Meant to Be

Meant to Be

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  • Create Date:2022-05-29 10:51:37
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
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  • Author:Emily Giffin
  • ISBN:0385689764
  • 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

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

Lindsey Boyd

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite writers so I recognized immediately that she was drawing parallels to the main characters in the book and John F。 Kennedy Jr’s life。 I’ll admit that at first, I wasn’t so sure about this。 Her characters are usually normal people - down to earth with interesting happenings in their life but not American royalty。 Over time though, I really did come to love Joe and Cate and their story together。 I especially loved Joe。 Cate was always a more reserved character so Emily Giffin is one of my favorite writers so I recognized immediately that she was drawing parallels to the main characters in the book and John F。 Kennedy Jr’s life。 I’ll admit that at first, I wasn’t so sure about this。 Her characters are usually normal people - down to earth with interesting happenings in their life but not American royalty。 Over time though, I really did come to love Joe and Cate and their story together。 I especially loved Joe。 Cate was always a more reserved character so I think Joe’s warmness was able to come out more in the chapters。 There was a moment towards the end where I wasn’t sure I liked the direction but ultimately, I loved it and understood the choices made。 This is the kind of book I’d love to talk about with others that have read it because I’m trying to avoid spoilers in my review! Definitely a strong book club selection option。 Thank you to the author and publisher for providing with me an ARC of Meant to Be in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Bobbie

What if……this is the authors question at the end of the story。 I have mixed feelings about this story。 About half way through, I “kept waiting for the other shoe to drop”。 That was my feeling reading this story。 Joe Kingsley, a take off on John Kennedy Jr, and Cate Cooper from the wrong side of the tracks。 He is on a golden path even if he really doesn’t want to be and she grows up dropping out of high school and becoming a model。 Joe pursues her and while she tries hard not to, she falls for hi What if……this is the authors question at the end of the story。 I have mixed feelings about this story。 About half way through, I “kept waiting for the other shoe to drop”。 That was my feeling reading this story。 Joe Kingsley, a take off on John Kennedy Jr, and Cate Cooper from the wrong side of the tracks。 He is on a golden path even if he really doesn’t want to be and she grows up dropping out of high school and becoming a model。 Joe pursues her and while she tries hard not to, she falls for him。 Will this turn out to be the fairy tale we all want or will it end。 Based on Ms Giffin’s imagination, what if John jr。 had lived! It was interesting and very well written。 I would not call this a romance, but a wonderfully written womens fiction 。。。more

Courtney

I have been a huge fan of Emily Giffin’s since I read 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 nearly 20 years (!!!) ago。 She writes the most readable, engaging, character-driven books and her latest, 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙚, is no exception。 This book immediately evokes the memory of the Kennedy family in their hey day - and the Author’s Note at the end solidifies this (and is not to be missed!)。Joe Kingsley (of the Kennedy-esque Kingsley family) is not exactly looking for love when he runs across the much-less-famous model Cat I have been a huge fan of Emily Giffin’s since I read 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 nearly 20 years (!!!) ago。 She writes the most readable, engaging, character-driven books and her latest, 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝘽𝙚, is no exception。 This book immediately evokes the memory of the Kennedy family in their hey day - and the Author’s Note at the end solidifies this (and is not to be missed!)。Joe Kingsley (of the Kennedy-esque Kingsley family) is not exactly looking for love when he runs across the much-less-famous model Cate Cooper。 What ensues is a tale of love, family, and forgiveness in a beautifully, character-driven story。 I adored every page of this。 Giffin’s writing is effortless and she creates worlds that are intriguing and captivating。 This one has a little sadness with some domestic violence and alcohol abuse that shapes one of our character’s lives in a significant way。 That aside, it almost feels like a retelling of a famous story those of us of a certain age know well, and I just love that。 I wanted to hurry up and finish it to know what happened to Cate and Joe, but I also read slowly because I never wanted it to end。 This one drops May 31, and it’s a must-read for summer。 Pick up this beach read - with substance- especially if you like a little glitz and glamour in your summer reads。 Emily Giffin with another win! 。。。more

Jenna

Review to come。 3。5 stars rounded up

Sharon May

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of Emily Giffin's latest novel - 4。5 stars rounded up!Joe Kingsley III is the descendant of American royalty and was raised with the motto of "to whom much is given, much is required。 But Joe has a bit of trouble following that and he flounders a bit under the expectations of a nation。 Meanwhile, Cate had a troubled childhood and escaped as soon as an opportunity presented itself - modeling。 When Joe Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of Emily Giffin's latest novel - 4。5 stars rounded up!Joe Kingsley III is the descendant of American royalty and was raised with the motto of "to whom much is given, much is required。 But Joe has a bit of trouble following that and he flounders a bit under the expectations of a nation。 Meanwhile, Cate had a troubled childhood and escaped as soon as an opportunity presented itself - modeling。 When Joe and Cate have a chance meeting, there is no denying the spark。 But can two people from such different worlds make their love last?This book is a fictionalized account of JFK Jr。, and his wife Carolyn and what might have happened to their love story。 In Giffin's very capable hands, you will fall into this romance tale and not want to emerge until the end。 I loved the characters - a great cast of supporting ones as well! This book made you think about how we treat celebrities and what it really does to them - maybe especially those that are born into their celebrity and the expectations they must live under。 It's also a story of how our past defines us and our future。 Definitely add this to your TBR list! 。。。more

Kathleen Gray

Those who have a fascination with JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Besette, or perhaps even better, those who don't know their story, will find this more interesting than I did, I'm a fan of Giffin for her storytelling and it's as strong here as ever。 What didn't work for me was the plot, which is a too thinly fictionalized retelling of the romance of Kennedy and Besette, right down to the initials of their names。 Besette seemed a bit of a cipher in real life and if there's an upside here, it's that Giffen h Those who have a fascination with JFK Jr。 and Carolyn Besette, or perhaps even better, those who don't know their story, will find this more interesting than I did, I'm a fan of Giffin for her storytelling and it's as strong here as ever。 What didn't work for me was the plot, which is a too thinly fictionalized retelling of the romance of Kennedy and Besette, right down to the initials of their names。 Besette seemed a bit of a cipher in real life and if there's an upside here, it's that Giffen has given her, in the body of Cat, more heft and a bigger back story。 Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC。。 I'll be the odd one out。 。。。more

Susan • BryantParkBooks

💕 Meant To Be 💕I have read everything that @emilygiffin has written and I have loved everything。 Her latest book, Meant to Be, is no exception! I definitely stayed up way to late reading about Joe and Cate’s relationship。Cate has a rough childhood after the death of her father and her mother remarries an abusive man。 She leaves home at the first opportunity that arises。 She’s modeling on the beach when she meets Joe Kingsley- the son of the famous family。 His family is American Royalty。 She trie 💕 Meant To Be 💕I have read everything that @emilygiffin has written and I have loved everything。 Her latest book, Meant to Be, is no exception! I definitely stayed up way to late reading about Joe and Cate’s relationship。Cate has a rough childhood after the death of her father and her mother remarries an abusive man。 She leaves home at the first opportunity that arises。 She’s modeling on the beach when she meets Joe Kingsley- the son of the famous family。 His family is American Royalty。 She tries to stay away from him and his fame, but she can’t deny she has major feelings for him。 The book follows their ups and downs; I just absolutely loved it。 Joe and Cate bond over their shared loss of their fathers。 But Joe had a decent childhood, although one in the spotlight with family pressure to live up to his father’s name。 Cate tries desperately to keep her abusive stepfather away from her life and career, although this also means she keeps her mom at an arm’s length。 A big part of this book is also based on chosen family, aka friendship。 I love both Berry and Elna who always looked out for their BFFs。 This story is loosely based on the relationship between JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette。 I knew a little about them before reading and I’ve gone on a massive binge read about them after。 It’s such a tragic story about what happened to them, but I loved their love story。 Thank you so much to @penguinrandomhouse and @emilygiffin for my gifted ARC。 Meant to Be is on sale on Tuesday, May 31! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 。。。more

Sherri

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest reviewThe Kingsley family is American royalty。 Everyone knows their name & their background is rich with military heroes, political activists & politicians。 In 1967, after Joseph S。 Kingsley, Jr。 is killed in a tragic accident, his charismatic son inherits the weight of that legacy。 But Joe III is a free spirit。 Despite his best intentions, he has trouble meeting the expectations of a nation, as well as those of his exacting mother, ***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest reviewThe Kingsley family is American royalty。 Everyone knows their name & their background is rich with military heroes, political activists & politicians。 In 1967, after Joseph S。 Kingsley, Jr。 is killed in a tragic accident, his charismatic son inherits the weight of that legacy。 But Joe III is a free spirit。 Despite his best intentions, he has trouble meeting the expectations of a nation, as well as those of his exacting mother, Dottie。 Meanwhile, Cate Cooper grew up on the other end of the spectrum。 She, too, lost her father when she was three, but that is where she similarities ended。 She and her mother were poor, and once her mother remarried, it was to an abusive man who made Cate and her mom's life a constant state of fear。 At age sixteen, Cate was discovered by a modeling scout, dropped out of high school and moved out of the house。 Soon her face was found on billboards and magazine ads everywhere。 When Joe and Cate unexpectedly cross paths one afternoon, their connection is instant and intense。 But can their relationship survive the glare of the spotlight and the so-called Kingsley curse? In a beautifully written novel that captures a gilded moment in American history, Emily Giffin tells the story of two people searching for belonging and identity, as well as the answer to the question: Are certain love stories meant to be?This book was so good。 The story was based loosely on the Kennedy family, so that made it even more appealing。 It was told in alternating chapters between Joe & Cate。 The story was fresh and magical & I am almost sad that I have finished the book now and the story is over。 If you love a good love story (or really just a good story, period), then you will want to check this one out。 。。。more

Stef

Emily Giffin literally never disappoints。 This book is fictional but based on the relationship of JFK Jr。 and his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy。 As expected, it was beautiful and amazing。

Kierstin Carnahan

Meant to Be by Emily Griffen comes out Tuesday, May 31, 2022!The story is about a Kennedy-like family, the Kinglseys, starring Joe whose path crosses with Cate, a regular girl turned model。 The two then become intertwined with each other and eventually fall in love。 The story is told between alternating viewpoints from Joe and Cate。 The author's note at the end goes into more depth about the inspiration for the story and how the story is inspired by John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn。 I flew through th Meant to Be by Emily Griffen comes out Tuesday, May 31, 2022!The story is about a Kennedy-like family, the Kinglseys, starring Joe whose path crosses with Cate, a regular girl turned model。 The two then become intertwined with each other and eventually fall in love。 The story is told between alternating viewpoints from Joe and Cate。 The author's note at the end goes into more depth about the inspiration for the story and how the story is inspired by John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn。 I flew through this like like love story and enjoyed the historical inspiration behind it。 Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! 。。。more

Keri

A wonderfully written story! I couldn't put this one down and it reminded me a lot of Emily Giffin's early novels。 Joe was just perfect but not annoyingly so, his actions and thoughts came across as very genuine。 I loved his character。 I also love Cate just not quite as much。 I was annoyed that after being with Joe for so long and him consistently staying by her side that she still pulled away。 I understand that she was emotionally and verbally abused growing up, but I think she as a person was A wonderfully written story! I couldn't put this one down and it reminded me a lot of Emily Giffin's early novels。 Joe was just perfect but not annoyingly so, his actions and thoughts came across as very genuine。 I loved his character。 I also love Cate just not quite as much。 I was annoyed that after being with Joe for so long and him consistently staying by her side that she still pulled away。 I understand that she was emotionally and verbally abused growing up, but I think she as a person was smarter than that to take it out on Joe。 I get that there needed to be some conflict, but I think it could have come from somewhere else。 I really loved that Joe was so loyal and committed to her。 If you are a fan of Emily Giffin or just want a really amazing love story, definitely check this one out!I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Edens Book Den

This is a beautiful Cinderella-esque love story between two people who grow up in completely different environments and come from opposite socio-economic backgrounds。 Not all fairy tales are smooth sailing, but that’s what makes this story seem so tangible and real。 It felt like I had a front row seat on a journey watching two beautiful souls finding their way to each other。 Joe is basically American royalty。 He grew up going to the best schools and in the spotlight constantly surrounded by papa This is a beautiful Cinderella-esque love story between two people who grow up in completely different environments and come from opposite socio-economic backgrounds。 Not all fairy tales are smooth sailing, but that’s what makes this story seem so tangible and real。 It felt like I had a front row seat on a journey watching two beautiful souls finding their way to each other。 Joe is basically American royalty。 He grew up going to the best schools and in the spotlight constantly surrounded by paparazzi。 Cate is from a broken home and lives with her mother (who seems to care more about finding a guy than paying attention to her daughter)。 This leads to a hasty marriage with a man that is abusive- a true villain。 Fast forward some years and Joe and Cate are grown。 Joe sees Cate on the beach and has an instant attraction。 This begins their adorable meet cute and their love story, but everything is not rosy and perfect。 They have lots of obstacles to overcome。 Drama and scrutiny come at them from every corner。 Not only from friends and family, but even the public。 Read this and get swept away in a story that is a modern day fairytale。 The road isn’t easy, but their story about true and lasting love is worth the trials。 This book was a beautiful vacation read, but more than that…it’s a book that sweeps you up in a magical love story。 You won’t be sorry you picked it up。 4/5 stars。 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Carrie

Review coming soon。

books_by_bethany

Privileged Joe Kingsley has grown up in the spotlight of his family’s success, wealth, and legacy。 Cate Cooper grew up with a single mom who later married an abusive man, causing Cate to leave home at eighteen to pursue her modeling career。 While the two seem like an unlikely pair, when their paths cross they instantly connect。 As they embark on a relationship despite their differences and under the spotlight of the media, they fight to see if love really can conquer all。 I really enjoyed the al Privileged Joe Kingsley has grown up in the spotlight of his family’s success, wealth, and legacy。 Cate Cooper grew up with a single mom who later married an abusive man, causing Cate to leave home at eighteen to pursue her modeling career。 While the two seem like an unlikely pair, when their paths cross they instantly connect。 As they embark on a relationship despite their differences and under the spotlight of the media, they fight to see if love really can conquer all。 I really enjoyed the alternate points of view of Joe and Cate throughout the novel, and seeing the story through both of their eyes。 In the author’s note, Emily Giffin explained how Joe Kingsley’s and Cate Cooper’s characters were partially inspired by John F。 Kennedy, Jr。 and his wife Carolyn, but purely fictional with their own backstories and lives。 I appreciated this touch of a historical reference intertwined with a unique storyline and well-developed, dynamic characters。 Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for my gifted e-ARC! 。。。more

Lynette

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 I didn't need to make it to the author's note at the end to tell this is a loosely-based story on JFK, Jr, his family and most notably, his courtship with Carolyn。 The are notable similarities and differences between JFK, Jr。 and the novel's Joe Kingsley。 At first, I thought, ugh not another one。 But as the story unfolds between Joe and Cate, I found their story charming and began rooting for them。 Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 I didn't need to make it to the author's note at the end to tell this is a loosely-based story on JFK, Jr, his family and most notably, his courtship with Carolyn。 The are notable similarities and differences between JFK, Jr。 and the novel's Joe Kingsley。 At first, I thought, ugh not another one。 But as the story unfolds between Joe and Cate, I found their story charming and began rooting for them。 One thing I didn't expect is the author's imagining of their life post-crash and offers a touching 'what if' I'm sure many of us enchanted by the Kennedy family can appreciate。 Many retellings of this story end at the crash and this offers a different spin on a tragic ending。 。。。more

Janilyn Kocher

Loosely based on the lives of JFK, Jr。 and Carolyn Bessett, Meant to Be is Giffin’s reimagining Of their story。 I was skeptical at first, but their are enough differences to separate the fact from fiction。 Griffin does a good job illustrating the extreme invasion Cate experienced as the love interest of Joe Kingsley。 The closer I got to the end my mind raced with how will she handle the inevitable? I liked the ending and it shows why fiction is so appealing。 Endings can be different and better。T Loosely based on the lives of JFK, Jr。 and Carolyn Bessett, Meant to Be is Giffin’s reimagining Of their story。 I was skeptical at first, but their are enough differences to separate the fact from fiction。 Griffin does a good job illustrating the extreme invasion Cate experienced as the love interest of Joe Kingsley。 The closer I got to the end my mind raced with how will she handle the inevitable? I liked the ending and it shows why fiction is so appealing。 Endings can be different and better。Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance copy。 。。。more

Gina Moltz

Meant to Be is a love story based loosely on JFK Jr and Caroline Bisset。 Joe comes from an American royal family。 Cate is a model escaping a terrible childhood。 Although they could not be more different, their connection is impossible to ignore。 They are both so lovable and real, it is impossible not to root for them。 Any love story that has me crying before the ending is worth reading。 Again and again。

Rebecca

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review。I don't think I've really disliked any of Emily Giffin's books, but some I've liked more than others。 This one was definitely middle of the road for me, though I think readers who have nostalgia for the Kennedy family or JFK Jr。 in particular may have more fun with this story that draws heavily from the family's history and lore。 There are some compelling turns in Cate and Joe's relationship throughout this story t Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review。I don't think I've really disliked any of Emily Giffin's books, but some I've liked more than others。 This one was definitely middle of the road for me, though I think readers who have nostalgia for the Kennedy family or JFK Jr。 in particular may have more fun with this story that draws heavily from the family's history and lore。 There are some compelling turns in Cate and Joe's relationship throughout this story that keep the pace moving。 。。。more

Wendy W。

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an emotional and somewhat nostalgic book that is very loosely based on the Kennedy family。 I really enjoyed this well-written story with an inside look into the lives of the rich and famous。 Joseph Kinglsey is the son and the grandson of famous, rich, and powerful men。 He’s been raised since birth to respect his family's legacy and lived with expectations that he too would leave a legacy of his own。 Growing up with these expectations has Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an emotional and somewhat nostalgic book that is very loosely based on the Kennedy family。 I really enjoyed this well-written story with an inside look into the lives of the rich and famous。 Joseph Kinglsey is the son and the grandson of famous, rich, and powerful men。 He’s been raised since birth to respect his family's legacy and lived with expectations that he too would leave a legacy of his own。 Growing up with these expectations has taken a toll on Joe, and he’s at loose ends on how to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather。 Cate, on the other hand, grew up without any expectations。 She grew up with a single mom, who eventually married a monster。 The abuse causes her to vow to leave her middle-class home in New Jersey and make a name for herself on her own。 She learns early to keep the boys away, as the last thing she wants is an unexpected pregnancy to ruin her plans of freedom。 She eventually becomes a model and makes the kind of money she needs to escape her childhood home, and become the woman she’s dreamed of。 Modeling comes easy to her, and before she ages out of the modeling business she finds a job at a fashion house and continues to make the kind of money she needs to ensure her independence。 When Joe and Cate meet, he is immediately attracted to her, but she knows that the high profile world of Joe Kingsley will eventually uncover all her secrets of her abusive childhood and her poor childhood。 Joe is persistent in his pursuit of Cate, and they eventually start a relationship。 But, can such a union survive under the scrutiny of Joe’s high-profile world? The author tells us a fictional story loosely based on John Kennedy Jr。 I found the story engaging and a fast read。 I’m not a fan of the super-rich and don’t usually like to read about them, but here the author gives us quite a sympathetic character for Joe Kingsley。 Although rich, he also has his troubles and he’s very aware of the inequalities between the haves and the have-nots。 He was also partially raised by his Grandmother, who was able to inspire him to try to do something with his life。 And gave him a grounded outlook on life。 I normally avoid reading about rich and beautiful models as much as I do the super-rich, but once again, the author was able to make Cate a very sympathetic character。 She dove deep into Cate’s early years and gave us a character who was easy to root for。 Like Joe, Cate is humble and aware that her life is special。 She works very hard to ensure she can stay independent as she never wants to have to rely on anyone other than herself for anythingThese characters and this powerful story combine to make a fascinating story, that I enjoyed very much。 The book is very well written and emotional。 It seems impossible that Joe and Cate can ever truly be together, but the author weaves a believable story that will have you reaching for your tissues。 I highly recommend, Meant to Be to anyone who enjoys Womens’ Fiction。 I received a complimentary copy of this book。 The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 。。。more

Dottie Legatos

Another hit from Emily Giffin! I couldn’t put this down, telling myself to read one more chapter, one more chapter。 Loosely based on JFK Jr。’s love story with his wife Carolyn, Meant To Be tells the Cinderella story of Cate and Joe, and their fateful relationship。 The characters were so true to life for me。 Even the secondary characters were well developed。 If you enjoy a bit of recent nostalgia, as this takes place in the 90’s, and a great love story, I highly recommend you read this。 Many than Another hit from Emily Giffin! I couldn’t put this down, telling myself to read one more chapter, one more chapter。 Loosely based on JFK Jr。’s love story with his wife Carolyn, Meant To Be tells the Cinderella story of Cate and Joe, and their fateful relationship。 The characters were so true to life for me。 Even the secondary characters were well developed。 If you enjoy a bit of recent nostalgia, as this takes place in the 90’s, and a great love story, I highly recommend you read this。 Many thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review。 。。。more

Jena Massey

I loved this book so much! The love story of John and Carolyn Kennedy was mesmerizing and I love this fictional account with the different ending!

Susan

I’m a big fan of the author and enjoyed this novel, but it wasn’t my favourite by Emily Giffin。 This was a quick, engaging read, loosely based on the lives of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette。The story was told in alternating POVs, which I normally love; however, use of the first person just made it fall flat for me。 Content warning: domestic abuseThanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review。

Michelle Castaneda

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an incredible new novel from a consistently phenomenal author。 I have long been a fan of this author's books。 This book is different from some of her other books, but these differences only created a unique plot and cast of characters。 This book captured my interest from the very first page。 It sucked me in with the family history of one of the main characters, and I found myself fascinated and unable to put the book down。 The plot just got better from there。 This Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an incredible new novel from a consistently phenomenal author。 I have long been a fan of this author's books。 This book is different from some of her other books, but these differences only created a unique plot and cast of characters。 This book captured my interest from the very first page。 It sucked me in with the family history of one of the main characters, and I found myself fascinated and unable to put the book down。 The plot just got better from there。 This book is a gem and I think it would be a delight to take with you on a vacation。 Amazing overall。 I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations。 These opinions are entirely my own。 。。。more

Sarita Subramaniam

This was a very nostalgic read。 I can't say that it was my favorite by this author but it was an enjoyable read。 The characters and setting brought me right back to the late 90's in NYC, my birthplace and forever home。 The characters, Joe and Cate are based on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy。 I thoroughly enjoyed the author's interpretation of their love story and what could have been had tragedy not struck。 The author has a flair for describing beautiful, rich people and how they live。 Some This was a very nostalgic read。 I can't say that it was my favorite by this author but it was an enjoyable read。 The characters and setting brought me right back to the late 90's in NYC, my birthplace and forever home。 The characters, Joe and Cate are based on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy。 I thoroughly enjoyed the author's interpretation of their love story and what could have been had tragedy not struck。 The author has a flair for describing beautiful, rich people and how they live。 Sometimes it is grating and sometimes it works really really well。 In this story, it worked really well。 I disliked Berry - she was just too intrusive and you could see her feelings from a mile away。 Overall this was just a good what if story。 It definitely brought back so many memories of a time in my life that seems so much simpler。 。。。more

Dana (pagestoreadfl)

Thank you to the publisher for a Netgalley of this one。 Overall, I would say I enjoyed the story of Care & Joe。 I always cheer for an underdog and I like to read about people in different circles coming together。 But with that being said, I just didn't particularly love it, nor did I think it was original。 If there was a format for an uneventful romance book, this would be it。 I felt there could have been way more drama for such a highly watched relationship。 All the problems were solved quickly Thank you to the publisher for a Netgalley of this one。 Overall, I would say I enjoyed the story of Care & Joe。 I always cheer for an underdog and I like to read about people in different circles coming together。 But with that being said, I just didn't particularly love it, nor did I think it was original。 If there was a format for an uneventful romance book, this would be it。 I felt there could have been way more drama for such a highly watched relationship。 All the problems were solved quickly and without any issue。 Berry could've been in the book a bit more and forget about the epilogue。 That was basically unnecessary and rehash of the whole story。 Honestly, the epilogue was just lame。 I know it sounds like I did not like the book, but I did。 I just did not think it was great。 。。。more

Trish Ryan

This was a mixed reading experience for me。 I grew up in the swirl of news about JFK Jr and his beautiful wife; I remember their tragic death。 Knowing that the book was based on their story made it hard for me to invest in the characters or the unfolding plot。 The writing is as excellent as one expects from Emily Giffin, and I strongly suspect that if I didn’t know the story behind the story, I would have been drawn right in and loved the ride。 So I’ll recommend this based on the caliber of the This was a mixed reading experience for me。 I grew up in the swirl of news about JFK Jr and his beautiful wife; I remember their tragic death。 Knowing that the book was based on their story made it hard for me to invest in the characters or the unfolding plot。 The writing is as excellent as one expects from Emily Giffin, and I strongly suspect that if I didn’t know the story behind the story, I would have been drawn right in and loved the ride。 So I’ll recommend this based on the caliber of the author’s work and let readers make their own decisions。Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book。 。。。more

Lisa Konet

Wow this had me swooning, crying and rooting for the 2 main characters, Joseph Kingsley and Cate Cooper。 There are definitely American historical parallels to the characters in the book to John F Kennedy an Jacqueline O'Naussas。 This is best book Emily Giffin has written in a long time and I highly recommend it!Thanks to Netgalley, Emily Giffin, and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for honest review。Available: 5/31/22 Wow this had me swooning, crying and rooting for the 2 main characters, Joseph Kingsley and Cate Cooper。 There are definitely American historical parallels to the characters in the book to John F Kennedy an Jacqueline O'Naussas。 This is best book Emily Giffin has written in a long time and I highly recommend it!Thanks to Netgalley, Emily Giffin, and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for honest review。Available: 5/31/22 。。。more