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The Roots Beneath Us
Fate brought them together. Their pasts tried to tear them apart.
Leaving behind a career filled with danger and secrets, Piper Luck arrives in Duck, North Carolina, on her fortieth birthday, determined to build a new life. Starting with The Roots Beneath Us, a local course her friend and father figure swore would transform her, she embarks on a new journey. However, on the first day of class, only one other person shows up—a shy, guarded man.
Like Piper, Boone Winters just moved to the Outer Banks at the suggestion of his now deceased mentor and boss, who promised Boone a job when he arrived if he worked up the courage to leave an abusive relationship. The Build a luxurious oceanfront home. However, there are contingencies. He must attend The Roots Beneath Us program, have an accountability partner, and live alone.
With no other course participants, Piper becomes Boone’s accountability partner. Together, they work through the course by facing their fears, setting goals, overcoming obstacles . . . and forging an unlikely friendship that evolves into something deeper. Nonetheless, when their previous lives resurface and threaten the tentative roots they’ve planted, they must each courageously confront their past demons once and for all in order to claim their future.
Leaving behind a career filled with danger and secrets, Piper Luck arrives in Duck, North Carolina, on her fortieth birthday, determined to build a new life. Starting with The Roots Beneath Us, a local course her friend and father figure swore would transform her, she embarks on a new journey. However, on the first day of class, only one other person shows up—a shy, guarded man.
Like Piper, Boone Winters just moved to the Outer Banks at the suggestion of his now deceased mentor and boss, who promised Boone a job when he arrived if he worked up the courage to leave an abusive relationship. The Build a luxurious oceanfront home. However, there are contingencies. He must attend The Roots Beneath Us program, have an accountability partner, and live alone.
With no other course participants, Piper becomes Boone’s accountability partner. Together, they work through the course by facing their fears, setting goals, overcoming obstacles . . . and forging an unlikely friendship that evolves into something deeper. Nonetheless, when their previous lives resurface and threaten the tentative roots they’ve planted, they must each courageously confront their past demons once and for all in order to claim their future.
- GenresRomance
277 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2024
About the author
Joey Jones
9 books221 followersJoey Jones’s writing style is described as a mixture of Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and James Patterson. New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey labels Jones’s writing as “lyrical” and proclaims, “He effortlessly pulls readers into the souls of his characters.” USA Today Bestselling Author Jeff Gunhus compares Joey Jones’s work to Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Evans, and Sparks.
The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).
Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.
Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.
Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter
The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).
Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.
In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.
Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.
Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 17, 2024
4.25/5
I strongly recommend this novel. But I would advise checking trigger warnings (sexual assault, abusive relationships, child trafficking). These are crucial to one of the characters backstory.
I’ve been with Joey Jones since the beginning and I truly enjoy every book I’ve read of his. The Roots Beneath Us was no different. I received an eARC of this and I am happily and willingly providing a completely honest review of my reading experience.
To start, the cover is absolutely stuffing as all of Joey’s books have been. I was very interested to see where the title of this novel came from. I LOVED the idea of The Roots Beneath Us course/journey as laid out in the novel. I honestly enjoyed it so much I wish a little more information was included in the story line.
These characters, Boone and Piper, was beautifully complicated and I absolutely loved them as people. They had just the right amount of depth that they seemed like real people and I loved that about them.
There are two things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the third act miscommunication/challenge/test to the relationship and the ending of the story.
The third act issue in the relationship really came off as superficial to me and I couldn’t understand why it was such a huge issue to Boone. I understand this was needed for the plot progression, but I think it could’ve taken a route that was a little more impactful.
The ending to the story kind of seemed to end so abruptly. I would’ve loved to see a last chapter or epilogue that should a time jump for how things panned out for Boone and Piper in a little bit. I was rooting for them so whole heartedly I wanted to see how their life turned out longer than just in the short term.
I did also suspect the plot twist/reveal from the end of the book as well. But it was a pleasant and sweet reveal that just gave a little something extra to the story.
Overall, this book was very well done. It just left me wanting a little more because I enjoyed the characters, their backstories, and the character growth they experienced throughout this story. It wasn’t enough for me and left me wanting more!
I strongly recommend this novel. But I would advise checking trigger warnings (sexual assault, abusive relationships, child trafficking). These are crucial to one of the characters backstory.
I’ve been with Joey Jones since the beginning and I truly enjoy every book I’ve read of his. The Roots Beneath Us was no different. I received an eARC of this and I am happily and willingly providing a completely honest review of my reading experience.
To start, the cover is absolutely stuffing as all of Joey’s books have been. I was very interested to see where the title of this novel came from. I LOVED the idea of The Roots Beneath Us course/journey as laid out in the novel. I honestly enjoyed it so much I wish a little more information was included in the story line.
These characters, Boone and Piper, was beautifully complicated and I absolutely loved them as people. They had just the right amount of depth that they seemed like real people and I loved that about them.
There are two things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the third act miscommunication/challenge/test to the relationship and the ending of the story.
The third act issue in the relationship really came off as superficial to me and I couldn’t understand why it was such a huge issue to Boone. I understand this was needed for the plot progression, but I think it could’ve taken a route that was a little more impactful.
The ending to the story kind of seemed to end so abruptly. I would’ve loved to see a last chapter or epilogue that should a time jump for how things panned out for Boone and Piper in a little bit. I was rooting for them so whole heartedly I wanted to see how their life turned out longer than just in the short term.
I did also suspect the plot twist/reveal from the end of the book as well. But it was a pleasant and sweet reveal that just gave a little something extra to the story.
Overall, this book was very well done. It just left me wanting a little more because I enjoyed the characters, their backstories, and the character growth they experienced throughout this story. It wasn’t enough for me and left me wanting more!
September 6, 2025
Heartfelt, warm, slow but steady pace. Reads like a Hallmark movie.
August 5, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book and I am so thankful! This book is AMAZING and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in less than 24 hours and can’t wait for it officially be released so that I can read it again! Buy this book, you won’t regret it!
August 11, 2025
Wholesome
What a wonderfully written story of overcoming tragedy, layed with warmth, compassion and strength. This story made me cry but left me elated. One could say, you are on an emotional roller in a good way.
What a wonderfully written story of overcoming tragedy, layed with warmth, compassion and strength. This story made me cry but left me elated. One could say, you are on an emotional roller in a good way.
October 20, 2024
This book addressed so many social issues but didn't delve into any of them far enough to come away with a clear picture. The backgrounds of the two main characters seemed to be just touched on, I felt like I needed more information before jumping into the self-help program they were in. I didn't feel there was enough depth to much of the book. It was alot of material to cover and I think corners were cut to get to the end. I felt that sometimes a good storyline was abruptly ended - on to the next chapter. The writing was missing words ("thought she found love", "wished she told him") like HAD in these two instances. Adjectives were sprinkled around as if we were counting how many different ones could be used and some were used questionably. ("the patient was cared for immaculately"??) I don't think so. There were several instances of inaccurate descriptions. All of this detracted from the story.
This book was not for me. I finished it, hoping things would change, but I continued to feel like I was reading it in a fog right up until the end.
This book was not for me. I finished it, hoping things would change, but I continued to feel like I was reading it in a fog right up until the end.
August 22, 2024
I've read all of Joey Jones' novels, and this was one of my favorites! The characters were complex, but relatable. This book had more suspense than some of his others, which I loved. You always knew that the main characters, especially Piper, were leaving out important information about their past. I couldn't wait to get to the part where it all revealed itself. When it did....POW! One of the plot twists I could see coming very early on in the book. That didn't hinder my emotions once it happened, though. It was still very powerful. But some of the other plot twists blindsided me! As usual, the descriptions of this quaint NC town are spot on, and make you fall in love with it! I highly recommend this book!!!
September 28, 2024
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this book #goodreadsgiveaway
I’ve never read this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked the premise of the book and the storyline. The writing was smooth, descriptive, and concise. I liked the main characters as a whole (in the beginning), however, I as we neared the end one of the main characters makes a minor “mistake” and all is lost (really?!). The last 25% of the book felt rushed and more “just needed to tie up the ends and finish”. The ending itself I had figured out in the beginning, so there wasn’t any “surprise ending” or “twist” for me. Overall, I’d say this was an easy read…summer read…weekend read…easily one you can start but then put down and walk away vs one you stay up all night to know how it ends.
I’ve never read this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked the premise of the book and the storyline. The writing was smooth, descriptive, and concise. I liked the main characters as a whole (in the beginning), however, I as we neared the end one of the main characters makes a minor “mistake” and all is lost (really?!). The last 25% of the book felt rushed and more “just needed to tie up the ends and finish”. The ending itself I had figured out in the beginning, so there wasn’t any “surprise ending” or “twist” for me. Overall, I’d say this was an easy read…summer read…weekend read…easily one you can start but then put down and walk away vs one you stay up all night to know how it ends.
August 17, 2024
Joey Jones delivers again!! I loved The Roots Beneath Us! This book had me intrigued from the very beginning. I love the way Joey describes the local surroundings and businesses drawing me deeper into the book. I could visualize the settings in my mind. I found myself routing for some characters, as though they were now my friends. And others, well, easy to despise. Now this book, I absolutely saw the ending coming for some time. I knew I was right. After reading and loving all of Joey’s books, the ending was obvious to me. But I was wrong! I love the surprise that had me saying “WHAT?!” out loud! This great book is a wonderful read!!
September 27, 2024
This is my first book by Joey Jones it won’t be my last. This book had me intrigued from the very beginning. I love the way Joey describes the location, it captured my attention and pulled me deeper into the book. I could visualize the settings in my mind. I found myself routing for some characters, as though they were my friends. And others, well, not so much.
I recommend this book and this author to anyone who loves a beautiful story of love and healing from a “difficult” past, and how God really does intervene on our behalf.
I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
I recommend this book and this author to anyone who loves a beautiful story of love and healing from a “difficult” past, and how God really does intervene on our behalf.
I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
September 2, 2024
The Roots Beneath Us is a well written tale with a bit of romance, intrigue and suspense. Boone and Piper are excellently developed characters woth good chemistry.
The only reason I am not giving 4 stars is simple because some of the dialog for the characters interaction comes across as stiff, not natural to how you average people would talk. For example Boone would say "I am looking for..." where most people would say "I'm looking for..." a small criticism amd the book is as good, if not better, than the authors previous ones
The only reason I am not giving 4 stars is simple because some of the dialog for the characters interaction comes across as stiff, not natural to how you average people would talk. For example Boone would say "I am looking for..." where most people would say "I'm looking for..." a small criticism amd the book is as good, if not better, than the authors previous ones
September 28, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Well, it was a disappointment. The book started off nice. I liked the characters in the beginning and the topics the book depicted but by the end of the book, the ML's behavior changed so suddenly that it was so off-putting. The last 70% of the book felt childish, ridiculous, problematic and frustrating, rushed and unedited. The conflict between the main characters was one dimensional too. I was confused and annoyed at the main character. I just could not recover from how the author decided to ruin the male character.
In general, I’d say this book was a pass for me.
Well, it was a disappointment. The book started off nice. I liked the characters in the beginning and the topics the book depicted but by the end of the book, the ML's behavior changed so suddenly that it was so off-putting. The last 70% of the book felt childish, ridiculous, problematic and frustrating, rushed and unedited. The conflict between the main characters was one dimensional too. I was confused and annoyed at the main character. I just could not recover from how the author decided to ruin the male character.
In general, I’d say this book was a pass for me.
June 6, 2025
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.
This was a touching, heartwarming read.
I loved spending time with Boone and Piper. My heart broke for him. No one should have to endure what he did. I loved that he was able to heal and create a good life for himself. He's a sweet, gentle, and kind soul. Piper is a strong woman. Loved her character the entire story. She's accepting of him and supportive while gently pushing him to grow. I loved their story.
I'll be adding the rest of the novels by Joey Jones to my TBR. 😊
This was a touching, heartwarming read.
I loved spending time with Boone and Piper. My heart broke for him. No one should have to endure what he did. I loved that he was able to heal and create a good life for himself. He's a sweet, gentle, and kind soul. Piper is a strong woman. Loved her character the entire story. She's accepting of him and supportive while gently pushing him to grow. I loved their story.
I'll be adding the rest of the novels by Joey Jones to my TBR. 😊
August 17, 2024
Just when I thought I had already read Joey Jones best book, he writes "The Roots Beneath Us". All of Joey Jones books takes place in N.C., my home state. This book takes place in Duck, N.C., located on the outer banks. (OBX). The story has the perfect blend of everything you expect in a Great story! I'm not much of a book or movie sequel, but this book is an exception. I wasn't ready for this book to end! Well done, Joey Jones!
August 26, 2024
I loved the book. Everyone should be able to do a course like this. I loved the ending. I would love to know where she gets all her money. How do you buy a house, and a dance studio and be able to start a non profit? I loved watching them take the journey. To discover all about each other. Their dreams and fears, to overcome them one at a time. This is a book I will remember for a while. I realize that men get abused, this just showed that side of the story.
November 6, 2024
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This author is a new to me author. We meet Piper and Boone in a journey to heal from their past. The books touch bases on what the characters experience in the past life and how they overcome it. They started out as strangers, to accountable partners and then eventually love of their life. This book gives you hope and shows that there are amazing people in this world.
May 15, 2025
Best of his books yet!
I've read all of joeys books but none can compare to this one. I knew he was a gifted author but it was amazing that he came up with this story and the twist and turns to bring it all together to an unbelievable happy ending. It was one off those books that you want to read fast to see how it ends but then sorry when it's over and I'll miss the two main characters i felt like i truly got to know
I've read all of joeys books but none can compare to this one. I knew he was a gifted author but it was amazing that he came up with this story and the twist and turns to bring it all together to an unbelievable happy ending. It was one off those books that you want to read fast to see how it ends but then sorry when it's over and I'll miss the two main characters i felt like i truly got to know
September 20, 2024
I loved this very complex story that was super easy reading and kept you wanting more! It was hard to put done once I picked it up as has been my experience with all of Joey’s novels. This one had even more depth than the other 7 (just my opinion). I like the spirituality that he weaves into the story.
August 19, 2024
This captivating NC novel reminds the reader that with work and dedication and new/fresh start is possible. We cannot ignore the past, however. Quick read that was relatable. This story made me laugh, think, and cry. It’s a good one!
December 6, 2024
Love the story line! However, I do wish the book went into more depth with the characters backstory and how they evolved. Certain parts that were monumental seemed rushed through.
Love reading Joey Jones!
Love reading Joey Jones!
January 30, 2025
Another good story by Joey Jones. I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters of Boone and Piper.
I always enjoy reading a book that is a combination of a love story and touches on belief in God, especially after reading the mysteries that I also enjoy.
I always enjoy reading a book that is a combination of a love story and touches on belief in God, especially after reading the mysteries that I also enjoy.
June 27, 2025
I won an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. The plot was excellent. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know how it all fell togther at the end. It has very serious content so if you trigger about hard things read some of the other reviews.
August 5, 2025
I finished this book the same day I bought it. I loved it. I can’t wait to read some of his other books. I love how he intertwines the lives of the characters and surprises you at the end. Get your Kleenex’s ready.
September 17, 2024
I will definitely read more books by this author. I really enjoyed this book.
September 19, 2024
Fantastic!
October 4, 2024
The setting is beautiful.
December 31, 2024
A great story of moving forward from your past, forgiving those that may not deserve forgiveness and when the task maybe to daunting; break it into parts, and you will succeed!
April 1, 2025
Loved this book and the way the author wrote it!
June 15, 2025
Love his books they are all on the North Carolina coast so it’s places I’m familiar with or have been too. So great !
June 23, 2025
absolutely a fantastic book
July 29, 2025
I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews