Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

In this timely retelling of the classic Little Women, we see Meg and Jo as modern women navigating their relationships in a 21st century world. Meg is dealing with her need to live up to her mother's reputation of being able to "do it all," thus creating small rifts in her marriage. Jo is trying to figure out her life after being let go from her newspaper employer and figure out how to juggle her foodie blog and the new relationship with her Chef boss. While we see the two eldest March sisters struggle with their personal lives, we see them tend to their mother, who needs back surgery and therefore is not able to work the farm. And to the dismay of the girls, their father, Asher, is absent while he delivers ministry to his not-for-profit helping war veterans instead of helping at home or with their mother.

This is a fantastic retelling, really bringing the magic of the March women to current times. It was enjoyable to see them as young feminists, all the while keeping their obligations to family close to their heart and at the top of their priorities. Kantra's take on Asher March was surprising to me, but very much in keeping with the modern feel of the retelling. I wouldn't have had it any other way. This story was cute and perfect for readers with a fondness and love for Alcott's Little Women. And it's just in time for the new movie!