This book is a fanfiction of Little Women, I haven't been a fan of the couple since I saw the last adaptation and after reading another retelling. The authors of Jo & Laurie tried to copy Alcott's original style but didn't reach it. I also found it ridiculous what they did to Amy and all the "drama" in the book, which is summarized by Jo complaining about her life and saying that she's different and blah blah blah on every page. It wasn't one of my favorite retellings.

I love Little Women and I loved the concept of the book but the execution fell flat, particularly in the romance department. There was too much focus on Jo's writing and her relationship with her sisters, which is admittedly the heart of Little Women. That being said, this was promoted as a way for Jo and Laurie to finally get together and have their happy ending and the development of their relationship was given less time than I would've liked. I think if more of the focus had been on developing the romance, it would've been a more successful story overall.

"And Afraid. Afraid to give herself over to a man, any man, body and soul. Afraid of change. Afraid of making the wrong choice. Because in life, there were no revisions.
Jo and Laurie was a book that really surprised me. I must admit that I have never read Little Women. As it were, I'm not sure if I have the advantage or the disadvantage. I really think Margaret Stohl and Melissa De La Cruz did an absolutely fantastic job writing this story into fiction. I must also admit that Jo annoyed me a ton but at the same time I found her charming. And Amy reminded me of Lydia from Pride and Prejudice if only for a fleeting moment (thank heavens)!


I gave Jo and Laurie a 4/5 star rating because the storyline was wonderfully told and the characters are such sweet cinnamon rolls even when they make decisions that make you want to yell and scream obscenities.


"That she had accepted him only because her first choice had been denied. Because when you couldn't have what your heart most desired, what did it matter? After that, everyone else was just another someone to try to love. Another wrong someone."
I think this is the part where I comment and tell the authors how sorry I am that people have decided to one star a book they've never even read. I find that quite honestly appalling. You can be a fan of the original book and not comment on a book you have no intentions of reading.


I honestly think (and maybe I should not have an opinion for this) that one should look at this book like they would a fairytale retelling. There have been many Cinderella, Snow White, and Mulan retelling's and I would deem this to be just that a "fairytale," retelling. It was beautifully written and also a complete sob fest in parts. I loved it in its unique way and I really think if you aren't a die hard Little Women fan that you'd love this one too!


There were parts in Jo and Laurie that were a bit off for me and that's probably why I didn't end up giving it a 5/5 star rating. I will not give anything away so you'll have to see those bits for yourself. A few scenes in particular felt off as they were thrown in for a bit of excitement which is understandable given the context of the story but I felt they could have been flushed out a little more than they were. *Smacks Laurie in the face. You'll see (; Anyway I hope that you find this book as charming as I did. I hope to read Little Women in the near future to see what all the fuss is about!

I loved this. I know not everyone has been super crazy about this retelling, and I certainly hope this book prompts more authors to rewrite LITTLE WOMEN in inclusive and diverse ways, but JO & LAURIE so perfectly captures the spirit of Alcott's classic story that I couldn't stay mad at it. Granted, I did not grow up with the story of LITTLE WOMEN, having only just recently read it for the first time in my 20s, so perhaps if I had a greater attachment to the story I would feel stronger about its revision. JO & LAURIE, however, is essentially fanfiction (which as someone who unabashedly loves and reads fanfic regularly, I see nothing wrong with this). It's clear that Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz took the time to study not only Alcott's writing, but her life as well (in an author's note they mention having blended details from LITTLE WOMEN with Alcott's life in their rewrite). I genuinely felt like I was reading another installment of LITTLE WOMEN -- it was that spot on. And while I will always prefer to believe that Jo is an independent and self-sufficient woman who never settles down, there is a part of me that longed to see her happy with Laurie as well, and this book certainly fulfilled that wish (I'm a sucker for romantic endings, don't come at me).

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for the review copy!

It's 1869, and Jo March has just published her first novel. She's shocked that its become a best seller and that her fans and publisher are now pushing for a sequel. While trying to come up with a story, Jo goes on a trip to New York with her dear friend Laurie in a hunt for inspiration. The week is filled with museums, operas, and even a live reading from Charles Dickens himself! Inspiration may be what Jo is searching for, but Laurie has romance on his mind. Despite her growing feelings for him, Jo's fierce desire for independence leads her to turn down Laurie's passionate proposal.
Heartbroken, Laurie leaves Jo and heads to college. But when he comes back to Concord with a sophisticated new girlfriend, will Jo have the courage to tell him how she really feels? Or will she miss out on the love of her life?

This Little Women retelling (or really more of an alternate ending) was a really cute and fun read. Confession time- I still haven't read the original Little Women... but I've seen the movies and know the story, and I love it. I've seen a lot of negative reviews surrounding this book because it does change the way the original story ended. But like. This is fiction and that's okay. We can still love the original and enjoy a new twist. I think this was fun, and I loved the characters. It reflects the original without copying it, which I like in a retelling. Laurie is supportive and kind, and Jo is trying to navigate everyone's expectations while trying to do what she wants. I was able to finish this one really quickly, and you don't need to be a Little Women superfan to read this. It's sweet and I loved the romance. I know there's a lot of Jo and Laurie shippers out there who will enjoy this one!

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: A re-telling with love, grief, and spirited women that brings new life to characters we already love, but still honoring the spirit of the originals.

Does anyone else love a retelling of a classic as much as I do? JO & LAURIE is a delightfully woven tale about Little Women’s Jo March and Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. Both of these authors captured the essence of who the characters were while still making it feel fresh.

It is always amazing to me how two authors can create a book that seamlessly gives their reader a story that seems like one voice. In JO & LAURIE, I was immediately transported back to 1869 with the March sisters. It was almost effortless how quickly I was drawn in. The descriptions of surroundings and the actions of the characters all reinforced what I already love about books centering around this period.


If I am being candid, there was very little that I didn’t love about this book. However, it was Jo (naturally) that I was drawn to the most. She has a strength to her which is balanced out well with her vulnerability. There is a heaviness to the grief she feels for her sister which allows her to almost wall herself off from love. She wants to be independent and will destroy many of her chances of being with her true partner.


This is a story about women empowerment, love, loss, and the bonds of family. The journey that Jo and her sisters will take is well worth a read.


PSA: I know that this book is technically classified as a teen novel, but in all honesty, it can be read at any age. The story was engaging and kept my interest throughout. So, young or old, if you love Little Women or any story centering young women coming of age, give this one a try.

A fun and romantic retelling of Little Women. Looking forward to chatting with the authors about their writing processes for our newsletter!

From my blog: Always With a Book:

This book is inspired by Little Women. I admit, I've never actually read the book, but have seen the movies countless times. Do I plan on reading the book - of course. I own a copy and have it sitting on my shelf but it's just one of those books I just haven't gotten around to yet.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be charming and very in the spirit of the Little Women I had grown up with from the movies I watched. Maybe if I had read the book I would have felt differently, but I felt the authors weren't trying to rewrite the entire story but rather just give us a what if look at one portion of the whole.

This is actually the second book I've read recently that takes a different look at Little Women, the other being Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern retelling of the story. It's fun having all these different retellings/re-imaginings of this wonderful classic and all it's saying to me is that I really need to read this classic and the sooner the better!

it was okay. i personally don’t believe Jo is even attracted to males but i think the book was pretty basic. nothing stands out but it also wasn’t terrible.

I enjoyed this little fan fiction piece! The authors were very respectful in upholding the personalities and motivations of Alcott's characters. It was a clever decision to create a narrative surrounding an alternative version of the fictional Jo March, a Jo existing between the two novels that make up Little Women. The book takes place before the second book's publishing and focuses on Jo's struggle to end her story in a way that would be appropriate not just for herself, but also for her demanding audience and publisher. In this way, the authors were able to maintain the integrity of the original version of events while creating their own version of events that satisfy their curiosity in placing Jo and Laurie together rather than Jo and Professor Bhaer.

The March sisters were very similar to Alcott's fictional counterparts that we are familiar with. Thankfully, the authors did a wonderful job of staying true to both Jo and Laurie's characters. Jo is just as independent and stubborn as the Jo we know and love, and Laurie is the same passionate and charming boy-next-door we've fallen for over the years. The only major change in this version is that instead of choosing Professor Bhaer (a manufactured love interest made especially for Jo's book in this version), Jo chooses her "real-life" Laurie. For readers who have always wondered what their romance might have been like, and for those who are open-minded about this ship, this book would be a very enjoyable period romance!

The main issue I had with the book is in the acknowledgments section, in which the authors claim to be "fixing" Alcott's mistake in having Jo and Laurie married to others by the end. I find that presumptuous. Only Alcott knew her own mind and motivations. Besides that stumble, this was a sweet "what if" fan-fiction piece for lovers of both period romance and Little Women.

This book was not for me for several reasons. I really don't even know why I read it. I don't think Jo and Laurie are meant to be together, but I wanted to see what the authors did with the story. As well, I have only enjoyed one Melissa de la Crush story and zero Margaret Stohl stories Their writing just isn't for me.

When I first read the original "Little Women" by Alcott, my heart was broken in two by Jo and Laurie's relationship. I shipped them HARD. Once I got into the acceptance stage of my grief I fell in love with the newly adapted movie and all the relationships and the growth between the sisters and love interests. BUT I was thrilled to jump into another parallel universe in which Jo and Laurie could possibly end up together.

The language and the characters felt true to the original story. I was wrapped up in the relationships and loved that we got multiple perspectives from Meg and Laurie and Jo. Jo is still the obstinate, stubborn girl we love. I still get frustrated with her inability to believe people want to live lives other than she sees fit for them, and fails to see what is right in front of her.

Some people believe love takes away a part of you, but in reality I think to love and to give your heart to someone is one of the bravest things of all. I believe this book captures that.


Laurie had a "feeling of longing and belonging, all tied up together at once, in a way that somehow contradicted and completed itself. It didn't seem real or even possible, but there it was, every time he saw the Marches. What was the word for that? But as soon as he wondered he knew....Home." The family we choose, not the one given to us by birth..

One of the most lovely books I've read this year and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it a fellow Little Women fan who is up for an alternate ending. A story full of heart, love and longing and a lot of growing up.

Add this to your summer list!

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the opportunity to read and review this one. I will eventually be purchasing a copy of my own. 4.5 STARS

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OMG I loved this book! It’s so stinking sweet! The book is set between the two volumes of Little Women and follows the “author” Jo and her sisters as she struggles to write a sequel to her debut novel while grappling with her feelings for Laurie. I love how the authors combined elements from the original text, Louisa May Alcott’s life, and their own imagination to create a truly heart warming story. I was particularly impressed with their ability to match their writing style with Louisa May Alcott’s. It reads like a contemporary to the original novels. This book is just pure joy. If you love Little Women you MUST read this. I need to get myself a hardcopy because e-ARC just won’t do (thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for my copy, if only I could display it on my shelves).

This book felt like revisiting old friends and getting to know them in a whole new way.

Read my full review here: https://booksteahealthyme.home.blog/2020/06/02/book-review-jo-laurie-by-margaret-stohl-and-melissa-de-la-cruz-and/

Thank you to MB Communications and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book.

While I’ve never read Little Women, I watched and absolutely LOVED the movie! I was so excited to hear about this book, because I totally thought Jo and Laurie should’ve ended up together in the end. But unfortunately, I can’t say that I loved it. The story telling was just a little awkward, and lot of things that Jo did just really felt out of character to me.

I can always appreciate a new take on a classic and I really liked the direction this reimagining went in! I love that this book explores the idea of the what-if. When I was little and watched Little Women for the first time, I always questioned why Jo and Laurie weren't the ones who ended up together and this book allowed me to live out those childhood wonders! My only complaint is that it was a bit slow at times. This novel isn't life-changing in anyway but it was highly enjoyable.
Jo & Laurie was a light and cute read. Margaret and Melissa established their own versions of Jo and Laurie and if readers can go into this book without thinking that they are trying to rewrite the end of a classic, and instead are making something entirely new, I think they will really enjoy it!

Bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz bring us a romantic retelling of Little Women starring Jo March and her best friend, the boy next door, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence.

1869, Concord, Massachusetts: After the publication of her first novel, Jo March is shocked to discover her book of scribbles has become a bestseller, and her publisher and fans demand a sequel. While pressured into coming up with a story, she goes to New York with her dear friend Laurie for a week of inspiration—museums, operas, and even a once-in-a-lifetime reading by Charles Dickens himself!

But Laurie has romance on his mind, and despite her growing feelings, Jo’s desire to remain independent leads her to turn down his heartfelt marriage proposal and sends the poor boy off to college heartbroken. When Laurie returns to Concord with a sophisticated new girlfriend, will Jo finally communicate her true heart’s desire or lose the love of her life forever?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48895207-jo-laurie?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JBkkUm07KF&rank=1

Jo March is thrilled with the success of her recent novel, Little Women, but now she is under immense pressure to deliver a satisfying sequel. With her family’s concerns about their role in the sequel as a distraction and the frequent attentions of her good friend Laurie, Jo is having trouble finishing her story. The one thing all her drafts have in common is her refusal to marry off her protagonist, Jo- but as things in real life get more complicated, her rejection of marriage may be challenged.

This book is an artistic retelling that casts Jo March the writer in the place of author Louisa May Alcott as the author of the beloved book, Little Women. Following the writing struggles of the author Jo March, this story questions what other choices our classic characters might make if they had different opportunities.

Unspoilery Review

This book had a fascinating premise, and I enjoyed reading it. I love the March sisters, and I adored seeing them written from another perspective. Having the book about Jo the author, not Jo the character was an interesting idea, and it allowed the characters in the book more freedom than if they had to follow the plot of Little Women.

I appreciated that the readers got to see a different side of Amy because she was not as dramatized as she was in the Little Women novel. I also loved the idea that Meg and John were not in a relationship in real life, rather that was something that Jo made up for the story. These slight differences were fun, and I think they really allowed the characters to develop into slightly different roles than they were in the well-loved novel.

That being said, I could not completely get behind Jo and Laurie’s budding relationship. Of course I wanted them to fall in love and get married when I first read Little Women when I was 14 – but overtime I’ve grown to admire the stance that Louisa May Alcott took by not marrying off her protagonist. Although this book was well-written and fun, I felt as if I was being disloyal to Alcott by rooting for Jo and Laurie’s relationship.

Although parts of this book seemed out of character, I thought the story was fun and well-written. By writing about the “real characters” not the characters from the book Little Women, the authors opened up a world of creative liberty for the characters. They altered the storyline for this classic in a believable and exciting way that I thoroughly enjoyed (other than feeling mildly disloyal to Alcott and the classic characters she created).

I suggest reading this book and deciding what to think of it all for yourself! This was a fun, easy read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves Little Women and is open to reading about alternative storylines to the characters that we all know and love.

This was a great book! I was a little confused at the start, understanding how this would differ from Little Women, but caught on quickly. It was really interesting to get to read this take on what happens to the March girls! I would recommend this to anyone who liked little women and who want to see an alternative ending than was last given!

DNF.
I tried to pick up this book several times, but I had a difficult time connecting and staying focused on the story, especially due to the slow pacing. The book originally interested me as a retelling--I was reading Little Women for my women's writing course and all gung ho for independent, intellectual female characters developing their sense of agency and knowing what they want --and I was curious to see the outcome of the novel. Canonically, Jo and Laurie did not end up together, and honestly, I do agree with the sentiment. However, I tried reading this novel with this perspective in mind that this Jo was in, I guess, an alternative, "what-if"" universe. Unfortunately, what I read fell flat to me.