The End Begins

Author: Sara Davison
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The End Draws Near #1
Pages: 352
Release Date: July 1, 2024
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Which of them is the prisoner and which one is free?
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Bookstore owner Meryn O'Reilly and Army Captain Jesse Christensen are on opposite sides of a battle. After a series of terrorist attacks in 2053, martial law has been declared in Canada and the military has taken over. When a radical Christian group claims responsibility, Jesse and his platoon are sent to Meryn's city to keep an eye on the Christians and ensure they are not stepping outside the confines of the law.

Fiery and quick-tempered, Meryn chafes under the curfew and other restrictions to her freedom. Jesse is equally amused, intrigued, and terrified by her spirit, knowing she could end up in prison if she shows defiance to the wrong soldier, namely Lieutenant Gallagher.

Jesse watches out for Meryn when possible, although she wants nothing to do with him. His worst fears are realized when she commits a crime he cannot protect her from. Now they both face an uncertain future and the very real threat of losing everything, including their lives.

With time running out, Jesse works feverishly to convince the authorities to show leniency—and to convince Meryn that love can overcome any barrier that lies between them.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

This peek into the future—even though it’s fiction—raises the question: how close is the US and Canada to this particular scenario? Will Bibles soon be considered propaganda that stirs up hatred and is banned from the public? History has shown that when fear and disdain for Christianity run rampant, things are stirred up in ways we can’t imagine, and God always shows up.

In this book, Meryn and Jesse are aligned with different groups politically and ideologically, and yet each has a moral foundation that brings them together. Their relationship grows in the midst of persecution of Christians, Meryn’s unwavering determination to do what God wants despite consequences, and Jesse’s struggle with obeying orders versus doing what he knows to be right. 

Sara always writes thought-provoking stories that entertain, and provide suspense, and romance while facing hard questions. This book is no different. I found myself completely drawn into the characters' lives and the circumstances surrounding their choices.

This book is a reminder that God prepares His people for everything they may face and shows up in mighty ways when we may have given up hope. I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy courtesy of Mountain Brook Ink through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

This one sinks its teeth into your soul and drags you along for the most nail-biting ride of your life.

The first page throws you into the action and engaging dialogue. What would we do if we lost our freedom of religion? What horrors would we endure? What would it feel like if owning a Bible was a crime? I was really drawn to the realism and thought behind the plot and how each person feels in their circumstances.

I cried, laughed, and felt burning anger with these dear characters. Meryn, a Christian business owner, has hard decisions to make, as well as the struggles that come with standing up for your faith.

Jesse’s future looks shaky as a soldier following orders in a growing chaotic society. These two have chemistry, and the author makes the romance sweet and heart-wrenching! This story captivated me with its twists and turns, gritty dialogue, and stark warning about the danger of losing our religion. Evil has a face, and it is all around us. The danger Meryn faces and the punishment she endures is so convicting to us as Christians. There are so many lessons to learn—I cannot recommend this enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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