3.5 stars--rating shown may vary depending on review site. I first saw this title in "BookPage"--the only time I've seen Marmee used was in "Little Women" or in relation to that title. I've read "Little Women" at least twice (though not recently) so I was familiar with the basic plot points.

This novel makes Margaret March "Marmee" the narrator. Told partly through diary entries and partly through narrative, readers delve into life from Marmee's point of view. The author states that Louisa May Alcott based Marmee on her own mother, but by the time it was published, much of Mother Alcott's rough edges had been sanded down. Using Mrs. Alcott as a guide, Miller adds details to the plot of "Little Women". Miller does state that some facts had to be changed in order to be placed into the "Little Women" timeline and make sense. ( )

A delightful book! Lovers of Louisa May Alcott will enjoy this book tremendously. This book is from Marmee's perspective and encompasses the lives of her and her family. Marmee is such a strong character and Sarah brings her to life. A definite must read! ( )

I loved this book! It covers the time period and the events of Little Women but is told from Marmee's point of view, in the form of her journal entries. I enjoyed getting her insights and feelings about her family and the happenings during those years (Even though Beth's fate somehow felt even more heartbreaking here). It was obviously more of an adult perspective, and she included details about the war (as much as she was able to, following the news from home). It was also interesting to learn more about the family's past and some of the events that occurred before the start of Little Women. Additionally, I enjoyed learning more about Hannah and the Hummels. The ending was sweet and left me happy and satisfied.

I highly recommend this as a companion to Little Women. I feel like this is a 'must read' for anyone who loves that book. ( )

Little Women told from Marmee's point of view. Written in diary format, this book hews very close to the events of the original, while showing another side to familiar characters and introducing a few new faces, as well.

As a lifelong fan of Little Women, I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the author stayed true to the original characters and events, while still adding enough new material to make it interesting -- an impressive feat, indeed. I don't know how this would read for someone who has not read the original; I imagine it would still be a compelling read. Also, if you cried over a certain event in the original, you're going to cry at the same point in this one. If you know, you know. ( )

In Little Women, Marmee is ever present, but never the focus. This book takes the spotlight off the girls, and instead focuses on a strong woman holding together her family - and several others - while her husband is off at war and fighting. Marmee is given a voice as a force to be reckoned with.

Marmee struggles with her temper, the lack of money as her husband continuously spends it on others rather than sending it home, and the trials and tribulations of raising four very different daughters. This covers the same period as Little Women, so many of the same events occur, but from a different perspective. Her constant generosity and care for others less fortunate than her shines through, and the book also highlights how the Marches helped the abolitionist movement.

This book holds Marmee up as a strong example of Christian womanhood. She's flawed, yet strives to conquer her faults, she's loving and generous, and even the biggest crisis of her life doesn't move her into bitterness.

Perfect for adult fans of Little Women, who've grown up enough to identify more with the mother than the teenage girls.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )