Erin Bartels continues to impress me with her stories. While it took me a couple of chapters to really get into this book, I was hooked by chapter four. The story has plenty of emotional depth and wisdom, yet refrains from being draining or too heavy. It’s hopeful. Encouraging. Subtle and nuanced. The romance is beautifully realistic. Bartels is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me.

Every time I pick up an Erin Bartels' novel, I know I'm in for an incredible gritty story that doesn't shy away from the hard parts of life. Everything Is Just Beginning expertly deals with the difficult topics of trauma, terminal illness, and addiction, weaving it into a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. Also, how absolutely perfect is that cover?! I will admit I definitely judge a book by its cover and instantly knew I needed to read this novel when I saw it. It didn't steer me wrong.

1989 is coming to an end and Michael Sullivan, talented guitarist and songwriter, is about to meet someone who will change his life forever. He's been kicked out of his band--and his apartment--and is currently living with his deadbeat uncle in a rundown trailer while struggling to make ends meet. Oh, and his uncle? Well, he's blamed Michael for every bad decision he's ever made and every "unlucky" moment he's ever had. Everything changes when Michael finds an invitation to a fancy New Years Eve party in the mailbox. It's addressed to his uncle, but since they share the same name and Uncle Mike is out of town...well, why not go? Little does Michael know, this one decision will change everything.

I loved Natalie's character. Despite the struggles she had faced, and continues to face throughout the story, she remained positive and upbeat. I wanted to whack Michael upside the head regularly throughout the story, but seeing what he'd been through helped me see why he made the choices he did. I really enjoyed seeing the growth he made, as well as watching him learn to face challenges instead of running away. Every family needs a cycle breaker! Natalie's mom was one of my favourite characters. It was hard to watch her story unfold, but I loved her and the way she loved those around her. I also really enjoyed the musical part of the story.

If you enjoy raw gritty stories with a little bit of romance and faith, I highly recommend Everything is Just Beginning.

*I received a complimentary copy of Everything is Just Beginning through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

If you love music and are a child of the 80’s, you’ll love this book! I felt so much nostalgia as I relived 1989 and the early 90’s through this story. It’s a tribute to simpler times where everyone wanted to be in a band and make it big. It’s romantic, compelling, original, and inspirational.

In an attempt to impress his former band mates, Michael takes an invitation addressed to his uncle with the same name and crashes the New Year’s Eve party at a record producer’s home. There he meets Natalie, the daughter of the record producer who’s beautiful, an extremely talented musician, and also blind. Not crippled by the opinions of others, she pushes Michael to explore his talent and be original in an era where punk rock, electronic, and loud heavy metal bands dominate the music scene.

Michael’s messy past especially where his uncle and father are concerned leaves him doubting himself. As he spends more time with Natalie and her family, he gains the courage to confront his past and go for his dreams. Along the way, he falls in love and learns the importance of forgiveness and authenticity.

Michael and Natalie were such endearing characters. It was a joy to follow their musical journey. My brothers had a band around this time, so I could easily relate to Michael’s desire to share his songs and become successful. His dilemma of whether to please himself or do what’s popular was a major theme which I enjoyed. Loved all the references to history, pop culture icons, tv shows, movies, and especially the music. Natalie’s mother Deb was filled with such wisdom and generosity and I loved her character as well.

Loved the way the book was laid out like a record with Side A and B and tracks instead of chapters. The original songs included made me wish I could listen to them. I understand the author is recording some of the songs in the story and I’m excited to hear them.

Highly recommend to music lovers and those who fondly remember the late 80’s/early 90’s. This is a new to me author and I’m excited to read her other books! I received an advance complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars raised to 5.

I have really enjoyed all of Erin’s other books so I was very excited to read this. I will say it took me a while to really get into it and feel invested and like I cared about these characters but at some point I realized I did care and wanted to see how things would shake out.

I didn’t like this book as much as her other ones but I did appreciate the stronger faith element than I often see in her other books.

As a music person I did enjoy that aspect as well. Overall it was an interesting read with a great characters and a good message.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I found I was quickly turning pages in this latest release from Erin Bartels. I've found all of Bartels stories convicting and fascinating realistic portrayals of people. "Everything" is set in the late 1980s, I period I'm especially fond of, a time that seemed less complicated than the present. And it's a story with a background centering on the music scene which I've always enjoyed.

Michael is an angry young man. He's grown up without a father, a mother who has struggled to settle and he's missed out on a lot. He carries a lot of hurt, bitterness and anger, struggling to get out of the victim mindset that traps us all at times. He's now living with his uncle, Mike, who happens to look just like his father who is similarly angry, deeply hurt and struggling to make ends meet.

Michael wants to be a rock star and he plays in a deadbeat band with others who don't really want him in the band. There's not a lot going for Michael when we first meet him. He attends a New Year's party across the road at the Wheeler's house, having taken his uncle's invitation. The Wheeler's happen to be extremely wealthy as a result of Deb, mother and wife, being a famous singer and Dusty, her husband, a well-regarded producer in the music industry. They know who's who of the industry.

And their daughter is 20-something, Natalie, who is also extremely talented musically. And blind from birth.

There's something about this family that is especially wonderful. And I loved how Bartels portrays them. They seem to have this endless supply of love, compassion and the ability to forgive. I just wanted to hang out at their place as I turned the pages as their love is simply captivating. It is what has stayed with me since finishing the book. It challenges me to be seek more of this myself, from God, as it really can be the greatest force to heal and transform. Bartels shows us how.

Deb Wheeler is dying of lung cancer. She can't wait to get to heaven to hang out with Jesus. She retired prematurely from releasing music because she struggled with the 'me-focus' it brought with it. Having spent some time in rehab herself in the 1960s, she devoted herself to visiting rehabs and helping people. She realised she could be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. She took her young daughter, Natalie, with her. This had a huge impact on Natalie, who being blind, never appeared to suffer from 'woe is me' syndrome as a result of her disability. Unlike Michael, who can't seem to get over himself.

Michael was often hard to like. Once again, Bartels helps us see that that's not what's so important. Love goes beyond 'like'; it gives and accepts and forbears and forgives. And Michael gradually heals.

It's always hard in fictionalised settings as healing and transformation is fast-tracked when in fact it usually takes years and years for it to bear fruit. But I liked how Bartels dealt with Michael and Natalie's friendship: could it be something more, was music really their only connection? Could Michael really allow Natalie to love him? Could Natalie love Michael, this angry young man? We're reminded that we all are works-in-progress and we'll take steps forward and steps backward. Forgiveness is hard and it's an everyday thing, not a once-off one. I appreciated how Bartels leaves the situation between Michael and his dad, Steve.

And then there's the music. Bartels shares many lyrics that I'm guessing her husband may have written, per the Author Note at the end. We see the wonder and beauty of simply listening to music. The Wheeler's "Listening Room" was a very special place for just that. The Saint Andrews Hall gig is great and I felt I was there in the front row cheering "Intersection" on, getting irritated with Michael as he tried to satisfy the crowd rather than playing the songs their way.

This is a special book for me and one that will linger long. Well, especially Deb Wheeler. I want to be more like her when I grow up.

I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy of this marvellous story from Revell via NetGalley. This had no bearing on my review.

This was amazing.
I loved the writing, how each chapter was a track, how it gives you hope for better days.
It felt like listening to a really good song that just connects with you in a such a deep way you have to keep listening to it over and over again.
I wasn’t expecting this book to have such an impact on me but it really did.
It’s funny, heartbreaking, hopeful, happy and sad.

Bartels delivers yet another unparalleled story about friendship, conflict, and healing.

On New Years Eve of 1989, the world is changing and possibilities seem endless. But for Michael Sullivan, its just another reminder of how his life is turning out. After being kicked out of his band and apartment, he ends up sharing a room in his uncle’s trailer across the road from a sprawling mansion of a talented music artist and producer. His uncle shares his name and goes by Mike, so when Michael stumbles on an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party at the mansion and his uncle on an extended road trip in Vegas, Michael decides to test fate and go see how the other half lives. While at the party, he meets Natalie, daughter to the music legends who live in the mansion. Through this chance encounter, he learns more about music, more about this family, and more about himself than he could ever bargain for.

I love that Erin Bartels usually releases her novels around the start of the year because she sets the bar for what I expect of the year! Each book is so different from the rest that you can’t help but be pulled into each new story. Michael and Natalie’s story is just so good that you’ll want to read it again and again. Set in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan in 1990 brings back so many memories of life and music during that time, I just loved it.

As with most of her novels, the emotion is raw and laid out bare for all readers to see. It deals with some heavy things that people deal with today, not just 30 years ago. It is so easy to connect with her characters and have them draw you into their story so that you feel more like a participant than an outsider. This will easily be one of my favorite books of 2023!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Michael Sullivan crashes a New Year’s party and meets Deb Wheeler, who introduces him to her daughter, Natalie. She’s a unique girl who invites him over to her house the next day. He hasn’t a clue who Deb Wheeler is and doesn’t realize what’s in store for him when he hangs out with Natalie. They forge a special friendship and bond through their love of music, hearing it and playing it.

Natalie is a smart, intuitive, creative soul, who is musically talented and up for a grand adventure that includes Michael Sullivan. He’s not sure about where they are headed, but he’s in. He liked her family and thought she was amazing.

This story is about the nitty-gritty of creating the right mix of music through the lyrics and musical instruments. It’s also about all the people you meet in between. It’s about family, love, new beginnings, second chances and gives readers a look at what music was like in the early 90s. If you love music and enjoy a peek at historical events during that time period, this is the book for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This book is amazing! The prose is like lyrical poetry and the song lyrics come alive and make the story so touchingly realistic. The entire plot just flowed from the page into my heart. The story of Michael Sullivan, a lyricist who has been kicked out of his band, and Natalie Wheeler, a blind musician who is extraordinarily gifted, is one that should be read and appreciated by all who need a story to make them think and feel good about life. It is the story of daring to reach out for a better future and of forgiving those who have held you back in your past so that you can achieve your dreams. I loved getting to know each of the characters, even the seemingly unredeemable Uncle Mike who drinks and gambles to forget his tragic past. I found myself wanting Michael to forgive his father Steve completely and find a new relationship with him. I was totally invested in the stories of the characters because they became like real people to me. The plot was moderately paced, not too fast which I think would ruin it and not too slow which would make it drag. It was perfectly paced for the story that was being told, the story of young love, exploration into new beginnings and support from those who had forged a path in the past. I think my very favorite character was Deb Wheeler, a talented musician who gave up her promising career for personal reasons. She elicited sympathy from me but also a great deal of respect because of her compassion and wisdom that she showed to all whose lives she touched. This is one of the most beautifully written tales I have ever read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s refreshingly original and totally engaging.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

"It all depends on that last verse. That’s what determines what kind of song it is. That last turn. You could live your whole life a scoundrel until the last verse. And that’s when it can all turn around."

Wow, yes! I sooo enjoyed this story from Erin Bartles. She is an author that's been recommended to me multiple times on IG and I am so excited that I finally read her work. I absolutely plan on reading more. Everything is Just Beginning is an angsty, emotional story about musicians set in the 90s. I was absolutely here for the entire thing! I was soooo excited to see something of this style in Christian Contemporary Publishing because it really is where a lot of my reading heart lies 😍 I will say, I was disappointed that the gospel was not clearly laid out. The dichotomy between having Christ and not was very clear, but the gospel itself was missing and I would have lovedddd to see it on the page. I don't say that about every book, actually I don't know that I've ever complained about that, but I just did feel that for this story it would have been so natural and beautiful. Regardless, it's a great one and I think one that many readers like me, who enjoy some edgier stories will really, really love.

Bartels is an American author whose previous books include "We Hope For Better Things" and "The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water". Our website has this new release listed as religious fiction, but there is very little mention of religion in the story, so I would debate this categorization. Set in 1990, it is the story of two young people, both musicians, who find each other at dark times in their life. Michael was kicked out of his apartment and his band and is now staying with his uncle, who himself is down on his luck. Natalie, who is blind, is the daughter of a famous music couple. Together they help each other find what they need and make beautiful music. This is a great read for fans of coming-of-age stories and music. Unfortunately at the moment it is only listed as available as an eBook on our website.

Set in the Detroit area in the early 1990's, Michael and Natalie are two young adults who have very different backgrounds and very different current lifestyles. Natalie is the daughter wealthy parents who are well known in the music world. Michael, raised by a single mother, works in a hardware store, lives with his uncle in his trailer and has just been kicked out of his band. What could they possibly have in common? Their love of music.

In this beautifully told story, Natalie and Michael's lives mesh together. The author has created two protagonists who are grounded and stable. Both have a clear understanding of right and wrong. Even so, conflict does surface and with this comes challenges and their future is uncertain.

The author brings to readers an engrossing and meaningful story that embraces themes of family, forgiveness and love. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I am rapidly becoming a fan of Bartels' work, and this one is possibly my current favorite. An immersive storyline, characters you deeply empathize with, a story that doesn't overwhelm you with technical lingo but invites you in, representation of a headstrong blind character, and a story that will overall stay with you for a long time. I sincerely adored this story. Though there were times I wanted to scream at the main character, it was real and so very impactful. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this story, a lot I don't want to share because of spoilers, but you'll end up empathizing with even the characters you can't stand. Very well done.

***I read an advanced copy of this book in order to share my opinions. Opinions expressed above are my own.***

I loved this book! The prose flows so well and is fully immersive. Each chapter is setup like a track to a record. The novel is set in Detroit, Michigan around the music industry. Michael and Natalie are the main characters, and they both seem to be grounded with good moral values and responsibility. They do have their own challenges, but they are handled in a mature way despite their young age.

This book really took me by surprise. I had no idea I would like it so much. I can't put my finger on exactly why either - it just grabbed me in a good way and I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want it to end.

Thanks to Revell through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on January 17, 2023.

"Everything is Just Beginning" is a coming-of-age novel beginning on December 31, 1989. It tells the story of Michael Sullivan, a young man kicked out of his band and living with his dead-beat uncle in a lousy trailer while working at a hardware store. It seems he has no hope for the future, just a longing to write real songs. A New Year's Eve party invitation for his uncle is the catalyst for new hope. If he can meet the right people, maybe he can regain entry back into his old band. It, however, changes his whole life and opens doors to healing from his past.

The novel is an enchanting story with unique characters. It's also a tale of the improbable, meeting just the right people at just the right moment changes everything. My only issue with the book is the subject of faith. While there are characters with a strong faith in the book, the character of Michael never truly embraces faith. His healing comes through music, love from others, and romance.

One character you can cheer for in the depiction is that of Natalie Wheeler. Too often when a person who is blind is portrayed in a novel, it is done as kind of "overcomer" story, inspirational "defeat disability" kind of thing. Natalie is shown to fully embrace life as well as at the same time have flaws, especially related to her use of accommodations for her disability. She does have doors open to her that is a result of her rich dad's influence, but she still has to prove herself. She is a rich, complex character.

Overall, the novel was an enjoyable read. I received an advanced reader copy as part the Revell Reads blogger team. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have never read Erin Bartels before. I enjoyed reading her newest book, Everything is Just Beginning. She has a nice way of connecting the reader to the characters whether in a good way or negatively.

Everything is Just Beginning is centered around Michael Sullivan. It is about a young man's attempt to find out who he is and what he wants. Knowing that he doesn't like his current situation, Michael takes a desperate chance. Borrowing his uncle's leather jacket and a New Year's Eve party invitation, Michael attends a fancy party of the rich and famous. There he meets and has an instant connection with a very talented musician, Natalie Wheeler. Even though Natalie is blind, she sees into Michael's hurting soul. With ups and downs in their relationship, Natalie and Michael forge a new career and a new life together.

I do not have a musical bone in my body, so I think some of the song lyrics, symbolism, and meaning were lost on me. However, someone who loves music and all of its depth, will appreciate the many song lyrics in this book. It is a lovely story that you will enjoy with a hot beverage on a rainy day.

3.5 stars

Back in 1989, when this book begins, the world is changing, but Michael is stuck. He feels like a failure, working a blue collar job, his band just invited him to leave, he is forced to live with his alcoholic, verbally abusive uncle, and sees no way out. On a whim, he decides to take his uncle's place at a neighbor's NYE party, and he meets Natalie.

Natalie is the daughter of two famous entertainers. She is blind, but very musically inclined. Her mother is dying, she can't do anything to stop it. When she meets Michael she has her walls up, but eventually they find a middle ground in music.

This was a very well written, new adult genre book, with adult themes intertwined. Plenty of angst, insecurity, and awkwardness between the MC's. Very poignant read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

It took me a little bit of time to adjust to the fact that the main point of view was a male and not a female, but once I got into the story and the characters, I fell in love with them and kept turning pages to follow them on their journey. I loved the focus on music, and the characters’ emotional journeys were riveting.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a good story. It shows how music affects people differently. It gives you hope that music lifts you up when. Your feeling lost and lonely. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

EVERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING is another winner from Erin Bartels. The book begins in Michael's point of view, and his voice is. immediately engaging. The reader sympathizes with him because he is struggling. Meanwhile he meets a musical talent named Natalie. Her father is in the music business. The story really takes off when they combine their talents.

The 80s references are a bit forced at times, but overall the sense of the time period is strong.

The plot develops at a good pace, although it's fairly predictable.

The characters exhibited realistic ups and downs, including understandable flaws.

The theme comes through strongly: it's possible to rise above tough circumstances.

A thoroughly enjoying and encouraging read.