Who doesn't love a good love story?! Poor Cate didn't have the greatest upbringing. But a random encounter in the park changes her whole life. Can she shake her past and move forward with this new love?! Well you'll have to read and find out. Was it meant to be?

I really did enjoy this one. Now if I could just find my own Joe... maybe I need to go for a run myself 😉

This was a solid 5 ☆s for me!

MEANT TO BE is loosely based on the story of John Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette.
The Kingsley family is looked upon as American royalty. Joseph S. Kingsley Jr. is killed in a tragic accident leaving behind his wife and his son Joseph S. Kingsley lll. At a young age Joe knows he is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Charming yet a bit reckless Joe pursues a career in law. Thinking Joe is destined to be a great leader Joe’s mother continually puts pressure on him to go into politics.
Cate Cooper is raised by her mother. The struggle to live is all to real for the two of them. Cate’s mother remarries. Sadly Cate’s new stepfather turns out to be abusive towards her mother. Cate has stunning good looks and she is discovered by a model scout. Desperate to escape her dysfunctional family life, Cate embarks on a successful career as a model.
Joe and Cate meet one day during a photo shoot on a beach. The connection is instantaneous. Circumstances prevent the two from getting together immediately but those are soon overcome.
I enjoyed MEANT TO BE. I like stories that are based on true life events. These type of stories inspire me to do some research which I feel is a positive take away from reading the book. Also, I think it would make a good book club selection.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced digital edition of this book.

DNF - I was curious to see how this layout approach would impact the storyline given no one character was truly active in the moment but rather, was recollecting a large series of events. Ultimately, I found the dialogue to be a bit stilted & might attribute this to the way that the story is presented. Given the recollection format & allowing both Joe & Cate to share chapter space, I didn't find myself longing for anything--the events were dictated & then we moved on to read about someone else & their dictation. I feel that, perhaps, had the story focused on one person's recollection, even so much as leading them to the impasse of the other's, this might not have felt like such a big deal. But rolling back & forth between horrific childhood experiences left me with little gumption as said character miraculously found their way in the world to lead successful blissful lives in the easy way of a specific set of the species often seem to do.

I loved everything about this book. The characters or well defined and the progress was through on both sides. You watched these characters grow and mature. This was a fantastic book.

It follows sorts of a JGK and Caroline storyline which made it feel familiar and comfortable. But this is done if all the wishes had come true. It is a great love story. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

I'm a long-time fan of Emily Giffin and even travelled to meet her a few years ago! I always look forward to reading her latest releases so I was very excited to read "Meant To Be".

After finishing this book I found myself disappointed by it. I took some time to really reflect on why I didn't love it before writing this review and these were my conclusions. 1. This was written in the first person, which is not my favourite POV. I find it difficult and annoying to read books written from this perspective. 2. I just didn't root for their relationship to be successful, which I believe should have been at the core of this book. I should have WANTED them to succeed, but just couldn't find my way past the awkward dialogue and their immature actions. 3. I found the underlying "serious topic" (domestic violence) undeveloped. I felt like this was only added to the book for extra drama, not to really highlight the subject in a serious way.

I'll hand it to her, though, the ending was better than I expected and the book ended on a high note for me,.

I remain a fan of Emily Giffin but this book just didn't do it for me. Here's hoping that her next book brings back the Emily Giffin of old. 3.5 stars out of 5

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I honestly don't know what to say. Emily Giffin's writing is so effortless, her characters so real, raw, and fit into the story so seamlessly. It genuinely felt like a movie. I connected to the characters in visceral ways and Joe and Cate's undeniable chemistry is truly something inexplicable. A wonderful summer read and easily one of the best books I read this year. Giffin has such a talent. I cannot wait to read more of her work, particularly her romance.

I enjoyed this John Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette retelling featuring Joe Kingsley and Cate Cooper. From two very different worlds, these two meet and hit it off immediately but have to find a way to make a relationship in spite of the press and their respective families. Fans of the Kennedys will definitely love this story that ends much more happily than the real one. The author does tackles some harder issues though like intimate partner abuse. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.

This romance is inspired by the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Joe is born into a famous family and is expected to do great things - he has the family name, the looks, and the charisma. Cate is born into a much different family and works hard to overcome her upbringing to forge her own career and become a successful model and stylist. When the two meet their connection is strong and their relationship blossoms from there.

I liked the premise of revisiting the love story between John and Carolyn, but the love story between Joe and Cate fell a bit flat for me. I didn't really feel a strong connection between them - I knew that they were supposed to feel immediate sparks for each other, but as a reader I didn't feel it. The characters didn't have the depth that I wanted them to. That being said, overall it was a pretty enjoyable read, and it was a good exploration of some of the aspects of the Kennedy-Bessette relationship.

I've always loved Emily Giffin and her books, so I was very excited to receive this one as an eARC. It is very loosely based off of the Kennedy's and what might have been had JFK Jr, and Carolyn Bessette not perished in a plane crash.

I enjoyed this one - it felt like I was getting a peek into a secret world and lives, but I didn't feel as strong a connection to the characters as I thought I would. Having said that, this is a fun, vacation read. Not to heavy and interesting enough to your attention while lounging on the beach.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4.

Unfortunately, I didn’t really connect with this story. Immediately it became very clear “Meant to Be” was inspired by/based on the Kennedy family, whom I know very little about and don’t really have a personal interest in (well before I was born). This connection was mentioned in Giffin’s Author’s Note at the end of the novel, and when reading that, it’s hard to dispute how similar the stories are/align. I guess the blurry fiction/reality aspect sort of slowed my interest in the plot rather quickly, and along with the slow, back-and-forth, prolonged courting of the two main characters.. the story was pretty predictable and not a “I loved it” stand out. This novel did read quickly and I can see it being a very popular summer read for many. This definitely was not my favourite Giffin book, however I will continue to read her novels- hopefully her next one is more of interest to me.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel!

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 to the world 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.

I want to give a huge thank you to @penguinrandomhouse and @netgalley for allowing me to read and review Emily Giffin’s newest novel. This was first time reading this author and I am absolutely enthralled by her writing - it definitely won’t be the last!

TW: domestic violence

I am obsessed with Joe and Cate! I loved getting to know them as individuals while reading their separate storylines at the beginning of the book. I feel this allowed me to connect with them on their own before I started rooting for them as a couple, which really just fuelled my obsession. I love a well-written multiple POV novel and Giffin put a little spin on this by having a big fraction of the story told before the characters are even acquainted. I also really enjoyed the compare and contrast between both characters through various stages in their lives. This isn’t necessarily done synchronously, but we see both Joe and Cate overcome huge obstacles in their lives which are comparable in some regards - the major difference is their families/support systems and the effects that can have on one’s growth.

I really felt that these two balanced each other out perfectly. Their relationship was essentially picture perfect. Though you completely understand Cate’s apprehension throughout the story, at times, I just wanted to give her head a shake! Joe was a perfect gentleman and oh so romantic! I also really appreciated that Giffin barely described Joe’s physique. I wanted to note this because, oftentimes, the male leads in romance novels are way too good to be true! Where are all these super hot, buff, romantic men irl? I mean, being pursued by the rich and famous is also pretty unlikely but his overall image/persona was more 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 than most.

I read the majority of this book just waiting for the other shoe to drop! Everything was just going 𝘵𝘰𝘰 smoothly and I knew there had to be a twist somewhere. Lo and behold, it came and slapped me right in the face for the last 25% of the book. Even though I knew something was coming, I couldn’t predict exactly what it was going to be and I actually became nervous that maybe this book wasn’t going to have a happy ending, but in the end, I was really satisfied with the conclusion.

I was captivated by this book right from the very beginning. The book is written in the dual narrative of Cate and Joe which highlights the similarities and differences in their upbringing and social class. Each of these characters is well developed and likeable.

The book has a very romantic feel to it. Growing up, Cate and her mother were both fascinated by the Kingsley family. Indeed, Cate even has a poster of Joe on her wall. Years later, Cate has become a sought-after model when Joe spots her during a shoot on a beach in the Hamptons. Despite being engaged to another woman, he can’t help but find a way to meet her.

I admire the way the author is able to convey the level of attraction and passion between Cate and Joe. The dual perspective magnifies the emotion: nothing seems insurmountable for this couple. One cannot help but cheer them on.

Cate is always guarded about her tragic childhood which she views as a major roadblock to Joe’s career. As a reader, I was humbled by this character’s ability to overcome multiple barriers. Over time, she focuses on changing those things that help her feel that she is a more worthy partner. Just when she feels that maybe she can find her happily ever after, a secret from the past is revealed which shakes her to her very core.

There is so much more I want to say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away. If you’re a fan of General Fiction or Women’s Fiction, you will enjoy Meant to Be. My only regret from reading this book is that I will have to wait two more years until the author’s next release.

4.5 stars/5

This was not a bad book at all! I personally just was not feeling it. I think what I disliked most was the writing style and the characters. I felt nothing for them and felt as if their personalities were just basic. However, this book was cute at some parts but I just wasn’t for me.

Add to your TBR pile and bring this one to the beach with you this summer! This book is Emily Giffin at her best. Think the same fast paced, can’t-put-down reads that she delivered back in her Something Borrowed series.
Joe and Cate deliver a sweet and pure romance that will have you invested in their story and reading way past your bedtime. Loosely based on JFK Jr and Caroline with appearances by Joe’s “famous” mother including glamorous trips to the Hamptons. This book will leave you enthralled and rooting for their love.

I didn’t enjoy the last couple of books from this author, but as a fan, I’ve continued to read all of her books despite this. I can say I’m so happy this author has delivered this fascinating story. Her writing style captivated me as I felt I was getting to know both charming Joe, and a withdrawn Cate, who spends a lot of energy hiding from her past. Fate brings them together and you will just have to read for yourself to see if they get their fairytale ending! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Trigger warning: violence against women; plane crash; death of father; possible disordered eating triggers.

Another great read by Emily Giffin! Loosely based on the love story of John F Kennedy/Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

This was a sweet romantic comedy that reminded me very much of a modern Cinderella story. I'm not sure that there was anything original in the story, but it was a very fun, quick, beach read type book that just leaves you feeling happy and optimistic. The characters were cute, the story was cute, it was overall just a really cute story that I flew through in two days.

If you are into rom coms or have enjoyed any of Emily Giffin's other books then I definitely recommend that you pick this one up as well.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

Emily Giffin’s descriptive writing details some of the glamour associated with modelling, designer fashion and the lifestyle of the Elite in The Hamptons. Meant to Be is an escape read that will have you cheering for girl who didn’t finish high school, overcame the mental abuse of a step-parent, and societal norms
Thank You to Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley, and Emily Giffin for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Emily Giffen’s lastest book, Meant to Be, is loosely based on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Besette’s love story. Which to be honest I had no idea when I started reading it as I didn’t really read the description! I’ve just always loved Emily Giffen and always read her books. As well not being American, or having previous interests in the Kennedy’s I didn’t make the connection.

This is a wonderful love story between Joe and Cate told from a dual point of view. The character development is very done and I found myself empathizing and understanding exactly where both characters were coming from.

I would recommend this book to those looking for a happy ending love story!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Like many of us, Emily Giffin was also fascinated by the Kennedy family. When John and Carolyn died in the July 1999 plane crash, questions of ‘what if’ dominated the author’s thoughts and the seed for this novel was planted. Her main characters, Joseph S. Kingsley III and Cate Cooper were inspired by John and Carolyn and Giffin writes to explore what their lives could have been had fate not stepped in.

Readers follow their relationship, a golden boy with looks and charisma who is only too aware of the expectations both his heritage and country placed on him and a beautiful girl from a struggling single family, and wonder if it can withstand the pressure of the spotlight. Will this love story be doomed before it begins?

I loved this glimpse into what could have been for this unlikely couple and enjoyed a story about characters who struggled to find where they belonged. I was reminded again as I turned the last page that despite John’s charisma, he struggled with grief and with living in the constant spotlight of the paparazzi.

This was my first introduction to this author and I was impressed with her flowing, easy to read prose and her relatable characters. I was hooked into this story immediately and lost all track of time in an effort to find out how Joe and Cate’s relationship would fare. Giffin capably took a snapshot of our past, a moment forever frozen in time, and reimagined it as a great romance.

I was gifted this advance copy by Emily Giffin, Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley, and was under no obligation to provide a review.