Meant to Be Mine

by Hannah Orenstein

From the author of the “funny, sexy, and absurdly entertaining” (Marie Claire) Playing with Matches, a sweeping love story in the vein of Rebecca Serle and Chloe Benjamin about a woman who knows the date she’ll meet her true love—only he isn’t quite as perfect as she always imagined. What if you knew exactly when you’d meet the love of your life? Edie Meyer knows. When her Grandma Gloria was a young woman, she had a vision of the exact day she would meet her soul mate—and then Grandpa Ray showed up. Since then, Gloria has accurately predicted the day every single member of the family has met their match. Edie’s day arrives on June 24, 2022, when she’s twenty-nine years old. She has been waiting for it half her life. That morning, she boards an airplane to her twin sister’s surprise engagement, and when a handsome musician sits beside her, she knows it’s meant to be. But fate comes with more complications than Edie expected and she can’t fight the nagging suspicion that her perfect guy doesn’t have perfect timing. After a tragedy and a shocking revelation rock Edie’s carefully constructed world, she’s forced to consider whether love chooses us, as simple as destiny, or if we choose it ourselves.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Jewish, Adult

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Hannah Orenstein is the author of Playing with Matches and Love at First Like, and is the senior dating editor at Elite Daily. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Seventeen.com. She lives in Brooklyn.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet heroine: reminds us of very younger Carrie Bradshaw meets Emily Cooper who chooses big Apple over Paris!

Do you need reasons to be head over heels for a book? I can give you more! Here’s my list telling you why I enjoyed my reading too much!

-Magical meant to be- soulmates theme!

-An adorable grandma who has a special gift to foresee the day you meet your soulmate!

-Dreamy depictions of New York which made fell for the city one more time and read those chapters that remind me of post pandemic portraits of the city while I was sighing deeply!

-A lovely heroine you can easily connect when she starts her journey to find her own path, her struggles to choose between fate and true will!

-A very satisfying conclusion I truly adore!

This is such a delightful, stunning, heartfelt reading! I think this is so far the best thing the author has written.

If you truly need a feelgood fiction plus lighthearted romance: this is the best choice you can get.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Hannah Orenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I don't think my own book is worth five stars, there's a problem.

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edie has meticulously planned out her entire life. So much so she even knows the day she’ll meet her soulmate. How could Edie possibly predict something like that?

She has a secret weapon…her Grandmother, who has a special gift. Over the years she’s predicted the exact dates that every family member would meet their betrothed. And her record is spot-on…so far.

Well, as you guessed it… today is Edie’s special day! But in what would seem a case of bad timing, she first has to fly to Maine to attend a surprise engagement for her sister. And when a handsome stranger takes the seat next to her on the flight she knows surely he must be the one!

This was an extremely sweet rom-com I absolutely lost myself in, finishing in one day! I was rooting for Edie to keep Grandma’ Gloria’s streak of successful matches going.🤞

Did Edie find her true soulmate on the predicted day? You’ll thank me for not saying a word when you’re ready to pick up this little gem!😜

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's a lot of pressure! Your grandmother reveals a date to you. That is the day when you will meet your soulmate. Yikes! I did really love Gloria, the grandmother. She was a former magazine editor with a sense of style. I was especially fascinated by their Mahjong tradition. Really want to learn how to play that game! Our main character Edie was not my favorite character. She was a bit annoying, if I'm being honest. I also found Theo to be a total caricature. No spoilers, but I am bumping this one up half a star because of the ending. Okay, there you have it. If you want to read about a stylist who meets a wannabe rock star on a plane to Maine, then put this book in your carryon or beach bag.

Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

The author came up with a unique idea for the story. After a stressful week, it managed to be the light and easy read I was hoping for although it was a bit lackluster in regards to the development of the romance. But there was enough here to enjoy about the writing so I'll gladly check out other books written by Hannah Orenstein.

Edie Meyer is a stylist in NYC. Her grandmother, Gloria, has quite the talent as she can predict what date a family member will meet their love match. For years, Edie has known June 24, 2022 is the day Gloria said she will meet her soulmate. Well, the day is here and Edie is on an airplane. A handsome man is sitting right beside her. My oh my, what will happen next?

Love, fate, destiny, and soulmates are interesting subjects and are all explored in this book. I'm not saying it's a deep, philosophical read but you can't help but contemplate what you would do in Edie's situation. And speaking of the lead character, Edie was off-putting at times although overall she is a likeable character. I don't know if it was immaturity or a self-involved thing but she had a tendency to have some unrealistic expectations. I felt sorry for the guest she brought to the family dinner and really cringed at some of her thoughts during that scene.

Even when you have an inkling of how things are going to play out in a romance novel, it is still important to have a well-written ending. It was like the last few chapters were an afterthought and just tacked on. I like the direction the author went in but it was not properly developed with regards to the non-Edie character.

As a chick-lit or regular fiction book, it's a decent read. It just doesn't get high marks as a romance though.

Thank you to Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, slow burn, no steamage, political talk

June 24th is the day and Edie thinks it could be fate that the man sitting next to her on the plane is her one true love. Could he be the one she's been waiting for? You'll have to wait an awfully long time to find out.

This has an interesting and unique premise, but it puts a lot of pressure on how you think your life should play out. I do believe in soulmates and the one and whatnot, but I felt like it really consumed Edie's life and that's all she could think or talk about.

I enjoyed Edie's relationship with her family, especially grandma, Gloria.

Overall, this was a decent read, but I'm not sure how I feel about the ending.

I was able to listen to the final version on audio, as well, so I went back and forth between the two and either format worked out fine. It was narrated by Erin Ruth Walker for 9 hours and 33 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. She did a fine job.

*Thanks to Atria Books, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Becca Freeman]

I adored this charming book about a New York woman whose grandmother has predicted the day everyone in her family will meet the love of their life. Edit meets Theo on the prophesied day and needs to decide if he's "the one". I love a quirky grandmother character, and Gloria is top notch, a Jewish Upper East Sider with a love for martinis and mah jongg. This book has so much heart and such great NYC references. Truly a delight.

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads)]

DNF @ 10%: Gave this one a shot bc I was sent an unsolicited review copy, but I just don't think Hannah Orenstein is for me. Her premises sound SO fun to me, but I just don't get on well with her writing. Sad, but it is what it is. Onto the next!

[Melany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so swooned right now. I loved every single bit about this! This should be a cute romantic comedy movie. The main character is my absolute favorite. She is dead set on her grandma's prediction. I loved how the ending played out and hit me out of nowhere. Such a wonderful read!

[SHOMPA · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

What if you knew the exact date you'd meet your soulmate? Totally intrigued me at first, and the NYC vibes were on point. Edie, the main character, is relatable enough, and the whole family dynamic with her grandma was sweet. BUT... I expected more sparks or surprises, and a lot of it felt predictable. The romance? Meh, not super swoony. It’s not bad overall, just didn’t hit me in the feels as much as I hoped. Solid beach read, though!

[Jessica J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into Hannah Orentstein's latest romance with such high hopes, but Meant to Be Mine ultimately let me down.

Edie's grandmother has accurately predicted the date all of her relatives will meet the loves of their lives. Edie's date happens to coincide with the day that she flies to Maine to help her twin sister get engaged to her boyfriend of 11 years (met on the day that their grandmother predicted). Edie has recently broken up with a guy that she truly loved because she believes in the prophecy so wholeheartedly - he can't be the one, obviously. She's not surprised when she hits it off with a hot guy on the plane on her special day. She is surprised, though, when they part ways without exchanging numbers (never fear, they cross paths on the return flight and end up dating - it's a sign Grandma was right!)

Edie is so consumed with the idea that her grandmother's prediction has to be true that she's trying extra hard to overlook any signs that this new relationship isn't 100% perfect. But then her grandmother passes away and Edie's sister reveals that she didn't actually meet her fiance on the date their grandmother predicted and it forces Edie to rethink everything.

This was a novel all about growing up and recognizing that what we take for granted as absolute truths aren't always so absolute. It was maybe a little bit corny, but it was fine. Up until Edie decides to go for the best man from her sister's upcoming wedding, who also works for a political candidate that has recently hired her as a stylist.. I kind of saw that ending coming from about a mile away and it just wasn't a satisfying resolution to the story for me. Not because it was predictable. but because it wasn't developed thoroughly enough for me to be invested in that outcome.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, let's dive into this. Meant to be Mine had me hooked with its quirky soulmate-finding premise, plus I love Hannah Orenstein, so I was very excited to read it. Let's just say that by the end, I was flipping through the pages like a madman, and not in a good way.

✅ Pros:
- Compelling Concept: Predicting the exact day of meeting your soulmate? Sign me up for that newsletter. It's a catchy idea that initially reeled me in.
- Edie's journey is well fleshed out. I felt like I was on the plane with her, meeting Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now?).
- Grandma Gloria's prophetic abilities give a sprinkle of mystical charm and a nod to family traditions, which I'm all here for.
- The descriptions are spot on. I could almost smell the airplane drinks and feel the awkwardness of first encounters.

❌ Cons:
- Called it! The story marched down a well-trodden path, making me wish for a detour or two.
- There was a golden chance for a narrative about choosing yourself over destiny. I won't spoil it for you but...
The last 20 pages...oh boy, they were a test of patience. I was so frustrated, I could have used the book for a frisbee practice.

The ride was a mix of "Oh, that's sweet" and "Really? That's where we're going?" The ending had me yelling at the book, asking why it couldn't have taken a different turn – one that didn't involve me wanting to throw it out of the window.

🤷‍♀️ Should You Read It?
If you're all in for romance that sticks to its guns, you might enjoy this. But if you're craving a story where the protagonist grabs life by the horns and makes unconventional choices, this might not be your cup of tea. I won't be recommending it to friends.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been meaning to read Hannah Orenstein’s work for a while now and I’m grateful to have received an e-galley of her newest book. The premise of “Meant to Be Mine” is super intriguing––a grandmother with the power to predict when the protagonist will meet the love of her life! family secrets! a fictional indie band!––so I’m disappointed to report that I didn’t connect with this one. Orenstein’s prose is readable, but her writing lacks fun, spark, and emotional depth, three key elements of any successful romcom. The author struggles particularly with dialogue; instead of creating banter between her characters, Orenstein indicates which lines are supposed be “funny,” which makes most of her “jokes” fall flat. The protagonist, Edie, doesn’t have much of an inner life or personality beyond her desire to find a romantic partner. I expect protagonists to bring their emotional baggage and wounds to a new relationship and to struggle to navigate that, but Edie’s only issue seems to be that she believes that she has to marry a man that she meets on a very specific day no matter what. Knowing what your characters want is important, but that knowledge doesn’t always translate into knowing who they are as people––as a reader, I don’t feel like I got to know Edie, Theo, or Bennett at all.

The "true" romance arc of “Meant to Be Mine” only has about 100 pages to unfold, which is a strange choice for a romcom. We spend most of the book with the “wrong guy,” but we don’t really get any time with the “right guy” earlier in the story, because it seems like he’s in a somewhat happy (?) and committed relationship with Edie’s client. The idea that Bennett is a romantic option for Edie is only brought up at the very end, and then she just…decides to be with him? There’s no falling, no romantic tension, and no chemistry. “Meant to Be Mine” holds so much promise with its prophecy/magic element and its underdog love interest setup. Ultimately, it’s just a very bland reading experience.

*Thank you to NetGalley for access to this electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was SO into the premise of this one, the whole idea of fate and destiny is always interesting to me and I was excited to see what the author would do with the concept. I was immediately sucked in as it’s Edie’s day and when she meets a guy who seems like he could be the one I was so excited to see what would happen. So I was into it for at least the first half as Edie and Theo begin dating. I adored the relationship Edie had with her family, and especially with her grandparents and I really loved learning about her Jewish culture and heritage. But then things happen, I know that’s vague but I’m trying not to spoil anything and the story completely lost me. The romance elements I was expecting just didn’t pan out to my satisfaction and by the time I finished I was underwhelmed. Overall this was just ok for me in the end, I really liked so much of this but the end part of Edie’s journey just didn’t work for me at all.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not quite sure what to expect going in to this one. Was this a romance, a rom-com, women’s fiction? What I found is that it is a really nice mix of all three.

A romance to it’s core, this book is very much about building the life and relationships you want regardless of the idea of soulmates and destiny. It is also about the importance of family and cultural traditions and how they help to keep us rooted.

Right off the bat, Edie irked me quite a bit and I could not understand why she would uproot her life for a date on the calendar. Her indecisiveness throughout the book, and then sudden clarity at it’s conclusion, is what kept this from being a five star read. Ultimately though, the author did an excellent job developing her character in such a way that disagreements and all, I felt a very strong connection to her and an emotional investment in whether or not she was able to find her HEA.

I also loved Orenstein’s development of all the supporting characters, none of which felt surface or one dimensional. Often times while reading, I felt as though I was in the book interacting with each of them. I could easily read a book focusing on any of the friends or family members who made an appearance in “Meant to Be Mine.”

I would definitely recommend this one to any romance lover, especially those who want something a little more substantial than your classic rom-com. I am looking forward to checking out the author’s previous work in the coming months.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Basic B's Guide]

Dnf at 25%. After seeing some reviews I think it’s in my best interest to throw in the towel. The audiobook narration is not my favorite either.

[book bruin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’m a huge fan of the fate/destiny trope and so the premise of Meant to Be Mine intrigued me right away. Would someone want to know the exact date they’d meet the love of their life? Would it be a comfort or a burden? How would your life choices change with this knowledge?

Things that I really enjoyed:
- The friend group (shout out to Shireen!) and family relationships. I loved Gloria and her relationship with Edie. Those bits of history and personal touches were so heartwarming. I also loved the Jewish representation and learning more about Jewish culture and customs. The author mentions right away that the book is dedicated to her grandparents and this was truly a beautiful tribute to them and family in all its forms.
- The prophecy. This was such an interesting set up for a book and I found myself wondering what I would do in Edie’s position. It’s wonderful to know with certainty that your soulmate is out there, but how limiting would it be to close yourself off from opportunities and people because of this supposed timeline? I think the novel addresses both sides pretty well - the ups and downs of believing wholeheartedly and not wanting to know/choosing your own way.
- I both loved and was sometimes annoyed by Edie. Her confidence, loyalty to her family, and unwavering belief in the prophecy was admirable, but I did find myself frustrated at times by her decisions. I can understand why she made those decisions though, especially given her relationship with Gloria. I also enjoyed the behind the scenes look at being a stylist.

Things to note:
- Meant to Be Mine was heavier emotionally than expected. This is not a lighthearted romcom and readers should definitely check content warnings prior to reading. Though the romantic plot is a significant part of the story, I feel this book falls more into women’s fiction since Edie’s character arc is the focal point of the novel.
- The book isn’t necessarily political, but there is a political side plot and the author makes their viewpoints pretty clear. I didn’t necessarily view the commentary as bashing however, and actually felt that it aligned very well with the character(s) and their histories.
- I was very curious to see how the book would play out, but sometimes the level of description and detail was overwhelming. It disrupted the flow of the story.
- After all the build up, the ending felt very rushed. I didn’t love how quickly things shifted after Edie’s epiphany. I was actually rooting for a slightly different ending given the number of times a specific character from the past was mentioned. I think making the reader aware of this character as a contrast to Theo was important, but perhaps not to that degree.

Meant to Be Mine was thought provoking and I loved the premise, but unfortunately the execution didn’t fully work. I enjoyed it overall, but didn’t love it.

CW: grief, on page - hospitalization, death of loved one, and funeral, mentions of school shooting and death of sibling (past)

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so utterly impressed by and in love with this book! Hannah Orenstein transported me to Brooklyn— the writing was effortlessly breezy, and though it is on the shorter side, I felt that the story was thoroughly fleshed out and actually the perfect length. And I LOVED the ending and the guy Edie ends up with, omg, cried so much.

Where the book receives extra special bonus points for me is in how personal you could tell this book was for Hannah to write— it is evident with the care and attention to detail that was paid with shaping the character of Gloria. All of the Jewish idioms, food, cultural traditions, and just little idiosyncrasies that were sprinkled perfectly throughout made this such a touching and relatable story. I am so delighted to have read this. 💕

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5.

A good, light read that handled writing about prophecy well with a wonderful tribute to the author’s grandparents.

A perfect read for how heavy the world is right now.

Many thanks to Atria Books and the author for the gifted copy.

Review Date: 05/31/2022
Publication Date: 06/07/2022

[Jade Honey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really didn’t enjoy this book, it had so much potential but there was no plot twist, or anything that makes a good book. The ending was boring, I just think it was a really pointless read. From the blurb it had so much potential, there’s so much they could have done with it, but yeah. Worst book I’ve read in a long time. Not sure if I will even read anything else from the author now.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Hannah Orenstein, but it certainly won't be my last--I really enjoyed Meant to Be Mine! It's an excellent read for the summer: a quick, fun, sweet escape!

Edie's got it planned out exactly when she'll meet her soulmate thanks to her grandmother who has predicted, without ever being wrong, the dates that family members will meet the loves of their lives. June 24th is Edie's day, and just like her Grandma Gloria predicted, she meets a handsome, charming musician named Theo, and sparks fly between them. Edie just knows he's the one, her soulmate, her perfect match...or, is he?

Like I've already said, I enjoyed Meant to Be Mine so much! It's quirky and loveable and while it's less of a romance than I had in my head that it would be, that's okay. What I mean is that while it's undoubtedly about Edie and how she pursues a romance with Theo as she believes he has to be "the one" based on Gloria's prediction (after all, she's never been wrong before), it's more about Edie's growth as a person, her self-awareness, and her journey after tragedy strikes. As Edie is in this new relationship with Theo, she has to decide if she can let go of all the things she wants for her future to be with a man who wants totally different things just because they are meant to be together or if letting fate decide isn't the way for her after all.

Definitely grab a copy of this sweet read with the intriguing premise: are soulmates fated? Or do we choose the ones we love?

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Novel Visits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @atriabooks and @simon.audio for advanced copies of #MeantToBeMine.

𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 by Hannah Orenstein is a difficult book for me to review and we’ll get to why, but first a bit about the story. Our main character Edie is 29, and has finally reached THE day in her life that her grandmother predicts she’ll meet the love of her life. Her grandmother’s unusual ability has worked for everyone in her family, so Edie has no doubts it will work for her, too. When she meets a charming musician on a plane, sparks fly and Edie is convinced he’s “the one.” From there, we follow Edie on the journey toward happily ever after.⁣
⁣
Now all that is fine. Maybe a little sappy for my taste, but I’ve been into romance lately, and 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘦 might have worked if it weren’t for the audio. Yes, I started this as an audiobook, and the narrator was like nails on a chalkboard for me. Edie was supposed to be 29 years old, but she sounded more like 15. The character already skewed a little immature and the young sounding voice didn’t help me see her as a grown woman. And then there was the narrator’s voicing of men…awful. I should have switched to print immediately, but for a variety of reasons waited until I was at almost 40%. Once I made the change, I enjoyed the book more, though I still found Edie a little sad in her single-minded quest for love. Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
⁣

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this novel early!

This was my first Hannah Orenstein book and I couldn't let it pass me by with such an endearing premise! It was such a creative idea to feature a grandmother's prophecy providing the family with certainty in their love stories. I couldn't wait to see how it would play out.

Unfortunately, the execution of such a fabulous idea was slightly lacking for me. I felt the beginning of the story was quite slow and dragging, which made it difficult to stay focused. There were also too many mundane activities and thoughts described in elaborate detail, especially in the beginning, which was honestly...boring. However, as the story crept on, I did find my interest was piqued again. The second half of the book was certainly stronger than the first. Without giving too much away, I enjoyed the questions the prophecy raised within the characters' lives. They were logical questions I think anyone in the main character's situation would ask. I also quite liked the main character, despite her waffling. She was fun and upbeat, driven, and I liked that one of her greatest desires was to be a mother. Her Jewish culture was a nice bonus, too! The ending was a winner for me as well, as the main character chose the things that benefitted her life without too much hesitation. She chose well, and while I saw the resolution coming, it wasn't overly predictable. I also enjoyed the author’s personal touch with special dates on the calendar being added to the story, as well as the dedication to her grandparents.

One thing that quite bothered me, however, was the steady stream of conservative bashing. I don't understand why an author would want to alienate a group of her readers by blatantly hating on their views. From poking fun at a "bland, pro-life conservative" to the next paragraph talking about gun-control just doesn't make sense to me politically or personally. I don’t understand advocating for the murder of babies but being pro-life when it comes to gun-control? For the author's handling of these issues, I will not be seeking out any of her books in the future. There's a way to incorporate one's views into a story without being hostile or alienating. I can look past opposing views, but it's the attitude with which they are communicated that leaves something to be desired.

I settled on a middle-of-the-road rating for Meant to Be Mine since there were some issues that made the story challenging and were difficult to overlook, but overall I was quite happy with how the novel concluded. The characters had enjoyable personalities which made them "fun to be around".

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant To Be is women's fiction mixed with romance and magical realism.

The narrator is 29 year old Edie (1st person POV). She is Jewish and lives in New York City.

The book has an interesting premise. Edie's grandmother can predict the exact day that you will meet the love of your life. And Edie has lived her life accordingly.

I love books that include fate. So I was very intrigued by this premise.

I loved everything about Edie's grandmother and how close she was to her family (and twin sister). I also really enjoyed the Jewish aspect, especially the food.

The book took some very interesting turns. And the ending was top notch. I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it.


Thanks to netgalley and Atria books for allowing me to read this book.

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

I refuse to categorise this as a romance in my tracking - yes it ends with Edie in a happy relationship but the lead up to that point does not match any sane person's definition of what a genre romance should be.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 round up

Do you believe in fate?? This is the question Edie has had to ponder all of her life. In her family, Jewish matriarch Gloria has a reputation for being able to predict the day someone will meet the person who will be their perfect match.

Knowing she's destined to meet this mysterious person, Edie breaks up with a man she's in love with, trying to make herself available for the one who's her 'destiny.' As someone who doesn't hold a lot of faith in this kind of thinking, I really struggled with Edie's decisions. Especially when the man she meets on the so-called day of destiny turns out not to be a perfect fit, despite her best efforts to make it so.

What I did love about this closed door romance was the heartwarming Jewish family, the friendships and the nuanced way the author tackles the question of destiny versus choice and the benefits of being with a partner who shares your values/religion/beliefs. Personally I wanted to shake Edie throughout most of the book but I was happy with how the ending turned out in the end. I didn't love this on audio, I thought the narrator spoke a little too slowly/monotonously but I did eventually get used to her style.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for my early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Brittany | Brittany_the_Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, entertained me for the most part, though maybe a bit wordy. Had a cute ending!

[Alyson (alysonbookishthoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Hannah Orenstein's books, but Meant to Be Mine has definitely shot to the top for my favorite book that she has written (so far). From the storyline, to the characters, to the perfect amount of Judaism weaved throughout the book, I loved so much about it.

While Meant to Be Mine is a love story, it isn't just your typical love story of Edie trying to find her soulmate. The love she has for her grandmother Gloria, to me was the real love story of the book. I enjoyed their interactions so much and it made me tear up a few times when their conversations reminded me of ones I had with my own Jewish grandmother who is no longer here, over the years.

This story felt like one of the most authentic books I have read that really showed the pressure we put on ourselves to find the person we are meant to be with, hoping to find with them the future we have always envisioned, and what happens when the things we thought we wanted don't go as planned. I liked watching Edie evolve into the person at the beginning who was ready to jump in to everything with Theo because she thought it was their destiny, to learning that she didn't want to compromise on things she has always wanted in her future, and learning to let go of the path she thought destiny was supposed to put her down. I selfishly wanted a few more pages at the end of the book, but I absolutely loved the way it ended.

The Jewish representation in this book was incredible. I loved the traditions that were included, the Yiddish terms, and the little bit of education about the holidays and Jewish customs. Gloria was the perfect Jewish grandmother, and I only wish I was able to still hug my Jewish grandmothers after reading this book.

Thank you to Atria Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author but it certainly won’t be my last. It was funny and touching and a perfectly sweet tribute to the authors grandparents, which I absolutely adore!
Edie is a 29 year old Jewish woman living in New York City and is very close with her family. She lives her life in a regimental way because she is living under a prophecy from her grandmother on when she will meet her future spouse. The book starts out with Edie on her way to her sister’s surprise engagement, but it happens to be the “date” that her grandmother has predicted for her to meet her husband, and she has yet to be wrong with her visions, to the point that Edie broke up with who she was dating at the time to make sure she was available when her date came up. On the plane to see her sister, her seat mate seems to be “the one” and she spends the next several weeks getting to know him/falling for him. But is he really the one, despite the premonition?
I loved their family dynamics and the idea of fate is on that always gets my attention, so this book ticked the boxes for me. Perfect beach read this summer.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Atria Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked the premise of this romance, because I enjoy books with a little touch of magical realism, especially when it comes to stories about fate or destiny. I did not, however, care for the execution. The writing was lacking something. I found myself skimming over descriptive passages, especially when it came to things about fashion (the main character Edie is a stylist). I found it hard to connect to Edie and found some of her thought processes annoying. There is a point in the book when you realize how things will probably end up, and then it takes a very long time to get that part of the plot started. I kept checking the percentage on my Kindle and wondering just how rushed it was going to be at the end. It was so rushed that the actual romance barely even happened. I wanted to like this book -- great title, great cover, great premise -- but it just did not work for me.