Beth and Amy: 2 (The March Sisters) Paperback – 25 May 2021

I enjoyed the first part of this series a fair bit and was looking forward to this one.Unfortunately, it nowhere lives up to its promise.Beth's struggles are with her own self - something that is so relevant and relatable to so many of us today. And yet, in the book, instead of showing us how life looks to her from where she stands, her problem.is referred to as her "secret" multiple times. Brings to mind the plethora of clickbaity headlines one sees online all the time.Amy's challenges, both personal, and professional, always feel like they are a step away from being resolved. Indeed, the "will they won't they" dynamic in matters of the heart is straight from the pages of any chick-lit novel. You just KNOW everything is going to turn out fine for her, workwise and romantically.Indeed, pretty much every challenge, every problem faced by any of the key characters is by the end of the book prettily resolved, neatly wrapped, tied up, and presented to the readers.And perhaps therein lies the source of my disconnect - to me the difference between a great book and a fuzzy afternoon read is that the former takes so much longer to read as it is being savoured, and when it ends, it leaves you hankering for more, missing the characters, unwilling to leave the setting of the book, much as one doesn't really want to leave the hall after a great movie. The expectation from an afternoon read on the other hand is that it is a quick, enjoyable little excursion that leaves one with the feeling that all is well with the world.And this book disappointed me on both counts - I found it incredibly tedious to read and it slowed me down while i couldn't wait to be done with it. And when i finally did finish it, i couldn't wait to get away from the Marches and Bunyan.

Virginia Kantra knows Little Women,  knows Louisa May Alcott. You recognized them translated from the pages of the original version, however you also read a book that is a beautiful story without even knowing Little Women.. Beth & Amy really grabbed me. Virginia Kantra fleshed out the meek sweet too pure for this world, Beth. And the one-dimension attention seeking Amy. Made them into amazing three-dimensional characters that pulled you into their stories. Made you like them, understand them and hope for them. Loved how these Victorian characters are brought to life now, belonging to a contemporary plot and setting...Giving them their very own story..Amy, the baby, feeling like she’s always in her older sister’s shadow struggles to escape it, find her own individuality. Prove she’s good enough, can be wanted and loved for herself and not second choice by  Trey, the man she loves, who once dated, loved Jo.  Both of them have a hard time proving that to her, its quite the page turning journey that had Amy and Trey winning my heart with their growth to the happily ever after..Beth, the pleaser, wanting to be what everyone expected, thought she should be, except herself. So much so she’s easily taken advantage of and used. The anxiety and pressure she forced onto herself has led to an eating disorder, tainted her passion. This is so well written, beautifully brings you into the world of someone hiding their illness, struggling to admit and then fight to gain control of it. Find a way to be herself, follow her own heart. Love the use of Dan, how he helps her take the first few steps, but knows she has to make her own choices..There is a beautiful underlying storyline of their mother, and in turn their father. How they lost themselves in their lives and forgot to how to communicate. Through the growth of their daughters we watch their growth and healing. Of minds and hearts coming to understand each other..I highly recommend this story of Family, sisterhood.  A Journey in love, not always easy but worth working for, and A journey finding your dreams, figuring out what makes you most happy.

In conversation with a few reader friends, one said, “Virginia always picks the right words.” I agree! It is difficult to consistently put forth your best work but Virginia Kantra delivers! I imagine her poring over pages upon pages of work to make sure everything clicks to provide us the readers an immersive and glorious experience. Honestly, you had me at mamey! This book was a joy to read from start to finish.Beth & Amy brings the lives of the March sisters to the page for the 21st century and does so brilliantly. The youngest March sisters step out from the shadows of their older siblings (stable and steadfast, Meg and larger-than-life, Jo) and learn to embrace their true selves and meet their challenges both personally and professionally. New York City-based, handbag designer, Amy March has to figure out how to “have it all” on her terms and to make sure that her perceived One Big Mistake doesn’t harm her relationship with Jo. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter, Beth, poor Beth is suffering in silence trying to build the career she wants while carrying a painful burden stemming from near-paralyzing anxiety. Together in North Carolina, for a family wedding, the March women must learn to forge a future of their own making – with family being the glue.

I was lucky enough to win this book from Goodreads. All opinions are my own!A reimagining of Little Women, this the 2nd book in the series is about Amy and Beth. I really liked that the author fleshed out the characters and I really related to each of their stories. A heartwarming story about family, sisters and being there for each other! Loved this book 🥰

This book was amazing. Meg and Jo was also a great book. I am a huge fan of the story Little Women and I loved how the author took the four March sisters and placed them in the present day. Sharing experiences that we now experience. I would love a movie based on these books.

Such a good idea to re-imagine the March family in another setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the previous book, Meg & Jo. Each of the characters, including the parents , felt real to me. Loved it!