Erin Bartel's Newest Novel

 

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.