As soon as I heard about it, I said, "that's ridiculous. I have to read it."

It was exactly as advertised. Cindy is a fat shoe designer who just graduated from design school in New York. Her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, is the producer for a reality TV Bachelor knock-off called Before Midnight. One thing leads to another and Cindy (and her not-so-evil stepsisters) end up in the competition.

It was ridiculous and extremely heterosexual. It was cute, and I'll probably get a copy for my sister for her birthday (Cinderella is her favorite Disney Princess), but I'm just not straight enough for this. Like, they barely know each other?

It was a sweet romance with almost zero sex. I mean, honestly, "a warm feeling spread through my abdomen." We all know it wasn't in your abdomen, Cindy, but OK.

Honestly the funniest detail was the three mice (Mary, Jack, and Gus) were replaced with triplet baby siblings Cindy's dad and stepmother had via surrogate. They were more props than characters, but the forced nod to the movie was absurd enough to make me laugh.

This is such an adorable story! I really loved this different spin on the Cinderella story. Cindy and Henry were adorable. A wonderful and quick read!!

I requested this because I really, really liked Dumplin' by Murphy. I haven't read the rest of the books in that world yet, but I jumped on this ARC because I was excited to read an adult romance by Murphy. I liked it, but it wasn't anything spectacular. I appreciated the body positivity angle as well as the idea of including a plus-size woman on something like the Bachelor. It was strange though because I had JUST finished One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London and I feel that is a stronger book. If the Shoe Fits is just the reverse of One to Watch. Instead of a plus-sized Bachelorette as the star of the show, we have a plus-sized contestant on the Bachelor. Feels like the idea was a bit recycled here. I guess what I'm not loving is that books are doing a good job of now including body positivity for women, but I haven't yet read anything that does the same thing for men. The hero in this book is the typical, gorgeous male lead. I suppose since the premise is that it is the Bachelor, he needs to be, but I'd be here for a romance with two average-looking people of different sizes and shapes.

Cindy's character was well-developed. I loved that she was a designer, and specifically that she loved designing shoes. The strongest part of the book is Cindy. She has a strong voice and is very relatable. Murphy does a great job of dealing making her relationship with her body is positive, while also not losing any of the complexity of the struggle that Cindy, as a plus-sized person would have, on a show like The Bachelor.

I could take or leave the hero. He didn't do much for me. I enjoyed their meet-cute on the plane and that they were both obviously into one another. He should have made his feelings clear to Cindy from the beginning (although I know that would have eliminated the conflict. It seems silly that he would have claimed to like her so much and then deliberately not tell her so and leave her in suspense.

A very cute and fun read! I adored the fact that there was a plus-sized lead and the retelling kept the classic element of Cinderella with a modern and deeper style. Cindy is a strong character and I really loved following along on her journey to find inspiration and love! This is my first Julie Murphy book and I definitely recommend it!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was like a nice refresh of the Cinderella story that we all know and love. The stepmother and stepdaughter is in this case aren’t evil and it was nice to see that. Cindy is plus size in this case and it was nice to see a girl of a different stature in a book. I also really appreciate that the book didn’t completely focus on her size well also bringing us into some issues that people who are plus size face. It was a very simple and sweet love story that didn’t have any unnecessary drama or stupid mistakes where there is major miscommunication between characters. I really enjoyed reading the book and can’t wait for it to come out so I can get a paperback copy!

Cinderella retelling in the modern era! Cindy has just graduated from fashion school and returned home to LA, looking forward to spending time with her step sisters and younger half-siblings for the summer. But when her step-mother, who is the producer and show-runner for the hit show Before Midnight, needs a few new contestants to join in on the show after some girls drop out Cindy volunteers to join. Hoping it may launch her shoe-making career post-graduating what she doesn't expect is to become a body-positive role model and possibly find love.

First off, the body positive representation in this is AMAZING! Julie Murphy's characterization is just what we needed to breath new life into a usually stagnant troupe. We have seen Cinderella re-told a thousand and one times and it's usually the same things; skinny pretty girl with shitty family, meets handsome guy, almost loses him due to shitty family, but gets him in the end. In this story, Cindy is strong on her own, independent, and 100% secure in who she is and REFUSES to apologize to anyone about herself and her body (slay queen!). Some of the other characters are also fairly diverse, which was another nice change to the typical Cinderella storyline. Something small in this that I think could be easily overlooked by most is the proper use of non-binary/gender-fluid pronouns of they/them. I applaud Murphy for this!

The story was fast-paced and a quick read, which was just what I needed. Cindy's family was actually great for the most part, her step-mother was not as miserable as she is usually portrayed as. This was a nice change of pace as well. Step-mothers aren't always bad! Cindy has a wonderful group of supportive women around her and it just adds to the story in my opinion.

Henry was the mostly typical Prince Charming, but thankfully he wasn't one note! And I am so happy that not ONCE did Cindy's body size/weight get brought into the narrative between them because weight should not be made an issue in a relationship! He likes her for her and not what she looks like. The romance was perfect, especially for the better part of the book being focused in a Bachelor-style television show with Cindy competing with multiple other women for Henry's love.

As the first book in the Meant to Be series, this book was a great start! I really look forward to the next books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars: Modern Day retelling of Cinderella with a realistic body representation with a mix of the bachelor in it. This book has some adult language in it, so 18+, which I find refreshing that Disney is growing and allowing other mature voices to be heard. This has all the things you loved from the original cinderella, stepmother, and of course stepchildren; the father dies, has to work with the stepmother (only its the bachelor), and, of course, follows the same type of storyline. Not my favorite retelling of cinderella (Everafter), but it is on the top of modern-day spins.

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Disney and Netgalley for letting me read.

I had mixed feelings for this book. The last twenty chapters felt a bit rushed and I'm surprised Disney would allow a lot of cursing. And I wasn't a big fan of the kissing scenes, I thought Cindy and Henry were gonna have sex. The TV dating show is a parody of The Bachelor, and I don't watch the show. The show is rigged anywayay and the network picks another girl over Cindy so Henry can propose too. Cindy gets a huge job offer at the end and goes back to New York City., The ending is practicable when Henry shows up.

For those who love Dumplin (Netflix movie and/or the book), Julie Murphy brings you the first in a brand-new adult series inspired by the classic fairy tale stories we all know and love. The perfect novel for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms.

Cindy has just completed her studies at NYC's most prestigious fashion school and has found herself in the last months of her studies experiencing a creative block. Returning home to LA to live with her stepmother, two adult stepsisters and three child step siblings, she soon finds herself volunteering to figure as one of the female suitors to the bachelor of that season’s Before Midnight, a reality show produced by her stepmother.

I love a retelling of classic fairy tales, and was excited to read this take on Cinderella. I was particularly interested in the fact that Cindy is fat (a term she uses herself as a statement of fact, without negative connotations) and can tell you; I was not disappointed. The novel is captivating for so many reasons, but mainly because the female characters love and support each other in all aspects. Even within the reality television world, most of the female relationships are supportive. The contestants manage to forge friendships even as they compete for the bachelor’s attention with one exception, to provide some conflict.

The romance between Prince Charming and Cindy was lovely. Henry, the love interest, is suitably charming, and I enjoyed that the story was exclusively from Cindy’s point of view. This helped to keep Henry’s intentions and thoughts a little mysterious because without this the suspense would have been much diminished. The emphasis on family and friendship, as well as Cindy’s focus on building the life she wants, really charmed me beyond Cindy simply finding a man.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Cindy has just completed her studies at a prestigious New York City fashion school, but because she didn’t fully process the death of her father which occurred when she was in high school, she found herself in the last months of her studies experiencing a creative block. Returning home to Los Angeles to live with her stepmother, two adult stepsisters, and three child step siblings to whom she will act as nanny for the summer, she soon finds herself volunteering to figure as one of the female suitors to the bachelor of that season’s Before Midnight, a reality show produces by her stepmother.

I love a retelling, so I was really looking forward to reading this take on Cinderella. I was particularly interested in the fact that Cindy is fat (a term she uses herself as a statement of fact, without negative connotations). I can tell you straightaway that I was not disappointed.

I loved this novel. First because of the female characters and the love and support they give each other. Not only does Cindy have a loving, supportive best friend, but her stepmother and stepsisters are also portrayed positively, as is their relationship with Cindy. Even within the reality television world, most of the female relationships are supportive, the contestants manage to forge friendships even as they compete for the bachelor’s attention, with one exception to provide some conflict.

The romance (let’s not forget this is a romance novel after all) was lovely. Henry, the love interest, is suitably charming for his role as Prince Charming. I liked that the story was exclusively from Cindy’s point of view, which helped to keep Henry’s intentions and thoughts a little mysterious, because without this the suspense would have been much diminished. I have to say that while I found the romance lovely and well developed, it is the other aspects of the book that really charmed me: the emphasis on family and friendship, as well as Cindy’s focus on building the life she wants (with a focus on a career in fashion) beyond simply finding a man.

I loved this book, and I am looking forward to more in the Meant to Be series, hoping future books live up to this stellar start.

I just love Julie Murphy’s books. Her protagonists are funny, charming, vulnerable, and oh so real. Cindy does not disappoint. This delightful twist on the classic fairytale is just too perfect. I was pleasantly surprised by the “twist”... you all know there has to be one and I was legitimately dreading what I thought it would be. I was wrong! And it all worked so well for the story. I really loved that “Cinderella” was very close to her step-sisters and step-mother. There is some great LGBTQ representation in the book, including modeling good pronoun use. It’s (naturally) full of body positivity and authentic discussions of size and size discrimination (because, hello? - JULIE MURPHY!). I love this author and this book did not disappoint. There were definite tears - of several varieties - throughout my reading. I want to see this movie! And I don’t even really watch movies. Henry Cavill as Henry? I mean… he already has the right first name and everything. (Is that a coincidence or on purpose, Ms. Murphy?).

This is a delightful rom-com with a fun look into the behind-the-scenes nonsense of reality television. I don’t watch reality TV either but still enjoyed the book very much. It features good representation, addresses very real societal issues in very honest ways, and is just fun to read.

I was excited to read this one as I have loved the story of Cinderella and Disney, in general, since I was a little girl. It’s definitely more than a modern retelling of this classic tale. As usual, Julie has given us a hilarious and wonderful rom-com with a fresh, charming, and wonderful self-empowering story. The characters names will sound familiar, but in such an amusing way. I love the story of a plus-size female finding her own success as a fashion designer. Ultimately, we we enough of the original Cinderella story to be amused, but not so much that you’re not excited to read the next pages. I highly recommend checking this one out when it’s published in August.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Pros:
-body positive plus-sized heroine
-Julie Murphy gets representation matters!
-an adorable and very feminist ending

Cons:
-where is my smut?!?! Nothing beyond kissing and body pressing, it's implied sex happens though
-Some awkward descriptions of events in a couple of chapters that I assume will be fixed in the final copy

If Julie Murphy had not written this I would not have read it, but Murphy is a queen and I will literally read anything she writes. I have never watched an episode of The Bachelor and dislike shoes and fashion in general, but Murphy uses this book to call out what is wrong with reality shows and the fashion industry. As always, Murphy is a fantastic writer of likable and realistic characters you want to root for, and Cindy is definitely someone you want to come out on top in the end.

Confession. I read rom-coms for the two-and-a-half scenes of smut. Knowing this was published from Disney, I knew I wasn't going to get any super sexy scenes, but I think it would have made a better book if it was R-rated instead of PG-13. I get that some people aren't into the whole sex in books thing, so this book is for them.

Overall, super cute Cinderella retelling that can be read in a day.

Wow I simply could not put this book down! I absolutely love fairy tales and the bachelor and this book is a combination of all. Cindy is a strong protagonist who has just graduated from fashion school. On her flight home she met a boy Henry and I just love how he treated her. I was rooting for her the entire story and love all of the wonderful positive messages about body positivity and more!! I can’t wait to buy this book and share it with everyone. I just learned this will be a series and I can’t wait for more. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and feel like I can’t wait to read it again. Thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced read.

Julie Murphy provides the reader with well written characters and a charming story. The main character is an EXCELLENT example of positive body image. She manages to write a character that not only says she has a positive body image, but actually acts like it and makes no excuses or comparisons. to peers. I loved the main character, Cindy. She exudes confidence. While the title and some elements may give readers Cinderella feelings, this is not a retelling of Cinderella. It is refreshing, fun and perfect for Rom-Com fans.

I loved this book!! Cindy is a lovely plus size woman whose stepmother is the producer of the fiction equivalent of the Bachelor. Her stepmother convinces Cindy to become a potential mate for the suitor on the show. She agrees to compete for the prize money to jump start her career. Cindy is a recent graduate of Parsons School of Design specializing in shoes with no career opportunities. Cindy assumes she will be off the show rather quickly. What she didn’t anticipate was that the bachelor would be a gentleman that she met on her flight from NY to LA after graduation! She stays on the show for the whole time enduring the cattiness of the other contestants, who include her two stepsisters.Cindy and Henry, the suitor, develop quite the rapport that began on the plane.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you like books about plus size women. Finally fiction is starting to catch up with society, like fashion, as far as plus size women are concerned. Even if you’re not interested in plus size women, the dynamics of the dating show and a blended family you’ll find this book enjoyable.

I have a weak spot for fairytale retellings, particularly Cinderella. I liked Cindy a lot. She was comfortable with her body, while still aware that some people would look down on her for her weight. I loved her passion for shoes, her fearlessness, and how creative she was with making shoes and embellishing them.

When the book begins, she had just graduated from a fashion design program in New York City and needs a job. Like the fairytale, Cindy has a stepmother and step-sisters, but unlike the fairytale, they are on good terms with each other, particularly she and her step-sisters. She agrees to spend the summer babysitting her much younger half-siblings while waiting to see if she gets any of the fashion jobs she applied for.

Erica, her stepmother, is producing a popular reality TV show called Before Midnight, where one man has short dates with the female contestants. After each date or so, a contestant is eliminated. Apparently, he is supposed to propose to and marry the last woman left in the contest, which I thought was unrealistic. As a reader, I would have preferred it if they had won a trip together to an exotic location.

Erica is short on contestants, so she asks Cindy and her daughters to fill in. Cindy had sat next to a man that she really liked on her flight home from New York. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be the Prince in the TV show.

There was criticism about Cindy's weight, both from the audience and the contestants, which was expected but still made me wince. There was also a point to me where Cindy seemed to take the show too seriously which seemed out of character.

This was an entertaining book that was quite suspenseful at some points, although for me the romance seemed rushed.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher Disney Publishing Worldwide via NetGalley. These are my own opinions of the book.

I am a sucker for a cute cover, and this book roped me right in. Then I found out it was written by Julie Murphy, and I became doubly excited! I have been a fan of Julie Murphy's <i>Dumplin'</i> series for a while now, and I jumped on the chance to read her newest: <i>If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be)</i> is a modern-day Cinderella retelling about a Bachelor reality show with a plus-size lead trying to find her way in the competitive shoe designers world.

Just like Murphy's other books, <i>If the Shoe Fits</i> is incredibly addicting. I fell in love with Cindy, Henry, and their tangled mess of getting to know each other while navigating a reality dating show. The whole reality dating premise reminded me of <i>One to Watch </i> but I still really enjoyed every bit of this charming book.

Keep all the body positivity books comin'!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC

Are you a fan of the bachelor or any other trashy romantic reality TV show? Do you love a good Cinderella retelling? How about queer representation? A plus sized main character? Well then I’ve found your end of summer read!

Cindy is a prospective fashion designer fresh out of school. She moves back home from New York to nanny for her tv producer step mother for the summer as her step mom works on her new reality tv series. When part of the competition drops out of the show, Cindy is thrown in to the world of reality tv. She hopes to win some money to continue working on her fashion brand but,at end up with a little more than anticipated.

This book was such a cute read! I loved Cindy as a character and thought she was witty, fun, and real. I also really loved how the step sisters in this retelling are actually great side characters and not horrible people. The love interest, Henry, is likeable and sweet. I do think some of the characters lacked depth, but it’s fun and a great beach read for this August!

What could be better than Julie Murphy and a Cinderella retelling? Well, pretty much nothing.

If the Shoe Fits is an incredibly sweet, heart-warming and emotional modern take on a classic tale. I adored it for its representation, its ability to make me smile and fall in love with a shoe-loving Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

There are many things I love about this book. The first is that Cindy is a plus-sized main character. If you know me, I constantly want more books featuring plus-sized people as main characters, especially in romance novels. When I found out Julie Murphy was writing a Cinderella-retelling romance novel, I knew I could count on her to do it and do it well. While yes, Cindy is fat, it is not what the entire book is focused on. She doesn’t need to learn to love herself or is trying to lose weight, she is just that – a person who is looking to find her direction in life. It’s not the main focus of the book and I find that so refreshing.

Cindy just graduated from fashion design school and has a passion for shoes – designing, wearing, everything about them. She’s come back home to live with her stepmother, stepsisters and three half siblings. Another aspect of this story I loved is the relationship Cindy has with both her stepmother and her stepsisters. In most cases these types of relationships with the main character are horrible, but in If the Shoe Fits these have a surprisingly good relationship with one another. While yes, Cindy and her stepmom Erica are not the closest, it’s nice to see them actually get along with one another and have a good relationship. Her stepsisters were very supporting of everything they do

The plot of this book focuses on Cindy as she takes part in a Bachelor-style show called Before Midnight. She’s there not to find love but to find opportunities to help jumpstart her fashion career after the show. I’m a fan of the Bachelor shows and loved the behind-the-scenes perspective this gives us. I adore the Prince Charming, how he and Cindy meet and the little snippets we get of them together as the show progresses.

As someone who adores romance books, I do wish we got more Cindy and Prince Charming together. I understand the nature of the show, they don’t get a whole lot of time together and these two get more than normal, but I did miss all the buildup of a relationship between the two. Personally, I like more angst as a relationship is created and forged, which is why this book didn’t get a full 5 stars because this doesn’t have that major push and pull that I love. It’s sweet, but I miss that angst (I believe angst fuels my life blood, so it’s a “me” thing).

Overall I really enjoyed this! I love Julie Murphy both as a person and as an author and can’t wait for this book to come out. It releases Aug. 3, 2021 and I highly recommend picking it up. This is the first book in a new series of adult rom-coms inspired by classic fairy tale stories and I can't wait for more.