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Meant To Be
From the FATED LOVES collection by USA-Today bestselling author Edie Claire, a 4.5-star Romantic Times Top Pick and winner of the Romance Reviews Today Perfect Ten Award!
When nothing is as it seems,
all you can do is trust your heart...
On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Meara O’Rourke can’t help but feel alone. With her last remaining relative newly buried and her potentially disastrous engagement freshly broken, she makes a resolution to begin her life anew--only to have an unexpected phone call turn her whole world upside down. Her biological mother Sheila, whom she met only once six years before, lies in critical condition in a nearby hospital. And though the woman once refused to see her daughter ever again--her last wish is just the opposite.
A few whispered words, and Sheila is gone. But the questions she has put into her daughter’s head, and the historic stone inn she has unknowingly bequeathed, sweep Meara up into the whirlwind of another life--and a legacy of deception. When Meara begins to have memories of a place she's never been, she realizes that while finding out the truth about her birth and adoption could answer all her questions--it could also tear her apart.
“A marvelous story that skillfully interweaves romance with the mystery...Claire makes each element of this terrific tale count.” June 2004 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“An absorbing family mystery…there's no denying that this story is suspenseful.”-- Publisher’s Weekly
"One of the best books I have read this year...An element of suspense runs through the pages, and the endearing tale builds to a crescendo of excitement and thrill while warming the heart. Meant To Be is a powerful story of love, healing, discovery and truth...I closed the covers wishing I could stay inside the green world of Meara and Fletcher's mountain. Ms. Claire has woven a tale that touched my soul and will live as a cherished keeper to read again and again. I am pleased to award Meant To Be our finest honor, RRT's Perfect 10" Perfect 10 Award -- Romance Reviews Today
"Intriguing and thought provoking...don't be surprised if you need a tissue or two along the way. Edie Claire has written another keeper." Rating: 9/10 -- Contemporary Romance Writers
“Edie Claire has a flair for creating a strong and suspenseful narrative that still contains satisfying elements of love and romance... the suspense which continues unabated through the length of the novel holds readers utterly captivated while the compelling story and growing romance tug at their heartstrings...richly imagined and very insightful, Meant To Be is destined for the keeper shelf." -- Road to Romance
“This very involving novel combines the best of suspense and romance...The revelations continue almost until the final pages, and will keep the reader thoroughly engrossed.” -- Romance Reader's Connection
"A wonderful book! The story displays a depth of emotion and character that is truly refreshing...a joy to read." -- Fallen Angel Reviews
"The feel of a thoroughly modern subject with a slightly Gothic mood." -- New and Previously Owned Books
"A story that will tear at your heart...excellent offering from a premier author." -- Writers Unlimited
"Meant to be written, read and remembered in your heart decades after you've turned the last page. Edie Claire is an exceptional author and keeper of the heart." -- Writers Room Magazine
"A paragon of superbly written, compelling women's literature." -- My Shelf
Originally published in 2004 by Warner Books (Warner Forever).
When nothing is as it seems,
all you can do is trust your heart...
On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Meara O’Rourke can’t help but feel alone. With her last remaining relative newly buried and her potentially disastrous engagement freshly broken, she makes a resolution to begin her life anew--only to have an unexpected phone call turn her whole world upside down. Her biological mother Sheila, whom she met only once six years before, lies in critical condition in a nearby hospital. And though the woman once refused to see her daughter ever again--her last wish is just the opposite.
A few whispered words, and Sheila is gone. But the questions she has put into her daughter’s head, and the historic stone inn she has unknowingly bequeathed, sweep Meara up into the whirlwind of another life--and a legacy of deception. When Meara begins to have memories of a place she's never been, she realizes that while finding out the truth about her birth and adoption could answer all her questions--it could also tear her apart.
“A marvelous story that skillfully interweaves romance with the mystery...Claire makes each element of this terrific tale count.” June 2004 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“An absorbing family mystery…there's no denying that this story is suspenseful.”-- Publisher’s Weekly
"One of the best books I have read this year...An element of suspense runs through the pages, and the endearing tale builds to a crescendo of excitement and thrill while warming the heart. Meant To Be is a powerful story of love, healing, discovery and truth...I closed the covers wishing I could stay inside the green world of Meara and Fletcher's mountain. Ms. Claire has woven a tale that touched my soul and will live as a cherished keeper to read again and again. I am pleased to award Meant To Be our finest honor, RRT's Perfect 10" Perfect 10 Award -- Romance Reviews Today
"Intriguing and thought provoking...don't be surprised if you need a tissue or two along the way. Edie Claire has written another keeper." Rating: 9/10 -- Contemporary Romance Writers
“Edie Claire has a flair for creating a strong and suspenseful narrative that still contains satisfying elements of love and romance... the suspense which continues unabated through the length of the novel holds readers utterly captivated while the compelling story and growing romance tug at their heartstrings...richly imagined and very insightful, Meant To Be is destined for the keeper shelf." -- Road to Romance
“This very involving novel combines the best of suspense and romance...The revelations continue almost until the final pages, and will keep the reader thoroughly engrossed.” -- Romance Reader's Connection
"A wonderful book! The story displays a depth of emotion and character that is truly refreshing...a joy to read." -- Fallen Angel Reviews
"The feel of a thoroughly modern subject with a slightly Gothic mood." -- New and Previously Owned Books
"A story that will tear at your heart...excellent offering from a premier author." -- Writers Unlimited
"Meant to be written, read and remembered in your heart decades after you've turned the last page. Edie Claire is an exceptional author and keeper of the heart." -- Writers Room Magazine
"A paragon of superbly written, compelling women's literature." -- My Shelf
Originally published in 2004 by Warner Books (Warner Forever).
ebook
First published January 12, 2004
848 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Edie Claire
41 books278 followersNo matter the genre, USA-Today bestselling novelist and playwright Edie Claire strives to infuse all her writing with both warmth and humor. Her family-friendly Leigh Koslow cozy mystery series, a favorite of animal lovers that was originally published in 1999, was reborn in 2012 to become a Kindle Top-10 bestseller. Her romantic novels range from women’s fiction with romantic elements to a blend of romance and mystery, beginning with her traditionally published contemporaries, the award-winning Long Time Coming and Meant To Be, and continuing with her USA-Today bestselling Pacific Horizons series, whose characters follow the migration of the humpback whales to some of the most gorgeous locations on earth. In any Edie Claire work, the reader may be assured that while intrigue may beckon and tensions rise, love and happiness will always triumph in the end!
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 12, 2016
I'm not quite sure how to categorize this one. It's a romance, and a sweet one at that, but that's not the main focus. It's a mystery and it has suspense elements, definitely, but most of the book is not action packed. This is a quiet book with twists and turns, but much of it is internal.
This is a book about Meara, a woman who is searching for information about her birth parents and her early years. It's centred around an old inn and mountain property and the story deeply involves the family who owns the property. The book is very closely narrated: you very clearly get to know Meara and her thoughts and desires. You understand her thinking process and you're along for the ride as she sifts through evidence.
If you're like me and you enjoy quiet character based mysteries, especially ones that take place in remote locations, then I really think you'll enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to checking out what else this author has to offer.
This is a book about Meara, a woman who is searching for information about her birth parents and her early years. It's centred around an old inn and mountain property and the story deeply involves the family who owns the property. The book is very closely narrated: you very clearly get to know Meara and her thoughts and desires. You understand her thinking process and you're along for the ride as she sifts through evidence.
If you're like me and you enjoy quiet character based mysteries, especially ones that take place in remote locations, then I really think you'll enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to checking out what else this author has to offer.
August 22, 2020
There are so many twists of the plot to Meant to Be that I hesitate to mention any of the storylines of this book. On the surface, it's a romance with a lot of mystery added in for that spicy kick. It's the second in a series of books that are connected (don't ask me how - I landed in the middle as usual and am totally clueless).
While I enjoyed the story, I felt the telling needed a little tightening. While some points were belaboured, others felt skimpy. In all respects, though, it was a sweet tale covering the very touchy subject of adoption and loss. Edie Claire always has a good story to tell!
While I enjoyed the story, I felt the telling needed a little tightening. While some points were belaboured, others felt skimpy. In all respects, though, it was a sweet tale covering the very touchy subject of adoption and loss. Edie Claire always has a good story to tell!
June 7, 2018
I like the book, but I really wanted to know who Mandy's dad was. I guess it was better that she didn't care, since it was probably Mitchell, which would make Fletcher her adopted brother and things a bit too awkward for a love affair. :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
So masterfully written it's a crime to read it for free!
Wow! This story is fantastic because it isn't cliche. The pace is perfectly balanced. The chemistry is warm and chaste. We're talking about real love here. Nuance and depth flavor every page with sincerity. I loved it.
Wow! This story is fantastic because it isn't cliche. The pace is perfectly balanced. The chemistry is warm and chaste. We're talking about real love here. Nuance and depth flavor every page with sincerity. I loved it.
June 30, 2015
It was ok. The plot dragged and I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. I found myself skimming most of this book
Read
February 13, 2016Great read
Loved the story line, couldn't put it down.
Adopted kids trying to find birth parents, you never know where it will lead.
Loved the story line, couldn't put it down.
Adopted kids trying to find birth parents, you never know where it will lead.
April 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. My husband was adopted when he was four months old and at the age of 76 he found his birth mother who never married his birth father. Both parents had already passed but he has five sibs from both parents. We know the father's side had oodles of $ but the mother's side didn't. But my husband says, "I don't need it." (the money) That side of his bios ignore him but the other side stays in touch. I just wonder if his half sibs ignore him because there might have been something in the will that recognized him. This story remined of my husband's situation.
To get on to the MEANT TO BE, I would highly recommend this read. All the detail Edie put into it was amazing. I bet she had a ton of notes to refer to.
When I got to who the father was, I said, "Son of a gun!!!."
Go for it.
To get on to the MEANT TO BE, I would highly recommend this read. All the detail Edie put into it was amazing. I bet she had a ton of notes to refer to.
When I got to who the father was, I said, "Son of a gun!!!."
Go for it.
September 20, 2020
The plot was interesting but was spoiled by too many coincidences, not very believable characters and tedious and repetitive writing. We can belive that Meara felt a deep urge to find out what had happened to her in the first years of her life without being reminded every fifteen pages.
Her search of her past was like getting results by snapping fingers : too simple and quick. Her relation (infatuation) with the male character, Fletcher, was bull-headed and unreal. If I had been him, I would have just kicked her out of my life. Also, he was so goody-goody, repeatedly too idealized, that it got irritating.
This was originally published by Warner Books. I thought that editors are there to iron out repetitiveness but maybe this the new trend : pound the readers with the same facts to make sure they get it!
Her search of her past was like getting results by snapping fingers : too simple and quick. Her relation (infatuation) with the male character, Fletcher, was bull-headed and unreal. If I had been him, I would have just kicked her out of my life. Also, he was so goody-goody, repeatedly too idealized, that it got irritating.
This was originally published by Warner Books. I thought that editors are there to iron out repetitiveness but maybe this the new trend : pound the readers with the same facts to make sure they get it!
April 5, 2019
I am discovering that Edie is becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the second book in this series and once again, the further into the series I go, the more I am liking it. Very well written. So many times I thought I had it all figured out, only to find I was wrong. There was just one little piece of the puzzle I wanted to fall into place at the end, but it was left unsaid to the imagination. Great story.
July 15, 2022
A pleasant find-yourself novel. Meara, like many adoptees, feels a sense of emptiness without knowledge of her birth parents, but learns that knowledge may not be what she had hoped. Learning her birth mother deceived her takes a huge blow, and furthers her resolve. To what extent? Read it.
There was one plot twist I expected but didn't find. Beyond that, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
There was one plot twist I expected but didn't find. Beyond that, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 22, 2021
A nice surprise.
I’m not sure how this book got to my kindle library. I have never read this author before and so I didn’t know what to expect. Well, it was a pleasant surprise. The story kept me engaged and I kept reading just one more chapter. It was a fusion of emotions, suspicions, and anticipation. Never judge or assume. There is always more to the story.
I’m not sure how this book got to my kindle library. I have never read this author before and so I didn’t know what to expect. Well, it was a pleasant surprise. The story kept me engaged and I kept reading just one more chapter. It was a fusion of emotions, suspicions, and anticipation. Never judge or assume. There is always more to the story.
March 3, 2025
This was a really cute book. It was part mystery about a girl who is notified that her mother has passed (when her mother had passed the year before! So enter biological mom and here is where all the mysteries begin. But along the way we have to have some romance thrown in! And I really liked the narrator on this book.
August 18, 2020
I love a happy ending! The characters in this book were well-written & the story unpredictable (except for the happy ending) ;) I thoroughly enjoyed Meant to Be. It was hard to put down, as one can see from how fast I read it. Way to go Edie Claire!
August 24, 2020
Excellent excellent book!!
Wow, what an amazing book. Totally captivating, I just could not put it down. Great plot and characters, I really appreciate a well written book. If you want depth, suspense and intrigue with a dash of romance, then I highly recommend you get this book.
Wow, what an amazing book. Totally captivating, I just could not put it down. Great plot and characters, I really appreciate a well written book. If you want depth, suspense and intrigue with a dash of romance, then I highly recommend you get this book.
September 8, 2020
Trees, carving and adoption
I enjoyed the story! I liked all the twists that the author kept bringing to the story! I miss understood the one at the end of the book. I prefer my ending. Always looked forward to reading a little further before I finished reading for the day.
I enjoyed the story! I liked all the twists that the author kept bringing to the story! I miss understood the one at the end of the book. I prefer my ending. Always looked forward to reading a little further before I finished reading for the day.
September 12, 2020
Meant To Be
I love romance books and I loved this book. It not only had romance, it also had mystery and was even a thriller too. This is a book that keeps you on the edge all the time. It will make you never want to put it down.
I love romance books and I loved this book. It not only had romance, it also had mystery and was even a thriller too. This is a book that keeps you on the edge all the time. It will make you never want to put it down.
September 16, 2020
Meant To Be (Fated Lives Book 2)
I got really involved reading this book, and couldn't put it down as I was waiting to see what was revealed next. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
I got really involved reading this book, and couldn't put it down as I was waiting to see what was revealed next. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
April 19, 2021
Meant to be by Edie Claire
Loved this book another good story plenty going on could’ve put it down. I think she knows how to write I will look for another read of Edie Claire books I have read two of her books & enjoyed both of them
Loved this book another good story plenty going on could’ve put it down. I think she knows how to write I will look for another read of Edie Claire books I have read two of her books & enjoyed both of them
October 4, 2024
4 1/2 stars
A great story. Didn't know what to expect, but was impressed. A car accident starts the story and from there it is an ever-changing journey of adoptions, fostering, abuse and trust.
A great story. Didn't know what to expect, but was impressed. A car accident starts the story and from there it is an ever-changing journey of adoptions, fostering, abuse and trust.
August 23, 2017
An excellent read of romance and suspense.
November 14, 2017
Pleasant book. Easy read. Not the best by the author.
July 31, 2018
Meant to Be starts off slow but quickly accelerates through a unique story of loss and gain. Claire writes this story in a way which is easy to follow and wonderfully hard to put down.
August 18, 2020
Will they get together
Because of his betrayal will be give in to his desire for her, can she forgive her birth mother, read the book and find out
Because of his betrayal will be give in to his desire for her, can she forgive her birth mother, read the book and find out
August 18, 2020
Entertaining
If you are looking for a story of romance and mysteries, then this is a good book. The plot, the characters and the scenes are developed and somewhat realistic. Enjoy!
If you are looking for a story of romance and mysteries, then this is a good book. The plot, the characters and the scenes are developed and somewhat realistic. Enjoy!
August 20, 2020
Captivating and intense
Meant to Be engages readers in an intriguing story that travels two generations and paints the complicity of silence when family stories are not shared.
Meant to Be engages readers in an intriguing story that travels two generations and paints the complicity of silence when family stories are not shared.
August 20, 2020
The story is good, I love Fletcher's character..
August 21, 2020
Exciting!
I enjoyed reading this story, it was very exciting. The characters were very intriguing and a fast read. I would highly recommend this story.
I enjoyed reading this story, it was very exciting. The characters were very intriguing and a fast read. I would highly recommend this story.
August 24, 2020
Don’t miss Edie Clare
Fated Loves Series is to be savored. Ms. Clare’s writing is rich. Her characters are real with multiple layers. I felt every emotion. Every backdrop.
Fated Loves Series is to be savored. Ms. Clare’s writing is rich. Her characters are real with multiple layers. I felt every emotion. Every backdrop.
August 26, 2020
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read. Quite a bit of mystery to keep me reading. Always figured out what the end would be. Also had twists to keep you wondering.
Enjoyable read. Quite a bit of mystery to keep me reading. Always figured out what the end would be. Also had twists to keep you wondering.
August 30, 2020
Lots going on in this book. The various stories kept me paying attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews