Closer to Home, Jill Hannah Anderson: a review

I fell in love with Joleigh, the protagonist in Closer to Home, in chapter one. She’s one tough girl who’s survived the trauma of losing her parents, living in foster care, and the loss of Unity, the wise and beloved woman who adopted her.
The novel opens up with Joleigh trapping leeches in the woods as her Vietnam vet boyfriend is murdered by thugs at their campfire right before her eyes. Joleigh flees the only true home she’s known as a matter of self preservation, fearing that what the thugs wanted from her boyfriend they will search to find it from her next. She leaves, for what she thinks is a temporary solution, until the murderers are caught.
Joleigh finds herself in a small town where she acclimates, weaving a web of lies, and eventually finds what she didn’t know she wanted or needed.
This is a heartwarming, fast paced, small-town story of a fiercely independent young woman who not only survives but flourishes through the odds stacked up against her. And it has such a sweet surprise at the end.
I am such a fan of Jill Hannah Anderson’s writing. I didn’t think she could write a more gripping novel than A Life Unraveled, but Closer to Home grabs the heartstrings from the beginning and will leave readers wanting more by the end.3 s Gena - My Book Reviews for You534 17

Joleigh flees from her home town after witnessing her boyfriend get killed. She plans to temporarily settle in a new town until she feels it’s safe to go home. She’s lucky to find a place to stay and somewhere to work. After some time she gets closer to the people around her. I enjoyed this book so much! The characters surrounding Joleigh were interesting. This was the kind of book where you miss the characters when it ends. There was some suspense throughout the story and wonderful bits of surprises as Joleigh finds herself closer to home. 2 s Linda Weber489 9

I love books with strong woman characters and boy does Jill Hannah Anderson write about strong women! The main character in Closer to Home, Joleigh, is a great example! I also to read about people with good hearts, those who think and care about others as much or more than themselves. Once again, that describes Joleigh, along with a number of the people around her. As in life, there are also times of tragedy, sadness, struggle and even evil in this story. But hard work, justice, perseverance and caring - even love, come through in the end! The time period of this novel is the early 70’s. I how the author includes the plight of our Vietnam Vets into her story through her characters. I also really enjoyed how she wove the songs of that era into the story helping to make it such a pleasure to read!2 s Pauline834

Joleigh has going into hiding after the murder of boyfriend.
She is looking for a safe place to live and new life.
A story about new beginnings and friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Red Adept Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.netgalley2 s Don Anderson9

In the interest of full transparency, I am married to the lovely Jill Hannah Anderson. I've been privileged to watch her create her four books and maybe offered a little help along the way. I mainly read mystery and detective novels and am a huge fan of William Kent Krueger and C.J Box among others. I thought my wife did a great job on her first three books. Of these, Crazy Little Town Called Love was my favorite. The To Hell and Back Club and A Life Unraveled are, in my opinion, well written, but not the type of plots that appeal to me personally.
After reading her first draft of Closer to Home, I told her "this is the one". I've always said that I never give a book a five star rating unless it chokes me up a little. I give this one a five star. Jill did a remarkable job developing several different characters whose stories become entwined with the main character Joleigh. I believe the story helps the readers believe that, in general, most people are good at heart. As a smart, ambitious, honest and caring person, Joleigh will have you cheering for her to the last page. I loved the story and had a hard time putting it down.

2 s Susan Peterson1,747 338

Closer to Home tells the story of a young women’s journey to find herself, to find out where she belongs. Joleigh’s life has been a series of ups and downs, and a horrible tragedy has her leaving town, stowing away in a neighbor’s station wagon to a new town, a new state, and a new life. I loved Joleigh—her resilience, her determination, her fortitude and her wits earned her not only my admiration, but the respect of her new friends. She faced many obstacles, but her grit helped her every step of the way. This book is a fast-paced and compelling read, featuring not only a great main character, but also a fantastic cast of people who supported Joleigh as she found a new life for herself.2 s Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews 431 24

Tissue Alert! I just finished a new book by Jill Hannah Anderson entitled Closer to Home and scheduled to be released on March 19, 2024. I’m pretty sure I have read all of her books. I’ve enjoyed every one of them and I think this is the best book to date that she has penned. I am hoping this is the beginning of a series. I don’t know that but, my fingers and toes are crossed.

There are two things that really drew me into this book. The first is that it takes place in a small town and not just one but two small towns. You know how much I love books that are about small towns. The second thing is that it took place in the 70’s. That’s my time! I graduated and was newly married in the 70’s. Those were good times. Old days!

This book is about Joleigh Moore who is hiding out after witnessing the murder of her boyfriend until the culprits are caught. She winds up in a small town where she thrives. So many things happened to Joleigh and I was caught up in her life. She is the kind of person you can relate to and one who cares for others. She makes a lot of friends in town in a short time and ultimately makes life changes for many.

I found myself totally engrossed in the story line and couldn’t put the book down. I have to admit it is one of the first times I’ve told my husband to shush because my reading time was being interrupted. He kindly buried himself in his own book. Thank goodness! I read most of the day between feeding myself, my husband and our furbabies.

I love a book that has a nice mix of suspense, romance, friendship and everyday life. I seem to enjoy that better than if it is all wrapped around a murder for example. I to mix the genres a little. It makes a book more interesting in my opinion. The characters become real and more well rounded. 

If any of this sounds interesting to you, Jill Hannah Anderson’s book Closer to Home is up for pre-order now. You won’t be sorry. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.1 SS765 25

Closer to Home is a sweet story of a mixed-race young woman dealing with a series of personal losses, one of which endangers her life. It follows her as she relocates and rebuilds her life in a small town in Minnesota. While there’s a mystery element in the book, it’s focused more on personal growth, finding the place you belong in the world, and romance.

Joleigh Moore is a kind, capable, caring, hardworking, and environmentally conscious young woman. Sometimes, she’s almost too good to be true, but she’s the kind of person you’d always want to have on your side.. She’s someone you could rely on no matter what. She an outdoors woman, well-versed in living off the land, camping, repairing, foraging, all things learned from her adoptive mother, Unity. I wish I’d had a Unity, or a Joleigh, in my life.

This is a book that delves into murder, drug use and drug selling, alcoholism, friendship, morality and ethics, living off the land. It also includes adoption, diversity, discrimination, PTSD, law enforcement, and military veterans dealing with the aftermath of their service.

This was a lovely read. I enjoyed it very much, and I learned a few things as I read it. The writing was excellent. The characters engaging and believable, ones I’d love to see more of in another book. The setting was a delightful small town with kind people always willing to help someone in need. All in all, this was an captivating read that kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I highly recommend it.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading his book.adoption advanced-reader-copy adventure ...more1 Letty652

Closer to Home is another wonderful novel written by Jill Hannah Anderson. What I about her books is that they always have a female protagonist that is strong, independent, and caring. That is the case with Joleigh, the protagonist in this book. After witnessing the murder of her boyfriend Mack and fearing the murderers will look for her and whatever it was that Mack was keeping from them, she stows away in her neighbor’s car to a small town she’s never been to intending to hide out there for awhile in hopes that the murderers will be found and incarcerated. Being so resilient, smart, and having amazing survival skills, Joleigh manages to do well for herself in that small town and develops new friendships with many of the local people. I applauded Joliegh for managing to make a temporary life for herself in a new town. She becomes a mother figure to Bits, a young girl with a sick father mostly fending for herself and her father, and meets Franklin, a very handsome man who she becomes close with and develops feelings for. But can she become too attached to Bits, Franklin, and all of the friends she has made when her plan is to return to her home? Well, you must read this to find out what her decision ends up being.

This was an enjoyable small-town story with an amazing and lovable cast of characters. The book was fast paced with some suspense, mystery, and a few surprises that kept me turning the pages.

I received an early review copy of Closer to Home. All opinions are my own.
2024 arc fiction ...more1 Linda Zagon1,469 165

Jill Hannah Anderson, the Author of “Closer to Home” has written a thought-provoking and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are; Small Rural Town, Women’s Historical Fiction, and Fiction. There is a touch of Romance as well. In this well-written story, the author vividly describes the scenery, the plot and the colorful and dramatic characters. Just after Vietnam, the author gives us a view of the after-effects of those who came back and the effect on their loved ones. The author also brings up discrimination and bias.

The protagonist of the story, Joleigh Moore, has learned to live off the land. Her adoptive parent, Unity was her only family and taught her about survival. I love that Joleigh was caring to her animals. After Unity passes away, Joleigh witnesses the men that kill Mack, her boyfriend. Helpless to do anything she leaves town in order to survive and perhaps start over. She discovers a huge amount of cash that Max had hidden in her possessions, and realizes this must have been drug money.

Joleigh has discovered a small town, and tries to make ends meet, making special friendships. Joleigh has tried to figure out what exactly is home? Before Joleigh can make any decisions, she has to deal with the past, to live in the present. This is such a powerful and emotional novel, and I highly recommend this to other readers.1 Linda Zagon1,469 165

Jill Hannah Anderson, the Author of “Closer to Home” has written a thought-provoking and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are; Small Rural Town, Women’s Historical Fiction, and Fiction. There is a touch of Romance as well. In this well-written story, the author vividly describes the scenery, the plot and the colorful and dramatic characters. Just after Vietnam, the author gives us a view of the after-effects of those who came back and the effect on their loved ones. The author also brings up discrimination and bias.

The protagonist of the story, Joleigh Moore, has learned to live off the land. Her adoptive parent, Unity was her only family and taught her about survival. I love that Joleigh was caring to her animals. After Unity passes away, Joleigh witnesses the men that kill Mack, her boyfriend. Helpless to do anything she leaves town in order to survive and perhaps start over. She discovers a huge amount of cash that Max had hidden in her possessions, and realizes this must have been drug money.

Joleigh has discovered a small town, and tries to make ends meet, making special friendships. Joleigh has tried to figure out what exactly is home? Before Joleigh can make any decisions, she has to deal with the past, to live in the present. This is such a powerful and emotional novel, and I highly recommend this to other readers.
2 s Hope GibbsAuthor 2 books95

Jill Hannah Anderson's Closer to Home is a gripping tale that introduces us to Joleigh Moore, a character reminiscent of the resilient Kya from Where the Crawdads Sing. Anderson skillfully weaves a narrative of triumph that resonates well beyond the confines of the pages.

Joleigh, a spirited farm-dwelling woman from Missouri, becomes a reluctant fugitive after witnessing her boyfriend's murder. Seeking refuge in a quaint Minnesota town, she discovers a dangerous secret hidden in her journal, making her the target of her boyfriend's killers who will stop at nothing to retrieve it.

As Joleigh takes on a summer job and finds solace in an old cabin in the woods, the temporary escape transforms into an opportunity for a fresh start. The cast of characters, particularly Bits, the young and spunky girl in town who captures Joleigh's heart, adds depth to the story.

Anderson's writing is not only engaging but also fast-paced, hooks you from the beginning to the end. Themes of love (Franklin is a compelling character), redemption, survival, and second chances are explored, making Closer to Home an emotionally resonant tale.

Anderson's storytelling shines through as she crafts a tale that will leave a lasting impact on readers.1 Carla Suto765 79

CLOSER TO HOME by Jill Hannah Anderson is a fast-paced and riveting story of a young woman on a journey to finding where she truly belongs. I have read and loved all of this author’s books, but I must say that this is my new favorite. Set in 1977, between Missouri and Minnesota, this story drew me in and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. Joleigh Moore has been through a lot in her life losing her parents at a young age, living in foster care, then losing Unity, the treasured woman who finally adopted her. With Unity, Joleigh lived on a small hobby farm, surrounded by her animals and nature, truly living off the land. One evening, returning home from trapping leeches, Joleigh witnesses the brutal murder of her boyfriend, Mack. Fearing the killers will come after her next, Joleigh stows away in her neighbor’s station wagon and winds up in a small town in Minnesota, planning only to stay until Mack’s killers are caught. She finds a safe place to stay and a summer job and soon the townspeople she meets become family, especially a young girl called Bits, who has truly captured her heart. But can she ever really escape her past and find a happy, peaceful life in her new town? This story has wonderful characters, a suspenseful mystery, and plenty of heartwarming and uplifting moments. Given that I grew up in the 70s, I loved the references to current events of the time and the music! Joleigh is a strong, caring and resourceful character that I came to adore. Jill Hannah Anderson has another winner on her hands, for sure! Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review an early copy of CLOSER TO HOME.1 Cathie265

When we meet Joleigh, she is living on a hobby farm and collecting leeches when she witnesses the brutal murder of her boyfriend, Mack. She immediately leaves town fearing for her own safety and thinking that whatever the killers wanted they may come back looking for. She hopes this is only temporary and can return when the killers are caught. She escapes in the trunk of her neighbor’s car to Minnesota and slowly starts to build a life there. She does not divulge the truth as to why she is there and finds herself selling leeches, helping out the folks that own the motel she is renting a room from and finding a job in town. She meets a young girl, Bits, and they form a strong bond and Joleigh finds that she has come to love being in this town and the people she has met.
This is the 3rd book I’ve read by this author and I love her writing. This is a heartwarming but fast-paced story.
Thank you, Jill Hannah Anderson and RedAdept Publishing for an early copy of this book to review.arcs freebies1 Michelle440

When Joleigh witnesses her boyfriends murder, she realizes that it would be best if she left the area for awhile so they don't come looking for her next. She stows away in her neighbors car while he goes to Minnesota to pick up his grandson. She gets out in small town in Minnesota and starts working at the local restaurant by day and helping out at the motel during the weekends. As she starts to really enjoy living and making good friends, her past comes back to haunt her. Will she be able to deal with the past so she can move onto her future?

This is such a great story with wonderful characters. The author is so descriptive, it feels you are right there with Joleigh as she is going through her decisions. I highly recommend this book!1 Rebecca Booth149 35

Jill Hannah Anderson sure knows how to hook a reader and not let go and the ebook, Closer To Home proves this. After a horrible, devastating tragedy where Joleigh witnesses her boyfriend's murder, she flees the only true home she has ever known for her own safety. She goes on a stowaway journey to a new small town in Minnesota. She meets people in a restaurant and a motel, who help provide a new life for Joleigh during the 1970's. I loved reading about this Survivor woman who, during her youth, learned to live off the farm
land, taking care of her animals, growing her own vegetables. She loves taking care of the people in Minnesota, especially Bits, a very self-sufficent young child due to her dad's illness. The wonderful characters and the descriptive settings grabbed me from the first to the last page of this arc of Closer To Home by Jill Hannah Anderson!ebook-pile1 Stephanie (Littlebookpage)136 13

Fleeing the tragic death of her closest friend Mack, Joleigh finds herself in a new town that quickly begins to feel more home than anywhere she’s been before .. strangers become family and her connection to nature helps fill her heart with peace, a sense of belonging, and a little love along the way…finally feeling closer to home.
Jill Hannah Anderson uses her beautifully written words to turn loss and tragedy into love and hope.
1 Beatrice109

Close to home
What a great story about a girl name Joleigh. She lived in Missouri on a farm, and was so young when she had witness a murder. She had to leave town and let no one know where she was because now the killers were after her.. She moved to a small town and was hiding. Joleigh couldn’t let anyone know where she was.

She had started a new life, new friends, and finally the love of her life..

This is a great story. I really enjoyed it very much.

I highly recommend.
1 Kristi Leonard58 13

I was privileged to read an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Jolie was a character brimming with purpose and as a reader I was in her corner the whole read. I could see the change in her character happening slowly throughout the book and I was there for it. Family stories are always interesting to me, and the definition of family was spelled out in this book. Loved it!1 Jodena Pysher109 31

All of Jill's books have an amazing strong female lead and Closer to Home is no different. Joleigh flees her hometown after witnessing a horrific act. Through the twists and turns of this book, does Joleigh finally find her place where she belongs?

Grab this and all of Jill's books!! Believe me, you won't be disappointed!1 Joe Juettner1 review

An interesting character and compelling storyline turned this well written survival story into a page turner. I enjoyed the many well researched subjects on living off the land. Joleigh is a survivor and shows us the importance of community.1 Vicki Carbone361 27

Sooo good. I have loved every single book I've read by Jill Hannah Anderson, and this is no exception. She writes feel good books about strong women who have to overcome challenges in their lives in order to achieve happiness. She writes good, believable characters and has interesting, very detailed plots. I have already begged her for a sequel, and I really hope she writes one. I'll be waiting to hear more about Joleigh, Franklin, Bits, Eden and a baby yet to be created.1 Big Time Book Junkie772 44

Closer to Home was absolutely unputdownable! No one does small town stories Jill Hannah Anderson and this one is no exception.

Set in 1977, JoLeigh, the main character, is a strong woman who makes her own way in life and keeps going even when things that would derail most of us happen to her.

This book is filled with a mystery / crime that happened, found family, small town life, great music, life choices, and above all, a strong woman not only helping herself, but trying to help others.

I loved all the characters in this book and actually kind of want to move to the town that's the setting for the book! Okay, I couldn't handle Minnesota winters, nor the humidity and bugs in summer, but maybe I could live there in the spring! And honestly, it was kind of nice to read a book where everyone didn't instantly get an answer to everything because we didn't have the internet or cell phones yet. The talk about answering machines made me smile as did all the great music!

Pick this book up ~ you'll be glad you did! I enjoy all of this author's books, but this has become my favorite and it kept me reading all day yesterday.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts, as always, are my own and happily shared. 1 Olivia Hartjen14

I really enjoyed this book, when I first started it, I was wondering where it was going to go as Joleigh left her hometown. As I got further into the book, my heart ached for her and cheered for her every decision and task she went through. Her relationship with Bits is heart warming, yet really reminds you of the hardships both her and others can go through as young children with nowhere to go and without the means to support themselves. By the second half of this book I did not want to put it down. I rejoiced with Joleigh in the end knowing that something finally went right for her.

While some of the book was predictable as characters were introduced, other parts still left you guessing which kept your curiosity picked. I wish more time would've been spent on the scene on the ice as this seemed a huge part of the plot, but I think we still got enough details to paint the picture of what happened.

I'd to thank NetGalley and Red Adept Publishing for providing an ARC. netgalley1 Julie Fritz3 1 follower

Closer to Home, the new book by Jill Hanna Anderson captures the reader’s interest from the beginning. We follow Joleigh from Missouri to Minnesota. She has had a difficult life and ends up running from her home to a new place where she knows no one. Although insecure, Joleigh makes many friends because she knows how to communicate and be fair with people. She learned many skills from her adopted mom and can live off the land no one I’ve ever seen. She is a strong independent woman which is especially satisfying as the book takes place when she is 28 years old in 1977. You get to know the characters quickly and get lost in the story, forgetting your surroundings. (The goal I have when reading books). The author reminds us of a time when phones were only landlines and it was cheaper to make calls early mornings or late at night. She also reminds us of the early days of Vietnam Veterans struggling to live in the world. Of course I love the Minnesota setting of the book, but the story and the characters are the best. 1 Carol Deegan562 11

Forced to leave the home she grew up in because of her boyfriend’s drug-related death, Joleigh finds herself in another small town that she soon thinks of as her new home. The situations and characters in this book are very realistic. Mostly self-sufficient, Joleigh finds lots of new friends and they all help her through the pitfalls of her new life as she makes the decision whether to move back to her mother’s house or stay in this new to her town. If you women’s fiction with a little romance and some tension I think you’ll this book. Jill Hannah Anderson has such a way of writing that you feel you’re living among the characters. It was hard to put this book down and I sure didn’t want it to end. Thank you Jill Hannah Anderson for allowing me to read an arc of your book.
1 Kris21 1 follower

Another great, easy read from Jill. From the moment I picked up this book I was hooked and pulled in (just the fish Joleigh caught). I loved all the references to the 70s. Many times I thought, “Oh, yeah! I remember that song!” Or, “Oh!-I forgot about that!” I loved all the local Minnesota references; reminiscent of, “Grumpy Old Men”; especially the reference to hot dish
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