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All Grown Up
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26'What a gorgeous book! Such a charming, warm, optimistic read. Just beautiful.' Marian Keyes
After thirty long years, Louisa’s daughters can finally look after themselves … or so she thinks.
Because suddenly, they’re back – apparently for good. Meg’s second-guessing her marriage. Jo’s career hangs in the balance. Amy has inexplicably quit university. None of them empty the dishwasher.
Louisa knows it’s time for some life lessons. She adores her girls, but if she’s ever going to get her (sex) life back, they’ll have to grow up – and go.
But maybe they’re not the only ones with lessons to learn… And Louisa might just discover that her daughters have something to teach her about being an adult too.
___________________
PRAISE FOR ALL GROWN UP . . .
'Funny, tender & relatable at every level... quite simply, wonderful' Jennie Godfrey
'Wonderful, complex, bruising, rewarding... I snaffled it like cake on a rainy day, and enjoyed every morsel!' Amanda Prowse
'An absolute delight - impossibly funny, astute, candid and moving... brilliant.' Rosie Walsh
'Riotously funny, achingly tender... a book to treat yourself to.' Julia Raeside
'A warm hug of a novel that is going to make thousands of people both happy and tearful (in the best way)' Claire Daverley
'Truly fresh, wildly funny and completely charming... some of the most perceptive writing on motherhood I’ve ever read. I adored it.' Lauren Bravo
'Funny, moving, and wonderfully tender... a joyful reminder that growing up never really ends.' Louise O'Neill
‘Gorgeous from the first page to the last. . . Emotional, funny & chaotic.’ Georgina Moore
‘Lots of books are described as comforting but this book brought me genuine, genuine the perfect blend of familiar and the contemporary. It takes one hell of a writer to take on Little Women, but Daisy is one hell of a writer.’ Caroline Corcoran
After thirty long years, Louisa’s daughters can finally look after themselves … or so she thinks.
Because suddenly, they’re back – apparently for good. Meg’s second-guessing her marriage. Jo’s career hangs in the balance. Amy has inexplicably quit university. None of them empty the dishwasher.
Louisa knows it’s time for some life lessons. She adores her girls, but if she’s ever going to get her (sex) life back, they’ll have to grow up – and go.
But maybe they’re not the only ones with lessons to learn… And Louisa might just discover that her daughters have something to teach her about being an adult too.
___________________
PRAISE FOR ALL GROWN UP . . .
'Funny, tender & relatable at every level... quite simply, wonderful' Jennie Godfrey
'Wonderful, complex, bruising, rewarding... I snaffled it like cake on a rainy day, and enjoyed every morsel!' Amanda Prowse
'An absolute delight - impossibly funny, astute, candid and moving... brilliant.' Rosie Walsh
'Riotously funny, achingly tender... a book to treat yourself to.' Julia Raeside
'A warm hug of a novel that is going to make thousands of people both happy and tearful (in the best way)' Claire Daverley
'Truly fresh, wildly funny and completely charming... some of the most perceptive writing on motherhood I’ve ever read. I adored it.' Lauren Bravo
'Funny, moving, and wonderfully tender... a joyful reminder that growing up never really ends.' Louise O'Neill
‘Gorgeous from the first page to the last. . . Emotional, funny & chaotic.’ Georgina Moore
‘Lots of books are described as comforting but this book brought me genuine, genuine the perfect blend of familiar and the contemporary. It takes one hell of a writer to take on Little Women, but Daisy is one hell of a writer.’ Caroline Corcoran
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 22, 2025
What would happen if Little Women were set today, somewhere not far from Manchester? This book is what would happen and it is an absolute triumph. This is brilliant. The main focus of All Grown Up is Louisa, the girls' mother and I couldn't be happier about it. In the original book Marmee is so good as to be slightly sickening and yet you know that a woman bringing up four girls alone while a civil war rages is no milksop, and to bring up such independent, strong and vibrant women, she must be something special herself, yet you never find out - until now. I love the character of Louisa and even though she is transposed to modern times, you can always feel the thread between the original book and this one in a way that allows you to trust Daisy to do what needs to be done for these beloved characters, who for a while in my childhood seemed real to me. This is brilliant. It's funny and smart and wise. The characters are fully realised and the men give them centre stage without becoming thin themselves. It made me laugh, it made me cry. I couldn't stop reading it and I didn't want it to end. One of my top ten books of 2025. I can't wait for it to come out next year so I can press a copy into the hands of everyone I know who ever loved Little Women.
October 9, 2025
I’m calling this as Daisy’s best yet (and that’s saying a lot because I’ve loved all of her books)! This is the most joyful and uplifting contemporary take on Little Women, and the writing and humour reminded me of Marian Keyes. Obviously there were moments I sobbed (I may not have read Little Women in a long time, but you never forget the loss of Beth), but mostly I laughed and grinned like an idiot. Also, the men are pretty damn dreamy and the ending is SO satisfying.
Loved it!
Loved it!
November 10, 2025
Do you ever read a book and think I wish I’d thought of that? That’s exactly how I feel about this one, it was absolutely amazing 🥹 it’s not often at all that I cry at books but this one definitely got me. It was so nice to feel like I was getting to know the March women again & I now definitely want to read little women again immediately. I could not recommend this book more.
December 1, 2025
I love love love everything about this book! Daisy Buchanan has taken a literary classic and completely made it her own with her witty and emotional update.
When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I’m actually really sad that it’s finished and I have to go back to real life.
All Grown Up brings the Little Women sisters into the modern day. The girls have all left home and their harassed mum Louisa is looking forward to her first solo Christmas in 30 years. But oh no, who’s that knocking on the door? Not one, not two but three adult daughters are all moving back in with their physical and emotional baggage all around.
It’s like they’ve never gone away, the girls reverting back to their teenage selves and Louisa trying to resolve arguments and bickering that she thought she’d left behind. And Laurie is back too, fresh from New York to stay with his uncle Mr. Lawrence. He’s also brought a handsome colleague 🥰 to bring some extra romance into the mix.
The book is so funny, uplifting, a joyous celebration of families and sisterhood with a brilliant modern day revamp. I loved the sisters’ connection and loyalty mixed with their need to annoy and pester each other. It is such an easy read and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it too so we can squeal in excitement at just how good it is!
When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I’m actually really sad that it’s finished and I have to go back to real life.
All Grown Up brings the Little Women sisters into the modern day. The girls have all left home and their harassed mum Louisa is looking forward to her first solo Christmas in 30 years. But oh no, who’s that knocking on the door? Not one, not two but three adult daughters are all moving back in with their physical and emotional baggage all around.
It’s like they’ve never gone away, the girls reverting back to their teenage selves and Louisa trying to resolve arguments and bickering that she thought she’d left behind. And Laurie is back too, fresh from New York to stay with his uncle Mr. Lawrence. He’s also brought a handsome colleague 🥰 to bring some extra romance into the mix.
The book is so funny, uplifting, a joyous celebration of families and sisterhood with a brilliant modern day revamp. I loved the sisters’ connection and loyalty mixed with their need to annoy and pester each other. It is such an easy read and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it too so we can squeal in excitement at just how good it is!
December 5, 2025
After thirty long years, Louisa’s daughters can finally look after themselves … or so she thinks.
Because suddenly, they’re back – apparently for good. Meg’s second-guessing her marriage. Jo’s career hangs in the balance. Amy has inexplicably quit university. None of them empty the dishwasher.
Louisa knows it’s time for some life lessons. She adores her girls, but if she’s ever going to get her (sex) life back, they’ll have to grow up – and go. But maybe they’re not the only ones with lessons to learn… And Louisa might just discover that her daughters have something to teach her about being an adult too.
A charming re-telling of Little Women set in the current day. The sisters' grief over losing Beth is really poignant but the way they slip back into their childhood selves is very funny. Their mother Louisa is looking forward to an empty house and some 'me time' when all three daughters land on her doorstep expecting her to be delighted to see them which leads to some highly amusing dialogue. The only fly in the literary ointment is Meg's character which irritated me beyond belief; I just wanted to slap her. Despite this (which is obviously my personal issue) it was a very enjoyable read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Because suddenly, they’re back – apparently for good. Meg’s second-guessing her marriage. Jo’s career hangs in the balance. Amy has inexplicably quit university. None of them empty the dishwasher.
Louisa knows it’s time for some life lessons. She adores her girls, but if she’s ever going to get her (sex) life back, they’ll have to grow up – and go. But maybe they’re not the only ones with lessons to learn… And Louisa might just discover that her daughters have something to teach her about being an adult too.
A charming re-telling of Little Women set in the current day. The sisters' grief over losing Beth is really poignant but the way they slip back into their childhood selves is very funny. Their mother Louisa is looking forward to an empty house and some 'me time' when all three daughters land on her doorstep expecting her to be delighted to see them which leads to some highly amusing dialogue. The only fly in the literary ointment is Meg's character which irritated me beyond belief; I just wanted to slap her. Despite this (which is obviously my personal issue) it was a very enjoyable read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
This felt like a modernised version of Little Women.
Louisa is looking forward to a solo Christmas, her first in 30 years. Her three girls all have their own families and their own plans so she can finally have that Christmas day she's been dreaming of. A luxurious soak in the bath, a bottle of wine and silence, doing whatever she wants to do without pleasing any others... until one by one, the girls arrive back 'home'.
With their relationship problems, family lives, and work drama, Louisa is back to just being Mum again.
Whilst it was an easy enough read, I couldn't honestly say that I really enjoyed it. I didn’t find a lot of the comedy particularly funny, and at times, it felt a bit of a slog to get through, but I definitely think that was more about me, not the book. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood 😕.
I really enjoyed just how perceptive the author was, and her writing style was sharp, poignant, and heartwarming.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC.
Louisa is looking forward to a solo Christmas, her first in 30 years. Her three girls all have their own families and their own plans so she can finally have that Christmas day she's been dreaming of. A luxurious soak in the bath, a bottle of wine and silence, doing whatever she wants to do without pleasing any others... until one by one, the girls arrive back 'home'.
With their relationship problems, family lives, and work drama, Louisa is back to just being Mum again.
Whilst it was an easy enough read, I couldn't honestly say that I really enjoyed it. I didn’t find a lot of the comedy particularly funny, and at times, it felt a bit of a slog to get through, but I definitely think that was more about me, not the book. Maybe I wasn't in the right mood 😕.
I really enjoyed just how perceptive the author was, and her writing style was sharp, poignant, and heartwarming.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC.
November 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book.
The premise of the book based on the blurb makes you think that the story is going to be narrated by Louisa, the mother throughout. Based on the March family from Little Women living in Northern England in the modern day.
Initially I found the book entertaining, with narration of Louisa as an empty nester witty. However, when her three girls all return home the narrator kept changing. This plot device doesn’t usually bother me but I found that it did in this book. There was a strong start which then meandered for a significant amount of the middle section of the book.
Three quarters of the way through there was a shift in tone within the book that refit me engaged again. There is an emotional element with the family dealing with grief that made me cry.
This is why I’ve found this book confusing. It started strong, meandered with me really disliking most of the March girls and then in the final act hooked me back in again emotionally.
The premise of the book based on the blurb makes you think that the story is going to be narrated by Louisa, the mother throughout. Based on the March family from Little Women living in Northern England in the modern day.
Initially I found the book entertaining, with narration of Louisa as an empty nester witty. However, when her three girls all return home the narrator kept changing. This plot device doesn’t usually bother me but I found that it did in this book. There was a strong start which then meandered for a significant amount of the middle section of the book.
Three quarters of the way through there was a shift in tone within the book that refit me engaged again. There is an emotional element with the family dealing with grief that made me cry.
This is why I’ve found this book confusing. It started strong, meandered with me really disliking most of the March girls and then in the final act hooked me back in again emotionally.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My absolute favourite - I adored this book! It read like one of Caroline Hulse's novels and it had just the right dosis of sad, weird, embarrassment and fun. Welcome to adulthood - but also with a bit of pinch of salt.
At first I though I was going to have problems with the three daughters but in the end I fell in love with all of them and I could totally understand where they were coming from. I also adored Louisa - she was simply great and her one - liners were one of the best.
There were so many feelings and emotions in the characters and they were all so wonderfully and convincingly and compellingly written. They were wise and smart and absolutely brilliant and the male characters were to die for without being too sugary. Writing style was just perfect, the pace was just right, there were moments that I wanted to bang the characters' head on the wall or to give them a hug and point them in the right direction - living vicariuosly through the characters, no?
It is this kind of book that you'd want to read again and again but for the first time - so good it is.
At first I though I was going to have problems with the three daughters but in the end I fell in love with all of them and I could totally understand where they were coming from. I also adored Louisa - she was simply great and her one - liners were one of the best.
There were so many feelings and emotions in the characters and they were all so wonderfully and convincingly and compellingly written. They were wise and smart and absolutely brilliant and the male characters were to die for without being too sugary. Writing style was just perfect, the pace was just right, there were moments that I wanted to bang the characters' head on the wall or to give them a hug and point them in the right direction - living vicariuosly through the characters, no?
It is this kind of book that you'd want to read again and again but for the first time - so good it is.
November 2, 2025
All Grown Up – Heartfelt, funny, and real
This book beautifully captures the chaos of adult kids returning home — and honestly, it made me want to go spend some time with my mum.
The story dives deep into mother–daughter relationships, and the character development is wonderfully written. Everyone feels so real, which made it easy to connect with each of them in different ways.
I also loved the way the family dynamics were portrayed. The tension, love, and unspoken understanding between the characters felt authentic and familiar. It shows how family can drive you absolutely mad one moment and make you feel completely supported the next — that perfect mix of frustration and affection that makes families so special.
The book also explores themes of grief and loss, but it never feels forced. Instead, those moments add depth to the characters and enrich the story as a whole.
I would definitely recommend reading this book.
This book beautifully captures the chaos of adult kids returning home — and honestly, it made me want to go spend some time with my mum.
The story dives deep into mother–daughter relationships, and the character development is wonderfully written. Everyone feels so real, which made it easy to connect with each of them in different ways.
I also loved the way the family dynamics were portrayed. The tension, love, and unspoken understanding between the characters felt authentic and familiar. It shows how family can drive you absolutely mad one moment and make you feel completely supported the next — that perfect mix of frustration and affection that makes families so special.
The book also explores themes of grief and loss, but it never feels forced. Instead, those moments add depth to the characters and enrich the story as a whole.
I would definitely recommend reading this book.
November 9, 2025
The synopsis of this book intrigued me. Having being a big fan of Little Women, and feeling like I was Jo March as a teenager, I decided this book would be right up my street and I was not disappointed.
I loved the book from the very 1st chapter, as a mum, whose birds havw all flown the nest, I absolutely related to Louisa (aka Marmie) 100%.
Told from differing POVs, te writing style inter-mingles the threads of each characters storyline.
The writing style flowed, there was humour, and sadness and celebrations.
This book haa you rooting for each character and their challenges.
When I finished the book, it left me wanting to know more about the characters, I didnt want the book to end.
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.olut
I loved the book from the very 1st chapter, as a mum, whose birds havw all flown the nest, I absolutely related to Louisa (aka Marmie) 100%.
Told from differing POVs, te writing style inter-mingles the threads of each characters storyline.
The writing style flowed, there was humour, and sadness and celebrations.
This book haa you rooting for each character and their challenges.
When I finished the book, it left me wanting to know more about the characters, I didnt want the book to end.
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.olut
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and love the way the author writes, reminding me of Marian Keyes. The family is named after the Little Women and the characters are well developed and believable. The male protagonists are also well rounded and make you want to root for them. The mum of the family was starting to develop an independent life for herself when all her adult daughters return home to live for varying reasons. She was however struggling with a mountain of debts and had been instructed to see the family home by her feckless etc husband. All the characters are trying to come to terms with the untimely death of one of the sisters which gives it extra meaning. I would definitely recommend reading this .
October 2, 2025
Louisa is looking forward to having her life and home to herself again now her three daughters are adults and have all moved out. Yet here they are, all back and with grown-up problems- relationships, jobs, where there lives are going- and Louisa finds herself back in the thick of messy family life. This light and humourous account will strike a chord with many as the phenomenon of adult offspring moving back home becomes increasingly common. Warm and perceptive about mothers and daughters, and the worry and concern that doesn’t end for parents when childhood does, this is a pleasant but undemanding read loosely based on the classic “Little Women.”
December 6, 2025
Most mothers dread empty nest syndrome, but would they really be much happier to realise that their chicks have a ton of growing up left to do?!
Louisa discovers that the answer to that is far from simple when her daughters present with a series of existential questions related to marriage life, education, and careers. In otherwise, they are questioning pretty much everything!
What is she going to do now? And when does Louisa get to live her own life? This is a delightful, warm, big hearted story that earns 3.5 stars with ease.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Louisa discovers that the answer to that is far from simple when her daughters present with a series of existential questions related to marriage life, education, and careers. In otherwise, they are questioning pretty much everything!
What is she going to do now? And when does Louisa get to live her own life? This is a delightful, warm, big hearted story that earns 3.5 stars with ease.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2025
Louisa March is a single parent living in Manchester with three grown up daughters Meg, Jo and Amy, and a daughter Beth who died.
Her elderly neighbour Mr Lawrence has a grandson Laurie, who has been living in America.
If this sounds familiar, it should – it’s a jolly, emotional, loving story of what could have happened next if the March girls were actually English, and it was the present day.
Lovely life-affirming story!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House, UK, Cornerstone for the opportunity to read this book.
Her elderly neighbour Mr Lawrence has a grandson Laurie, who has been living in America.
If this sounds familiar, it should – it’s a jolly, emotional, loving story of what could have happened next if the March girls were actually English, and it was the present day.
Lovely life-affirming story!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House, UK, Cornerstone for the opportunity to read this book.
October 12, 2025
I havnt read a Daisy Buchanan book for ages so was excited to read all grown and it certainly didn’t disappoint! I loved little women as a child and found this modern day take on it enchanting and nostalgic.
I love a good family saga and this book had it all, as a mother myself of adult children I could relate to the myriad of emotions Louisa felt in her menopause addled body just as she had her home to herself and time on her hands to do the things she wanted,then wham bam her three daughters all came back home with a multitude of emotional baggage! And large grown up problems!
The overriding sense of family, love and the ties that bind us was portrayed so well and demonstrated the all encompassing love we have for our offspring no matter how old they are and what a privilege it is to be part of a family .
A really lovely read full of fun humour and love
Thank you NetGalley fir this early read
I love a good family saga and this book had it all, as a mother myself of adult children I could relate to the myriad of emotions Louisa felt in her menopause addled body just as she had her home to herself and time on her hands to do the things she wanted,then wham bam her three daughters all came back home with a multitude of emotional baggage! And large grown up problems!
The overriding sense of family, love and the ties that bind us was portrayed so well and demonstrated the all encompassing love we have for our offspring no matter how old they are and what a privilege it is to be part of a family .
A really lovely read full of fun humour and love
Thank you NetGalley fir this early read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found this a difficult read. Trying to move Little Women into modern life it felt very contrived. The writing of the main characters was meant to be amusing but it was too cliched. Perhaps I just wasn’t in the mood for this book.
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review
November 7, 2025
A modern day take on Little Women set in Manchester - charming, uplifting, sad, funny and moving in equal measure. An absolute delight and one of my best reads of the year.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this highly recommended book.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this highly recommended book.
November 18, 2025
An enjoyable, entertaining and non demanding book with themes that many readers will identify with. An enjoyable modern day version of Little Women. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found All Grown Up funny, tender, and genuinely relatable. Following a mum as her adult daughters move back home felt chaotic but full of love. It’s warm, charming, and emotionally rich, balancing humour with heartfelt reflections on motherhood, identity, and personal growth at any age.
December 19, 2025
A fantastic read, thanks so much to Century for my copy!
November 16, 2025
I really loved this book. It felt so real and relatable, especially the way it shows that messy stage of life where you’re trying to grow up and stand on your own two feet. There were so many little moments that reminded me of what it was like being at home myself, which made the story feel even more personal. The characters were likeable, funny and flawed and I loved how much they grew and changed throughout the book. The character development was one of my favourite parts, because it made the story feel real and honest. It’s one of those reads that feels comforting but also hits you with the occasional emotional punch. I found myself hooked, really enjoyed this one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews