I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It is a slight gender-swap nod to the retelling of Cinderella but really, to me, it was fairly different! There were only a few fun similarities! The characters themselves were great. I loved Asher. He's so dedicated to his family and wants to do everything he can for them. I really liked how much he loved his stepmother. He was willing to sacrifice for his brothers too, even though it meant living away from them so he could find a good job. Samantha seemed a little haughty at first because she was wealthy and a little pampered, but she learned about what was really important through many experiences. I also enjoyed her changing her opinion about her father. When Samantha finds out life-changing news, I really liked how it strengthens her character and spurs her to action. The suspense and mystery were great. I liked that part of the story! Overall, a delightful book that kept me totally entertained!

I loved this clever retelling of the fairytale Cinderella and I'm once again amazed at the creativity of author Karen Witemeyer! Who else could place Cinderella, or in this case, a fella named Asher in a Texas setting, allow him to lose his boot while leaping from a window, and then have the daughter of a wealthy Texas cattle king searching to find the owner? I loved that Asher Ellis was determined to provide for his two stepbrothers and a stepmother who was the complete opposite of wicked, and I admired Samantha Dearing's attempts to help those less fortunate than her.

If the Boot Fits combines a beloved fairytale with the Western excitement that I grew up watching on TV. A damsel in distress, a strong, dependable hero, and a villain that caught me by surprise make this a satisfying and page-turning story that I couldn't put down. Throw in some amazing secondary characters, mix in a sweet romance that's filled with swoon-filled longing, and add some inspiring nuggets of wisdom and faith, and the result is a magical reading experience! I can't wait to read the next book in the Texas Ever After series!!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my opinion.

4.5 stars

I have loved Cinderella stories since I first fell in love with the Disney movie at the tender age of three, and retellings of this particular fairy tale always go on my ‘TBR list’ automatically. When the author is one of my faves, too? Well, then it’s a guaranteed priority read for me! Such is the case with If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer, the standalone second book in her Texas Ever After series of historical western fairy tale retellings. (Seriously, if you haven’t read Fairest of Heart yet, it won’t slow you down at all. But then you really do need to go back and catch up with that book too because it’s so fun!)

If the Boot Fits is a bit of a reverse Cinderella – which I thought was brilliant – and I adored the ways the author tucked in little nods to the Disney version throughout the story. The ball, the abandoned footwear, a member of the royal court, Jaq & Gus and even Bruno show up in unique ways that made it all the more fun for me to read this story. But even without the Cinderella elements, this is a delightful western romance that can solidly stand on its own merit.

Asher (whose name is one of those brilliantly creative nods that I loved in the book) is such a great hero. He’s kind, selfless, protective, swoony, and he loves his stepmother & half brothers who, fortunately, are great characters in return, including young Fergus whose story-loving heart easily stole mine. Samantha is a wonderful match for Asher in heart and spirit, though her family life is a bit more complicated. I admired her determination and pluckiness, and I really loved her character growth over the course of the novel. Some of that growth involves reconciling what she’s perceived to be true (perhaps erroneously) with what is actually true, resulting in meaningful discussions of family and faith and forgiveness as well as a tangle of suspenseful and surprising twists. After all, Asher’s stepmother may not be wicked but someone else in this story truly is.

Bottom Line: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a creative take on a familiar tale and a delightfully entertaining story all on its own. I loved the way the author incorporated classic elements of Cinderella into a historical western romance with layered characters and unique plot turns that made it just plain fun to read. Both Asher and Samantha are wonderful characters and their romance was full of the author’s trademark wit and warmth. Whether you enjoy the Cinderella fairy tale or not, you will love the relationships, the twists, the suspense, and the message of If the Boot Fits! Such a sweet story!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

If The Boot Fits is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series. As the title suggests, it is a retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale with a Texas twist. Witemeyer has done a wonderful job with this retelling even putting the shoe (or boot) on the other foot, that of the cowboy. Often fairy tale retellings are too close to the traditional tale and, therefore, tired and unoriginal, sometimes cheesy. If the Boot Fits is none of these. Witemeyer includes enough elements to bring the classic fairy tale to mind, but the story is fresh and unique, delightful, humorous, and fun. The inclusion of a mystery kept me turning page after page to come to the surprising conclusion.

I loved the characters in this book. Asher and Samantha are the sweetest couple. He is loyal and caring and strong – everything a hero should be. Sam is also strong, loyal and caring. I enjoyed how Asher loved her and brought out her strength. The inclusion of brothers for both characters greatly added to the stories. These young characters were well-written, often funny, and an integral part of the overall story.

Although this book is the second in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone or even before the first book. The novels are written as if they were stories in a fairy tale book – separate stories connected by genre. I highly recommend both books in this series and look forward to the next one.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions given are my own.

I really enjoyed this book by Karen. Of course she never fails to please in any of her books I have had the privilege to read. Asher wants to help his Mama Bess get her home that she has been renting back so he sneaks into the Dearing home to try to find records as to what reason Mr. Dearing would raise the rent and boot Mama Bess off the property. But Asher is not a detective and about gets himself in serious trouble (caught red handed). Mr Dearing is not to keen on people stealing into his home. There is so much excitement and adventure in this book it is well worth the read to learn more about Ms Dearing and the ranch hands and so much more. Great read!

If the Boot Fits
by Karen Witemeyer
Pub Date 12 Mar 2024
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction|

Netgalley and Bethany House have provided me with a copy of If the Boot Fits for review:


Their destiny will be changed forever by one fateful night.


To search for proof of Eli Dearing's wrongdoing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the ranch house at Three Cedars Farm, which he believes has been wrongfully evicted by his stepmother and half brothers. When he is about to be discovered, he flees, but the cry of a boy compels him to make a daring rescue.

When Samantha Dearing learns her father's ball is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush, she balks. In the midst of evading unwanted suitors, Samantha sees a thief fleeing from her residence. The stranger saves her brother's life, so she hides his boot--the only clue to his identity--and resolves to find him.

When Samantha meets the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man disappear. A rare trait that opens Asher's heart is her preference for family over wealth. Asher tries to keep his distance from her, afraid she will discover his past misconduct. However, when several suspicious incidents occur, he vows to protect her, even if it means losing her love.


I give The Boot Fits five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

I just finished another lovely book by @karen.witemeyer! She brings Christian historical romance to the country!

If the Book Fits is a reverse Cinderella retelling, this time following a man who loses a boot instead of a slipper. This is how they do it in Texas!

I enjoyed the romance arc with this one. Great protective vibes we know and love. Action packed too! Some pretty intense trials Miss Dearing faces!

Fun read for those who love faith-driven fiction stories who like fairytale retellings. I'm hoping for a beauty and the beast one! I wonder if we will get it!

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction and the author for my #gifted copy. This book published this week! All thoughts are my own.

*Romance- kisses
*TW- near death experiences, adultery, trauma, assault, kidnapping

#historicalromance #christianfiction #cinderella #fairytaleretellings #ifthebootfits #texas #inthecountry #sweetromance #western #histfic #bethanyhouse #giftedcopy #arcreader #karenwitemeyer #newrelease #pubday #marchreads

I haven't read a Karen Witemeyer book in years and I've missed her fun historical stories. This is a fun Cinderella re-telling. I loved every minute of reading this story.

Ash and Samantha are a kick as are the two little kiddos woven into the story. Mama Bess has to be one of my absolute favorite characters and the spin Ms. Witemeyer puts on her character is perfect.

The faith element is woven into the story in such a way that's not overbearing.

This book is a fun romp in Texas with a spin on Cinderella, along with Ms. Witemeyer's humor and faith-based plot. I loved this book! Maybe because I'm married to a cowboy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Karen Witemeyer’s Western historical fiction novels. If the Boot Fits is quite an interesting retelling of Cinderella. I felt so sorry for Samantha Dearing who has always known that she is not good enough in her Texas rancher father’s eyes. Yet, I loved how Witemeyer slowly peels back layers of Samantha and her father’s relationship until it looks totally different than what Samantha has assumed it to be. Nice twists!

So many times I just had to laugh at expressions that Witemeyer had her characters use, ie, “gallloping geese!”
Plus, just fun and hilarious situations. I esp. loved Asher’s brother, Ferguson, and his great imagination involving the farm animals and his writings about them.

Other than the main characters and their romance, there are so many terrific secondary characters! I went from extreme dislike to extreme admiration for one character. I loved the sage advice that Aunt Regina has to offer Samantha.
“No one enjoys adversity, but nothing can draw a child of God closer to the Father. It is easier to rely on his strength when we’ve been weakened. Easier to trust his guidance when we know we are lost. Easier to seek his presence when pain makes us crave his comfort.”

Ashur’s mother, Bess , is a quiet presence who has a huge influence on the people around her. Her love, her kindness, her forgiveness, pave the way for both Asher and Samantha to follow suit.

So many faith moments to highlight and ponder!! I really love that Witemeyer uses so many situations in the story that can apply to our lives today! This is the number #1 reason I read fiction, for these terrific Biblical truth nuggets! Bravo!!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

( What I want to emulate.)
“She repeated the verse over and over in her mind until her heart started to believe.”

( What I want to remember.)
…waiting is one of the hardest things the Lord asks us to do. It strains our patience, faith, and self-control. Yet he promises good to those who wait on him.”

(What we all need to remember.)
“God created us with very different personalities and interests, which led to us viewing the world through very different lenses. One wasn’t better or worse than another. Both had value. And both had pitfalls.”

(I liked that the author didn’t make her a villain), and both adorable younger brothers, particularly Clint and Fergus. Loved the subtle references to the Disney Cinderella will Gus Gus, Bruno, and the mystery boot.
The mystery and near-death dangers Samantha faced made the story more intriguing, and there was an unexpected twist with a devious villain at the end that I didn’t see coming.
All in all, my new favorite Cinderella Retelling! Being a Western made it unique and I loved the ranch setting. Can’t wait for her next book in her Texas Ever After Series! Karen Witemeyer is so creative and her stories absolutely delightful! She never fails to enchant and delight me with her loving characters and the faith inspired message that uplifts me and leaves me thinking too! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

If the Boot Fits is a fun twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, with the hero, Asher Ellis, the one running off and leaving a boot behind! I enjoyed that although this story is based on the idea of Cinderella, it is not simply a switch up of male and female roles with a few details thrown in to make it a historical western. If the Boot Fits is truly its own story.

The author did a very good job of creating a heroine who looks beneath the surface of events and people and truly tries to see their hearts. I liked that Samantha recognized the uniqueness of a man who is willing to risk getting caught as he is running away in order to save someone in danger. Samantha also had some learning and growing to do in her relationship with her father.

The sweet attraction that slowly grew between Asher and Samantha was woven into the story nicely. There were also some close calls and potential danger on the horizon. I liked the growth that I saw in both Samantha and Asher in regards to how they reacted to things. Both of these characters began the book upset and angry about separate events that they felt were unfair and that felt out of their control. I loved seeing these two grow emotionally and learn to fully trust God in every situation.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Karen Witemeyer never fails to entertain me with her sweet historical romances. If the Boot Fits, the second in the Texas Ever After series, is a gender swapped retelling of Cinderella (although I think it's more inspired by than a retelling). Although I enjoyed the first book in the series a little more than this one, I really appreciated how Witemeyer dealt with some harder topics than I've seen her do before. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Daring rescues! A swoony and smitten hero! A courageous and kind heroine! Mystery and adventure! Important spiritual truths! A fun and unique twist on the Cinderella fairytale! Subtle nods to the classic Walt Disney Cinderella film we all know and love! This story has it all and is an enchanted delight!

This Cinderella retelling is one of Karen Witemeyer’s most creative, touching, exciting, and overall fantastic books yet! How is possible that Karen Witemeyer delivers nothing but five star reads and hits the nail on the head every single time? If the Boot Fits delivers her signature mix of adventure, romance, and Gospel truth wrapped in her uniquely magical storytelling talent. It will delight readers near, far, young, old, new, and familiar!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes, but a positive review was not required. I honestly LOVED it!

This is a great retelling of the classic Cinderella story. There is action right from the start. Samantha Dearing is back home now from a Boston finishing school. She's immediately upset and insulted that her father has a party featuring her as the attraction for all the local eligible bachelors. The unbelievable night leaves her holding and hiding a fashionable western boot dropped by the mysterious owner.
I want to thank author Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley for my copy. This is my own unsolicited opinion. I love this story. It has mystery, danger and a wonderful thread of faith. It's a great example of how a person can completely misunderstand a parent's reasoning for what they do. Sam has a lot to learn about things she remembers from the past and that certain assumptions are not reality. I like that she goes through a lot of change as the story progresses. I appreciate the characters and that the story is told in Sam's and Asher's points of view. Asher is a hero that sacrifices for his family and always tries his best.
This is a five-star read for me. It's so good!

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a western reverse retelling of the Cinderella story. Samantha Dearing is daughter of the cattle king, but really does not want anything to do with marriage and settling down. Asher Ellis sneaks into Samantha’s home during a ball. On his dramatic exit loses his boot.

This story exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the fabulous charters, the western setting, and the mystery of who is bothering Samantha. The story kept me guessing to the end. The cast of secondary characters were interesting, transformative, and gave the story depth. So many beautiful life lessons in the story. I enjoyed my journey along with the characters.

I enjoyed this story and the twist on a classic fairy tale. I highly recommend If the Boot Fits by Karent Witemeyer.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Another charming and hilarious tale from one of my favorite authors! This was the cutest story. I really enjoyed this reimagined tale of Cinderella with a cowboy twist or two. I also loved how Karen incorporated bits and pieces from the original Cinderella into the story. The mystery element was also done really well and had me seriously guessing at the who and the why. The reveal of that was surprising to say the least! A phenomenal read as usual from the fantastic Karen Witemeyer!


I received a copy of this book from the publisher but also purchased my own Audible copy and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely loved this amazing fairytale retelling! Karen Witemeyer's If the Boot Fits is a clever, creative, Western twist on Cinderella. From the first, I was completely drawn into this action packed, swoon worthy, faith-filled story. It’s a gender swapped Cinderella with Samantha Dearing as the wealthy cattle princess and Asher Ellis as the poor, noble orphan. I loved the way the author incorporated so many little details from the familiar fairytale yet made it a fresh, completely original story.

Samantha Dearing’s the daughter of a wealthy cattle baron who’s been away at finishing school. She returns home to find her father’s organized a ball for her with several eligible suitors. Samantha’s not interested and resents her father’s interference. Getting some fresh air, she unexpectedly finds a man escaping out of a window. As he’s leaving, he notices her brother struggling in a nearby pond and stops to rescue him, leaving his boot behind. Without a good look at the stranger, Samantha’s determined to find the boot’s attractive owner.

Asher Ellis returns home to visit his stepmother and step-brothers only to find they’ve been evicted by Mr. Dearing. He sneaks into the Dearing home during the ball to find proof of wrongdoing. Though almost caught while leaving, he stops to rescue Clint Dearing from drowning. After seeing Samantha again, he’s determined to avoid her in case she recognizes him. When she volunteers to tutor his younger brother, he finds there’s more to the spoiled young woman than he first thought. As they grow closer, Samantha experiences a series of near fatal accidents, but who’s out to get her and why?

Loved this book so much! Cinderella’s a favorite fairytale and I enjoyed how the author included so many clever nods like Gus Gus, Bruno, and the shoe/boot. I loved the romance between Samantha & Asher and especially how Samantha grew as the story progressed. At first she seemed a little spoiled, but after growing closer to Asher and his family and learning more about her parents and their relationship, she becomes a more compassionate, understanding person.

While Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters were awful, Asher’s family is endearing and kind. I loved how they helped Samantha and took her into their home. There are several nail-biting, shocking twists in the story that lead to an exciting conclusion with a villain who’s particularly devious.

Highly recommend this compelling, unputdownable, faith-filled story with a delightful romance and plenty of action. Though part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

I have never read a retelling of Cinderella set in the west , but let me tell you, with the clever way that Ms. Witemeyer writes, it works! I loved the princess of the Three Cedars ranch, Samantha Dearing, with her big heart as she stands up to bullies, and finds ways to serve the underprivileged. Asher Ellis is a hero that is fiercely loyal; extremely protective of those he loves; a man of honor, and courageous when he sees trouble.

With long held secrets, ruthless villains, a daring rescue, a realistic faith of the characters, humor, and a twist to the glass slipper, you are sure to love this story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more books in the Texas Ever After series. This can be read as a standalone since the common thread is the setting and not the characters.

Favorite Lines:
“We all need a trusted friend we can count on to get us back on track when we veer off course.”

"So why was his heart picking up speed at the prospect of seeing her home?
Because I’ve got rocks for brains."

I don't read many historical westerns, but I'm so glad that I read this one. If the Boot Fits is a story of not only a wonderful romance between the main characters, Samantha and Asher, but also one of assuming the worst of people and their motives. And then the reader gets to see the characters grow, learn, forgive, and develop strong relationships. I love the devotion Asher had for his step-mother and his brothers and what he was willing to do to help them. The mystery of who is out to get Samantha made the story even more interesting. Author Karen Witemeyer's writing style flows well making her story easy and enjoyable to read. The descriptions set the scene well and help move the plot along. The dialogue and actions and faith of the characters feel natural. I would definitely be interested in reading more of the Texas Ever After series and more from this author. I highly recommend this book to readers of clean and of Christian historical western romances and of mysteries. Even if it's not your usual genre, give If the Boot Fits a try, I think you'll find it a perfect fit.
I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley from the publisher and am sharing my opinion of this extremely well-written book.

I struggled with this book. I normally love anything Karen Witemeyer writes, but this book just wasn't hitting the spot for me. The FMC was a crusader of sorts, constantly going from one issue to another, and it was a little bit of an overkill. She was a one-woman social justice warrior, which is fine but felt out of place with this story. However, outside of this, I ultimately got a big ick over the hero likening her (in his head) to an unbroken filly. I noped right out of the book at that moment.