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Deep Within #1
Dance from Deep Within
Despite her conservative Muslim heritage, Layla Al-Rai longs for a chance to earn her degree in engineering and perhaps even...dare she dream...to choose her own husband. But young women from her background rarely enjoy such freedoms. When she finally talks her parents into letting her attend college, she is drawn to fellow twenty-something students, Allie and Rain, over a class project. Allie, the blonde ballerina, faces her own struggles as she deals with an ex-fiancé and a church she had hoped to leave behind. Rain, the bi-racial hippie chick, longs for something to believe in, but her questioning could cost her the love of her life. When Layla s childhood sweetheart reenters her world, it seems her dreams might become real. Until everything falls apart. When she meets truth face to face, will she find the courage to accept it even if it requires the ultimate sacrifice?
348 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2013
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 18, 2017
The lives of Rain, Allie, and Layla are authentic, believable, and fraught with life issues. I loved how Ms. Sleiman didn’t force salvation on the characters. All of their reactions were very realistic to me.
I appreciated exploring the hippie culture that Rain grew up in. It’s not something I know a lot about. I also loved Rain’s character. She cracked me up and at times broke my little heart. I can’t wait to see her in any sequels. (There will be more, right?)
I enjoyed Allie’s character. Her quite faith was refreshing, but not without trials. My heart ached for her and wanted so much for her to have closure. I LOVED the ending for her.
Layla. *sigh* I knew I would like her character from the get go. She has a quite strength that is undeniable. Her faith journey tugged at my heart. I wanted to pray for her, but remembered she wasn’t real. Still, there are those who are living her life and that brings me to my knees.
Overall, this book has greatness in spades. In the diversity department, 5 stars. Can’t get more diverse than a Christian, Muslim, and hippe. In the faith department, 5 stars. Seriously, any time you have a Christian overcoming untruths, a hippie searching for truth, and a Muslim looking at Christianity, you know the faith element is going to be off the charts. There’s also romance sprinkled in that makes me happy. All in all, a must read!
*Much thanks to my local library to adding to my book reading habit.
**First appeared on: https://diversitybetweenthepages.word...
I appreciated exploring the hippie culture that Rain grew up in. It’s not something I know a lot about. I also loved Rain’s character. She cracked me up and at times broke my little heart. I can’t wait to see her in any sequels. (There will be more, right?)
I enjoyed Allie’s character. Her quite faith was refreshing, but not without trials. My heart ached for her and wanted so much for her to have closure. I LOVED the ending for her.
Layla. *sigh* I knew I would like her character from the get go. She has a quite strength that is undeniable. Her faith journey tugged at my heart. I wanted to pray for her, but remembered she wasn’t real. Still, there are those who are living her life and that brings me to my knees.
Overall, this book has greatness in spades. In the diversity department, 5 stars. Can’t get more diverse than a Christian, Muslim, and hippe. In the faith department, 5 stars. Seriously, any time you have a Christian overcoming untruths, a hippie searching for truth, and a Muslim looking at Christianity, you know the faith element is going to be off the charts. There’s also romance sprinkled in that makes me happy. All in all, a must read!
*Much thanks to my local library to adding to my book reading habit.
**First appeared on: https://diversitybetweenthepages.word...
November 11, 2013
After all my hard work, of course I think it's great ;) But seriously, I finished this book in 2010, and going back and reading it with fresh eyes has given me a new appreciation for it. Picking a favorite novel I've written is kind of like picking a favorite child, but I really think this is the one. It has the most depth and substance of any of my novels, while still being a fun, entertaining, and even romantic read. I hope you will be blessed.
March 17, 2014
*I was an editor on this book*
I love books that challenge my cultural views, and that give me a new understanding of my world. That's what this story does, by combining the viewpoints of an unlikely group of friends. Loved seeing how faith and love developed.
I love books that challenge my cultural views, and that give me a new understanding of my world. That's what this story does, by combining the viewpoints of an unlikely group of friends. Loved seeing how faith and love developed.
December 13, 2013
The author paints a clear picture of the oft clashing cultures of Christianity, Humanism and Muslim and offers us three strong young women who must, for the sake of a class, work together to investigate each other's religions. D.L Sleiman does an excellent job of respectfully delving into each one, revealing their strengths and weakness in clear, honest investigation. The characters of Allie, Rain, and Layla feel real and deep. As each of them goes about sharing about their upbringings, their families and their trials and blessings from their own perspectives, the reader is given an empathetic look into the stresses and pressures each culture applies.
Writing a novel from three different points of view is no easy task--but the author does so seamlessly. I was never left feeling that one character got more page time than another. Having grown up in a cultural area heavy with Christian, pagan and humanistic beliefs, I can say she did a great job portraying those cultures. And having only heard what the media portrays as truth from a Muslim perspective, I found that introduction honest and respectful. All in all, Sleiman used a gentle, respectful, loving hand to guide the reader into areas they might never have tread before.
The only down side for me was the use of The Message as a true biblical translation--which it's not. I think a lot of Christian churches include it these days, trying to connect with youth better, but I've found it lacking in many ways, and sometimes out and out wrong in its interpretation. Outside of this criticism, this book was heart-touching and real, examining the struggles we all have in connecting respectfully to one another--and how we can honestly share our faith in a true, loving, impactful way. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Writing a novel from three different points of view is no easy task--but the author does so seamlessly. I was never left feeling that one character got more page time than another. Having grown up in a cultural area heavy with Christian, pagan and humanistic beliefs, I can say she did a great job portraying those cultures. And having only heard what the media portrays as truth from a Muslim perspective, I found that introduction honest and respectful. All in all, Sleiman used a gentle, respectful, loving hand to guide the reader into areas they might never have tread before.
The only down side for me was the use of The Message as a true biblical translation--which it's not. I think a lot of Christian churches include it these days, trying to connect with youth better, but I've found it lacking in many ways, and sometimes out and out wrong in its interpretation. Outside of this criticism, this book was heart-touching and real, examining the struggles we all have in connecting respectfully to one another--and how we can honestly share our faith in a true, loving, impactful way. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
June 9, 2018
Dance from Deep Within is the story of three young women in the same college, who work together on a class project. The three women are quite different and come from different backgrounds: a white American girl who has been raised in a Christian home, a biracial young woman who has been raised by parents from the "hippy" generation who are free thinkers, and a Muslim woman whose parents have given her permission to attend college to earn an engineering degree, something way out of the norm for the Muslim culture.
Dance from Deep Within captured my attention from the first page and I was intrigued with the three young women. Their class project led them in a Dance with the Spirit and started them thinking and searching their hearts and minds. I enjoyed following their journey so much and by the end of the story, I felt like these three young women were friends of mine. I was disappointed when I found that not everything was completely wrapped up at the end of the book and that there was to be a sequel that wasn't yet available. (I am happy to say that the sequel, "Dare from Deep Within" is now also available.
This story explored issues that we all struggle with, as well as introduced cultures that might be new to you. I know one of the cultures presented is new to me. It's a well told story with a powerful story line and I highly recommend it.
Dance from Deep Within captured my attention from the first page and I was intrigued with the three young women. Their class project led them in a Dance with the Spirit and started them thinking and searching their hearts and minds. I enjoyed following their journey so much and by the end of the story, I felt like these three young women were friends of mine. I was disappointed when I found that not everything was completely wrapped up at the end of the book and that there was to be a sequel that wasn't yet available. (I am happy to say that the sequel, "Dare from Deep Within" is now also available.
This story explored issues that we all struggle with, as well as introduced cultures that might be new to you. I know one of the cultures presented is new to me. It's a well told story with a powerful story line and I highly recommend it.
January 19, 2014
Dance from Deep Within is an excellent read. What I liked most was the author’s depiction of Layla, the Muslim Lebanese college student who, while reserved and somewhat fearful of her new life in America, is also inquisitive and embracing of the new culture in which she finds herself. I know many Laylas. I teach young Muslim women from the Middle East in my English as a Second Language courses at the university. They are excited to study in the U.S. while keeping their culture intact. They are extremely open to dialogue about culture and religion and long to make American friends.
I hope Americans who read Dance from Deep Within will see that Layla represents most of those under the veil of Islam. She’s not someone to be afraid of or shunned because of her culture. If we have an open mind and the love of God in our hearts, befriending those from the Middle East will be a joyful and extremely rewarding experience.
Melody
I hope Americans who read Dance from Deep Within will see that Layla represents most of those under the veil of Islam. She’s not someone to be afraid of or shunned because of her culture. If we have an open mind and the love of God in our hearts, befriending those from the Middle East will be a joyful and extremely rewarding experience.
Melody
November 18, 2013
This was such an invigorating and exciting read. It has been a good 6-12 months since I fell so hard and fast for a storyline where I was thinking about the book and the characters even when I wasn't reading it. What I liked most about this book is it seems completely believable and the characters seem like such real people. This book has me longing for more about each character and I desperately want to know what will happen next. I eagerly wait for book 2-
Each and every character in the book is on their own journey which is captured in the details and guided imagery. What a wonderful blessing and labor of love for the author.
Each and every character in the book is on their own journey which is captured in the details and guided imagery. What a wonderful blessing and labor of love for the author.
February 3, 2014
Excellent book! Spiritually deep, memorable characters, and it will touch your soul. A must read!
January 26, 2025
A Christian, a Muslim, and a hippie walk into college...
No, it's not a bad joke. Allie, Layla, and Rain really are thrown together for a freshman seminar project. Their professor has paired his class into diverse trios. His goal is to have everyone learn as much as possible about each other's upbringing, culture, and beliefs. What happens instead is a deep friendship, told from the POVs of three young ladies, which form a compelling young adult novel.
It would have been criminally easy for Dina to make Layla, Rain, and Allie stereotypical--cardboard representations of what the average reader, especially a Christian, thinks these people are supposed to be. However, these women are anything but cardboard characters. Allie struggles with what I've heard referred to as religious PTSD, and how to maintain her beliefs and creative expression at the same time. Layla is a conservative Muslim who's curious about Jesus, but she doesn't take the traditional route of converting quickly, nor is her family out for blood immediately after her conversion. (Layla's uncle does become violent, but it's much more underplayed than I normally see in books like this). Rain is what you might call a "hippie" or "progressive," but still longs to be a good wife and a mom.
The plot itself is carefully crafted. Juggling three perspectives isn't easy, but Dina does it quite well. At various points I found myself identifying with all three girls and wanting to know how each story would turn out. If I had to choose a favorite scene, it would probably be the final dance performance. Allie's story is my favorite plotline--the one that stuck in my head and the one I could relate to most. Layla is the character I rooted for the most, because arguably she had the highest stakes.
My only problem with this book is that it left me hanging. The back of the book promises a sequel, but I have searched everywhere and see no evidence such a book has or will exist. In that, Dina dropped the ball. However, if I have to content myself with just one installment, I could do much worse. I wish there were more books like this throughout the Christian and secular markets.
*UPDATE*: This review was originally written several years ago and cross-posted on Amazon; there is in fact a sequel!*
No, it's not a bad joke. Allie, Layla, and Rain really are thrown together for a freshman seminar project. Their professor has paired his class into diverse trios. His goal is to have everyone learn as much as possible about each other's upbringing, culture, and beliefs. What happens instead is a deep friendship, told from the POVs of three young ladies, which form a compelling young adult novel.
It would have been criminally easy for Dina to make Layla, Rain, and Allie stereotypical--cardboard representations of what the average reader, especially a Christian, thinks these people are supposed to be. However, these women are anything but cardboard characters. Allie struggles with what I've heard referred to as religious PTSD, and how to maintain her beliefs and creative expression at the same time. Layla is a conservative Muslim who's curious about Jesus, but she doesn't take the traditional route of converting quickly, nor is her family out for blood immediately after her conversion. (Layla's uncle does become violent, but it's much more underplayed than I normally see in books like this). Rain is what you might call a "hippie" or "progressive," but still longs to be a good wife and a mom.
The plot itself is carefully crafted. Juggling three perspectives isn't easy, but Dina does it quite well. At various points I found myself identifying with all three girls and wanting to know how each story would turn out. If I had to choose a favorite scene, it would probably be the final dance performance. Allie's story is my favorite plotline--the one that stuck in my head and the one I could relate to most. Layla is the character I rooted for the most, because arguably she had the highest stakes.
My only problem with this book is that it left me hanging. The back of the book promises a sequel, but I have searched everywhere and see no evidence such a book has or will exist. In that, Dina dropped the ball. However, if I have to content myself with just one installment, I could do much worse. I wish there were more books like this throughout the Christian and secular markets.
*UPDATE*: This review was originally written several years ago and cross-posted on Amazon; there is in fact a sequel!*
October 29, 2017
Layla, Rain, and Allie first meet each other in class at college. They’ll be collaborating on Unity in Diversity writing assignments for the semester. But they’ll need each other for more than that as they face new challenges of culture, faith, and love in Dance from Deep Within, a novel by author D.L. Sleiman.
Likely no big surprise, but it was the racially and religiously diverse aspects of this book that attracted me to it, without my knowing anything else about the plot. While I’ve read mainstream fiction and nonfiction with this kind of diversity, and have seen a little more of it in some Christian thrillers, this may be my first encounter with it in a contemporary women’s ChristFic novel.
There’s a lot going on in the three main ladies’ lives, and I’m already anticipating reading the sequel. Now, the characters’ feelings and thoughts would run the gamut (perhaps slipping from enlightening contemplation to idling in place sometimes), so I had a little difficulty following along emotionally here and there. I also have some trouble when proselytizing and romance mix in novels, as it makes me feel iffy about the characters’ motives and the timing of it all.
I’ll admit the story’s “Jesus visions” became a bit much for me—not because I don’t believe in visions, but with it happening a few times and to more than one character, it started to feel like too convenient a tack for the plot. Also, considering how fierce parents can be, I didn’t find a particular scene to ring the truest to life, as I believe a parent would spring to action much faster in such a dubious situation.
Still, I enjoyed the dynamics between Layla, Rain, and Allie throughout the book, and a scene showing how ride-or-die they become got me especially pumped about their friendship. Again, I’m looking forward to seeing what the sequel has in store for these women.
_____________
WhiteFire Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Likely no big surprise, but it was the racially and religiously diverse aspects of this book that attracted me to it, without my knowing anything else about the plot. While I’ve read mainstream fiction and nonfiction with this kind of diversity, and have seen a little more of it in some Christian thrillers, this may be my first encounter with it in a contemporary women’s ChristFic novel.
There’s a lot going on in the three main ladies’ lives, and I’m already anticipating reading the sequel. Now, the characters’ feelings and thoughts would run the gamut (perhaps slipping from enlightening contemplation to idling in place sometimes), so I had a little difficulty following along emotionally here and there. I also have some trouble when proselytizing and romance mix in novels, as it makes me feel iffy about the characters’ motives and the timing of it all.
I’ll admit the story’s “Jesus visions” became a bit much for me—not because I don’t believe in visions, but with it happening a few times and to more than one character, it started to feel like too convenient a tack for the plot. Also, considering how fierce parents can be, I didn’t find a particular scene to ring the truest to life, as I believe a parent would spring to action much faster in such a dubious situation.
Still, I enjoyed the dynamics between Layla, Rain, and Allie throughout the book, and a scene showing how ride-or-die they become got me especially pumped about their friendship. Again, I’m looking forward to seeing what the sequel has in store for these women.
_____________
WhiteFire Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
"It's time for us to stop worrying about who we're supposed to be and start figuring out who we're going to become."
Yes, I read this in just over 24 hours! It caught me, and I couldn't quit until it was done. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because it wasn't challenging for me in the way the very best books are. (I'm stingy with that last star.)
Sleiman created accessible, authentic characters and placed them in intriguing situations. Personally, I would love to have a class project where I shared and learned from people of other cultures! I thought it was a bit too neat, plot-wise, that all three girls had a love interest almost from the beginning, and **spoiler alert** that all three couples were together by the end of the book. Sleiman has clearly done her research into Islam and that hippy/New Age/social consciousness we see so often these days. For the most part, I found her even-handed and nonjudgmental while clearly establishing her Christian perspective.
I recommend this book for women who are interested in learning about other cultures in America, especially those who long to share their love for Jesus with their friends of other faiths.
Yes, I read this in just over 24 hours! It caught me, and I couldn't quit until it was done. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because it wasn't challenging for me in the way the very best books are. (I'm stingy with that last star.)
Sleiman created accessible, authentic characters and placed them in intriguing situations. Personally, I would love to have a class project where I shared and learned from people of other cultures! I thought it was a bit too neat, plot-wise, that all three girls had a love interest almost from the beginning, and **spoiler alert** that all three couples were together by the end of the book. Sleiman has clearly done her research into Islam and that hippy/New Age/social consciousness we see so often these days. For the most part, I found her even-handed and nonjudgmental while clearly establishing her Christian perspective.
I recommend this book for women who are interested in learning about other cultures in America, especially those who long to share their love for Jesus with their friends of other faiths.
November 19, 2017
Simply put, I was astounded by Dance from Deep Within. The complex variety of themes matched with characters so real that they could have passed me in the street kept me glued to the book. This novel effectively intertwines several story threads, and despite the incredible amount of material covered, I was able to follow everything. There are so many different details given about the character’s emotions, cultures, and lives that they danced into my imagination, only to find a permanent place. Sleiman is a gifted author! Above all, this is an impactful story about how Christ unites people from all backgrounds. While some of my own beliefs were challenged, I was so grateful for it. I now have much to think about and discuss with friends and family.
This book is an ambitious undertaking that became a complete success! Highly recommended. Read it and savor it.
This book is an ambitious undertaking that became a complete success! Highly recommended. Read it and savor it.
July 4, 2018
2.5 stars
I hate that I have to give this such a low rating. :(
I love the authors other books (published under Dina Sleiman), and had every hope and expectation that this one would become a favourite too. And I did really like how it was written, and it was easy to follow along with, easy to understand the characters, and I enjoyed their stories, really I did. But the spiritual basis – there was too much that made me uncomfortable.
Each of the three characters, Layla, Allie, and Rain, are searching for Truth in their own ways. They are each very diverse, come from very different backgrounds, but they form a tight bond which each other. And I loved their friendship.
But, as I said, their spiritual beliefs, in the end, did not seem Biblical to me. It was as they treated God too casual. There is a Nicole Nordemon song that says “Let me not forget to tremble” before the Lord. And that song continued to pop itself into my mind as I felt unsettled about various parts of the book. Yes, Jesus is always with us, always here, but He is still Lord. We still owe Him our reverence, because He is Holy. And I felt that the Holiness was missing here.
Also, I was very uncomfortable with the fact that, throughout the book, it was continually referenced that Yahweh and “Allah” were one and the same God. And I cannot agree with that. Their characteristics alone are not similar, they are not the same God. There is only One True God. Yahweh, I Am.
I appreciate Layla’s dedication to what she believed was ‘God’, but do not feel she was worshiping the true God.
Of each of the characters, I think Rain was my favourite – the hippie. A lot of her story was one that pulled on your heart, and her searching was real, and realistic. If I read the second book, it would be because of her.
This is not to say I didn’t enjoy the other two – I rooted for Layla and her story, and Allie to find her own healing too. But I didn’t care for Allie’s view on faith, with all the death-metal vibes, and laissez faire attitude about God.
And the use of the Message Bible made my heart weep. I know a review is not really the place for such a discussion, but I cannot let it go unmentioned that this version takes out the reverence and Holiness of God. The verses used…they are such a far distance from the real Truth, and yes, made my soul sorrow.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I hate that I have to give this such a low rating. :(
I love the authors other books (published under Dina Sleiman), and had every hope and expectation that this one would become a favourite too. And I did really like how it was written, and it was easy to follow along with, easy to understand the characters, and I enjoyed their stories, really I did. But the spiritual basis – there was too much that made me uncomfortable.
Each of the three characters, Layla, Allie, and Rain, are searching for Truth in their own ways. They are each very diverse, come from very different backgrounds, but they form a tight bond which each other. And I loved their friendship.
But, as I said, their spiritual beliefs, in the end, did not seem Biblical to me. It was as they treated God too casual. There is a Nicole Nordemon song that says “Let me not forget to tremble” before the Lord. And that song continued to pop itself into my mind as I felt unsettled about various parts of the book. Yes, Jesus is always with us, always here, but He is still Lord. We still owe Him our reverence, because He is Holy. And I felt that the Holiness was missing here.
Also, I was very uncomfortable with the fact that, throughout the book, it was continually referenced that Yahweh and “Allah” were one and the same God. And I cannot agree with that. Their characteristics alone are not similar, they are not the same God. There is only One True God. Yahweh, I Am.
I appreciate Layla’s dedication to what she believed was ‘God’, but do not feel she was worshiping the true God.
Of each of the characters, I think Rain was my favourite – the hippie. A lot of her story was one that pulled on your heart, and her searching was real, and realistic. If I read the second book, it would be because of her.
This is not to say I didn’t enjoy the other two – I rooted for Layla and her story, and Allie to find her own healing too. But I didn’t care for Allie’s view on faith, with all the death-metal vibes, and laissez faire attitude about God.
And the use of the Message Bible made my heart weep. I know a review is not really the place for such a discussion, but I cannot let it go unmentioned that this version takes out the reverence and Holiness of God. The verses used…they are such a far distance from the real Truth, and yes, made my soul sorrow.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 26, 2013
5 Stars*****
In this contemporary Christian novel Dina Sleiman introduces us to three young women who come from three extremely different walks of life. Each one believes their way is the road to happiness, but when their professor assigns a project where they have to learn more about the others beliefs, neither of these women will ever be the same.
Layla Al-Rai, a devout young Muslim woman is excited to finally have the chance to earn her engineering degree. Most Muslim women are not given this much freedom, Layla is very grateful to Allah for this privilege. Layla hopes this assignment will allow her to share more about herself and she in turn will learn more about her two new friends.
Allie Carmichael, a ballerina who decided to come back to school after an eight year stint with a Christian dance company. Allie has been a Christian most of her life; she was raised by strict parents and made to attend a church where it seemed everything she did or longed to do was “sinful” including her dancing. Allie is eager to share her beliefs about the one true God with the intriguing young women she has just met.
Rain Butler-Briggs is a bi-racial upbeat free-spirited hippie. Rain is working on an English degree so she can finish her book detailing all the various places she has been in her life as a child and as a young woman traveling the world with her bohemian boyfriend. Rain was raised with the mentality if it feels good or makes you happy, do it.
Will these three young women find the happiness they long for? Will Allie be able to overcome the dark secrets from her childhood and reconcile with her parents and her ex-fiancé? Will Layla make the right choice and follow her heart or will she remain forever in bondage to her family’s religion? Will Rain be able to have the one thing she most desires or will she have to choose between it and her boyfriend? Will these young ladies find their way to the One who writes the symphony to which their hearts long to dance?
I always look forward to reading Ms. Sleiman’s books and this one was by far my favorite. I found myself rapidly flipping the pages to see what outcome was in store for these three young ladies. Each of these characters will find their way into your heart the more you read about them. Layla’s story was the most touching as she had the most to lose if she followed her heart. I loved the way Ms. Sleiman dealt with each ones challenges; it pulled me into the story and held me there until the last page was turned. The depth with which Ms. Sleiman has written this story makes me know she put her whole heart into it! I was truly blessed to have been able to read it.
In this contemporary Christian novel Dina Sleiman introduces us to three young women who come from three extremely different walks of life. Each one believes their way is the road to happiness, but when their professor assigns a project where they have to learn more about the others beliefs, neither of these women will ever be the same.
Layla Al-Rai, a devout young Muslim woman is excited to finally have the chance to earn her engineering degree. Most Muslim women are not given this much freedom, Layla is very grateful to Allah for this privilege. Layla hopes this assignment will allow her to share more about herself and she in turn will learn more about her two new friends.
Allie Carmichael, a ballerina who decided to come back to school after an eight year stint with a Christian dance company. Allie has been a Christian most of her life; she was raised by strict parents and made to attend a church where it seemed everything she did or longed to do was “sinful” including her dancing. Allie is eager to share her beliefs about the one true God with the intriguing young women she has just met.
Rain Butler-Briggs is a bi-racial upbeat free-spirited hippie. Rain is working on an English degree so she can finish her book detailing all the various places she has been in her life as a child and as a young woman traveling the world with her bohemian boyfriend. Rain was raised with the mentality if it feels good or makes you happy, do it.
Will these three young women find the happiness they long for? Will Allie be able to overcome the dark secrets from her childhood and reconcile with her parents and her ex-fiancé? Will Layla make the right choice and follow her heart or will she remain forever in bondage to her family’s religion? Will Rain be able to have the one thing she most desires or will she have to choose between it and her boyfriend? Will these young ladies find their way to the One who writes the symphony to which their hearts long to dance?
I always look forward to reading Ms. Sleiman’s books and this one was by far my favorite. I found myself rapidly flipping the pages to see what outcome was in store for these three young ladies. Each of these characters will find their way into your heart the more you read about them. Layla’s story was the most touching as she had the most to lose if she followed her heart. I loved the way Ms. Sleiman dealt with each ones challenges; it pulled me into the story and held me there until the last page was turned. The depth with which Ms. Sleiman has written this story makes me know she put her whole heart into it! I was truly blessed to have been able to read it.
December 30, 2013
D. L. Sleiman is a fine writer. She writes with passion and delicacy and skill. Her latest novel is no exception.
I had little idea what to expect from the storyline. Three vastly different women, all entangled in complex romantic relationships, attending a university and working together on a diversity project. Conflicts abound in this novel, the first in a series published by WhiteFire Publishing.
Sleiman tackles difficult subject matters in this contemporary novel. Religion. Politics. Abortion. Islam. Universalism. Conservatism. She does so without inflicting a heavy hand. She does so with grace, dignity, and compassion. I'm grateful for the way in which she does not condemn in her prose. She welcomes and sheds light and truth and love.
Throughout the reading, I wondered how the characters would find resolution, their conflicts often seemed too complex. Each resolved, but not too much, leaving me eager for the next installment of this series. Near the end of the book, my heartbeat quickened and tears filled my eyes. I'd become attached to Layla, Rain, and Allie. So much so that I desired a good ending for them.
This book is a fabulous consideration for a book club, Church group, or for a woman looking for a convicting and moving read. I learned much about Muslim faith and culture that I wouldn't have otherwise. Sleiman's greatest gift to the readers of this novel is to put human faces, emotions, and lives to a people group we often don't take the time to understand and love. Her passion for Middle Eastern people is clear in this beautiful novel.
I had little idea what to expect from the storyline. Three vastly different women, all entangled in complex romantic relationships, attending a university and working together on a diversity project. Conflicts abound in this novel, the first in a series published by WhiteFire Publishing.
Sleiman tackles difficult subject matters in this contemporary novel. Religion. Politics. Abortion. Islam. Universalism. Conservatism. She does so without inflicting a heavy hand. She does so with grace, dignity, and compassion. I'm grateful for the way in which she does not condemn in her prose. She welcomes and sheds light and truth and love.
Throughout the reading, I wondered how the characters would find resolution, their conflicts often seemed too complex. Each resolved, but not too much, leaving me eager for the next installment of this series. Near the end of the book, my heartbeat quickened and tears filled my eyes. I'd become attached to Layla, Rain, and Allie. So much so that I desired a good ending for them.
This book is a fabulous consideration for a book club, Church group, or for a woman looking for a convicting and moving read. I learned much about Muslim faith and culture that I wouldn't have otherwise. Sleiman's greatest gift to the readers of this novel is to put human faces, emotions, and lives to a people group we often don't take the time to understand and love. Her passion for Middle Eastern people is clear in this beautiful novel.
February 3, 2014
Dance from Deep Within
By: Dina L. Sleiman
Want to read a good book tat will hold your attention throughout the book? Then pick this one up by Dina Sleiman. You will not be disappointed. I love Christian Fiction and this book fills my exceptions. The characters are very believable. Dina covers a lot of hard topics in this book, but does it in a godly manner as God would have her do. Three women , three beliefs striving to find the answers. Allie was bought up a Christian all her life by parent her were very strict. She loved dancing and in the view of her parents that is sinful. Layla a Muslim in her culture women are of little value an not much freedom to be what they want. Looking for more in her life. Rain is the free spirited hippy. Taught growing up if it makes ya happy do it. Will these ladies find what they are truly looking for? Each different beliefs but we have one God. Will God’s love shine through these ladies?
Loved the book looking forward to part 2.
By: Dina L. Sleiman
Want to read a good book tat will hold your attention throughout the book? Then pick this one up by Dina Sleiman. You will not be disappointed. I love Christian Fiction and this book fills my exceptions. The characters are very believable. Dina covers a lot of hard topics in this book, but does it in a godly manner as God would have her do. Three women , three beliefs striving to find the answers. Allie was bought up a Christian all her life by parent her were very strict. She loved dancing and in the view of her parents that is sinful. Layla a Muslim in her culture women are of little value an not much freedom to be what they want. Looking for more in her life. Rain is the free spirited hippy. Taught growing up if it makes ya happy do it. Will these ladies find what they are truly looking for? Each different beliefs but we have one God. Will God’s love shine through these ladies?
Loved the book looking forward to part 2.
November 24, 2013
More than just as entertaining read! When I read fiction, I am often reminded that Jesus didn’t say, “Go into all the world and entertain them.” Yes, the book needs to capture and hold my attention. It needs to have well developed characters and a believable storyline that is not predictable. Dina Sleiman’s "Dance from Deep Within" more than passes these tests. But it did something far more important than just entertain me. It made me think more deeply about my own relationship with Jesus Christ and with those who do not share my beliefs. My only disappointment was the need to say goodbye to the characters when I got to the last page. What a relief to learn that "Dance from Deep Within" is the first of a series!
April 10, 2015
I enjoyed this book and will be looking for the next one. I want to finish the story! I wished it had tied up a little better at the end, but it does give me something to look forward to.
I enjoyed how she worked through many hard topics, without really talking about them. The characters talked, discussed and worked through them.
I especially related to Allie, but also Layla. I enjoyed seeing some of the issues Muslims face as well.
I enjoyed how she worked through many hard topics, without really talking about them. The characters talked, discussed and worked through them.
I especially related to Allie, but also Layla. I enjoyed seeing some of the issues Muslims face as well.
April 3, 2014
This was an excellent refreshing novel. Deep topics were covered, but in a light, upbeat prose. It was difficult to determine which characters I loved more, even the secondary characters were endearing. Excellent book, highly recommended.
June 24, 2014
Loved this book. My only complaint is that I wanted a whole book for each of the main characters! Sleiman is a gifted writer who truly gets twenty-somethings. She gets the Muslim culture, New Age, and multiple flavors of Christianity. And she gets 5 stars from me.
July 17, 2014
This is a wonderful story which highlights the cultural and religious experiences of 3 different women...the author leads readers to not only learn about the characters but also feel the emotions of these characters. Great read and I am looking forward to the sequel Dare from Deep Within !
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