Rose in Bloom is one of my favorite novels of Louisa May Alcott. Rose is a delightful character thrown into the midst of romance and courtship. This novel shows the same attention to detail and delight in the everyday that readers of Little Women and other Alcott works rejoice in.

First, do not expect Little Women. Rose in Bloom can’t possibly measure up. Secondly, expect a great deal of moralizing and priggishness. If you bear both of those warnings in mind, you’ll find the sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s maudlin and unbearable Eight Cousins just this side of tolerable, if still pretty preachy.

Pollyanna-ish Rose Campbell is all grown up, as are several of her seven boy cousins. Rose in Bloom, as the title implies, follows Rose’s young womanhood and her decisions about philanthropy and love. The parts of this “improving novel” that dwell on the mating rituals of the New England upper classes are pretty interesting, but I would have enjoyed the information better in a social journal than in this book — if that tells you anything.

Rose, having returned home after touring abroad for a couple years, has entered adulthood and, as an heiress, is faced with making decisions on how to invest her money. Before beginning the task, she admits to her uncle that she desires to live freely in society, attending balls and staying out late for a few months before shouldering responsibilities.

Rose in Bloom wrestles with themes of friendship, love, and contentment. Rose examines what it is to have purpose and make a difference in the world, and analyzes what her responsibilities are when it comes to being able to influence the actions of those around her. She considers what it takes to live an upright life, how entertainment and friendships have great impact on thoughts and actions.

This can read like a morality tale -- Rose seems inherently noble and good, and when those around her are choosing lesser passions, we watch consequences play out. I have a strong fondness for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, so it pales in comparison to that notable work, and while one can predict who will gain Rose's affection, I still found it a pleasant read.

I admit I have yet to read Eight Cousins, which is the title that preceded Rose in Bloom. I initially thought this was a stand-alone title, and only after beginning did I learn it was a sequel. However, I continued on, and while I still wish to read Eight Cousins to learn more of the stories that are hinted at, I didn't feel lost past the first chapter (in the first chapter, we meet all the cousins and see the aunts and uncles, so there is a flurry of names that would be less jarring had I been familiar with the characters).

(I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Rose in Bloom is the continuing story of Rose, who we first met in Eight Cousins. If you enjoyed Little Women, you will like Rose in Bloom. This is a bit gentler than Little Women, but Rose is a great character, and easy to like.