Meant to Be: A Novel

Couldn’t put this book down

It was easy to imagine these characters as not only star-crossed lovers but in the image of young John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette.Joe’s father was beloved and died too soon. His elegant mother expects their only son not only to carry on the Kingsley legacy but to take on his father’s role as an aspiring political leader, which he has no interest in. He just wants to make it through law school and pass the bar. Cate grew up worshipping this young boy whose family was like American royalty. Her life was far different from his, the only thing they had in common, is that they both grew up without a dad. She lives with her mother who remarried an abusive husband.By a twist of fate, Joe and Cate meet and it really does feel like it was meant to be. While one comes from privilege and the other would like to break away from her past, they are both trying to escape circumstances that are different yet similar. Frustrated with their mothers, wanting to make their own decisions, and to pursue careers of their own choosing.MEANT TO BE is your must-pack into your summer beach bag book that’s a mashup of historical fiction (sort of) meets romance meets contemporary fiction.

If you are an Emily Giffin fan, or just a fan of reading in general, buy this book! I could barely put it down. Easy, quick read.

and eagerly started this novel. But I found the main character Joe Kingsley very forced and his supposedly iconic status hard to believe. Cate was a more believable character though her ability to rise with warp speed up the ranks and become a supermodel as a teen high school dropout was, again, not a convincing story. The first half of this novel was, frankly, slow and boring.Ms Giffin gets going when she narrates Cate's and Joe's passionate love affair, and yes, the sex is graphic but realistic and perfectably acceptable unless you've got some kind of hang-up about human intimacy. On the other hand, she introduces two female characters, Berry and Margaret, both romantic interests for Joe but neither character is ever developed. Margaret sticks with Joe for years without a hint of intimacy. What's wrong with this Harvard-educated gal? Berry simply ends up apparently living with Joe's mother as a kind of sister to Joe. Does she actually have a life?So, I'm one for two with Emily's novels but I look forward to trying a third.

Perhaps a bit heavy (at first) on family history, the novel quickly picks up steam and you're fully involved in the lives of Joe and Cate, a playboy socialite from a well-connected family and a high school dropout who moves to the big city to escape an abusive household. Chapters alternate points of view, a tactic that makes it easier to get to know the main characters. Loosely based on the story of JFK Jr. and Caroline Bessett, Giffin's novel allows readers a potential glimpse into the lives of two of America's sweethearts. It's fiction, of course, but it's a nice "what if" novel for those caught up in the Kennedy family and, sadly, the Kennedy curse. Giffin's knack for detail in terms of setting and historical accuracy shines. However, even those not interested in the Kennedys will enjoy this love story. The main characters display both vulnerability and strength, making it easy to root for them. Great read, perfect for curling up by the fire or sitting on the beach!

I really like the authors writing style. I get upset when it says I'm 80% done with the book, I want to keep the story going and going! Looking forward to reading more and more.

I absolutely loved this story, as I love everything Emily Giffin writes!!! She has told another beautifully imagined story and the epilogue was EVERYTHING. I adored this story and the inspiration was absolutely perfect. Loved this book so so much.

Wasn't sure how I felt about the book but I kept reading even with the strong Kennedy vibes. I'm glad she made the story end happy though (no spoilers)! I enjoyed the peek into that world. Will Berry get her own happy ending??? Hmmmm...

Great story. Yes, it may sound slightly similar to love stories we’ve heard of (famous persons), but it’s a great story nevertheless. It’s entertaining! That’s what fiction if for!

What can I say? I am SO HAPPY and applaud myself for ordering this particular novel. I must admit I had not heard of dear respected Emily, but now I have and I can say that I am one of her top-fans. The moment I opened the book I could not stop reading. It is addictive reading and I am a romantic myself and reading and enjoying it in small parts every day. I read it in the morning and at nights in my bed. I am a writer myself and writing my first ever novel these days and Emily has inspired me to do so. If I ever meet her, I would love to receive her autograph. I think so is brilliant and once I finish this classic novel, I will purchase another one by Emily. Thank you Amazon for delivering my book in pristine condition. I shall treasure it for my whole life. GOD BLESS YOU and Emily too.

Dzień dobry, książka, która otrzymałem została uszkodzona. Uszkodzenie widać na zdjęciach. Zakładam, ze to w wyniku złego zapakowania. Książka była przeznaczona na prezent dla Żony. Jestem rozczarowany :( Piotr Durzyński

I love this! Been searching this for so long

One of the things that stood out for me as I read this story was the impact of the media on those caught in the spotlight. This story shows how little they can do to prevent their every action, emotion or relationship from being scrutinized in ways that most people could not even imagine. Beautifully written from the perspective of both Joe and Cate.