The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

Cottonwood Hollow, Kansas, is a strange place. For the past century, every girl has been born with a special talent, like the ability to fix any object, heal any wound, or find what is missing. To best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy, their abilities often feel more like a curse. Rome may be able to fix anything she touches, but that won't help her mom pay rent or make it easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what's going on at home. Lux's ability to attract any man with a smile has always meant danger. And although Mercy can make enough of whatever is needed, even that won't help when her friendship with Rome and Lux is tested. As Rome struggles to keep her friendships close, she discovers the truth about life in Cottonwood Hollow, that friends are stronger than curses, that trust is worth the risk, and sometimes what you've been looking for has been under your feet the whole time.

That was SUCH a Beautiful story of friendship and girl power in hard times!!!!!! I really, REALLY loved the characters, Especially Rome!!!!! They were all definitely teenagers, but not 2-dimensional!!!!! This was a Wonderfully written story, with one Hell of a twist!!!!!

The Deepest Roots was a fun and fast read. Although, when I say “fun”, I definitely don't mean lighthearted. Rome, Lux, and Mercy are three best friends with magical talents. This isn't “sparkles, in your face” magic, but understated. One can fix things, another is a land-siren, able to seduce men, and the last of their group always manages to have enough of whatever it is she needs. To the girls, these gifts are a curse, but as they read the diary of the woman who cursed them, they learn that hadn't been in the intention at all.

This book deals with some heavy situations: sexual abuse, creepy old men, poverty, weak-willed women. To me, they made the story come to life. Asebedo is so good at writing flawed people. I was seriously creeped out by Garrett, really mad at Stella and Tina's life decisions, and though I disagreed with some of Rome's actions, I understood her choices. They fit within the frame of her personality, if that makes sense.

I loved the bond between the girls, I loved the Montoyas' and Red, I loved the setting, and I even liked Jett. But though I'm giving this five stars, there were some things I felt weakened this book. It would've been stronger without the romantic subplots, for one, and I'm usually a SUCKER for those. So even though I liked Jett, I couldn't really help but feel like he shouldn't have been in it at all.

There's also supposed to be a crossover character from A Constellation of Roses, but I didn't recognize who!!! I want to know so badly.