If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a sweet and sassy romance between a somewhat reluctant dating show contestant and the heartthrob suitor of her dreams. Cindy is a recent fashion school grad heading home to her stepmom's LA mansion to act as nanny to her three half-siblings. Her two older stepsisters and stepmom are loving and well meaning, but Cindy desperately misses her father who died four years earlier. The grief has also affected Cindy's ability to produce work, stalling her dreams of designing shoes. Cindy's stepmom, Erica, is the Executive Producer of a Bachelor-ish reality show called Before Midnight. When there's a last-minute opening for a contestant, Cindy decides to join the show in an attempt to draw attention to her design work. As a fat woman, she's unsure how she'll be accepted by the show's contestants and suitor, but the crew is encouraging. After a small whirlwind of preparations, Cindy arrives to discover that the show's suitor is the man she sat next to on the plane to LA - a hottie named Henry that she immediately hit it off with.

Throughout the rest of the book, Cindy relishes her time with Henry but questions how much of it is real. The two sneak away for forbidden off-camera alone time, but neither ever shares their true feelings. While they seem to legitimately care for each other, Cindy can't be sure. Eventually, Cindy is told that another contestant has been pre-selected by the crew and Henry to be chosen as the finalist. Devastated, Cindy decides to leave the show and head to New York for an interview at a big fashion house. Seeing that Cindy hasn't come for the finale, Henry also leaves the show and isn't seen for weeks. Finally, the two reunite when Henry visits Cindy's office, thinking that she's left for a business trip.

Overall, If the Shoe Fits was charming and enjoyable. Julie Murphy goes beyond meek body positivity to create a confident, fat accepting, feminist heroine. Cindy never doubts herself or her abilities and only one contestant, who is clearly the villain, brings up her weight negatively. Cindy calls out the wardrobe department when her clothing options are limited and never shies away from talking about her body. The romance is lukewarm at times with a final act that falls a little flat. I expected more of a *moment* than Cindy and Henry just bumping into each other at her office. However, Henry is mostly a sweet, likeable love interest. My favorite part of this book was the relationships between women. Cindy's stepsisters, her best friend Sierra, the contestants on the show, and other minor characters create a beautiful web of support and female friendship throughout the course of the show. Aside from one contestant, the other girls are kind and considerate. It was really lovely to read a book that featured so many complex, but supportive relationships among women.

I do so love Julie Murphy and her way with Love stories!

I could not wait to gets my hands on this book and Murphy definitely did not disappoint. Even though I knew exactly where the plot was heading at all times, knew how it would all end, and could easily guess any “twists” along the way, I Loved every second of it anyways. This was such and excellent Cinderella story with all the characters a little mixed up but beautifully done.

The characters were great. Cindy was a very relatable character and easy to understand when it came to joy and misery. I loved that the step family was giving a switch to the good side as it was so great to have Dru and Anna on Cindy’s side. Everyone throughout the novel was well flushed out and I would love to get the stories of many these “secondary” characters.

The reality show plotline was a great one. I run along the same thought process as Cindy when it comes to reality TV and found it hilarious to see the “reality” of it all. There was never really of a thought of will they/won’t they, but a little wonder of exactly HOW. This kept the pages turning and my interest peaked as to what exactly would befall Cindy next.

Murphy’s body positive books and insight into the world of a bigger woman is refreshing and accurate. It is a great read with a feeling of empowerment behind it. So glad I got an early read!

The audio for this novel was wonderful. Even though this was an automated voice, it was very well done and I often felt as if it was a real person. The inflections were mostly there and there was feeling behind the emotions. Great read!

I thought this book was fantastic. I wanted to stay up all night to find out how it would end. So cute! Cindy ends up as a contestant on a bachelor-like show only to find out that she already knows the bachelor. If you're a bachelor/Bachelorette viewer, you'll definitely like this. There's of body positivity, LGBTQ+ characters, and a fantastic plot.

This was such a lovely modern retelling of the Cinderella story, I loved every second of it. I love our main character Cindy, and the relationship she has with her body. While her plus size it’s somewhat of a plot device, it’s never treatedg as some thing she is unhappy with or ashamed of. And our love interest, Henry, likes Cindy the first moment he meets her. No need to love her personality before he can find her attractive! (Not that that trope isn’t wonderful too). I love the relationship Cindy has with her step family, and the way the story develops with a modern twist. Highly recommend for those who love sweet romances where the woman puts herself first.

A super sweet retelling of Cinderella set in a Bachelor-esque reality show.

Cindy's stepmom is the mastermind behind "Before Midnight." Suddenly, a few girls drop out. Desperate to fill the spot, Erica (step-mom) decides to cast her own daughters. But not Cindy. Cindy confronts Erica, wanting to know if it is just because she is "fat." Erica tells her she wants to protect Cindy from internet trolls. Makes sense. Then, Cindy decides she wants to do it for exposure- she recently graduated from design school and wants to get her name out there. Then the unthinkable happens- America loves Cindy and she shows everyone that plus sized girls deserve to be included.

I was conflicted about reading this- on one hand, plus sized heroine. Yes, please. There aren't enough. On the other hand, yet another retelling of Cinderella plus it was paired with a The Bachelor type reality show. I decided to go for it and it wasn't long until I was hooked.

I love the focus on body-positivity and more importantly- inclusion. As someone who has been plus sized since middle school, things can suck. Plus sized fashion has come a long was since I was in high school, but it still has major issues. I'm so glad that they addressed issues like stores not carrying plus sizes in store but carry them online. (Hello- if anyone NEEDS to try things on, it is plus sized people!) Also, the wardrobe department did nothing to accommodate her.

Aside from the plus-sized theme, the actual story was cute, too. And while some of it was a cheesy-yet-cute Cinderella moment, the reality show aspect made it different.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator does a good job- clear, well paced, a variety of different voices for dialogue. No complaints here.

I will definitely be looking for book 2 of this series!

I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

clever, creative retelling of Disney’s Cinderella meets what ONE TO WATCH wanted to be but wasn’t. Cindy Eleanor “Cindy” is an adult orphan w/ a fashion degree, a stepmother Erica Tremain, stepsisters Anna and Drew (sp? I listened on audio), and much-younger half-sibling triplets Jack, Gus & Mary. Henry McKenzie is Prince Charming and the bachelor on a bachelor-like tv show. the stepsisters are kind but dopey influencers. Mrs. Tremain is a wellness-obsessed career woman. the scene where Jack, Gus & Mary wake Cindy up in the morning is great. I won’t spoil a wide range of details of this miraculous retelling. the trope of plus-size woman on bachelor-like show needs to happen & also needs to occur in real life. true to herself, Julie Murphy accomplishes it flawlessly. Cindy is fat, but unlike Bea in ONE TO WATCH, Cindy is a well-rounded believable character w/ a rich personality & wide-ranging interests, passions, & personality traits. many moments of this novel are empowering. if you enjoy Disney retellings and/or plus-size representation, I highly recommend IF THE SHOE FITS by Julie Murphy! would LOVE to watch it as a movie or a show, too.

The good:
I loved Cindy, the main character. She was the perfect protagonist for this modern day Cinderella retelling. She's charming, sweet, creative, and funny. The narrator does an excellent job bringing her personality to life.
The body positivity is so refreshing. Cindy is plus sized, and while her struggles are real (finding designer clothing in her size, hotel towels and bathrobes being too small, social media body shaming), she has such a good attitude throughout.
The bad:
I couldn't tell whether this is YA or adult. It's so sugary sweet that it reads like a ya fairy tale but Cindy is in her 20s. I think she seems younger than she's supposed to be.
There is very little conflict or angst. Some examples: her stepmother and stepsisters--why aren't they evil? I feel like this could have made the story so much better. Everyone is so nice throughout the novel. Even the villain "Addison," hardly gets any screen time and doesn't really do anything vicious--would expect more from reality TV. The love story was also just too easy. She meets Henry and they instant like each other. He sought her out throughout the show. Any "obstacles" to their relationship felt minor and I never felt the angst of "does he like me?" which is necessary for a romance, especially one set during a reality dating competition.

While this was a cute story, I couldn't tell who the audience is meant to me. It was quick and fun but nothing special.

This was a cute romance and a fun take on Cinderella. Cindy was a great protagonist that I was cheering for from page one. I really appreciate all the female friendships happening in the book in addition to the m/f romance. There was a great diversity of characters making the world feel realistic despite the fairy tale roots and "reality" TV setting. Overall it was a fun, charming read that I would recommend to someone looking for something light and heartwarming.

I absolutely ate this up.
Like, this was a three-course meal and I am sitting here, eating the last few bites and luxuriating in how full I feel.
I love Cinderella. I love retellings. I love plus-size romance.
This book gives me all three.

I'm a huge Julie Murphy fan and will read anything that she writes! Meant to Be was fantastic! Although this book is YA, I think many adults would enjoy it. I like that this was a 'loose' Cinderella adaptation and didn't mimic the original. The narration was great and I didn't want to stop listening.

Loved everything about this book! It was the best parts of a Cinderella story with the backdrop as a version of the Bachelor. It was the right amount of sweet. I liked the body positive message and that the lead had ambitions outside of just finding her prince charming. It was a delightful summer read that I would recommend to everyone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4105450848

I found this adorable. It's a wonderful modern retelling of a classic fairytale, and I'm surprised someone hadn't thought to write it sooner. A reality show--titled "Before Midnight," wink wink--is the perfect replacement for a royal ball, and the whole focus of the glass slipper in the original translates to Cindy being a shoe designer. The stepmom has a regal air about her, being the producer of said hit reality show, but is loving to Cindy, and Cindy's stepsisters are wonderful as well. That Cindy's young half-siblings (triplets Cindy's stepmom conceived with Cindy's dad and had via surrogate) are named after the mice in the movie enters into Squee Territory.

That Henry and Cindy meet before the show even starts is one of the differences and shifts in the timeline that keeps the story fresh and original. As a former New Yorker, I'm biased in my love of New York City being featured in the book. Jen Ponton is really great with women's voices and regional accents--Beck and Sara Claire are a hoot--but struggles with men's voices. But she gives the bright bubbly sound this book requires. I hope Julie Murphy is writing the sequels (this is a Disney franchise after all), because she did great with this.

Cinderella meets The Bachelor in this very modern Cinderella retelling. Meant to Be: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy. I really liked this book. It was fast paced and fun. I loved how relatable our main character, Jenny, was. The rest of the characters are also likable and relatable, especially Henry. Jenny & Henry's relationship was the perfect mix of flirty and fun without being too cheesy. This book is definitely a fun read that will leave you smiling.

Many thanks to Disney and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

I absolutely LOVED this book. I’m not sure why I love books that feel like The Bachelor when I don’t even like watching the show in real life, but the trope is always so good and entertaining. Sure, this book is mostly a romcom that doesn’t have much weight to it, but I felt like I couldn’t stop listening (side note: the narrator for the audiobook was EXCELLENT and I think added to my enjoyment overall). I loved that we actually have a likable stepfamily, we have amazing side characters, Cindy has a purpose outside of her romance, AND we have queer representation in some side characters (especially since it doesn’t feel forced). No spice, but that’s okay, I adore a good amount of fluff. All in all, amazing book and I highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy.

I have enjoyed Julie Murphy’s books in the past and was excited to read her women’s fiction instead of young adult.

This book was middle of the road for me. I struggled with giving it 2 or 3 stars. This book still read like young adult. It also reminded me of One To Watch.