My Thoughts on Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 

About:

It was just one of those nights. One of those crazy, impossible nights that change your life. Forever.

When guitarist Michael Sullivan gets kicked out of his band (and his apartment), landing a record deal seems an impossible dream. And nothing about Michael's prospects points toward a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's addressed to his uncle, with whom he shares both name and living space, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is falling apart, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

My Thoughts:

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.

About the Author:

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.