This Dance

Sisters Redeemed #1

by Jerusha Agen

No love, no pain. No God, no games.

A tragedy three years ago destroyed Nye's rise to the top of the dancing world as an upcoming tango star, and in the process destroyed her reason for living, too. She survived the pain and built a new life resembling nothing like the one she left behind, determined never to hurt again.

Nye's emotional walls hold up perfectly until she meets a handsome lawyer and an elderly landowner. They seem harmless, but one awakens feelings she doesn't want and the other makes her face the God she can't forgive. Will these two men help Nye dance again?

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2013

About the author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit it: I'm a reader who judges a book by its cover. Before I'll even pick up a book or click on its image to read the plot summary, the picture and title have got to catch both my eye and my interest. "This Dance" did just that, and the story inside didn't disappoint -- it was every bit as engaging as the cover suggested. The characters are well developed and full of life, to the point where I felt I knew them as friends and could relate to their struggles, fears, and joys as they faced personal, financial, moral, and spiritual challenges. Some books hover around the thoughts and actions of the protagonists so long that you get sick of them, but this writer knows how to weave other characters into the plot, adding another realistic dimension that enriches the reading experience. Most of all, I loved how the author realistically portrayed the spiritual inadequacies and personal struggles of the main characters, creating believable (and far too relatable!) scenarios, in which the individuals faced the consequences of their decisions and had to make choices that would change the course of their lives. By the time I finished this first book, I was hooked on the series! In addition to my Kindle version, I have bought several hard copies of the book to loan out and give to people and to keep one on my bookshelf for future readings.

[Emily Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is that by the end, I was reading fast to see what answers the characters would find to their questions about why bad things happen. I've been a Christian for over two decades and have heard the answers before, but this novel drew me in to re-experience those questions with Nye to the point where I nearly cried twice-not something fiction does to me all that often.

I did rate this at four stars instead of five because there was a section of the story that felt a little slow to me, but this was well-worth the read, and I ended up invested in the story and the characters. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review, which I've done :)

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I rarely read Christian romance. I know that makes me a bit of hypocrite, especially since I wrote a romance into my own book. But in fairness to the author - I almost never read traditional Christian romance.
Ms. Agen's book was a rare exception, and I enjoyed the time spent between the pages of her story. I found the characters relatable - and surprisingly - they comforted me. The main character's fear of developing deep, authentic relationships with anyone - male OR female- was realistic.
Though this book follows the Christian romance template to a "T," which means there are no surprises, it was pleasant to read something different for a change. I recommend this book to those who read Christian romance novels and who love the Hallmark Channel.
Well written.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nye is a woman who has it all under control. She’s built an impervious wall, a cocoon about herself, in order to protect herself from ever being hurt again. Pride is the mortar she used. She’s not protecting herself--she’s constructed a tomb.

This Dance kept me reading--sometimes holding my breath--though I was so exasperated at times with the leading lady. Why couldn’t she see what I saw? Why couldn’t she understand? Yes, she wanted the jaw-dropping handsome guy who was offering her forever love, but she just couldn’t allow him in. Or anyone else, for that matter. And this is real. I know people just like this, who struggle through their days as their own worst enemy. Bound up in fear, frozen in time.

For Nye, it took the humble, loving words of an elderly man who--like her--had suffered great loss. But he had learned the all-important lesson. The one he passed to her. The one she finally heard.

I was given this ebook, I didn’t buy it. But it is one I will keep and reread at some point. There is much to glean from a life like Nye’s. I look forward to continuing the story of the Sanders sisters in This Shadow, and will look for more written by Jerusha Agen in the future.

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Dark and Charming Romance

Though slow at times, this was an entertaining and emotional love story.

One thing I hate the about so many Christian romance novels is the implication it's right or wise to be marrying people off after only 2-6 months of dating. Eek! If real life Christians rush into wedlock like their inspy romance counterparts, no wonder so many are getting divorced...

[Bettilu Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Dance was very well written. At the beginning of each chapter there were quotes concerning Dance, which I believe were a reference to the life we live in relationship to God. I didn't always understand those quotes. However, the book itself was riveting, emotional, and kept me turning to the next page. I don't always rush into buying an author's next book, but I've already downloaded Agen's next book to my Kindle..

[Nicole]

First off...great character names!
Loved these characters and their story. They were both believable and relevant in their search for meaning and love. Their relationship was very natural... and Cullen was totally swoon-worthy!
My heart hurt for Nye and the tragic loss in her past. I wanted her to find healing and hope again...
Such a beautifully written story.
Jerusha Agen knows how to write!!!

[Heather Lochridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I truly enjoyed this book. I thought it was very well written. I would most definitely recommend this author to others.

[Katie Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I reread This Dance, I loved it more than I did the first time. Vivid details captured even the smallest moments in unique ways. I strongly identified with Nye to the point of shedding a few tears. (I never cry when I read!) The theme of treasuring relationships was beautifully handled without turning preachy. And along the way, just enough clues about the tragedy were given, which kept me turning the pages.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
I loved how the author brought the characters hurt, pain and coldness to life. She didn't fall in love easily. She dealt with her pain and worked through it in this book.
I loved the sister relationship and cannot wait to see what the next book holds!

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

This is a great story of tragedy and love. Nye struggles with lost in her life. It keeps her from finding peace.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich and interesting characters.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

First the cover, then each chapter started with a verse or quote about dance and dancing. These draw you into the story, with only hints that dancing carries beauty but also terror for Nye the main character. The mystery is deftly woven into a business intrigue that include's Nye's boss, but also a mystery behind why an old man doesn't want to sell his property. It's a delightful love story as well, with wonderful characters.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No attachments. That’s how Nye has chosen to live her life now. No attachments in friendship and no attachments to her job. That way, if something bad ever happens, again, she could easily cut ties and start her life anew. Attachments were not worth the risk of possible. She has had too much of that in her life and she blames God for every bit of it.

Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, they do, and they get better at the same time. She just needs to open her eyes to see that, to see how God is working in her life, trying to get her attention and draw her back to Him.

Some books are predictable. This Dance wasn’t one of them. Although there were some aspects of the story that I figured where it was going, other parts were completely unpredictable. That made it an even more enjoyable read for me. I like to be surprised once in a while.