One of my favorite books is Little Women including the movie with Winona Ryder. I really wanted to love this book but I was just annoyed by it. I have now decided retellings are not for me. I felt the part with Amy is annoying and I didn't care for Amy. The part with Meg was annoying and the part with Beth was annoying. Overall I was annoyed throughout the whole book.

Read if you like Retellings.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Linda Epstein; Ally Malinenko; Liz Parker for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Other March Sisters coming out February 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love Little Women! It’s one of my favorite books. I love all of the movie adaptations. I’m always interested in checking out new books about it. Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. It felt disjointed to me. The other sisters had their own storylines, but it didn’t really seem to come together. I think I just love the original too much and this didn’t feel true to that. I think it would’ve worked better if it was just set in modern times.

This was a well-written book. It told the story of Jo's sisters in Little Women from another point of view. It was interesting and sweet, though it did not really engage my attention or appeal to me very much.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC of this book.

It’s no doubt a challenge to take on the classic Little Women, which became a classic large because of the unforgettable March sisters, and Jo in particular. This book is an attempt by the three authors to « talk around » the boisterous Jo and give voice to the three quieter sisters, as the title suggests. By imagining their unwritten stories, they allow them their own agency, and they take off in directions unimaginable to their original 19th century characters. The writing is generally crisp, lively and empathic, though in some chapters more than others.

This is actually the biggest problem I have with this book its inconsistency not only in style but also in structure. Is it even a novel? Some chapters cohere, others read like separate essays in an anthology focussing on 3 out of 4 sisters. No doubt much of this is due to the challenges of combining the work of three authors.

It’s interesting to see Meg become a working mother, but hard to accept that her marriage to John was little more than an arrangement foisted on her by Marmee. Likewise we see the sweet unlamenting Beth become angry and vocal about her stoic suffering, determined to do some of the things she wants to do, despite the admonitions of Marmee. And Amy, away in Europe, is forever reminding herself that she owes her parents a « good marriage » to lift them out of the poverty in which her father’s bad decisions
had left the formerly well-off March family. Marmee is unrecognizable in this version, as is the previously gentle and protective Laurie, who is angry and accusatory about Jo.
In truth, despite their attempts to tell the other sisters’ stories, Jo is always there. And the girls and their parents flail at a ghost, ironically proving that Jo was indeed the novel’s centre, simply by being more interesting than the rest.

Little Women is such a classic tale I think that anyone trying to write and alternative timeline for the girls would come up against those who will either love or hate the new iteration. In my case I really didn’t enjoy Amy’s timeline. I will say they did capture her annoying and self-centered personality to a tee, but I just couldn’t get behind her or anything happening in her two parts. Now for Meg and Beth I found both their chapters to be empowering. I do think it is interesting to add in a more positive LGBTQ+ spin to a classic where there are already some hints of an LGBTQ+ nature with Joe’s character. Do I think that almost every character in the family needs to fall under the flag that may be a bit of a stretch, but once again it will be on the readers to see if they want to embrace that narrative, or the narratives they have created from the classic. I enjoyed the book overall and can’t wait to hear what others think about it.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

The other March sisters gives an updated look at what Meg, Amy and Beth's lives were like, especially after Jo leaves. Well written by three authors, an easy, captivating read. Each section is just long enough, ending with a second part with Amy to finish off her time in Europe. I enjoyed reading this book and many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and the authors for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. A "must read" for Little Women fans with an open mind and heart.

The Other March Sisters is not a complete reimagining of the stories told in the book, Little Women. The idea was to share "some of the confidential conversations, intimate and undisclosed connections, private moments, and correspondence" of Meg, Amy, and Beth March in order to fill in the pieces their sister Jo could never know. It's an interesting idea, and I think it's brilliantly written. Three authors, Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko, and Liz Parker, give voice to the three sisters by showing the moments Jo March couldn't have known. In doing so, they allow for each sister to shine.

The authors have indeed "given the other March sisters a moment in the spotlight of their own stories—free from a certain sister’s interpretation and a certain mother’s expectations." I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Amy March had grown up seeing the beauty in the world and wanting to bask in it. For this, she was considered spoiled, even silly. She loved painting, but didn't have the innate genius her family said a person was born with, but she practiced and she kept going, always falling a little short. She wanted more in life than to use her looks to marry a man of wealth, but the expectations of her family haunted her.

Laurie had a similar story, though money would never be a concern for him. Growing up next to the March family, he'd been unofficially adopted into their hearts as a brother. He understood Amy's struggles, appreciated her art, and cared for her more than a brother would. There's a clear longing in both of them, along with strings that keep them tethered.

Amy's story is of growing up and finding her path in life. She knows what she wants and what's expected of her, and they seem to diverge far from one another. There's so much potential, but also the possibility of disappointment and heartbreak. Her story isn't finished, though, and the story ends right when the reader sees hope for a love match.

Amy's story comes across as more a series of snippets than a whole story, but they piggyback on the original story beautifully and are carefully curated to show the important moments in her life. It then switches to Meg's point of view, which took me a moment to recover from.

Meg Brooke is married with twins... and miserable. She wished she hadn't married so young, and after another argument with her husband about needlessly spending money on nice dresses, Meg leaves for the peace of her mother's garden. Only, she realises while talking to her mother that she'd been guided towards this life, to this husband, close to her mother where Meg can vent her frustrations instead of healing them. Angry at her mother and her life, she decides to build her own garden. Her yard is currently overgrown with plants and herbs she recognises from a book her friend gifted her, and with that realisation, Meg sees an opportunity to use her garden for good ... and perhaps for profit. Doing so brings happiness to Meg's life, which translates into happiness in her marriage.

She writes to Amy in Europe, confessing her struggles as a wife and mother, her distance from their mother, and of her new passion. She also gives Amy advice: "I understand you want to do what's best for all of us, but I hope that you find what's best for you along the way and only wish that i could have given you that advice sooner." Their mother placed unrealistic and selfish demands upon her children, and as Meg stood up for herself and chose happiness, she counselled her sister to do the same.

Meg's story is one many young women can relate to. It is a solid as the ground beneath her feet, and as beautiful as a garden full of wildflowers and herbs. Her story focuses of healing and hope, while covering topics still relevant today, such as preventing pregnancy and abortion. It's skillfully written, and suits the story and the characters.

While the shift from Amy to Meg was slightly jarring, the flow from Meg to Beth was beautifully executed.

Beth March isn't the oldest or the youngest, but she's the one kept close at home, suffocated by her mother's attentions, without hope for love or a life of her own. Her childhood brush with death due to scarlet fever left Beth weak. It didn't weaken her mind, though, and her lingering illness was making her irritable. "She could accept turning into a ghost. She couldn’t accept turning into a mean, bitter thing."

Enter a new friend named Florida, who saw Beth as a woman, not as a sick girl. She gave Beth honesty and hope that she could do more - be more - than she'd ever expected. This view of Beth was inspirational. It was soft and thoughtful, but deep as the ocean. There was so much under the surface for readers to discover and love.

And then, the return to Amy's story at the end was perfection. Amy's second half of the story is by far the more romantic version of events. It's also an open discussion on love, attraction, and how complex it can be. It's intelligent, honest, and so lovely.

The Other March Sisters is absolutely delightful, and a must read for any Little Women fans. It challenges Jo's version of events at times, but in the best way. It feels true, and it's a pleasure to read.

I want to preface this review by saying I went into this without any prior knowledge of these characters. I began to read Little Women many moons ago (in the 5th grade), and I never finished the book. With that said, I don't think you need to have read Little Women to enjoy this perfect retelling and to fall in love with Meg, Beth, and Amy's personal stories.

The Other March Sisters is relevant to today's political climate in terms of societal pressures on women, women's rights, pro choice, and queer people. It's an empowering book about finding oneself, overcoming fears and anxieties, learning to live life in the moment for yourself and no one else, sisterhood, and fierce female friendships.

Though I loved reading each of their stories, as an artist and wannabe herbalist, I personally found myself relating to Amy and Meg most. Reading about all the art Amy was encountering and making on her trip abroad was exciting, especially all of the references to art pieces I'm familiar with. Meg trying to find herself after having given birth is SO relatable as I feel most, if not all women, have struggled with this after becoming a mother. Once Meg honed in on her passion for plants and herbalism, I felt I was right there learning with her! The way the authors make each sister so passionate about their interests, it's easy to see while reading this book that they are very well versed in the topic of art, music, and herbalism.

This has easily become a new favorite book, and I can't recommend it enough!

Please check the TWs.

Read if you love:
🌸 Sisterhood
🌸 Strong female friendships
🌸 Queer representation
🌸 Women's rights/pro choice
🌸 Chronic illness representation
🌸 Art & music
🌸 Herbalism

Thank you so much to Liz Parker for gifting me an eARC and for including me in your acknowledgments. I am forever grateful for your inclusion and storytelling! And another thank you to Linda Epstein, Ally Malinenko, and Liz for this physical ARC I won from one of their giveaways.

Happy Release Day to The Other March Sisters! 🎉📖

For years, Meg, Beth, and Amy have lived in Jo March’s shadow. The Other March Sisters finally gives them their due, painting them as complex, passionate women with struggles, ambitions, and love stories all their own. Told through letters, conversations, and intimate moments, this reimagining brings fresh depth to these beloved characters.

🌿 Meg finds herself unfulfilled in marriage and motherhood, turning to her garden to cultivate not just plants, but a new sense of purpose.
🎶 Beth is more than just the fragile, angelic sister—here, she dares to reach for joy, even in the face of her mortality.
🎨 Amy shines in Europe, balancing artistic ambition, societal expectations, and a love story that challenges everything she thought she knew.

By leaving Jo off the page, the authors let Meg, Beth, and Amy step fully into the spotlight, crafting a story that will delight Little Women fans and historical fiction lovers alike. With echoes of March by Geraldine Brooks and Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, this novel is a beautifully written exploration of love, art, independence, and self-discovery.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-read for those who have ever wondered what was happening beyond Jo’s gaze!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC.

This book was a lovely surprise. Like visiting an old friend that you haven't seen in a number of years and then as you catch up and learn more about what she's been up to, you are both a little surprised, but also realize it perfectly fits.

Through four parts, written by three authors, we get to know Amy, Meg and Beth in a new and wonderful way. As I first started the book, my previous bias against Amy slowed me down, so I jumped to Meg's section.

I had been drawn to the book after following Liz Parker, the author of the Meg portion, on Threads, so I figured I should at least give that part a read. I loved learning about this new Meg and through her letters to Amy, realized my bias toward the original, young Amy.

I am glad I read the entire book and overall I loved the concept of this book. Some might think it strays too much from the original, but I appreciate the modern spin on these three young women.

The Other March Sisters beautifully retells  the stories of the other "Little Women". These stories are about what these women wanted, their struggles and their hardships which would not have been possible to write about during the times when " Little Women" was published.  This magical retelling captures the essence of these sisters,  giving them their own voices and identity.

The Other March Sisters will have you captivated and invested in finding out what happens to these wonderful women and the stories they have to share.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this amazing modern retelling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC!

I really enjoyed this book. While reading it, I was sometimes on the fence about whether I liked it or not, but the last scene with Amy really pushed this book into great territory!
I didn't always like the way it was written, but the stories themselves are so good. I loved how we watched each sister come into her own and try to create a happy life for herself.
I liked each of the sister's stories, even if it did sometimes seem like they blamed their mother for being overbearing and not letting them grow. But it was really interesting seeing how each of them struggled against that feeling.
I also really loved how the authors were able to evoke the sisterly feeling among the girls without there being much interaction between them actually on the page (and Amy is in Europe for the entirety of the book).

This novel is told in four parts, beginning (and ending) with Amy's trip to Europe with her aunt, uncle, and cousin. She knows that her parents are hoping that she will make a good (financial) match and Fred Vaughn is definitely giving it a good try.

Meg's story is next, and is far from the true love story that we saw in Little Women. Meg has given birth to twins and is tired of only taking care of house and home. When a friend gives her a copy of an herbal book, Meg sees the potential her overgrown garden has to give her a purpose of her own.

Beth's story is focused on her love of music and the piano, and her disenfranchisement with everyone treating her as if she'll break into a million pieces at any moment. When a friend of her father's brings his family to dinner, Beth becomes enamored with Florida, the outspoken daughter. Florida is a breath of fresh air and only sees Beth as a person, not a sick person, and Beth uses that to step out of her comfort zone and see what her future could hold.

We finish back with Amy, who has met up with Laurie after deciding that art is more important than what her parents want...and if you've read the original story, you know how this part ends.

All in all, this is a great, well-written novel giving a new perspective on the lives of the March sisters (even Jo, though she doesn't have her own section here - I mean, she got an entire book). If you love the original story, this won't deter from your love, it will only add to it.

Thank you to @KensingtonBooks and @NetGalley for a digital copy for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.

I’m sure my readers know that I’m totally put off my alternative history books (don’t try to sell me on a book where the Titanic makes it into New York harbor unscathed, thankyouverymuch). Yes, I know that historical fiction isn’t totally accurate, but most authors explain why they took certain liberties with the facts, which I find mostly acceptable. I’ve also never been a huge lover of what many people would call fan fiction. That being things like sequels to books by Jane Austen, where some new author thinks they know the continuation of the story after the original author has penned the words “the end.” My aversion to those is because they’ve mostly been disappointments for me, for many reasons. Now, part of this is probably because these authors carry on with the main characters and try to show us their lives that came afterwards.

That said, this book is a little bit different, which could be the reason why I felt this worked much better than some of the other attempts at similar types of stories. Firstly, we’re talking about minor characters, not the main ones. Most people know that Alcott’s “Little Women” was a semi-autobiographical story about herself, in the guise of the main character Jo. Alcott went on to write other novels where Jo was still front and center. Although Meg, Beth, and Amy appear in quite generously in that novel, they’re more like moons, reflecting the light from the sun that is Jo. This book, on the other hand, puts spotlights directly on these three women, and tries to make them far more three dimensional than they were portrayed in Alcott’s novel.

Now, you might have noticed that I noted in the categories above the LGBTQIA+ label. This might disturb some readers, but let me assure you that there have been gender diverse people on this planet since, well, forever. To insist that Alcott’s life was peopled by only 100%, straight as an arrow, heterosexuals would therefore be pretty naïve. Moreover, the chance that there were absolutely no people in Alcott’s family that didn’t fully align with that identity would be equally unbelievable. So, to suggest that maybe one of these girls might have been a lesbian or at least attracted to women, or that one of the other people in their lives might be a homosexual or bisexual seems totally normal to me. Furthermore, according to the authors’ notes, there were some pretty strong hints among these four women’s letters to each other that would suggest that our three writers had the evidence to crack open a door or two of the Alcott family’s closets. Mind you, I’m not sure that people back then would have been as accepting as these women were characterized as being, but Alcott’s family – both fictional, and in real life – were very progressive.

Now, as fascinating as all this sounds, I must admit that I have to complain about whoever wrote Meg’s part of this story regarding her children. These twin infant children were written to be far too precocious, nay, practically geniuses, since the age she gave them did not at all match their monumentally advanced ability to verbally communicate. Aside from this, I found the writing here – especially Beth’s section – to be just beautiful, and I truly enjoyed getting to see sides of these characters that Alcott didn’t portray in her original novel. So, overall, I did enjoy this book very much, and I’m recommending it with a health four out of five stars.

I honestly enjoyed this more than I expected to, and I think that is mostly because the characters felt so familiar and nostalgic. It was so nice to spend time with them again and learn more about them individually. I appreciated that each sister was featured in their own section of the book but we got to see their stories unfold side by side. Read when you want to revisit old friends through a new story.

'The Other March Sisters' is a great read - particularly for fans of 'Little Women.'
This novel reimagines the lives of Amy, Meg, and Beth in alternating sections. In every case, these women go in search of their 'true' selves, with some inspiring results.
This is not a 'be a good girl and marry the right person' - it's more a 'be brave, and discover what truly makes you happy' story.
Remember Marmee? She doesn't get the best press here. And Jo? Barely a mention. Laurie is in this book, with a twist!
I love that was a collaboration write among three different authors yet each section and character feels totally connected to the entire book.
What a delightful read!

To begin, I will mention that I do not usually read historical fiction or classics. In all honesty, if Liz hadn't reached out to me about being an early reader, I might have missed this book because of its genre. I am so thankful that she did!

The Other March Sisters pulled me in instantly. Emotional and character-driven, we get a reimagined story of 3 sisters. 

I liked the way each sister developed over the course of the story. Amy, Beth, and Meg each face their own struggles, whether socially and/or internally. Each of them eventually finds what makes them happy, and it is written in a way that can be relatable to so many readers.

The relationship between the sisters and other characters was fun to read with the addition of letters sent to one another to give more backstory along the way.

Liz, thank you again for allowing me to be a part of the early reader team for The Other March Sisters. It is truly a wonderful read and is so well done by each author involved! Being a huge fan of both her writing and her as a person, I was thrilled to be asked. Maybe this will also broaden my horizons in terms of reading genres!

This book touches on some tough subject matter, so be sure to check the content warnings (I've put them at the end of this review).
⚠️ content warnings: child death, chronic illness, abortion

Thank you to @lindaepsteinauthor @allymalinenko @lizparkerwrites @kensingtonbooks and @netgalley for the #gifted e-book!

As a child, Little Women held a special place in my heart, so I was eagerly anticipating this new release that delves into the lives of Beth, Meg, and Amy. Each sister's story is crafted by each one of the talented authors, drawing inspiration from the real life of Louisa May Alcott and her sisters.

In this captivating narrative, Jo embarks on an adventure in New York, while Amy fervently perfects her artistic skills and searches for the right husband in Europe. Meg, though married and a mother of twins, seeks a deeper purpose beyond her roles as wife and mother, and Beth confronts her illness at a tender age with remarkable strength.

The authors weave together each sister's story, creating a reading experience that truly brings the characters to life. The sisters individual journeys are distinct yet interconnected, allowing readers to witness their personal struggles and triumphant moments. Through the heartfelt letters exchanged between the sisters, we gain invaluable insight into their relationships and the depth of their shared hopes and fears. I found the negative portrayal of Marmee, especially her relationship with Meg, somewhat disappointing.

If you're longing for a exploration of the untold stories of the March sisters, look no further. This book is set to be published on February 25, 2025.

I have loved the March sisters since childhood and could not wait to dive into this novel which dives into Amy, Meg, and dear Beth’s lives and touches on the moments we know from Little Women. What makes this companion novel special is that the sisters share their own stories.

The Other March Sisters tells of Amy, Beth, and Meg’s joys, fears, struggles, and dreams in a way that cannot be achieved in Little Women since their lives and experiences are told by Jo and naturally shaded by her own feelings and judgment. While touching on the events we already know, Epstein, Malinenko, and Parker beautifully venture beyond the beloved classic and give each of these young women the opportune to take center stage.

My heart ached for these dear sisters as they grappled to find their place and purpose while also fighting to free themselves from the confines of Marmee’s expectations they be “good little pilgrims.” I found myself teary reading through each sister’s section, but I was especially moved by Beth’s story. Our perception of Beth has been that she is fragile from a childhood illness, not wanting for adventure, and simply content with a little life… but that is so limited because we’ve only known Beth through Jo’s eyes. These authors remove the lens of Jo’s perspective and give us a glimpse of Beth’s ambition, desires, and anger that simmers beneath the surface of her quiet, dutiful exterior. Our dear sweet Beth getting an adventure of her own brought me to tears.

Oh how I loved this book and dearly cherished the gift of spending time with these characters who have been bosom friends since childhood.

It’s no small task to tackle “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott right as it enters the public domain. “The Other March Sisters” takes a much beloved novel and protagonist and expands this universe with reality, where reality may be very unwelcome. I struggled with the first big of this book and then grew to appreciate it more as I settled in. I particularly enjoyed the expansion on Meg’s story as I always found her marriage to John Brooke immensely dissatisfying.

I wish the authors’ note was at the beginning instead of the incendiary “dear reader” note. That sets the tone for the book better and provides the reader with context about how much care the authors put into this writing.