2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Finalist in Second Novel 2018 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Literary

"Jackson effectively represents the overwhelming nature of caring for a loved one with schizophrenia, which is seldom seen in fiction. She offers readers an expert understanding of the pitfalls of such a life: the revolving-door culture of caregivers, a mental health system that often leaves families at a loss, and the social stigma that constantly threatens to derail healing progress.” —Kirkus Reviews “Finally, finally, our culture is talking about mental illness and the suffering it brings to those it strikes and those who love them. In this addictively readable, well-written novel, based on her own true story, Joan Jackson humanizes—and even humorizes—the impact of schizophrenia.” —Meredith Maran, author of The New Old Me “I loved it. An honestly told story of a family coping with a situation that they have inherited. So beautifully written. It will resonate with many readers.” —Liz Murphy, former owner of The Learned Owl Book Store, Hudson, OH “What a lovely book! Your characters jump off the page and into our hearts. Steve lives and breathes. Thank you for letting me read it.” —Carol Burnett, author, comedienne, and actress “Joan Jackson delivers a pitch-perfect account of a family in crisis and the complex challenges of mental illness. With delicate intimacy, humor, and heart, Jackson seamlessly weaves reality into fiction in this moving document of the resiliency of the human spirit.” —Alexia LaFortune, MA Developmental Clinical Psychology, MARI, FAMI, author of Sex, Love, and Spirit: A Memoir “This remarkable book is an illuminating experience that brings a schizophrenic’s world to life. Bold and uplifting, Just in Time is a heartfelt, valuable contribution for families and professionals dealing with mental illness as well as an entertaining read for all.” —Ellen G Ruderman, Psychotherapist, Encino, CA "An intimate and lovely book about the messiness of a life lived with schizophrenia; filled with kindness, and quirkiness and a generosity of spirit; at times you feel like a voyeur; other times a family member. Joan L. Jackson weaves the story with a precise needle and thread; you feel exasperated, joyful, hopeful, worried, a bit anxious, and in one exquisitely drawn chapter toward the end of the book - waiting to exhale as you hold on to the seat of your pants. But, mostly, because of the beauty in Ms. Jackson's writing, you feel the power of resilience and love.” —Amy Ferris, author, Marrying George Clooney, Confessions from a Midlife Crisis, and editor of Shades of Blue "Just In Time is both a compelling & sensitive narrative, an emotional roller coaster that chronicles the journey of a family confronted with a loved one diagnosed with a mental disorder—in this case schizophrenia. Jackson is a good storyteller and Just In Time captures the emotions, challenges, successes, and failures that are part of siblings Steve & Sylvia’s complex relationship that evolves over the years. Its underlying premise is uplifting, because it is a story about hope. Sometimes it's not about tough love – it's just about love – that can make that which seems impossible, possible." —Jim Vidakovich, media strategist and best selling author "As the novel moves forward, it feels like reading a diary. The moments are intimate, the dialogue sincere, and the conflicts real . . . The book is a perfect read for anyone interested in the authentic struggles of a family trying to move forward, because, as Nancy says, eventually, “We’re all moving on.” —San Francisco Review "Joan L. Jackson has written an important and realistic novel about schizophrenia and its impact on a family. The characters were well developed, and the plot, though simple, kept the story moving with brisk pacing throughout the novel. Its strength was the depictions of Steve's symptoms and thought processes." —Storybook Circle Reviews