Title: Meg & Jo
Author: Virginia Kantra
Published: December 2019, Berkley
Format: ARC E-copy, 400 pages
Source: Netgalley
Summary:
The timeless classic Little Women inspired this heartwarming modern tale of four sisters from New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.
The
March sisters—reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy
Beth—have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her
ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism
would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig
economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.
Meg appears to
have the life she always planned—the handsome husband, the adorable
toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting
everything you’ve ever wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
When their mother’s illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they’ll rediscover what really matters.
One
thing’s for sure—they’ll need the strength of family and the power of
sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.
My thoughts: I have a secret…I’ve never read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Shocking I know! I’ve seen the movie with Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder about a zillion times but somehow the book has eluded me. It is sitting on my shelf and one of these days I do play to read it. Of course when I saw Virginia Kantra’s latest book, I knew I had to request it and I’m so glad I did…I absolutely enjoyed this one and now I’m more determined than ever to finally pick up Louisa May Alcott’s book.
Meg & Jo is inspired by Little Women – it is not a retelling and I loved that. It has a modern edge to it, so if you are familiar with the story at all, you will see shades of it, but it definitely has its own spin on it. The story focuses on the strength of family and the bonds of sisters. Alternating between Meg and Jo’s perspective, we see them navigating life, both the ups and downs, and how they handle a challenge they weren’t expecting. I definitely felt both characters grew as they dealt with all that was thrown at them.
I loved the relationships between the sisters. I found it real and relatable. Having two sisters myself, I am always drawn to books that delve into family relationships and I feel this one really gets to the heart of it. There were times I felt I could relate to each of the two sisters for one reason or another.
For some reason, when I think of Little Women, I think of the holidays and so I think this is the perfect book to read around the holidays as well. And, in case you are wondering, there is a sequel in the works for the younger sisters…we will be getting Amy and Beth’s story at some point and I could not be happier!!! And of course, let’s not forget about the new movie coming out on Christmas Day…will you be going to see that? I will, but probably not the day it comes out.
