Sisters, Vera and Kelly, grew up in a small town in Kansas. Vera can’t wait to get out and explore the world with her childhood sweetheart, Adam. Kelly is looking forward to marrying her lifelong friend, Paul, and becoming a Veterinarian. However, when Paul leaves for Europe without asking Kelly to marry him and Vera falls in love with Miguel, their lives change forever.

This book is very well written but really long. It starts with Vera and Kelly’s story (which is like reading a soap opera) and then moves into Cait’s story (Miguel’s daughter) who then raises Vera and Miguel’s daughter, Michaela. I really liked the characters and felt a connection with them. I also enjoyed the overall plot. There were a lot of emotional ups and downs. The second half of the book is better than the first half. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and came to an abrupt end. However, if you enjoy an emotional roller-coaster romance, this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin- Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Who doesn't love following a family's whole lineage? This story starts with Vera and Kelly - sisters engaged to be married to two young men they grew up with. Paul is the veterinarian's son - a perfect fit for Kelly, who plans to also become a veterinarian and take over the older doctor's practice. Adam is the mayor's son, a respectable young man from a great family, who's been promised to Vera forever - even when he left town to join the Peace Corps in Africa, a dream Vera planned to follow with him once her mom was taken care of by her younger sister in a few years.

But the best-laid plans...am I right? I thought I was reaching the end of the story when Vera and Kelly got settled the first time, but it was just the beginning. This story followed through to their grandchildren, and almost beyond. The writing was engaging, and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

Overall, I'd give this book 4 out of 5 stars, and had tears in my eyes at the perfect ending (even if it was a bit abrupt). I'd recommend this for readers who enjoy epic generational stories. It spanned more than 50 years, with the introduction of new younger characters feeling very tied in with those we already knew.

Three generations of Kansas women. Vera and Kelly in the 70s, Cait in the 90s and Mike in the 2000s all fight for family and live. ARC from NetGalley.

When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day. This one took by surprise!

i really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great romance book with interesting characters. I enjoyed this storyline and going through their romance.

A good familiar saga, engrossing and well written.
The plot is well developed, the characters interesting.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Meant to be portrays generations of strong women from Mason, Kansas who bring together three families. The story is easy to follow and kept my interest. Each woman is challenged to sacrifice their dreams for family, the town and the men they love, but eventually discover what they truly want in life and get it.

Thank you for the advance copy.

I will read anything Jude Devereaux writes! I certainly loved this one so much. Great characters and a wonderful romance.

Highly recommended story and author. This novel covers multiple generations, starting in the 1970s to present. There are many characters but they were surprisingly easy to keep track of.

Right from the very beginning, I was gripped by this enthralling tale by Jude Deveraux, an inspiring family saga that spans generations, telling the story of two sisters Vera and Kelly Exton. Set in the small farming community of Mason, Kansas, going back to 1972, the story leads the reader through to 1996 when we come to Caitlyn's story which is a pivotal part of the tale. Meant To Be is a great romance, a well-written story and will be appealing to many for not being too syrupy. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Harlequin MIRA via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This is my first book by Jude Deveraux and it won't be my last. This story spun a wonderful story about romance with friendships and more. I couldn't put it down and it was an amazing read start to finish.

The iconic Jude Deveraux is back with a sensational family saga guaranteed to keep readers spellbound and reading all through the night.

It’s 1972 and the world is changing. Women who have long chafed at the conventions that society has imposed upon them are determined to become the ones in charge and the mistresses of their own destiny and in the small farming community of Mason in Kansas, sisters Vera and Kelly Exton have vowed not to be left behind. Already well known throughout their community for being headstrong and ambitious, Vera and Kelly plan to ride the crest of this wave and will not let anyone or anything stand in their way – however, fate might have other ideas for these two sisters, who soon realize that they are going to need all their strength and courage if they want to make their dreams a reality. Will happiness be within the sisters’ reach? Or are they doomed to a lifetime of regret and disappointment?

Duty has so far kept the sisters very much tied to home and hearth. While activist Vera would love nothing more than to join her boyfriend in the Peace Corps, she needs to stay home to look after her mother and her sister. Kelly is also looking to the future and plans to finish her studies to become a veterinarian and take over her father’s practice and marry her childhood sweetheart. The current circumstances the sisters find themselves in aren’t exactly to their liking, but when everything changes they find themselves forced to make the most difficult decision of their lives.

What will Vera and Kelly do? Will they let their responsibilities stand in the way of their dreams? All it takes is one courageous move for the sisters to find the fulfillment they seek as their decisions will impact not just their lives, but those of subsequent generations as well…

Jude Deveraux has done it again with her latest novel, Meant to Be. Written with all the charm and warmth that are this legendary author’s trademarks, Meant to Be is a brilliantly told tale about hope, loyalty and love featuring two inspirational heroines who leap off the pages and will take up residence in readers’ hearts.

A fantastic family saga that will make readers laugh and cry, Jude Deveraux has penned another must-read tale with Meant to Be.

I have read many books by the author in the past, but not in recent years. This was an amazing family saga. Takes place in the 1970's, the 1990's and present day. Loved reading about sisters, family, neighbors in Mason, Kansas.. The characters and the easy writing style just pull you in! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I have read Jude Deveraux’s books for years. I love her writing style and am left with a satisfying smile when I finish each book. Meant To Be is a family saga that has many wonderful characters. I love the family dynamics and how it plays out throughout the generations. It made me think about how important our actions and reputation impacts the entire family.

Vera and Kelly Exton are both well known in Mason, Kansas, because they both know what they want and are working hard on getting it. Well that’s normal nowadays, the story starts off in 1972. Kelly wants to be a vet, she’s in school and is working in the towns vet’s office. It just so happens that her boyfriend’s stepdad owns the office. Vera, on the other hand, can’t wait until Kelly is settled down so she can get out. She can’t wait to leave the country. She’s joining the Peace Corps with her boyfriend Adam. That’s been her plan for as long as she can remember. Adam’s been gone for awhile now, but he’s back in town because his father passed away and he needs to get everything settled before they can head out.
The summer of 1972 brought the town many changes, business, friendships, and relationships.
Next, we’re transported to the next generation, we find out what’s been going on in Mason, Kansas since 1972. We find out which relationships are still going strong, who’s back in town, who’s moved, who’s passed away, and who’s pregnant. We also find out who in the next generation finds love.
Finally, we’re transported to the present. We meet the next generation, we’re brought up to date with the previous generations, we’re invited to a wedding, and to a carnival. There’s also a shocking ending, one that I actually had to read twice to make sure I read it correctly.
I’ve been reading stories by Ms. Deveraux since the 1990’s and I have to say that this story hits me hard. This has to be up there as one of my favorites by her, up there with my all time favorite, A Knight in Shining Armor. The characters, storyline, writing, they pull you in, they keep you in, and you don’t want to leave Mason, Kansas until the very page.

** I received an ARC of this story from Netgalley and the publisher and this is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 stars
Meant to Be is a stand alone family saga that begins in the 1970s and ends in modern day. It follows sisters, Vera and Kelly and how their choices affected their lives for decades. I have really mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the first 75% of the story. Vera and Kelly are sisters, but they are complete opposites in personality. I liked their story. I also liked Caitlin's story in the 1990s. I could have read about those three women for a lot longer.

What made me hesitate to say I loved the story was the last 1/4 of the book. "Mike's" story was kind of boring as it only takes place over a day or two. It just wasn't very well fleshed out. The ending really disappointed me. It was almost like the author didn't know how to end the book. Without really spoiling anything, there was a death that came out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary and unexplained. Then it just ended. I would still recommend the book. It actually was a very quick read and enjoyable for the more part.

MEANT TO BE is the story of two sisters, Vera and Kelly Exton. Both girls are total opposites and they are well known in the town for their strong personalities. I found myself cheering them on and laughing right along with them! Hang on my reading friends, it’s going to be a crazy ride!

MEANT TO BE is the exact reason why I have always enjoyed Jude Deveraux stories! Trust me, as you read it you will be shaking your head, saying “no way” over and over again. Jude Deveraux writes about characters that become real right before your eyes. In her writing, she gives you a pathway toward getting invested in their lives and all they are going through.

All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. MEANT TO BE is a heart tugging and wonderful tale and I loved it. The characters are flawed and the story is definitely about family, but it’s also about romance and being true to yourself. The positive female friendships make you want to go out and make some new best friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading MEANT TO BE. It is heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Jude Deveraux does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be right there in this small town laughing away the night with these awesome ladies! Once you finish devouring their stories you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

RATING: 3 STARS
2021; Mira/Harlequin

Meant to Be starts off with two sisters, who are night and day, wanting a life of their own. Their decisions in the 1970s trickles down to the next two generations in the 1990s and present day. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but felt like it was a bit too ambitious in covering several decades. The novel started out slow introducing the main characters and the backstory. Just when I was starting to enjoy the story and find out what happens next, it's the 1990s. Like a child I was pouting at the quick change, but fine, I began to trust Deveraux's writing and read on. Again, once I got my footing into the story, boom it's present day. At that point I was reading just to see what happens. This novel is over 400 pages, but each story felt like novella. The short side of a novella. Granted, I probably would not have picked up this book if it was 700+ pages (though would put it on my TBR list). Maybe this novel would have made a better trilogy. I wanted to know more about the decisions. None of the bombshells were really surprising, so I would rather known what was going on while it was happening, instead of a summary of what happened. I did enjoy the story, and reminded me of romance sagas from the 90s like Nora Roberts, Belva Plain, etc.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux is a story that covers three generations in Mason, Kansas beginning in 1972. Vera and Kelly Exton have their futures planned out. Vera is looking forward to joining her boyfriend in the Peace Corps in Africa. Kelly is going to marry her beau while working with his father in his veterinary practice. The 1970s were a time when things were changing, and people questioned their roles which is what happens with Kelly and Vera. These two women need to decide what is best for them even if it upsets others. Meant to Be is an intriguing escapist novel. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I liked that Vera and Kelly were strong, smart women. Meant to Be is an appealing romance. There is some foul language in the book as well as intimate situations. I have been enjoying this author’s books since I was a teen, and I did miss the humor that is normally present in Jude Deveraux’s books. Lounging by the pool with a copy of Meant to Be is a lovely way to pass a warm afternoon. Meant to Be is a charming multigenerational tale with protest rallies, fields of fruit trees, high-speed horses, hidden hideaways, matchmaking mamas, and heart pounding romances.

Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux is a novel that follows three generations of women as they fall in love. The story starts with Vera and Kelly and grows from there. Vera and Kelly have been set on a path since they were young but now, they can change it. The question is will they have the courage to find love.

Easy straightforward love story for three generations of woman. This was an enjoyable predictable read. All the women were perfect even with imperfections. Like seriously everybody was in love with these women. This was not my favorite book by Jude Devereaux. I never really felt any depth in the characters. I already mentioned the predictable love interest. And to wrap up the pacing was a little slow.

Three stars for being a simple generational love story. Nothing special, nothing horrible. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin and Deveraux for the ARC. This is an honest review.