Broken Cycle

Essence Jackson is a middle school English teacher and single mom of two teenage daughters, Noa and Harper, who's navigating parenthood, childhood trauma and abuse, and a complicated relationship with her own mother. Her therapist Dr. Reed guides her on a journey of acceptance, validation, growth and courage to finally understand that her past doesn't define her.

When she meets a new man, Isaiah, her hard exterior begins to soften, as he comforts her through her pain, opening her up to a world of hope and level of compassion her heart has desired for years, slowly becoming the kind of peace she's longed for. Her caution remains, as she's trying to maintain her daughters being her top priority.

Essence has a story that is full of pain, happiness, sorrow, and triumph, and despite the obstacles that come her way, she always finds a way through.

©2025 Maria Stollenwerck (P)2025 Maria Stollenwerck