ann m. schreiber

Jessica’s New Beginning is an emotionally rich story about rediscovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to build something new after everything has changed.

After the unraveling of her relationship with Lucas, the father of her daughter and the man she once thought she’d spend forever with, Jessica has focused on two things: raising Lily and building her career as a physical therapist. She’s proud of what she’s built, but there’s still a lingering ache where love and lust used to live.

Then comes Will: a teacher with two kids of his own and a sadness behind his smile. His wife passed away five years ago, and while he’s taken careful steps toward healing, he hasn’t opened himself up to love again until now. Their connection is instant, undeniable... and complicated.

Just as Jessica begins to see a future with Will, he finds that his daughter, Sophie, is struggling with this new woman in her life. It was clear that Sophie liked Jessica well enough, but it seemed that Sophie’s memories of her own mother were beginning to fade away. To add more to the mix, Jessica sustains an unbearable loss at the beginning of this budding romance. She must decide if Will is the right man to stand by her side.

As tensions grow and insecurities mount, Jessica must determine if she can work through the grief that still lingers in Will’s home and in her own heart. Is pursuing love really worth it? Will the letters from Will’s dead wife provide the necessary strength and hope, and perhaps a way forward for this newfound love?

A powerful follow-up to Emily’s Next Chapter, this story explores the raw and real experiences of love later in life, co-parenting, grief, and the beautiful mess of starting over.