Dancing Through Life - Book Review

When I went to Book Expo America back in 2015, I saw in the daily newsletter that review copies of actress Candace Cameron Bure's latest book were going to be available. The newsletter didn't say when, so I made it a point to stop by the publisher's booth first thing to ask about when I should come back so I could pick up a review copy! And the nice guy working at the booth opened up a drawer and gave me a copy!

And even though it took me a year and a half to read it, I still read it!

I've always been a fan of Candace. We don't always agree on everything, but I do like her as a person. I didn't read her first book, and I didn't even know that she was on Dancing with the Stars, which is what Dancing Through Life is all about. So if you watched the season where she danced with the stars, then you might really enjoy reading this book.

Candace basically gives you a behind the scenes look on what happened each week on the show, from picking songs and learning dances to standing up for her convictions when it came to certain dance moves and costumes. While reading, part of me kept thinking, "Oh come on, Candace! Just give it up! What's the big deal about dressing as Ariel from The Little Mermaid?" But just because I might not have a problem with a costume like that doesn't mean that other people won't for whatever reason. And if Candace's reason is because she wants to remain modest and keep things for her husband, then that's just fine. You have to applaud someone for standing up for what she believes in and not worrying about what other people are going to say! I mean, non-Christians and Christians alike had problems with Candace's choices and told her so on social media. So you know, sometimes you just can't win and you can't please everybody. Just be yourself and don't let anybody tell you otherwise!

There were two parts of the book that I really liked. The first one is about what the Bible says about modesty. Candace writes, in reference to 1 Timothy 2:9-10, that this passage doesn't give us a dress code. Instead, it's more about how we "clothe" ourselves with God-like qualities.

And the second part was a blog post that Candace's friend wrote comparing Candace's journey on DWTS to our journey with God. Just like Candace had Mark, we have God. He's our coach and when we think we've forgotten the steps, He's right there to tell us the moves. The blog post is printed in the book, but if you want to read it now, just go to the post on Karen Ehman's website here. (Reading it might make you cry.)

If you're a fan of Candace's acting and reality show work (Full House, The View co-host, Make it or Break It, Fuller House, DWTS, those Hallmark movies) or you're a fan of Candace's faith (or both!), then you'll enjoy reading about Candace's journey on DWTS and her continued journey of faith in this book.

Dancing Through Life is on bookstore shelves now. It's published by B&H Publishing. I received a free advance review copy at BEA with no obligation to review.