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, Contemporary, Love

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

[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.

[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.💕

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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. 💔✨

[Kari Ann Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This my 3rd Emma Grey book and I've loved each one.

Don't read too much of the synopsis but know that it's a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about second chances, love and the choices we make and the choices that are made for us. The format of this book is original and engaging. Beginning as a real-time, sequential narrative, the story shifts into a dual point-of-view format. I wasn’t expecting the switch and felt briefly confused at first. Just trust the process.

Soulmates. Grief. Love story. Emotional. Beautifully written and paced well.