Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy of one of my favorite authors!

I have been reading Emily Giffin books since her first release, and this book held up her high standards. It was the perfect amount of backstory and family history then tied into a romantic relationship. It was just the right balance of fame without being too over the top tied into a love story that has its own obstacles. I had not read up on the concept of the book prior to reading, but midway through I realized the similarities to the Kennedy family. Giffin does a nice job of mimicking certain concepts without replicating the Kennedy story. It was such a good read that I finished in less that 24hrs. I also loved the author notes at the end where Giffin shares her fascination of the Kennedy family, how it impacted her life while living in NYC and how this was her own personal way to share her story. I also want to read that first book that hasn't been published....yet ;)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was in a bit of a reading rut when I started this one. But it didn't take long for me to become completely invested in Joe and Cate. Even the secondary characters were so perfectly crafted. This novel about a Kennedy-esque family had me riveted and reminded me why I've loved Emily Giffin's writing.

A long time fan of Emily Giffin and I was excited to hear she had a new book releasing as I'd like to see her evolve as a writer. With Meant To Be, I found that this read more like a debut novel that had a cliché storyline and characters. You knew what to expect early on and it delivered.

There wasn't many highs or lows and the romance seemed almost too easy. It made me miss a bit of the angst in her last few novels. It did touch on some hard topics, trigger warning; domestic violence. I also liked her Author's Note at the end for her inspiration of this story and I can understand why she'd want to explore storyline like this.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book!

I'm a huge fan of Emily Giffin's other books but for some reason I had the summary of this one completely wrong in my head, so I wasn't super excited for it. But once I read the first chapter, I was hooked, and wow, I could not put this book down. I mean that literally; I dropped my phone too many times while multitasking so I wouldn't have to. I think this would make a great movie (but we need the Something Blue movie first)!

I really loved this story of Joe and Cate!
Characters- Joe and Cate , are fictitiously based on John Kennedy Jr. and his girlfriend Carolyn Bessette.
It takes place beginning in the sixties, and progresses throughout the years.
There are ups and down in all relationships, but when wealth, prestige, paparazzi as well as doubt, guilt, fear are involved;-one never really can know how life will turn out

This novel is well done, detailed, and stirred tears, happiness, hope and love while reading about these two people and their family! I truly wanted and prayed for the best outcome as I found myself rooting for them every step of the way!

I believe anyone who loves women's fiction, and romance is going to absolutely adore this story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random HousePublishing Group- Ballentine for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my review. Excellent!

This is a classic star-crossed lovers story, though the couple it was based on existed before my time. It's set in the 70s-90s, and it a good, warmhearted story. The storytelling is great, there are not very many bends or twists to the story, but sometimes it's nice to have a story without all that drama. It would be a perfect summer beach read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, though it didn't keep me up at night wanting more. Overall, Emily Giffin doesn't miss and this is another solid read!

I'm pretty sure I've never read anything by Emily Giffin that I didn't love and Meant To Be is another winner! It follows Cate Cooper who fought her way up from a horrible, abusive childhood to stardom as a model, yet she can't shake the feeling that she's a fraud and one slip about her childhood will bring her life crashing down around her. When she meets her childhood crush, Joe Kingsley, America's wealthy, eligible bachelor (think Kennedy) she knows she's not good enough for him. He falls in love with her as she is, but she knows that the relationship can't continue because she will never fit in with his family or his life. Will her past break them apart?

Another wonderful novel, giving hope that maybe, just maybe, love can conquer all. Thank you to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The format of this book alternates between Joe's story and Cate's story in every other chapter. Joe's wealthy family background carries a deep legacy which provides Joe a lot of opportunity and privilege, but also heavy expectations.

Cate grew up in a tougher environment without a lot of means for opportunity, and miserable moments in life because of her stepfather. She is discovered by a modeling agency and finds an opportunity to make a new path for her life.

Joe and Cate eventually cross paths as adults and acknowledge the attraction they feel for each other. They learn how to battle paparazzi and a more public relationship than Cate ever expected. Their relationship isn't without challenges, as Joe's family has been plagued by tragedy over the years.

The author's note at the end of the book gives insight into the famous family and couple that she used as inspiration for this book, and that inspiration is clear.

The Kingsley Family has a lasting legacy and is considered American Royalty. Joe Kingsley Jr dies, shocking and devastating the nation in 1967, leaving his legacy to rest on the shoulders of three year old Joe III. Joe grows up as a daredevil, reckless and handsome beyond belief. (Sound familiar?)
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Cate lost her father young also and spent her young life trying to escape an abusive stepfather. She is discovered by a model scout and her life takes off from there.
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When Joe and Cate meet the connection is immediate and intense but can their relationship survive the legacy?
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Wow, this book. I could not stop reading. If you are of a certain age, (like I am) you remember what it was like when John Kennedy Jr married Carolyn Bessette. They were hounded endlessly and every single thing they did was major news. Then when their plane horrifically disappeared everyone was glued to the screens and by screens I mean television screens, this was 1999. It was utterly devastating.
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This is a fictional story somewhat based on characters with characteristics resembling them but this a story about what If? What if this bright light continued to shine?
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I simply loved this one. I already know this is going to be one of my favorites of 2022. I adore @emilygiffinauthor and her beautiful writing style. It just sucks me right in every time.

I am an Emily Giffin fan, and this book did not disappoint. Reading the author notes at the end confirms that she modeled the characters after JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette, though it was not a stretch to know that prior. I liked how the book was told in alternating voices of Joe and Cate, seeing their problems through their eyes. This will be a fun summer read, Recommended for all public libraries.

What a great beach read this will be for the summer. It is light reading and romantic., a true love story. While it may be said to be predictable by some readers, it is comforting in its predictability. This may well turn out to be a classic and timeless read. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC in Kindle format in exchange for an honest review. I gave it 5 stars because the book was easy to read, not boring and left me feeling good about life in general.

I had a hard time relating to the characters and the "retelling" of the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette story. This was an okay story but just not for me.

I love Emily’s books and her latest does not disappoint. It is fabulous. Loosely based on the life of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, this book hooked me from page one and didn't let go until I was done. Cate and Joe are from different places in society. Cate, a high school drop out turned model; and Joe, a Kingsley. Cate is independent and fierce. Joe pursues her relentlessly. I loved the dual narrators and the plot arc. The characters were lovable, beautifully written and relatable. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.

Oh, Emily, you've done it again! You've written a story so clever, so detailed, and so interesting that I couldn't put it down. Told from the perspectives of both the male and female protagonists, Meant to Be pulled at my heartstrings and still has me thinking of the characters even when I finished the book.

Cate is a beautiful model, who comes from a rocky home, and has dealt with more than any young woman should ever face. Joe lives the opposite life. Young, rich, and surrounded by the best and finest, the chances of the two crossing paths are slim to none.

Will they be able to put aside their differences to be together? Or will issues from the past and problems in the present stop them from following their hearts?

A perfect escape from everyday life, this is a definite add to your TBR list, and I guarantee will be one of the top books of the summer.

I was thrilled Netgalley let me read this book. I’m a big fan of this author, and she’s one of the few that I’ve enjoyed all her books. This one included.
It is loosely based on JFK jr. I felt that throughout but was also immersed in the main character Joe, and his relationship with his mother. He was born into immense wealth and privilege. I loved watching him trying to navigate his life throughout this story.
It was fascinating reading about his love life too. The whole book was wonderful and I read it in 2 days. I wanted it to go on forever. This was a great read.

I’ve been a long time EG fan, and her first novels were some of my very favorites for years, but the last few have missed the mark to me. I would say I liked this better than the last 3-4, but was a little underwhelmed when I found out this was essentially a JFK Jr. historical fiction but with a happy ending. It wasn’t bad, but definitely not my favorite of hers.

Emily Giffin never disappoints and her latest, Meant to Be is SO good. I loved the storyline, loved the characters, and loved the similarities to the Kennedy's. I could not put this one down from the first page until the last. highly recommend!
Thank you to net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars

I received a complimentary Kindle book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Emily Giffin, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I really wanted to love this book, but I liked it instead. It was a sort of riff on the John Jr/Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy love story. At the beginning of the book, I quickly figured that it was a retelling of the tragic lives cut too short. Unfortunately, it just didn't ring completely true to me.

This was a nice story, but it wasn't fresh and new, unfortunately!

Recommend

Loosely based on the life of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, this book hooked me from page one and didn't let go until I finished it. Joe and Cate are from very different backgrounds, yet somehow manage to meet and fall in love. Of course, things don't always go smoothly though but they are meant to be. Totally loved this one- highly recommend.

Another beautiful Emily Griffen I could not pit it down.Cate& Joes relationship was so involving for me kept turning pages to find out what was happening now.I will be recommending Meant To Be as I do all the authors books.#netgalley #randomhouse