Meant To Be by Emily Giffin: Book Review

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin is one of my favourite reads so far in 2022. In a story reminiscent of the Kennedy family, the author introduces us to Cate and Joe – a couple from divergent backgrounds. Emily Giffin releases a new book every two years, and this one was worth the wait. The book publishes on May 31.

From The Publisher:

The Kingsley family is practically American royalty, beloved for their military heroics, political service, and unmatched elegance. When Joseph S. Kingsley III is born in 1960, he inherits the weight of that legacy. Growing up with all the Kingsley looks and charisma, Joe should have no problem taking up the mantle after his father’s untimely death. But he is also a little bit reckless, and can’t seem to figure out how to channel the expectations of an entire country.
 
No one ever expected anything of Cate, on the other hand. She, too, grew up in a single-parent household–just her and her mom scraping by in their small apartment. As a teenager, though, Cate is discovered for her looks. Modeling may be her only ticket out of the cycle of disappointment that her mother has always inhabited. Before too long, her face is everywhere; though she is always aware that she’d be a pariah in her social circles if anyone knew her true story.
 
When Joe and Cate’s paths cross, their connection is instant. What remains to be seen is whether their relationship will survive the glare of the spotlight that follows Joe everywhere. And just as they find themselves in the make-or-break moment, the tragedy that seems to run in Joe’s family right alongside all that privilege will repeat itself.
 
In a beautifully written novel that recaptures a gilded moment in American history, Emily Giffin tells a story of a love that may or may not have the power to transcend circumstances that seem arrayed against it . . . and the difficulty of finding your way to the place you belong.

Book Review:

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.

What I Liked:

• The level of character development
• The author’s ability to communicate the level of passion between Cate and Joe
• The strength of Cate to overcome her past to find happiness and success

My Rating:

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand