Except for financial pressures in his business, Jim lives the good life. He loves his family and relis on his good marriage. Then he comes home one evening to discover his wife has left and doesn't want to talk about her choice. Marilyn spent years raising their children and doing what Jim expected. In a bold move, she admits the love is dead, and she doesn't know who she is anymore. Marilyn rents a room, takes a her first job in years, and even signs up for dance lessons. Symbolic of their marriage, she has always loved to dance, and Jim hates it. They have been moving out of step since their wedidng day. As Marilyn seeks freedom in her new pursuits, Jim meets a retired dance instructor. Audrey teaches Jim how the rules of dancing apply to creating a great marriage. Reluctant, but desperate, Jim struggles to master the intricacies of doing what is best for his partner. 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

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. Jim and Marilyn Anderson have a seemingly perfect life. Yet things are not always as they appear. After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn leaves Jim. Unhappy for some time, she hopes to reclaim the joy that she has been missing. Marilyn gets a job and signs up for the dance lessons she always wanted to take. Jim is forced to re-evaluate his relationship with Marilyn and their three children. Will he be able to see past his own selfishness to be the man his family needs him to be? (REVELL, Apr., 352 pp., $14.00) Reviewed By: Leslie L. McKee

Readers will find a unique blend of Walsh?s signature storytelling (The Reunion) and Smalley?s marriage advice (The DNA of Relationships) in this first of the four-book Restoration Series. Marilyn Anderson, after 27 years of marriage, leaves her husband. ?I?ve dropped hint after hint, clue after clue,? she says in her note. Jim, a successful businessman, is clueless, but, once over his anger, he begins soul-searching with help from his children and retired dance instructor Audrey Windsor. Marilyn, meanwhile, finds a job and a roommate and begins dance lessons. Throw in a well-meaning uncle, their daughter Michele?s wedding, their sons? questions, a demanding church deacon, a dashing dance instructor, and a hurricane, and readers will definitely come away satisfied and shedding tears at the end. Mixing fiction?s emotion and nonfiction?s teaching works splendidly here.