Start at the End

by Emma Grey

From the bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You comes an epic story of two soulmates who have to start over before they’ve really begun.

When Audrey and Fraser tumble into a love story for the ages, theirs is an epic, unbreakable romance—until one tragic moment upends everything. Facing the unimaginable, wrestling with guilt, they’re left haunted by “what ifs.”

Would their lives still have imploded if they'd done one little thing differently? Where would they be if events had unfolded the other way around?

This powerful, emotional, sliding-doors novel about love, loss, grief, and hope asks if our stories are already written. Are we able to change fate? And is it ever too late to start again?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Love

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 7, 2026

About the author

Emma Grey is the author of the USA Today bestselling novels The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Her forthcoming novel Start at the End will be published in the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand in April 2026. Grey lives in Canberra, Australia, where her world centers on her three children, loved stepchildren, and stepgrandchildren, as well as writing, photography, and endlessly chasing the aurora australis.

Reviews

[Melanie Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think if you’d explained the premise of Start at the End before I read it, I wouldn’t have found it compelling. I would’ve been so wrong though!
Emma writes about grief, addiction, failure, and love with such tender relatability.
I felt such fondness for the characters—their struggles so real and believable to me I was on the edge of my seat.
I really liked this one!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sliding doors story involves a soon-to-be married couple who experiences a tragic accident, and the possible ways each of their lives could move forward afterwards.

This is a beautiful tale of loss, recovery, and ultimately moving forward. I went into this one pretty blind and was so heartbreakingly but pleasantly surprised at what I read. It was both tragic but so hopeful, and I would recommend it to anyone experiencing a loss. It highlights how even though time moves forward after the loss of a loved one, they are always there with you, and there can be more than one opportunity for happiness in this life. It also reiterates that everyone experiences loss differently, and everyone heals differently. The characters were beautiful, and I felt so deeply for all of them in both situations. The grief was palpable and I teared up multiple times. I do wish that I had learned a little bit more of Parker's story on both sides, but this is my only criticism. I would highly recommend this one, but perhaps have the tissues ready.

[Emily (emsalwaysreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #22 of 2026!

Four stars

Thank you to #NetGalley and Zibby Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.

What to expect in this book:

-Emotional romance
-Reverse timeline
-Sliding doors novel
-Set in Austrailia
-Stories of love and loss
-Grief, loss in all forms
-Blended families

Thoughts

From the author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You comes another remarkable and heartbreaking story of love, family, loss, and self-discovery. Start at the End is a genre-bending story of second-chances in life, parallel timelines, and emotional slow burn. Audrey and Fraser's love story begins at the end. Their love is one for the ages, until tragedy strikes. Both wrestling with the unimaginable, they wonder if they had done something differently, how would their fates be the same? This is more than just a story of found or lost love, but of fate, destiny, and ultimately the power to start again.

Start at the End is Emma's most unique novel to date. I think it is wise to go into this book blind and let it take you on a ride. As the story began at the end, I expected it to go a certain direction, especially considering the title of the book itself, however I found this to be an enlightening and surprising story with depth and unexpected twists. I would in no way categorize this as a mystery, but there are some elements that go beyond traditional romance. As mentioned, this book deals with concepts of fate and I love when a story explores alternate realities. If you do not enjoy this, this may not be the right read for you.

While I did not cry, this is an emotional read and for anyone who has walked through any type of grief or loss before (death, loss of a dream or career, divorce, heartbreak, etc), there is something in this book for you to relate to. I love the relationship between Audrey and Fraser's daughter, as well as the beloved side characters. I had a hard time with some of the characters feeling a little two dimensional, mostly Josh. However, I loved how the elements of musical composition were woven throughout this story. Overall, this was a beautiful slow-burn romance with complicated underlying components made for the lover of emo romance. Look for this one on shelves in April.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, @zibbypublishing for the #gifted eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Well guys, I don’t know quite how to write a review for this book without spoiling things. I went in 100% blind and boy am I glad I did! I didn’t even read the synopsis, because I trust Emma with my life and was going to read it no matter what. I suggest you do the same (go in blind, AND trust Emma fully).

There are so many reasons I love Emma and her books. One being, her books are all so different. She refuses to be pigeon-holed by a genre and really writes whatever it is she is inspired to write. There is a mystery/speculative aspect to this one that quite literally shocked me, but I was so all in on. This book will make you think. Will probably make you cry. And make you run through a whole range of emotions. I imagine it will be therapeutic for some as well. It is heartbreaking, yet hopeful at the same time.

I also want to note that Emma is quite simply a poet. Her writing is always so lyrical and lovely and I would frankly read the woman’s grocery lists. She has been open about having synesthesia (she sees words as colors) and how that affects her writing process, and by golly I think I think it only enhances her work. Additionally, I appreciate how transparent she’s been on her socials throughout the writing of this book - I feel like we, as readers, have been given such a special gift to be able to peek behind the scenes into her writing process (and publishing)!

Ok, as I finish this, I realize this is more or less a rave review and recommendation of Emma and her books rather than an actual review of Start at the End, but omg I don’t want to spoil anything! So, just trust me on this.

[Helya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you crave emotional damage like I do and are okay with having your heart ripped out early on in a book, then this one is for you. Emma Grey is a master at stripping us down to our most emotional state, making us reflect on life’s biggest questions, and then sloooowwwwwlllly building us back up again. As a character says in this book, “No notes, Hepburn. Not a single one,” and so I say to you, Emma, “No notes, Grey. Not a single one.” This beautiful masterpiece is uniquely crafted with multiple POVs that constantly have your mind questioning the definition of reality, while the musical backdrop is so vivid it feels like you can hear every note of Audrey’s music. If I had to name the real MVP of this story, it would be Parker, the daughter, and what a privilege it was to watch her come into her own as the badass female character we can all learn from, proving that age truly is just a number. Please pick this one up when it comes out. It is not a traditional romance, but it will absolutely leave you speechless.

📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
💕Second chances
🔀Sliding doors / parallel timelines
❓What if choices
💙Love and loss
❤️‍🩹Grief and healing
🔥Emotional slow burn
❤️Bittersweet romance
📈Character driven
🎼Classical Music backdrop
🗣️Dual POV

⚠️ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: Grief, Love and Loss, Alcoholism, Depression.

🎼𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🎼
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

💕Q U O T E: “𝑀𝒾𝒸𝓇𝑜 𝒿𝑜𝓎𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓌𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝒸𝓇𝑜 𝑔𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒻.”

🙏Thank you Zibby Publishing and Emma Grey for this free ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.💕

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does start at the end, but tells the whole story including the beginning and the middle with very interesting side trips.

First, the author has given the protagonist, Audrey, an unconventional occupation. She is a classical music composer. This fact is a fun detail and adds to the story. Audrey's stepdaughter, a preteen, is also a gifted pianist who idolizes her stepmother.

There is a significant amount of storytelling in this book about human nature and its complications. The characters are flawed but very lovable.

While processing her grief from loss of a loved one, Audrey determines that she is an alcoholic. That fact is not a major plot line, but a valid, interesting side issue that adds to the richness of this book. The condition is neither demonized nor glamourized. The same is true for a character who has a fear of heights.

The process of grief for the characters in this book is described very well. The sudden mood changes, the sudden tears, and even the sudden laughter are all well-known to those who have lost a loved one. For them, this book will be a surprising source of closure.

This book has used a continually changing point of view which asks the question "What if?" The author is acting as a stage manager, helping the characters cope with their circumstances.

This book is a delight to read.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Heart Tugging, Sliding Doors

full review ⬇️

Starting a new reading year with a 5 star book is magical and Emma Grey has officially done it to me twice. I kicked off 2025 with The Last Love Note and was absolutely delighted to begin 2026 the same way with a sneak peek of Start At The End.

If Emma Grey is new to you, consider this your gentle warning to keep tissues close by. Her stories hold space for warmth, hope and joy, but they also dig deep into grief, love and the kind of emotion that quietly breaks your heart before stitching it back together again.

At its heart, Start At The End is a love story but one with layers. It explores how a single moment or choice can ripple through an entire life, opening the door to second chances and alternate paths.

Without giving away spoilers there is a twist in the middle which transforms the narrative into multiple timelines with dual perspectives. I’ll admit I felt briefly confused after the accident, but once everything clicked I was fully invested in the what ifs (with just one small relationship exception).

The sliding doors concept is handled beautifully and as always Emma blends love and loss with sensitivity, depth and emotional punch. This is the kind of book that lingers long after the final page, reminding you how fragile, complicated and hopeful life can be all at once.

Another stunning 5 star read from Emma hitting shelves in April. Huge thanks to Atlantic Books and Allen and Unwin for the sneak peek.

[Lucie Tunwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine your perfect love story… and then everything changes in an instant. That’s exactly where Start at the End hits you.

This story begins as a love story — tender, hopeful, full of possibility. And then an unimaginable tragedy hits… and everything shifts.

It’s a story of love, loss, recovery, and moving forward — tragic and hopeful all at once. Told through parallel timelines in a sliding-doors style narrative, we see how one defining moment can change the paths of our lives. It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be… and of the power of soulmates, timing, and second chances.

The characters are beautifully written and deeply human. I had tears in my eyes more than once — you feel for them all, and the emotions really land.

I’ve read Emma Grey’s other two books and loved them, and this one continues her gift for writing heartfelt stories about love, grief, and resilience.

A strong 4 stars from me

If you’ve loved Emma Grey’s previous books like I have, I think you’ll really connect with this one too. It has that same warmth and emotional honesty she does so well. It’s out in April so make sure this one is on your list!

Thank you to NetGalley and Allen and Unwin for the advanced reading copy.

[Shilpa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start! This book was a heavy for me. It has trigger warnings!

This book follows the story Audrey and Fraser and their love story but with a twist.
The characters are so beautiful and lovable that you want to hug each one of the them. There is a twist and the author hints at it quite early on in the story but you still get a shock when you reach the point.

The author has touched on grief quite beautifully and I felt the things the author was trying to describe about. I loved the romantic aspect of it and Fraser Miller is all green flags and so perfect! I also loved how music is one of the central themes of the book. The author has done a great job in bringing music to help with grief.

That said, I couldn’t rate it higher than 3.5 stars. While the story is amazing, the book was a bit too long and it kept dragging on! The author wanted to bring justice to the said plot of the story but it came in way too late.

I wanted to stop reading and give up at certain point but I kept going on thinking maybe there is something at the end but I was disappointed there.


Overall 3.5/5 stars

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Abby Jiminez romance crossed with Sliding Doors!

Surprisingly this was the first of Emma Grey’s books I have read. I have heard such good things about her other two books (and they are sitting on my kindle waiting to be picked next!)

This story starts off as a love story, but after an unimaginable tragedy it shifts into a sliding doors-type narrative told from two points of view. I’ll admit I was briefly confused when the split storyline emerged, but the confusion didn’t last long.

A lot of this story revolves around grief, so check trigger warnings before diving in. When reading the acknowledgements at the end, Emma shares that she wrote this story to attempt to process some of the questions and “what ifs” she had after her husband passed away 10 years ago - and you can really understand the depths of her grief through this story.

I really enjoy Emma’s writing style and am looking forward to reading her other books!

Thanks so much to Allen & Unwin, Emma Grey and Netgalley for this ARC.

[_biancasbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Emma Grey’s books have a way of smashing your heart into 50,000 pieces and then somehow putting it back together again.

I don’t want to give too much away, but if there is one book you must read this year, make it Start at the End.

We’re introduced to Audrey and Fraser, who madly fall in love. Have you ever thought about how one action — one single choice — can change the entire course of your life? This book explores that idea so beautifully. It even reminded me of Sliding Doors — that whole “what if?” moment of how life can pivot on something so small.

You will fall deeply in love with Audrey and Fraser. They made me feel things I didn’t even know I could feel. This book wrecked me in the best possible way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger warnings: This book features mental health themes, alcoholism, teenage mental health struggles, and loss — and shows how deeply these impact everyone involved.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for approving me for an ARC. I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this one.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey could never have predicted that making a mistake on a bill at work would have led to her meeting the love of her life. She was still traumatised from losing the future in music she had always wanted, while Fraser was recovering from a marriage break up and missing his daughter, Parker. What happens next left me reeling...

I need to start by saying LOVED this book. I cannot overstate this. Emma Grey broke my heart and then put it together piece by piece. I loved her use of Start and End in the book. I initially found the switching between Emma and Fraser's voices a little disorientating, but ultimately loved the way she weaved them together. I love music of all sorts and the use of music within the story heightened my emotional response and investment in the story. This story is heartbreaking and beautiful and magnificent and life affirming. In case I still need to say, I wanted this book to go on forever, but I couldn't stop reading it and so finished it in the early hours of the morning. A must read.

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Grey creates another epic soulmate story with Start at the End! If you have not picked up this romance author yet, you absolutely need to. Her work always adds depth and complexity to the romance. You are able to connect with the characters and their relationship on levels that most romance novels don't offer.

The story is very original and engaging. Emma Grey realistically portrays grief and effortlessly weaves it into the story. The author often uses this theme, and it is always done so well. The storyline shows you that your life can change with the littlest decisions. This is not my favorite by this author, but it was still amazing. Highly recommend!

Thank you Zibby Publishing & Emma Grey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Start at the End will be released on April 7, 2026!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Start at the end" is uniquely written, as the beginning of the story reads as a real-time sequential type book. After a life defining event, the story takes on a dual P.O.V. style. ( I wasn't expecting the switch up and became semi- confused for a moment. )
For some reason I just did not get emotionally attached to the characters. I even found myself skimming between character conversations. Perhaps I felt some senerios where a bit cliché.
The concept is smart and the twist at the end was my favorite. ( Parker is a smart cookie!)
Overall, if you are looking for a love story with elements of loss, grief, struggles, triumphs and second chances,you may enjoy "Start at the end."
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[BHK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start at the End completely wrecked me! It’s one of those rare books that hits deep emotionally but still feels hopeful by the final page. Emma Grey’s writing is so beautiful and lyrical. She captures love and grief with this raw honesty that sticks with you. Audrey and Fraser’s story isn’t just a romance, but about what happens when life veers off course and you’re forced to face every “what if” you’ve ever had. It made me think about how tiny moments can change everything. It’s sad, but also deeply life affirming. A beautifully written, emotional story that reminds you it’s never too late to start again. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Start at the End started as a love story but quickly turned into a sliding door story. The alternate worlds were a little confusing at first but it was an intriguing style that kept me engaged. Second chances were a big part of the story when many felt all was lost forever. I didn’t connect with any of the characters but their futures and their possibilities kept the story moving along. I applaud the author for writing in a different style and always look forward to her books. Thanks to NetGalley and Zibby Publishing for an advanced eGalley of the book. All opinions expressed are truly my own.
#StartAtTheEnd #EmmaGrey #NetGalley

[Leslie Hagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your typical romance! Emma Grey’s Start at the End tells the story of a once in a lifetime romance between Audrey and Fraser. A complicated past and chance meeting at a party brings these two together. When a tragic moment changes everything, many questions are raised.

This romance dives deep into questions of “what if”, fate, hope, second chances and grief. A plot that keeps the pages turning and characters I was fully invested in makes this one a quick read. But don’t be fooled, the moral, ethical and heartbreaking questions it raises will stay with you long after you’re done. Tender, twisty and tear jerking.

[Hannah Winegar]

Aubrey and Fraser meet in an unexpected way, and their story is even more unexpected. When tragedy strikes, the book breaks in to two timelines, trying to answer the question of "what if"?

AND that's all I can give without major spoilers. I went into this book mostly blind having read Pictures of You. It made me think about my life and some what ifs, but I'm still not sure if I liked this book. It took me a lot longer to finish than anticipated because I found myself not really caring, and the alternative timelines were pretty cliche.

Thanks, NetGalley!

[Jessica Brusven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey is a master storyteller and this novel is another gut wrenching love story of hers! Fraser and Audrey’s story is told in two dualing timelines in a story that explores the “what ifs” we all wonder about when it comes to our life choices and the events that have changed us. It’s both beautifully written and paced well, while still remaining unique for the romance category. It provides more depth to the characters and dives beyond just the protagonist love story and gives the reader insight into how their love impacts those around them.

[Jillian Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start At The End is a wonderful, sliding door novel about love and loss and parallel timelines. While it was confusing to get into the groove of the storyline, it kept my interest for both main characters. As I was reading, I felt there were lots of twists!
Is this my favorite Emma Grey novel? Well, no. But it is a gripping, thought provoking story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zibby publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Grey’s writing is beautiful, powerful and tragically hopeful. The sliding doors concept took me a minute to wrap my head around, but it then quickly sucked me in. I adored the characters, felt their struggles and joys, and could hear the music throughout the entire book. Reading the author’s note was especially insightful and emotional for this story. Big thanks to Zibby Publishing for sending me an arc.

[Sarah Damoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start at the End is a tour de force of honest humanity. I was utterly enthralled by these characters who leap off the page and this premise which so masterfully explores the question of fate. Emma Grey's writing cuts straight to the heart, leaving the reader in awe of the complicated gifts of life and love. Somehow, this book is both an immersive escape and a bold confrontation of reality at the same time. I was swept away and will not soon forget it.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful Emma Grey novel about life, love, grief and compassion. I kind of don’t want to talk the plot at all; just start at the start (as apposed to the end hahaha) and experience Audrey’s, Fraser’s, Parker’s and Rachel’s and Bea’s and Maggie’s story as it unfold..and then we can chat when your done! Out April 8th, thanks so much Allen and Unwin for my arc, could not have loved it more!

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soon-to-be married couple who experience grief just before their wedding day. I loved the dual POVs and the what-ifs moments. I did want a bit more about Parker and not having a clear-cut answer at the end also made me feel as if things were unfinished. Other than that, this was really well-written, I flew through it so easily and it’s definitely a book I’d recommend adding your tbr.

[Lynn Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS BOOK!!! Have never actually read a novel formulated like this one. At one point there are two parallel stories running side by side. It took me a bit to figure out what was happening but whenI did, I was totally intrigued.!!! There are two flawed people damaged by life who come together under unusual circumstances. GREAT BOOK!!!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. Another story by Emma Grey that perfectly highlights the range of human emotion. I went into this one blind as I have learned that is the best way to experience an Emma Grey book. Thankful that I saved this ARC to be my first read of the new year.

[Sarah Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sit here with tears drying on my cheeks, I offer a huge round of applause to Emma Grey. A tender, heartbreaking breaking novel. Your heart will sink and soar in equal measure.
Be excited for this April release!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one completely wrecked me. It’s a sliding doors style story exploring grief, guilt, and the haunting power of what if. It is soft, romantic, devastating, and deeply human. 💔✨

[courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for the arc! I wanted to love this but unfortunately I didn’t connect with the characters at all :(

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start at the End has a what if premise. A sliding doors moment that potentially changes people’s life trajectory. I’ll not say much more other than this book was not at all what I expected. It’s in the best possible way - I thought I was reading a romance and to some extent it is because love is a central theme. But there’s also loss and grief, the most profound grief imaginable and I was so not prepared for it.

This book speaks to the depths of emotions - the love, loss, grief, angst and despair.

I loved it.

It was painful. Sometime joyous. And so bittersweet.

Sigh.