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If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a fun twist on the Cinderella story. The main character is enjoyable, and her willingness to take risks is admirable. The reality TV show setting is also a perfect backdrop for a retelling.
Title: If the Shoe FitsSeries: Meant to Be #1
Author: Julie Murphy
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: August 3, 2021
Rating:
Series Rating:
After having just graduated with a degree in shoe design, and trying to get her feet on the ground, Cindy is working for her stepmother, who happens to be the executive producer of America's favorite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion.
Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn't expect? That she may just find inspiration-and love-in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn't fit, maybe it's time to design your own.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
Cindy is the type of character that is easy to relate to. She is kind, energetic, and while she hasn’t lined up her dream job yet, is very ambitious. Her step-family is also a lovely and welcoming aspect to the story, which is a nice change from the classic tale. It is quite enjoyable to read about this loving, boisterous family that has each other’s backs.
❀ Confident Main Character
The story mostly takes place on the set of a dating reality show and I loved how Cindy is able to dive headfirst into the challenge. She is such a confident character and even though she originally went on the show to gain some attention for her fashion skills, she is also a fierce competitor.
❀ Quick and Lighthearted
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is one to try if you enjoy contemporary retellings. It is a quick and lighthearted read that is perfect for those last days of summer. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series.
About Julie Murphy
Julie lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cat who tolerates her. When she's not writing or trying to catch stray cats, she works at an academic library. Side Effects May Vary is Julie's debut novel.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I didn’t even realize this is a Cinderella retelling until you mentioned it being a retelling 😅
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: August 2021
I didn’t know the first time I looked at it, either! 😉
Interesting twist for sure. Great review!
Thanks, Dana!
Love the cover! Sounds like a great read.
It is such a cute cover!
This is a fun twist on Cinderella, and I love Murphy, so I am happy to see a positive review
This is my first Murphy book and I can’t wait to read some more!
Quick and light hearted? That makes this one seem like a great end of summer read! I wasn’t planning on reading it, but you changed my tune!
I hope that you enjoy it if you pick it up!
Very interesting story premise! I like that the author is introducing more body positivity – its actually not something we come across a lot in books, I find!
Absolutely! I love how Cindy was portrayed in this book!
I can’t decide if this one is for me, but it does sound really cute!
It sure is!
Sounds like a good book.
Sounds like a good read!
I can’t resist stories that incorporate reality tv!
You and me, both!
This sounds like a great book ty for the awesome review!
Sounds like a good read.
Neat review, sounds like a cool book.
Sounds good to me
This sounds like a great book!
What a wonderful book! I enjoy reading stories that have a plus size woman as the main character.
Sounds like a wonderful fairy tale re-telling for me and for sharing it and your review and have a happy & successful New Year!
This book sounds like a fun read. Love the cover!
sounds/looks super cute, love the rep too
Sounds good