Review: A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo

Title: A Constellation of Roses 

Author:  Miranda Asebedo
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Publishing Date:  November 5, 2019

Pages: 336
Genre: YA Contemporary, Magical Realism

Series:  Stand Alone
Source:  Audio

 

Ever since her mother walked out, Trix McCabe has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive. Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.
Trix doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw long, but there’s something special about her McCabe relatives that she is drawn to. Her aunt, Mia, bakes pies that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, can tell a person’s deepest secret with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.

Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life . . . or keep running from the one she’s always known.

I only recently started reading again, so I went through my TBR and started picking books to get on audible. This was one of the first ones for to read. The cover, the title, and the synopsis grabbed my attention. I really liked this read. The story felt powerful to me in an emotional way. It focuses on relationships other than romance. There is some romance but it focuses more on family and friendship. It was very well written and it really captivated me from the beginning. It wasn't at all what I was expecting but I was a nice surprise. 

Trix is alone in the world. She is 17 and it's just her. Her mother abandoned her long ago and she doesn't know who her father is. She has a talent and ability to steal unnoticed. This is what keeps her alive. Everything Trix knows changes one day when someone turns her into the police. The social worker and the police give her a deal. To let the evidence of stolen goods go unpunished if she agrees to live with an   unknown  aunt finish out high school and of course stay away from crime. So Trix goes to live with family she knew nothing about and she finds that she has more in common with her long lost relatives than she could ever imagine. Her talent is a magical gift that woman in this family all inherit. She also realizes family bonds can be made whether you like want them to or not. Now she must decide is this the place for her or does she belong in her old life. 

There was so much to like in this book. I loved the main character, Trix. She was layered and she was jaded and she was troubled. But I liked her and I rooted for her. I could really feel her struggles and pain. She was abandoned. How does anyone, especially a teen get over this. She has had to make it on her own living on the streets after a living in a many bad foster homes. She is tough and she is determined.  I was happy to see when she decided to open up a little and let some love shine in. 

I loved the family in this book. Trix stays with three women, her aunt, cousin, and great aunt. I loved each and every one of them. They were very different and each held their own in the story. Each bringing in something special and needed. 

The story is beautiful and fun. I loved the focus on family and not romance. There is romance in the story but in the background. Not essential. Its really about the family dynamics, acceptance, and unconditional love. The magic in the story was fun too. The story didn't need it but it was great that it had it. It wasn't big or spectacular but it was nice. 

The writing was great, I was able to connect, I was immersed into the world. I fell in love with the story and the characters very quickly. Honestly I wish there was more. I now need to read the other book by this author. 

Magical Realism isn't found much in YA and this author did an exceptional job of bringing the genre into the YA world. Heartwarming and beautiful. I just loved it. 

Such an amazing read. 

Miranda Asebedo was born and raised in rural Kansas with a love of fast cars, open skies, and books. She carried that love of books to college, where she got her B.A. and M.A. in English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing and Literature. A Seaton Fellowship recipient, her short fiction has appeared in Kansas Voices, Touchstone, and Midway Journal.

Miranda still lives on the prairie today with her husband, two kids, and two majestic bulldogs named Princess Jellybean and Captain Jack Wobbles. If Miranda's not writing or reading, she's most likely convinced everyone to load up in the family muscle car and hit the road.