Dancing With Jesus: A Novel

by Linda Fitzpatrick

How can Abia ever become a useful and loved person when an accident causes her to walk with a limp and unable to have children? On that one horrible day, her fate is sealed, and those who don’t make fun of her shun her. Although her parents and siblings are supportive, there is always something missing. Until one glorious day when she is baptized in the Jordan River and her life—body, soul, and spirit—is changed forever. Then she meets the Person who can make all her dreams come true—if she can get out of Herod’s banquet hall without losing her head!  

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading Dancing with Jesus, I was amazed to discover all of the wonderful history intertwined in the story of young Abia and her family. I feel as though I had a thorough lesson in biblical history as I read the touching story of Abia's life. The author created a beautiful tapestry, just like Abia's family created beautiful linens as they worked together in the family business.

Here is one particularly magnificent excerpt, "He proceeded in the dance until His last breath was spent, and with that last breath He declared, 'It is finished.' For His last dance movement, He bowed His head in a silent salute and gave up His spirit, so she, His Bride, in the near future, could have His spirit and live." Wow!

This book is a must-read for all Believers, and it would be a powerful tool to share with those who don't yet know The Risen King. It shows the loving and compassionate heart of God through the sacrifice of His Son better than anything I've read before. I hope this is the first of many novels by Linda Fitzpatrick.

[Jeanne McCallum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting ideas needs extensive editing.

The character Abia is sweet even inspiring . The story gets lost in the preachy pedantic, wordy retelling of much of my favorite story - the story of Jesus. I p!odded through. Is this a novel or a theological thesis? Dance has its purposes. A courageous editor might be able to redeem the story. I would like to get to know the characters better. Too much narrator. Too much retelling the entire Bible. Jeanne

[Pat Oatman · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This is a different kind of story. The Holy Spirit is a great part in of the story. At times it is hard to follow, but is soon explained. The overall theme is closeness to God. It is uplifting and comforting.

[Shelley Shrader · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who has also has been called to worship through movement (dance), I love the premise of this book. I found the narrative structure to be tedious and therefore; the story lacked the dynamic element of good fiction writing. This story takes place during the birth and death of Jesus through the eyes of a God loving Jewish family. If you want to re-read the gospel in a different and shorter format, then this book may be for you. If you are interested in reading more about dance in Bible and how it still applies to worship today, this book doesn’t really touch on that until the end.

[Rose Marie Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way the story brings out the Bible times. It seems to follow the scripture pretty close. I was always told dancing was wrong to do so I'm not sure on that score. The story line was really good. I did enjoy reading this book and learning more about the Jewish people as well as the Romans.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do recommend!

This was a very good story, although I thought this was going to be a story of Abia and her "dance with Jesus" - It seemed to me that this book was more about others than Abia.

[Shelly Kaye Stalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and amazing

A wonderful book about dance as a spiritual warfare instrument. Using dance to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Having ears that hear into the spiritual realm.

[gloria aviles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful written book. So easy to understand & follow. I loved that the scriptures were

also included. I recommend this book to old and new members of the body of Christ. Be blessed in His Word.

[Li'el Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed. Really just the story of Jesus with an imaginary family woven into it. Theological inaccuracy: The primary character's sister named her baby after a living relative, which Jews have never done.

[Alaina Hovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Made me think. It is less if a narative story than it is a diary if sorts. Very intriguing concept

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Spiritual, uplifting, sad, happy, all emotions! Enjoyed inclusion of Scripture and truth. Also enjoyed the storyline. Would recommend to others.

[Brian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an amazing thing to be taken on a journey through the pages of a story that is so intricately intertwined in the history and days Jesus was upon the earth through the times of the early church. Dancing with Jesus, by Linda Fitzpatrick is just such a story. She paints upon the tapestry of history an interwoven story of a young girl whose family partakes in the witnessing of a king’s earthly mission unfolding.
The young girl Abia, who is the central character in this story, has such a passion for dance, and her love of it positions her for a great destiny that is unfolded layer by layer, and chapter by chapter. What is amazing throughout this story is the intensity of the drama and suspense that surrounds the execution of John the Baptist. The revelations that come about in the chapters that follow through Christ’s crucifixion are nothing less that astounding.
What Linda Fitzpatrick has done in the telling of this wonderful novel, is to demonstrate the necessity and the purpose for dance. She reveals how what God ordained for good has for far too long been usurped for evil use. The great thing is that God is redeeming it and purifying it through His chosen followers whom He has given understanding to. Linda’s personal understanding of worship and praise through the dance comes eloquently through the pages of this book.
Here are two simple reasons why you may want to read this or even recommend it to someone:
• A Desire to Understand the Purpose of Dance in the Church: If you have ever had questions revolving around the nature and purpose of dance in the church, this book gives great insight to not only dance, but also how we as Christians are involved in a unique dance with Christ as his intended bride.
• You Have a Passion for the Ministry of Dance: If you have a love for dance and really would like to read a book that is surrounding the very thing you are passionate about, this one definitely fits the card. Without hitting you over the head with a sermon, this novel becomes a novel way to convey the place for your passion and reveals its power and strength when done out of a heart of love for the One who created it.
For far too long, dance did not have a reverential place in places of worship. If you’ve ever questioned it, Linda gives you answers that will bring clarity and understanding with humor, adventure, love and revelation of scripture. You’ll discover even as the main character Abia did, that your life is a continual dance that Jesus desires to lead you through in this life, until you can be together at last on that great Marriage Feast.

[Sandra Hudkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written. It has interesting characters. I am a Bible reader and the story seemed to follow scripture.

[Patricia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could dance like Abia

When I pick this book to read I had no idea what thoughts it would stir up in me. As I progressed through the pages the book went from being alright to being a great reminder of many of God`s teachings. I found it to be a wonderful short story that I will recommend to others without hesitation.

[Donna Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

Dancing with Jesus is a lovely book that all Christians would benefit from reading. What a nice reminder of Jesus with the church as his bride. How we look forward to dancing with Him on that day at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

[lwally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance Partner for Life

This book is truly a love story about Jesus and his Bride. The message is plain to see when we Dance With Jesus both spiritually and physically .
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Jesus

This was a fantastic book. Mrs. Fitzpatrick kept to all the Bible stories correctly. She taught religion by bringing Jesus to us in a personal way. I highly recommend this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing with Jesus carries an important message about the significance and value of prophetic dance brilliantly woven through a powerful story that is deeply moving and very inspirational.

[Virginia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing

This was an excellent story. I will re read it again and again. His story gave a lift to my heart.

[JMBooher]

Good Book

I adore Christian historical fiction books. This one us no expectation. Thank you for the characters, storyline, and it, all. Thank you for the book; Ms. Fitzpatrick.