Monday Mini-Reviews: Fantastic Fiction

I've read some really great books lately. Several of them are for upcoming blog tours, but I've managed to sneak in some of my own reading as well and have tried to make as much of the snowy weather as possible.

Here are three books that won't disappoint:

The Wife by Alafair Burke - I had no idea what to expect with this one, but then I started seeing it reviewed all over the place, and since I had a copy just waiting for me, I had to see what all the fuss was about.  This book fits nicely in the psychological thriller category.  Angela thinks her life is nearly perfect - and it certainly looks that way. But then her handsome, successful husband is accused of some impropriety at work and things go downhill from there.  Secrets, twists and turns, and more secrets keep this story moving along nicely.  Once you start reading, you won't want to stop until you've turned the last page.

Rosie Colored Glasses by Brianna Wolfson- with a cover like this one, I thought the story was going to be happy. Not so much.  The story covers a twelve year span explaining Rosie's romance with Rex, their life together, and is also told in part by Willow their daughter.  Rosie is bipolar, unwilling to take meds or get help, and Willow loves her mother fiercely, and finds her cold, structured father hard to connect with.  This book is good, but became even more amazing to me when I read that it is somewhat autobiographical and that Wolfson has shared her own life story.

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center- I've read everything this woman has written and have always felt like she hasn't received the credit she deserves.  I have high hopes that How To Walk Away will make her a household name.  Margaret's life goes from nearly perfect to perfectly awful in the space of just a few hours.  She is left in the hospital facing months (if not longer) of rehab as she tries to physically heal from a plane crash.  She also needs to heal emotionally.  Her family is helpful, and she is even able to get along with her less than friendly therapist, but a lot of the healing is up to Margaret herself.  I absolutely loved this book, and even though it might be a little predictable, I am excited to hear what other readers think.  

It's a rare occasion that I ever write a second post in one day, but later this morning the ALA awards will be presented. It's always exciting to see the Newbery, Caldecott, and other various award books and add to my own reading list.  If I have any thoughts on these, I might find time to share them later.

Happy Monday!