A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo – a Review

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Description:
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.

Review:

A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo is my first book written by this author, and upon completing this book, it will not be my last.  Trix McCabe, our 17 year old heroine was a wonderful and flawed young girl, who had a rough childhood, with her mother leaving her to live on her own.  Trix has a magical gift of stealing from people so fast, that no one realizes their items are missing.  Trix has managed to survive on the streets, motels, friends, etc; until one day someone calls the police and Trix is given a choice….go live with a long lost family and finish school or go to jail.

Trix moves to Rocksaw, Kansas, where her great aunt (Auntie), another aunt (Mia) and her cousin (Ember) live; to her surprise they each have some sort of magical ability, which seems to be a McCabe tradition.  Auntie tells fortunes; Mia bakes pies that magically fixes emotions and Ember can read secrets upon touch. 

Trix is determined to run as soon as she can, but slowly she begins to feel like she is now part of a family, something she has never really had.  Mia was a wonderful aunt to Trix, always looking out for her and trying to keep her happy.  Ember was shy at first, but in a short time they became close friends. Trix worked in the bakery, which is one of the popular stops in Rocksaw, especially for the wonderful pies that keeps people happy and content. 

Trix will also meet at school, a boy (Jasper) who has his own issues based on the death of his brother due to suicide.  In a short time, Trix will mesh with Ember to join the group of Jasper’s friends.  As Trix begins to feel happiness, she will learn about her long-lost mother that will bring back the past and make her want to run.  Will Trix come to terms with her past and stay with her new family in Rocksaw?

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story that is surrounded by many emotions, as well as serious issues.  Trix was a wonderful character who evolved over the course of the story, and the entire McCabe ladies were fantastic.  I loved Mia, who would go out of her way to help Trix through the trying times, not to mention those wonderful pies she made.  (I certainly would love to try one of them  ? ).  Ember was another great character, who needed Trix in her life as much as Trix needed her.  Auntie was a character all the way. Jasper was also great, having his own issues, that would bring him closer to Trix.

A Constellation of Roses was wonderfully written so very well by Miranda Asebedo.  This is considered YA, but trust me when I say that everyone should read this heartwarming story that also touches on depression, abandonment and suicide.  I suggest you read A Constellation of Roses, as it is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher