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kdailyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
I really like this book! I wish I could be friends with Edie, Rae, and Shireen. I wish I could know Gloria! I loved the descriptions of New York City and Edie’s career as a stylist. I appreciated the big ideas and questions this book brought up about love, fate, friendship, family, and believing in yourself and your dreams. Hannah Orenstein writes in such an engaging, magnetic, emotive manner and I just enjoyed reading this so much. It made me laugh, it made me tear up, and it made my heart feel warm and happy. Just what I was hoping for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Violence, Mass/school shootings, and Gun violence
this_momma_is_booked's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! I think the plot was really original, which kept me reading because I genuinely didn't know how it was going to end. I loved all the mentions of Jewish culture and customs because those are not things I am familiar with, so it was nice to learn about them and see them incorporated into a modern romance.
There is one aspect of this book that does bug me a bit - okay, the more I think about it, the more it bothers me. The entire book, we hear about Gloria's abilities, how she can predict the day you'll find your true love. Not once do we not see any of these matches work out - on the contrary, we see what happens when you purposely go against Gloria's prediction (Edie's mom marries a man who she knows is not her match and they end up divorced). However, we are told that Edie's twin bucked tradition and is marrying someone who she wasn't "matched" with and so far they've been together for 11 years and it's a wonderful relationship. Cool. Why aren't there any consequences for that? I'm not saying that I believe in this fate or matching ability, but for the purpose of the book, we're told Gloria is infallible. So what gives? Furthermore, why didn't it work out with Evie and her match? What is it about these sisters that the matching magic doesn't apply to them?
I really enjoyed that the book didn't end up going in the direction I thought with the matching magic and it left me a little surprised at the end. Overall, I'd recommend this book!
I really enjoyed that the book didn't end up going in the direction I thought with the matching magic and it left me a little surprised at the end. Overall, I'd recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Mass/school shootings and Child death
laurynsmith's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
I loved this book with my whole heart! Hannah’s writing is so comforting to me and strikes the perfect balance of creating an enjoyable storyline that also makes you reflect on your own life.
This book sent me into an existential crisis but in the best way possible. What if you knew exactly when you were supposed to meet your soulmate? It’s a question that after finishing this story I’m still not completely sure I know the answer to. Nonetheless, I flew through this story and thoroughly enjoyed my time while doing it.
I connected so deeply with the Jewish representation as well as in Edie’s relationship with her grandma. It felt so deeply personal, yet so easy for me to relate to. I also loved the rest of the side characters and each thought they added something valuable to the story. If I were to be picky, the one thing that I would do without is that I wish we spent more time with a certain someone to see the way their relationship would develop. Parts of the book almost felt like a waste of time given how it would end. However, if you’re anything like me and appreciate a story with a romance that isn’t afraid to be a little messy or stray away from ~the formula~, I highly recommend you check this book out.
This book sent me into an existential crisis but in the best way possible. What if you knew exactly when you were supposed to meet your soulmate? It’s a question that after finishing this story I’m still not completely sure I know the answer to. Nonetheless, I flew through this story and thoroughly enjoyed my time while doing it.
I connected so deeply with the Jewish representation as well as in Edie’s relationship with her grandma. It felt so deeply personal, yet so easy for me to relate to. I also loved the rest of the side characters and each thought they added something valuable to the story. If I were to be picky, the one thing that I would do without is that I wish we spent more time with a certain someone to see the way their relationship would develop. Parts of the book almost felt like a waste of time given how it would end. However, if you’re anything like me and appreciate a story with a romance that isn’t afraid to be a little messy or stray away from ~the formula~, I highly recommend you check this book out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I just loved this book!! What a great concept and delivery. Obsessed with Gloria, I adored her and loved the dynamic between her and Edie and Rae. All of the friendships and family relationships in this book were great. My only issue (if I could call it that) was that I wish there was more time dedicated to delving into the relationship with Bennett. So much time was spent with Theo and I think it added to the story but I wanted the opportunity to dive into the dynamics between Edie and Bennett.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Gun violence
clalaure's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Minor: Gun violence
girlunderthelitchitree's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death
Minor: Gun violence and Mass/school shootings
savvyrosereads's review
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
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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