First sentence: She'd only been home from school for two weeks, and already her father was trying to marry her off. Silently fuming, Samantha Dearing yanked open the door to her father's study and stepped inside.

Premise/plot: If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer. Samantha Dearing is the daughter of a "cattle king" and her father is anxious to see her wed. Samantha wants to marry sure enough, but not just anybody and definitely not someone just of her father's choosing. She wants to follow her heart and marry for love.

The novel opens at the close of a party--a "ball," if you will--Samantha has not found her one true love. But she has caught someone sneaking around her father's property. And that someone--somehow, someway--has left a boot behind. In his flight, however, he does take time to save Samantha's younger brother, Clint, who is in pursuit.

Asher Ellis has no love for Mr. Dearing, but, his daughter on the other hand seems oh-so-charming and quite lovely. Not just on the outside, but a GOOD person through and through. She's teaching Asher's younger brother to read, and he is teaching her to ride a horse.

As she settles into the community, it seems someone in the community wants her dead....can Samantha survive long enough to see if the boot fits her one true love?

My thoughts: I'm not sure if I'm all the way committed to the notion of this being a Cinderella retelling. It is clumsy--in my opinion--if that is the sole determinator of the book's success. However, if you remove that somewhat gimmicky premise, the book is definitely worth reading. I do love Asher and Samantha; individually and together, these two are easy to like/love. Both are genuinely good people. The book has plenty of drama--though none from stepmothers or stepsisters. In fact, I'd argue that Karen Witemeyer has taken the intensity level completely off the charts. If you want DRAMA that goes all the way--full force on dangerous predicaments and true life-or-death peril--then this one delivers.

With a heaping of faith, sweet romance, and an enjoyable perspective on an ages-old fairy tale, If the Boot Fits meets every requirement for a delightful retelling.

PLOT
I'll admit Cinderella retellings are not usually my favorite. Perhaps because so many feel so...cookie cutter. The same, with no deviation or true creativity woven within the retelling's plot. This book, however, puts a refreshing and engaging spin on this oft-told fairy tale, and while it certainly remains true to the mandatory elements (mice, a lost slipper--or boot, and a ball), Witemeyer puts such a unique twist on those elements. Combine that with this being a historical western retelling, and that makes it all the more interesting.

The plot is genius. Sheer genius. I found myself taking notes on the pure creativity Witemeyer put into it. You'll recognize the fairy tale elements, but I loved how it went beyond a normal retelling. You'll see when you read it.

CHARACTERS
I'm a massive fan of genderbent fairy tale retellings, and If the Boot Fits did not disappoint. Ash and Samantha are great! I enjoyed the depth Witemeyer gave their characters, and their character arcs are so satisfying to read. Especially Samantha, who first comes across as spoiled and a bit of a brat, but her true personality soon shines forth and makes her a character you can't help but like. Ash is my favorite, though. As an eldest child, I connected with his need to protect and care for his family. We need more loyal and protective heroes, both in fairy tale retellings and real life.

The secondary cast were superbly-written, as well, from Mama Bess (I love Witemeyer's spin on her), to Mr. Dearing, to Clint (who deserves his own story. Just sayin'.), and everyone else. The villain was a truly sordid sort who fully deserved what came to him.

FAITH
This is the best part of this book. The faith is so beautifully interwoven into the plot. Natural, deep, and providing an excellent reminder for the reader.

Characters pray, attend church, ruminate on Bible verses, and learn some faith-filled lessons.

ROMANCE
Perfect and entirely wholesome. I hope the third book is the same.

Couples kiss, think about kissing, and are attracted to one another. Everything is tasteful.

VIOLENCE
A buggy is sabotaged, a character's life is targeted with fire, bullets, and a rattlesnake, and poisoning is alluded to. Men get in a skirmish, women are threatened, and men are shot. Nothing is gratuitous.

OTHER
It is discussed that two children were born outside of wedlock. One child's parents were not married, and the other woman cheated on her husband. No extraneous details are provided and everything is kept tasteful.

CONCLUSION
If the Boot Fits is quite the satisfying fairy tale retelling and contains Witemeyer's trademark humor and faith elements. I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone seeking a Christian historical fairy tale retelling.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with CelebrateLit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dropping his boot is a great beginning to this male-ish Cinderella. Asher and Samantha are adorable in their quest to find the truth and love. I love that this is a Christian romance with a bit of intrigue thrown in to keep the reader interested. Yes, it is part of a series, but great as a stand-alone, too. The western aspect of this romance with great character thrown in for forgiveness, family and love of God makes it a fantastic read.

Fantastic western fairytale! Samantha is the daughter of the local cattle king Eli Dearing. When Mr. Dearing raises the rent of his moms house, forcing her and his bother to move, Asher knows he must do something. Asher sneaks into the Dearing family's ball to find the evidence he needs, then must flee but not before saving the life of a young boy. Samantha Dearing is avoiding unwanted suitors when she sees a intruder fleeing the ball. When the intruder saves the life of her brother, Samantha hides the boot left behind and decides to track him down herself. When Asher and Samantha get thrown into each others worlds, the two become hesitant friends. Suddenly, strange accidents are occurring putting Samantha's life in danger. Can the two unravel the mystery before it is two late? I absolutely adored this novel. This was the western Cinderella I never knew I needed. I will not stop singing this books praises. I will absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

The second book in Witemeyer's "Texas Ever After" is another fantastic fairy-tale retelling/reimagining. This author never fails to tell a great story, and I really enjoy the way she has given a well-known fairy-tale a new twist. This "Cinder-fella" story keeps the reader engaged, not only in the budding romance between the two main characters, but also in the secondary "who-done-it" storyline, all while witnessing the characters rely on their faith to get them through. 5 Stars!!

I’m giving this book 4.5 stars. I was privileged to get an ARC of this book and I enjoyed reading it. This is my first time reading anything by this author and I enjoyed her writing.

This was a fun spin of a gender-swap Cinderella. While it only contained aspects of the book and wasn’t a complete retelling, it was a fun aspect to an old-time western romance.

I loved Asher (Ash) and only just now realized he is named Ash … like Cinder … 😅 I love that so much and I loved him. He was so tender loving and caring. I’m a sucker for a sweet cowboy, though! When he called her “darlin’” my heart skipped a beat. 🩷

As much as I enjoyed this book there were a few aspects of it that made me cringe a little bit. Plot-points that I didn’t necessarily agree with, and, despite it being a Christian novel, I didn’t like how much the Lord’s name was taken in vain. That is a personal preference. Otherwise, I loved the faith and trust in God aspect that was added to this book as well as the scriptures.

I can definitely see myself reading another book from this author. She does well at taking fairytales and entwining them with these fun western, late 1800’s, romances. Overall, a fun read and nice change of pace for me, personally!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

A Cinderella retelling, but with a bit of mystery thrown in!

It was a great retelling. I loved the twist! Sam (Samantha) and Asher are great characters.

I read from start to finish in one day.

Highly recommend.

"Sam was the name of a girl trying to be the son her father wanted. Samantha was the grown woman whose dreams no longer relied on her father's approval."

If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After Series. It can easily be read as a stand-alone as the stories are connected by the Texas setting and fairtale vibe, not the characters. This story is a cleverly written with nods to the fairytale Cinderella and a plot that is entirely it's own. I loved the gender/role reversal of the story, Cinderella being replaced with cowhand Asher Ellis and the "princess" as the daughter of a "Cattle King". Even sewing mice were incorporated into the story, but not in the way your thinking!

Read if you like:
Stunning plot twists
Secrets/Mystery
Danger
Forgiveness/Resoration
Cinderella Vibes
Dual POV

In usual Karen Witemeyer fashion, this story was a delightful balance of humor, faith and cowboy adventures. I loved this book as much as The Short Straw Bride which is my all-time favorite Karen Witemeyer story. The second half of the novel was nearly impossible for me to put down and I read well past my bedtime in order to finish the book. Once I figured out who the villain was, I couldn't wait to see how everything played out!

If you love fairytale vibes combined with cowboy adventures and sweet romance, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you, Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Another lovely historical romance from Karen Witemeyer! This book is a unique spin on the Cinderella story, making the hero a cinder-fella (with a play on his name Asher - as in ashes and cinders being the same thing - Ellis). When Asher sneaks into the "welcome home" ball for Samantha Dearing in search of incriminating evidence, he ends up leaving a boot behind in his flight to get out before he is recognized. Unimpressed by the cattlemen that her father has chosen to invite to the ball, Samantha is taken with the "thief" who didn't take anything and acted heroically at his own expense on his way out that evening. She dreams of the cowboy who left his boot by her Juniper bushes and tries to puzzle out his identity on her own. When their paths continually cross, they come to care about each other based on their own merits. But how will Samantha react when she learns that Asher is the owner of the missing boot?

As is typical with the author, this book is filled with wonderful characters, a stellar plotline, a fresh take on a familiar tale, a solid faith thread, humor sprinkled throughout, a few tears, and excellent character development. I really enjoyed the character growth of both Asher and Samantha and how they had to re-examine their family relationships to discover what they really had all along. I enjoyed their love story, which was super sweet. And I enjoyed that in this Cinderella take, the stepmother and step-siblings were good instead of evil. There is another villain or two in the story, though, and one came with a surprising twist! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, inspirational historical romance, mystery books and/or books with great character development, this is one that I would heartily recommend! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Samantha thinks her father doesn't really love her and thinks he is trying to pawn her off to the highest bidder. Taking a break in the garden during the party she spies someone running away from the house after they had been in her fathers office. Asher has been looking for evidence that Samantha's father has swindled his family. As he is running away, he loses a boot. Sound like a familiar story. He saves the life of Samantha's brother as he is running away. During the story several attempts are made on Samantha's life and Asher is there to save her.

During this book Samantha realizes her father does love her and really doesn't care if she marries. Asher also learns that Samantha's father is really not a bad person.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It had a little mystery and a little romance all in one. I would recommend this book to everyone.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

If the Boot Fits
By Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Texas Ever After, Book 2
Rated: 4
Obtain: Buy or borrow
Back of the Book: “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.”

Impressions: Although this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel. This is a historical Christian romance with a bit of adventure and suspense. I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this story. This vaguely mimicked a male version of Cinderella at times. I liked that even though things worked out for Asher his story wasn’t tidy. I also enjoyed the ending as it was a suspenseful surprise.
Quotes: “‘…as long as the older and wiser men of our society turn a blind eye to the bad behavior of their young protégés, nothing will change. Someone has to take a stand and demand integrity.’”
“Feeling fear don’t make you weak. It makes you human. Being strong means you don’t let fear dictate your actions.’”

“‘I’ve often thought 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.’”

“‘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.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

If the Boot Fits is the second book in the Texas Ever After series. I had not personally read the previous book in the series and found that I was able to enjoy it just fine as a standalone.

A historical Western fairy tale retelling? I have to admit, I was very intrigued when I first heard about this one. I absolutely adore Cinderella and have really being enjoy retellings lately, so I was very excited to give this one a chance... and it absolutely did not disappoint. First of all, the retelling aspects. It can be difficult to retell a beloved story like this and keep things unique while still keeping elements of that original story. I thought this one did so very well. I loved that while a shoe (or boot as the case may be) was being lost, it was by the hero not the heroine. That alone was a fun little twist and perhaps the most obvious Cinderella references. There were also references made throughout that were subtle, but also apparent nods to the story. It was just enough to be clear, but not obnoxiously so.

The story itself was wonderful all on its own. There was just the right blend of romance and mystery to keep me intrigued... with some great twists thrown in to keep me guessing. The faith messages woven into the story were wonderfully done as well. While there were definitely some tougher topics discussed (death of a parent, infidelity), there was overall a great feeling of love and forgiveness.

** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

A delightfully enchanting Texas fairy-tale romance, filled with humor, faith, family, and romance.

A fun, original twist on a classic romance inspiration, with a full cast of characters, great interaction, growth, and a solidly paced plot. Such a great read that pulled me in quick and kept a smile on my face, I loved how Sam keeps the mystery man's secret, while silently searching for him. Asher is a strong, family oriented man, and he can't pass up a chance to do good. Which leads his and Samantha's paths to cross often.

A charming read, that combines all of my favorite things in this terrific western Cinderella, faith filled romance. I loved the themes of family, forgiveness, and repairing relationships. Clint is a spirited younger sibling to be sure, and I loved his hilarious turns of phrase!

A fantastic feel-good western romance that you won't want to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I can always count on Karen Witemeyer when I’m looking for a good book that’ll have adventure, faith, and romance. This one was no different and I really enjoyed it! This is the second book in the Texas Ever After series but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

In this Cinderella retelling set in Texas during the late 1800s, the hero is the one losing his shoe (or his boot in this case) rather than the heroine which instantly made this a fun read. Cinderella retellings aren’t typically my favorite but when you throw in a spunky heroine, a heroic cowboy, and a Texas prairie setting, I really enjoyed it!

I really enjoyed the family dynamics in this one, both with Samantha and her father and brother as well as Asher and his little brothers and stepmother (don’t worry, the stepmother is wonderful in this one!)

The romance was both fun and sweet! It did feel little bit like insta-love but since this is a Cinderella retelling, I think that’s fitting.

I loved that we jumped right into the action as that allowed me to be hooked from the first chapter. There’s action throughout the book which kept me invested.

As usual with Karen Witemeyer’s books, I also loved the faith content throughout. It adds so much to the story!

As for content​, this book is clean. However, I would probably recommend it to older teens and up since there’s brief mentions of affairs and infidelity. These mentions aren’t descriptive but I would still recommend to ages 17+.

In conclusion, If the Boot Fits was a fun and sweet romance! If you love Westerns, romance, and fairytales, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story set in the Wild West. While I was expecting a sweet historical romance, the edge of the seat suspense took me by surprise.

I found Samantha to be a fascinating blend of a warm, caring young lady, but also full of spunk. Upon her return home from an eastern finishing school, she encounters one mysterious accident after another. Asher is everything a hero should be. A man willing to sacrifice for the needs of those he loves. As the story is told from both POV's, the main characters' inner monologue had me smiling and laughing out loud at times.

As the accidents targeting Samantha begin to escalate, Samantha begins to look for answers. While I eventually figured out the identity of the 'bad guy', I did not figure out his motivation until an unexpected twist towards the end of the story.

This is a heartwarming story of family. One of repairing relationships, of understanding and forgiveness. I found this book to be a wonderful blend of history, mystery and romance and eagerly look forward to the final book in The Texas Ever After series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a clever take on the Cinderella story along with a little mystery. The pacing of the story was just right. It moved along at a good pace to keep the reader interested. The characters were strong and smart. I like that you were told a great deal about the characters so you felt like you really knew them. The faith thread was important to the story. And I loved that even though it was a fun story there were some good lessons to be learned. What really increased my enjoyment of the story was the twist that came along that I totally didn't see coming.
It was a very satisfying read.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions were entirely my own.

Finally getting my thoughts together on this one.

I read this in one sitting. Karen just gets me so deep into a story that time stops and I can't book down her books. This is no exception.

A friend here wrote this book is a 'fun romp of a story' and that's exactly what this book is. It's delightful, it's entertaining, it's heartwarming, all in one package.

I know there were a few aspects to this story that didn't sit well with me - one of them being the content. It was a necessary addition but I know there was something else but I waited too long to review it and now I can't remember... oops.

Overall I'd say 3.5 out of 5 but rounding up for Goodreads.

If the Boot Fits is the second installment of the fairytale retellings series called Texas Ever After by Karen Witemeyer. This time we have a Cinderella retelling, which I absolutely love, as a kid the videotape actually turned grey from watching it so often! A Karen Witemeyer book combined with Cinderella, my expectations are through the ROOF. And they came true, entirely. Let me start at the beginning.

We have a genderbent fairytale, with a cattle ranchers daughter Samantha who is treated like a princess, and a poor man called Asher breaking in on her ball full of single men, trying to uncover foul play. His boot gets lost, and the story starts. I love how the Cinderella retelling is very loose, it definitely feels like an entire new story that stands firmly on its own. I really liked that! I also love how theres no evil stepmother in this story, as I feel that trope is harmful and used too much. But above all. I love the characters! Samantha is lovely, and I especially enjoyed seeing her difficult relationship with her father, and how she grows to see things in a different perspective. Asher, too, he is a kind and thoughtful man, burdened by his responsibilities and a bit desperate, but he grows into this amazing man who shoulders everything. I really like him. And Samanthas dad, aww, he can do no good, can he? He is a sweetheart really. And the kids are special, too, and provide a lot of comic relief.

The plot is amazing, as always. It makes me laugh (for example Samantha checking out peoples shoes), it makes me think, and there is enough action and suspense to keep me on my toes. In hindsight I can see where the Cinderella plot comes in, but when reading I was absolutely clueless about who the villain was, until that epic reveal!

Having read all of Karen Witemeyers books and novellas, this one definitely sits in my top 5 of favorites. It was a perfect read, and I loved every minute of it.

I received a free e arc through Netgalley, but this hasnt influenced my opinions.

I so enjoyed this western Cinderella twist. It was funny, sweet, and endearing. I loved the last 20% despite the bad things that happened, when Eli did what he did to help Clint feel more like family it made me tear up. So very sweet and a lovely reminder of how not all family members need to be related by blood to be family. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this arc. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.

I do love a good fairy tale retelling and placing a fairy tale in a western historical romance context is right up my alley. Add in Karen Witemeyer as the author and I am here for it.

It will probably surprise no one to learn that If The Boot Fits is a retelling of Cinderella. Yet it’s not like the fairy tale you are used to. A gender switch, ranching, family, danger and a sweet romance bring the threads of a familiar fairy tale to life in a whole new way.

Samantha Dearing has no desire to marry any of the men her father has selected for her. She thinks he’s only doing so to expand his cattle ranching empire. Fortunately, the ball her father has organised in her honour is disturbed by an intruder. As he flees, he stops to help rescue Samantha’s brother, and leaves behind a distinctive cowboy boot. Samantha, grateful that he saved her brother’s life, hides the boot to prevent her father from tracking him down. But as a series of accidents threaten Samantha’s life, it seems the mystery of the intruder must be solved. Thankfully she has Asher by her side. The older brother of a young boy she is tutoring, Asher is caring and seems to have no interest in the wealth of her father. He saves her life on more than one occasion and they grow closer. But the secret of the intruder threatens to cut short their growing relationship.

A fantastic concept well executed. This fairy tale romance is cleverly crafted, the romance delightful, the side characters as loveable as the main and the family relationships just as good as the romance. The ending has plenty of drama and suspense is generously scattered throughout the story. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.