“If the Boot Fits” is such a fun and entertaining Cinderella retelling with fresh twists. I love the western setting and the surprise that it is the male (Asher) who loses his shoe (boot.)

The gorgeous cover art initially caught my attention, and then the first page fully drew me in. I liked Samantha from the beginning, even though she seemed a bit self-indulgent. I love the growth she displays as she grows and transforms throughout the story and rooted for her and Asher’s romance. in this fun and romantic tale.

Asher is a wonderful hero and I enjoyed him tremendously. I loved his loyalty and dedication to his family, and his warm and kind spirit put a smile on my face.

This sweet tale of family and faith is an entertaining adventure romance. It’s another Karen Witemeyer hit! Out of the fairytale retellings I’ve read, this one is at the top.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

A fun book to read. Earnest, good hearted people with danger, mystery, secrets and romance thrown in. Sigh, cry and laugh all the way through. Excellent Christian values and lessons.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#IfTheBootFits #KarenWitemeyer #CelebrateLit #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
If the Boot Fits



Samantha wanted and needed to be home. She loved the ranch and was angry with her father that she was sent away to school. Samantha was convinced her father didn't love her and was disappointed that he had a daughter not a son.

Asher was determined to find out the truth that his mother was treated unfairly by the landlord. In his quest, he came across Samantha, the landlord's daughter.

Both discovered that nothing is like it seems. The truth is not what they expected.

An action-packed story of two young people that never should have met let alone develop feelings for each other.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a page turner. You never knew what was going to happen next. I appreciated the Bible verses throughout the story. Samantha and Asher knew that GOD was always with them and guided their every step.

If The Boot Fits, by Karen Witemeyer is book 2 of the Texas Ever After series. This is a series of Christian Western Historical Romance Fairy Tales, this on retells Cinderella’s story. This is a cute story with well defined characters. The story is well written, easy to read and imagine. I enjoyed the character of Asher the most. He is so caring and devoted to his step mother and brothers. Yet when he tries to correct a wrong and finds others in trouble, he stops what he is doing and helps them. I found Samantha to be a spunky young lady that is very generous with her time and caring of others.

This is a fun story to read that has elements of mystery and suspense as well as growing friendships and romance. I enjoyed reading of how his step mother takes care of the family, and was able to give from her abundant garden to help others.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: If the Boot Fits

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2024

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.



Click here to get your copy!


About the Author

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.









More from Karen

Character Names and Word Games

One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.

If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.

I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.

Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!

Click here to play.









Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, March 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14

Batya’s Bits, March 14

By the Book, March 15

Madi’s Musings, March 15

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

EmpowerMoms, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 17

She Lives To Read, March 18

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Life of Literature, March 19

Simple Harvest Reads, March 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 20

Alena Mentink, March 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 21

Splashes of Joy, March 21

Betti Mace, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 24

Lily’s Corner, March 25

Wishful Endings, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 26

Just Your Average reviews, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 26

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of If the Boot Fits!! (US only)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a9/if-the-boot-fits-celebration-tour-giveaway

I enjoy Karen Witemeyer’s writing. She has layers to her stories, she addresses significant themes and she still manages to keep her novels from feeling overly heavy. In this story we discover the unraveling of assumptions and the brokenness of the past, while finding a beautiful display of not-picture-perfect integrity. I loved that, because it felt real. Even well intentioned people make poor assumptions, but the humility to take responsibility and to do better next time is a powerful illustration of what humility in action looks like.

The characters were engaging and the restoration of relationships pulled a few heart strings for me. It was an easy read that kept my attention while not demanding too much of me in the process. And of course, there was the happily ever after aspect to sweeten the deal.

I received a free galley of this book and in exchange I am giving you my honest opinion.

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer - 4.5 Stars

What a great second book in the Texas Ever After series! A western spin on the classic Cinderella tale! This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting with book 1, Fairest of Heart.

In this story, Samantha Dearing is going to the ball that her father is hosting to find her a match! She isn't excited about this so she takes a break from the ball and finds a thief fleeing her home. The stranger, Asher Ellis, was looking for in Samantha's father's room for documentation regarding the rent payments since her father was evicting his mother and family from their property. While Asher is running away, he sees Samantha's brother Clint in distress in the water drowning and he saves his life. While no one saw him in this, he left his boot behind and Samantha decides to find the man that "the boot fits". Samantha and Asher cross paths later as she is tutoring his brother and as someone is after Samantha, Asher is devoted to protecting her at all costs and feelings emerge and the story goes on from here.......

Karen does it again with a great Christian Western Historical Romance with a fairy tale spin and I loved it! The romance in this was so sweet and I loved the faith elements throughout the story. The twist in this was not one I saw coming! The fairytale elements were very light but fun enough added in! Definitely its own unique story. I wasn't sure how I felt about the twist at first but I loved the way it ended!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It is a slight gender-swap nod to the retelling of Cinderella but really, to me, it was fairly different! There were only a few fun similarities! The characters themselves were great. I loved Asher. He's so dedicated to his family and wants to do everything he can for them. I really liked how much he loved his stepmother. He was willing to sacrifice for his brothers too, even though it meant living away from them so he could find a good job. Samantha seemed a little haughty at first because she was wealthy and a little pampered, but she learned about what was really important through many experiences. I also enjoyed her changing her opinion about her father. When Samantha finds out life-changing news, I really liked how it strengthens her character and spurs her to action. The suspense and mystery were great. I liked that part of the story! Overall, a delightful book that kept me totally entertained!

I loved this clever retelling of the fairytale Cinderella and I'm once again amazed at the creativity of author Karen Witemeyer! Who else could place Cinderella, or in this case, a fella named Asher in a Texas setting, allow him to lose his boot while leaping from a window, and then have the daughter of a wealthy Texas cattle king searching to find the owner? I loved that Asher Ellis was determined to provide for his two stepbrothers and a stepmother who was the complete opposite of wicked, and I admired Samantha Dearing's attempts to help those less fortunate than her.

If the Boot Fits combines a beloved fairytale with the Western excitement that I grew up watching on TV. A damsel in distress, a strong, dependable hero, and a villain that caught me by surprise make this a satisfying and page-turning story that I couldn't put down. Throw in some amazing secondary characters, mix in a sweet romance that's filled with swoon-filled longing, and add some inspiring nuggets of wisdom and faith, and the result is a magical reading experience! I can't wait to read the next book in the Texas Ever After series!!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my opinion.

4.5 stars

I have loved Cinderella stories since I first fell in love with the Disney movie at the tender age of three, and retellings of this particular fairy tale always go on my ‘TBR list’ automatically. When the author is one of my faves, too? Well, then it’s a guaranteed priority read for me! Such is the case with If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer, the standalone second book in her Texas Ever After series of historical western fairy tale retellings. (Seriously, if you haven’t read Fairest of Heart yet, it won’t slow you down at all. But then you really do need to go back and catch up with that book too because it’s so fun!)

If the Boot Fits is a bit of a reverse Cinderella – which I thought was brilliant – and I adored the ways the author tucked in little nods to the Disney version throughout the story. The ball, the abandoned footwear, a member of the royal court, Jaq & Gus and even Bruno show up in unique ways that made it all the more fun for me to read this story. But even without the Cinderella elements, this is a delightful western romance that can solidly stand on its own merit.

Asher (whose name is one of those brilliantly creative nods that I loved in the book) is such a great hero. He’s kind, selfless, protective, swoony, and he loves his stepmother & half brothers who, fortunately, are great characters in return, including young Fergus whose story-loving heart easily stole mine. Samantha is a wonderful match for Asher in heart and spirit, though her family life is a bit more complicated. I admired her determination and pluckiness, and I really loved her character growth over the course of the novel. Some of that growth involves reconciling what she’s perceived to be true (perhaps erroneously) with what is actually true, resulting in meaningful discussions of family and faith and forgiveness as well as a tangle of suspenseful and surprising twists. After all, Asher’s stepmother may not be wicked but someone else in this story truly is.

Bottom Line: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a creative take on a familiar tale and a delightfully entertaining story all on its own. I loved the way the author incorporated classic elements of Cinderella into a historical western romance with layered characters and unique plot turns that made it just plain fun to read. Both Asher and Samantha are wonderful characters and their romance was full of the author’s trademark wit and warmth. Whether you enjoy the Cinderella fairy tale or not, you will love the relationships, the twists, the suspense, and the message of If the Boot Fits! Such a sweet story!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

If The Boot Fits is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series. As the title suggests, it is a retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale with a Texas twist. Witemeyer has done a wonderful job with this retelling even putting the shoe (or boot) on the other foot, that of the cowboy. Often fairy tale retellings are too close to the traditional tale and, therefore, tired and unoriginal, sometimes cheesy. If the Boot Fits is none of these. Witemeyer includes enough elements to bring the classic fairy tale to mind, but the story is fresh and unique, delightful, humorous, and fun. The inclusion of a mystery kept me turning page after page to come to the surprising conclusion.

I loved the characters in this book. Asher and Samantha are the sweetest couple. He is loyal and caring and strong – everything a hero should be. Sam is also strong, loyal and caring. I enjoyed how Asher loved her and brought out her strength. The inclusion of brothers for both characters greatly added to the stories. These young characters were well-written, often funny, and an integral part of the overall story.

Although this book is the second in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone or even before the first book. The novels are written as if they were stories in a fairy tale book – separate stories connected by genre. I highly recommend both books in this series and look forward to the next one.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions given are my own.

I really enjoyed this book by Karen. Of course she never fails to please in any of her books I have had the privilege to read. Asher wants to help his Mama Bess get her home that she has been renting back so he sneaks into the Dearing home to try to find records as to what reason Mr. Dearing would raise the rent and boot Mama Bess off the property. But Asher is not a detective and about gets himself in serious trouble (caught red handed). Mr Dearing is not to keen on people stealing into his home. There is so much excitement and adventure in this book it is well worth the read to learn more about Ms Dearing and the ranch hands and so much more. Great read!

If the Boot Fits
by Karen Witemeyer
Pub Date 12 Mar 2024
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction|

Netgalley and Bethany House have provided me with a copy of If the Boot Fits for review:


Their destiny will be changed forever by one fateful night.


To search for proof of Eli Dearing's wrongdoing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the ranch house at Three Cedars Farm, which he believes has been wrongfully evicted by his stepmother and half brothers. When he is about to be discovered, he flees, but the cry of a boy compels him to make a daring rescue.

When Samantha Dearing learns her father's ball is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush, she balks. In the midst of evading unwanted suitors, Samantha sees a thief fleeing from her residence. The stranger saves her brother's life, so she hides his boot--the only clue to his identity--and resolves to find him.

When Samantha meets the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man disappear. A rare trait that opens Asher's heart is her preference for family over wealth. Asher tries to keep his distance from her, afraid she will discover his past misconduct. However, when several suspicious incidents occur, he vows to protect her, even if it means losing her love.


I give The Boot Fits five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

I just finished another lovely book by @karen.witemeyer! She brings Christian historical romance to the country!

If the Book Fits is a reverse Cinderella retelling, this time following a man who loses a boot instead of a slipper. This is how they do it in Texas!

I enjoyed the romance arc with this one. Great protective vibes we know and love. Action packed too! Some pretty intense trials Miss Dearing faces!

Fun read for those who love faith-driven fiction stories who like fairytale retellings. I'm hoping for a beauty and the beast one! I wonder if we will get it!

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction and the author for my #gifted copy. This book published this week! All thoughts are my own.

*Romance- kisses
*TW- near death experiences, adultery, trauma, assault, kidnapping

#historicalromance #christianfiction #cinderella #fairytaleretellings #ifthebootfits #texas #inthecountry #sweetromance #western #histfic #bethanyhouse #giftedcopy #arcreader #karenwitemeyer #newrelease #pubday #marchreads

I haven't read a Karen Witemeyer book in years and I've missed her fun historical stories. This is a fun Cinderella re-telling. I loved every minute of reading this story.

Ash and Samantha are a kick as are the two little kiddos woven into the story. Mama Bess has to be one of my absolute favorite characters and the spin Ms. Witemeyer puts on her character is perfect.

The faith element is woven into the story in such a way that's not overbearing.

This book is a fun romp in Texas with a spin on Cinderella, along with Ms. Witemeyer's humor and faith-based plot. I loved this book! Maybe because I'm married to a cowboy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Karen Witemeyer’s Western historical fiction novels. If the Boot Fits is quite an interesting retelling of Cinderella. I felt so sorry for Samantha Dearing who has always known that she is not good enough in her Texas rancher father’s eyes. Yet, I loved how Witemeyer slowly peels back layers of Samantha and her father’s relationship until it looks totally different than what Samantha has assumed it to be. Nice twists!

So many times I just had to laugh at expressions that Witemeyer had her characters use, ie, “gallloping geese!”
Plus, just fun and hilarious situations. I esp. loved Asher’s brother, Ferguson, and his great imagination involving the farm animals and his writings about them.

Other than the main characters and their romance, there are so many terrific secondary characters! I went from extreme dislike to extreme admiration for one character. I loved the sage advice that Aunt Regina has to offer Samantha.
“No one enjoys adversity, but nothing can draw a child of God closer to the Father. It is easier to rely on his strength when we’ve been weakened. Easier to trust his guidance when we know we are lost. Easier to seek his presence when pain makes us crave his comfort.”

Ashur’s mother, Bess , is a quiet presence who has a huge influence on the people around her. Her love, her kindness, her forgiveness, pave the way for both Asher and Samantha to follow suit.

So many faith moments to highlight and ponder!! I really love that Witemeyer uses so many situations in the story that can apply to our lives today! This is the number #1 reason I read fiction, for these terrific Biblical truth nuggets! Bravo!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

( What I want to emulate.)
“She repeated the verse over and over in her mind until her heart started to believe.”

( What I want to remember.)
…waiting is one of the hardest things the Lord asks us to do. It strains our patience, faith, and self-control. Yet he promises good to those who wait on him.”

(What we all need to remember.)
“God created us with very different personalities and interests, which led to us viewing the world through very different lenses. One wasn’t better or worse than another. Both had value. And both had pitfalls.”

(I liked that the author didn’t make her a villain), and both adorable younger brothers, particularly Clint and Fergus. Loved the subtle references to the Disney Cinderella will Gus Gus, Bruno, and the mystery boot.
The mystery and near-death dangers Samantha faced made the story more intriguing, and there was an unexpected twist with a devious villain at the end that I didn’t see coming.
All in all, my new favorite Cinderella Retelling! Being a Western made it unique and I loved the ranch setting. Can’t wait for her next book in her Texas Ever After Series! Karen Witemeyer is so creative and her stories absolutely delightful! She never fails to enchant and delight me with her loving characters and the faith inspired message that uplifts me and leaves me thinking too! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

If the Boot Fits is a fun twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, with the hero, Asher Ellis, the one running off and leaving a boot behind! I enjoyed that although this story is based on the idea of Cinderella, it is not simply a switch up of male and female roles with a few details thrown in to make it a historical western. If the Boot Fits is truly its own story.

The author did a very good job of creating a heroine who looks beneath the surface of events and people and truly tries to see their hearts. I liked that Samantha recognized the uniqueness of a man who is willing to risk getting caught as he is running away in order to save someone in danger. Samantha also had some learning and growing to do in her relationship with her father.

The sweet attraction that slowly grew between Asher and Samantha was woven into the story nicely. There were also some close calls and potential danger on the horizon. I liked the growth that I saw in both Samantha and Asher in regards to how they reacted to things. Both of these characters began the book upset and angry about separate events that they felt were unfair and that felt out of their control. I loved seeing these two grow emotionally and learn to fully trust God in every situation.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Karen Witemeyer never fails to entertain me with her sweet historical romances. If the Boot Fits, the second in the Texas Ever After series, is a gender swapped retelling of Cinderella (although I think it's more inspired by than a retelling). Although I enjoyed the first book in the series a little more than this one, I really appreciated how Witemeyer dealt with some harder topics than I've seen her do before. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Daring rescues! A swoony and smitten hero! A courageous and kind heroine! Mystery and adventure! Important spiritual truths! A fun and unique twist on the Cinderella fairytale! Subtle nods to the classic Walt Disney Cinderella film we all know and love! This story has it all and is an enchanted delight!

This Cinderella retelling is one of Karen Witemeyer’s most creative, touching, exciting, and overall fantastic books yet! How is possible that Karen Witemeyer delivers nothing but five star reads and hits the nail on the head every single time? If the Boot Fits delivers her signature mix of adventure, romance, and Gospel truth wrapped in her uniquely magical storytelling talent. It will delight readers near, far, young, old, new, and familiar!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes, but a positive review was not required. I honestly LOVED it!