Meant to Be

Meant to Be

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  • Create Date:2022-06-01 08:21:46
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Emily Giffin
  • ISBN:B09GPYS66D
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

A restless golden boy and a girl with a troubled past navigate a love story that may be doomed before it even begins in this irresistible new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed and The Lies That Bind。

The Kingsley family is practically American royalty, beloved for their military heroics, political service, and unmatched elegance。 When Joseph S。 Kingsley III is born in 1960, he inherits the weight of that legacy。 Growing up with all the Kingsley looks and charisma, Joe should have no problem taking up the mantle after his father’s untimely death。 But he is also a little bit reckless, and can’t seem to figure out how to channel the expectations of an entire country。

No one ever expected anything of Cate, on the other hand。 She, too, grew up in a single-parent household—just her and her mom scraping by in their small apartment。 As a teenager, though, Cate is discovered for her looks。 Modeling may be her only ticket out of the cycle of disappointment that her mother has always inhabited。 Before too long, her face is everywhere, though she is always aware that she’d be a pariah in her social circles if anyone knew her true story。

When Joe and Cate’s paths cross, their connection is instant。 What remains to be seen is whether their relationship will survive the glare of the spotlight that follows Joe everywhere。 And just as they find themselves in the make-or-break moment, the tragedy that seems to run in Joe’s family right alongside all that privilege will repeat itself。

In a beautifully written novel that recaptures a gilded moment in American history, Emily Giffin tells a story of a love that may or may not have the power to transcend circumstances that seem arrayed against it 。 。 。 and the difficulty of finding your way to the place you belong。

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Reviews

Mark Chimel

Happy publication day to this new book from Emily Giffin! As a big fan of the Kennedy mythology, I really enjoyed this Kennedy inspired novel that is still completely its own story。 I have enjoyed Emily Giffin's work in the past and was interested in this work for that reason, but I didn't realize going into it that it was Kennedy adjacent。 I was happily surprised when this connection was made very early on in the novel, but as I said this work goes on to stand on its own as a great book with it Happy publication day to this new book from Emily Giffin! As a big fan of the Kennedy mythology, I really enjoyed this Kennedy inspired novel that is still completely its own story。 I have enjoyed Emily Giffin's work in the past and was interested in this work for that reason, but I didn't realize going into it that it was Kennedy adjacent。 I was happily surprised when this connection was made very early on in the novel, but as I said this work goes on to stand on its own as a great book with its own story to tell。 It delves into the worlds of fashion, politics, American media and pop culture, and the 90's with themes as far reaching as fame to domestic violence。 The ending was a big surprise and I definitely was anticipating a different outcome。 I would definitely recommend this book and think it will be talked about summer read。*I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Y Z

Wow is this what it’s coming to cheesy fiction based off a true event。 This entire book was so corny so slow so lame。 One author I will definitely never waste time reading their drivel again。

Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd。blogspot。com

#FirstLine ~ I don't remember my father。I loved this book。 It was sweet and captivating。 I thought it was such a wonderful love story mixed with a deep and thoughtful characters。 I was drawn in immediately。 I felt a deep connection to this story because it was an imperfect story with flawed characters and missteps。 A perfect book for book clubs。 #FirstLine ~ I don't remember my father。I loved this book。 It was sweet and captivating。 I thought it was such a wonderful love story mixed with a deep and thoughtful characters。 I was drawn in immediately。 I felt a deep connection to this story because it was an imperfect story with flawed characters and missteps。 A perfect book for book clubs。 。。。more

Ashley Hasty

Emily’s latest novel, MEANT TO BE, was loosely inspired by the love story of John F。 Kennedy Jr。 and Carolyn Bassett Kennedy。 It is more of a re-imagination of what their story could have been, if only… But even if you aren’t familiar with America’s Camelot, you will still enjoy Emily Giffin’s return to romance in several novels。 Much like her debut and sophomore novels, I devoured this book in just two sittings。 I adored Joe and Cate from the get-go, two of the most likable characters with diff Emily’s latest novel, MEANT TO BE, was loosely inspired by the love story of John F。 Kennedy Jr。 and Carolyn Bassett Kennedy。 It is more of a re-imagination of what their story could have been, if only… But even if you aren’t familiar with America’s Camelot, you will still enjoy Emily Giffin’s return to romance in several novels。 Much like her debut and sophomore novels, I devoured this book in just two sittings。 I adored Joe and Cate from the get-go, two of the most likable characters with difficult pasts。 Read more: https://www。hastybooklist。com/home/bo。。。 。。。more

Stephanie Ziegler

Using fictional characters, this author tells the 'what if' lives of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and 'what could have been' if they didn't die in a plane crash。 This story was beautifully written。 I fell in love along with the characters。 The author did a fantastic job of fleshing out the past of the characters so you could feel and understand the conflicts。 I was riveted on page one and finished in one day, becoming physically anxious when I was forced to stop reading to make/eat dinner Using fictional characters, this author tells the 'what if' lives of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and 'what could have been' if they didn't die in a plane crash。 This story was beautifully written。 I fell in love along with the characters。 The author did a fantastic job of fleshing out the past of the characters so you could feel and understand the conflicts。 I was riveted on page one and finished in one day, becoming physically anxious when I was forced to stop reading to make/eat dinner。 I rushed back to finish the story, barely surviving the gauntlet of emotions that came reading this story: love, anger, fear, happiness, terror, relief, excitement (in no particular order)。 A must read。 。。。more

Donna Edwards

An excellent ride -- smart, funny, believable -- but declining on all those fronts as the book went on。 Still a good, fun read though。

Vicki Mosby

When I see a new release for Emily Giffin I don't even bother to read the blurb。 It doesn't matter, I know I will love it。 This one is no different。 Joe Kingsley grows up very much in the public eye。 His family is old money rich and his father died a hero as an astronaut。 It doesn't hurt that he's gorgeous too。 Cate also loses her father at a young age but she grew up so far from his world she had a poster of him on her wall when she was younger。 Her mother remarries a cop who initially seemed t When I see a new release for Emily Giffin I don't even bother to read the blurb。 It doesn't matter, I know I will love it。 This one is no different。 Joe Kingsley grows up very much in the public eye。 His family is old money rich and his father died a hero as an astronaut。 It doesn't hurt that he's gorgeous too。 Cate also loses her father at a young age but she grew up so far from his world she had a poster of him on her wall when she was younger。 Her mother remarries a cop who initially seemed to be the perfect man but ended up being a nightmare abuser。 Cate gets scouted to become a model and moves out as soon as she is old enough。 She actually meets Joe while she's on a photo shoot at the Hampton's and he asks for her number, but he doesn't call because he's still involved with someone else。 Later, Cate retires from modeling and takes a job working in fashion for a designer and Joe crosses her path again, this time he's single but she's got a boyfriend。 He respects that but starts wooing her anyway。 They fall in love and start planning their lives when she has a big ugly surprise show up making her re-think everything。 The authors note talks about growing up admiring the Kennedy's, from John & Jackie, to John Jr & Caroline。 It's easy to picture their faces on these characters。If you like any of Emily Giffin's previous works, this book will rate right up there with the others。 。。。more

Vickie

This is a book based very loosely on the story of the Kennedy family and the expectations that surround those with power and wealth。 Joe Kingsley is the heir to the crown of an American empire with all of the trappings that come with it。 He does not necessarily fall into the stereotype of rich and famous, but almost。 He becomes a sympathetic characters because of his childhood in which he was mostly put on a back burner and raised by his grandmother instead of his absentee parents。 Cate is from This is a book based very loosely on the story of the Kennedy family and the expectations that surround those with power and wealth。 Joe Kingsley is the heir to the crown of an American empire with all of the trappings that come with it。 He does not necessarily fall into the stereotype of rich and famous, but almost。 He becomes a sympathetic characters because of his childhood in which he was mostly put on a back burner and raised by his grandmother instead of his absentee parents。 Cate is from the other side of the tracks, a young woman who wants nothing more than to escape her life with her single mother and abusive stepfather。 She is able to find the means to do so when she is discovered as a promising model。 The story is based on the two of them meeting, both of them likable characters because of circumstances beyond their control。 This is a romance but is not a typical girl meets boy and they live happily ever after。 There is a great deal of conflict and emotion involved as the two feel the need to satisfy their adoring public as well as pursue dreams。 Joe is intent on carrying out the legacy of his powerful family while Cate is intent on not being subjugated to the whims of any man ever。 The story is believable and well-written romance that had me cheering for both characters who were both underdogs in their own way。 Cate has secrets from her childhood that she does not want to put under the light of Joe’s notoriety, so there is a conflict there that begs for a resolution。 The plot is paced well, with just enough details to keep me reading as I followed the stories of both characters separately until they finally meet and have to determine how their futures will go。 Without giving away the plot, I will say that the way the author wove the story was magical as well as believable and so engaging as to be a fast read。 Fans of contemporary women’s fiction with a little bit of a CInderella/Prince Charming story included will enjoy the story of two young people who may or may not find their destiny in each other。DisclaimerDisclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley。 I was not required to write a positive review。 The opinions expressed are my own。 I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising。” 。。。more

Trigger Warning Database

Trigger & Content WarningsDomestic violence

Tara Peters

A story about two people with vastly different upbringings and how they strive to find happiness。 Joe III and Cate will capture your heart and leave you wanting more。 Based loosely on JFK Jr and Carolyn, you will be taken on a journey of what if? The characters are well written and you feel like you are right there with them, experiencing what they are。 The way the story was written you get many facets of the characters: vulnerability, honesty and charming attributes。 I couldn’t put this down an A story about two people with vastly different upbringings and how they strive to find happiness。 Joe III and Cate will capture your heart and leave you wanting more。 Based loosely on JFK Jr and Carolyn, you will be taken on a journey of what if? The characters are well written and you feel like you are right there with them, experiencing what they are。 The way the story was written you get many facets of the characters: vulnerability, honesty and charming attributes。 I couldn’t put this down and look forward to the next book。 I received an ARC and am leaving my honest, voluntary review。 。。。more

Misi

“Meant To Be” was another quick read by Emily Giffin that follows a couple who were raised totally differently as they grow up and then meet and develop their relationship。 It appears to be loosely based on JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette’s romance。 I flew through the pages and was interested in how this couple from “opposite sides of the track” could make it work, especially with one of the main characters being essentially American royalty。 I found myself invested in the story and finding it to b “Meant To Be” was another quick read by Emily Giffin that follows a couple who were raised totally differently as they grow up and then meet and develop their relationship。 It appears to be loosely based on JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette’s romance。 I flew through the pages and was interested in how this couple from “opposite sides of the track” could make it work, especially with one of the main characters being essentially American royalty。 I found myself invested in the story and finding it to be a rather cute romance。 Overall, I liked this book。 It certainly was a good start to kicking off the summer 2022 reading lists。 4 stars ⭐️。 Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy for review。 。。。more

Stephanie

As a fan of Giffin's (I've read all of her work), I couldn't wait to read her newest book "Meant to Be"。 Along with my love of her novels, I am a bit of a history buff when it comes to the Kennedys。 When I learned "Meant to Be" was loosely based on JFK, Jr。 and Caroline Bessette-Kennedy lives, I knew this was a must read novel。 In Giffin's newest novel we met Joe Kingsley and Cate Cooper。 Joe comes from a prominent family, which provides him with status, wealth, and hefty expectations。 On the ot As a fan of Giffin's (I've read all of her work), I couldn't wait to read her newest book "Meant to Be"。 Along with my love of her novels, I am a bit of a history buff when it comes to the Kennedys。 When I learned "Meant to Be" was loosely based on JFK, Jr。 and Caroline Bessette-Kennedy lives, I knew this was a must read novel。 In Giffin's newest novel we met Joe Kingsley and Cate Cooper。 Joe comes from a prominent family, which provides him with status, wealth, and hefty expectations。 On the other hand, we have Cate, who couldn't be more opposite from the Kingsleys if she tried。 Not that she is; life has just been a bit more gritty for Cate than Joe。 Throughout "Meant to Be" readers are given bits and pieces of JFK, Jr。 and Caroline's life, parts that were very much shared in the media, while keeping the story uniquely Joe and Cate's。 While reading this novel, I often found myself amazed by the amount of pressure placed on ordinary people by the media and fans。 While Joe was born into a family of stature, he never once asked to be "on display" 24/7。 That has to be exhausting。 Cate's character struggled with the limelight and I connected to those feelings。 It has to be daunting to live under a microscope, simply because you feel in love with America's prince。 Again, as someone who loved the Kennedy family, I saw the similarities, but felt Giffin did a fantastic job of making me wonder which parts where fiction and which were non-fiction。 The author shares her thoughts about the "what ifs" of John-John's life and marriage in the closing of this book, but I think she writes a very believable story for the couple had the "Kennedy curse" not stuck again。 。。。more

Meredith

Camelot Revised 3。5 stars Meant To Be is a love story/character study about the son of American royalty and the model who captures his heart。 Loosely based on the relationship between JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, this book mirrors their relationship but takes a different path。When Joe Kingsley, the son of an iconic American family, happens upon model Cate Cooper on a photo shoot in the Hamptons, it’s love at first sight。 But Cate comes from the wrong side of the tracks and isn’t interes Camelot Revised 3。5 stars Meant To Be is a love story/character study about the son of American royalty and the model who captures his heart。 Loosely based on the relationship between JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, this book mirrors their relationship but takes a different path。When Joe Kingsley, the son of an iconic American family, happens upon model Cate Cooper on a photo shoot in the Hamptons, it’s love at first sight。 But Cate comes from the wrong side of the tracks and isn’t interested in becoming front-page news by dating Joe。 Eventually, she gives in, and the two fall in love, but secrets from Cate’s past and a tragedy threaten to destroy their relationship。While loosely based on the Kennedy family, it is obvious enough what is similar, but it is different enough to stand on its own。 I am a bit of an outlier when it comes to this book。 There were a few things I couldn’t read past, especially the awkward dialogue and two-dimensional characters。 The chapters alternate between Joe and Kate’s POVs。 Joe is likable, but he is somewhat stupid。 He is also sweet, gentle, and charming。 Cate has more layers, but both characters, while likable, lack depth。 Meant to Be is very readable。 It's repetitive, and I found the dialogue to be stilted。 However, I was entertained by Joe and Cate, and I enjoyed watching them grow。 My star rating was about to slide from 3 stars to 2。5, but the ending saved this one for me。 It even elevated it a notch and made me recognize that I actually liked Joe and Cate。 By the end, I was rooting for their characters。 I enjoyed the epilogue and Giffin’s take on what could have been。 I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher。 。。。more

Elizabeth • LizziePageReads

It's a hit!!Like her last novel, Meant to Be is a work of historical fiction (recent history, though!)。 It explores the relationship between Joe S。 Kingsley and Cate Cooper, fictional characters loosely based on JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bassett Kennedy。 Joe is America's golden boy and wild child, growing up in the shadow of his famous family。 His father was a war hero who tragically died serving his country and his mother is an internationally recognized style icon (sound familiar?)。 Cate grew up wit It's a hit!!Like her last novel, Meant to Be is a work of historical fiction (recent history, though!)。 It explores the relationship between Joe S。 Kingsley and Cate Cooper, fictional characters loosely based on JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Bassett Kennedy。 Joe is America's golden boy and wild child, growing up in the shadow of his famous family。 His father was a war hero who tragically died serving his country and his mother is an internationally recognized style icon (sound familiar?)。 Cate grew up with her mother and abusive stepfather, getting out and becoming a CK fashion model before her 18th birthday。 Many of the challenges Joe and Cate face stem from their radically different upbringings and family circumstances。 At the same time, their shared feelings of alienation from their respective families, though for different reasons, allow them to latch onto each other and build a strong bond quickly。One thing I LOVED about this story is how much of Emily's personality shines through the characters。 Her strength and resilience are on display in Cate's dogged determination to be herself in a world that's trying its hardest to make her someone else。 Her compassion and the courage of her convictions are evident in Joe's commitment to stop prosecuting petty, racially motivated drug crimes and to use his privilege to make the world a better place for those with less。Knowing how JFK Jr and CBK's story ends, I became increasingly anxious for Joe and Cate as I got through more of the story and grew more attached to them。 I wasn't sure how or even whether Emily would address the plane crash that ended the lives of JFK Jr and CBK and how that would play out for Joe and Cate。 I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that Emily is an exceptionally gifted storyteller and the ending makes sense for the characters。 I hugged the book when I finished。Thanks so much to Emily and her publisher Ballantine Books (and her sister Sarah!) for the gifted copy。  。。。more

Mélissa Petitpas

Meant to be is a love story loosely based on John F。 Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy。 Joe Kingsley is practically American Royalty who grew up in the public eye and has a clear path traced for him。 Cate Cooper grew up in an abusive home and took up modeling in order to escape。 On paper, they don't make sense but when they meet, their connection is instant。 But in a world where every detail is exposed and where perception matters, is their love enough to survive the spotlight? Told in a alte Meant to be is a love story loosely based on John F。 Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy。 Joe Kingsley is practically American Royalty who grew up in the public eye and has a clear path traced for him。 Cate Cooper grew up in an abusive home and took up modeling in order to escape。 On paper, they don't make sense but when they meet, their connection is instant。 But in a world where every detail is exposed and where perception matters, is their love enough to survive the spotlight? Told in a alternative POV, we follow Joe and Cate's journey from their respective childhood into adulthood where they finally meet and learn to make their own path despite their past。 I was drawn to their story and found myself rooting for them along the way but the ending didn't do it for me and I'm not sure why, I was just left feeling unsatisfied。 I have to say that this is unlike anything Giffin has ever written and I didn't recognize her voice in this book。 Overall it was an enjoyable story, it just didn't blow my mind。Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Lauren

Emily Giffin is at it again with an amazing new book! I was so excited to get a copy from NetGalley to read in advance of the release。 I love starting books with no expectations aside from the familiarity of the author's name, only to be instantly propelled into the parallel lives of two young adults struggling to find their place in the world。Joe is the son of American royalty (think the Kennedy's) trying to make his own mark。 Cate is trying to escape an abusive and lonely childhood。 You wouldn Emily Giffin is at it again with an amazing new book! I was so excited to get a copy from NetGalley to read in advance of the release。 I love starting books with no expectations aside from the familiarity of the author's name, only to be instantly propelled into the parallel lives of two young adults struggling to find their place in the world。Joe is the son of American royalty (think the Kennedy's) trying to make his own mark。 Cate is trying to escape an abusive and lonely childhood。 You wouldn't expect them to ever meet, but fate disagrees and over the course of a year two people struggling with their own inner and external demons, find that love is stronger than any tabloid news story。When I first started this book, I didn't know how it was influenced by the Kennedy family, but it didn't take long to start feeling the exact emotions Giffin was trying to portray。 It was every emotion, and in some shape of form, I think everyone one of us can relate to a character or a moment in the story。 I don't often cry in books, but this one had me in tears at the end as the journey of Joe and Cate finished into the last pages。 I loved the alternate points of view, the imagery, and the pull of emotions with every chapter。 These weren't just characters in a book。 I felt like I really knew them。 。。。more

Megan | Megans Book Corner

I have been a huge Emily Giffin fan for many years -- before I joined bookstagram。 Her books always capture so many emotions for me and I feel drawn into the story。 MEANT TO BE was very much like the story of JFK & Jackie and I loved it!!My thoughts:-loved how much thought was put into each character-there is some steamy scenes! I don't remember her books having steam like this before but it wasn't a bad thing-literal gasping moments while I was reading- I have been a huge Emily Giffin fan for many years -- before I joined bookstagram。 Her books always capture so many emotions for me and I feel drawn into the story。 MEANT TO BE was very much like the story of JFK & Jackie and I loved it!!My thoughts:-loved how much thought was put into each character-there is some steamy scenes! I don't remember her books having steam like this before but it wasn't a bad thing-literal gasping moments while I was reading- 。。。more

Jill

As usual Emily Giffin pulls your heart strings and makes you really feel like a part of the story。 This one is the story of Cate and Joe, whose lives are very different but their attraction to one another is definitely pulling them together。 A story that has very similar tones to John Kennedy Jr。s life story made me remember the times of Camelot and an American family that felt like royalty。 As I was reading I wondered if this book would have the same tragic ending as John Jr。 and Caroline's。 Th As usual Emily Giffin pulls your heart strings and makes you really feel like a part of the story。 This one is the story of Cate and Joe, whose lives are very different but their attraction to one another is definitely pulling them together。 A story that has very similar tones to John Kennedy Jr。s life story made me remember the times of Camelot and an American family that felt like royalty。 As I was reading I wondered if this book would have the same tragic ending as John Jr。 and Caroline's。 This would be a great beach read for anyone who likes romance, with a whimsical feel of rewritten American history。 。。。more

Jenny

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy!It has been years since I've read an Emily Giffin book, and man did this one hit my sweet spot。 I went into it relatively blind, but quickly saw the Kennedy connection and really enjoyed reading this story。Joe has the country's (and his family's) expectations on his shoulders。 He's a golden boy, and the world is quite literally his oyster。 Cate comes from an abusive home, is simply trying to get ahead in life, and is very cautious about letting people in。 H Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy!It has been years since I've read an Emily Giffin book, and man did this one hit my sweet spot。 I went into it relatively blind, but quickly saw the Kennedy connection and really enjoyed reading this story。Joe has the country's (and his family's) expectations on his shoulders。 He's a golden boy, and the world is quite literally his oyster。 Cate comes from an abusive home, is simply trying to get ahead in life, and is very cautious about letting people in。 However, once they meet, sparks fly。 Will this last?Both Joe and Cate were protagonists I was cheering for。 They were genuine people who made realistic choices。 As someone old enough to remember JFK Jr and Carolyn Bassett in the 90's, I liked how Giffin got her inspiration from them, but made this story uniquely Joe and Cate's。 I flew through the book, and was holding my breathe till the end。 My only critique of this book is that the secondary characters were not developed at all, and were really just in place to serve a purpose。 I especially would have liked to see more of Cate with her friends。 But overall, this was a really enjoyable holiday weekend read! 。。。more

Barb Lie

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is a wonderful standalone novel that is loosely based on the Kennedy family; especially John Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette。 Meant to Be is centered on the Kingsley family, with young Joe Kingsley, who has grown up as part of American royalty (similar to the Kennedy family), always in the public eye。 His grandfather being a philanthropist, his grandmother a famous suffragist, and his famous father, who was an astronaut, but heading to politics, until his tragic death, when Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is a wonderful standalone novel that is loosely based on the Kennedy family; especially John Jr。 and Carolyn Bessette。 Meant to Be is centered on the Kingsley family, with young Joe Kingsley, who has grown up as part of American royalty (similar to the Kennedy family), always in the public eye。 His grandfather being a philanthropist, his grandmother a famous suffragist, and his famous father, who was an astronaut, but heading to politics, until his tragic death, when Joe was 3 years old。 Joe knows about the expectations of following his family legacy, being pressured by his mother and best friend, Berry (like an adopted sister)。 Much to his mother’s dismay, Joe enjoyed going out with his friends, and girlfriends; as he was a hunk and very popular; then he meets the girl of his dreams。Cate Cooper, our heroine, also lost her father at the age of three, with her mother struggling to make ends meet, until she meets and marries a cop; who Cate hated, as he was abusive to her mother。 In high school, Cate was discovered by a modeling agency for her beauty, with her step father taking most of the money。 Cate leaves her home and school to a successful modeling career; with her becoming extremely famous as her face was everywhere。 One day during a photo shoot on a beach, Joe who is walking his dog, Thursday, sees the group taking pictures and immediately introduces himself to Cate。 He gives her his phone number, but time will pass until they accidently meet again, and they both feel the strong connection。 When they become exclusive, will Cate be able to handle the paparazzi who constantly follows Joe; putting the glare of the spotlight on both of them, as they were always hounded。What follows is a beautiful romance that continues to build, with both Joe and Cate having their own family issues; such as Joe’s mother and Berry not feeling Cate was right for him; and Cate’s stepfather being very abusive to her mother。 I really did love Cate and Joe together and with a few obstacles, I rooted hard for them to get past them。 I also really did like so many of the secondary characters that we got to enjoy throughout the book。Meant to Be was a heartwarming, captivating, romantic novel that had me unable to put the book down。 The last quarter of the book was amazing and intense at times, but I did love the epilogue。 Meant to Be was so very well written by Emily Giffin。 You need to read this wonderful story。BarbThe Reading Cafe 。。。more

Sami DuVal

@emilygiffinauthor is an autobuy author for me。 I first fell in love with her books in college。 I remember SCROUNGING for change to buy a copy of her newest release in college。 I left campus on my lunch break to buy it at Target and almost cried when I realized it was a signed copy。This book is loosely based on the story of JFK jr &Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy。 The pictures you’ve seen of them will play in your mind as you read。 It’s the perfect love story with enough depth to keep you wanting more。 @emilygiffinauthor is an autobuy author for me。 I first fell in love with her books in college。 I remember SCROUNGING for change to buy a copy of her newest release in college。 I left campus on my lunch break to buy it at Target and almost cried when I realized it was a signed copy。This book is loosely based on the story of JFK jr &Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy。 The pictures you’ve seen of them will play in your mind as you read。 It’s the perfect love story with enough depth to keep you wanting more。 It’s the perfect summer read。 It’s everything I hoped it would be and so much more。 Getting an ARC is still a pinch me moment。 I don’t feel worthy! Thank you @emilygiffinauthor @sarahmonroegiffin Ballantine books, & @penguinrandomhouse ❤️It is out Tuesday, save your change and run to target on your lunch break! 🥰 。。。more

Jazzie077

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin。 Pub Date: May 31, 2022。 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟。 Happy Pub Day to this gem of a book! Over Memorial Day Weekend I picked this one up and read it in 24 hours。 Seriously, just go pick this book up because it is THAT GOOD。 Kennedy family vibes, love, heartbreak, fame and tragedy are all themes in this book。 I love a good spin on famous people, especially when it involves the Kennedy family (Caroline and JFK Jr), and I think Emily Giffin did a fantastic job writing this novel。 All Meant to Be by Emily Giffin。 Pub Date: May 31, 2022。 Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟。 Happy Pub Day to this gem of a book! Over Memorial Day Weekend I picked this one up and read it in 24 hours。 Seriously, just go pick this book up because it is THAT GOOD。 Kennedy family vibes, love, heartbreak, fame and tragedy are all themes in this book。 I love a good spin on famous people, especially when it involves the Kennedy family (Caroline and JFK Jr), and I think Emily Giffin did a fantastic job writing this novel。 All the stars! Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review。 #emilygiffin #meanttobe #randomhouse #ballantinebooks #netgalley #bookworm #bibliophile #igreads #bookstagram 。。。more

Kristy

This was surprisingly captivating! Review to come。

Tracy

Meant to Be is an enchanting new novel by Emily Giffin。 Giffin tells the love story of Joe and Cate, Joe and Cate were raised in completely different worlds but Giffin skillfully brings them together。 Joe is famous and considered American royalty。 Cate had a middle class upbringing that featured a violent step-father。 Cate blossoms as a teenager and becomes a successful fashion model and eventually meets Joe。 Giffin's writing is crisp and realistic and the story is told alternately by Joe and Ca Meant to Be is an enchanting new novel by Emily Giffin。 Giffin tells the love story of Joe and Cate, Joe and Cate were raised in completely different worlds but Giffin skillfully brings them together。 Joe is famous and considered American royalty。 Cate had a middle class upbringing that featured a violent step-father。 Cate blossoms as a teenager and becomes a successful fashion model and eventually meets Joe。 Giffin's writing is crisp and realistic and the story is told alternately by Joe and Cate。 All of Giffin's characters are interesting and Meant to Be is definitely one of the most enjoyable books of the year。Thank you to Ballantine Books for the ARC。 。。。more

Kindle Worm

Joe Kingsley is America’s sweetheart。 Losing his hero dad at a young age, Joe is constantly in the limelight and often reminded that much has been given and much is expected。 Cate Cooper has led a completely different life, pulling herself up from her bootstraps and coming into her own, she doesn’t have the right pedigree to be in the same room as Joe。A chance encounter on the beach leaves Joe wondering what he’s missing out on。 Cate, on the other hand questions everything, is she worthy of som Joe Kingsley is America’s sweetheart。 Losing his hero dad at a young age, Joe is constantly in the limelight and often reminded that much has been given and much is expected。 Cate Cooper has led a completely different life, pulling herself up from her bootstraps and coming into her own, she doesn’t have the right pedigree to be in the same room as Joe。A chance encounter on the beach leaves Joe wondering what he’s missing out on。 Cate, on the other hand questions everything, is she worthy of someone like Joe? Joe and Cate will find a place in your heart as you cheer for them through thick and thin, but will their love conquer all? Giffin’s newest novel is a Kennedyesque against all odds love story that asks the deep rooted question of what if? Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book。 。。。more

Sheri

Meant To Be is inspired by John Kennedy and Carolyn Bassett-Kennedy。 The author writes in an authors note at the end of the book about the inspiration。 I know of the couple and picked up on some similarities but this story stands on its own。 It is about two people with different backgrounds forming a relationship with the added pressure of fame and expectations。 The book is told from Joe’s POV and Cate’s POV。 Often I got to see the same discussion from each characters POV which let me see more i Meant To Be is inspired by John Kennedy and Carolyn Bassett-Kennedy。 The author writes in an authors note at the end of the book about the inspiration。 I know of the couple and picked up on some similarities but this story stands on its own。 It is about two people with different backgrounds forming a relationship with the added pressure of fame and expectations。 The book is told from Joe’s POV and Cate’s POV。 Often I got to see the same discussion from each characters POV which let me see more info their minds。 I absolutely loved this book for the romance, can love conquer all, story。 I’ll admit I thought of John and Carolyn throughout the book and wondered how many of the scenes were from their lives vs fiction。 It added another element to an amazing book! This is the perfect escape read! 。。。more

Jessica Silfen (Exercise_Read_Repeat)

This book was such a winner!!! A must read for summer。 What I loved:-The book is inspired by the story of John F。 Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-It was the perfect balance between women's fiction and romance-There were dual POVs (and if you are planning to listen to the audiobook, the two narrators depicted the two characters perfectly)-The story takes place in the 1990s-The characters felt so real that at times I forgot this wasn't a true storyThank you PRH audio for this ALC in exchange This book was such a winner!!! A must read for summer。 What I loved:-The book is inspired by the story of John F。 Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-It was the perfect balance between women's fiction and romance-There were dual POVs (and if you are planning to listen to the audiobook, the two narrators depicted the two characters perfectly)-The story takes place in the 1990s-The characters felt so real that at times I forgot this wasn't a true storyThank you PRH audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Ali (exercise_read_repeat)

Admittedly this was my first Emily Giffin book, and now I am kicking myself as to why it took me so long to read something by her。 This is the perfect summer read for people who are interested in famous families, such as the Kennedy family, with a romance storyline。 One of my favorite parts about this book is that it doesn’t really have a particular “trope,” except that Cate and Jeff come from “different” worlds。 Still, this storyline felt very real and substantial, which quickly caught and held Admittedly this was my first Emily Giffin book, and now I am kicking myself as to why it took me so long to read something by her。 This is the perfect summer read for people who are interested in famous families, such as the Kennedy family, with a romance storyline。 One of my favorite parts about this book is that it doesn’t really have a particular “trope,” except that Cate and Jeff come from “different” worlds。 Still, this storyline felt very real and substantial, which quickly caught and held my attention throughout。 The audiobook is an excellent choice, with two narrators for the dual POV structure。 Cate and Joe were such well-developed characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening along as their relationship took its course。 Definitely add this to your summer reading/listening list! 。。。more

Chelsea Fox

I loved this book from the very first page! I loved how easy it was to follow and the writing just flowed so nicely。 I liked how you got the characters back stories right in the beginning and how their love story grew。 Joe and Cate’s love was just so genuine and pure and I truly believed that they were mean to be together。 When a book makes me feel something, and in this case lots of things, it’s almost always an immediate 5⭐️ for me。 This book had me happy, sad, shocked, and almost crying by th I loved this book from the very first page! I loved how easy it was to follow and the writing just flowed so nicely。 I liked how you got the characters back stories right in the beginning and how their love story grew。 Joe and Cate’s love was just so genuine and pure and I truly believed that they were mean to be together。 When a book makes me feel something, and in this case lots of things, it’s almost always an immediate 5⭐️ for me。 This book had me happy, sad, shocked, and almost crying by the end。 It was just so great ❤️。 Please check trigger warnings before reading this though。Overall, I loved this book so so much and I know it will stick with me for a long time。 Highly recommend! 。。。more

Nicole Wuthering Vines

I must shamefully admit that this is my first read by Giffin but she’s been super high on my list for a while since Something Borrowed is one of my all time favourite movies!This was such a beautiful and emotional story that I absolutely sailed through! If you love American royalty plots, you’re going to adore this one! I enjoyed Giffin’s spin on the Kennedy’s and would love to see her dive more into some reimagined history! I admire her ability to write such well developed, captivating and like I must shamefully admit that this is my first read by Giffin but she’s been super high on my list for a while since Something Borrowed is one of my all time favourite movies!This was such a beautiful and emotional story that I absolutely sailed through! If you love American royalty plots, you’re going to adore this one! I enjoyed Giffin’s spin on the Kennedy’s and would love to see her dive more into some reimagined history! I admire her ability to write such well developed, captivating and likeable characters! Told through duel narratives, this is such a fun and enchanting story that will make for the perfect summer romance read! 4。5 stars rounded to 5 for goodreads 。。。more