YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

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.

Best friends Rome, Lux, and Mercy all have similar talents, but to them, their abilities often feel like a curse. Rome may be able to Fix anything she touches, but that won’t help her mom pay rent or make it any easier to confide in Lux and Mercy about what’s going on at home. And Rome isn’t the only one. Lux has been hiding bigger, more dangerous secrets.

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.

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[I'm liking the story so far, interesting characters and premise, and the prose is easy to read as well. Only real problem is that there were a lot of characters introduced at the start, and I got lost a couple of times, wished they were explained slightly differently. (hide spoiler)]

Just started and really enjoying the writing and pace thus far.

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[It's not very common to read a YA contemporary-ish story with a main character living below the poverty line, and it's an interesting perspective, having to trade in her beloved car to stay in the trailer park, making ends meet, etc. And I do like how these powers are seen as both a blessing and a curse at the same time. And looks like Rome's mother is going to make things interesting at her work. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[Seems like the sisterhood is breaking apart due to money. Sad that money is always the issue...I'm hoping they are able to come up with a solution. I also like that magic doesn't solve all of their problems, and that hope is a special type of magic. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[Ouch, keeping secrets does hurt. I like that Rome isn't perfect, but doing what she can, and it comes to bite back now. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[This turned into a thriller fast! I like the shorter chapters here and a lot of things are coming together and a tornado...just like how the novel started... (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[I liked this one, intriguing characters with the power of sisterhood and what it means to hope. There were a couple of minor issues, but otherwise thought it was a nice slice of life book. I'll have to check out A Constellation of Roses, as it apparently takes place in the same world as well. (hide spoiler)]

Janine wrote: "Chapter 16: [spoilers removed]"

I'm enjoying that the magic of this book is very realistic. I can believe this and not feel like I am reading a fantasy book. I enjoy it when authors can mix realism with the fantastical.

ellen wrote: "Janine wrote: "Chapter 16: [spoilers removed]"

I'm enjoying that the magic of this book is very realistic. I can believe this and not feel like I am reading a fantasy book. I enjoy it when authors..."

(view spoiler)[It feels more like a contemporary slice of life novel honestly, with just a touch of the fantastic. (hide spoiler)]

Janine wrote: "ellen wrote: "Janine wrote: "Chapter 16: [spoilers removed]"

I'm enjoying that the magic of this book is very realistic. I can believe this and not feel like I am reading a fantasy book. I enjoy i..."

That perfectly sums it up.

(view spoiler)[ I'm not much into the romance genre so I really appreciated that Rome's relationship wasn't taking over the story, nor was she suddenly changing herself. I like that the author didn't have to make any excuses for her being independent as well. Overall really enjoyed this read. I will have to check out A Constellation of Roses as well. (hide spoiler)]