Review of Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

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I enjoyed this novel a great deal. While nothing will ever lived up to Something Borrowed I always enjoy this author’s books though they aren’t my preferred genre. I listened to this one on audio and highly recommend that. The narration was great. I really liked the alternation of both POVs as well as the flashbacks to the past to tell the full story. I also really liked the main characters. I went into this totally blind but like many are fascinated by the Kennedys and appreciated the nod to the family with parallels to the main character.

Quick synopsis: This book tells the story of two characters. The first is Joe who is the son of a famous political figure who dies young. He grows up rich and wild but deep down is a good guy. Cate, on the other hand, has a very hard start in life but finds her way to success as a model. When their lives collide the story really starts.

Thanks so much to @netgalley for the early copy of this one.

An unlikely pair; a wealthy boy and a girl with a troubled past meet and try to navigate a relationship. Joe Kingsley III is part of an upper crust family that is practically considered American royalty. Cate grew up in a meager, single parent home until she was discovered and thrust into the modeling industry as a young teen. When Joe and Cate meet they have an instant and strong connection. Can their relationship survive the constant attention that Joe receives on a daily basis?

I am a big fan of Emily Giffin. I love her writing style and her background as a lawyer seems to give her a unique perspective. When I found out that this book was loosely based on the Kennedy family, I was even more anxious to read it. I really loved it! The writing was excellent, as I had expected it would be. The story of these two was absolutely captivating and I can’t wait to read this author’s next book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

Privileged Joe Kingsley has grown up in the spotlight of his family’s success, wealth, and legacy. Cate Cooper grew up with a single mom who later married an abusive man, causing Cate to leave home at eighteen to pursue her modeling career. While the two seem like an unlikely pair, when their paths cross they instantly connect. As they embark on a relationship despite their differences and under the spotlight of the media, they fight to see if love really can conquer all.

I really enjoyed the alternate points of view of Joe and Cate throughout the novel, and seeing the story through both of their eyes. In the author’s note, Emily Giffin explained how Joe Kingsley’s and Cate Cooper’s characters were partially inspired by John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife Carolyn, but purely fictional with their own backstories and lives. I appreciated this touch of a historical reference intertwined with a unique storyline and well-developed, dynamic characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for my gifted e-ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I didn't need to make it to the author's note at the end to tell this is a loosely-based story on JFK, Jr, his family and most notably, his courtship with Carolyn. The are notable similarities and differences between JFK, Jr. and the novel's Joe Kingsley. At first, I thought, ugh not another one. But as the story unfolds between Joe and Cate, I found their story charming and began rooting for them. One thing I didn't expect is the author's imagining of their life post-crash and offers a touching 'what if' I'm sure many of us enchanted by the Kennedy family can appreciate. Many retellings of this story end at the crash and this offers a different spin on a tragic ending.

I received this novel as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. If you love books about the Kennedy family and novels that flip the script on actual events, this is for you. Joe and Cate are loosely based in JFK Jr. and Caroline Bissette, But in this story they survive a plane crash and their lives are given new meaning. This was a great beach read for those who often wonder what if?

Loosely based on the lives of JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessett, Meant to Be is Giffin’s reimagining Of their story. I was skeptical at first, but their are enough differences to separate the fact from fiction. Griffin does a good job illustrating the extreme invasion Cate experienced as the love interest of Joe Kingsley.
The closer I got to the end my mind raced with how will she handle the inevitable? I liked the ending and it shows why fiction is so appealing. Endings can be different and better.

Meant to Be is a love story based loosely on JFK Jr and Caroline Bisset. Joe comes from an American royal family. Cate is a model escaping a terrible childhood. Although they could not be more different, their connection is impossible to ignore. They are both so lovable and real, it is impossible not to root for them. Any love story that has me crying before the ending is worth reading. Again and again.

I’m not going to call this a DNF - I’m calling this a NRN (not right now). My father passed away recently and reading about loss and grief and love is a sore subject for me at the moment. The writing from which I read was absolutely beautiful, and I cannot wait to dive back into this when I’m more mentally and emotionally stable. So much love to Netgalley and Emily for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading your beautiful work someday.

I don't think I've really disliked any of Emily Giffin's books, but some I've liked more than others. This one was definitely middle of the road for me, though I think readers who have nostalgia for the Kennedy family or JFK Jr. in particular may have more fun with this story that draws heavily from the family's history and lore. There are some compelling turns in Cate and Joe's relationship throughout this story that keep the pace moving.

Another hit from Emily Giffin! I couldn’t put this down, telling myself to read one more chapter, one more chapter. Loosely based on JFK Jr.’s love story with his wife Carolyn, Meant To Be tells the Cinderella story of Cate and Joe, and their fateful relationship. The characters were so true to life for me. Even the secondary characters were well developed. If you enjoy a bit of recent nostalgia, as this takes place in the 90’s, and a great love story, I highly recommend you read this.
Many thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an emotional and somewhat nostalgic book that is very loosely based on the Kennedy family. I really enjoyed this well-written story with an inside look into the lives of the rich and famous.

Joseph Kinglsey is the son and the grandson of famous, rich, and powerful men. He’s been raised since birth to respect his family's legacy and lived with expectations that he too would leave a legacy of his own. Growing up with these expectations has taken a toll on Joe, and he’s at loose ends on how to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather.

Cate, on the other hand, grew up without any expectations. She grew up with a single mom, who eventually married a monster. The abuse causes her to vow to leave her middle-class home in New Jersey and make a name for herself on her own. She learns early to keep the boys away, as the last thing she wants is an unexpected pregnancy to ruin her plans of freedom. She eventually becomes a model and makes the kind of money she needs to escape her childhood home, and become the woman she’s dreamed of. Modeling comes easy to her, and before she ages out of the modeling business she finds a job at a fashion house and continues to make the kind of money she needs to ensure her independence.

When Joe and Cate meet, he is immediately attracted to her, but she knows that the high profile world of Joe Kingsley will eventually uncover all her secrets of her abusive childhood and her poor childhood. Joe is persistent in his pursuit of Cate, and they eventually start a relationship. But, can such a union survive under the scrutiny of Joe’s high-profile world?

The author tells us a fictional story loosely based on John Kennedy Jr. I found the story engaging and a fast read. I’m not a fan of the super-rich and don’t usually like to read about them, but here the author gives us quite a sympathetic character for Joe Kingsley. Although rich, he also has his troubles and he’s very aware of the inequalities between the haves and the have-nots. He was also partially raised by his Grandmother, who was able to inspire him to try to do something with his life. And gave him a grounded outlook on life.

I normally avoid reading about rich and beautiful models as much as I do the super-rich, but once again, the author was able to make Cate a very sympathetic character. She dove deep into Cate’s early years and gave us a character who was easy to root for. Like Joe, Cate is humble and aware that her life is special. She works very hard to ensure she can stay independent as she never wants to have to rely on anyone other than herself for anything

These characters and this powerful story combine to make a fascinating story, that I enjoyed very much. The book is very well written and emotional. It seems impossible that Joe and Cate can ever truly be together, but the author weaves a believable story that will have you reaching for your tissues.

I highly recommend, Meant to Be to anyone who enjoys Womens’ Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Do you believe in fate? In "Meant to Be", we meet Cate and Joe, two people whos paths should never have crossed. Joe comes from "American Royalty" and Cate is a high school drop out who left her broken home to pursue a modeling career. On one chilly day in the Hamptons, their eyes lock and they know their story involves more than a fleeting moment. While Cate and Joe know they are perfect for each other, they quickly realize that not everyone in their lives may feel the same. Between hiding from paparazzi, and abusive step father, and a mother who only wants the best for her son, Cate and Joe must hold on to love to make this relationship work.

So many romance books I read are enemies to loves, strangers to lovers, etc. While those are fun tropes, there is nothing like good old fashioned love! "Mean to Be" is a true love story of Cate and Joe. We watch them both fall for each other, we learn about their insecurities, and we watch as they each bring out the best in each other. I believe this book is really about what happens when we find our soul mate. The transformation that happens in our lives when we stop living as one and start living as a team. I could not put this book down, and it was the first one in a very long time that I power through in less than 24 hours.

I couldn't put this book down! I was immediately captivated by the two main characters. Joe is American royalty and is the golden child of a Kennedy-like family, and Cate comes from a troubled past and sets out to become independent. We follow Cate and Joe as they navigate their differences and their intense love for one another. MEANT TO BE was such a beautiful love story! Perfect if you're craving a summer romance.

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is an incredible new novel from a consistently phenomenal author. I have long been a fan of this author's books. This book is different from some of her other books, but these differences only created a unique plot and cast of characters. This book captured my interest from the very first page. It sucked me in with the family history of one of the main characters, and I found myself fascinated and unable to put the book down. The plot just got better from there. This book is a gem and I think it would be a delight to take with you on a vacation. Amazing overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Great book, as Emily Giffin's usually are. Cute love story, that you kind of knew the ending to but not for sure until you got there. Fast read too, because you want to know the ending for sure.

This was a very nostalgic read. I can't say that it was my favorite by this author but it was an enjoyable read. The characters and setting brought me right back to the late 90's in NYC, my birthplace and forever home. The characters, Joe and Cate are based on JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's interpretation of their love story and what could have been had tragedy not struck. The author has a flair for describing beautiful, rich people and how they live. Sometimes it is grating and sometimes it works really really well. In this story, it worked really well. I disliked Berry - she was just too intrusive and you could see her feelings from a mile away. Overall this was just a good what if story. It definitely brought back so many memories of a time in my life that seems so much simpler.

Thank you to the publisher for a Netgalley of this one.

Overall, I would say I enjoyed the story of Care & Joe. I always cheer for an underdog and I like to read about people in different circles coming together.

But with that being said, I just didn't particularly love it, nor did I think it was original. If there was a format for an uneventful romance book, this would be it. I felt there could have been way more drama for such a highly watched relationship. All the problems were solved quickly and without any issue. Berry could've been in the book a bit more and forget about the epilogue. That was basically unnecessary and rehash of the whole story. Honestly, the epilogue was just lame.

I know it sounds like I did not like the book, but I did. I just did not think it was great.

This was a mixed reading experience for me. I grew up in the swirl of news about JFK Jr and his beautiful wife; I remember their tragic death. Knowing that the book was based on their story made it hard for me to invest in the characters or the unfolding plot. The writing is as excellent as one expects from Emily Giffin, and I strongly suspect that if I didn’t know the story behind the story, I would have been drawn right in and loved the ride. So I’ll recommend this based on the caliber of the author’s work and let readers make their own decisions.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

EG is such an amazing author. I knew this would be another stellar story, and I'm so glad I was right. I loved the touch of history and the parallels to the Kennedy family. EG handled domestic violence very well, and as always, I loved how she built the characters.

Wow this had me swooning, crying and rooting for the 2 main characters, Joseph Kingsley and Cate Cooper. There are definitely American historical parallels to the characters in the book to John F Kennedy an Jacqueline O'Naussas. This is best book Emily Giffin has written in a long time and I highly recommend it!

Thanks to Netgalley, Emily Giffin, and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for honest review.

Available: 5/31/22