Trix is in trouble. She’s been alone for the past few months since her mother disappeared, but she’s always been able to keep her head above the water. But now? Now she’s sitting in a small-town diner talking to a family of women she’s never met, let alone heard of, and trying to figure out a way out. Trix is a loner – she’s got a gift for grifting and she knows she can support herself without their help. But then she starts to notice these women have gifts, too. Plus, it’s nice to have someone who cares about you. Will Trix throw it all away when her old boyfriend comes back in her life, or will she stick it out in a town where everyone seems to know everything about everyone?
A Constellation of Roses is Miranda Asebedo’s sophomore release. With works full of magical realism, this author brings the “slightly impossible” more towards the “maybe possible” end of the spectrum. This is a book about the bonds of family legacy, female empowerment, and the power of the family you choose for yourself.
I give A Constellation of Roses 4 out of 5 stars. I am impressed with Asebedo’s writing style and how she spins magic into every day things. Her style reminds me of Heather Webber or Alice Hoffman in the way it takes what some might call old wives’ tales or folklore and turns in into realistic events. I do wish some additional details had been given in describing the settings and in building the characters – I felt like I was missing details in some instances that would have impacted my understanding of the plot. With that said, I do think this is an interesting ode to the foster care system and family placements when the minor has no connection to the family member.
This is a novel I would direct to audiences over the age of 13 given discussions of drugs, criminal acts, running away, and sex. I would also give this a trigger warning for the family law and child protection agency discussions – this may hit a little too close to home for some readers. However, if you enjoyed Heather Webber’s At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities or Midnight at the Blackbird Café, I think you will love this one, too!
I chose A Constellation of Roses for the US States Reading Challenge prompt “Kansas”. Either of Asebedo’s books would fit this prompt well. This book also fit with our April theme of Flowers. What books are you reading for the Sunflower State?
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: The Cactus, Sarah Haywood
- Current audio book: Summers at the Saint, Mary Kay Andrews
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan
Read With Lindsey 
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