"Meg and Jo"

"Meg and Jo"
Written by Virginia Kantra
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia

"Meg and Jo" is a modern retelling of "Little Women", with the characters set in the 21st century, eating organic food, talking on cell phones, and writing food blogs. Although this story is modernized with new technology, different dialogue, and slightly different characters, the vibrant original tale rings true, giving this updated version a nostalgic and charming quality. The girls now portrayed as adults, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are absolutely delightful, with wonderful personality traits, dialogue, and their enthusiastic spirits that connect the original to this retelling with pure magic.

This particular novel follows Meg and Jo March, while the next book in the series will focus more on Beth and Amy. Meg has married John and have a rambunctious little family, but Meg does not feel quite happy in her family life. She long for more, but she notices that John has been pulling away. Jo, ever the free spirit and easily the best character, has become a food blogger, working in the kitchen of a fancy chef. She's discontent with her life up to this point, but her focus on the very handsome chef has pulled her away from her woes. As the women navigate their own personal lives, we learn about sisterhood and family. 

Although this is the first book in the series, its warmth and well-written tale will provide a great foundation for the rest of the series. I had never read from this author before, but I really enjoyed the dialogue, her writing style, and her attention to detail from the original. For the fans of "Little Women", I do not think they will be disappointed. This is a cute, cozy, and frothy winter read, not a dissection and critique of the original.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Although I am not a fanatic of the original, I enjoyed the retelling and life breathed once more into the March women. I absolutely plan to continue the next book about Beth and Amy, and I plan to look into other works of the author.

I received an advance review copy of the novel in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you to Berkley Publishing.