The Dance

A Novel

series: Restoration Series, The

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Love’s recovery starts with a single step . . .

After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs—a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.

After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she’s too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons—something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.

Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn’t anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him—starting with himself.

“I believe every person who reads The Dance will be deeply touched and changed for the better. This book is worth your time!”—Jimmy Evans, founder and CEO of MarriageToday and author of Lifelong Love Affair

“This powerful and emotional story of healing and restoration is sure to grip your heart from the very first chapter. You won’t be able to put it down.”—Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of The Good Fight

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Discovery and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley (1940–2016) was one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. The bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, along with several popular films and videos, he spent more than thirty years learning, teaching, and counseling, speaking to over two million people in live conferences.


Endorsements

"I believe every person who reads The Dance will be deeply touched and changed for the better. This book is worth your time!"

Jimmy Evans, founder and CEO of MarriageToday and author of Lifelong Love Affair

"This powerful and emotional story of healing and restoration is sure to grip your heart from the very first chapter. You won't be able to put it down."

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of The Good Fight


The Authors

  1. Gary Smalley
    © Dan Davis Photography

    Gary Smalley

    Gary Smalley (1940-2016) was one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships. The bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, along with several popular films and videos, he spent more than thirty years...

    Continue reading about Gary Smalley

  2. Dan Walsh
    © Dan Davis Photography

    Dan Walsh

    Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, as well as The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels...

    Continue reading about Dan Walsh

Reviews

"Readers will definitely come away satisfied and shedding tears at the end. Mixing fiction's emotion and nonfiction's teaching works splendidly here."

Publishers Weekly

"Walsh's literary talents and Smalley's relationship expertise combine in a spiritually and emotionally powerful start to their Restoration series. Walsh's characters come to life, and important marital and life lessons are woven throughout. The concept of the 'fear dance' is intriguing and enlightening."

RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

"The Dance is a quick, satisfying read to whet readers' appetites for the next installment."

New York Journal of Books

"Readers will be totally drawn into [The Anderson's] emotional journey."

Booklist

"Authors Walsh and Smalley use dance as a powerful metaphor in this novel of love lost. Married and engaged couples will benefit from this story that beautifully illustrates the effort--and God's grace--necessary to bring healing to a marriage and family."

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