JO & LAURIE was such a fun addition to the LITTLE WOMEN story. While I look at them as two completely separate entities, I did love seeing these characters come together again. I do think this is more of a fanfiction-y story just because of the alternate ending of the actual characters. This book looks at the story as if Jo actually was Louisa, writing Little Women, and follows her story from publication of the first book all the way through writing the second. I thought the authors did an excellent job of capturing the characters’ personalities and mimicking them from Little Women. This did have more of a modern feel, obviously, but still put me back in the world of LITTLE WOMEN. I enjoyed seeing this AU unfold and kind of turning the story on its head. I also thought it was interesting when the authors wove elements of Louisa Alcott’s life into Jo’s throughout the book. This novel was a great add-on to any Little Women fan.

Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz is a Little Women fanfiction about Jo and Laurie's romance. When story opens, Jo March has just written the first part of Little Women, about the four March sisters, with their real names and semi-real stories, and her editor is asking for a sequel.

This was a strange read. I love Little Women, and I've enjoyed some spinoffs, like Virginia Kantra's Meg & Jo. I knew the story would bring Jo and Laurie together, and I wanted to see how it unfolded. Their years of strong friendship could be the basis of a romance, and when I read Little Women as a preteen, I couldn't understand why Jo and Laurie didn't get married. (As an adult, I love sweet, intelligent Professor Bhaer, and I think Jo chose well in building her life with the thoughtful older man.)

It must be hard to write a story about these beloved characters, simply because they are so loved. I kept reading things that seemed out-of-character. Jo made up the name Marmee, adding uncharacteristic cuteness to her story, for unexplained reasons. Not privacy, since in this retelling, Jo made up Meg and John Brooke's romance and published it in her book, using their full names, although real Meg and John had barely spoken. Even though the Little Women has scenes of sisterly unkindness (hello, Amy and the manuscript?!?) this level of accidental cruelty goes entirely against Jo's character. But then, John and Meg were both secretly into each other anyway so, uh, they get together anyway.  It's weird fanfiction take, is what I'm saying.

I guess I wanted more of a Shakespeare In Love kind of story, imagining the connections and inspiration behind the well-known work.  Instead, for most of this book, Jo storms up the the garret and returns with another disappointing draft for her ever-patient editor. At one point, key moments of Good Wives are pulled out of the air, as the sisters work in the garden and discuss Jo's plans for the sequel, but it was then dropped in favor of scene after scene where Jo wants to know why writing is hard and feeling feelings is hard. (I mean, correct on both counts, but it doesn't make an engaging story.)

The romances dragged, with too many misunderstandings and jealousies, repetitively resolved with grand speeches, so by the time I got to the payoff, with Jo proposing to Laurie, I'd gone from now kiss to ok, fine, whatever, just stop wallowing.  I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did.

As a child who grew up watching Little Women and have read the book when I was young, I was so happy and excited that this novel has been revived during these times. We have the new movie and now we are getting this reimagining of what could have been for Jo and her best friend Laurie.

I was really quite excited to read this book because when I was younger, I really loved the chemistry between Jo and Laurie, it was going to be interesting to see it written out, albeit by different authors.

In the beginning, there was so much struggle for Jo March, post having written Little Women. She was feeling the pressure from her publisher, agent, and fans on what happens after the March Sisters in the book. We get to see Jo having a difficult time positioning herself on how she would write that second book, and there were times when I had the question in my head "would Jo really act this way or say these things". I couldn't help but compare this Jo to the original Jo from Little Women.

There is also the matter of Jo and Laurie's relationship arc. The readers have an inkling of where the story is going of course, but it felt almost quite flat. We don't see the build up, highs and lows of being friends to more than that. I did also find myself interested with Meg and Brooke's relationship arc but not that well invested.

And, I know this book is largely controversial, I still was pretty much interested to read what it's really about. And this book was not to discredit Louisa May Alcott's works, but was more of a reimagining/retelling of what could have been the March's lives in between Little Women and Little Men. It was very much like a fanfiction that entertained the idea of a what if. And, fiction is almost always largely based on what ifs, right?

That being said, I personally did not enjoy Jo & Laurie as much as I thought I would. The pace was a little too slow, and felt dragged out. The last parts of the book were exciting and fun but the rest just felt a little flat, personally.

Review to be posted on alisoninbookland.com 5/28. Review will be crossposted to Goodreads & Amazon.

This is likely going to get confusing so here's some clarification. Book Jo is the Jo March most of us know. She's the character in Little Women. Real Jo is author of Little Women taking Louisa May Alcott's place (since LW was based on her family). They might be very similar but they are different people in terms of this story.

The blurring of real and not real was very genuine. Playing 'what if' and imagining different scenarios for a version of yourself is very much a game sisters play. I can attest to that. The playful banter of matching up sisters to people felt genuine. Sometimes it is fun to match off people. Occasionally hurt feelings or annoyance are a side effect. Other times, genuine companionship is a side effect as well. I didn't feel as is the story was disingenuous to (either) Jo's character to be in this 'what if' game.

Real Jo's struggle was interesting to watch play out. What originally started a fun adventure for her grew to be more than what she expected. She thought some people would enjoy the story of her and her sisters. Real Jo didn't expect an entire country to hang on to her every word. The pressure was palpable. You could feel how she was torn in a million different ways. She wants to do right by her characters, her sisters, her fans, her publisher, & most importantly, herself. How do you juggle so many opinions though? [I was deeply moved by the author's note at the end talking about Alcott's struggle with the pressure & the fact that jumping was something that crossed her mind.]

Was this a perfect sequel to Little Women? No, of course not. Some of the language really doesn't 'flow' as a perfect match to LW. Do I think this is how the characters of this beloved story "really" behaved? Maybe not. I do think this was a great addition to the mythos of the Little Women universe for people's consideration.

The 2019 movie Little Women wasn't a perfect adaption of the book (it was pretty darn good though). You know what it did though? It highlighted Amy in a way that I had never seen before and actually made me cheer for her and Laurie. Jo & Laurie follows in those footsteps and makes me see Jo (and by extension Louisa) in a new light. It shows her struggle and shows her as someone who was willing to do everything to take care of those around her. Even though things were tough. Even though she was miserable at something she once loved. It's cheesy but she ends up taking the advice she's been giving Meg about being a martyr.

All in all, it was an enjoyable step back into one of my favorite families. It might not be the version of them I know and love but I've grown mighty fond of this new crew too.

First things first, this book is either incredibly clever or wickedly confusing depending on how you’re feeling as you read it. Also, I assume, it helps if you’ve actually read Little Women as to know the characters of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel better. But, something worth knowing is that Jo is the writer of Little Women within Little Women and so in this book she is in the period between the first half of Little Women that came out in 1868 and the second half of Little Women that came out in 1869. Those two halves were then turned into one novel, which is the classic Little Women that can be found on bookshelves and libraries everywhere today. So, this book is set within the fiction of the two books’ releases that were actual world releases. Considering the fact that Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is considered a semi-autobiographical novel, I guess it makes sense for the setting of this book to have one foot in fiction and one foot in reality.

I do have to say though, the arrival of Theodore “Laurie” Laurence in this book is the first real jolt of energy and life, aside from Jo debating with her publisher over her book’s title in the beginning. But alas, as soon as he shows up he is gone again. Something wonderful that Stohl and de la Cruz have done in this novel are making Laurie fulfill the role of muse and the infamous “lover-that-saves-the-writer’s-career.” In almost every author origin story, there is the lover that tells the writer to keep writing. Usually, like in Stephen King’s case for example, that person is a woman propping up a man. To see Laurie playing support character to Jo is a nice switch on the old doubtful writer narrative,

There is something incredibly distracting about this book as well. The language is, I assume because I wasn’t alive in 1868, accurate to how people spoke in 1868. This makes the book both feel incredibly accurate while also mildly annoying. Personally, I spent a lot of the dialogue thinking to myself, “Who talks like this?” But then when I remember the book is set in the summer of 1868, I am reminded that they, probably, did. However, that is only during the scenes that are establishing the fact that the story is in 1868. The conversations among the sisters, for example, when discussing Jo’s writing are rather fun to read. In fact, as a writer myself, these scenes make Jo the most relatable to me as a reader.

The cover claims that this book is “the greatest love story finally told” and based on the title being Jo & Laurie it is easy to assume that Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz are writing about the love story between Jo March and Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. However, as I read it, I found there to be a very different love story going on. That love story would be the love between an author and the writing process. All of this book that is not about Jo and Laurie is about Jo and writing. The interactions she has, the conversations she has, the insecurities she feels, the dedication she shows, the utter abandonment of writing at all she goes through, and everything else that develops her writing is like a big love letter to writing. Stohl and de la Cruz seem to focus on the love story of author and writing. A love story explored in interesting ways like Jo’s conversations with her publisher and editor. While the love story between Jo and Laurie is one that is interesting and real at times, the true love story that makes this book such a great read is the love letter from Maragret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz to writing itself.

I’ve always dreamed of having more of the Jo & Laurie story so when I saw this book was coming out, I was beyond excited! Was it possible that it might turn out differently this time? Might we just get more of these characters, but with the original outcome? I had my hopes, but decided that more of the two of them would be better than nothing and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the book! I did get that familiar push and pull feeling one gets when authors dive back into a beloved story and attempt a reimagining or retelling about characters I know and love so well and this time was no different, but this book, without a doubt, was WONDERFUL!! I adored it.

Set just after Jo writes the first installment of Little Women, she is in need of a continued storyline. While struggling to write it, she is surrounded by all of the classic characters we love and of course, Laurie, who is clearly in love with her. Jo must sort out her feelings for Laurie or possibly lose him forever. Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz handled this material with clear admiration and love of characters who are dear to us all. I’m so grateful for their lovely story.

I am rating this book 2/5 stars because I feel like it didn't live up to the expectations of the original book. Little women is classic that has built a certain reputation and will automatically make anything based off of it highly judged; this book didn't live up to the expectations for me.

Thank you so much for net galley for sending me a copy of this book! ILittle women was a favorite of mine when i was a kid. I loved being able to jump back in the world and see how everyone is doing.

I was super excited to read this book as I had always hoped Jo & Laurie would end up together. Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
It was very slow moving for much of the book until 3/4 through- author showcasing the characters of Little Women and setting up Jo & Lauries romance.
The ending was really good- the last 60-65 pages when they actually got together. All in all just not super excited.

"The greatest love story finally told" is a bold statement. Does Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz live up to that claim. Let's see.
First things first, this book is either incredibly clever or wickedly confusing depending on how you're feeling as you read it. Also, I assume, it helps if you've actually read Little Women as to know the characters of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel better. But, something worth know is that Jo is the writer of Little Women within Little Women and so in this book she is in the period between the first half of Little Women that came out in 1868 and the second half of Little Women that came out in 1869. Those two halves were then turned into one novel, which is the classic Little Women that can be found on bookshelves and libraries everywhere today. So, this book is set withtin the fiction of the two books' releases that were actual world releases. Considering the fact that Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is considered a semi-autobiographical novel, I guess it makes sense for the setting of this book to have one foot in fiction and one foot in reality.
I do have to say though, the arrival of Theodore "Laurie" Laurence in this book is the first real jolt of energy and life, aside from Jo debating with her publisher over her book's title in the beginning. But alas, as soon as he shows up he is gone again. Something wonderful that Stohl and de la Cruz have done in this novel are making Laurie fulfil the role of muse and the infamous "lover-that-saves-the-writer's-career." In almost every author origin story, there is the lover that tells the writer to keep writing. Usually, like in Stephen King's case for example, that person is a woman propping up a man. To see Laurie playing support character to Jo is a nice switch on the old doubtful writer narrative,
There is something incredibly distracting about this book as well. The language is, I assume because I wasn't alive in 1868, accurate to how people spoke in 1868. This makes the book both feel incredibly accurate while also mildly annoying. Personally, I speant alot of the dialogue thinking to myself, "Who talks like this?" But then when I remember the book is set in the summer of 1868, I am reminded that they, probably, did. However, that is only during the scenes that are establishing the fact that the story is in 1868. The conversations among the sisters, for example, when discussing Jo's writing are rather fun to read. In fact, as a writer myself, these scnes make Jo the most relatable to me as a reader.
The cover claims that this book is "the greatest love story finally told" and based on the title being Jo & Laurie it is easy to assume that Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz are writing about the love story between Jo March and Theodore "Laurie" Laurence. However, as I read it, I found there to be a very different love story going on. That love story would be the love between an author and the writing process. All of this book that is not about Jo and Laurie is about Jo and writing. The interactions she has, the conversations she has, the insecurities she feels, the dedication she shows, the utter abandoment of writing at all she goes through, and everything else that develops her writing is like a big love letter to writing. Stohl and de la Cruz seem to focus on the love story of author and writing. A love story explored in interesting ways like Jo's conversations with her publisher and editor. While the love story between Jo and Laurie is one that is interesting and realy at times, the true love story that makes this book such a great read is the love letter from Maragret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz to writing itself.

I loved this book!! I’ll admit, I was hesitant because I actually like Jo and The Professor together and didn’t feel the same sadness as other readers at the way Alcott tied up the romances. That said, this book was absolutely charming. The voice felt true to Alcott’s original writing, and I loved learning more about her actual life. I would highly recommend this to all Little Women fans, as it makes for great discussion and feels so delightful to spend a few extra chapters with the beloved March sisters.

I pretty enjoyed so much this retelling of Litlle Women. Its funny, cute and so so romântic. I loved the different point of view of the Authoresses, and yes i totally agree that Little Women really is the greatest love story never written. I am very very happy to finally get to read it!! Totally yes!!

JO & LAURIE takes place after the publication of the original LITTLE WOMEN, which is about half of the current text. Jo March is the author, and she has pressure from the publisher to put out a follow up in which all of the girls are married off. Jo really does not want to do this, and she is feeling writer's block pretty heavily.

Although the book is billed as a romance, most of the book is Jo relating to her sisters and trying to figure out how to write what we know as the rest of LITTLE WOMEN. She wants to fulfill her commitment to the publisher and stay true to herself.

The book captures the difficulty of putting pen to paper as well as familial love that marks the original book. This is a retake/retelling on LITTLE WOMEN that tries to fit in the historical context, including the sexism of the times. I found it to be pretty slow in terms of pace and many of the characters felt a bit lackluster. However, Amy really has quite the personality, and she was a fun character to read. I did appreciate the context at the end which shows the research the authors have done and how they feel this fits in with Louisa May Alcott's life and feelings about Jo and Laurie. I think sisterhood was strongest type of love in this book (versus romance) and that the main focus was on authoring.

Overall, I think this would appeal to people who enjoy slow-paced historical fiction. Please note that I received an ARC from netgalley. All opinions are my own.

First of all, thank you to Penguin Teen for inviting me to read an ARC of Jo & Laurie!

I am most definitely a Little Women fan, and what great timing for this release with the new movie releasing! (Which is amazing, by the by).

Jo & Laurie is an alternative ending to the story of young author Jo March, and the beloved MArch sisters. After the reknown of her crowd favorite Little Women, Jo is at a loss of what to do next and how else to support her family. Convinced to sign a contract for a sequel and a happy ending for the March sisters, Jo is lacking in inspiration. In her real like, Laurie is supportive and kind, and missing her dear sister Beth who passed in real life, Jo isn't sure she can give her a happy ending. But if you can tell from the title, this book is most certainly focused on Jo's happy ending, because until now, she hasn't let herself find her own happiness.

The writing was wonderful, and as usual, the story of the March sisters is sweet and heartwarming. It was really touching to follow Jo and Meg through the book, finding what it is they each want. Though at times the inner narrative was a bit much, I really enjoyed this book overall and finished most of it in one sitting! Can't wait to snag a finished copy of this!

Writing Jo and Laurie's story outside of Little Women and Good Wives is a task that many authors may dream about, but most wouldn't attempt. The sheer critical backlash of fans of Louisa May Alcott who don't believe more of the story should be written by someone else would make many authors shy away. Stohl and de la Cruz are talented authors, and they deserve credit for just having the determination to create this part of the story, regardless of how one might feel about the need for this book. The authors were true to the time period and Alcott's actual life during this story, showing their in-depth research and attention to detail in the customs, fashion, language and historical setting of this book. The interplay between Alcott's real life, her books and this book was somewhat confusing at times, however. Readers will need to remind themselves frequently that they are reading about Jo trying to write a sequel to a book about Jo and her friends and family, and not about Alcott writing about Jo trying to get a new book published about Jo's family after Little Women (Good Wives). Yes, it gets confusing at times. The writing style and dialogue is typically in-line with Alcott's style in Little Women, and this actually might add to the confusion. If readers are looking for what many might call "fan fiction" of Alcott's March family, especially Jo, then this reviewer would recommend reading Jo & Laurie. If a reader is content with the original story and doesn't want to see Jo's life changed from Alcott's writings, then this would not be the best book for them unless they can emotionally distance themselves from "What happened to the March girls next?", and just enjoy a well-written and creative story.

I thought this was a beautiful book! The March sisters’ characteristics and mannerisms were portrayed well. It was heartwarming and cozy, and an imaginative retelling of one of my favorite classics!