This is Not Love
Michael is a young guy who has had a terrible upbringing, including having no father in his life. His single mom has constantly made bad choices in men, causing both her and Michael to suffer. Because of that, Michael feels entitled to be mean and angry.
He moves in with his alcoholic, angry uncle, and discovers he is living across the street from some famous singers. He crashes their New Year’s Eve party with his uncle’s invitation in hopes of making a connection to get his music career off the ground.
Although the family realizes Michael was not invited, they befriend him, and are very kind to him. That includes their sweet talented daughter, Natalie, who is blind.
It was very sad to see Natalie, with so much potential, be taken in by someone has has horrible anger issues, and the inability to be responsible for his own problems.
If Michael does something bad, instead of him admitting his mistake, he will blame everyone else for his bad behavior. For instance, he will say, it is really Natalie’s fault for “making” him so angry he couldn’t control himself, and acted out. He then feels entitled to unleash torrents of vicious anger on her. This is a pattern often seen in those who control others.
Michael is a very troubled soul. It is wonderful to try to help someone like that find peace, and definitely find the Lord. That doesn’t mean you have to date them, give them your heart, and let yourself in for a world of trouble.
Be aware that this book deals with adult themes, lots of alcohol use, and coarse language (not outright profanity, but as close as it gets). The style of the tale is edgy and sketchy.
The ending of this three-star book didn’t work because it was hard to believe that after Michael spent the entire book being angry, that he would suddenly be able to have a healthy love relationship. Instead, it felt like a round peg being forced into a square hole. If the story were to continue, it would be a perfect example of why you should not be unequally yoked. There cannot be a happily-ever-after ending here without a radical healing of Michael’s anger and other issues.
Library Thing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Everything is Just Beginning, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinBartelsAuthor/
The Author’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbartelswrites/
The Author’s Website: https://erinbartels.com
