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savvyrosereads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Out June 7, 2022 [Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!]
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Edie has spent her entire life waiting for June 24, 2022—the date her beloved grandmother prophesied Edie would meet her soulmate. When Edie boards an airplane that day and finds herself seated next to a handsome stranger, she assumes her fate is sealed, but it turns out things might be more complicated than she could ever anticipate.
I love magical realism and books that play with the concept of destiny vs. free will, so I had high hopes for the concept of this novel. And, in a lot of ways, Meant To Be Mine was what I expected—it was generally fun, generally uplifting, generally romantic, and played with all the themes of fate and determinism that I was anticipating.
What I didn’t love, unfortunately, were the characters—Edie made questionable decisions all the way through and Theo was a less-than-engaging love interest in my opinion. I also predicted where the ending was headed pretty early on, but wasn’t at all satisfied with exactly where it ended up. That said, I still “aww’ed” at a few moments, and I appreciated the close family dynamics and the Jewish representation.
In short—while this wasn’t my favorite, I definitely didn’t hate it, and if the concept sounds fun to you I’d encourage checking it out!
Recommended if you like: fate vs. free-will; magical realist romances; close-knit families.
CW: Death of a loved one; discussion of mass/school shooting and related trauma; grief.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Edie has spent her entire life waiting for June 24, 2022—the date her beloved grandmother prophesied Edie would meet her soulmate. When Edie boards an airplane that day and finds herself seated next to a handsome stranger, she assumes her fate is sealed, but it turns out things might be more complicated than she could ever anticipate.
I love magical realism and books that play with the concept of destiny vs. free will, so I had high hopes for the concept of this novel. And, in a lot of ways, Meant To Be Mine was what I expected—it was generally fun, generally uplifting, generally romantic, and played with all the themes of fate and determinism that I was anticipating.
What I didn’t love, unfortunately, were the characters—Edie made questionable decisions all the way through and Theo was a less-than-engaging love interest in my opinion. I also predicted where the ending was headed pretty early on, but wasn’t at all satisfied with exactly where it ended up. That said, I still “aww’ed” at a few moments, and I appreciated the close family dynamics and the Jewish representation.
In short—while this wasn’t my favorite, I definitely didn’t hate it, and if the concept sounds fun to you I’d encourage checking it out!
Recommended if you like: fate vs. free-will; magical realist romances; close-knit families.
CW: Death of a loved one; discussion of mass/school shooting and related trauma; grief.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Mass/school shootings and Death
Minor: Sexual content
theespressoedition's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Meant to Be Mine has a very interesting concept. What if two people are fated to be together? If you knew exactly which day you would meet your soulmate, would it change the way you live? Would you keep yourself from dating other people or actively seek the love of your life on that predicted date?
Edie's grandmother can foresee the future - the future of love. For every woman in her family, she's been able to predict the exact date on which they would meet their soulmate. So naturally, Edie has lived her life accordingly. She's dated minimally, broken up with someone she loved in order to be single on "her date" and wholly supports the other couples in her immediate circle. She wholeheartedly believes in her grandmother's ability and trusts that when that person comes along, they'll be the right person. Wouldn't you do the same, knowing what Edie knows?
It was so much fun reading this book while on vacation. I happened to start the book on my flight, and the story opens at the airport! It was clearly the perfect read while I was traveling - and I had a tough time putting it down. I found myself carrying my Kindle with me everywhere, trying to read a chapter or two during car rides or while waiting for food at a restaurant. It was a quick and easy read, with short chapters, and a very simple plot. It didn't require too much of me, which was another reason why it was the perfect "beach read." I highly recommend this for a summer vacation!
I will say that the story felt really predictable. And maybe for some, that would be a refreshing change of pace. If you've been reading heavier books and you're looking for something sweet and simple, this is made for you! I had hoped for a little more depth from it, but I certainly wasn't disappointed or anything. I mostly loved the relationship between Edie and her twin sister. Their bond was absolutely precious and it gave the story just enough "oomph" - especially when Rae reveals something about her life that Edie never knew about. The questions that it causes Edie to ask herself are really good! Of course, you can't help but adore Edie's grandmother, Gloria, as well. She's a little powerhouse and it's obvious that she adores her family and wants the very best for them!
Truthfully, there were a few side characters who I would love to see get their own story in the future. I was especially interested in Shireen, Edie's best friend (also, side note: Edie has the most amazing besties. The fact that Shireen and Rae are willing to drop anything to be there for her is just bestie goals). Shireen is such a strong character and I'd love to see her have her own happily ever after!
While I did mention that things are a bit predictable, I will say that it made the ending very satisfying. Things turned out precisely as I hoped they would from the beginning of the story - and there's some fantastic character development along the way. I'd definitely read this book again, especially on another vacation! It's just so much fun!
Edie's grandmother can foresee the future - the future of love. For every woman in her family, she's been able to predict the exact date on which they would meet their soulmate. So naturally, Edie has lived her life accordingly. She's dated minimally, broken up with someone she loved in order to be single on "her date" and wholly supports the other couples in her immediate circle. She wholeheartedly believes in her grandmother's ability and trusts that when that person comes along, they'll be the right person. Wouldn't you do the same, knowing what Edie knows?
It was so much fun reading this book while on vacation. I happened to start the book on my flight, and the story opens at the airport! It was clearly the perfect read while I was traveling - and I had a tough time putting it down. I found myself carrying my Kindle with me everywhere, trying to read a chapter or two during car rides or while waiting for food at a restaurant. It was a quick and easy read, with short chapters, and a very simple plot. It didn't require too much of me, which was another reason why it was the perfect "beach read." I highly recommend this for a summer vacation!
I will say that the story felt really predictable. And maybe for some, that would be a refreshing change of pace. If you've been reading heavier books and you're looking for something sweet and simple, this is made for you! I had hoped for a little more depth from it, but I certainly wasn't disappointed or anything. I mostly loved the relationship between Edie and her twin sister. Their bond was absolutely precious and it gave the story just enough "oomph" - especially when Rae reveals something about her life that Edie never knew about. The questions that it causes Edie to ask herself are really good! Of course, you can't help but adore Edie's grandmother, Gloria, as well. She's a little powerhouse and it's obvious that she adores her family and wants the very best for them!
Truthfully, there were a few side characters who I would love to see get their own story in the future. I was especially interested in Shireen, Edie's best friend (also, side note: Edie has the most amazing besties. The fact that Shireen and Rae are willing to drop anything to be there for her is just bestie goals). Shireen is such a strong character and I'd love to see her have her own happily ever after!
While I did mention that things are a bit predictable, I will say that it made the ending very satisfying. Things turned out precisely as I hoped they would from the beginning of the story - and there's some fantastic character development along the way. I'd definitely read this book again, especially on another vacation! It's just so much fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
bpop's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an enjoyable read, it balances out tough emotional moments with lightheaded ones. The main character Edie grapples with what fate means and how it effects her life. Throughout the book the author adds details to give life to the characters and reflect some of the vibrancy of New York City.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Child death, Pregnancy, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Murder, and Sexual content
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