Fun and cute but didn't love love it. ( )

Very loosely based on the Kennedy family. Joe Kingsley III is expected to follow in the footsteps of his father, a hero who died during a NASA mission. His mom, Dottie, expects much of him, and would like him to enter the world of politics. The Kingsleys are a wealthy and polished family. Enter Cate Cooper who is also fatherless. After her mother marries an abusive man, Cate realizes that her only way to escape this situation, is to accept a modeling contract at age 16. This leads to her being in the Hamptons when Joe Kingsley comes down the beach and they meet.
Joe pursues Cate, but she resists, as she doesn't feel worthy of the Kingsley status. Her insecurity and concern for the difference in social status, and how her family secrets might pull down Joe's dreams causes her to be uncertain.
When odds are stacked against you, can there be a love that is meant to be? This is a sweet story of love and loss. It touches on some serious subjects. It also hints at the spotlight and scrutiny put on JFK Jr, although this story ends differently. ( )

"Meant to Be" by Emily Giffin started off well enough. However, less than half way through, I kept finding myself comparing it to the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The novel wasn't an exact replica of their lives, but close enough. Unfortunately, I didn't find the characters to be that interesting and the plot was quite predictable. This novel would be a better fit in the YA genre. ( )

It's got Giffin's signature readability; I read this super quickly, was super invested, but I felt like it had the opportunity to be more of an ALL WE EVER WANTED elevated novel and this was definitely just pure romance. Good, but disappointing as I know there could be so much more. ( )

In Meant To Be, author Emily Giffin transports the reader to New York City, that follows the love story of Cate Cooper and Joseph Kingsley III.

Cate Cooper had a difficult childhood in Montclair, NJ. Her mom Jan married a narcissistic cop named Chip, who belittled them and was very abusive. Cate was discovered at the age of sixteen by a modeling agent in Atlantic City, and to escape the abuse at home, she began a successful modeling career in New York City, that eventually led to her becoming a sought after salesperson for a designer with prominent clients after she retired from modeling.

Joe Kingsley comes from a long line of privilege and wealth, his family has been prominent in business, the military, politics, and New York society. Joe is expected to carry on the family legacy, especially following in his father's footsteps.

When Cate and Joe meet on the beach in the Hamptons, what ensues is a love story that brings two people from very different backgrounds together. As their love story unfolds, Cate and Joe deal with complications from their backgrounds, individual life issues, long-held secrets, and discover the true meaning of love, friendship, and family.

In Meant To Be, author Emily Giffin easily captivates her readers' attention with this beautifully written tale that is loosely based on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy's love story. This seamless and flowing storyline provides the reader with a wonderful description of NYC and the Hamptons, and characters who draw you into their lives with a strong emotional pull, along with their complexities, flaws and secrets.

Meant To Be is a wonderful story told in the first person alternating narrative that engages the reader to follow along as Cate and Joe's love story unfolds with plenty of drama, long-held secrets, trials and tribulations, life challenges, and family issues. The alternating storylines will keep the readers on their toes, but it all culminates in a heartwarming ending that will leave them with a smile on their face. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved following the same Camelot theme that the world knew during the Kennedy era. I loved reading about Joe and Cate's backstory and how even though their relationships with their families were definitely complicated, they were able to prove that they were Meant To Be!

The reader will be kept engaged as this wonderful story unfolds. With a cast of interesting characters, and a richly vivid description of New York and the Hamptons, Meant To Be is a compelling story about love, friendship, family, and second chances in life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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