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Roots and Wings
There’s no family without secrets…
The Keller siblings have always been close, but secrets threaten to tear them apart.
Kennedy Keller, the eldest, seems to have it all—a thriving business and a promising social life. But beneath her polished exterior lies a dark secret she's kept to protect her siblings, a truth that could shatter their world.
Kai Keller, the family man, has lived in blissful ignorance of his siblings' turmoil. Now, his detachment is about to bring unexpected consequences that will force him to confront reality.
The twins — Caleb and Charlotte — navigate the glittering but perilous world of New York City's nightlife. Caleb, a celebrated drag queen, is losing himself to his alter ego, while Charlotte, his manager, craves a life out of her brother’s shadow, risking everything for a taste of independence.
And then there’s Cordelia 'Delia' Keller, a rising, rebellious country music star, whose self-destructive lifestyle has led her career to be shattered before it has fully begun. Now she must return home to the city she desperately tried to escape from and face the fallout of her actions.
When these five siblings reunite, buried secrets and explosive truths come to light, setting off a chain reaction that will alter their lives—and their bonds—forever.
The Keller siblings have always been close, but secrets threaten to tear them apart.
Kennedy Keller, the eldest, seems to have it all—a thriving business and a promising social life. But beneath her polished exterior lies a dark secret she's kept to protect her siblings, a truth that could shatter their world.
Kai Keller, the family man, has lived in blissful ignorance of his siblings' turmoil. Now, his detachment is about to bring unexpected consequences that will force him to confront reality.
The twins — Caleb and Charlotte — navigate the glittering but perilous world of New York City's nightlife. Caleb, a celebrated drag queen, is losing himself to his alter ego, while Charlotte, his manager, craves a life out of her brother’s shadow, risking everything for a taste of independence.
And then there’s Cordelia 'Delia' Keller, a rising, rebellious country music star, whose self-destructive lifestyle has led her career to be shattered before it has fully begun. Now she must return home to the city she desperately tried to escape from and face the fallout of her actions.
When these five siblings reunite, buried secrets and explosive truths come to light, setting off a chain reaction that will alter their lives—and their bonds—forever.
451 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2024
6 people want to read
About the author
Billy Waugh
1 book7 followersBilly Waugh first wrote and published his debut novel at 24 years old, whilst working in the occupational pensions industry. Born and raised in Leeds, United Kingdom, Billy’s passion for reading and writing began at the age of six, thanks to the encouragement of his Nana, Coleen.
As the son of a single mother, Billy’s personal experiences and family dynamics have shaped his perspective and creativity — he has two brothers and one sister, drawing inspiration from his vibrant upbringing into his very first novel. Despite the demands of his career, Billy remains dedicated to his writing, eager to bring his stories to readers and fulfil his long-held aspiration of becoming a published author.
As the son of a single mother, Billy’s personal experiences and family dynamics have shaped his perspective and creativity — he has two brothers and one sister, drawing inspiration from his vibrant upbringing into his very first novel. Despite the demands of his career, Billy remains dedicated to his writing, eager to bring his stories to readers and fulfil his long-held aspiration of becoming a published author.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 19, 2024
Roots and Wings is a truly heartwarming debut novel that beautifully explores the bonds of family and sibling relationships. As someone with a deep love for my own siblings, I found this story to be a touching homage to that unique relationship.
I truly enjoyed all aspects of this book, from the thoughtful queer representation to the overall wholesome vibe of the novel.
As well as being a wholesome story, I feel there were some twists and turns (almost thriller-esque) aspects of the book - the tagline ‘siblings, secrets and scandal’ is definitely very apt.
The characters, especially Delia, resonated deeply with me—her experience as the youngest sibling and in turn the ‘wild child’ really struck a cord with my own experiences. All of the siblings are really fleshed out and have rich backstories that make them feel real and relatable.
The title ‘Roots and Wings’ is brilliantly chosen and is woven into the story in a meaningful way, symbolizing the balance between family ties and personal growth. Overall, this is a beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable read. As a debut, it’s brilliant, and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author. A five-star read!⭐️
I truly enjoyed all aspects of this book, from the thoughtful queer representation to the overall wholesome vibe of the novel.
As well as being a wholesome story, I feel there were some twists and turns (almost thriller-esque) aspects of the book - the tagline ‘siblings, secrets and scandal’ is definitely very apt.
The characters, especially Delia, resonated deeply with me—her experience as the youngest sibling and in turn the ‘wild child’ really struck a cord with my own experiences. All of the siblings are really fleshed out and have rich backstories that make them feel real and relatable.
The title ‘Roots and Wings’ is brilliantly chosen and is woven into the story in a meaningful way, symbolizing the balance between family ties and personal growth. Overall, this is a beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable read. As a debut, it’s brilliant, and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author. A five-star read!⭐️
February 22, 2025
Queer lit is alive and well, and it’s nothing short of fabulous.
An emotional, deeply complex novel that really embodies its title - the many relationships we get the pleasure of following, intertwine like roots. Much like a real family, we’re not always pleased with the decisions of these characters, we might not understand every choice or support every secret - but God if we don’t want to see them all soar by the end. As a reader, you will be let into this family like a sibling yourself, part of these intimate conversations and deeply connected to their joy and pain.
Beautifully reminiscent of Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, but spoken with so much more conviction! Not a page was wasted in this densely packed root ball, and I hope you also get the pleasure of unpicking every thread to the very end.
It’s beyond inspiring to see a classmate achieve one of your biggest dreams, and to set off on such a high trajectory out of the gate is astounding. You’ve gained your wings Billy, now show us how you can fly 🕊️
An emotional, deeply complex novel that really embodies its title - the many relationships we get the pleasure of following, intertwine like roots. Much like a real family, we’re not always pleased with the decisions of these characters, we might not understand every choice or support every secret - but God if we don’t want to see them all soar by the end. As a reader, you will be let into this family like a sibling yourself, part of these intimate conversations and deeply connected to their joy and pain.
Beautifully reminiscent of Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson, but spoken with so much more conviction! Not a page was wasted in this densely packed root ball, and I hope you also get the pleasure of unpicking every thread to the very end.
It’s beyond inspiring to see a classmate achieve one of your biggest dreams, and to set off on such a high trajectory out of the gate is astounding. You’ve gained your wings Billy, now show us how you can fly 🕊️
December 10, 2024
My incredibly talented friend wrote this novel about family, love and grief set in New York in the present day. The story is beautifully written and I really felt connected to the characters! The novel doesn’t shy away from heavy themes but still made me feel a sense of hope throughout - it was a lovely, lovely read.
March 25, 2025
perfect in every way
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with every character. I didn’t want it to end.
Just amazing, what a beautiful first book! I can’t wait for more from this author!
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with every character. I didn’t want it to end.
Just amazing, what a beautiful first book! I can’t wait for more from this author!
January 13, 2025
This book had me in a chokehold, totally unable to put it down. Roots are Wings is so beautifully written. The characters and overall feel the book gives is both heartwarming, yet heartbreaking. I’ve never cried over a book until now. I can’t recommend this book enough, I absolutely loved it.
February 1, 2025
My debut novel - thank you for your reading!! 🥰
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews