Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

If the Shoe Fits really hits the ground running, making it clear that this is Cinderella comparison in the prologue and laying it on rather thick when our MFC, Cindy, meets a handsome guy she dubs “Prince Charming” in her head. Bit heavy handed. Moments like this that remind me that Murphy has written a lot of YA novels. Her writing style just reads a bit more young adult than adult to me. I want to emphasize that THE WRITING IS GOOD! Murphy know’s what she’s doing! It simply is a bit young sounding for my taste.

One thing I really loved about this retelling is the family. Instead of wicked step-family, we get a bonded blended family that Cindy feels somewhat disconnected from, but it’s super clear that they love Cindy and she loves them back.

My second issue is the lack of realism. I get that most novels - especially romance novels - require some suspension of disbelief, but it’s still necessary to have something realistic to hold on to, and almost everything in this book has me going “pfft like that would work.” Without spoiling anything, let’s just say the show crew decides to lie about some things in Cindy’s life that are so obviously lies they would undoubtedly be discovered within a 2 minute Google search, not to mention anyone who knew Cindy could easily blow these lies up. It’s the kind of convoluted plot that could only work in a movie produced in the early 2000s.

I’m sorry for the harsh review. Truly, the writing itself isn’t bad! It just feels very juvenile, especially for something that has been expressly marketed as Julie Murphy’s first novel for adults. I just could not get into this book which is a bummer because I had really been looking forward to it since I read the summary in a recent BookList.

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4. I think this might be a good romance novel to introduce "New Adults" to the genre.

A modern day Cinderella meets The Bachelor in this fairy-tale reality TV blend.

Cindy just graduated with a degree in shoe design and finds herself back home with her stepmom and stepsisters - who are not so wicked. Her stepmom is a reality TV show producer of the popular Before Midnight show, where a group of women all vie for the attention of one man and he presents them with a scroll if he chooses them. Sound familiar? Some spots need filling at last-minute, and Cindy's influencer step-sisters jump in, but Cindy decides she'd like the spotlight to hopefully get her name out there with her designs. But she is shocked when the prince charming that is set to woo all the ladies is the charming hunk she flirted with on the plane ride home! He is also surprised, but happy to see Cindy again. When Cindy's popularity picks up on the show as being a plus size body positivity contestant, it looks like she might see a spin-off of her own. But who will win prince charming's heart in the land of reality TV?

This is a fun blend of reality TV (and lets readers see a bit into the behind-the-scenes action) and the fairy tale of Cinderella we all grew up on.

As someone who has never missed an episode of The Bachelor, runs a meme page dedicated to the franchise and writes recaps weekly, I very much enjoyed If the Shoe Fits.

Can Julie Murphy produce the next season of The Bachelorette please?

If the Shoe Fits is a Cinderella retelling featuring Cindy, aspiring shoe designer and college graduate who returns home after the death of her father with nothing specific lined up. She takes over nannying her three younger half-siblings and triplets while her step-mother runs the successful reality TV show Before Midnight. But when spots on the show need filling, Cindy takes the role along with her two step-sisters, using the publicity to show off her shoes and becoming a body positive role model for the show’s fans. As the girls compete for love, Cindy is just looking for her big break… but she may find something surprising in the process.
To start, I really enjoyed that this retelling takes a lot of the traditional elements and uses them in non-traditional ways. Without spoiling anything, the triplets take the place of Cinderella’s nice and the reality TV show is the modern version of Prince Charming’s grand ball. These changes stay true to the story but fit much better in our modern world, and it’s really fun to find other places the traditional and new collide.
This book has short chapters so the story moves along quickly, and it was easy to binge read the entire book. To assist my binge reading, I love Julie Murphy’s writing and this book is no exception - her main characters are so compelling and even in this retelling, Cindy stands out as unique among them. She is such a positive and wonderfully written heroine, and I loved being within her perspective while reading. Another plus for this book is that it is very body positive. I love that Cindy not only embraces her size with zero self-consciousness but calls it out when other characters refuse to accommodate her. She struts with her own confidence and doesn’t let anyone stop her from reaching her goals and absolutely crushing the competition.
My only critique is that our Prince Charming seems a little flat, and while the focus is on Cindy, I was looking for more from him and a deeper connection between him and Cindy. Instead the focus is very much on Cindy herself as she goes through the show and gets insight behind the scenes.
This book is all about girl power and being comfortable with yourself! I will say read at your own risk - I don’t have a big shoe collection and it’s not usually my thing but dang this book was making me jealous, and it makes me sad that it’s impossible to wear a Cindy original in real life.

This was such a fast read for me and it's a book that has gotten me out of my reading slump. I would have loved to see if Cindy and Henry spent the rest of their lives together.

This was such an engaging read. The book has such a unique boy meets girl story line. Cindy meets Henry on a plane, where it is obvious the two are ready for a new beginning and share a unique bond. However, in a surprising twist, the two have to overcome a unique set of obstacles- Cindy is a contestant on a show where Henry is the Bachelor. Over the course of the game show, the two grow stronger in love and it oozes from the pages- but will their love be enough for the viewers?

I especially like that Cindy is a plus sized woman who is proud of who she is. I also adore that some of the characters are based off of Cinderella names, but this "Cinderella" story line is a unique experience. I also love that her step mom and step siblings are a family and not torn apart by the death of Cindy's father, but rather brought together. That alone brings a more lighthearted joy to the story line.

from the beginning, “if the shoe fits” just drew me in, and combined all of my guilty pleasures into one: terrible reality tv & fairytale retelling. One of my favorite things about this book is the sister bond between Cindy, Anna & Drew. I was surprised to find a Cinderella Retelling that didn’t fall into the ‘evil family trope’ (which, to be honest I was getting sick of) so this was quite refreshing and done in a magnificent way. Next to that, I was pleased to read from Cindy’s perspective—it was easy to connect with her and understand her motives as a character. Some points in the book felt a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked a little more tension between Cindy & Addison. However, overall this take on Cinderella not only had a great cast of characters, but truly pulled you into the world with them.

Julie Murphy is an absolute goddess and her writing is a gift.

If the Shoe Fits is another home run for me. I love Murphy’s characters, dialogue, plot lines, and ideas. This was an absolute delight to read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG this book was too cute!

This is another book that I have had in my Netgalley library for a long time and I am so happy that I read it!

This was Cindy's story.. She was the main book crush. I could see myself rooting for her on this dating show. And her and Henry had awesome chemistry right away. There were points when you grew frustrated because Henry was so much more into her than the other girls, but apparently that's how the Bachelor really is so, who knows?

You also gotta love the representation! I honestly haven't read too many books where the main character is plus size and I really loved this one! Also the idea that she's on a dating show is even better! We want to see more people that look like us.

This book comes out in August and seriously you should check it out if you want a cute rom com read and LOVE reality TV!

5 Stars!

When I got this little book, I expected a modern-day Cinderella story, but that is not exactly what I got. Yes, we have Cindy (get the name?) whose mother died when she was young leaving her to be raised by her father. Of course, Daddy eventually tells Cindy that he has met someone who he wants to marry and she has two daughter about her age. So we still have the Cinderella plot, but it pretty much stops there. I do not think this is a spoiler because you have this knowledge rather quickly in the book.

Based on a reality tv show and so very similar to what I have heard these shows to be, the story line is basically that our main character, Cindy, ends up on one of these shows. Now, to tell how she gets there and some other details would be too much info for here. Suffice it to say, Cindy is not your typical girl who might go on one of these shows. She does not go on there expecting to win nor does she expect to find the love of her life. Cindy goes on to win some money or get exposure for her shoe design business. But the biggest shocker: Cindy is a plus-sized woman!! How dare an author have a plus-sized character in a book who is a normal, decent person?!?!

What did I like about this story? I liked that Cindy acknowledged her size and reminded crew members that they knew she was to be on the show in time to have the proper sized clothes for her... they did not. I loved the fact that because she was a graduate of Parsons, she knew clothing, even though her expertise was in shoe design. Without a word, she would take clothing and make it work with a few snips here and a tie there and a properly sized outfit would appear. There was no making fun of her as the over-sized character, and I liked that.

This book was much more than I expected. Not a difficult read, I read it in a few hours. I understand it is to be part of a series somewhat loosely based on fairy tales.

I did receive this book ahead of time from Net Galley and Disney Publishing Worlwide. It is, as they say, an "uncorrected galley proof." With that in mind, I do hope the eitors go back through and read it carefully as I am pretty sure there were some errors. Otherwise, nice little book to read.

#NetGalley #DisneyPublishingWorldwide #Iftheshoefits

First, thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC!

Second, I'm going to start this the same way I started my review of One to Watch, a very similar themed book:

It's important to know I've never watched an episode of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, or any kind of dating show in that spectrum of reality TV. On the other hand, I really enjoy behind the scenes stories of dating shows, a la the show "Unreal", which is why I was 100% in on this from the start.

I was 100% on this because a) Julie Murphy, aka the Queen of all things, and b) I love a behind the scenes of a dating show story. That said, while I did really enjoy this oh so much, One to Watch came out almost exactly a year ago and these stories are just so similar that it's hard for me to divorce the two books in my head now.

That said, I really liked Cindy and the fact she loves her stepmom and stepsisters. Henry is a doll, but obviously you're spending a lot of the book waiting for the other shoe the drop with him...no pun intended. I liked the shoe designing angle, it was a fun facet of the fashion industry. Lastly, the other contestants were great, but I wish we got to know more of them, as it was mostly just Sara, Stacy, and Addison.

Overall I really enjoyed this. I'm always going to love a Julie Murphy book!

Calling all fans of The Bachelor and One to Watch! @andimjulie If The Shoe Fits is a delightful, funny, and swoonworthy slow burn romance fairy tale retelling with a contemporary twist! In the wake of her dad's passing, Cindy, a recent fashion school graduate, heads home for the summer to nanny for her young triplet step-siblings while she figures our her next steps. Her step-mom is the executive producer of Before Midnight, the world's biggest dating reality show. When contestants drop out at the last minute, Cindy and her 2 step-sisters take their spots. What better way to showcase her shoe designs by getting national coverage and going on some dates with a handsome bachelor?! As the first plus size contestant on the show, she quickly realizes the spotlight is extra bright and that her feelings for Price Charming may actually be real. I flew through this book, felt all of the feels, and rooted for Cindy the whole time! I loved Cindy's commitment to herself despite public pressure. This is out August 3, so go pre-order your copy today! Thanks to @andimjulie @netgalley and @hyperionave for the ARC!

Like anyone with a beating heart, I loved the Dumplin' series, devouring each book more quickly than the last. Julie Murphy creates characters that you just want to root for and hug at the same time. After finishing Pumpkin', I knew my next read had to be Murphy's adult romance debut, and "If the Shoe Fits" did not disappoint!

While the classic story of Cinderella and the modern guilty pleasure of The Bachelor are the inspirations for this book, Julie Murphy manages to succeed in making this story unique.

First and foremost, I loved the relationships between women in this book. While there is an "ugly stepsister" character, it is not Cindy's actual stepsisters. In fact Cindy, her stepmother, and two stepsisters, have a pretty good relationship. It's not without complications all together, but they love, care for, and respect one another. Murphy realistically portrays what the dynamic would be for Cindy, who has lost both parents and has only her step family (and much younger half sibling triplets) for family now. This was a refreshing take on the classic fairy tale.

I also loved the fat representation in this book. Cindy is comfortable in her skin, but is of course nervous about the reaction she will get on the show. I love that there are acknowledgements of this very real internal struggle while at the same time, the book is not all about her weight. She's just another girl on the show, and (most) of the women treat her as tough competition (which, spoiler alert, she definitely is) but also as a friend. The friendships she makes on the show, both with other contestants and her producers, were almost more interesting to me than the core relationship.

Finally, I loved that Cindy had a unique skill and big dreams. Her shoe designs were fun and quirky and sexy and I wish I could buy a pair of Cindy originals for myself.

My only complaint with this book was I was hoping there would be chapters from Henry's point of view. I just didn't feel like we knew him the way we knew Cindy, and I wanted to look at the situation through his eyes. Of course that would have spoiled several twists and turns but I ended up feeling less invested in the core relationship than I normally am when reading a romance.

Overall, this is a delightful, breezy, cute romance that gives a modern twist on a classic story. I also would like to start a petition for Before Midnight to become an actual show please.

I loved everything about this book! The characters and the love that binds everyone, be it friendship or family, made for a wonderful ending.

Thank you to Disney-Hyperion (Disney Books) and Netgalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a sucker for a fairy tale retelling so I couldn't wait for the chance to read If the Shoe Fits, a retelling of Cinderella. Much like Cinderella, our heroine Cindy is an orphan but she has a good relationship with her stepmother and step-siblings. After she graduates from fashion school, Cindy returns to L.A. to be a nanny for her half siblings while she figures out her next step in life. Her stepmother is the producer for Before Midnight, a reality dating show (think The Bachelor). When a contestant backs out at the last minute, Cindy decides to join the show. It isn't like she'll actually find love on a dating show...right?

I've been an on-off viewer of The Bachelor/ette shows for years. Even when I don't watch I follow recaps so I loved seeing the Bachelor elements that were infused within the story. If the Shoe Fits very much fulfills the fairy tale retelling of Cinderella so you know exactly what you're going to get. It is a closed door romance so although there are no steamy scenes Cindy and the suitor have great chemistry together. The end of the book leaves it open for further stories within the Before Midnight universe and I'm here for it. I also liked the body positive messages within the story.

If the Shoe Fits is perfect for readers who love fairy tale retelling, enjoyed reading One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London and is a fan of Julie Murphy's previous works. If the Shoe Fits is available August 3rd, 2021.

I love this so much. Julie Murphy has officially conquered all the age ranges, she's a triple threat baby! I adored Cindy as a character and the plot was fantastic, I love the fat girl on a reality show plot so much (see: One to Watch - another amazing book and a great comp title for this!). Henry was a fab love interest and I especially loved how, despite this being a reimagining of Cinderella, the stepmother and stepsisters were so nice! They had good relationships! That made me so happy.

This is one of those books that just sucks you in and you can't put down. It's a great retake on Disney's version of Cinderella including young triplet siblings named Gus, Mary, and Jack. I loved picking up on all the nods to the movie throughout the book while completely appreciating the story Julie Murphy was telling herself. I will let own voices reviewers comment on the representation that is in this book and how well it was done, but for me it worked well.

I'm not usually a fan of the reality show set up in romances, but I do love a Cinderella re-telling. I also love to read stories of heroines who look like me. If the Shoe Fits starts off in surprising ways, like with Cindy having a wonderful relationship with her stepmother and stepsisters, and with how she ends up on the show in the first place (which seemed pretty unrealistic to me).

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was less of a direct re-telling of the Cinderella story and more a series of allusions to Cinderella, but I think that was for the better. I really enjoyed meeting the other women on the show and wished we had seen more interaction with Henry - both with the other women and with Cindy. I also thought Cindy's size was handled well. It was part of the story, but never used in a super malicious way like in other books.

It's difficult to read this book without thinking of One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. I have to admit that I didn't love One to Watch as much as I had wanted to, so I was a little skeptical coming into If the Shoe Fits. However, I really enjoyed this book and am glad I gave it a chance. It's a nice, easy read for a quiet weekend.

This was a great book, that fans of the reality TV show The Bachelor would enjoy. It was like reading the show instead of watching it and learning about how things really play out. Reality?!

The characters were well defined which helped me stay focused on the plot and not get side tracked trying to remember who did what. The plot had me hooked from the beginning. With the title and cover I knew it was going to be like a Cinderella meets Prince Charming kind of story with step sisters getting in the way but I liked that these step sisters were good and not evil.

There was just the right amount of suspense to keep me up late at night wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I would recommend this book to upper high school students, college students and adults who are fans of romance.

I know this is billed as an adult book, but YA will love this as well. A mix of "UnREAL" and "Bachelor" with a strong fat woman as the lead, including a lot of humor and fashion. There's even a meet cute! Based on the Cinderella story, Murphy upends things by making Cindy actually friends with her stepsisters and a loved part of the family. That blend of familiar and twist made this a great summer read.

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.