The Dance by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

Back Cover:

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.


Review:

I didn’t really know what to expect when I got this book. The cover intrigued me with the basic plot – how a couple rebuilds their relationship and find love again. I haven’t read any books like this, as far as I can remember. So I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did.

I really enjoyed The Dance. Marilyn walks out of her marriage and former life to start something new – to find happiness. I was rooting for her for being brave and for trying something different. Jim, her husband, comes home finding her gone, and becomes angry.

The book is about how Jim learns to love Marilyn properly – in a godly manner. It’s about Marilyn reaching out and trying new things, but also learning to be willing to reconcile with Jim.

I found The Dance to be a great book. It is the first book in a series, but thankfully it left off with all the questions answered, and the next book in the series being more about Marilyn and Jim’s children. I can’t wait!

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

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Back Cover:

Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.

Review:

I do really have a thing for historical romance novels. I admit it. I also will admit that Sweet Sanctuary was a total hit with me.

Taking place during WW2, Lydia Eldredge is raising her son in Boston. In New York, Dr. Micah Hatcher is ministering to the poor immigrants fleeing to America. Their paths have crossed before, when Lydia was a nurse. And now they are thrown together again.

The storyline was great, albeit a wee be far-fetched, but still easy to believe. There was one part of the story where we watch a man dealing with drug withdrawal. It was an eye opening scene, as I had never read in detail what a drug withdrawal was like.

The characters were enjoyable to discover. Micah fits the hero description perfectly, and Lydia the strong-willed, but lovely heroine. They captured my attention and drew me into their world.

Kim Vogel Sawyer did a great job with this novel. (Also, I loved the fact that it was a single novel! I have been reading way too many series these days – I love a happy ending with no cliffhangers!) Sweet Sanctuary will be staying on my shelf for a future re-read!


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