If you love fairy tale retellings, make sure you check out this Cinderella-inspired story. With a little gender-swapping and a lot of Texas flair, you'll be swept along on this epic adventure.

Samantha Dearing returns from finishing school in Boston, ready to settle back into the ranch life she loved as a girl. Much to her dismay, her father seems intent on marrying her off to a wealthy suitor as soon as possible, but Samantha isn't going to stand for this.

Asher Ellis is dismayed to learn his stepmother has been evicted from her home, and he sneaks into Samantha's ball in order to search her father's home for evidence of corruption toward his tenants. When things go wrong, he ends up making a hasty escape and leaving a boot behind in the process.

In order to resettle into her community, Samantha begins to get involved in charity work. This leads to her tutoring Asher's younger brother and helping a friend who has fallen into dire circumstances. This allows Samantha's personality to come to life and show the compassionate side of her passionate nature. But it soon becomes clear that someone is out to cause her serious harm. Who could it be? Asher becomes one of her protectors as they try to find the man with ill intentions.

This book has strong faith themes and encourages helping those in need. Overall, I felt the story was a little lacking for me personally. I never quite connected to the characters, and there's a journal that is discovered toward the end of the book that contained a twist I really wish had been handled differently. Was it necessary? It was pretty disappointing to me. However, the Cinderella aspects of the story were top notch and often brought a smile to my face. It was fun to find familiar names and see classic scenes playing out in a unique way.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

A Cinderella tale with a western twist? What could be more perfect than that!

(Not to mention, Karen Witemeyer has been my favorite author for years. I’ll read any snippet of her work that I can get ahold of.)

If the Boot Fits holds many twists to keep readers guessing while including plenty of nods to the original fairytale. And the cover is absolutely fantastic. It gives the perfect elegant/western feel of the story.

Asher was a delightful hero, one whose commitment to his family made him even more appealing. His brothers were so much fun and I loved the idea of a redeemed stepmother. Samantha and her hunt for the man with the missing boot added plenty of humor. On the flip side, the scenes between her and her father touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes at moments. It was a good reminder of how deeply communication can impact a relationship.

I have to mention the plot. It kept me guessing, yet made perfect sense in hindsight. Karen handled some difficult subjects with grace. I always appreciate the way she can present sin, yet show redemption to cover it.

And at the end of the book, there was a scene from the next book that had me wishing for its release day. Why does waiting have to be so hard?

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Attention Everyone. I have an announcement to make. This is Samantha Dearing and I need help identifying the man who jumped into the pond on our property and saved my little brother from drowning. I have one clue that could help identify him, but will not divulge that information at this time. A party was going on at the time of the incident so there was a lot of people there. If you have any information please let me know. Well that’s what I imagine Samantha would write in the local newspaper but instead she keeps a secret of how to identify this person. I wonder why she would not tell her father what she knew of the mysterious person?

Asher is a dashing character who tries to help his family out while trying to not be so angry at Samantha’s father. Asher knows his mother was evicted unjustly and will stand up to Mr. Dearing to prove his point. Asher reminds me of a dashing prince. I love how the author does a retelling of a classic fairy tale with a twist of a cowboy theme. Oh the hard working cowboys who ride horses all day while fixing fences and watch over the cattle are to be commended for their dedication.

Asher and Samantha may come from different backgrounds but they sure have an attraction to each other. Now we have Asher teaching Samantha to ride a horse. That is very out of character for her. As they begin to get to know each other better Samantha finds out that her own father was responsible for evicting Asher’s mother from her home. I liked how this was resolved in a Godly way.

Mr Dearing has always been known as a hard person to deal with but he shows compassion for one of Samantha’s friends. It is an excellent illustration of not judging someone and offering help with grace. I really enjoyed this part of the story.

Danger surrounds Samantha after an uncomfortable encounter with someone. Revenge is on this persons mind and he won’t stop till he gets what he wants. The dashing Asher steps in to protect her and shows her how much he cares. There is a definite faith element throughout the story which I loved. I liked how Samantha referred to Asher as her, “Cowboy Prince.”

I loved how the author incorporates a mystery in the story of who is trying to kill Samantha. At first I thought I knew who the guilty party was but now I’m not so sure. With a secret journal found belonging to her mother, Samantha begins to understand the lies her mother had told her father years ago. Now those lies are causing danger to her and her family.

The author creates a great story where trusting in God is the key. As the mystery unravels will Samantha find out who fits the missing boot left behind the night of the party? Is he the one to marry Samantha and be her “Cowboy prince?”

Wowza, what a fantastic historical romance from amazing author Karen Witemeyer!
This author has an incredible way of sweeping the reader away to historical Texas, and If the Boot Fits was no exception! Samantha and Asher are fabulous characters and this story is a great twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale!
I love this author’s books so much! Oklahoma! has always been one of my favorite movies, I love the mix of romance, suspense, humor, and the historical western setting, and Karen Witemeyer’s books always give me all the same feels. It’s impossible to be unhappy when reading a Karen Witemeyer book!
Another thing I love about this book is how beautiful and organically the faith element was woven into the story! I also loved the high-stakes suspense and action that will keep you glued to the page!
Highly recommend If the Boot Fits! If you love historical romance be sure to check this one out!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher!
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

I enjoyed this Christian historical romance, which is a unique twist on the Cinderella fairy tale. It captured me from the first page, and kept me reading to the end. Samantha and Ash are both relatable characters.

With twists like misunderstood situations and motives, faith growth and maturity, and relationship development and growth, and even a touch of mystery and romance, you will definitely want to read this tale.

When I first heard of this series I got so excited, Western Fairytale retellings by one of my favourite authors, three of my favourite things, doesn't get much better than that!!! Reverse Cinderella was a nice twist which I enjoyed. Like most fairytales, the characters, especially Asher, were a bit flawless but I was liking the story so much I didn't mind. I really liked watching Samantha's thinking mature from girl to women and her reconciliation with her father. This tale had all the sweet hopefulness of a fairytale with all the sass and adventure of a Western Romance, a perfect combo!

This is the second book in the Texas Ever After series, which takes a Western story and gives it a fairytale spin. This is the first one I have read, and as you can guess, it is a type of Cinderella retelling, with a twist.

Asher has come back home to his family in hopes of helping them more in person and finding out why they were evicted from their home in the first place. He goes about it in an interesting way which begins the fateful changes of his life and those of the cattle ranch siblings, one being Samantha Dearing. The same Dearing family whose father evicted his family.

Samantha has also come back home after being away in the East at a boarding school. She has come back to her beloved Texas and a big hole in the relationship with her father. Reading this part of the story made me a bit teary eyed as Samantha would love nothing better than to have a loving daughter and father relationship. But is everything she assumes, correct? Within this tale is also a tale of family love, too.

I really enjoyed noticing all the fairytale aspects the author included in the story. I wondered how a western themed fairytale would unfold, and this one was a fun one. Also, it is an author Witemeyer story so her storytelling that I enjoy so much shines through this wonderfully and cleverly told tale of true love.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. Has some pretty funny stuff in it and the play on words regarding the title was cool. There is a very interesting twist in the story that catches you by surprise indeed and I appreciate a good mystery. And it was a pleasant surprise in getting one. Samantha seems to know what she wants out of life and is doing her best to remind herself of God’s word as she goes about her day. A very good takeaway because we often times may do something out of habit or something we’ve learned from home. The characters are likeable especially the guy whose foot fits the boot. I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

This creative Texas tale contains so many fun elements—in the engaging characters, the thrilling events included, and even the various names chosen for the people on the pages. The compelling story also has some misconceptions the characters must overcome along with plenty of rapid-paced breathtaking occurrences oozing danger, which ramp up the tension and grip the reader by the throat. Whether or not readers notice the connections to the original fairy tale of Cinderella, this historical novel offers an enjoyable read with intriguing characters that come across as authentic and ones you would love to meet in person. The thrilling plot seems believable as we watch the characters’ choices and changes and realizations, then a major surprise was thrown in that made me gasp. The drama’s heartwarming conclusion seals the story’s memory in your heart. Each book in this series stands alone. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #IftheBootFits #NetGalley

If the Boot Fits is a hilarious new take on Cinderella but set in the Old West and full of loads of laughs plus suspense. I could not read it fast enough! So wonderful! The characters were amazing. I fell in love with them. And yet I did not love the villain. Not a spoiler but a little bit from me to you, even before I knew who the villain was there was something I didn’t like about him! Not telling you who he is or anything but just an FYI.

SAM OR SAMANTHA DEARING IS OUR HEROINE.
Her father owns a very large cattle operation and she and her brother will inherit it together. She comes home from out East and decides she’s not suited anymore because her father is trying to help her choose a suitor. After some fights and make-ups, she finally comes to the realization that he truly does love her but that he isn’t sure how to show it while also honoring promises he made to her mother.

OUR HERO IS ASH.
He’s just a common cowboy. He works on a ranch but not Sam’s. Yet he has a connection to her in that her father owns the land his family used to live on. They were evicted when her father died and the payment was raised. Ash thinks that something if off about this but while he’s trying to find out the real reason that his family was evicted he makes some mistakes. From his mistake comes a wonderful thing though.

Can Ash change his mind? Will Sam ever find someone to love her and not her wealth? And what about the death attempts? Who is behind those? And what’s the big secret her mother kept? Will anything ever be the same again?

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I never knew when I picked up the first book in this series just how much I would love these!! This book was just as good as the first, and I couldn’t put it down!! I found myself picking up this book at any chance possible, and I loved it. This was a cute and unique take on a Cinderella story, with so much more. You get a swoony romance, suspense and intrigue, and a strong current of God and family. It was absolutely perfect.
One thing I love about her stories is how strong each and every character is. They are all brought to life and no matter how small they are to the story, they are so well done. I loved all of our main characters families. Definitely a book worth picking up.

I did not want this story to end! It was so heartwarming and satisfying for this reader. Both Samantha Dearing and Asher Ellis were perfect for each other but they didn’t realize it. Asher was caught exiting the Dearing home through a window after he was snooping in her daddy’s office. He fled to escape but rescued her younger brother drowning in their pond even endangering his escape. A real hero, he seemed to be always saving one of the Dearings on numerous occasions. Samantha was drawn to him early on but Asher knew he wasn’t fit for her with meager rages and a stepmother and two brothers to help support. I loved the development of the characters as the story continued and the love that was shared not only in the two families but also among the community.
This book had it all including a villain hiding in plain sight. Come along to the Three Cedars’ ranch and get immersed in all the going ons!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in her Texas Ever After series. Samantha Dearing is furious with her father for trying to set her up with a wealthy eligible rancher. She wants to find a husband on her own. Asher Ellis thinks Eli Dearing wrongfully evicted his stepmother and plans to prove it. When Samantha and Asher’s paths cross you can imagine the outcome! Ms. Witemeyer does such a great job of weaving a spell-binding tale. The characters mesh so well. Whenever you pick up one of her books you know you are in for treat.

I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

“If the Boot Fits” is such a fun and entertaining Cinderella retelling with fresh twists. I love the western setting and the surprise that it is the male (Asher) who loses his shoe (boot.)

The gorgeous cover art initially caught my attention, and then the first page fully drew me in. I liked Samantha from the beginning, even though she seemed a bit self-indulgent. I love the growth she displays as she grows and transforms throughout the story and rooted for her and Asher’s romance. in this fun and romantic tale.

Asher is a wonderful hero and I enjoyed him tremendously. I loved his loyalty and dedication to his family, and his warm and kind spirit put a smile on my face.

This sweet tale of family and faith is an entertaining adventure romance. It’s another Karen Witemeyer hit! Out of the fairytale retellings I’ve read, this one is at the top.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

A fun book to read. Earnest, good hearted people with danger, mystery, secrets and romance thrown in. Sigh, cry and laugh all the way through. Excellent Christian values and lessons.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#IfTheBootFits #KarenWitemeyer #CelebrateLit #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
If the Boot Fits



Samantha wanted and needed to be home. She loved the ranch and was angry with her father that she was sent away to school. Samantha was convinced her father didn't love her and was disappointed that he had a daughter not a son.

Asher was determined to find out the truth that his mother was treated unfairly by the landlord. In his quest, he came across Samantha, the landlord's daughter.

Both discovered that nothing is like it seems. The truth is not what they expected.

An action-packed story of two young people that never should have met let alone develop feelings for each other.

I really enjoyed the book. It was a page turner. You never knew what was going to happen next. I appreciated the Bible verses throughout the story. Samantha and Asher knew that GOD was always with them and guided their every step.

If The Boot Fits, by Karen Witemeyer is book 2 of the Texas Ever After series. This is a series of Christian Western Historical Romance Fairy Tales, this on retells Cinderella’s story. This is a cute story with well defined characters. The story is well written, easy to read and imagine. I enjoyed the character of Asher the most. He is so caring and devoted to his step mother and brothers. Yet when he tries to correct a wrong and finds others in trouble, he stops what he is doing and helps them. I found Samantha to be a spunky young lady that is very generous with her time and caring of others.

This is a fun story to read that has elements of mystery and suspense as well as growing friendships and romance. I enjoyed reading of how his step mother takes care of the family, and was able to give from her abundant garden to help others.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: If the Boot Fits

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2024

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.



Click here to get your copy!


About the Author

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.









More from Karen

Character Names and Word Games

One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.

If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.

I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.

Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!

Click here to play.









Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, March 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14

Batya’s Bits, March 14

By the Book, March 15

Madi’s Musings, March 15

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

EmpowerMoms, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 17

She Lives To Read, March 18

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Life of Literature, March 19

Simple Harvest Reads, March 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 20

Alena Mentink, March 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 21

Splashes of Joy, March 21

Betti Mace, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 24

Lily’s Corner, March 25

Wishful Endings, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 26

Just Your Average reviews, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 26

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of If the Boot Fits!! (US only)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a9/if-the-boot-fits-celebration-tour-giveaway

I enjoy Karen Witemeyer’s writing. She has layers to her stories, she addresses significant themes and she still manages to keep her novels from feeling overly heavy. In this story we discover the unraveling of assumptions and the brokenness of the past, while finding a beautiful display of not-picture-perfect integrity. I loved that, because it felt real. Even well intentioned people make poor assumptions, but the humility to take responsibility and to do better next time is a powerful illustration of what humility in action looks like.

The characters were engaging and the restoration of relationships pulled a few heart strings for me. It was an easy read that kept my attention while not demanding too much of me in the process. And of course, there was the happily ever after aspect to sweeten the deal.

I received a free galley of this book and in exchange I am giving you my honest opinion.

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer - 4.5 Stars

What a great second book in the Texas Ever After series! A western spin on the classic Cinderella tale! This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting with book 1, Fairest of Heart.

In this story, Samantha Dearing is going to the ball that her father is hosting to find her a match! She isn't excited about this so she takes a break from the ball and finds a thief fleeing her home. The stranger, Asher Ellis, was looking for in Samantha's father's room for documentation regarding the rent payments since her father was evicting his mother and family from their property. While Asher is running away, he sees Samantha's brother Clint in distress in the water drowning and he saves his life. While no one saw him in this, he left his boot behind and Samantha decides to find the man that "the boot fits". Samantha and Asher cross paths later as she is tutoring his brother and as someone is after Samantha, Asher is devoted to protecting her at all costs and feelings emerge and the story goes on from here.......

Karen does it again with a great Christian Western Historical Romance with a fairy tale spin and I loved it! The romance in this was so sweet and I loved the faith elements throughout the story. The twist in this was not one I saw coming! The fairytale elements were very light but fun enough added in! Definitely its own unique story. I wasn't sure how I felt about the twist at first but I loved the way it ended!

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.