A sweet romance between Asher and Samantha. Samantha has been away from home for several years and has come home to find that her father is already trying to marry her off. He is having a ball with eligible bachelors, and she is not going to have her father running her life. She doesn't care if a man has lots of property or a big bank account, she wants a man who will love her. Asher has been working in another county to help his family after his father's death. He finds out that his family has been evicted from their home by Samantha's father. Asher is looking for evidence that he evicted them unfairly, but he is almost caught. As he is running away from their house, Samantha's little brother follows him and falls into the pond. He doesn't know how to swim, and Asher can't let him drown. After saving Clint, he runs away and drops a boot. Samantha spends a lot of time looking at men's feet to see if she can find the man who broke into their house. Asher is ashamed, but he has his family to think about. Asher and Samantha seem destined to keep meeting, and they realize that they are destined to be together. Will Asher come clean? Will Samantha's father put him in jail if he does? She comes from a wealthy family and his is very poor. Will she accept him as he is?

I enjoyed If The Boot Fits so much that I used some PTO and left work at noon to go home and read. Karen Witemeyer wrote a very good story loosely based on Cinderella with Asher being the male version of Cinderella and Samantha the princess. The characters were strong and endearing, the plot delightful and the characters faith was strong. I highly recommend If The Boot fits to all who love Happily Ever After Stories.

So grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a fantastic read.

I was given a copy of If The Boot Fits with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Karen Witemeyer's second book in the Texas Ever After series is a page-turner from beginning to end!

Asher Ellis is convinced that Eli Dearing has wrongfully evicted his stepmother and half-brothers, so he breaks into Dearing's home to find evidence. When he tries to make his getaway, he hears the cries of a young boy who is drowning and rushes back to save him.

Samantha Dearing sees the whole thing, and when she notices that the mystery man has left behind a boot, she hides it to protect him from her father. In the coming days, Samantha and Asher are thrown together. While Asher has good reason to keep his distance, he can't help falling for the blue-eyed beauty.

I loved this book! While it was loosely based on Cinderella, it was nothing like it at all. Asher's stepmother and brothers were not horrible, and Samantha did not comb the land looking for eligible young men who would fit the boot. Although that would have been hilarious! She did, however, wind up tutoring his younger brother, and soon all thoughts of her mystery man vanished while she fell for Asher.

This sweet romance also had a mystery thrown in, as someone was trying to harm Samantha. Asher steps up and becomes the ultimate Prince Charming when he rescues her from danger more than once.

If you like historical romances with fairy tale endings, you will love If the Boot Fits!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

If you like sweet Western romances, then this book is for you. Karen Witemeyer has penned a retelling of Cinderella. In this story, the hero loses his boot while escaping a ball that he trespassed into. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because of the wonderful characters, mystery, suspense, and romance. This book has it all! Mostly, I appreciate the Biblical inspiration the author sprinkles throughout. I highly recommend it!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

Samantha Dearing has scarcely had time to settle in back home in Texas after spending two years in Boston before her cattle baron father throws her a party. And not just any party, but an elegant ball filled with potential suitors. As each dance partner shares his net worth and qualifications to court her, Samantha feels like a heifer at the auction house. No shrinking violet, Samantha calls her imposing father to task. Unwittingly unleashing her tongue in the presence of a beleaguered cowboy hiding under the sofa in Eli Dearing’s office.

Cooling off after the encounter, Samantha and her little brother Clint reconnect outside near the lovely pond and three tall cedar trees that give their ranch its name. When a man drops out of the office window above them and takes off across the garden, her brother gives chase. The shortcut he chooses leaves him marooned in the middle of the pond—and he can’t swim. The thief turns back around, saves her brother, and disappears into the night, leaving a fancy cowboy boot and a castle full of dreams in Samantha’s head behind.

As Samantha works to help her community and follow God’s path for her life, she meets the handsome older brother of one of the boys she tutors. And the more she gets to know Asher Ellis, the more she admires his compassion, honesty, and desire to follow God’s will. When his act of daring saves her life, she has even more reason to admire him.

Asher Ellis shows up at the Dearing ball uninvited, hoping to find evidence that Eli Dearing unfairly evicted his stepmother and brothers from their ranch. Instead, he hears an earful of a private conversation and discovers Mama Bess knew about the rent raises long before she told him.

During his precipitous escape, Asher returns to save a youngster from drowning and loses one of his favorite boots. When the pampered Miss Dearing starts tutoring his brother, Asher does his best to avoid her when he realizes her identity. He knows he needs to confess his crime, but he hasn’t found the words yet. He discovers Miss Dearing might look like a princess, but she has a heart for service that Asher finds beautiful.

When an unknown shooter threatens Samantha’s life, the men in her life (including Asher) vow to protect her. But how can a man with a dishonest deed hanging over his head have an honest relationship with a woman he’s falling in love with?

What I Loved About This Book

In her second installment of the Texas Ever After series, author Karen Witemeyer crafts a clever reverse Cinderella story. Along the way, she explores how young adults must come to terms with their perceptions from childhood. Readers will relate to Samantha as she struggles to reframe the picture of her stern father and perfect mother. The plot twists and turns keep the story anything but predictable. If you love happily-ever-after tales, you’ll love If The Boot Fits (and the first book, Fairest of Heart). Fans of Jen Turano and Regina Jennings will enjoy this book.

#BookReview : IF THE BOOT FITS by Karen Witemeyer

Set in 1889 Texas, this Cinderella retelling blends faith, action, and romance, showcasing healthy relationships and offering life lessons along the way.

I particularly enjoyed Samantha's interactions with her family, including her brother, father, aunt, and uncle, as well as her friends. Samantha’s bond with her brother Clint was so sweet. At 10 years old, he was already protective of her. Samantha’s relationship with her father was estranged, but efforts to understand him showed the enduring presence of a father’s love.

Asher’s family were a good bunch too. They may not have earthly riches but they care for Samantha. Mama Bess and Aunt Regina showered Samantha with such nurturing care, highlighting her deep need for a motherly presence. The romance was sweet but was heightened with a twist in the story that made it more engaging. The proposal was a fun and unique one. I could imagine their laughter as they cheered on Samantha and Asher. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 ⭐
Pub date: 12 March 2024

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a wonderful and creative western remake of the Cinderella story. Filled with faith, romance, action, and healthy life lessons this was a book I’d definitely read again.

Samantha is a headstrong young woman raised in a life of privilege on her family’s cattle ranch. I soon found she was much more than her surface. She had a deep love for her family, and for those in need. I liked how her character developed from that of a bit of a spoiled princess to a woman of depth, able to look beyond herself to what lay beneath the actions of others.

Asher started out with a chip on his shoulder against Samantha’s father but soon learned there was more to the man than he first assumed. His attraction to Samantha was something sweet and he grew into who he was meant to be through hardship and conviction of soul. He sacrificed for his family and in the end God gave him the desire of his heart.

All of the side characters in the book added to the overall excellence of the story. I liked how Eli’s relationship with is daughter grew as he took time to be honest with her about his feelings. The kids in the book made me smile, especially Clint’s efforts to protect his sister and be a man. Asher’s entire family is one I’d love to get to know better. Each one endeared themselves to me.

Overall this was a great book I highly recommend. I was given a copy courtesy of Baker House through NetGalley. This is y honest review.

First sentence: She'd only been home from school for two weeks, and already her father was trying to marry her off. Silently fuming, Samantha Dearing yanked open the door to her father's study and stepped inside.

Premise/plot: If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer. Samantha Dearing is the daughter of a "cattle king" and her father is anxious to see her wed. Samantha wants to marry sure enough, but not just anybody and definitely not someone just of her father's choosing. She wants to follow her heart and marry for love.

The novel opens at the close of a party--a "ball," if you will--Samantha has not found her one true love. But she has caught someone sneaking around her father's property. And that someone--somehow, someway--has left a boot behind. In his flight, however, he does take time to save Samantha's younger brother, Clint, who is in pursuit.

Asher Ellis has no love for Mr. Dearing, but, his daughter on the other hand seems oh-so-charming and quite lovely. Not just on the outside, but a GOOD person through and through. She's teaching Asher's younger brother to read, and he is teaching her to ride a horse.

As she settles into the community, it seems someone in the community wants her dead....can Samantha survive long enough to see if the boot fits her one true love?

My thoughts: I'm not sure if I'm all the way committed to the notion of this being a Cinderella retelling. It is clumsy--in my opinion--if that is the sole determinator of the book's success. However, if you remove that somewhat gimmicky premise, the book is definitely worth reading. I do love Asher and Samantha; individually and together, these two are easy to like/love. Both are genuinely good people. The book has plenty of drama--though none from stepmothers or stepsisters. In fact, I'd argue that Karen Witemeyer has taken the intensity level completely off the charts. If you want DRAMA that goes all the way--full force on dangerous predicaments and true life-or-death peril--then this one delivers.

With a heaping of faith, sweet romance, and an enjoyable perspective on an ages-old fairy tale, If the Boot Fits meets every requirement for a delightful retelling.

PLOT
I'll admit Cinderella retellings are not usually my favorite. Perhaps because so many feel so...cookie cutter. The same, with no deviation or true creativity woven within the retelling's plot. This book, however, puts a refreshing and engaging spin on this oft-told fairy tale, and while it certainly remains true to the mandatory elements (mice, a lost slipper--or boot, and a ball), Witemeyer puts such a unique twist on those elements. Combine that with this being a historical western retelling, and that makes it all the more interesting.

The plot is genius. Sheer genius. I found myself taking notes on the pure creativity Witemeyer put into it. You'll recognize the fairy tale elements, but I loved how it went beyond a normal retelling. You'll see when you read it.

CHARACTERS
I'm a massive fan of genderbent fairy tale retellings, and If the Boot Fits did not disappoint. Ash and Samantha are great! I enjoyed the depth Witemeyer gave their characters, and their character arcs are so satisfying to read. Especially Samantha, who first comes across as spoiled and a bit of a brat, but her true personality soon shines forth and makes her a character you can't help but like. Ash is my favorite, though. As an eldest child, I connected with his need to protect and care for his family. We need more loyal and protective heroes, both in fairy tale retellings and real life.

The secondary cast were superbly-written, as well, from Mama Bess (I love Witemeyer's spin on her), to Mr. Dearing, to Clint (who deserves his own story. Just sayin'.), and everyone else. The villain was a truly sordid sort who fully deserved what came to him.

FAITH
This is the best part of this book. The faith is so beautifully interwoven into the plot. Natural, deep, and providing an excellent reminder for the reader.

Characters pray, attend church, ruminate on Bible verses, and learn some faith-filled lessons.

ROMANCE
Perfect and entirely wholesome. I hope the third book is the same.

Couples kiss, think about kissing, and are attracted to one another. Everything is tasteful.

VIOLENCE
A buggy is sabotaged, a character's life is targeted with fire, bullets, and a rattlesnake, and poisoning is alluded to. Men get in a skirmish, women are threatened, and men are shot. Nothing is gratuitous.

OTHER
It is discussed that two children were born outside of wedlock. One child's parents were not married, and the other woman cheated on her husband. No extraneous details are provided and everything is kept tasteful.

CONCLUSION
If the Boot Fits is quite the satisfying fairy tale retelling and contains Witemeyer's trademark humor and faith elements. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone seeking a Christian historical fairy tale retelling.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with CelebrateLit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dropping his boot is a great beginning to this male-ish Cinderella. Asher and Samantha are adorable in their quest to find the truth and love. I love that this is a Christian romance with a bit of intrigue thrown in to keep the reader interested. Yes, it is part of a series, but great as a stand-alone, too. The western aspect of this romance with great character thrown in for forgiveness, family and love of God makes it a fantastic read.

Fantastic western fairytale! Samantha is the daughter of the local cattle king Eli Dearing. When Mr. Dearing raises the rent of his moms house, forcing her and his bother to move, Asher knows he must do something. Asher sneaks into the Dearing family's ball to find the evidence he needs, then must flee but not before saving the life of a young boy. Samantha Dearing is avoiding unwanted suitors when she sees a intruder fleeing the ball. When the intruder saves the life of her brother, Samantha hides the boot left behind and decides to track him down herself. When Asher and Samantha get thrown into each others worlds, the two become hesitant friends. Suddenly, strange accidents are occurring putting Samantha's life in danger. Can the two unravel the mystery before it is two late? I absolutely adored this novel. This was the western Cinderella I never knew I needed. I will not stop singing this books praises. I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

The second book in Witemeyer's "Texas Ever After" is another fantastic fairy-tale retelling/reimagining. This author never fails to tell a great story, and I really enjoy the way she has given a well-known fairy-tale a new twist. This "Cinder-fella" story keeps the reader engaged, not only in the budding romance between the two main characters, but also in the secondary "who-done-it" storyline, all while witnessing the characters rely on their faith to get them through. 5 Stars!!

I’m giving this book 4.5 stars. I was privileged to get an ARC of this book and I enjoyed reading it. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed her writing.

This was a fun spin of a gender-swap Cinderella. While it only contained aspects of the book and wasn’t a complete retelling, it was a fun aspect to an old-time western romance.

I loved Asher (Ash) and only just now realized he is named Ash … like Cinder … 😅 I love that so much and I loved him. He was so tender loving and caring. I’m a sucker for a sweet cowboy, though! When he called her “darlin’” my heart skipped a beat. 🩷

As much as I enjoyed this book there were a few aspects of it that made me cringe a little bit. Plot-points that I didn’t necessarily agree with, and, despite it being a Christian novel, I didn’t like how much the Lord’s name was taken in vain. That is a personal preference. Otherwise, I loved the faith and trust in God aspect that was added to this book as well as the scriptures.

I can definitely see myself reading another book from this author. She does well at taking fairytales and entwining them with these fun western, late 1800’s, romances. Overall, a fun read and nice change of pace for me, personally!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

A Cinderella retelling, but with a bit of mystery thrown in!

It was a great retelling. I loved the twist! Sam (Samantha) and Asher are great characters.

I read from start to finish in one day.

Highly recommend.

"Sam was the name of a girl trying to be the son her father wanted. Samantha was the grown woman whose dreams no longer relied on her father's approval."

If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After Series. It can easily be read as a stand-alone as the stories are connected by the Texas setting and fairtale vibe, not the characters. This story is a cleverly written with nods to the fairytale Cinderella and a plot that is entirely it's own. I loved the gender/role reversal of the story, Cinderella being replaced with cowhand Asher Ellis and the "princess" as the daughter of a "Cattle King". Even sewing mice were incorporated into the story, but not in the way your thinking!

Read if you like:
Stunning plot twists
Secrets/Mystery
Danger
Forgiveness/Resoration
Cinderella Vibes
Dual POV

In usual Karen Witemeyer fashion, this story was a delightful balance of humor, faith and cowboy adventures. I loved this book as much as The Short Straw Bride which is my all-time favorite Karen Witemeyer story. The second half of the novel was nearly impossible for me to put down and I read well past my bedtime in order to finish the book. Once I figured out who the villain was, I couldn't wait to see how everything played out!

If you love fairytale vibes combined with cowboy adventures and sweet romance, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you, Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Another lovely historical romance from Karen Witemeyer! This book is a unique spin on the Cinderella story, making the hero a cinder-fella (with a play on his name Asher - as in ashes and cinders being the same thing - Ellis). When Asher sneaks into the "welcome home" ball for Samantha Dearing in search of incriminating evidence, he ends up leaving a boot behind in his flight to get out before he is recognized. Unimpressed by the cattlemen that her father has chosen to invite to the ball, Samantha is taken with the "thief" who didn't take anything and acted heroically at his own expense on his way out that evening. She dreams of the cowboy who left his boot by her Juniper bushes and tries to puzzle out his identity on her own. When their paths continually cross, they come to care about each other based on their own merits. But how will Samantha react when she learns that Asher is the owner of the missing boot?

As is typical with the author, this book is filled with wonderful characters, a stellar plotline, a fresh take on a familiar tale, a solid faith thread, humor sprinkled throughout, a few tears, and excellent character development. I really enjoyed the character growth of both Asher and Samantha and how they had to re-examine their family relationships to discover what they really had all along. I enjoyed their love story, which was super sweet. And I enjoyed that in this Cinderella take, the stepmother and step-siblings were good instead of evil. There is another villain or two in the story, though, and one came with a surprising twist! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, inspirational historical romance, mystery books and/or books with great character development, this is one that I would heartily recommend! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Samantha thinks her father doesn't really love her and thinks he is trying to pawn her off to the highest bidder. Taking a break in the garden during the party she spies someone running away from the house after they had been in her fathers office. Asher has been looking for evidence that Samantha's father has swindled his family. As he is running away, he loses a boot. Sound like a familiar story. He saves the life of Samantha's brother as he is running away. During the story several attempts are made on Samantha's life and Asher is there to save her.

During this book Samantha realizes her father does love her and really doesn't care if she marries. Asher also learns that Samantha's father is really not a bad person.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It had a little mystery and a little romance all in one. I would recommend this book to everyone.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

If the Boot Fits
By Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Texas Ever After, Book 2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Buy or borrow
Back of the Book: “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.”

Impressions: Although this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel. This is a historical Christian romance with a bit of adventure and suspense. I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this story. This vaguely mimicked a male version of Cinderella at times. I liked that even though things worked out for Asher his story wasn’t tidy. I also enjoyed the ending as it was a suspenseful surprise.
Quotes: “‘…as long as the older and wiser men of our society turn a blind eye to the bad behavior of their young protégés, nothing will change. Someone has to take a stand and demand integrity.’”
“Feeling fear don’t make you weak. It makes you human. Being strong means you don’t let fear dictate your actions.’”

“‘I’ve often thought 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.’”

“‘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.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After series. I had not personally read the previous book in the series and found that I was able to enjoy it just fine as a standalone.

A historical Western fairy tale retelling? I have to admit, I was very intrigued when I first heard about this one. I absolutely adore Cinderella and have really being enjoy retellings lately, so I was very excited to give this one a chance... and it absolutely did not disappoint. First of all, the retelling aspects. It can be difficult to retell a beloved story like this and keep things unique while still keeping elements of that original story. I thought this one did so very well. I loved that while a shoe (or boot as the case may be) was being lost, it was by the hero not the heroine. That alone was a fun little twist and perhaps the most obvious Cinderella references. There were also references made throughout that were subtle, but also apparent nods to the story. It was just enough to be clear, but not obnoxiously so.

The story itself was wonderful all on its own. There was just the right blend of romance and mystery to keep me intrigued... with some great twists thrown in to keep me guessing. The faith messages woven into the story were wonderfully done as well. While there were definitely some tougher topics discussed (death of a parent, infidelity), there was overall a great feeling of love and forgiveness.

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

A delightfully enchanting Texas fairy-tale romance, filled with humor, faith, family, and romance.

A fun, original twist on a classic romance inspiration, with a full cast of characters, great interaction, growth, and a solidly paced plot. Such a great read that pulled me in quick and kept a smile on my face, I loved how Sam keeps the mystery man's secret, while silently searching for him. Asher is a strong, family oriented man, and he can't pass up a chance to do good. Which leads his and Samantha's paths to cross often.

A charming read, that combines all of my favorite things in this terrific western Cinderella, faith filled romance. I loved the themes of family, forgiveness, and repairing relationships. Clint is a spirited younger sibling to be sure, and I loved his hilarious turns of phrase!

A fantastic feel-good western romance that you won't want to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.