I was sold when I read the synopsis. Modern day Cinderella retelling where Cinderella goes on a reality TV dating show? Yes please!

Cindy is a single recent fashion graduate who doesn't know where her life is headed. When she gets the opportunity to be a contestant on a reality dating TV show she agrees to promote herself and swears she won't fall in love. But of course, she soon finds herself falling and dealing with the repercussions of becoming a reality TV star.

I loved this! Cindy is the only plus size contestant on the show and becomes a plus size style icon on the show. The relationship between her and Henry is sexy and fun. This was definitely very loosely based on Cinderella and only had a few similarities that I could find. I was fine with that and was here for romance on the set of a reality dating show. The book really shows all the behind the scenes of what goes into making a reality dating show and I loved all the drama and secrets that result from the book taking place on the set of a reality show. The behind the scenes look was great and the romance was hot. I really can't ask for more in a romance. This is a great summer romance read to enjoy on the beach. I highly recommend this and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for a copy of If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy in exchange for an honest review.

Real Rating: 2.75/5

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a Cinderella retelling with such a unique and refreshing take. I was not expecting this story to be so closely related to the premise of the Bachelor- it took me by surprise, but it was enjoyable. However, what this book lacks in drama and world building/character development, it makes up for with the themes of body positivity (although that could have been expanded upon throughout the book as well). I did have some trouble connecting with the main character Cindy because she seemed unable to empathize with the other contestants, and she was even a bit hypocritical in regards to judging others for how much money they have. She floated by on her stepmother's allowances, so it wasn't her place to judge others on that basis. Other aspects of this book also seemed quite silly and there were many plot holes. One thing I loved above all the rest is how Julie Murphy describes her characters. She tells you their race right off the bat and doesn’t have the reader assume that they are white like most authors do.

Overall, this was a fun read, but there were many instances where I felt disconnected from the storyline.

THIS IS THE MOST PERFECT AND ORIGINAL CINDERELLA RETELLING!!!

I LOVED this book! I devoured it within hours in one sitting. It's just that good. It started out as a regular chick-lit does but then it evolved into this very emotional, deep, meaningful romance book, better than the actual Cinderella story. Because let's face it- the original one gives us a very awful take on the relationship between the step-mother and step-sisters, and these are the fairytales that I've heard/read/watched since I was a child just like others and it caters into the stereotype that Stepmothers and step-sisters are evil and getting a step-family is the worst thing that could happen to anyone. The BEST thing about this book is that Julia Murphy has given us a fresh take on how these relationships could be. I would have given it four stars if she had given the same version as in every other Cinderella story, and I am glad that such a positive message will reach the masses.

Speaking of positive messages, another great thing about this book is the body positivity it shows to the readers in the form of our very own cinderella-Cindy!! I was really emotional while reading this book, it could be my hormones or the book itself, my money is on the latter.

I loved the chemistry between Cindy and Henry and just like Cindy was not sure about Henry's feelings, Julia Murphy kept me on the edge with a will-they, won't they?

Not going to lie, I am not a fan of retellings. I thought I would because I love Julie Murphy but this just didn't do it for me.

This was such a lovely modern retelling of the Cinderella story, I loved every second of it. I love our main character Cindy, and the relationship she has with her body. While her plus size it’s somewhat of a plot device, it’s never treatedg as some thing she is unhappy with or ashamed of. And our love interest, Henry, likes Cindy the first moment he meets her. No need to love her personality before he can find her attractive! (Not that that trope isn’t wonderful too). I love the relationship Cindy has with her step family, and the way the story develops with a modern twist. Highly recommend for those who love sweet romances where the woman puts herself first.

If the Shoe Fits is a super cute adult romance from Julie Murphy. I’ve enjoyed her YA books in the past, but this might be my favorite. I loved the characters’ meet cute, and how sparks flew from there. The reality dating show aspect definitely amped up the drama. I really enjoyed how we got to know each of the contestants on the show. Cindy is an awesome MC with a great style and heart of gold. I loved how determined she was at the end. This book was both funny and heartfelt, with a kickass leading lady. Highly recommend. 4.5 stars

I must be the only one who picked this without realizing that it is a retelling of Cinderella (duh!). It dawned on me when I I was about 25 percent through the tale of Cindy. a shoe designer who has moved home and whose step mother Erica is the producer of a dating show. And of course Cindy, who is plus sized, finds herself competing against her stepsisters for the attention of a Prince Charming. It's lighter and sweeter than the original. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. While marketed for adults, this would be a great YA read.

If the Shoe Fits is a modernized Cinderella retelling/ The Bachelor via plus size main character! Julie Murphy does a great job mixing the 2 themes together where it didn't feel like a normal retelling of either. The main Character Cindy is in fashion school and LOVES shoes and when she graduates she has to decide what to do next. Which ends up going home to step mom and siblings. Once home her step moms reality dating show needs a spot filled she thinks why not maybe it can get her name out with her designs. It also doesn't hurt to bring real people to these shows.

The side characters are amazing and luckily she doesn't have the evil step family they are actually great. As the show goes on she gets more confident and in the mean time can she get a jump start in her career and maybe find love at the same time?

This book had my laughing and loving. As a plus size woman I always love to read books that doesn't shy away from real woman. And despite what they put on those shows it has a funny caring and talented woman. Cindy was a great main character and her sisters were great. Julie Murphy is fantastic at real woman stories. I'm not usually a retelling type reader but this one just grabbed my attention when viewing it on netgalley and I knew I had to have it. It was a fast pace read and keep me interested and was funny and a nice spin on the dating show troupe with a wonder set of characters I couldn't put it down. This is a great romp con to read as soon as you can. I can't wait for more retellings if this is ay indications on what she has planned!

ARC provided by NetGally in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

Meant to Be (book #1) - If the Shoe fits is a refreshing take on Cinderella with a plus-sized female protagonist. The premise was cute but it felt rushed, glossing over the romance. The novel does shed light on the fashion industries lack of plus-size options.

Overall, it was a good read but it felt like I've read this before (One to Watch). I am truly interested where there series goes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion Avenue for the advance reader copy for an honest review.

First, I have to mention how nice it is to read a Cinderella re-telling that doesn't have a wicked step-mother and step-sisters. I liked the relationship between Cindy and her step-family and it was one of my favorite parts of the book. I really enjoyed Julie Murphy's first adult romance novel. Cindy ends up on a reality show as the first plus size person ever and encounters some awful people along the way but also meets some great ones, including her Prince Charming.

Cindy's BFF Sierra was another strong female character in this book that I liked a lot and hope she gets her own book in the series. I would have liked maybe another chapter at the end to get the real HEA feeling instead of what we got but I also really enjoyed seeing Cindy go for what she wanted. Lots of great supporting characters in this book as well as some queer/non-binary rep as well.

Content warning for car accidents, parental death and fat-shaming.

Many many thanks to Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for an advance copy of this wonderful book.

✨ARC Review✨

What I Loved:
-Cinderella retelling minus a nasty step-mother and sisters
-Quick pace
-A good fairytale with modern day twists
-Cindy’s obsession with shoes and how she feels that each pair represents a moment in time for her
-How Cindy calls out fatphobia and body shaming
-The dating show competition Cindy is on, very much The Bachelor vibes
-Cindy and Henry’s relationship
Quote:

I am a sucker for retellings, and especially love a good read that promotes positive meaning. This one certainly provides a good representation of positive body image. This is a cute, quick read, and is a great pick me up!

✨Rating✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Steam: 🔥/5 (closed door romance with implication)

A special thank you to Disney-Hyperion Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

His hobbies include sailing, water polo, high-stakes Scrabble, and returning his mother’s phone calls.

Cindy is returning to LA after a disastrous senior year as a fashion designer, where the grief from her father’s sudden death three years before hit her. She has no job prospects, no future in shoe design, and is going to lick her wounds babysitting her step-siblings throughout the summer for her stepmother, who is the executive producer of the hit-reality dating show, Before Midnight. When three contestants exit the show before filming begins, Cindy is convinced to join as a contestant—it’ll help raise her profile and possibly get her a position in fashion. Except she’s the first plus-sized contestant in the show’s history, and she’s already met Prince Charming.

“You think I could steal you away for just a few?”

This was a delightful rom-com!

I’ve always loved Julie Murphy and was so excited to see her adult (technically New Adult) debut! This is a closed door romance, so in case you were hoping for sexy scenes, there aren’t any—but there’s a ton of swooning to be had.

I don’t watch reality TV (not since my stepmother passed), but I loooove the SNL bits and I adored One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. And If the Shoe Fits is going to get a lot of comparisons, because they both have plus-sized main characters obsessed with fashion who are on a reality dating show. However, where Bea was the bachelorette, Cindy is one of the herd.

Henry leans over and in a loud whisper says, “For the record, there was definitely room for two on that door. Jack died in vain and I stand by my case, Your Honor.”

I really liked Henry, and I liked his chemistry with Cindy…and I completely get the ending (although I wanted more pages! It was so abrupt!) because how can you tell if something is real or not when it’s all be tv and fantasy and twenty other women vying for their fifteen minutes of fame? Also, I like a person who understands that there was, in fact, room for two on that door.

But love interest aside, I feel that this story really shown with its portrayal of Cindy and her family, and also with the other contestants. Murphy did a solid job turning some tropes—The Southern Belle, The Mean Girl, The Librarian—on their heads, and I really, really enjoyed it. Stacey the librarian is the best character of all, and this has one of the most accurate representations of what a librarian actually does (yes, it’s pretty much coming up with programs on the cheap and answering the same questions over and over and over at the reference desk).

Plus, I was so happy that this was a Cinderella retelling where the stepmother is not evil!

Erica and Cindy’s relationship is not all gumdrops and glitter—it’s a work in progress, of two people trying to do right by each other, of a woman bringing her stepdaughter into the family out of love for her and the memory of her husband. It’s working through grief and relationships, where the tight unit of family expands to accommodate one more.

Anywho, it’s fun and fresh and delightful, with lovely takes on family, ambition, and love.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

If the Shoe Fits releases August 3, 2021, from Hyperion Avenue.

Thanks to Disney Publishing + Netgalley for the e-ARC of MEANT TO BE: IF THE SHOE FITS by Julie Murphy, expected pub date August 3, 2021. Obviously, all thoughts/feelings are my own.

Y'all I loved Julie Murphy books before and I adore them even more now. Body positivity, romance, humor, and a Cinderella retelling you'll fall for. Seriously, add this one to your tbr stat.

Julie Murphy does not disappoint! Her fast-paced prose, and her humor shine through in her first adult novel. Excellent choice for new readers, or people who loved her YA books alike!

This was a lot of fun! I didn't know whether or not I was going to be the hugest fan of the Bachelor-esque premise, but I ended up totally hooked by it and could not put this book down. My only real gripe with this one is that I felt like the ending was kind of.. unspectacular? But I will definitely cut it some slack as this is a Cinderella retelling and I feel like (while maybe a little boring) the ending really did the Cinderella elements justice lol. Honestly y'all this was a LOT of fun and Julie Murphy is an absolute dream come true when it comes to writing positive fat representation. I couldn't be more excited to hopefully read more adult titles featuring fat characters from her in the future and I definitely recommend checking this one out!

CW: death of a parent, terminal illness, car accidents, fatphobia

This is not your typical Cinderella retelling...thankfully! I absolutely loved it. It's a beautiful mash-up of Cinderella and The Bachelor. I thought I would lie in bed and read for a bit, but oh no I was up until 2am because I had to read it from start to finish. It was sweet, heartfelt, catty, & fun all rolled into one.

What I loved:
- The positive twist to the Cinderella retelling
- Cindy, she's relatable & lovable
- The behind-the-scenes look at Before Midnight aka The Bachelor
- All things fashion - I want her shoes!
- Everything from the meet cute to the walkie-talkies to the ending. I love a good romance.

Fans of One to Watch will love this one too!

Julie Murphy has written some of my all-time favourite protagonists. Honestly, Cindy is now my absolute favourite from Murphy.

Cindy makes me feel seen and understood more than I can even explain.

This entire book was lovely to read. As retellings go, Murphy definitely made it her own, which I appreciated. I fully recommend this book.

This book is amazing, and I literally could not put it down!!! The relationship Henry and Cindy have is so well developed and just adorable overall. I could definitely see how the story seemed to be inspired by The Bachelor and, obviously, Cinderella, while still having things that made it completely original. All of the friendships and family relationships were wholesome and relatable and made the story just that much better. Cindy's love of shoes adds a whole other dimension to the story. The way her confidence in her body grew as the story went on truly inspired me to love myself more, Cindy is such a powerful woman and we need more of that! Overall, an amazing story told wonderfully!!!

Ever since the death of her father, Cindy been in a slump. A slump in work, in love, and in life. Her stepmother insists she comes home after her she finishes college. On her flight home, Cindy encounters a handsome young man named Henry. She leaves the flight wanting his number but does not have it. Her stepmother Erica is a front runner for a reality TV dating show called "Before Midnight" which Cindy ends up decided to star on after some of the contestants drop out. Will she find love or forever be thinking of Prince Charming from the plane?

Pros: a fast paced, easy to digest read, beautifully well designed side characters and a main character you can't help but rooting for, body positivity and queer positivity, a romance that builds quickly but believably, and a look into reality TV.

Cons: There aren't any particularly steamy romance scenes, quite a few extraneous extra characters, and there were some role reversal if this is being portrayed as a Cinderella themed tale.

Overall, a very lighthearted and speedy read. I don't know if this hit all my buttons, but it did hit quite a few. I liked the incorporation of many of the original fairy tale characters and I loved Cindy's depth.

6/10 would recommend to those who enjoy light hearted romances, seriously strong flirting, body positivity, and Cinderella retellings!

I had such a hard time putting this one down! If my reading it in less than a day was any indication.

Let me start by saying that I am not someone who watches reality dating shows a la The Bachelor, etc., but I was sucked in to this literary version. I appreciated that this book gave more of a behind-the-scenes take on that idea to talk about how dramatized and disappointing the reality of such a show could be.

I LOVE Cindy! She is such a wonderful character. She’s fat and she’s not apologetic about it. While this fact is brought up numerous times, it’s also not done in a poor way - it’s not the entire focus and Cindy never shames herself or lets others slow her down. She just lives her life, which THANK YOU! There’s zero mention of how much or little she eats. Cindy does not skinny shame anyone except the faceless fashion industry. While she admits things are changing there, she does point out it’s a little too slow, but she does not begrudge skinny people their ability to wear art - she’d just like to be included.

She’s just graduated fashion school, but is heading back to her step-mother’s home, because she has no job prospects after barely graduating. Her mother died when she was young, her father remarried when she was a young teen, then her father died when she was a senior in high school. She has two step-sisters and triplet half-siblings after her step-mother decided to move forward with the surrogate plan following her husband’s death.

Cindy had the best meet-cute on her flight, but they barely even exchanged names. The whole situation was honestly laugh out loud funny. I loved the back and forth with Cindy and Prince Charming (as she calls him).

Cindy’s step-mother runs the biggest reality dating show and two girls just dropped out right before the newest season was set to air. Cindy’s step-mother finally agrees to let her daughters be on the show, but vetoes Cindy, because internet trolls and a big girl are not a good match. Cindy approaches her step-mother again and won’t take no for an answer. This show could be a good chance at exposure for Cindy - it could mean fashion job offers! Her step-mother relents and lets her on the show.

Cindy really isn’t sure what to think about the other women in the competition, she wants to like some of them, but also recognizes they’re all mostly going for the same thing - to win the guy as well as the $100,000 prize. Cindy will be happy with even just a little name recognition to break her into the fashion industry. Then, in walks none other than Prince Charming from the plane. Now, she doesn’t know what to think.

Cindy can’t tell how Henry really feels about her. Sometimes he seems to really like her and she thinks their connection might be real. Then, something else happens to remind her they’re filming a show and maybe everything is all an act. As the two try to get to know each other around the show and discover their real feelings for each other, life is moving on outside. Before the finale, Cindy gets a job offer and has to choose between an uncertain ending or following her dreams. But does choosing really mean giving up on having both?

I loved that for a Cinderella retelling the step family are not evil, but instead are extremely lovable. I loved that there was a good representation with LGBTQ (non-binary, lesbian, and bi characters). I loved the subtle nods to the Cinderella tale splashed throughout, that would be easy to miss and not upsetting for non-Cinderella fans (this isn’t a Disney exclusive space!). I wished there’d been a little more between Cindy and Henry. What was there was wonderful, I just would have liked a little more - what can I say? I’m a sucker for good banter.

Thank you to Net Galley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.