Lilly Harper, a 23-year-old art student struggling with the recent death of her estranged mother, inherits a remote cabin in the dense forests of Vermont. Hoping to find peace and inspiration, she travels alone to the property-but soon realizes the land holds secrets tied to her bloodline. As she unravels the history of her family, she becomes the target of a forest entity known only as Rootman, a being that grows from the pinewood and feeds on generational guilt.

13-year-old Nid loves to sketch, especially the world around her and lately, that includes a certain boy named Lyan. He's quiet, kind, and a year older, with a football smile she can't stop thinking about. When a surprise meeting under the old oak tree sparks a slow growing friendship, Nid finds herself caught between whispers at school and the feelings she's not sure how to name yet. Just a Little Closer is a gentle, heartwarming story of middle school, first crushes, and learning that being honest with your feelings might just bring two people closer-even if they're still figuring it all out.