Shattered Promises, Broken Roads

Faith and Jace's story begins with a heartbreak on a sun-dappled, mossy road—two teenagers in love, torn apart by secrets and self-loathing. Jace, convinced he's unworthy, leaves Faith behind, shattering her world and vowing never to return. Faith, devastated, swears she'll never let him back in. Their sacred place becomes a symbol of lost innocence and the pain of first love, setting the stage for a decade of longing, regret, and the hope that maybe, someday, love can be rebuilt from the ruins.

Haunted by the Past

Ten years later, Faith is a widow, her dreams of restoring a grand plantation into a bed and breakfast now a nightmare. Her husband Joseph's murder haunts her, and mysterious threats invade her home, leaving her and her young daughter, Bailey, in constant fear. The house, once a symbol of hope, is now filled with shadows and memories. Faith's only solace is her daughter, the one bright spot in a world gone dark. But as the threats escalate, Faith realizes she can't outrun the ghosts of her past—or the danger closing in.

Return of the Outlaw

Jace, now a successful but haunted man, returns to Broadshire Rim when he learns Faith is in danger. Despite years apart, his feelings for her are as fierce as ever. He's determined to protect her, even if it means facing the pain of their shared history and the resentment of a town that never forgave him. Jace's presence reignites old wounds and unresolved passion, forcing both him and Faith to confront the love they tried to bury. But the threat to Faith is real, and Jace's return may be the only thing standing between her and disaster.

Shadows in the Hall

Faith's home becomes a battleground as the threats intensify. Strange noises, ominous notes, and a sense of being watched keep her on edge. Jace insists on staying, reinforcing the house and vowing to keep Faith and Bailey safe. Their forced proximity stirs up memories and longing, but also fear—of the danger outside and the emotions inside. As Jace repairs the crumbling house, he and Faith begin to mend the cracks in their relationship, but the darkness around them grows ever closer.

Unraveling Old Wounds

Flashbacks reveal the depth of Faith and Jace's teenage love—their secret meetings, the way Faith saw beauty in Jace when no one else did, and the betrayal that tore them apart. Jace's troubled family, his sacrifices for his brother and cousin, and the choices that led him down a dangerous path are laid bare. Faith's compassion and belief in Jace were once his salvation, but his inability to accept her love doomed them both. Now, as adults, they must decide if forgiveness is possible, or if the wounds are too deep to heal.

The Girl and Her Beast

Bailey, Faith's daughter, becomes the unexpected link between past and present. Her trust in Jace, her innocent questions, and her need for protection draw Jace in, awakening a fierce love he never expected. As Jace bonds with Bailey, he sees a chance for redemption—a family he could never have imagined. Faith watches, torn between fear and hope, as the man she once loved becomes the father her daughter needs. But the threat to their safety looms, and Jace's own demons threaten to destroy the fragile peace they've found.

Secrets Buried Deep

Faith discovers cryptic notes, a hidden key, and a letter from Joseph that hint at secrets he took to the grave. Jace's own past—his time in prison, his involvement in dangerous dealings, and the sacrifices he made for family—begin to surface. The lines between victim and perpetrator blur as Faith realizes how little she knew about the men she loved. The house itself, filled with hidden rooms and memories, becomes a metaphor for the secrets that threaten to tear them apart once more.

Ghosts of the Roses

The rose garden, once neglected, now blooms as a symbol of resilience and hope. Here, Faith and Jace confront their shared history—their dreams, their mistakes, and the love that never died. Surrounded by beauty born from neglect, they find the courage to admit their feelings and face the pain of the past. But as they draw closer, the danger outside intensifies, and the ghosts of their choices threaten to destroy the future they long for.

A Dangerous Homecoming

The true threat is revealed—not a stranger, but someone close, hiding in plain sight. Felix, a trusted friend and officer, is unmasked as the enemy, driven by vengeance and greed. Faith and Bailey are taken hostage, and Jace must risk everything to save them. The confrontation is brutal, forcing Jace to face his own capacity for violence and the cost of love. In the chaos, truths are exposed, and sacrifices are made that will change all their lives forever.

Letters Never Sent

In the aftermath, Faith discovers a cache of letters—Jace's unsent confessions from prison, Joseph's final admissions, and the truth about the house that was always meant to be hers. The letters reveal the depth of Jace's love, the pain of his absence, and the betrayals that shaped their lives. Faith is forced to confront her own choices, her capacity for forgiveness, and the possibility of a future built on truth rather than lies.

The Price of Protection

Jace, wounded and guilt-ridden, believes he must leave Faith to atone for his failures. He cannot bear the thought of being a reminder of all she's lost. Faith, devastated by his departure, must decide if she can forgive the man who both saved and hurt her. Both are haunted by the cost of protection—the lives lost, the innocence shattered, and the love that seems impossible to reclaim.

The Truth in Ruins

Through the pain, Faith and Jace begin to rebuild—not just the house, but themselves. They confront the truth of their pasts, the choices that led them here, and the love that survived it all. With the support of family and friends, and the innocence of Bailey as their guide, they find the strength to forgive, to hope, and to dream again. The house, once a place of sorrow, becomes a home filled with laughter, love, and the promise of forever.

Betrayal in the Blood

The final confessions from Joseph and Jace's brother Ian reveal the tangled web of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice that shaped their lives. Jace learns to forgive himself, to accept that he is worthy of love, and to embrace the family he's found. Faith, too, lets go of the guilt and anger that held her back, choosing to honor the past without letting it define her future. Together, they break the cycle of pain and create a new legacy for Bailey and the generations to come.

The Final Confession

In a moment of vulnerability, Jace and Faith lay bare their souls, confessing their deepest fears and desires. They acknowledge the pain they caused each other, the mistakes they made, and the love that endured despite it all. With honesty and humility, they choose each other—again and always. Their reunion is not just a return to love, but a commitment to building a life together, stronger for all they've survived.

Forgiveness and Forever

The story ends where it began—in the rose garden, now in full bloom. Surrounded by family and friends, Faith and Jace marry, promising to love, protect, and dream together for the rest of their lives. Bailey, the child who bridged their broken hearts, dances in the sunlight, a symbol of innocence restored. The house, once haunted by loss, is now a home filled with laughter, hope, and the enduring power of love. In the end, forgiveness is their greatest confession, and forever is theirs to claim.

Characters

Faith Linbrock

Faith is the emotional core of the story—a woman marked by loss, betrayal, and the enduring hope for love. Once an idealistic girl who saw beauty in the broken, she is forced to grow up fast after Jace's abandonment and the murder of her husband, Joseph. Her devotion to her daughter Bailey is unwavering, and her courage is tested as threats close in. Faith's journey is one of reclaiming her voice, learning to trust again, and finding the strength to forgive both others and herself. Her love for Jace is both her greatest vulnerability and her ultimate salvation, as she learns that true healing comes from facing the past and choosing hope.

Jace Jacobs

Jace is a man shaped by hardship, guilt, and a fierce loyalty to those he loves. Branded an outcast in his youth, he internalizes the belief that he is unworthy of happiness. His sacrifices for his brother Ian and cousin Joseph lead him down a path of crime and imprisonment, costing him the love of his life. Jace's return to Broadshire Rim is driven by a need to protect Faith, but also by a desperate hope for forgiveness. His psychological struggle is rooted in self-loathing and the fear of repeating old mistakes. Through his bond with Bailey and his willingness to confront the truth, Jace finds redemption and the courage to claim the family he never thought he deserved.

Bailey Anne

Bailey is Faith's young daughter, a bright and trusting child whose innocence becomes the catalyst for healing. Her immediate bond with Jace softens his defenses and gives Faith a reason to hope. Bailey's presence in the story is both a reminder of what's at stake and a symbol of the future that can be built from brokenness. Her simple faith in those she loves inspires the adults around her to be braver, kinder, and more honest.

Joseph

Joseph is a complex figure—Faith's late husband, Jace's cousin, and a man undone by his own choices. Driven by jealousy and a need to prove himself, he betrays both Jace and Faith, setting in motion the events that lead to his own death. Joseph's final letters reveal a man tormented by guilt, desperate for forgiveness, and aware that he was never truly loved the way he wanted. His actions force the other characters to confront the cost of secrets and the possibility of redemption, even for the most flawed.

Ian Jacobs

Ian is Jace's younger brother, a survivor of abuse and neglect who owes his life to Jace's sacrifices. His relationship with Jace is marked by both gratitude and resentment, as he struggles with feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment. Ian's journey is one of learning to accept love, to forgive himself and others, and to support Jace in his quest for happiness. His presence grounds the story in the reality of family bonds—messy, painful, but ultimately unbreakable.

Courtney

Courtney is Faith's best friend, a source of humor, strength, and unwavering support. She is unafraid to challenge Faith, to call out Jace, and to fight for those she loves. Courtney's own vulnerability is revealed through her relationship with Felix, the story's hidden villain. Her loyalty and honesty help Faith navigate the darkest moments, reminding her that she is never truly alone.

Felix (Caleb Ricci)

Felix is the story's most insidious antagonist—a trusted friend and police officer who is, in reality, a member of the criminal family hunting Faith. His duplicity is a psychological blow to the characters, forcing them to question their own judgment and the nature of evil. Felix's actions are driven by vengeance and greed, and his ultimate unmasking is both a climax of suspense and a lesson in the dangers of misplaced trust.

Mack

Mack is a detective and Jace's old friend, torn between loyalty and duty. He provides crucial support to Faith and Jace, risking his career to protect them. Mack's presence is a reminder that not all authority is corrupt, and that justice, though imperfect, is worth fighting for. His own struggles with guilt and responsibility mirror those of the main characters, adding depth to the story's exploration of right and wrong.

Margot Linbrock

Faith's mother, Margot, is a figure of warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. She sees the truth of Jace's character when others do not, and her acceptance provides Faith with the foundation she needs to heal. Margot's role is subtle but vital, embodying the power of family and the importance of believing in those we love.

Steven Ricci

Though dead before the story's present, Steven's legacy as a crime boss and manipulator haunts every character. His influence corrupts Joseph, ensnares Jace, and ultimately brings violence to Faith's door. Steven represents the generational cycle of pain and the destructive power of secrets left unchecked.

Plot Devices

Dual Timelines and Flashbacks

The narrative structure alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to Faith and Jace's teenage years. This device allows the reader to experience the intensity of their first love, the trauma of their separation, and the choices that shaped their futures. The gradual revelation of past events creates suspense, deepens character motivation, and underscores the theme that the past is never truly gone—it lives on in the present, demanding to be reckoned with.

Letters and Hidden Messages

Letters, notes, and hidden objects (like the key and the log) serve as tangible links between characters and their secrets. These plot devices drive the mystery, provide crucial information at pivotal moments, and symbolize the ways in which truth is often buried, waiting to be unearthed. The discovery of Jace's unsent letters and Joseph's final confession are emotional turning points, forcing characters to confront the reality of their choices and the possibility of forgiveness.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Recurring symbols—such as the rose garden, the crumbling plantation, and the motif of "Beauty and the Beast"—foreshadow the characters' journeys from ruin to renewal. The house mirrors Faith and Jace's relationship: once grand, then neglected, and finally restored through love and hard work. The beast represents both Jace's self-perception and the darkness each character must face. These symbols enrich the narrative, providing layers of meaning and emotional resonance.

Unreliable Narration and Withheld Information

The story is driven by secrets—what is said, what is left unsaid, and what is deliberately hidden. Characters withhold information to protect themselves and others, but these omissions become sources of pain and misunderstanding. The gradual unveiling of truth keeps the reader engaged, heightens tension, and ultimately delivers catharsis as the characters lay bare their souls.

Redemption Arcs and Cycles of Forgiveness

At its core, the novel is about redemption—the possibility of starting over, of being more than the sum of one's mistakes. Characters are given opportunities to confess, to seek forgiveness, and to offer it in return. The cyclical nature of pain and healing is reflected in the structure, as the story comes full circle: from heartbreak to hope, from loss to love, from confession to absolution.

Analysis

A.L. Jackson's More of You is a contemporary romance that transcends the genre's conventions by weaving together suspense, psychological depth, and a profound meditation on forgiveness. At its heart, the novel is about the enduring power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. Through the dual perspectives of Faith and Jace, the story explores how trauma, secrets, and self-doubt can poison relationships—but also how honesty, vulnerability, and courage can restore them. The use of flashbacks and physical artifacts (letters, keys, the house itself) grounds the emotional stakes in tangible reality, making the characters' struggles feel immediate and real. The novel's central lesson is that redemption is possible, but only through the painful work of confession and forgiveness—of oneself and others. In a world where betrayal and loss seem inevitable, More of You offers a hopeful vision: that love, when chosen again and again, can transform even the most haunted hearts. The story's emotional arc is both cathartic and inspiring, reminding readers that the past need not define the future, and that the greatest confessions are those made in the name of love.

Last updated: October 26, 2025