A Royal Dance by Linda Fergerson {Book Review}

Dance out of darkness and dance with the One who can bring back the light in your life.

A Royal Dance by Linda Fergerson is the first in a new series, set in first century Jerusalem. Rumors spread about the arrival of the Messiah while Jerusha bears a heartbreaking secret that could destroy her. Will she ever heal and dance before the King?

The author draws on her own story of abuse and loss in the series. But like Jerusha, she learned that God heals, restores and frees.

Keep reading to see my review!

Title: A Royal Dance

Author: Linda Fergerson

Series: The Lion and the Butterfly #1

Age: Adult

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

Publication Date: January 1, 2018

Publisher: Carpenter’s Sons Publishing

Source: Paperback

Purchase: Paperback | Kindle

Synopsis:

Jerusha’s father dotes on her and calls her royalty, a lioness who will one day dance before his King. Jerusha adores her father, but she cannot tell him her darkest secret. Instead of dancing like other Jewish girls, Jerusha sits alone, plagued by guilt for a crime she did not commit. Who will believe her story against the word of the most respected religious leader in Jerusalem? 

Jerusha’s fears are amplified and her nightmares realized when her Jewish mother forces her to leave her father’s protection and live as a lowly servant in the home of the high priest. Will the esteemed son of the high priest still want to marry her? Or will Timon, a handsome Christian man and her father’s apprentice win her heart? 

Caught between the orthodox beliefs of her beautiful Jewish mother and her father’s newfound faith in the Messiah Yeshua, Jerusha is plummeted into a soul-wrenching family tragedy that leaves her young heart with more questions than answers. 

Author Linda Fergerson, a gifted story-teller, speaker, and dancer, takes you on an unforgettable journey into the life of a troubled young Jewish girl in first century Jerusalem. In this first book of the Lion and the Butterfly series, you will discover the sword that Jesus warned would divide family members and the chrysalis of hope for a new beginning through faith in Yeshua.

My Rating: 

Hands down a five star read for me and this is officially up there with my favorites on biblical fiction. Linda spoke to my heart through this book. I truly appreciate the time she took to craft this novel and the study she put into knowing the history and studying the Word. I also love that this comes from personal experience. I was stunned from start to finish and had many emotions as well.

PREFACE -- this book does talk about sex, adultery and a ten year gap relationship!

Jerusha is a girl of secrets, wounds and unforgiveness. She was betrayed by crush. Left by her father. Hurt by men. From 8 years old she grew to dislike men. Jerusha used to dance her heart out, but over time she felt weighed down by her past. Seeing her growth from the beginning to end was insane. She is a beautiful woman with a pure heart. Her overcoming her past was amazing. I adored her strength and beauty.

Timon was amazing!!! He was a strong man, a protector and down to earth. He was a strong love interest with a head on his shoulders. He was wise in his ways. He was caring to the orphans and widows and his heart for Yeshua was perfect.

The romance was beautiful. Seeing the connection between Jerusha and Timon grow was amazing. Their love was truly strong. I adored the way Timon helped her learn to be loved. Jerusha allowed herself to open up and let love in. I love the way they grew in Yeshua together and built their marriage on faith.

Yeshua was perfect as always. Seeing him as a friend of Jerusha's father was amazing. He also played a major role around the children. Seeing his heart for children and widows just showed how much of a Savior and Messiah he was. Well written for sure.

Jacob was a phenomenal father. He loved his daughter and did much for his wife. I loved the way he cared for his family. Abigail seemed okay as a mother, but she was also not the best wife. As parents to Jerusha I believe they taught her some valuable lessons.

Caiaphas and Efah were the most TERRIBLE, ANNOYING men ever! I could not stand them!!! I want to throw them both inside a volcano...seriously. They irked me.

Yogli was AMAZING, but totally unexpected (when I see his name I think of Yogi the Bear and Mowgli from Jungle Book -- LOL). He was such an awesome addition the story. Sarah is such an adorable little girl. She was comical, cute and witty. Peter and Stephen were the B E S T !! I adored that Stephen played more of a role and I got to see his life play out.

Overall, I adored this book and all that it taught me. The attention to new faith, new believers and trust in Jesus was perfect! It sparked a new passion for dance and gave me some awesome notes.

Totally recommend it!!

Blessings,