I guess that the title should have been a tip off - but it didn't take long for me to figure out that Cate would end up with her teenage crush. This book was a take off of the JFK Junior-Carolyn Bessette story but lacked any in-depth feeling of the relationship. It seemed to me to be a young adult romance with a Hallmark ending.
I grew up in the 50s and 60s and remember the excitement of the country when JFK was elected. We were glued to our TVs watching every minute of the funeral and little JohnJohn saluting his father's casket. I think that nearly everyone watching would say it was a defining event. Naturally, we were intrigued by the famous family and how they coped with the loss of the President. Evidently Emily Griffin was among the aforementioned people and used her writing to bring us the rest of the story.
However, this story was a disappointment to me because the characters lacked depth. I found them both to be one dimensional, although Cate seemed to grow throughout the novel. The plot was totally predictable with a little surprise ending, but the romance was too fluffy to be real. The paparazzi definitely put some pressure on the relationship, but it seemed more Princess Diana-Prince Charles stalking than the typical mid-60s press. I was bored with the he said/she said alternating chapters and felt that the 2 main characters were telling us their story rather than letting the story develop through their intereactions.
I received an Advance readers copy (ARC) for free from NetGalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily. My rating is actually 2.5 stars

One of my favorite 2022 reads. EG is like a fine wine and only gets better. She is the only person who can do a JFK Jr. and CB re-imagining.

I picked this book simply because I read the something borrowed series from Emily Giffin. With this book I quickly learned she will be an immediate buy for me from here on out!! I loved the book and now need to read all her backlist.

This is the sweetest love story ever!!!!!!!!! If you love Cinderella and prince charming love stories then this is the book for you. Or if you're a hopeless romantic who just loves a happily ever after this book has it all. Celebrity lifestyles, family drama, love, romance, & happily ever after. This is in this readers opinion Emily Giffins best book ever!!

Spirit of transparency, the book started a little slow for me. I think it was critical, however, because it allowed for important context to be built about the characters. Neither has an easy life, and that's outlined at the beginning of the text. Overall, it's an easy read. The characters, Joe and Cate, are likable and realistic. I enjoyed the book.

This book wasn't for me. I typically love Emily Giffin but this fell flat. The book never grabbed me and bored me. I found myself looking for other books to read and struggled to finish it.

I want to thank Netgalley, and Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

If you are a Kennedy fan you will love this booked based on them. It is basically a what-if version of JFK Jr and Carolyn. I enjoyed it and will give Emily Giffens book a chance in the future

Wow was I amazed by this book. I went in blind and quickly figured out this story was similar to The Kennedy’s. What a beautiful story and the character development was unbelievable. I fell deeply for Cate and loved that their different backgrounds may of shaped who they were and growing together made them even stronger.

Loved everything about this book and think it’s actually reread quality.

Sending a sincere thank you to Ballentine books and NetGalley for an early release for my honest review

Loved this book read them all by Emily. The story is believable and can relate the the characters. Cate and Joe are not from the same line of families riches. But,when the meet they know it was meant to be v

An enjoyable easy read very reminiscent of the romance of John Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It brings back memories of the Kennedy era and the many tragedies that befell them. No spoilers here-you’ll have to read this to see how it compares.

The author puts her fascination with the Kennedys to work in this book, a factionalized what if story based loosely on the lives of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette. It’s a good summer romance beach read with an unexpected ending.

I've loved Emily Giffin since I picked up the lovely Something Borrowed in 2004. While that remains my favorite I've enjoyed each subsequent novel and seeing her writing deepen and blossom.

The tragic plane crash of JFK Jr. and the Bessette sisters in 1999 is one of the news stories I will never forget, holding onto hope that they could be rescued, watching the eulogy that like his father JFK Jr had every gift but time. I remember that iconic wedding photo in the little chapel in Georgia and even all the tabloid stories of JFK jr enjoying life in New York. So I was so excited the I learned that this was to be a retelling of that fated love story. I follow Emily Giffin on Instagram and have known of her fascination with not only the British royal family, but of America's own Camelot Kennedy family as well.

This is a beautifully written book told from both perspectives of model Cate and her heartbreaking childhood and Joe, clearly meant to follow in his hero father's footsteps. The love story aspect is poignant and truly seems, as the title states, Meant to Be,

Knowing this is so clearly a retelling of the JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette is at times disconcerting. Joe's mom, Dottie, is supposed to be Jackie Kennedy, yet isn't quite, Regardless, I loved this story and seeing how the romance of the 1990s played out.

What if?
What if JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette hadn't died? What would their lives have been like?

MEANT TO BE by Emily Griffin is an easy summer read that takes you into the lives of Joe Kingsley, the son of an iconic American hero, and Cate Cooper, a model who ended up working for a fashion designer. Loosely based on the lives of JFK Jr. and Carolyn, this story kept me interested throughout the book. It also reminded me a little of the movie PRETTY WOMAN.

Although many dream of meeting that Prince Charming that comes from a wealthy family, this book shows that it isn't easy trying to fit in if you didn't grow up that way. Everyone has hidden secrets of their past. If you're in love, do those secrets still matter?

I would recommend this to my friends that just want to enjoy a simple story that will make you smile.

I gave this book four stars. I was given this book for my honest review.

I am a huge Emily Giffin fan, and really enjoyed this book. Loved both the setting and the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. I am looking forward to recommending this book.

Sometimes you need to read the classic romance of the rich good looking boy falls for the girl on the other side of the tracks. At least that is what I thought I was reading until the author spills her heart on what inspired her characters. I did see it at the end and it was spectacular.

The time setting was perfect starting in the early 1960's. Joe Kingsley has much to live up to. The Kingsley name is like a royalty. His father a hero and now dead. His mom, a woman of poise in social circles keeping the family name alive. Joe's grandmother "Gary" (cute story with the name) who inspired him to be himself while humbly helping others.

Cate who lived on the other side of the tracks who dreamed of Joe Kingsley in her young awkward life in school. Battling an abusive step father and a mother who could not or would not protect her, had her big break when she was discovered by a modeling agency. She left her small town and took to the big apple.

The narration between the two is done very well. You are connected with both of them and they are easy to like. The characterization is one of vulnerability and strength. Desperation and confidence. Coy and bold. All good stuff. Their romance pulls you in and then the break up. I almost stopped reading and if you feel that way too! Don't stop reading! Read to the very end.

A special thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This was basically loosely based fictional account of JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. There were definitely a lot of similarities, but there was also a lot that author Emily Giffin changed. The story was a little slow at times, but overall it was a good story. It seemed a little different from her other titles as well; that isn't really a good or bad thing, just something I felt about this one.

Joseph S. Kingsley III is considered American royalty. He comes from a line of wealthy, accomplished, and well-known individuals. Joseph is expected to succeed and become something special. Joseph is not sure of what he wants to do with his life but he can feel the pressure building.

Cat's childhood was not an easy one. Thankfully, Cat is "discovered" and starts modeling as a teenager, becoming quite popular and in-demand making her face easily recognizable.

When Joseph meets Cat, he knows she is the one. However, he will need to convince his mother and his best friend that Cat is his future despite their differences.

As soon as I realized Meant To Be was loosely based on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's romance, I knew I wanted to read it.

The book has both POVs. Each character detailed their different backgrounds and I was rooting for their love to go the distance without a horrible tragedy at the end.

I am one of those that loved John John. I thought he had great potential and possibly an amazing future. Despite not knowing him, I felt saddened by his death. Both lives were cut too short.

Just like the author, I used to read (guiltily) about their courtship and then their marriage. Who hasn’t seen their wedding picture with him kissing her hand? Cruelly their romantic story ended drastically on July 16, 1999.

Meant to Be by is classic Emily Giffin with interesting characters you want to get to know and would love to meet in real life.

Cliffhanger: No

3.5/5 Fangs

Meant to Be was such a good book! I was captivated by the story and the characters, and I loved reading it from the very start to the very end. I have never been a follower of the Kennedy family but know enough about them that I caught on to the similarities between them and the characters in this book, and am now intrigued enough to want to learn more about the Kennedys.

This is not just a sweet, charming, fairy tale romance; it also has believable real life content and people with lives that are not full of puppy dogs and roses.

Emotional, captivating, beautiful.

I don't really know too much about the Kennedy family other than the major headlines we've all seen and known throughout the years - and I think that because of this, I was really able to get lost in this story. Although I do think those who have followed the lives and loves and tragedy of this famous family religiously, will also really be absorbed into this really sweet speculative tale of a couple in love, and the tragedies that they must endure.

It's a heartwarming and endearing love story between Joe and Cate, but it also touches on fame and fortune, family expectations and disappointments, and the resilience and fortitude to endure all theses things that are stacked against that love - and how against all odds... love always wins.

I enjoyed this one very much and appreciated the depth and thoughtfulness of the love story, without being too cheesy or overly dramatic. It's quote the homage to John and Carolyn and the perfect summer romance read!

4.5 rounded up. Emily Giffin at her best. I really liked this one. I listened to the audio and was just engrossed in the story.