Talk about a romance I gobbled up in a few evenings. If the Shoe Fits is delightful from start to finish. It brought smiles and laughter to my life. This Cinderella retelling is charming, subverting what we know and delivering some great twists. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
If the Shoe Fits is a charming Cinderella retelling that subverts expectations with a modern twist. Not only did I enjoy that there wasn’t an ‘evil stepmother’ trope, but I loved the twist of the reality dating story line. If the Shoe Fits gives the classic a glow up while also bringing a feminist take to the story. As someone who is always intrigued by reality tv, If the Shoe Fits is an entertaining look behind the scenes at the creation of the ‘magic’. I loved how much character detail, nuance, and quirkiness Cindy had!
Murphy’s characterization brings a level of humility, relatability, and charm to Cinderella. Giving her quick witted banter, a seriously amazing sense of fashion, and some romantic swooning (which seems more realistic than the original). On every level, from the characters to the action (even if you know the basic outline) to the love interest, I enjoyed If the Shoe Fits. It delivers such a charming and heartwarming story about finding our own path – and happy ever after.
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Find If the Shoe Fits on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.