I received this book for free through Netgalley for my honest review. 4.5 rounding up to 5. Wow, a mixture of bachelor nation and Cinderella! Felt super duper predictable but in a way that I loved and needed. The only reason for the half star instead of a full 5 is because I felt the ending was rushed and I just wanted more from it. I loved the writing and the way I just couldn’t put this book down. I love the idea of the princess connection for this series and written by different authors. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

This was a really cute retelling of the Cinderella story with a novel premise. Cindy, our heroine, enters a Bachelor-esque dating show in order to get exposure for her fashion career. A chance meeting throws this all into question. First, let me say that I liked the plus-size representation. While it felt a little heavy-handed at times, I particularly liked that Cindy's weight never factored into the romance aspect. Her weight really only came up when other characters made assumptions or weren't as inclusive as they could have been. It was really nice to see a fat main character who didn't have to justify her weight or view it as an obstacle to be overcome in her romance. Second, I really liked Henry the love interest. And more importantly I really liked that there was never any true miscommunication between Henry and Cindy. The conflict from the story comes in the form of a meddling production company. Both main characters are able to be honest with each other throughout the whole book, which was something I really liked. It went a long way toward furthering their relationship in my opinion. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cute contemporary romance novel, particularly if they're interested in a plus-size main character.

This was my first book by Julie Murphy and I’m so excited to read adult romance from her. I loved that this was more inspired by Cinderella and not a retelling, especially how the stepfamily was supportive of Cindy. Also, I’m a big fan of The Bachelor inspired romances.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my chance to review.

Cinderella style meets The Bachelor.
Being plus-sized myself, I’m always ecstatic about reading plus size heroine representation and this one was a super cute story. I really enjoyed this one from beginning to end, finished it in one sitting.

• ‘Cinderella’ inspired
• Airport Meet Cute
• Supportive Family
• Plus-SIze Representation
• Shoe Obsession
• ‘The Bachelor’ Show Style

• New Adult

I adored this Cinderella retelling!! No evil step mother/sisters. This story was set almost a reality tv show which aren’t my thing but I REALLY enjoyed this story. About family, love and finding yourself.

Romance -
It's always great when an author turns convention on its head. Murphy does that here with a retelling of Cinderella. She also has a main character with a plus-size body. How refreshing.

Cindy ends up on a reality tv show, when her stepmother (the producer of the show) needs contestants at the last minute. Cindy has just graduated from Parsons School of Design and come home to LA where she lives with her stepmother, 2 stepsisters, and 3 half siblings. With minimal career prospects and not much else going on in her life, she and her stepsisters agree to go on After Midnight - think The Bachelor.

Cindy hits it off right away with the suitor. They met on her flight back from NYC and had some chemistry. They didn't exchange much information, so she is shocked when Henry turns out to be the man, they are all competing for on the show.

Shenanigans ensue with the contestants, the crew and her stepsisters. Through it all Cindy and Henry continue to deepen their relationship. The author adds in some characters that are bi-sexual and LGBTQ+ as well for some added dimension.

It's a romance and a retelling of Cinderella, so I'm not revealing any spoilers when I say that the guy and girl get together. There is some alterations to the original story here as well. Murphy does a great job with contemporary stories of all kinds and this is no exception. The only negative I really have about the novel is that Cindy doesn't really have many conflicts to overcome - yes she is fat and gets some of the typical reactions etc, but other than that there wasn't that much depth to her.

All in all, a better than average retelling of a classic fairytale. Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this novel.

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a delightful modern retelling of a beloved fairy tale that combines romance, self-discovery, and body positivity. With a charming protagonist, a captivating romance, and a dash of magic, this book offers an enjoyable and empowering reading experience.

The story follows Cindy, a talented shoe designer who is chosen to participate in the reality TV show "Meant To Be." As she competes for a coveted position in her dream fashion company, Cindy navigates the challenges of competition, friendship, and love. Along the way, she learns important lessons about embracing her true self and following her dreams.

One of the strengths of this novel is the well-developed protagonist. Cindy is a relatable and likable character who is smart, witty, and fiercely independent. Her journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery is inspiring, and readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way.

The romance in If the Shoe Fits is beautifully crafted and adds a heartwarming element to the story. The chemistry between Cindy and a certain someone is palpable, and their interactions are filled with tension, humor, and genuine emotion. Their relationship evolves naturally, and it is refreshing to see a love story that embraces individuality and challenges societal expectations.

Julie Murphy's writing style is engaging and captures the essence of the fairy tale setting with a contemporary twist. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the pages. The inclusion of diverse and well-rounded secondary characters adds depth and complexity to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on body positivity and self-acceptance. The author tackles important themes surrounding body image, societal pressures, and the beauty of embracing one's unique qualities. Through Cindy's journey, readers are reminded of the importance of self-love and embracing one's individuality.

If the Shoe Fits is a feel-good, empowering novel that celebrates authenticity and self-discovery. It reminds us that true happiness comes from embracing who we are, regardless of societal expectations. With its charming characters, engaging romance, and positive messages, this book is a delightful escape into a world of fairy tale romance and personal growth.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a copy of If the Shoe Fits - A Meant To Be Novel provided by the publisher.

I was going through my list and didnt even realize that I was approved for this book. I read it early this year, because I got it from a book box. So here is the review.

This was my first Julie Murhphy book that I have read and I really enjoyed it. After finishing the book I immediately bought the next book in the series. After ready Never Ever Getting Back together I started really enjoying the bachelor vibes in these book. I don't care for the show, but reading it in book form was good for me.

Overall, I gave this book 4 stars, and can't wait to read more by this author.

This was cute. Sort of a Cinderella x The Bachelor combo. I really liked Cindy, but I couldn’t get on board with Henry. My mind kept picturing Henry Cavill for whatever reason and he just does not do it for me.

Also I half listened to this on audiobook and the narrator drove me nutssss. She sounded kind of like Kristen Bell but in a bad way????

This was such a delightful and heartwarming read! Julie Murphy does it best when it comes to confident and lovely main characters who are not only great role models but also embody body positivity in such an encouraging way! It's either a hit or miss with fairy tale retellings but I truly enjoyed this Cinderella retelling with the modern aspects like the dating show instead of a ball. I also loved how kind and encouraging Cindy's step mother and step sisters were towards her instead of being the stereotypical nasty ones from the original fairy tale.

Julie Murphy puts a spin on the classic fairytale of Cinderella - and I am here for it! Per her YA style, the story is inclusive but not intrusive, giving all of her main characters a heartwarming quality that makes the reader fall a little bit in love with them all.
Setting a story about finding your true love set during a dating competition similar to the Bachelor was definitely entertaining. And I loved the twist from Cinderella, which was something I had not seen before.

I love seeing more and more plus size representation in books now. It makes me feel seen and in romance books that is so important for the reader to be able to connect to characters.

I'm not a fan of the Bachelor at all, so I was a little wary of that aspect going into this. But was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it here.

This was my first book by Julie Murphy and it definitely won't be my last!

I love fairytale retellings! They are the best and If the Shoe Fits is just as amazing.

Cindy is a independent woman who is just trying to find her break into the shoe industry when her stepmom asks for her help to be on a reality TV show. The only issue is the main man on said show is someone Cindy met on the flight over. Henry and Cindy already have a connection before the show starts but they have to pretend they don't know each other.

Think The Bachelor meets Cinderella and that gives you If the Shoe Fits. A cheesy cute romance novel. Definitely would recommend.

I am developing a course on fat representation and would like to include a fiction text and this was great. Murphy is a reliable writer and I appreciated the low-steam content in the book, making it more appropriate to assign to students.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I an unable to review this title, as it was archived before I had a chance to download and read it. This feedback is only to stop this title from adversely affecting my netgalley feedback rate. If in the future I have the opportunity to read this title, I will post a proper review here.

This was the first in a series of fairytale reimaginings called Meant to Be, and it was completely delightful.

This was such a fun read. Cindy just got her degree in shoe design and is currently working for her stepmother, who is the executive producer of a reality dating show 'Before Midnight'. Her stepmother strongarms her into filling a spot on the show, and Cindy agrees, as a way to show off her shoe designs to viewers. Being a plus-size woman on a dating show gets her a lot of attention and she ends up becoming a body positivity icon.

I loved Cindy, and the fact that she decided she had to make her own luck. I would have liked a little more from Henry, but I enjoyed their story all the same. As you'd expect from Disney you won't get any steam in this story, but it's a delightful, uplifting and sweet retelling.

Cinderella retelling with nice stepmother and stepsisters? Yes please. I really enjoyed this adult Cinderella retelling with a fat protagonist and a TV dating show. Why yes, that does sound suspicious like [book:One to Watch|53103895]! But I liked this one a lot more than One to Watch. I had problems with OTW's protagonist. I didn't have problems with Cindy! It was fun and cute and just a little steamy (just a little) and actually this was my first Julie Murphy book! *gulp*

I actually read this title early last year! I really have enjoyed everything I've read by Julie Murphy. She represents a body type that I see in myself, and I love seeing her tackle that on a larger stage (albeit, a fictional stage). This was a quick, fun read still, and I was able to enjoy 'The Bachelorette' and Cinderella connections.

This book was okay but not one of my favorites. It was cute and cheesy and exactly what I needed at the time, however, I think it will be easily forgotten. I wanted to love this because I was excited for plus size representation but I wasn't sold on the romance. It was a quick easy read but probably not one I would ever reread.