Heart Roots

by E.L. Westbury

Every summer since she was a kid, Wilder lived for just thirteen days. Thirteen days of whispered promises, of shared secrets under the aspens, of feelings too big for such a small window of time. Ten summers, that’s all she got with Foster—the boy who made her feel like her bones were made of light.

Then the summer came when the light vanished. The summer Foster died.

Now twenty-four, Wilder is suffocating in a life that doesn’t feel like hers. A marriage built on lies. A future she never chose. But when a box of forgotten memories pulls her back to the place where it all began, she finds herself chasing the boy she lost, the truths buried beneath his absence, and the version of herself she left in the trees.

As past and present bleed together, Wilder must confront the love that never let her go, and decide whether some roots are meant to stay tangled, no matter how deep the scars.

Poetic, aching, and wildly romantic, Heart Roots is a story of first love, last chances, and the kind of heartbreak that reshapes a soul.

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

E.L. Westbury is a wife, mother of five (three humans and two fur babies), and vanilla latte lover. After years of scribbling ideas for a novel on coffeehouse napkins and figuring out a hundred different ways to describe a single smile, she eventually sat down and poured her heart into her first manuscript. Even though her writing is filled with twists, turns, snaps, crackles and pops, at heart she's a hopeless romantic. When she isn't writing, she's begging her husband to watch The Notebook with her for the hundredth time, laughing while learning the latest Gen Z lingo from her kids, or curled up on the couch covered in dog kisses. She resides in Texas and often escapes to Colorado, finding peace in wildflowers, red wine and the mountains. Her wish is to continue writing and leave her readers with a little piece of herself in every book.

Reviews

[E.L. Westbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave my whole heart to this book. Heart Roots is more than a title—it’s the soul of the story. It’s about where we come from, who we hold onto, and how love (good and bad) shapes us. Writing it meant digging deep into memory and emotion, and I’m so grateful to finally share it with you! I hope the story finds a home in your heart, just like it did in mine.

[Emily Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your average love story…it’s so much more! From the very first page, I was pulled into a rollercoaster of emotions, full of highs, lows, and everything in between. The characters are unforgettable…some I adored instantly, one I absolutely loathed, but all of them felt real and alive.

What makes this book truly shine is Westbury’s incredible way with words. She paints vivid pictures that bring the story to life - you can see the characters, visualize the settings, and feel every emotion right alongside them. It’s the kind of storytelling that lingers with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

Heart Roots is a story that grips you, moves you, and reminds you why we read—to feel, to connect, and to escape into a world that feels utterly alive. A brilliant and unforgettable read. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, emotional read with depth, passion, and beautifully crafted writing, Heart Roots is a must!

[Brenda Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. E.L. Westbury come to the front mam!! You owe me a new kindle! 😂 The way I have thrown this device multiple times throughout this book is insane. I am still reeling from the roller coaster of emotions I’ve just been subjected to.

This book is easily one of my favorites this year. The way she captured the infatuation and all consuming young love, the heart break all the emotions. I related all too well! Then boom 💥 another life changing moment. I truly was manic 70% and on, sobbing one moment then laughing the next.

Foster and Wilder are the ultimate love story 🩷💚


P.S Our chapter 7 shoutout was so special, to be apart of that is truly amazing.

[Brandy Nicole Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An Emotional Masterpiece!

I haven’t felt this much emotion from a book in years! I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I cried again, I squealed—and yes, I cried some more. The emotional rollercoaster was intense, raw, and absolutely wonderful.

The story of Wilder & Foster is nothing short of magical. It’s heart-wrenching and beautifully written, filled with love, devotion, and a connection so genuine it felt like I was right there, living it with them. Their journey is unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a book that will grip your heart and not let go—run, don’t walk—and grab this book now. You’ll 100% thank me later!

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (because five isn’t enough) Heart Roots didn’t just give me a story, it gave me an experience. It pulled me through laughter, tears, longing, and hope, sometimes all within the same page. Westbury delivers a rare magic that that feels both timeless and urgent. This wasn't just a book for me, it was a journey. The words were spun with such tenderness and truth that I found myself reading some pages twice just to feel the emotions again. Pick it up, read it, and thank me later!

Truly, five stars can’t hold the weight of what this book delivers.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you possibly meet your soulmate at the age of nine?
The answer is yes if you are Foster and Wilder.
They spend 13 days together every year at summer camp, the relationship grows as time passes .
Foster is not the right man for Wilder in her mother‘s eyes, but they have a plan to run away at the age of 18 and live their lives for themselves.
Tragedy strikes and Wilder is never the same.
We get this story from Wilders old journals and I was here for every single page, every single summer, and every single goodbye.

This is my first book by this author and will definitely not be my last, her style of writing is truly from her soul!

[Stacy Legg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of E. L. Westbury. Her first two books are favorites of mine, so I was very excited to read Heart Roots.

This story is told with such description that I can see everything as if I were there. I went on an emotional rollercoaster as I read about Wilder and Foster. I had ALL the feelings. Do not sleep on this book! I won’t say anything else because I don’t want to accidentally give spoilers 😬.

10/10 ABSOLUTELY recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ashley Flippin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried whole tears while reading this book! I fell in love with Wilder and Foster from the beginning. Their story was so emotional and I felt it deep in my soul! I don’t want to give anything away but this story is just fantastic. A must read! And the little Chapter 7 shout out at the end made me smile! I will read every book Ms. E.L. Westbury writes from here on out!
Run and get your copy or download from KU!

[Sam St. Aubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star rating for E.L. Westbury.

This book took me on a journey, a journey to the past of where I spent many summers at camp only I did not find the love of my life there and I’m low key mad I didn’t get to experience life like that as a young child spending summers at camp.

The way this book hit all of the feels is indescribable. Probably one of my favorite reads of the year and I am not a romance girly.

I will never stop recommending your books to anyone I know.

P.S. the shout out to Chapter 7 was so incredibly special, so amazing you gave us turtles a piece in your acknowledgments.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing book. E.L Westbury, you did it again!

I fell in love with both Wilder & Fosters stories - back to their roots. Such an amazing read that will leave you in awe once finished.

💚🩷

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. smiled, laughed and cried. Can not wait for your next one. This would make an excellent movie.

[Tamara Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one was a heartstopper with some unexpected turns along the way. Must read as my favorite yet!

[Britney Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read! Wilder and Foster’s friendship/relationship is truly precious. Part two destroyed me but it all came together perfectly and I truly enjoyed the story.

[Erika Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read of 2026!
This book is everything.
First of all, the excitement I felt seeing that E.L. Westbury had another book out—OMG. I didn’t even hesitate. Drowning in Paper Flowers and Agreeable Avery are two of my absolute favorites and total must-reads, so my expectations were high… and Heart Roots completely delivered.
This story was done so right.
Honestly, I’m just so excited for anything else she puts out. If you’re already a fan, you need this book. If you’re new to her work, this is a perfect place to fall in love.
Highly recommend.

[Angela Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Roots by E. L. Westbury is absolutely unforgettable. The story of Wilder and Foster is magical—equal parts heart-wrenching and breathtaking. Their love is written with such devotion and authenticity that I felt like I was living every moment right alongside them. From meeting your soulmate at nine to facing the pain of a mother who doesn’t understand or approve, their journey is a true emotional roller coaster that will stay with you long after the last page.

This book grips your heart and refuses to let go. If you’re searching for a story that is beautifully written, deeply moving, and impossible to put down—run, don’t walk, and get this book. You’ll be so glad you did.

[Shanna Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a book you can’t stop reading? Pick up this one. This one was fantastic from the start, all of the way to the very end. Will you hate characters? Yes. Will you be sad? Yes. Will you smile with happiness? Also yes. Will you absolutely fall in love with the main characters? Definitely. I don’t want to give anything away. Just trust me. This one is chefs kiss! Here’s to hoping this one ends up on screen.

Our honorary Chapter 7 Turtle outdone herself!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that her mother is a BITCH. I absolutely loved this story. It put me through a lot of twists and turns with emotions. Can you imagine finding who you love at nine years old?! This is the case with Foster and Wilder. Both of them have unique personalities and I fricking love it! Incredibly beautiful story that feels timeless.

[Erin McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. There are no words to accurately describe this book. Gripping, emotional, beautifully written. Some of my favorite characters I’ve EVER read with a story written so perfectly you have to care and it can’t be put down. I read this in less than 24 hours and I missed it as soon as I finished. I will recommend this often!

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Clearly this author can do it all! I was a little weary because both of her other books have been psychological thrillers, but I could not put this down! All the stars!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story 😭 I absolutely loved Foster and Wilder. 100/5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mo Westbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I would’ve read it faster if I didn’t have to go to work!! I couldn’t put it down, the love story and the twists were amazing!

[Adriana Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love!!!!!!

[lawnchairbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Really beautiful story that I could so see being a film in the future.
Not my typical read,but the writing was unique and very well done imo.

[Dana Eisinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. Good love story, FTB love scenes. Would definitely read more of her books. It’s on KU now, go grab it.

[Brittany Staton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I DEVOURED this book! I haven't been sucked in to a book like this in a long time. It made me feel every single emotion and shed some tears. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved Wilder and Foster's relationship. Definitely in my top five for 2025!

[Christina W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. I laughed and cried. Loved it so much.

[Angela Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will not include anything about the book... because it's a must read for yourself. If you were to read just one book this year, let it be this one!

Absolutely, in my top 5 books this year. E.L. Westbury has left no emotion untouched in this book, you will feel all of them.

This book will live forever in my ❤️.

Read if you like:
Actually forget it.. JUST READ IT!

Would give a million stars if I could!
❤️🐢

[Rick Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED … wanting part 2

Please :)

[Caitlyn Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t even finish reading this because halfway through, I got tired of the days at camp stories every page (which all felt the same)

[kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. So cuteeee