Title: If The Shoe Fits
Author: Julie Murphy
Genre: Rom-Com
Publisher: Bonnier Books
Pages: 304
Release Date: 3 August 2022
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I’m sharing my review for Julie Murphy’s modern, body positive reimagining of fairytale Cinderella, If The Shoe Fits which was a heartwarmingly swoony and fun read that I practically devoured in one sitting!
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to Bonnier Books for sending me the finished PB copy.
Synopsis
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
This was such an entertaining and enjoyable read that I fell head over heels for! I loved that our protagonist was plus-sized, as a plus sized woman myself it was great to see a character who actually reflected my own struggles with body image.
Cindy was an amazing protagonist and I can’t imagine anyone not loving her—she’s such a well written sweetheart of a character, happy in with body and is sure to let everyone know it when people’s attitudes (and the wardrobe department) lead to challenges surrounding her weight. She doesn’t let them off the hook either and I loved how she makes them very much aware of their outdated opinions and, like a total pro, gets them to accommodate her. Honestly, I wish I’d encountered more characters like Cindy growing up cause she’s such an incredible role model.
In fact, a lot of the characters are well written, though flawed and it was interesting to explore that in many of the characters, particularly when it came to our Prince Charming, Henry. Growing up as the child of parents who put their careers before their own child meant Henry had always felt alone even in his own home so it was great to see him slowly open up to Cindy.
However, some of his actions were definitely questionable and though I loved his swoon-worthy chemistry with Cindy, I did feel that he was messing her around at times.
I also want to say THANK YOU to Julie Murphy for giving us a refreshing (and less toxic) blended family dynamic for Cindy, which foregoes the traditional “evil stepmother” and “ugly/evil stepsister” roles and portrays Erica (Cindy’s step mum), Anna and Drew (Cindy’s step sisters) as both caring and supportive—a dynamic that isn’t often explored enough in fiction.
The behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of scripted reality shows was also really intriguing and felt very realistic to how I imagine shows like the bachelor & bachelorette actually work.
This is a Rom-com so everything does wrap up nicely with a perfectly satisfying, HEA style ending that I thoroughly enjoyed—it’s pretty open ended too so I can see the possibility to expand Cindy’s story with a sequel or novella in future (should the need arise.)
Overall, this was a delightfully refreshing contemporary romance take on a beloved fairytale staple that I absolutely loved! I can’t wait to see where this fabulous line of modern retellings takes me next.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
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