I enjoyed this book. I had a little trouble at the beginning, but once I got going, I loved it! The characters were well developed and near-historical setting was neat.

In this story we get to revisit the past—1989 and the early ’90s. We're in Michigan, complete with Vernors. Yum. We’re also immersed in a musician’s world. Such a treat! The author does an excellent job of writing profound prose, skillfully penning realistic male POV, and granting us access to the musical elite via the female MC’s well-connected family.

We are treated to intimate, profound lyrics as our protagonist is an excellent lyricist. I loved this aspect. Clearly the author is gifted at more than novel writing.

I enjoyed the time setting, mentions of the Indigo Girls harmonies. The TV series of the late ’80s early ’90s. The self-reflection of the male protag reminded me that whichever gender, we have the same types of existential questions and concerns, especially as we’re finding our way and discovering ourselves. Stay in the “world” we grew up in? Or intentionally change, find a new “world,” and grow into a new life. Will we drag old bitterness with us into the new life we're striving for? These elements will resonate with readers of any age.

We have several themes, and here are some that stood out to me: kindness, unconditional care but with boundaries, calling friends to a higher level, overcoming lies we believe about ourselves. Even when life stops proving the lies we believe, we stay stuck. Even when circumstances improve, we can’t embrace the newness with positivity. So relatable—the strongest theme, I think.

Our heroine sees what the male MC can’t. I liked how strong she is, how well-adjusted. All her life she has missed people’s disapproving gaze. How insightful of the author to pinpoint an area that can be disabling for so many, especially those whose security depended on avoiding that disapproving gaze no matter what self-betrayal they must do. No matter what they must cooperate with—even the lies of their elders.

As I wrote this review, revisiting the profound themes of this enjoyable story, I realized—I need more of this author’s books!

Highly recommended!

I almost didn’t request a review copy of Everything is Just Beginning because I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to 1989, and because I wasn’t sure I wanted to read a novel about a wannabe musician. But I changed my mind, requested it, and I’m glad I did.

Michael Sullivan has been kicked out of his band and apartment, so has moved in with his uncle. He’s not an immediately likeable character: it’s not immediately clear why he was kicked out of his apartment, but it’s obviously not the first time.

He’s working a basic retail job and grumbling about life, then decides to gatecrash a party in the hope of meeting Dusty Wheeler, a big name in the music business. If Mike can get Dusty to listen to a demo tape, maybe the guys will let him back in the band.

The story is written in first person point of view, which will bug some people. I like first person, but I do prefer to be in the head of a likeable female character, not a male with a woe-is-me attitude. Yes, the whole story is from Michael’s point of view. He meets Dusty and Deb Wheeler at the party, although he doesn’t realise it at the time. He also meets their daughter, Natalie, who is blind.

Once Michael gets over himself, he turns into a readable and relatable character. his bravado is hiding a difficult childhood and a desperate desire to be a musician – a proper musician. As he spends time with the Wheeler family, he falls for Natalie (who does not appear to return his feelings), they decide to write music together, and Michael gradually loses what Natalie describes as his morose vibe.

Natalie is also a great character. She’s had a privileged upbringing, and it’s easy to forget she’s blind. It’s actually been along time since I’ve read a novel with a blind main character. She was musical and clever, with an amazing memory, and it was great to read such an individual and competent character.

As it turned out, the fact the novel was set in 1989 was less about the historic events of 1989 and more about the music … which happens to be the music I grew up with and still prefer listening to, so that was great.

Everything is Just Beginning doesn’t easily fit into a genre. It’s not explicitly Christian, although it’s fairly obvious the Wheeler family are Christians. It’s not technically contemporary, but isn’t historical enough to be truly considerd a historical. It’s not Young Adult fiction, although it does have elements of a coming of age story. It’s not a romance, in that the core story is Michael’s relationship with music through Natalie, rather than Michaels’ relationship with Natalie. It’s also not literary fiction, despite the great writing, because there is a definite plot with strong character arcs.

If you like great writing, compelling characters, and a bunch of 1980s music reference, you’ll enjoy Everything is Just Beginning.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Twenty-something, guitarist Michael is at a crossroads and discontent with his life. He’s frustrated with the low quality of the band of which he’s a part and the disloyalty of his band-mates. He lives with his uncle in a rundown trailer and knows his uncle resents him. On a whim, Michael uses an invitation to a gathering at the neighbor’s house to try something different. To his surprise, Michael finds friendship with the neighbors. And, that gives him incentive to get his music career back on track.

As his life starts to take a new shape, Michael has space to look at others with compassion and finds acceptance of some circumstances. This is a story of new friendships, believing in one another, grace and seeing things from a new point of view.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels is a phenomenal book set in a time of a booming Detroit music industry. This book is fascinating on so many levels. The characters have really complicated pasts and presents. The difficulty of making it in the music industry is palpable throughout this book. It is a really interesting novel overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is so not my kind of book, even though it is about music & - being a music teacher - so am I. I wouldn’t have forced myself to continue reading it if I hadn’t committed to writing a review. But....I kind of found it growing on me...& yeah – it was good to continue reading it after all. It is a story about redemption, without being remotely ‘preachy’. I had begun reading it in the same frame of mind as the narrator, just waiting for - & dreading – the next bad thing to happen, knowing it couldn’t possibly come out right. And then as time went by, wondering if I/he dared have hope. And then bad things did happen, really bad things. But redemption didn’t go away, it stuck around so the least I/he could do was the same. Try sticking around for the denouement, instead of departing – no matter how justified that would feel. I especially liked what happened on pages 170-171 e-book (I’m not going to spoil the story by explaining – you’ll know when you get there). I suppose it is also a story about hope : about not having to live up to other people’s expectations of you – or even your own – when they are bad expectations. About allowing yourself to do better than expected. For the right motivations. And all of this is a gradual realisation, it wouldn’t be convincing if it all ‘happened overnight’. I was disappointed when I began reading this book, deciding – too soon – that I had quite ‘gone off’ this writer. But by the time I finished it, I had changed my mind completely : she is just as good a writer as she was in her first books that I read. I had to begin reading this book so many times, but after a while I couldn’t stop reading it.... No – everything does not turn out perfect, but then life doesn’t either. And that’s okay.

It's so hard for me to think of the time period reflected in this book as "historical" because those were my formative years...junior high and high school. I remember all of the events mentioned in this book...Operation Desert Storm, the falling of the Berlin Wall, even the music. The glorious music. I truly loved everything about this book from the chapter titles corresponding to a record's tracks, to Michael and Natalie, who both learn the importance of family whether it's the one you're born into or the one you make for yourself. The side characters made such an impact and the story would be so different without Uncle Mike, Dusty and Deb, and Michael's band mates. There was nothing specific that I could point to and say "this is the moment I started to love this book"...I loved all the little moments. I especially love that Natalie is blind, and her obstacles (physical and otherwise) are noted, but not dwelled on. I will say that the moment Erin Bartels mentioned The Indigo Girls, I became her fan for life. That is all. Just read it. I was provided an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

I am still trying to find the words and gather my thoughts as I write this review. There is so much goodness within the pages, so many lessons to be learned. The themes of forgiveness and not letting our past or things we have no control over define us are beautifully woven through out this story. I found myself not wanting to put it down and wondering when I could pick it back up when I had to put it down. Another masterful story from Erin Bartels.


**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

Michael Sullivan a musician struggling in life decides to attend a party where his uncle where invited. The invitation comes from their neighbours. His uncle is out of town, so he has the opportunity to meet the Wheeler family who are also musicians and begin a friendship with them while he is trying to figure out how to move on on his life.
The plot looks interesting, I like the beginning of the story and the writing style but then I found the pace a little too slow.
I received a copy of this book and this is an honest review.

I have a love-hate relationship with the books by Erin Bartels. I eventually get drawn into the story, that's the love, but I hate that even though these are published by Revell, a Christian publishing company, the books have nothing to do with Christianity.

This book is the same. It's a good, clean book but the only thing remotely Christian is they pray at meals. The story was a slow start for me, but eventually, I was drawn into the story and enjoyed it for what it was.

The main character is quite well-developed and you get a pretty good idea of who he is. You can probably think of someone you know that has his personality. The other characters are mostly believable. The story flows fairly well.

In all, I give this a 3 out of 5-stars. I am disappointed in the lack of this being a Christian story. I am not sure if I would recommend this or not.

This review is my own and freely given. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. The ARC copy was very well edited.

Although stories about song writing and legends in the music industry don't normally interest me, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Erin Bartels novel, Everything is Just Beginning. I really appreciated the absence of profanity and promiscuity. The plot didn't need that extra "noise" to detract from the story itself.

Michael, an aspiring song writer, was recently kicked out of the band he'd been part of. He is crashing at his Uncle Mike's place but it's no kind of home. His uncle is fighting demons and family has never been that important to him. He conveniently lives in a trailer near music producer, Dusty Wheeler's home. Young Michael is hoping for a way to show some of his songs to Dusty--Michael knows that's his one shot at making it in the music business.

So when an invitation to a summer party comes for his uncle, Michael decides he'll go instead (since they have the same name). He meets Dusty's daughter, Natalie, and they strike up a friendship and discover that they both have hurdles they are facing in their life. As Dusty, his wife Deb, and their daughter welcome Michael into their orbit, he begins to experience what a really family feels like.

As Michael and Natalie face their individual trials, they discover that there is beauty even in the hardest lessons and that some dreams are worth fighting for. I loved the unpretentious representation of Dusty and Deb and the love they have for one another. They embody grace and patience and dispense nuggets of life wisdom to Michael. They help give him the foundation he needs to face the future--whatever that may hold.

I highly recommend this book. It sensitively portrays difficult topics of gambling and alcohol addictions, absent fathers, physical disability and terminal illness. Above all it shines a beautiful light on friendship, family, and never giving up on the people you love. I hope the author considers a sequel because these characters are lodged in my heart and I want to know the next chapter in each of their lives.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Everything is Just Beginning from NetGalley for the purpose of review; no other compensation was received.

This was a fun trip back to the end of 1989 and the beginning of 1990. One decade ending and a new one beginning. And if you like music, this story is all about that.

Michael Sullivan is living with his uncle who lives across the street from the who's who of the music business. In an unconventional way, Michael invites himself to their New Year's Eve party and surprisingly is accepted. Out of this comes a friendship with Natalie the daughter and a chance to see what a nuclear family is like. I liked how this family gave him what he needed, while still being firm about his relationship with Natalie.

Natalie is a special person and really surprises Michael in many ways with her whit and openness and the way she deals with her trials even though she comes from abundance. I liked their friendship and even though we really only get Michael's viewpoint, this story had a way of pulling me in and making me want to keep reading. This really wasn't my usual read.

For a guy who can write lyrics and is starved for attention, comes a girl who can write music and understands him in ways no one else does.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This story was surprising to me. This was an underdog who had a difficult existence that made a decision and then watched everything change. This is not to say he didn't work hard or have to change on some level his prejudices and preconceived ideas, but the opportunity was presented to do that. Michael and Pinky help each other grow and develop past some of the ideas that blocked success.

Pinky and her family are deeply entrenched in the music industry. Michael just got kicked out of a band. He taught himself to play the guitar but lyrics are his strength.

I loved reading this story and watching it's beauty unfold. It was a story of life, of love, and of loss, because that is what life truly is. But it was a story of growth and of success, however unconventional.

This author got to the meat of the emotions of this story. I was the fly on the wall following Michael and seeing his heartache and struggle. I felt his pain, his embarrassment, and his unfamiliarity with success. Pinky had her own trials and struggles and it was beautiful to watch these two change and grow as their new challenges were given them. They were a balance to each other.

This is a beautiful story and definitely worth the read.

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

I did not have any idea what this book was about when I started and I am very glad I read it. I laughed and cried through this story. I loved Michael and Natalie. I loved that this story takes us through a couple getting to know each other through the music that they play. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

It's been a while since I read this book just forgot to leave a review.

Want to start by thanking NetGallery, the publisher and the author for the arc to review. While the book took place before I was born, I thought it was a great read. It was refreshing to read a book that the only way to contact people was either mail, in person or via telephone. Instead of today's constant accessibility.

I'd highly recommend this book. Was a fun read.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels
This is Erin Bartels newest book about Michael Sullivan, a lost soul struggling to find his direction in life. He has been kicked out of the band he helped form. By way of an unintended invitation, he ends up attending a New Year’s Eve party for the famous musical family living across the street. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with their daughter and as the title says, everything for him is just beginning.
This is a story of second chances, music, mastadons, and forgiveness with so many interesting facets to the plot. Even though the main character is a broken young man who has very little in common with me, I was immediately taken in by the story and found it hard to put down. There are many references to the music industry that music lovers will appreciate. At the end of the story, I still had some questions but found most of the loose ends were tied up.
The characters were so realistic and well-written. I particularly came to respect Deb and the life she and Dusty lived despite their fame. Michael’s character was very layered and I appreciated the way his character grew and learned that a person’s back story can affect their present decisions.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to read a sequel to find out what became of Natalie and Michael and their adventures in the music world of New York. I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

Everything is Just Beginning by author Erin Bartel is a contemporary Christian fiction book. It is a unique tale that will stay in your mind and linger long after you have finished the book. It has the right elements for a Hallmark movie.

Set in Detroit in the late 1980s, this is the story of Michael Sullivan, an angry young man. He's had a not so happy childhood being raised by a single mother. In his mind, life has cheated him of a father among other things. Michael plays in a band with people who would rather he find another band. He has dreams of making it big one day.

He lives with his Uncle Mike, and goes to a party across from where he lives. It is at the Wheelers’ house. Deb Wheeler, is a famous singer and Dusty, her husband, a well-regarded producer in the music industry. They have a blind daughter, Natalie, who is also very talented. I adored Deb. She was a faith-filled woman and ready to be used as God’s vessel.

This is a poignant story of faith, love, forgiveness, hope, and second chances. It has a strong message of family, redemption, and God. The Christian message is woven brilliantly throughout the novel. I loved the author’s style of writing. The characters were multi-layered and realistic. Each were well described, which made it easy to picture them. The voice of Michael was so vividly portrayed that I could easily imagine it and him.

I loved the moral values of the main characters. It is refreshing to read a Christian book with those. The music was intriguing and added a lot to the story. It was beautiful. One thing I did not like was the frequent “drinking” they did. Another thing was the lack of faith of one character.

After a slow start, I became invested in this enchanting story and had trouble putting the book down. I was captivated by the storylines. There were a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes. This is a wonderful book. I would definitely recommend it. It get a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my own true words.

I am a bit conflicted after finishing this story. The writing was interesting and flowed easily and kept me invested most of the time. Michael’s journey included a lot of character growth, however, with the influence of Natalie and her mother and mention of God, I felt his spiritual growth lacking for what I expected.

There was a lot of open possibilities for relationships to reconcile and grow stronger, but never realised. And in the book summary it sounded like the Berlin Wall would have had a greater impact than it had.

I really liked the author’s writing style and how her stories develop and evolve and the broken and realistic characters the author delivers. Through this story the readers could see how other people can impact a person’s life if we just take the time to invest in those broken people’s lives.

*I received a complimentary book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Right from the very start, I found myself drawn in to this world of music at the end of the 80s/start of the 90s. Perhaps it is because I don't often find a lot of books set in this time period, or perhaps it was the overall unique tone of the book... but this certainly felt quite different than anything I've read in recent history at least. Even the format of the book, with each chapter being a track number on an album made this book feel like it was something unique and special... a small detail perhaps, but one that helped to set the scene in a way that was perfect for the story. Each character was written wonderfully and added something to the story, and I found myself really looking forward to what would happen next.

Being born in '87, I was too young to really remember the timeframe that this story takes place, but there was still definitely a nostalgia factor for this 90s kid nonetheless... and I absolutely loved it. I am sure that those who were a little older will appreciate that even more than I did.

Overall, this was a unique read and one certainly worth checking out... especially for music fans!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Title: Everything is Just Beginning
Author: Erin Bartels

Ch: 32

Pg: 352

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell



I’m not going to lie even though it seems odd to consider a book set in 1989 and 1990 as historical fiction, but Everything is just beginning falls is. As a 80s baby and a 90s kid I’ve always loved 80s music. And like one of the characters, I personally thinks songs sound better on vinyl.


So even though I don’t have any memories of 1989 this book gave me all the nostalgic feels I guess that’s because music does speak when words fail. As the characters in this story also learn along the way. Music does bring people together.







I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.