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Meant To Be
It rains and shines all at the same time. Sometimes. When Lucy Anderson met Jude Botha, she was an awkward, shy preteen, just beginning an adventure overseas alongside her family as they pursued a new ministry opportunity. Jude was the first boy she met in Namibia, and his friendship remained in her heart long after she returned to the States. Years later, she’s on her own in America when she gets a text from Jude, asking if he can see her again. Jude Botha left Namibia at eighteen, determined to become a rock star in the States. In the years since arriving in America, though, he’s let go of his childhood faith, venturing into a lifestyle that has gotten him no closer to stardom than he was when he started, and living without any real direction or hope for the future. Until, that is, he’s reunited with Lucy. As Lucy’s summer plans fall through, Jude offers her a spot as a roadie on his band’s tour. When she accepts, she has no idea how much God will change her and Jude both through the experience and how they’ll grow to need and love one another in all the unexpected trials that are ahead. Meant To Be is a love story full of sunshine and rain, centering on God’s faithfulness through the joys and sadness of life…
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
177 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Faulk
82 books143 followersJenn Faulk is a native Texan who enjoys reading and writing chick lit. She's a pastor's wife, a stay-at-home mom, and a marathon enthusiast who loves talking about Jesus and what a difference He's made in her life. She has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and a MA in Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
While all of Jenn's books are standalone novels with no cliffhanger endings, incomplete plots, or questions left unanswered, there is a suggested reading order that might be helpful as you get into the books...
Resolutions
Different Stars
Just Breathe
Best Day Ever
Even Still
Ready or Not
A Little Faith
Promises Kept
Beyond the Game
Just Friends
A New Tune
Pure Fiction
Home to You
Something Better
From Here on Out
Anywhere
Happily Ever After
Perfectly Pretend
Take Heart
So Like Us
Christmas Surprises
Tis the Season
The Plan
A Big Summer
Taking Chances
Destination Wedding
Crushed
Run (with L.N. Cronk)
Childish Ways
The New Girl
You and Me, Baby
Obsessed (with L.N. Cronk)
What a Christmas
Romance, Reality, and Blog Writers
Meet in the Middle
The Same Place (with L.N. Cronk)
Always
Lost and Found
Who You Know
The Mrs. Degree
You Again
Taken (with L.N. Cronk)
First Love
All My Days
Picture Perfect
Worth It
Wasted Time
Holiday Town
The One That Got Away
Meant To Be
All I Ever Wanted
Stuck on You
Pieced Together
Where You Are
Close Enough
All I Want for Christmas
Unexpected
Magical
Broken
Extraordinary
Wanted
Mine
More
Becoming Us (with Jaycee Weaver)
Maybe
Unmasked
Lucky
Called
Forever
While all of Jenn's books are standalone novels with no cliffhanger endings, incomplete plots, or questions left unanswered, there is a suggested reading order that might be helpful as you get into the books...
Resolutions
Different Stars
Just Breathe
Best Day Ever
Even Still
Ready or Not
A Little Faith
Promises Kept
Beyond the Game
Just Friends
A New Tune
Pure Fiction
Home to You
Something Better
From Here on Out
Anywhere
Happily Ever After
Perfectly Pretend
Take Heart
So Like Us
Christmas Surprises
Tis the Season
The Plan
A Big Summer
Taking Chances
Destination Wedding
Crushed
Run (with L.N. Cronk)
Childish Ways
The New Girl
You and Me, Baby
Obsessed (with L.N. Cronk)
What a Christmas
Romance, Reality, and Blog Writers
Meet in the Middle
The Same Place (with L.N. Cronk)
Always
Lost and Found
Who You Know
The Mrs. Degree
You Again
Taken (with L.N. Cronk)
First Love
All My Days
Picture Perfect
Worth It
Wasted Time
Holiday Town
The One That Got Away
Meant To Be
All I Ever Wanted
Stuck on You
Pieced Together
Where You Are
Close Enough
All I Want for Christmas
Unexpected
Magical
Broken
Extraordinary
Wanted
Mine
More
Becoming Us (with Jaycee Weaver)
Maybe
Unmasked
Lucky
Called
Forever
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 28, 2019
Meant to Be
Sweet chic lit with amazing life lessons with a Biblical viewpoint. Humorous, romantic, sad and heart warmingly joyful. Loved it.
Sweet chic lit with amazing life lessons with a Biblical viewpoint. Humorous, romantic, sad and heart warmingly joyful. Loved it.
Want to read
July 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/24/2019)! 🎁
May 12, 2019
A moving story of redemption and faith
My rating is 4.5 stars
Right now, my eyes are damp from the emotions which leaked through as I read this deeply moving account of Lucy and Jude. It was not at all what I was expecting from the beginning. Far more than the story of second chances, there are so many rich spiritual lessons wrapped up the pages of this novel, and so many heart-wrenching moments.
At first glance, it is the story of an idealistic Christian, Lucy, who, after making a mistaken assumption about Jude’s life, decides that God has sent her to be the one to change the hearts of Jude’s entire band. Her approach is simple – to love them and show them kindness, no matter what. What Lucy discovers is what her heart looks like when the bottom falls out of her life.
I wasn’t a fan of Jude right away. His lifestyle let much to be desired and his pride had him allowing Lucy to believe things about him that couldn’t have been much further from the truth. Yet, God wasn’t finished with him and I loved watching him slowly begin to listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and to watch him transform from a man focused on living after the flesh to a man with a heart for the Lord and doing what is right and good.
In the back of my mind is a vague memory of the book starting slowly, yet I was so overwhelmed with emotion at the end and was so caught up in the story, that doesn’t even really matter to me. I often will rate a book that ends well despite a slow start a little lower yet I can’t bring myself to do this. I really loved this story – my heart was so thoroughly invested in it.
There are some references to drugs and alcohol being used though they are shown as being negative. Lucy and Jude struggle with staying pure in their relationship with one another and a few scenes deal with this. Desire and sexual tension are topics that are dealt with (tastefully and remaining clean) making it more appropriate for a more mature audience.
Read my full review at at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
My rating is 4.5 stars
Right now, my eyes are damp from the emotions which leaked through as I read this deeply moving account of Lucy and Jude. It was not at all what I was expecting from the beginning. Far more than the story of second chances, there are so many rich spiritual lessons wrapped up the pages of this novel, and so many heart-wrenching moments.
At first glance, it is the story of an idealistic Christian, Lucy, who, after making a mistaken assumption about Jude’s life, decides that God has sent her to be the one to change the hearts of Jude’s entire band. Her approach is simple – to love them and show them kindness, no matter what. What Lucy discovers is what her heart looks like when the bottom falls out of her life.
I wasn’t a fan of Jude right away. His lifestyle let much to be desired and his pride had him allowing Lucy to believe things about him that couldn’t have been much further from the truth. Yet, God wasn’t finished with him and I loved watching him slowly begin to listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and to watch him transform from a man focused on living after the flesh to a man with a heart for the Lord and doing what is right and good.
In the back of my mind is a vague memory of the book starting slowly, yet I was so overwhelmed with emotion at the end and was so caught up in the story, that doesn’t even really matter to me. I often will rate a book that ends well despite a slow start a little lower yet I can’t bring myself to do this. I really loved this story – my heart was so thoroughly invested in it.
There are some references to drugs and alcohol being used though they are shown as being negative. Lucy and Jude struggle with staying pure in their relationship with one another and a few scenes deal with this. Desire and sexual tension are topics that are dealt with (tastefully and remaining clean) making it more appropriate for a more mature audience.
Read my full review at at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2019
Forever and Ever
Twelve year old Lucy Anderson met seventeen year old Jude Botha when her family had a short stay in Swakopmund on their way to Oshakati, Namibia for a year of mission work. This story brings them back together in America as Lucy spends time with Jude and his rock band in an effort to bring him back to his faith. During the summer they are together, their feelings for each other grow along with Jude’s renewed faith. They will need this strong faith as they lean on each other through a devastating family event. This book infuses faith messages along with the struggles that people face in the real world. Such a tender love story that shows how God works out our lives for His good purpose. Love the message that ‘God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies those He calls.’ And the significance of Lucy’s words spoken in Afrikaans was so touching. I will remember the words Beth often spoke to Lucy for a long time.
Twelve year old Lucy Anderson met seventeen year old Jude Botha when her family had a short stay in Swakopmund on their way to Oshakati, Namibia for a year of mission work. This story brings them back together in America as Lucy spends time with Jude and his rock band in an effort to bring him back to his faith. During the summer they are together, their feelings for each other grow along with Jude’s renewed faith. They will need this strong faith as they lean on each other through a devastating family event. This book infuses faith messages along with the struggles that people face in the real world. Such a tender love story that shows how God works out our lives for His good purpose. Love the message that ‘God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies those He calls.’ And the significance of Lucy’s words spoken in Afrikaans was so touching. I will remember the words Beth often spoke to Lucy for a long time.
July 23, 2019
So much to love
The depth of these characters is so amazing. Lucy and her wide-eyed innocence matched with Jude and his worldly cynicism is so fun! Seeing him go from the wild rockstar to the amazing man Lucy needs and deserves was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. Seeing steady as a rock Lucy shaken to the core was so inspiring. As the world is shaking her, Jude is holding her steady, by the Grace of God.
This story will make you laugh so hard you will cry and then break your heart and make you cry ugly tears. It will test your faith and strengthen said faith. It will show you that even in the darkest days God can bring about what is meant to be.
The depth of these characters is so amazing. Lucy and her wide-eyed innocence matched with Jude and his worldly cynicism is so fun! Seeing him go from the wild rockstar to the amazing man Lucy needs and deserves was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. Seeing steady as a rock Lucy shaken to the core was so inspiring. As the world is shaking her, Jude is holding her steady, by the Grace of God.
This story will make you laugh so hard you will cry and then break your heart and make you cry ugly tears. It will test your faith and strengthen said faith. It will show you that even in the darkest days God can bring about what is meant to be.
June 7, 2020
Sweet redemption
As a 12 year old, Lucy had a crush on Jude back in the day when her parents were missionaries in Namibia. She’s excited Jude calls her for a get together many years later in Houston. She knows he’s in a rock band but assumes it’s a Christian band because the last time they met he was a dedicated worship leader on fire for God. To her disappointment she discovers that he’s backslidden living far from the Lord. Together they go through his redemption, falling in love, the hurt of Lucy’s mom’s sickness and passing. They get married and live happily ever after even in the midst of the pain. This a bittersweet love story full of God’s grace and redemption.
As a 12 year old, Lucy had a crush on Jude back in the day when her parents were missionaries in Namibia. She’s excited Jude calls her for a get together many years later in Houston. She knows he’s in a rock band but assumes it’s a Christian band because the last time they met he was a dedicated worship leader on fire for God. To her disappointment she discovers that he’s backslidden living far from the Lord. Together they go through his redemption, falling in love, the hurt of Lucy’s mom’s sickness and passing. They get married and live happily ever after even in the midst of the pain. This a bittersweet love story full of God’s grace and redemption.
June 16, 2020
❤️ Lucy and Jude ❤️
Absolutely loved this story of Lucy and Jude! What a great story of a young man who has just about completely strayed from his faith in Jesus. Jude let sin and temptation overtake and slowly almost destroy him. Then, when he was almost at rock bottom, an old friend he knew as a little girl back in African mission field rocks his world and helps him to see what a train wreck he's made of his life.
The side story of Lucy and her family was so emotionally charged, as I have gone through a similar circumstance (avoiding spoilers here!)
Perfect HEA at the end ❤️
Absolutely loved this story of Lucy and Jude! What a great story of a young man who has just about completely strayed from his faith in Jesus. Jude let sin and temptation overtake and slowly almost destroy him. Then, when he was almost at rock bottom, an old friend he knew as a little girl back in African mission field rocks his world and helps him to see what a train wreck he's made of his life.
The side story of Lucy and her family was so emotionally charged, as I have gone through a similar circumstance (avoiding spoilers here!)
Perfect HEA at the end ❤️
May 21, 2019
I think I have read every book Jenn Faulk has written. I am not sure how she pulls you in to each of these characters, gives them life and incorporates thoughts that impact my life. She does though and this book is no exception. I am pretty sure that I would never want my daughter placed in Lucy's situation, but I would hope that she would handle it with as much grace and out of the box thinking that Lucy did. The beautiful thing about these books is that even if you haven't read any of the other books, you will still enjoy it.
July 24, 2019
Good. Better than I anticipated
I enjoyed this book. I do wish that the author would branch out from what seems to be her trope of one or both main characters heavily involved in physical relationships before meeting and getting right with God. I do appreciate the strong faith element present in these books. I also have a hard time when every book is set in the present or close to it technologically but then the next book is that couple’s children, set at the same time. I get it, but it bothers me.
I enjoyed this book. I do wish that the author would branch out from what seems to be her trope of one or both main characters heavily involved in physical relationships before meeting and getting right with God. I do appreciate the strong faith element present in these books. I also have a hard time when every book is set in the present or close to it technologically but then the next book is that couple’s children, set at the same time. I get it, but it bothers me.
July 30, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book - I loved the story. I loved the African language, the characters, and the story of redemption. Mixed emotions because my mom passed away from the same cancer and it was a very emotional thing for me to have this become a focal point. No matter how much you have come to deal with loss, little triggers can still bring the pain back. The author did an amazing job and I do recommend this book. It made me smile and it made me cry (buckets) but it was well worth the read.
July 31, 2019
This is an interesting, Christian story about love and redemption with great characters, especially in Lucy Anderson and Jude Botha. Lucy is a college student whose parents are in Africa on a mission and Jude is from Africa and touring the United States with his band. They both met many years ago when Lucy was only sixteen and she had a crush on Jude who was several years older than her. It is an emotional story too that will make you cry and also fill your heart with joy. It also is a sweet and clean romance.
March 15, 2019
The fiftieth is the best.
I’ve read this book twice now (and I am not a re-reader as a rule), and the second time left me every bit as emotionally wrought as the first. I won’t leave spoilers, but will simply say that my heart was caught up in the story from the very beginning, and it only continued to grow and pound and soar and sob from there. Simply perfect from start to finish.
I’ve read this book twice now (and I am not a re-reader as a rule), and the second time left me every bit as emotionally wrought as the first. I won’t leave spoilers, but will simply say that my heart was caught up in the story from the very beginning, and it only continued to grow and pound and soar and sob from there. Simply perfect from start to finish.
March 24, 2019
Loved this book! I'd just read Holiday Town last week, so all the characters and events were fresh in my mind. Faulk did a super job on a whole range of subjects - trusting God even in the bad times, living up to what we believe, being Christ to others who don't know Him, etc.
April 10, 2019
Love this series
What a great book. I love this series and look forward to each one. This was a wonderful story. I cried at times but it was beautiful. Definitely recommend Jenn Faulk.
What a great book. I love this series and look forward to each one. This was a wonderful story. I cried at times but it was beautiful. Definitely recommend Jenn Faulk.
August 14, 2019
Page turner
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that addresses so many of the things that we face every day, good & bad. Reminded me that God is good, ALL THE TIME & does all of the redemptive work if we just give it to Him in prayer. Jenn Faulk just doesn’t disappoint!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book that addresses so many of the things that we face every day, good & bad. Reminded me that God is good, ALL THE TIME & does all of the redemptive work if we just give it to Him in prayer. Jenn Faulk just doesn’t disappoint!!
May 14, 2025
Christian Fiction
I love the character development in this story. Wonderful Christian family who experiences difficult life situations but stay strong because of their faith in God. Encouraging and highly recommended. I would love to see this book made into a movie.
I love the character development in this story. Wonderful Christian family who experiences difficult life situations but stay strong because of their faith in God. Encouraging and highly recommended. I would love to see this book made into a movie.
May 27, 2025
love story full of God’s grace and second chances
What a beautiful love story! I truly enjoyed this story. It’s a very realistic story of the love, grief, and struggles a Christian faces.
What a beautiful love story! I truly enjoyed this story. It’s a very realistic story of the love, grief, and struggles a Christian faces.
June 6, 2025
Pain and love
A young girl meets a young man while on a mission trip with her family. Seven years later they meet again. Life has changed for both of them and each tries to help but the other through difficult times.
A young girl meets a young man while on a mission trip with her family. Seven years later they meet again. Life has changed for both of them and each tries to help but the other through difficult times.
March 9, 2019
Great story! Now we need Tate and Edie’s story. Grab the tissues- it will be necessary
August 26, 2019
Redemption
Beautiful story of forgiveness, God's deep love for us, and faith. I highlighted so much of this story. It was filled with wisdom and an enjoyable story line.
Beautiful story of forgiveness, God's deep love for us, and faith. I highlighted so much of this story. It was filled with wisdom and an enjoyable story line.
May 10, 2025
Enjoying reading if you don’t mind a lot of religious teachings which I enjoyed actually. A nice change from sex scenes. A emotional experience ending
May 14, 2025
not for me
I most certainly do believe in repentance and changing lives, but for me this book fell into another realm, I wasn’t comfortable reading about.
I most certainly do believe in repentance and changing lives, but for me this book fell into another realm, I wasn’t comfortable reading about.
May 28, 2025
very good!
I enjoyed this book very much! I’ll be looking for more books by the author! I love her writing style!
I enjoyed this book very much! I’ll be looking for more books by the author! I love her writing style!
May 29, 2025
Renewed
This is an inspiring story of renewed faith despite all difficulties. You will be touched and encouraged as you read about God's great love.
This is an inspiring story of renewed faith despite all difficulties. You will be touched and encouraged as you read about God's great love.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews