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Back to my Roots

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He came home to rebuild his future. She took the job to save hers. Neither planned on rebuilding what they’d lost.

Charlie

Walking away from the career I'd spent years building might seem like a rash decision, but I'd argue I should’ve done it sooner. After years of chasing someone else's definition of success, I'm back in the small town of Roots, determined to build a life that finally feels like mine. The first step is renovating the old house on my family's ranch, but the perfect person to bring it back to life is Callie Fletcher, the talented artist I once planned to spend forever with and the woman I never quite left behind.

Callie

Turning down a job working on Charlie's interior design project should be easy. Charlie Rhodes is the man who broke my heart, and I haven’t picked up my sketchbook since losing my sister years ago. But with my café needing expensive replacements, I can’t afford to say no. As Charlie stands beside me through the grief and uncertainty I’ve spent years carrying, the hardest part isn’t remembering why I should push him away. It’s realizing I don’t want to anymore.

Author's Back to my Roots is a second chance small town cowboy romance with forced proximity through a home renovation project, found family, and "it's always been you" told through dual timelines. This book contains no spice and is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone novel as well.

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2026

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About the author

Jenna Rogers

4 books26 followers
Jenna Rogers loves crafting heartfelt, closed-door contemporary romance stories. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book, baking something sweet, or pumping iron at the gym. Jenna calls the Pacific Northwest her home and enjoys all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets the region has to offer. Her debut novel, Where the Sun Lights the Shadows, marked the start of her professional writing journey, but Jenna started writing when she was seven years-old. Even then, she was captivated by love, writing a story about cows falling in love and another with a romantic plot set along the Oregon Trail. Jenna can also be found on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @jennarogersbooks.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
40 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2026
Back to My Roots-
Jenna Rogers is a new-to-me author, and she did NOT disappoint! Back to My Roots takes you on a heartfelt, emotional journey filled with love, loss, healing, and second chances. Charlie and Callie were wonderful characters, and I loved following their journey as they found their way back to each other. Their story pulled me in and reminded me that sometimes, love is worth a second chance. And just when I thought I had everything figured out, Jenna threw in a little twist at the end that I NEVER saw coming!
If you love small-town romance, second-chance love stories, and characters you can’t help but root for, this book is definitely for you! I highly recommend Back to My Roots and can’t wait to dive into Jenna’s backlist. She’s definitely an author I’ll be reading more of! ❤️
1 review
October 10, 2026
This is a kick your legs and giggle, cozy romance! I haven’t read a pure romance book in quite a while and reading Back to my Roots was like slipping into a much needed warm bath. As someone who reconnected with my high school sweetheart (and is now married with kids) this book was perfect! Will definitely be reading the others in the Roots series!
Profile Image for yue.
225 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
Back to My Roots by Jenna Rogers was my first book by the author and my introduction to the series. It was also a story that hit incredibly close to home because I relate to Callie so much, much more than I would have ever expected or liked.

This story follows Charlie and Callie as they navigate grief, healing, and the journey of rekindling the love they once shared. It was a deeply emotional read, especially because both characters were dealing with their own struggles and losses. Isabel was such a big part of Callie's life, and losing her was a devastating blow. Seeing Callie navigate that grief made her story all the more heartbreaking.

One of my favorite lines in the book was, "Real relationships are about being messy and vulnerable together." I think this perfectly sums up Charlie and Callie's relationship. Their journey felt genuine, and I appreciated how the story allowed their relationship to progress at a steady pace. Their reunion wasn't rushed. Instead, Callie was given the time and space to work through her grief and begin healing before fully committing to Charlie again.

Another part that really hit home for me was Callie's feeling that everyone was slowly leaving her or treating her as a second choice. The last-minute cancellations, the broken plans, and the feeling of being an afterthought were things I deeply related to. It was painful to see those feelings reflected in Callie's story, but it also made her character feel so much more real to me.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. What started as a deeply sad and emotional story eventually turned into a beautiful journey of healing, second chances, and finding your way back to the person you love. Charlie and Callie's story gave me a satisfying happily ever after, and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Jenna Rogers' writing.

Many thanks to Jenna Rogers for the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
2,034 reviews113 followers
October 16, 2026
It's always a little sad to see a series that you have loved come to an end, but this one is definitely ending on a high note with Charlie and Callie's story. I mean, cowboys and second chances... what's not to love? It's no secret that I love a good second chance, and this one was done so well. Charlie and Callie were high school sweethearts who you couldn't help but root for. I loved seeing the flashbacks to their high school years to see them falling in love... and to discover what happened between them to keep them apart. Their story is one filled with many heartbreaks and loss... and some rather unexpected surprises I was not at all expecting... and I loved seeing their healing and growth throughout the story. More than anything, I loved how Charlie wasn't at all shy about his feelings for Callie still being there... but he was also patient in allowing her to let down the walls she had built up and be ready to love again. It was a beautifully tender romance that I couldn't help but love. If you love cowboy romance and stories that will bring all the emotions, this is a book/series not to be missed. I loved it!

Back to my Roots is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language. It is the third book in the Roots series and while you will see some familiar characters, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly Mosenden.
18 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2026
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story of true love. I was not expecting it to pull on the heart strings as much as it did—I don’t usually tear up when I read, but this one had me doing just that. I was wholeheartedly invested in Charlie and Callie’s story from beginning to end. And as someone who works in mental health, I loved the pro-therapy message throughout. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, as this can be read as a standalone, but I fully intend to because I loved the characters and the small community of Roots. I really enjoyed the writing style of this author and will continue to follow and support their journey. ❤️

*Thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read this amazing book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erica Sherlock.
Author 2 books137 followers
November 1, 2026
What a perfect ending to one of my favorite series of all time! I absolutely love Jenna Rogers' cowboy romances and I truly cannot wait to go right back to book one and start all over. Her characters truly feel like friends and the setting makes me want to call a place like that home. Jenna has an incredible gift for writing in such a way that the reader feels completely connected to the characters, their plights, and their love stories. If someone asked me to pick a favorite of the three books, I wouldn't be able to (but I can say that Rhett will forever be my favorite).

I read this book in one day and stayed up until the wee hours to finish it. Jenna knocked it out of the park. Again.
Profile Image for Brandy Barker.
5 reviews
October 18, 2026
Second chance romance, heartfelt and emotional. I adored getting to know Callie and Charlie and following their love story. I appreciate all the extra details about their lives and having things play out from the past and the present. It was easy to love Charlie as he shows Callie just how much he has changed and grown over the years to be the person she deserves. And Callie… how can you not feel for her while you follow along as she overcame her many heartbreaks and losses, learning to lean into the family she created and processing the shock of a family secret.
9 reviews
October 13, 2026
A lovely slow burn romance, high school sweethearts reunited when they needed each other most. The incredible flashbacks to Charlie and Callie’s youth really bring the details of the story together. There were more exciting twists to the story than I anticipated which made it even harder to put the book down! Although I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, I was easily able to follow along with the characters and backstory. I’m thankful to have been given an advanced reader copy and will be adding the other 2 books in the series to my TBR.
Profile Image for Wendy.
726 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2026
​Back to My Roots brings Jenna Rogers’ Roots trilogy to a satisfying close with a heartfelt, emotional second-chance romance. Following the fractured love story of Charlie and Callie, this final installment explores what happens when timing, geographic distance, and personal growth finally align.
​
​After life’s overwhelming pressures tore them apart, Charlie and Callie built separate lives in different states. Realizing he needs to become the man he was meant to be, Charlie makes a pivotal decision: he quits his job and returns to his hometown. a place where a comfortable, predictable future awaits him. But this time, he is determined to face his past with courage rather than running away.

​Callie, on the other hand, is defined by abandonment. After suffering the devastating loss of her sister, watching her grieving parents relocate to Florida, and seeing close neighbors move away, her world has been shaped by people leaving. When Charlie suddenly reappears, Callie’s defensive walls immediately go up. Terrified of repeating past mistakes and enduring another broken heart, she is resolved to keep her distance.
​
​Though Back to My Roots is the conclusion to a trilogy, it functions exceptionally well as a standalone read. Rogers seamlessly integrates backstory and character introductions without bogging down the narrative pacing, ensuring that new readers won't feel lost. ​At its core, the novel excels in its poignant characterization of Callie. Her emotional vulnerability is palpable. my heart continuously broke for her as she navigated deep-seated abandonment trauma. While she is supported by a solid group of friends, they have their own lives to manage, leaving Callie to carry much of her grief alone. Charlie’s return challenges her carefully constructed defense mechanisms, forcing both characters to reconcile who they were with who they want to become.
​
​Back to My Roots is a charming, tender narrative that beautifully illuminates themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the importance of extending grace to oneself. It is a resonant, uplifting second-chance romance that wraps up the trilogy on a deeply satisfying note.
Profile Image for Alia Azmi.
48 reviews
October 25, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟.8!

He calls her Blaze and she calls him Dimples! Cute!

This is the 3rd and last book for the series but definitely a standalone too. I haven't read the first two, but I do find it very easy to immerse myself in this one. 🫶

Anyway... Time to rant... 🤭

Urghhhhh this book is so beautifully written! I could feel all the emotions! And I'm glad Charlie admitted his wrong and how stupid he was for the decision he had made while they were teenagers. Callie too! She also admitted her biggest fear to Charlie. Extra points to both of them bcuz they tried to fix things! Yeay!

Callie, the youngest daughter, who has always been the second (more like last) choice. Has a fear of people leaving her. Which is valid, since her own parents always ditched her just for her older sister. Plus, Charlie once left her too and her closest friends are getting engaged. But I'm glad she admitted it to her loved ones. Oh, but there was a twist (or two).

And next, Charlie, who felt like he'll never be good enough for anyone. Including his family, Callie, his friends, and even in his job. So, he left. Wanting to prove that he's good at something without realizing his loved ones don't care about such a thing. They love him for who he is. But easier said than done.

In the end, I'm glad they meet each other half way. Such an easy read and definitely one of my comfort reads now.

Dear, miss author, I would like to say thank you so much for giving me the chance to receive an ARC for this beautiful book. I love it so so much. Whenever there's a chance, I'll definitely buy the other two books! Thank you again!
106 reviews2 followers
Read
October 29, 2026
got ARC from author, thank you so much!

Back to My Roots was my first book by Jenna Rogers, and it definitely won't be my last! This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story about love, loss, healing, and second chances. Charlie and Callie completely stole my heart, and I loved following their journey as they slowly found their way back to each other.

What I especially appreciated was how realistic their relationship felt. Their reunion wasn't rushed, and I loved that Callie was given the time and space to work through her grief and find herself again. The emotional aspects of the story made it even more meaningful, and I found myself really rooting for both characters.

This book had such a lovely balance of emotional moments, romance, and small-town charm. It made me laugh, broke my heart a little, and left me with that warm, happy feeling you want from a good romance. And that little twist at the end? Definitely didn't see that coming!

Overall, Back to My Roots was such a lovely read, and I'm so glad I picked it up. If you love small-town romance, second chances, and characters you can't help but fall in love with, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Jenna Rogers and exploring the rest of the Roots series! ❤️
Profile Image for kinsley.
137 reviews18 followers
November 9, 2026
Omg the last book in roots series! It’s so bittersweet! But this book was WONDERFUL!! I’ve been waiting on Callie’s book since book one- I’m nosey and she was secretive🤣 I knew immediately this was my favorite in the series, Charlie is just so dreamy and swoony and sweet🥹 There are so many things I want to say!! Callie and Charlie have such a warmth to their relationship, the minute they’re together you just know!! I love second chance romance but I also adore found family, and Jenna you broke my heart and put it back together with Callie’s found family!! Her story is sad and shocking (😱) but also beautiful and a story of determination, and growth. Watching Callie find happiness brought me happiness🥹 I love Charlie and will hear nothing else, he’s amazingly patient and sweet. I loved the girls getting together, they’re such a fun and great trio and they never fail to make me laugh. The ending is the best part!!! it was SO ROMANTIC!! As an irl southern small town girlie I was swooning!

I’m sad to say goodbye to Roots but this was a beautiful journey 🥹 thank you Jenna for letting me be apart of this release, and building this wonderful world for us to dive into 🩷🩷
Profile Image for Abi Plested.
246 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2026
I’m not sure I have words for how much I’ve adored this series. I think the highest praise I can give is - I’m not a romance reader. There are only two authors I’ll read who do straight up romance, and Jenna is one of them.
She’s created such lovable characters. All of them across the series - both male and female- are lovable, relatable, and you root for them (see what I did there)

I saw myself in all 3 main female characters. I fell in love with all 3 male ones. The throw in of rescue dogs and house renovations? ITS MY LIFE (if I lived in small town America)

Jenna tackles some trickier subjects - anxiety, grief, difficult family dynamics, low self worth, cheating - with respect and humility. It just makes the characters that bit more real, and honestly I feel like I could take a trip to roots and just visit all my friends.

I would recommend the Roots series to anyone and everyone. Jenna is a beautiful writer, and now an auto-buy author for me. Fan for life, and I’m honoured to have been an arc reader for all 3 books. Off to order my shelf trophies now.
Profile Image for Kristin 🩵.
239 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2026
What a great way to end the Roots series. Callie and Charlie are the kind of cute you see in Hallmark movies. Second chances are hit or miss for me, and this one was a hit. I love how Charlie actually worked on himself over the years. And Callie made that man work for it. Also the ending?? I actually found myself relating to Callie pretty deeply. When everyone around you seems to be moving forward and checking off milestone after milestone, it really does start to feel lonely. I think that feeling was perfectly portrayed in this book. And excuse me, the ending? At no point did I see that coming. It’s so bittersweet to see Roots come to an end!

• home renovation • slow burn • second chance • forced proximity • small town • found family • grief rep • “it’s always been you” •
Profile Image for Cat.
21 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2026
I received this book as a free ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

Back to My Roots was my first book by the author, Jenna Rogers and my introduction to this series. I had no idea this was the conclusion to a trilogy. It read well as a stand alone and I did not feel confused by any of the history of previous characters. I was able to follow their connections easily.

This book is about second chances and healing. Jenna beautifully wrote an emotional story about Charlie and Callie and their journey in finding their way back to one another.

I don’t want to give too much away. This was a great introduction to Jenna Rogers. Thank you so much to her for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Profile Image for Kyra.
6 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2026
Advance Reader Copy


I give this a 3.5/5 because the ending to me didn’t really match the plot, and it seemed kind of rushed. But this no spice romance is full of second chances, and learning how to deal with loss, grief, and challenging mental health issues. I can say, I feel for Callie because her entire life she grew up thinking that she wasn’t enough but after learning the reason why, it was quite frankly very unjustified.

I loved Charlie and Callie together, they’re such a perfect pair. Charlie definitely gives if he yearns he earns energy and I love that for him. But all in all, for no spice (which is out of my reading range) I’d say it’s a pretty good book if you’re seeking something that deals with with second chance romances and country vibes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brandey B.
28 reviews
October 29, 2026
Received a complimentary ARC from the author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Texan heart is absolutely OBSESSED with this book. It’s so sweet and a perfect small town romance. Charlie and Callie are such a real life scenario. My heart twists and turns with Callie, I really enjoyed the read and can relate to Callie so much. Jenna - all of the legendary country artists and their music you referenced in this book are 10/10. Joe Diffie’s “In John Deere Green” was the PERFECT song for Charlie and Callie 💚

“You can’t expect your friends to show up and be there for you if you don’t let them see the storms you’re weathering”

So much healing and growth in this book. I can’t get enough of it. Thank you so much for having me on your ARC team.
15 reviews
Read
October 19, 2026
I guess I misunderstood the book’s description when I signed up for the ARC copy. I was expecting a fun, lighthearted small-town romance, but it turned out to be a much heavier story about two people trying to put their broken lives back together.

Callie’s life, in particular, felt really depressing to me, and I think it just wasn’t the right time for me to read something like that. I personally prefer lighter stories.

I also felt like it dragged on a little.
Of course, that’s just my personal opinion and I can see how someone who enjoys more emotional romances might appreciate this book more. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Kayla.
2 reviews
October 25, 2026
Review of a free advance copy provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

I honestly couldn’t put this book down! Callie and Charlie’s story was so beautiful, and I connected with them right away. Their emotions felt so real, and I felt every bit of their pain, struggles, and growth.

As a former clinical mental health counselor, I really appreciated how the author wrote about grief, abandonment, therapy, and forgiveness. The importance of healing and learning to move forward came through so naturally.

And the surprises! There were so many moments I didn’t see coming that had my jaw on the floor. Such a beautiful story, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it!
Profile Image for Morgan Philbrick.
94 reviews
October 29, 2026
arc provided by the author, all opinions are my own.

what a cute little read. i found myself smiling, laughing & crying, all in one book. the hard hitting topics were written incredibly well, it made me feel like it was something i’ve been through. charlie & callie are both beautifully mature and had fantastic growth throughout the book (which is my fav thing ever).

overall, i very much enjoyed this book.
1 review
October 29, 2026
Callie and Charlie had to lose themselves to find where they belonged and each other. I wasn't sure what to expect, as this isn't normally a book I would pick but I was chosen to be an ARC for this new book. I really enjoyed it, I couldn't put it down once I got started. Callie and Charlie pulled at my heart strings and I was rooting for them! Sometimes it takes going back to where it all started to make sense of everything!
Profile Image for anna staab.
2 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2026
ARC Review:

This book was amazing! I have not read any other books in this series. It can definitely be read as a standalone. I will however be going back and reading the other books in the series.

Charlie and Callie! Oh my goodness so cute together! I loved the dual timeline seeing into their past. A perfectly written second chance romance!

Currently sitting at 4 stars but I may end up rating it higher.
Profile Image for Thaimelly Rigobello.
332 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2026
From the playlist I know I’d love it!!! I loved the relationships among characters - their supportive nature and their love for each other. As a psychologist, I loved the acceptance for emotional/psychological support and that the struggle is real and the process can really be healing and a turning point in our lives. Charlie and Callie overcame their trauma and became the most cute and adorable couple. I loved remembering the playlist as I was reading and connecting the lyrics. Loved it!!!!
Profile Image for Åse Marie.
9 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2026
This was an ARC review.

Back to my Roots was a great read, by a new author for me. If you need a great romance, please pick this up!
Fell in love with Callie and Charlie`s relationship and how they found their way back to each other.
Great storyline with frienship, romance, dealing with loss and the big secret revealed.
This book is so worth the read, I can read it again!
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
2,249 reviews43 followers
October 21, 2026
Back to my Roots is the final book in the Roots Series by Jenna Rogers and my heart is exploding with joy and happiness. Five wonderful stars for this story. Sweet, beautiful, funny and full of the most swooniest moments. I didn’t want this story to end. I just loved it all. Every single bit of it. This book is in my Top 5 favorite books of 2026!

A second-chance romance that is wholesome and fun. Reading about Charlie coming back to Roots and the effort he makes not only on himself but with others was the most impressive part for me. He had a lot of making up to do. Callie what a sweet girl, she just wanted to be chosen. She just wanted validation from her parents. She just wanted to feel important. And as the story continues we start seeing people for who they are and we see growth in them all. Callie is grieving and learning how to cope, Charlie is changing for the better. For himself and others. iIt’s a beautiful story. I don’t want to give too much away. So just know that if you love romance read this book.

Clean
Second chance
High School Sweethearts

Highly recommended.

Thank you to the author for my copy of this book.
6 reviews
October 22, 2026
For a no spice book it was really good! I love how Charlie and Callie find their way back to each other and how they make it through their differences and keep their relationship! I won't give details but shocker with Uncle Paul!!! If you like no spice but romance this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Amelia Laing.
57 reviews17 followers
October 25, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! This book was beautifully written, I absolutely loved Callie and Charlie’s story! The mental health conversations were beautiful and the emotions it brought out in me were everything! I also think watching Callie heal from everything made my heart melt 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Krystle.
198 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2026
A sweet second-chance romance

One of my all-time favorite tropes is second chance romance, and Jenna did not disappoint. I really loved seeing how Callie and Charlie progressed on their own and as a couple. This book has me excited to read more of Jenna's work.
Profile Image for Carrie.
270 reviews11 followers
November 9, 2026
I absolutely loved Callie and Charlie, at times I felt like this book dragged a bit but then the next bit I couldn't put it down. I did often want to shake them both and say COME ON! I really enjoyed getting to know both characters and the friend group as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews