Meant To Be
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 5/31/22
Author: Emily Giffin
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: 4.19

TW ⚠️: Emotional Abuse, domestic violence, and single parent household

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing a digital advanced readers copy of the book for me to read for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: The Kingsley family is the Kennedy family, 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. Cate’s Modeling may be her only ticket out of the cycle of disappointment that her mother has always inhabited. 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. Will they be able to beat the odds stacked against them?

My Thoughts: WOW, this was AMAZING, like really amazing. It is the best contemporary romance I have EVER read. The story is narrated by Joe and Cate, alternating, in their perspectives. The characters are well developed, had depth, had immediate chemistry, they were charismatic, and just meant for each other. The authors writing was brilliant, complex, beautiful, and engaging. While reading this story, I was happy, I was sad, I cried, and there was times of frustration. I absolutely loved this book and the author has become an auto buy author for me. It was a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book. Towards the end, I could not put down and had to find out how it ended. I HIGHLY recommend this book! Stop and go buy this book!

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is about a restless guy named Joseph Kingsley III and the woman he fell in love with, Cate Cooper. Cate grew up with her mom and was told that her father died in an automobile accident. Her mother re-married, and she had gotten into modeling to escape her abusive stepfather. The Kingsleys are practically American royalty; his father and grandfather were
military heroes, and Joseph is expected to follow in his prestigious footsteps since his father's passing. "People expect a lot from you. And remember, Joseph, from he to whom much is given... Much is expected."

Meant to be is loosely based on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It gives me an alternate history vibe about what could have been, if only.

While reading this story, it brought back memories of JFK Jr. But What If? What if they lived? Would they have children? Would they still be together?

"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one being shining moment, that was known as Camelot."

I believe that Emily Giffin has done an excellent job in writing this tale, and it made me think about all the things that I had forgotten and wished that JFK Jr. had survived that tragic event.

This is the re-imagining of JFK Jr and Caroline Bessett's love story that you never knew you needed. Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is such a fun and engaging novel that pulls the curtains back on Camelot in the late 90's. Joe Kingsley meets Cate on a beach modeling shoot in the Hamptons and can't get her out of his head. His persistence leads to a whirlwind romance with obstacles left and right.

I still remember when JFK Jr's plane went down and the televised search for John, Caroline and her sister. All of the hopes and dreams for the future of Camelot went down with that plane and still makes my heart ache for the families. However, this fictional re-imagining has a completely different ending while still give the reader all of the excitement and fun of watching the love affair unfold.

Emily Giffin is a must read author for me and should be for you too. Go pick this one up. It is perfect for the summer on the beach or by the pool. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you to Netgalley!!

I have read all of Emily Giffin's books and this was an enjoyable addition to her growing list of novels. Here she takes a fictionalized version of JFK Jr. and puts him with the girl he was "meant to be" with. I would have preferred a bit more plot or repercussions from Cate's family's antics, but it was still an enjoyable read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

At almost 50% I now know that I'm not the right audience for this novel. This is about two very immature 30 something y/o that just doesn't seem relatable to me at all.

I know that most love this book and that it has found it's audience.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Emily Giffin's take on JFK, Jr., and CBK misses for me. Maybe the younger generations who are not familiar with JFK, Jr. will enjoy this book, but this boring book retells all that we already know for those of us who remember the constant press coverage and all the details. The only reason to finish the book is to find out if Giffin changes the ending. The writing was subpar, very much telling instead of showing. JSK, Jr. has zero path in life and admits "I don't know what issues are important to me" but decides to run for office anyway. The conversations with his grandmother as a 10-year-old are laughable. Absolutely no one speaks to a 10-year-old in that manner. This was disappointing, almost as if Giffin knew she could capitalize on her name and America's obsession with JFK and didn't put any effort into something good.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve always enjoyed Emily’s books, and this was no exception! They have a way of transporting you, and this felt old-timey, Kennedy-style, a little fanciful. It had just enough parallels to keep toeing the line of being based on reality, while still allowing the characters to exist entirely on their own.

Joseph Kingsley III is as good as royalty. A family of generational charisma, adoration, and wealth, the Kingleys are to America as the Royal Family is to England. Joe III is wild and passionate (a little too much so, if you ask his mother), and struggling to follow in the footsteps of his late father.

Cate Cooper grew up with posters of Joe on her walls. Following her single mother from home to home, each more volatile than the last, she struck out on her own as early as she was able and made a life for herself as a model who becomes far more successful than anyone could have foreseen.

When the two meet, years later, Cate thinks nothing will come of it. Their worlds are too different, their upbringings as opposite as could be. But Joe is infatuated, and when fate (or determination) crosses their paths again and again, neither are prepared for the way their lives change together.

But between the infamous Kingsley Curse and both of their own self-doubt, the two have a lot to overcome if they want to make their love work - and they want nothing more than just that.

Giffin is an auto read for me and this didn’t disappoint. I loved the family dynamics, nothing felt forced and that’s how a perfect romance is done!

I've never been a follower of the Kennedy's. I was not around when JFK was president. And JFK Jr. was not really on my radar. My grandma loved them, but it didn't rub off on me. I do remember John Jr.'s plane crash. Another terrible tragedy for the Kennedy family. Yet, Emily Giffin's Meant to Be made me want to read about that family. Reading about Joe and Cate I wondered what similarities there were to John Jr. and Carolyn.

This story was a much needed reprieve from the current state of the world. A good love story with two captivating voices - Joe Kingsley and Cate Cooper. The beginning was a bit rough, feeling very book report like about the backstory of the Kingsley family, but it found it's groove. I loved the switching between Joe and Cate for each chapter. Their whirlwind romance was a great way to escape reality.

If you have any interest in the Kennedy family you will enjoy this what if book. Or if you are just looking for a good love story to start the summer with pick this one up!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

#netgalleyarc I have such a love/hate relationship with this author and while I wouldn’t say that I hated this book, it doesn’t rank high up on the books by this author that I enjoyed. I don’t mind the back worth viewpoints if the different characters but I just found the story slow and boring. It did pick up a little towards the end of the book but overall it was just meh. Not something I’ll be purchasing for my high school library and not really a summer read I’d recommend either.

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

Could be my favorite book for 2022! Meant to Be has all the feels! I laughed! I cried! I got angry! I reminisced about the Kennedy’s. (I was in eighth grade when JFK was assassinated.) There was nothing I did not love about this book except that it ended. Could there be a sequel in the future? Cate comes from humble beginnings and Joe has the pedigree family. Both of them lost their father at a very young age. I like how the story is told in alternating chapters from Joe and Cate.

It is a wonderful story of the two meeting and falling in love. Life was extremely hard for Cate as a child, and Joe had a very comfortable life and his mother raised him to be very caring. This is my favorite Emily Giffin book. I especially liked her author notes! I could relate to her so much about the influence of the Kennedy era. I also think this would make a great Book club read. Lots to discuss! My thanks to Random House Ballantine for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

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.

Meant to Be is a very touching and emotional story.
Overcoming issues from the past….can it be done?
This story is sure to pull at your heartstrings
Overall, a ok read for me. I liked it but can’s say I loved it.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

This was fantastic , so epic I fell in love with the story from the beginning, I just couldn't put it down until I finish it!It is a perfect addition to your summer TBR.I highly recommend it and the title is the best it matches to the story.The book is a combination of women's fiction and romance.

"Meant to Be" explores all the glamour of American Royalty, what it’s like to be in their world and how you manage to all this .Joe and Cate cpmes frpm different worlds but they were perfec for each other, I loved their connection.They were intense and sweet.

It was a heartwarming,sweet,emotional and captivating book.

Meant to Be by Emily Griffin was a captivating and engaging story. Joe comes from a family of privilege and prestige and all the responsibility that comes with that. Cate comes from the complete opposite world. Even so, she is taking it by storm. When they meet, their connection is instant, but can they be together? Their story was emotional, touching and epic. I devoured this and highly recommend it.

Happy reading!

I’ve been a fan of Emily Giffin ever since I picked up Something Blue not knowing it was a sequel and promptly declaring myself Team Darcy. Spoiler alert: I think I’m the only one on the team. Since then, I immediately read her books when they come out and they always make for fantastic binge reads. I think she is a great author, and I imagine I’ll always be excited for her next book.

Going into this one, I’d heard it was based on JFK, Jr., and Carolyn Kennedy. I was kind of worried if I wouldn’t like it or if I’d be lost, because I honestly didn’t know much about them at all. So rest assured, if you’re like me in that way, don’t worry. You can still read and enjoy it.

This story was engrossing and had me hooked. My heart hurt for Cate, and I was rooting for her! And how could you not love Joe? That said, I didn’t fully enjoy the story because of the multiple sexual scenes. This is not PG! 😂
But it definitely kept my interest, and as usual, I zipped thru it and am ready for Emily’s next book!!

I’ve seen a few reviewers refer to this as a rom-com and if that’s what you’re looking for, you will be disappointed. This is chick lit at it’s finest, but it is women’s fiction and not at all a rom-com.

Thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballantine for a gifted copy of Meant To Be by Emily Giffin. All opinions are my own.

Meant To Be is an interesting fictional take on the life JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette's romance. Most of the story seems to run parallel to their lives. The story alternates between the fictional characters, Joe and Cate. Joe has a gifted life. Everything he does is spotlighted by the media. Cate has a very different life. She grows up with a single mom and not so nice stepfather in a middle class home.

June is a month I always look forward to because it usually means a new Emily Giffin book. I enjoyed Meant To Be. As a huge Emily Giffin fan, I found this one to be unique in style compared to her other books. The author notes at the end of the book are great for understanding her thought process for this book.

General Fiction (adult)
Women's Fiction
Release Date: May 31, 2022

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced preview of this book. This book was a what if and view into what it might have been like for Carolyn and JFK, Jr. Both passed in a fatal crash when I was very young and I didn't see and understand why the adults in my life were so saddened by their deaths. This book provided me with some insight into what Carolyn and John Jr. meant to those in their age groups and I enjoyed the what if they had survived perspective.

This book was not really what I expected. Emily Giffin is known for writing beautiful, deep stories and I just adore her writing. This book is loosely based on the Kennedy family. And maybe it lost me because I don't know a whole lot about them to be able to see the loose connections. I found the beginning to be slow, though it was necessary for the story to show where Joe and Cate, the two main characters, came from. Overall, while I didn't hate the story by any means, I just found this to be an okay story for me. I couldn't really connect to the characters like I would have wanted to. Some things fell flat. This was just an average read for me.