A Constellation of Roses

Author: Miranda Asebedo

Publication Date: November 5th, 2019

Publisher: HarperTeen

Synopsis: 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.

With lovable and flawed characters, an evocative setting, and friendships to treasure, A Constellation of Roses is the perfect companion to Miranda Asebedo’s debut novel The Deepest Roots.

This book is absolutely beautiful. Before I dive into it, though, I want to point out some issues within the book that can cause trigger warnings: abuse, suicide, death, underage drinking. Other than that, it’s a beautifully written, heartwrenching novel that captures emotions and takes them for quite the ride.

A Constellation of Roses is such a beautiful book, isn’t it? I’m not talking about the story here, I mean, just the cover is enough to make you want to run out and pick up a copy of this book, isn’t it? It’s stunning to look at. And the story in the pages is just as beautiful as that cover – it’s simply enchanting. Magical.

Speaking of magic, I love the hints at magic that can be found within the book. It’s subtle, but there, and it brings the whole story up to a whole new level. It’s refreshing to read such an amazing book that has so many different themes going on, but done right.

I haven’t read The Deepest Roots, and I do have a copy, so I have all the plans to dive into that one ASAP! While you can completely enjoy this book without having read The Deepest Roots, I’ve seen many people pointing out that there are a few hidden Easter Eggs in A Constellation of Roses pertaining to The Deepest Roots, so I think it’ll be fun to figure those out. Also, both books are set in the same world, so it will be enjoyable to see how everything crosses over.

Since this book deals with so many heavy topics, I have to say that it is in no way a lighthearted and fluffy read. No, there is so much heart and soul in this one, and at times it can be difficult to read because there are so many trying situations in it…but difficult to read in a good way, do you know what I mean? I loved reading this book, but you need to be aware of the trigger warnings, which I posted above.

The characters are…oh my gosh…so beautifully written. Wow. They are breathtakingly stunning in terms of development and personality, and I couldn’t get enough of them.

If you want a deep, heartfelt read, this is a great book to pick up. I loved it so much I’m going to reread it after I pick up The Deepest Roots.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Favorite Quotes

“Scars tell a story, even when we don’t want them to.”

♥

“It’s both beautiful and frightening to feel like you’re being seen, truly, for the first time.”

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“All I know is that it’s the good memories that cut the deepest, because those are the ones where you remember what you’ve lost.”

♥

“Yes, I have gotten what I always wanted. My deepest secrets. Not a perfect family, after all. But a constellation of women, connected by pie and fortunes and roses. And love.”

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.