Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 

Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

A book about guitars and lyrics? Yes, please!

Let's begin with the summary:

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.

And now, my review:

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!

Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray

 

Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray

Tammy is one of my favorite authors these days. This is the third book in her State of Grace series.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Their faith will face its toughest test yet.

Four years after getting the biggest break of his life, Cameron Lee's music career has taken a nosedive, leaving him two options: become a sellout or give up on his lifelong dream. He reluctantly returns home for his sister's wedding, hoping to avoid his past and find his love for music again.

Single mom Lexie Walters has suffered her fair share of tragedies and setbacks, but she has finally scraped together the money to achieve her dream of going into business with her cousin as an interior designer. When Lexie’s life is at an all-time high, she runs into her teenage crush, Cameron Lee.

Lost in the emotional turmoil of failure, Cameron is immediately drawn to Lexie and her infectious smile and optimistic spirit. Moreover, he adores her mouthy, no-holds-barred daughter. But fantasies only last so long, and soon Lexie and Cameron must face the real world, the one fraught with heartbreak, disappointment, and questions that sometimes can only be answered by a leap of faith.

And now, my review:

I’ve read this entire series, so what fun to see familiar characters and to learn their story. Before this, these two had been on the outskirts of the previous novels. It was satisfying to see them take center stage in first person. One of the themes is what to do after the dream comes true. Where to next? Especially if it wasn’t as fulfilling as one would like.

I loved that Lexie has had a crush on Cameron for-ev-er. This was a fun aspect as they reunited. Lexie’s daughter is such a great “cast member” in the novel.

This heroine is wordy! She rambles, and I admit I skipped her pages at times. We’ve all known people like that, though, haven’t we? If only we could skip ahead in those conversations. Heh.

There were some poignant lines, like: “What is it about coming gome that makes all the masks disappear?” (location 362 in the ARC)

As a musician and songwriter, I enjoyed the music aspect of this story.

The hero’s anxiety manifests itself in a tough challenge. This may be relatable for some readers.

Overall, an enjoyable read.