Meant to Be

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Meant to Be

by Morrill, Lauren

Julia is a girl who lives her life by a very specific set of rules, largely because she is convinced that her past defines her future. When she heads off on a school trip to London, she is forced to confront the gap between the person she thinks she is and the person she is actually becoming. This is a classic coming-of-age story that leans into the charm of a summer abroad, balancing lighthearted romantic confusion with the quiet, internal work of self-discovery. The pacing feels like a long, sun-drenched afternoon—sweet, nostalgic, and just a little bit messy. If you enjoy stories about the serendipitous moments that shift your perspective, or if you appreciate a protagonist who has to let go of her own expectations to find her voice, this is going to feel like a warm, familiar hug.

10 Books similar to 'Meant to Be'

Since you enjoyed the blend of teenage identity crises and serendipitous romance in Meant to Be, we have curated a list that echoes those same feelings. Whether it is the fish-out-of-water atmosphere of a trip abroad, the chaotic meddling of friends and family, or the exhilaration of a first love that forces you to change your plans, these stories hit that sweet spot of emotional growth and romantic tension. Each of these picks captures that specific, fluttering excitement of navigating high school transitions while holding onto the hope that everything eventually lands where it should.

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The DUFF
The DUFF

by Kody Keplinger

Like 'Meant to Be,' this novel tackles high school social hierarchies and the messy, often painful process of self-discovery. It features a relatable protagonist who must navigate labels and expectations to find genuine connection.

Anna and the French Kiss
Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

Fans of Morrill's lighthearted, romantic style will adore this story set in a boarding school in Paris. It captures the same fluttering excitement of a new romance and the journey of finding one's place in a new environment.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before
To All the Boys I've Loved Before

by Jenny Han

This book shares the quintessential YA contemporary 'vibe' where a girl's carefully constructed world is turned upside down by romance. It mirrors the emotional stakes and the focus on navigating high school relationships found in Morrill's work.

Geekerella
Geekerella

by Ashley Poston

This modern retelling offers a sweet, geeky twist on the classic romance tropes found in 'Meant to Be.' It focuses on being true to oneself while navigating the complexities of high school and fandom culture.

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The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E. Smith

Both books explore the idea of destiny and the serendipitous moments that change a teenager's life forever. It features a similar blend of witty dialogue and genuine emotional growth within a short, intense timeframe.

10 Blind Dates
10 Blind Dates

by Ashley Elston

If you enjoyed the chaotic, fun, and romantic journey of Julia trying to figure out her love life, this book is a perfect match. It features a lovable protagonist surrounded by family and friends who meddle in her romantic future.

Fangirl
Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

This novel delves deep into the anxiety and excitement of the high school-to-college transition, mirroring the identity crisis Julia faces in 'Meant to Be.' It is a beautifully written exploration of finding one's voice and falling in love unexpectedly.

Better Than the Movies
Better Than the Movies

by Lynn Painter

This book is a must-read for fans of Morrill's work because it perfectly balances rom-com tropes with genuine character development. It captures the same 'meant to be' feeling while keeping the narrative fun and fast-paced.

Love & Gelato
Love & Gelato

by Jenna Evans Welch

This story shares the 'fish out of water' element where a young girl is thrust into a new, romantic setting and forced to re-evaluate her past and future. It has a similar breezy, romantic atmosphere that makes for an easy and enjoyable read.

Tell Me Three Things
Tell Me Three Things

by Julie Buxbaum

This book features a protagonist dealing with a major life change who finds herself entangled in a mysterious and budding romance. It captures the same blend of humor, high school drama, and emotional discovery found in 'Meant to Be.'