If The Shoe Fits (Meant To Be #1) by Julie Murphy



Synopsis: After graduating with a degree in fashion, and no prospective job offers, Cindy decides to head home to her stepmom’s house and nanny her three siblings. Erica is an executive producer of the popular dating show “Before Midnight”, as the show has openings, after some discussion, Cindy decides to volunteer. Cindy soon realizes that being the only plus sized woman on a reality dating show, has positives and negatives. The positive, she becomes a body positivity icon for women! Cindy decided to go onto the show to further her career in fashion however, she soon realizes her objective has changed.



Review: As a fan of reality tv dating shows, I loved this book. Cindy is an amazing female protagonist, she’s at an important time in her life and handles it confidentially; she’s rational, caring, and a great person. Her character was a serious breath of fresh air to me. I loved the plot, a background look at a reality dating show, with an incredible male lead? SOLD! I really enjoyed most of the characters minus one of the other contestants (I don’t want to spoil it), she is the definition of a horrible person! I definitely prefer this twist on Cinderella more than the original.



Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgallery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, retelling of Cinderella. I really liked some of the changes that were made to the original source material, especially that the stepmother and stepsisters were kind and lovable. Our main character, Cindy, is so easy to fall for and I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book. Overall though, the love story didn't work for me. Since the story is told through a Bachelor-style TV show, our main characters don't actually get to spend that much time together. I never felt like I fully bought their love story and was rooting more for Cindy's professional success than for them to get together. Reading this book, it was obvious it was the author's first adult novel. It read more like YA to me, just with adult main characters. If you are looking for a very PG contemporary romance, you may really appreciate that aspect. I wish I liked this more, but since the romance didn't work for me, the whole book just felt a little lacking.

I loved this book, once I started I couldn’t put it down! It’s definitely a book I plan on rereading! I’m so thankful to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced ebook.

“If the Shoe Fits” was one of my favorite reads of 2021 so far! I laughed, cried, and just really enjoyed the story. We follow Cindy on a journey of self discovery and she meets cute and charming Henry on the way. It is definitely one of those books I’d reach for on those hard days when you just need a pick me up. I can’t say enough good things about this book! I will definitely be picking up an actual copy in August!

This book made me so happy. I finished it in one sitting! I love a good retelling- especially about princesses. However, If the Shoe Fits feels so modern and different from Cinderella, it’s easy to forget it is a modern take on Cinderella. It isn’t overtly obvious it’s a retelling; there are some references, like the tv show being called “Before Midnight” and there’s a healthy amount of pumpkin and shoe references. But other than that, it’s unique. Dare I say, even a better retelling than The Lunar Chronicles (and I adore TLC!)

One of my most favorite parts of this retelling is that the stepmother and stepsisters aren’t evil. They aren’t out to ruin Cindy or hurt her- quote the contrary! They love her fiercely, if bumbling. Her older stepsisters, Anna and Drew, see her as one of them, referencing themselves as a trio more often than not. Even when they’re all contestants on the show together, they aren’t catty and low, but supportive and loving. And her stepmom, Erica, is trying her hardest; she has real worries about Cindy and how others will treat her when the show airs. They all might stumble but they all have good hearts, and they’re trying. One scene that really struck a chord was when Anna and Drew took Cindy shopping and Anna and Drew were faced with what fashion is like for fat people; “extended sizes” are often found only online, and even then they’re questionable items at best. Anna grows frustrated that her sister can’t shop like she can. It was a small moment, but Murphy is good at sliding those in and still making the real-life impact and experienced notable. As fat people we experience it all the time, but when it’s pointed out in action, the impact of these micro-aggressions really resonate with people who aren’t fat.

Additionally, since this has a Bachelor / The Selection type plot, you’d think all the girls are catty and horrible to each other. This is not the case! Of course, there are characters you dislike simply because there will always be people like that, but the girls are all really sweet and concerned for one another and their feelings. Despite vying for the love of the same man, they’re all very aware of the other and her feelings- by the end even the top three contestants remain close friends.

Not to mention, there was a level of diversity I wasn’t expecting from this book. While the main characters are cis, straight, white people, the supporting cast is more diverse than I thought we would see in a Disney series: there’s a pansexual contestant who speaks often about her girlfriend, an alternative, butch lesbian who serves as an executive producer, as well as a non-binary fashion executive. And it’s all worked very well into the story so it’s not like an attention grab, but rather a moment like when any other character is introduced.

Also, while there was some angst- this is a Disney retelling after all, so Cindy’s parents are dead- it isn’t in your face, and it doesn’t take away from the fun, rom-com vibes. It follows a lot of tropes you’d expect from a story like this (think The Selection and its “plot twists”). I also really wish illustrations were included because I’m a visual person and would have loved to really see Cindy’s designs to get the full effect.

The ending left some things to be desired, but I think the overall direction was good for Cindy’s character, even if the romance ended up taking a small step back.

I’m probably going to buy this and reread it when it finally comes out in August just to see if anything, even the smallest thing, is changed. And just so I can add this gorgeous cover to my collection. This book was so good and comforting, even if it had no spicy moments. I really can’t wait to read more from this series! I hope all the princesses are fat.

But, in the mean time, if you want more fat princess content, the movie Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs is a good place to go next.

Loved this book! It was everything I didn’t know I needed. Light read with just the right amount of family drama. Highly recommend for a nice summer read.

Cute Cinderella inspired story by the author of Dumplin, this story has great body positivity as well. and is modern enough to feel fresh and new. This is Julie Murphy’s adult debut, which I can highly recommend as somebody who likes reality television I really enjoyed this one.

Crazy cute and clean story of a plus size girl vying for a handsome contestant on a bachelor TV reality show. All the characters you think will be there certainly are and there is a raging competition to win the prize. It is a fun novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks netgalley for an early copy of this! I adored every single thing about this story. The characters were perfection and I didn’t want to put this down!

I liked this book! I really enjoyed the main character and her motivations. The Cinderella motif was great and made me smile. I wasn’t totally sold on the TV show aspect, but that could be because I am a huge bachelor fan and had trouble with letting go of the differences.

If the Shoe Fits is a perfect summer read (or for that matter, a perfect read for anyone wanting a happy ending). Julie Murphy's journey into adult lit is destined to be a success with her usual humor and charm entwined in a romance made for TV, or at least those who watch a lot of reality TV. For those who can't get enough of The Bachelor or similar series, this book will keep you happy while you await a new season. Meant to Be is a new series by Murphy, whose Dumplin' and Puddin' books have made many a YA reader swoon and laugh, and these are going to be based loosely on fairy tales. If the Shoe Fits takes the Cinderella tale and transforms it just enough that it's recognizable, but it has it's own flair. Cindy, the main character, has a love for shoes that goes beyond just a hobby, because she wants to make a career designing them. However, since her father's death, she has had designing block, and she just can't seem to get past this issue. An unexpected meeting with a cute stranger on a plane as she's moving back home to be with her step-family is a fun distraction, but when her step-mother (who happens to be the producer of the dating show Before Midnight) uses her as a fill-in on the show, the shock at finding out said stranger is the show's bachelor looking for a wife seems like a magical opportunity. Being a plus-size contestant on a show filled with petite and sometimes heartless other women is a challenge that Cindy has to power through, but a little encouragement from her Prince Charming and viewers who want to see her succeed might just make this fairy tale become reality. This was a clever and creative story, even if it did seem to get a little long towards the end. I found it a quick read, and I enjoyed the story, but I did feel like despite her best efforts, some of the scenarios and characters were a little cliched at times, and I didn't end up as invested in the characters as I would have expected from her other novels, Still, it was a fun story, and I enjoyed relaxing and laughing through it. I will look forward to seeing which fairy tale Murphy will write about in her next Meant to Be title.

As soon as I heard about it, I said, "that's ridiculous. I have to read it."

It was exactly as advertised. Cindy is a fat shoe designer who just graduated from design school in New York. Her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, is the producer for a reality TV Bachelor knock-off called Before Midnight. One thing leads to another and Cindy (and her not-so-evil stepsisters) end up in the competition.

It was ridiculous and extremely heterosexual. It was cute, and I'll probably get a copy for my sister for her birthday (Cinderella is her favorite Disney Princess), but I'm just not straight enough for this. Like, they barely know each other?

It was a sweet romance with almost zero sex. I mean, honestly, "a warm feeling spread through my abdomen." We all know it wasn't in your abdomen, Cindy, but OK.

Honestly the funniest detail was the three mice (Mary, Jack, and Gus) were replaced with triplet baby siblings Cindy's dad and stepmother had via surrogate. They were more props than characters, but the forced nod to the movie was absurd enough to make me laugh.

This is such an adorable story! I really loved this different spin on the Cinderella story. Cindy and Henry were adorable. A wonderful and quick read!!

I requested this because I really, really liked Dumplin' by Murphy. I haven't read the rest of the books in that world yet, but I jumped on this ARC because I was excited to read an adult romance by Murphy. I liked it, but it wasn't anything spectacular. I appreciated the body positivity angle as well as the idea of including a plus-size woman on something like the Bachelor. It was strange though because I had JUST finished One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London and I feel that is a stronger book. If the Shoe Fits is just the reverse of One to Watch. Instead of a plus-sized Bachelorette as the star of the show, we have a plus-sized contestant on the Bachelor. Feels like the idea was a bit recycled here. I guess what I'm not loving is that books are doing a good job of now including body positivity for women, but I haven't yet read anything that does the same thing for men. The hero in this book is the typical, gorgeous male lead. I suppose since the premise is that it is the Bachelor, he needs to be, but I'd be here for a romance with two average-looking people of different sizes and shapes.

Cindy's character was well-developed. I loved that she was a designer, and specifically that she loved designing shoes. The strongest part of the book is Cindy. She has a strong voice and is very relatable. Murphy does a great job of dealing making her relationship with her body is positive, while also not losing any of the complexity of the struggle that Cindy, as a plus-sized person would have, on a show like The Bachelor.

I could take or leave the hero. He didn't do much for me. I enjoyed their meet-cute on the plane and that they were both obviously into one another. He should have made his feelings clear to Cindy from the beginning (although I know that would have eliminated the conflict. It seems silly that he would have claimed to like her so much and then deliberately not tell her so and leave her in suspense.

A very cute and fun read! I adored the fact that there was a plus-sized lead and the retelling kept the classic element of Cinderella with a modern and deeper style. Cindy is a strong character and I really loved following along on her journey to find inspiration and love! This is my first Julie Murphy book and I definitely recommend it!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was like a nice refresh of the Cinderella story that we all know and love. The stepmother and stepdaughter is in this case aren’t evil and it was nice to see that. Cindy is plus size in this case and it was nice to see a girl of a different stature in a book. I also really appreciate that the book didn’t completely focus on her size well also bringing us into some issues that people who are plus size face. It was a very simple and sweet love story that didn’t have any unnecessary drama or stupid mistakes where there is major miscommunication between characters. I really enjoyed reading the book and can’t wait for it to come out so I can get a paperback copy!

Cinderella retelling in the modern era! Cindy has just graduated from fashion school and returned home to LA, looking forward to spending time with her step sisters and younger half-siblings for the summer. But when her step-mother, who is the producer and show-runner for the hit show Before Midnight, needs a few new contestants to join in on the show after some girls drop out Cindy volunteers to join. Hoping it may launch her shoe-making career post-graduating what she doesn't expect is to become a body-positive role model and possibly find love.

First off, the body positive representation in this is AMAZING! Julie Murphy's characterization is just what we needed to breath new life into a usually stagnant troupe. We have seen Cinderella re-told a thousand and one times and it's usually the same things; skinny pretty girl with shitty family, meets handsome guy, almost loses him due to shitty family, but gets him in the end. In this story, Cindy is strong on her own, independent, and 100% secure in who she is and REFUSES to apologize to anyone about herself and her body (slay queen!). Some of the other characters are also fairly diverse, which was another nice change to the typical Cinderella storyline. Something small in this that I think could be easily overlooked by most is the proper use of non-binary/gender-fluid pronouns of they/them. I applaud Murphy for this!

The story was fast-paced and a quick read, which was just what I needed. Cindy's family was actually great for the most part, her step-mother was not as miserable as she is usually portrayed as. This was a nice change of pace as well. Step-mothers aren't always bad! Cindy has a wonderful group of supportive women around her and it just adds to the story in my opinion.

Henry was the mostly typical Prince Charming, but thankfully he wasn't one note! And I am so happy that not ONCE did Cindy's body size/weight get brought into the narrative between them because weight should not be made an issue in a relationship! He likes her for her and not what she looks like. The romance was perfect, especially for the better part of the book being focused in a Bachelor-style television show with Cindy competing with multiple other women for Henry's love.

As the first book in the Meant to Be series, this book was a great start! I really look forward to the next books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars: Modern Day retelling of Cinderella with a realistic body representation with a mix of the bachelor in it. This book has some adult language in it, so 18+, which I find refreshing that Disney is growing and allowing other mature voices to be heard. This has all the things you loved from the original cinderella, stepmother, and of course stepchildren; the father dies, has to work with the stepmother (only its the bachelor), and, of course, follows the same type of storyline. Not my favorite retelling of cinderella (Everafter), but it is on the top of modern-day spins.

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Disney and Netgalley for letting me read.

I had mixed feelings for this book. The last twenty chapters felt a bit rushed and I'm surprised Disney would allow a lot of cursing. And I wasn't a big fan of the kissing scenes, I thought Cindy and Henry were gonna have sex. The TV dating show is a parody of The Bachelor, and I don't watch the show. The show is rigged anywayay and the network picks another girl over Cindy so Henry can propose too. Cindy gets a huge job offer at the end and goes back to New York City., The ending is practicable when Henry shows up.

For those who love Dumplin (Netflix movie and/or the book), Julie Murphy brings you the first in a brand-new adult series inspired by the classic fairy tale stories we all know and love. The perfect novel for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms.

Cindy has just completed her studies at NYC's most prestigious fashion school and has found herself in the last months of her studies experiencing a creative block. Returning home to LA to live with her stepmother, two adult stepsisters and three child step siblings, she soon finds herself volunteering to figure as one of the female suitors to the bachelor of that season’s Before Midnight, a reality show produced by her stepmother.

I love a retelling of classic fairy tales, and was excited to read this take on Cinderella. I was particularly interested in the fact that Cindy is fat (a term she uses herself as a statement of fact, without negative connotations) and can tell you; I was not disappointed. The novel is captivating for so many reasons, but mainly because the female characters love and support each other in all aspects. Even within the reality television world, most of the female relationships are supportive. The contestants manage to forge friendships even as they compete for the bachelor’s attention with one exception, to provide some conflict.

The romance between Prince Charming and Cindy was lovely. Henry, the love interest, is suitably charming, and I enjoyed that the story was exclusively from Cindy’s point of view. This helped to keep Henry’s intentions and thoughts a little mysterious because without this the suspense would have been much diminished. The emphasis on family and friendship, as well as Cindy’s focus on building the life she wants, really charmed me beyond Cindy simply finding a man.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Cindy has just completed her studies at a prestigious New York City fashion school, but because she didn’t fully process the death of her father which occurred when she was in high school, she found herself in the last months of her studies experiencing a creative block. Returning home to Los Angeles to live with her stepmother, two adult stepsisters, and three child step siblings to whom she will act as nanny for the summer, she soon finds herself volunteering to figure as one of the female suitors to the bachelor of that season’s Before Midnight, a reality show produces by her stepmother.

I love a retelling, so I was really looking forward to reading this take on Cinderella. I was particularly interested in the fact that Cindy is fat (a term she uses herself as a statement of fact, without negative connotations). I can tell you straightaway that I was not disappointed.

I loved this novel. First because of the female characters and the love and support they give each other. Not only does Cindy have a loving, supportive best friend, but her stepmother and stepsisters are also portrayed positively, as is their relationship with Cindy. Even within the reality television world, most of the female relationships are supportive, the contestants manage to forge friendships even as they compete for the bachelor’s attention, with one exception to provide some conflict.

The romance (let’s not forget this is a romance novel after all) was lovely. Henry, the love interest, is suitably charming for his role as Prince Charming. I liked that the story was exclusively from Cindy’s point of view, which helped to keep Henry’s intentions and thoughts a little mysterious, because without this the suspense would have been much diminished. I have to say that while I found the romance lovely and well developed, it is the other aspects of the book that really charmed me: the emphasis on family and friendship, as well as Cindy’s focus on building the life she wants (with a focus on a career in fashion) beyond simply finding a man.

I loved this book, and I am looking forward to more in the Meant to Be series, hoping future books live up to this stellar start.