I heard so many great things about this book and Julie's YA books. Spoiler alert: The hype surrounding Julie's ebooks is real. After reading this book, I'm an official Julie Murphy and can't wait to read two of her YA novels already on my bookshelf.

As someone who grew up watching Disney movies, I'm so happy that Disney is doing an updated contemporary take on this classic fairytales. Julie's take gave me everything I wanted: fun, romance, inclusivity, body positivity, It was the escapist romantic comedy that I was craving!

Cindy is a recent graduate of design school with a passion for everything shoes. After making a less than stellar impression on her senior project and having a serious case of inspiration block, Cindy moves back home to help her step-mom Erica with her triplets (fathered by Cindy's late father). But an unexpected change in plans, finds Erica desperate for female contestants for a Bachelor type reality show. Cindy thinks that this might be a chance to jumpstart her creativity and her career. What starts out as a possible career boost, turns into a potential romance with the suitor.

There are so many things to love about this book. But first and foremost, I love the protagonist is a plus-sized woman. Cindy who is proud of who she is and doesn't apologize or backdown for it. This is the kind of "princess" I'm rooting for. I also loved that Julie took the evil stepmom and stepsisters troupe and turned it on its head. But just because that troupe was different, don't think there isn't drama with Cindy and some of the other contestants or some with her family.

My own complaint is that I wanted a little more steam! Lol. We had some but I wanted just a little bit more. But that's because Cindy and Henry were so cute, I couldn't help but root for them.

If you're looking for a fun, witty, updated remake of a fairytale, I highly recommend! I can't wait to read the other updates as well. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was cute, a little predictable, but really enjoyable. It picks the best parts of Cinderella and modernizes them. Just graduating from fashion school Cindy moves home to her step-mom's Hollywood house to figure out what to do next. On the way there she meets Prince Charming, or otherwise known, as Henry. Her mother, a show runner for a major dating show Before Midnight, has a major issue with contestants dropping out, Cindy and her step-sisters join the reality show under cover to win the contestants heart. And who is the lucky suitor? None other than Henry from the airport. Was their connection from the plane real? Can Cindy win the heart of Henry and the grand prize of $100,000 or was this "realty" show real at all?

This book was a nice and easy read. Like I said a bit, predictable as its based on Cinderella. I was happy that they didn't make the step mom and sister "evil." She spoke at length about her parents death which i found super relatable. I liked that Cindy was a plus sized woman, and that there were some controversy around that and how she handled it. I'm not a huge fan of "perfect" situations which I think this book had quite a few scenarios of. Like Henry just happened to be heir to the fashion industry thrown, she just happened to make the perfect outfit, and made Henry fall in love with her on the plane for no reason, but again this is a bit Disney so it's to be expected. Overall I enjoyed this read, 3.5 stars!

I was so hooked on this book, I felt like I had to turn the page which is such a good feeling!! I could not put this book down at all, this was just a whole lot of fun. I love how well written our plus size MC is, and once I hear Cinderella retelling I am all in! I am definitely planning to buy this book! Julie Murphy you are an inspiration, my love!

I was really excited for a romantic comedy with a fairy tale premise, but was unfortunately disappointed. Although the book is definitely that, a tale with a Cinderella spin (a really cute idea), I had a hard time maintaining interest and wasn’t thrilled with the style of writing. It’s a cute plot, and I love the concept, but I was underwhelmed. Thank you, however, to the publisher, Julie Murphy, and Netgalley for allowing me to read it early!

Cindy, a recent fashion and design grad, has just returned home to sunny California to nanny her siblings for the summer when she stumbles upon an interesting opportunity. Her step-mother, a big-time reality television producer, is in the process of casting her new Bachelor-ish reality show. Normally, Cindy wouldn’t want anything to do with nonsense like that, but this time? She decides to step out of her comfort zone and into some super cute shoes.

The book was an adorable quick read. I’m learning that I’m not big on cutesy, cheesy romance novels, but this was fun. Cindy is a really likable character and I really enjoyed the way this family interacted. Overall, this was a sweet little pick-me-up.

If you like cheesy romance novels and never miss an episode of the Bachelor (or any of its spinoffs), this one is definitely for you. Throw it in your beach bag and enjoy.

Publication date of August 3, 2021, so you should be able to grab a copy soon.

Thanks to Julie Murphy, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I wasn't too sure about this premise since I don't watch much reality TV or dating shows, but I loved Cindy. The cover is pretty cute, too. While the beginning of the romantic interest seemed a little...why...it worked. This is very readable, although my review copy had a LOT more typo errors than I would expect this close to publication (for example, are versus our.)

I've seen "fat-positive" on a lot of reading challenges this year, and this book definitely qualifies. It really shines a light on the ways society plans for the norm and no one else. (I have medical and dietary issues and can't believe how often someone who KNOWS my struggle doesn't plan for me to be accommodated.)

Thanks to Disney and Hyperion for this advanced copy!

I will admit that I was a bit hesitant to read an adult book that has a connection to Disney, but figured why not try this fun retelling of Cinderella, set in a "bachelor-esque' reality tv show, with a plus-sized heroine? And I'm so glad I did! I found this to be such a charming book and a lot of fun to read.

I really loved this re-telling both in the changes that they made (especially to the relationship with Cindy's step-family), as well as how they incorporated all the different details of the Disney movie. I found the heroine to be fun and believable, though I wish part of the story had been from the hero's point-of-view, just to see his side of the show. The show itself sounded horrible, but also I would absolutely watch it, who are we kidding!

I think the only thing that made me sad about this book is that I didn't read it on a lounger by the pool or at the beach. It's a perfect vacation read, and not because it's 100% fluff (it isn't!) but because the pacing was on point and the writing was fun and I'm now a little mad I haven't read more Julie Murphy (rectifying that soon).

I have really enjoyed Julie Murphy’s books and was thrilled to see she’s writing for adults now! This is a great, creative retelling of Cinderella. I appreciated the liberties Julie takes with the traditional fairytale, bringing it into the 21st century with strong female characters. If you enjoyed One to Watch, you might like this one, too!

A modern-day retelling of Cinderella could not have been done better! What a fantastic story - loved the characters and their flaws and funnies. There was just the right amount of romance, in my opinion. I'm not a Bachelor fan, but I could see the similarities and I didn't mind them.

This is the best romance I've read this year. I was already excited about Murphy's foray into adult publishing and she lived up to my hopes! Cindy and Henry are a delight. I can't wait to read Murphy's next adult romance.

Meant to Be by Julie Murphy was a TREAT to read. A Cinderella retelling, our main character Cindy is leaving New York to head back to her not so evil step mother. Erica is Cindy’s last living parent and the show runner of extremely popular Bachelor like reality tv show. On the plane over Cindy bumps into a man she dubs in her mind Prince Charming. This book is everything you expect from Disney publishing, and I read it one sitting. The characters feel fresh, the plot is adorable, and the romance gives you all the feels but keeps things clean.

This story was both cute and filled with a mix of reality TV and fairytale storylines, which made for a great combination.

Cindy meets a friendly guy on her plane ride home, and it turns out his name is Henry. After losing both of her parents, Cindy is returning home to her stepmother and two step-sisters – but the three of them do get along for the most part (which was a nice spin on the regular Cinderella trope). Fast forward a bit and she finds herself on her step-mother’s reality show “Before Midnight” in order to make a name for herself and hopefully land a job in the fashion world – or maybe even win the $100,000 prize. It was never about the bachelor she had to warm up too – at least it wasn’t for Cindy.

Not until she gets there and realizes the bachelor is none other than the Henry she shared the plane ride with. Struggling between her growing feelings, her original reasons for joining the show, and the fact that she never knows where she stands with him as he dates twenty-five women simultaneously for the sake of the show, Cindy second guesses herself regularly and ultimately has to decide whether she wants to win Henry or choose herself.

This book was a quick and delightful read. I truly enjoyed the spin on the Cinderella story! More than this, though – I loved the body positivity messages that were woven throughout.

This twist on a modern retelling of Cinderella was really cute and well developed using the vehicle of a matchmaking reality show. . I really love that the main character was a plus sized woman and that many of the issues that we plus size women have to deal with we’re addressed in the book. I would love to see a sequel! I read this one in a day, I couldn’t put it down!!!

Thank you NetGalley, Disney Publishing and Julie Murphy for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, strong female leads and late night walkie talkie rendezvous, this one's for you! A fun, quick read that is perfect for any Cinderella fan looking for a modern twist. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even notice the Cinderella theme until reading reviews but the fact that this is published by Disney makes sense! Ill admit, I totally skipped all the parts that Henry and Cindy weren’t in together. If I’m honest... I HATE the bachelor, but this story was too fun to pass on and I’m glad I didn’t! The perfect palate cleanser to lend a few laughs, a few aws and a whole lotta love!
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When Cindy’s reality tv producer step-mom needs someone to fill in as a contestant on Before Midnight, she surprises everyone and accepts. While she’s hoping to use her time on the show to showcase her shoe designs, she instead comes face to face with Henry. Henry isn’t just the son of one of Cindy’s fashion idols, he’s also the mystery man she shared a plane ride and insane chemistry with. When the audience falls in love with Cindy as a body positive icon, Cindy and Henry are falling themselves, but will they break their fall together or crash and burn in front of millions?

This was a DNF for me. I’m a huge Disney fan and was super excited about this title. But, I just couldn’t get into the story and wasn’t a fan of the writing style. I do appreciate the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing.

Thank you @disneypublishing for the complimentary galley of this book, which will be available on August 3rd

Cindy loves everything about shows and after graduating with a degree in show design, moves back to LA. In an effort to boost her career, she volunteers to participate in a reality TV show produced by her step mother.

This is my first Julie Murphy read and found this book very refreshing! The compassion, the confidence, love for shoes everything depicted by Cindy is such a breath of fresh air. This fun, smart and witty retelling had me hooked from page one and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

Big Julie Murphy fan over here! I've read most everything she's written and have given out a lot of 5 stars. However, If the Shoe Fits just didn't land for me. It's almost impossible not to compare it to One to Watch as it has a very similar plot also starring a fat main character.

I thought this one was just okay. Tamer than I would've liked (probably bc it is from Disney Hyperion) and I just didn't buy the relationship between Cindy and Henry. I realize this is the first in a series so maybe I will give the second one a go when it comes out to see if the series gets a little more interesting. I also wish that the fact that we have a fat MC was more of a thing to be honest.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue/Disney Publishing for an early copy of this book!

"Meant To Be: If The Shoe Fits" by Julie Murphy is a new series from the author. Following up with her Dumplin series, Julie's next series will be retelling of classic fairy-tales.

Julie Murphy is one of those authors that I knew about (due to the movie Dumplin on Netflix) but I had yet to read. I am glad that this was the first one I have read by her! It was such a cute book & a breezy read. I am also all for authors who write about characters I can relate to as a plus size woman.

"If The Shoe Fits" is a retelling of Cinderella, where our main character Cindy is all about shoes. She loved shoes because it is one accessory that everyone can share. Just like Cinderella, Cindy had lost both of her parents young and has a stepmother and not just 2 sisters but also 3 younger siblings who are triplets. And unlike all the stories of Cinderella that we know, the relationship amongst them all are good & are not evil towards Cindy at all.

Cindy is in the process of moving from New York City back to Los Angeles following graduation from Parsons when she meets a man, Henry, and then they suddenly are on the same flight together. You could feel the chemistry off the pages. But once the flight was over, they went their separate ways.

Cindy's stepmother Erica, is the executive producer of a reality dating show called "Before Midnight" which is comparable to our "Bachelorette." Two of the contestants were no longer going to be part of the show, so not going were Cindy's stepsisters joining the show but Cindy decided to join as well. Just like on the "Bachelorette" the girls stay at a lavish chateau and meet the suitor with a fancy limo reveal. Unbeknownst to each other, Henry is the suitor and Cindy is shocked. Henry does not make any sort of reaction as if he knew or remember Cindy. That is until there is a blackout and she is whisked away. That was when my heart fell for Henry Mackenzie.

I really loved this story & loved Cindy and Henry's relationship throughout this. The only thing I felt was missing were those steamy scenes. We got close but didn't quite get there.

One strong point is that by the Cindy put herself first and did what was best for her. It may have made people upset but she needed to do what she had to do. I thought that made her character stronger that she didn't just follow a boy.

I am looking forward to seeing what other retelling's Julie has in store for us! But please give us some steam! I want to see these plus size girls get their mojo on!

✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
Any books with a plus size heroine, sign me up! This one sounded similar to One To Watch, which I liked. Plus Julie Murphy’s writing style definitely touches me. Thank you to Disney and @netgalley for letting me read this ahead of publication.

💜 What I liked:
The creative changes to the basic Cinderella story were super fun! This story has everything I want in a romance: bold heroines, cute male interest, quirky environment. Definitely also like the differences to previous “dating show” tropes.

😱 What I didn’t like:
A few times Cindy wasn’t as intuitive or communicative as she should have been. But- that is definitely how to move the story along with miscommunication and misunderstanding.

💁‍♀️ The Characters:
Cindy is drafted by her stepmother Erica to be on a dating show with her stepsisters Drew and Anna. I love Cindy as she has so many of the same self-conscious thoughts I do!

🚦 My face at the end: 🤗 🦄

💭 5 Reasons to Read:
1. Plus size heroine
2. Super fun dating game
3. Twist on Cinderella
4. Sub characters very likeable and not annoying
5. A new start of a series!



🕧 Mini-Summary:
Cindy meets Henry on an airplane, but little does she know that she will end up on a dating show to win his heart!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Received from Netgalley.

This book brought me so much joy. In Cinderella meets The Bachelor, we see Cindy, a plus-sized aspiring shoe designer, end up on a reality dating show on a whim. Cindy is recently graduated college and not looking at too many job prospects, so she heads back home to her step-family where she plans to babysit her half-siblings until she gets back on her feet. But when two contestants can longer do her step-mom's reality dating show, Cindy decides to fill their shoes to get more publicity for herself as a designer. Of course, she doesn't expect the suitor to be the handsome guy she met on the plane to California! Will sparks fly or will tv magic make this reunion less than magical?

I absolutely loved this book. Probably doesn't help that I love The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, so I am a sucker for reality dating show books. I was a little nervous would be too similar to One to Watch; I mean, how many quasi-Bachelor books with plus-size leads can we have? What new can be done? But they're completely different. There's really no comparisons among the plot, especially considering one has a female lead and one has a female contestant. While both books address the realities of media pressure and fat-shaming, this book is significantly happier overall and bit less gritty than One To Watch. More Disney gloss, if you know what I mean. This is a feel-good book, a fairytale retelling with a HEA. And don't we all need a little joy in our lives?

I know this is a book I will reread and pre-ordered it in hardback after reading my ARC! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10