Everything Is Just Beginning Review

About the Book

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, 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 inching toward democracy, 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.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I was intrigued by this story idea. Erin Bartels tends to write very unique stories and this was no exception. She took a lot of time to write about music and really set the stage for the time period that this book is written. The first few chapters held my interest as I was curious where Michael would find himself. After that I struggled a bit to be completely captivated by this story. Not much happens within the pages and the story line moves terribly slow. There is friendship and unique family relationships that I thought well written but aside from that this was not the book for me. I am sure many will enjoy this story!

Three stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

The Words Between Us Review

 

 About the Book

A reclusive bookstore owner hoped she'd permanently buried her family's sensational past with a new name. But when the novels she once shared with an old crush begin appearing in the mail, it's clear her true identity is about to be revealed, threatening the new life she has painstakingly built. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I finished this book the other day. I have been mulling it over ever since. I really struggled on my rating for this one because I am conflicted. When I got a bit past the middle of this story I was planning on five stars-hands down. But then the ending happened and I am not sure how I feel about it all. 

So the first part of the book you are still getting to know the characters and the feel of the story. It moves a little slow yet you don't want to put the book down. You really have no idea but will happen and who everyone is because it is given to the reader in pieces. There is a dual time line (which I LOVE) and I thought this part was very well done. Once things started unfolding I became more engrossed and truly couldn't stop reading. There are some unrealistic things but this is fiction. There is a lot of time spent on one aspect of the bookstore that I still don't see the point. The way the book ended is what really summed up my rating. It was very much so rushed and with all of the things going on (this book is packed!) and mystery it seemed like the ending was thrown together. But this is still a 4 star book in my opinion. Erin writes in such a beautiful way some of her sentences I wanted to re-read because they were so well done. Her writing in this novel is excellent and it is her best book yet.  

I highly recommend if you are looking for something new!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."