I can always count on Karen Witemeyer when I’m looking for a good book that’ll have adventure, faith, and romance. This one was no different and I really enjoyed it! This is the second book in the Texas Ever After series but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

In this Cinderella retelling set in Texas during the late 1800s, the hero is the one losing his shoe (or his boot in this case) rather than the heroine which instantly made this a fun read. Cinderella retellings aren’t typically my favorite but when you throw in a spunky heroine, a heroic cowboy, and a Texas prairie setting, I really enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed the family dynamics in this one, both with Samantha and her father and brother as well as Asher and his little brothers and stepmother (don’t worry, the stepmother is wonderful in this one!)

The romance was both fun and sweet! It did feel little bit like insta-love but since this is a Cinderella retelling, I think that’s fitting.

I loved that we jumped right into the action as that allowed me to be hooked from the first chapter. There’s action throughout the book which kept me invested.

As usual with Karen Witemeyer’s books, I also loved the faith content throughout. It adds so much to the story!

As for content​, this book is clean. However, I would probably recommend it to older teens and up since there’s brief mentions of affairs and infidelity. These mentions aren’t descriptive but I would still recommend to ages 17+.

In conclusion, If the Boot Fits was a fun and sweet romance! If you love Westerns, romance, and fairytales, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story set in the Wild West. While I was expecting a sweet historical romance, the edge of the seat suspense took me by surprise.

I found Samantha to be a fascinating blend of a warm, caring young lady, but also full of spunk. Upon her return home from an eastern finishing school, she encounters one mysterious accident after another. Asher is everything a hero should be. A man willing to sacrifice for the needs of those he loves. As the story is told from both POV's, the main characters' inner monologue had me smiling and laughing out loud at times.

As the accidents targeting Samantha begin to escalate, Samantha begins to look for answers. While I eventually figured out the identity of the 'bad guy', I did not figure out his motivation until an unexpected twist towards the end of the story.

This is a heartwarming story of family. One of repairing relationships, of understanding and forgiveness. I found this book to be a wonderful blend of history, mystery and romance and eagerly look forward to the final book in The Texas Ever After series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a clever take on the Cinderella story along with a little mystery. The pacing of the story was just right. It moved along at a good pace to keep the reader interested. The characters were strong and smart. I like that you were told a great deal about the characters so you felt like you really knew them. The faith thread was important to the story. And I loved that even though it was a fun story there were some good lessons to be learned. What really increased my enjoyment of the story was the twist that came along that I totally didn't see coming.
It was a very satisfying read.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions were entirely my own.

Finally getting my thoughts together on this one.

I read this in one sitting. Karen just gets me so deep into a story that time stops and I can't book down her books. This is no exception.

A friend here wrote this book is a 'fun romp of a story' and that's exactly what this book is. It's delightful, it's entertaining, it's heartwarming, all in one package.

I know there were a few aspects to this story that didn't sit well with me - one of them being the content. It was a necessary addition but I know there was something else but I waited too long to review it and now I can't remember... oops.

Overall I'd say 3.5 out of 5 but rounding up for Goodreads.

If the Boot Fits is the second installment of the fairytale retellings series called Texas Ever After by Karen Witemeyer. This time we have a Cinderella retelling, which I absolutely love, as a kid the videotape actually turned grey from watching it so often! A Karen Witemeyer book combined with Cinderella, my expectations are through the ROOF. And they came true, entirely. Let me start at the beginning.

We have a genderbent fairytale, with a cattle ranchers daughter Samantha who is treated like a princess, and a poor man called Asher breaking in on her ball full of single men, trying to uncover foul play. His boot gets lost, and the story starts. I love how the Cinderella retelling is very loose, it definitely feels like an entire new story that stands firmly on its own. I really liked that! I also love how theres no evil stepmother in this story, as I feel that trope is harmful and used too much. But above all. I love the characters! Samantha is lovely, and I especially enjoyed seeing her difficult relationship with her father, and how she grows to see things in a different perspective. Asher, too, he is a kind and thoughtful man, burdened by his responsibilities and a bit desperate, but he grows into this amazing man who shoulders everything. I really like him. And Samanthas dad, aww, he can do no good, can he? He is a sweetheart really. And the kids are special, too, and provide a lot of comic relief.

The plot is amazing, as always. It makes me laugh (for example Samantha checking out peoples shoes), it makes me think, and there is enough action and suspense to keep me on my toes. In hindsight I can see where the Cinderella plot comes in, but when reading I was absolutely clueless about who the villain was, until that epic reveal!

Having read all of Karen Witemeyers books and novellas, this one definitely sits in my top 5 of favorites. It was a perfect read, and I loved every minute of it.

I received a free e arc through Netgalley, but this hasnt influenced my opinions.

I so enjoyed this western Cinderella twist. It was funny, sweet, and endearing. I loved the last 20% despite the bad things that happened, when Eli did what he did to help Clint feel more like family it made me tear up. So very sweet and a lovely reminder of how not all family members need to be related by blood to be family. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this arc. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.

I do love a good fairy tale retelling and placing a fairy tale in a western historical romance context is right up my alley. Add in Karen Witemeyer as the author and I am here for it.

It will probably surprise no one to learn that If The Boot Fits is a retelling of Cinderella. Yet it’s not like the fairy tale you are used to. A gender switch, ranching, family, danger and a sweet romance bring the threads of a familiar fairy tale to life in a whole new way.

Samantha Dearing has no desire to marry any of the men her father has selected for her. She thinks he’s only doing so to expand his cattle ranching empire. Fortunately, the ball her father has organised in her honour is disturbed by an intruder. As he flees, he stops to help rescue Samantha’s brother, and leaves behind a distinctive cowboy boot. Samantha, grateful that he saved her brother’s life, hides the boot to prevent her father from tracking him down. But as a series of accidents threaten Samantha’s life, it seems the mystery of the intruder must be solved. Thankfully she has Asher by her side. The older brother of a young boy she is tutoring, Asher is caring and seems to have no interest in the wealth of her father. He saves her life on more than one occasion and they grow closer. But the secret of the intruder threatens to cut short their growing relationship.

A fantastic concept well executed. This fairy tale romance is cleverly crafted, the romance delightful, the side characters as loveable as the main and the family relationships just as good as the romance. The ending has plenty of drama and suspense is generously scattered throughout the story. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits is the second installment of Karen Witemeyer’s series, Texas Ever After. A Texas-style retelling of Cinderella, it was a rip-roaring ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. Seriously. The twists and the turns left me unable to put it down, reading in the wee hours of the morning. I can’t wait for book 3!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is one of my favorite books! The characters are so fun, I fell in love with them. This story has so many twists and turns it kept me engaged with laughter or gasp at what was happening next. Secrets that had my jaw dropping threw me for a loop. This story was well constructed, from the pace to the circumstances thrown in I felt it flowed beautifully. I was afraid this book would read too storybookish and be silly but I couldn't have been more wrong! Going on my list for 2024 as my favorite Historical Christian Fiction read.
Was given a complimentary copy, all opinions are my own.

This was fun and cute! I don't usually read westerns, but Karen Witemeyer writes them so well. I enjoyed this and will look for more from her.

If the Boot Fits by Karen Whitmeyer is a fun and delightful twist to the Cinderella story with a western flare. I truly enjoyed watching Samantha and Asher’s relationship build.

Samantha’s dad is trying to find her a husband even though she doesn’t want any help. It was sweet that her dad had good intentions. Asher was such a great character and you are rooting for him.

The boot was such a fun magic slipper :) Karen is a terrific writer and it was fun and enjoyable to see what she could do with this fairytale.
I highly recommend.

If the Boot Fits is Karen Witemeyer’s retelling of the Cinderella story. If you enjoy fairytale retellings, strong protective cowboy western hero’s and a strong stand on her own two feet heroine protective of her little brother then I suggest this book.


When I first met Samantha Dearing’s character, I didn’t like her. She is portrayed as bratty, whiny and giving her father a hard time at what she thinks is a ball thrown to marry her off to a rich man to further her father’s business investments.

Samantha hasn’t been too in tune with her father in the past years and thinks her father sees her as a nuisance and just wants her out of the way since he has the son he’s always wanted. Talking to her father at the ball and after we see Sam or Samantha as she prefers now has had a misunderstanding about her father’s feelings all along.


When a man escapes out of the window of her home and her father sees it, he’s labeled a thief, but he saves her Non swimming brother from drowning at a pond at their home. When the man escapes after saving the young brother the only clue he leaves behind is a cowboy boot leaving Samantha determined to find him herself.


Samantha spends a lot of time with her father and as they work on straightening out their relationship, he clears up some misconceptions she’s had. I enjoyed the great quality time they had together and seeing a strong relationship reappear.


There is mystery, forgiveness, compassion a bit of danger and a beautiful faith-based thread running through the story.
There was a great sense of humor woven amongst the pages along with sweet romance and a fine plot that eagerly kept me reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Pub Date 12 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a retelling of Cinderella but without the wicked stepmother - or is she? You'll have to read to find out hehe. The characters are well written and deal with their faulty perceptions of those around them.

The book has romance, mystery and family. It is the second book in the 'Texas Ever After' series. It can be read as a standalone as it only links due to the stories being retelling of fairy tales. I love the authors take on the story.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Oh, man, there's just so much to like about this book! Where to even start?!

Genre--I sometimes find I like the idea of fairy tale retellings better than the execution, but I love this one. There were some really cool nods to the original story along with awesome twists and changes (like a male Cinderella character losing his boot and the stepmother being an absolute sweetheart) that really fleshed out a great story and fixed some of the stupider moments of the original. For example, I've always found it rather ridiculous that Prince Charming supposedly danced with Cinderella long enough to fall in love with her but had to rely on a shoe to find her. Did he not get a look at her FACE? Could he not provide some sort of a description?) So, I loved the fact that our leading lady really didn't get a look at her mystery man's face and relying on the boot to ID him made a lot more sense. I can't say too much without giving away a really great scene, but I also love how the boot was incorporated at the end! It was so much fun to read that scene!

Characters--they are awesome! I loved reading about Asher and Samantha, both with concerns about their families and their futures as well asking questions about their pasts and regrets about things they didn't realize sooner. I also really liked seeing their growing feelings for each other--they were pretty fast but also felt legitimate to me. Their family members--from a misunderstood father to adorable little brothers to a wise aunt to a loving stepmother--also stole my heart.

Plot--there was a lot going, with someone trying to kill Samantha, her finding out a lot about her deceased mother's past, Asher trying to keep her safe, etc. So it was a bit of a whirlwind but I enjoyed the whole thing. I kept sneaking back to this one to get in a few more pages!

Setting--Texas might not be at the top of the list for likely locations for a fairy tale, but I really liked the western setting and all the details of ranch life.

Tone--there's a lot of serious stuff going on, but there was a great balance of lighthearted moments, too. I loved the messages of faith throughout the story.

So, obviously, I'm a big fan of this book! It was a lot of fun to read and I've gotta snag the audio version as soon as I can to give it a listen as well!

5 stars and one of my picks for the best of 2024.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was so fun! I enjoyed the characters and the nod to Cinderella. I always love this author and this was no exception. Seriously, this was great fun.

I was delighted and fully captured by the first chapter. The hooks were so fun and well done, the way it threw the Cinderella story on its head. I enjoyed the journey Asher and Sam went on and the way the fairytale unfolded. It was just so fun. Best of all, the faith thread is always such a key component in Witemeyer books and I love that. While there were aspects of the plot I wasn't a huge fan of, overall, I enjoyed my time in this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy so I could write an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own thoughts.

This beautifully written book is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a western twist.

The Three Cedars Ranch is hosting a ball, or rather Eli Dearing is hosting the ball, in the hopes of wrangling a husband for his daughter Samantha. She's not happy about it because she just returned home from her schooling in Boston and she doesn't need or want Daddy's help in finding a man. In her time away, Sam has become rather prim and proper but also has a wild side to her.

Clint Dearing is the younger brother of Samantha and he's just now starting to learn the ins and outs of running a ranch. It's a lot of work but he's learning a lot and super happy to have his sister home.

Asher Ellis is a ranch hand at the Bar 7 Ranch but he comes home to take care of Momma Bess and his younger siblings. When he learns that Eli Dearing has evicted his family from their home, Asher sets out to find out why. He dares to enter the ball to find the study and the paperwork he needs to confront Mr. Dearing about putting his family in dire straits. When Mr. Dearing enters the study and hears something, Asher has no choice but to jump out the window.

A pursuit takes place and Clint finds himself in the pond and he can't swim. Sam is screaming for help and Asher jumps in to save Clint. He leaves behind a clue to his identity but that could come back to haunt him eventually.

This is a clean romance novel that is full of adventure, family secrets, traitors, and lots of good cooking! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to many more from author!

Another grand slam for Karen Witemeyer! I loved the fairy-tale retelling of Cinderella set in the Old West with Christian themes! The characters were engaging and three-dimensional, the plot was hard to put down, and even the little bit of mystery was masterfully woven. And of course, the happily ever after was well-earned and satisfying!

The only two things I didn't like were the gun shoot-out violence (though expected in Old West stories) and the hero & heroine both being good-looking. It's harder to relate to them for most of us, in addition to being in a foreign setting.

But I loved the flawed characters. Everything felt very realistic.

But I must recommend it because I was enthralled from start to finish! And I teared up several times, as it moved my emotions admirably. I'm adding it to my favorite Karen Witemeyer books, a fast-growing stack.

If the Boot Fits, the second book in the Texas Ever After series, is a touching, entertaining read! The creative reverse Cinderella vibe is delightful. The story grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the satisfying end. The plot flows smoothly with well-placed suspenseful twists and turns. True-to-life characters, main and secondary, captured my heart and imagination and kept me firmly invested in the outcome. I love Samantha and Ash and how their sweet romance developed. I appreciate how faith is seamlessly and naturally woven into the story with many relevant reminders. The authentic 1889 western setting and bits of humor add depth and interest to the story. I think fans of fairy tales and historical Christian romance will love this story as much as I did, and I highly recommend it as a read well worth your time. Note: Each book in the Texas Ever After series is a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a delightful twist of a fairy tale.

Samantha Dearing is put in a situation where her father tries to marry her off to a cattle rancher. She is having none of it. Asher Ellis is determined to find out why Mr. Eli Dearing has evicted his step mother and his brothers. But in the process, he loses one of his boots when he rescues Samantha's brother from drowning.

When Asher comes face to face with Samantha, he is sure his days are numbered. But she doesn't recognize him. And so begins our tale, when Samantha falls for the handsome heroic Asher, before she learns that he was the one who trespassed in her home.

I loved this story. It was delightful, full of adventure, and a sweet love story. Karen Witemeyer knows how to play her characters to their best side. Mama Bess, Fergus, and Jake were great second players. Clint was such a sweet younger brother to Samantha. Always looking out for her. As secrets unfold, there is suspense that you cannot guess the outcome.

The second novel in the Texas Ever After series, this is definitely a must read if you enjoy a good story. I love how Witemeyer weaves how God is working in their lives. All in all it's a beautiful well written story. What we have come to expect from Ms. Witemeyer.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.