. They have three grown up children. Now, the wife has chosen to separate from her husband, Jim. My heart goes out to Marilyn, the wife. At the moment, I think the husband is selfish and lost in the woods somewhere. I would like to take his side too. I hope to empathize with both of them soon.
I should have guessed. I've changed my mind. I now find myself sympathizing with Jim. I feel Marilyn could have been more orderly in the way she left her marriage.
I should have guessed. I've changed my mind. I now find myself sympathizing with Jim. I feel Marilyn could have been more orderly in the way she left her marriage.
March 17, 2018
Love Me As Yourself
Marilyn and Jim had what seemed to be a good life, 27 years of marriage, 3 children, very well off, but Marilyn was so unhappy. It started on the day they married and gone down hill from there. Marilyn lost herself, and in many ways their children suffered also. Read this book and find out how Jim and Marilyn found their way back together.
Marilyn and Jim had what seemed to be a good life, 27 years of marriage, 3 children, very well off, but Marilyn was so unhappy. It started on the day they married and gone down hill from there. Marilyn lost herself, and in many ways their children suffered also. Read this book and find out how Jim and Marilyn found their way back together.
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