Julie Murphy author of awesome YA books like Dumplin' is making her foray into New Adult with If the Shoe Fits, the first book in the Meant to Be series.

This contemporary retelling of Cinderella is a total delight! Cindy's just graduated from design school with no true plans or prospects so she moves back home with her stepmom, stepsisters, and triplet half-sibs. Her stepmom is the executive producer of America's favorite reality dating show (think The Bachelor/Bachelorette), Before Midnight.

Cindy's most intense dream is to design shoes. Yet due to lingering grief from her father's sudden and unexpected death has left her feeling uninspired. Then an assistant producer from Before Midnight approaches Cindy and asks her to be a contestant on the show. At first hesitant because of her weight, Cindy agrees to do it. She hopes that being a contestant will give her a moment of fame that she can use to jumpstart her design career.

Imagine Cindy's surprise when she discovers that the Prince is Henry, the hottie she shared a moment with on her flight from New York home to California. Maybe their connection was real but what does that mean now that she's one of two dozen women vying for Henry's attention.

This book gave me so many reasons to love it. Cindy was consistently relatable. I appreciated that she was fashionable and unapologetic about her size, even when surrounded by thinner, more conventionally attractive women. Despite her grief, she was determined and mostly upbeat. While she was open to a relationship, she wasn't seeking one out to "complete" herself. In fact, I'm glad that she got to show that what she valued most was herself.

The storyline is character-driven and as a fairy tale retelling, I'm so glad that the author made the choice to update Cindy's stepmom and stepsisters. They weren't cruel or evil. All of them were kind, loving, and supportive of each other. The same with the other contestants (mostly) - while they were competing for Henry's attention, they weren't usually cruel to one another. I'm so over women being depicted as shallow, backstabbers competing for men's attention so THANK YOU, Julie Murphy!

Also a shout out for If the Shoe Fits including LGBTQ+ and nonbinary rep in an honest way instead of a "hey, look, we have a Token Character here" fashion.

If you're a fan of One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London, you'll enjoy If the Shoe Fits. Both books feature fashion-conscious, plus size women who call out the industry for its lack of options for plus size women and are determined to find happiness and success.

Hello, body positivity!

This was a sweet NA romance with lots of sweet charm and only a little trope.

Recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this title. I was so excited to see a new Julie Murphy book. As much as I wanted to love it, though, Cindy seemed like a repeat of some of Murphy's other spunky, body-positive characters. Don't get me wrong, we need a whole lot more body-positive protagonists (and what about non-female body-positive characters, publishing?) I just want more substance and depth to my characters than I found here. Also, some of the momentum of the story got lost in all of the reality TV drama. All around though, it was a light, fun read.

Meant to Be : If the Shoe Fits was the first book I read written by Julie Murphy and I fell in love with her writing. When I read the description my first thought was oh another cinderella remake. But, I loved this twist on the classic story and enjoyed how different it was. The world needs more characters like Cindy in movies, books, and tv. Also, Henry was amazing and definitely book boyfriend material. Great Book and I can't wait to read the next one.

First book read in 2021! What a fun book to start off the year with. Cindy was an engaging modern "Cinderella." A well-balanced fluffy New Adult read. Really looking forward to more books in this series.

I am not a Disney person. I am especially not normally interested in Disney Princesses™. I was ready to pass on this retelling of the Cinderella story geared towards an adult audience, but then I saw that Julie Murphy wrote this book AND that Cinderella (Cindy in this story) is now a fat girl with killer fashion sense! I really, really liked Julie Murphy’s other two YA books featuring awesome fat girls living their lives in their conservative small town. This book builds on what was good about those books by telling the story about fat girls harnessing their confidence and surprising everyone, while placing it in a more grown-up application. I also love, love, love a romance featuring fat girls as the protagonists - representation is everything! This book delivered on that.

Like I said, this is a modern-day retelling of Cinderella. Cindy is a recent fashion school graduate who has zero prospects after leaving school. She moves from NYC back to LA to stay with her step-mother and step-siblings for the summer and figure out her next move. Cindy’s (not-so-evil) step-mother is actually the executive producer of a hugely popular Bachelor-like dating reality show. Cindy and her two step-sisters (Anna and Drew) are roped into being contestants on the show, for the exposure and potential $100,000 prize (and true love, I guess). Drama ensues. Also a really sweet love story between Cindy and Henry, her *Prince Charming*, in the middle of a crazy, sometimes cutthroat, dating game.

This book was a 10/10 for fat girl representation. Cindy is a talented shoe designer (get it?) with a great eye for fashion, even if most of the fashion world hasn’t quite embraced plus-sized bodies. She has real confidence, dry wit, and is all around awesome. She charmed the hell out of me for sure. Overall, she is a really good protagonist - she has been through some major trials in her life (including depression) and you really want her to have her happily ever after ending. I also appreciated that there were a few queer and/or non-binary characters in this story.

Overall, this book was comforting and fun to read. It is a pretty traditional rom-com, but I was surprised that this book made me feel real feelings of loss at times. With so much happening in the world right now, it was very nice to unplug and get lost in a fun and light book where everything works out for everyone in the end. Julie Murphy bats it out of the park once again with this new, modern take on the Cinderella story.

I read this on the heals of Kate' Stayman-London's One to Watch. Both are about full-figured women on reality shows. I thought this one was really unique even still. Lots of body positivity, humor, and romance. Cinderella is one of my least favorites for retellings, but this one was delightful.

This story has all of the classic elements of Cinderella but with a twist! Our main character Cindy has to move back home to live with her stepmother and stepsisters. She recently graduated from design school, specializing in shoes, and hadn’t been able to find a job. Her stepmother, an executive producer of a popular reality dating show, finds out that they need more women to compete. Who wouldn’t be better but Cindy and her stepsisters? This “Cinderella” is a plus sized woman with a mission to make herself known in the fashion industry. She doesn’t realize that so much more was in store for her as she became a media sensation and a positive role model celebrating women of all sizes. She also soon realizes that Henry just may be her Prince Charming!

From the moment the book began with Cindy meeting Prince Charming, I was hooked. Julie Murphy developed a storyline in which you learn Cindy’s backstory without it taking the first quarter of the book. Thank you! She got right to the heart of the story and led us on a journey that completely kept my interest. I felt like I was actually watching the show! I wanted to know who Henry was picking for his next date and what they would be wearing. It was all there. If you are a fan of Rom-coms, then this book is for you. I give it 5 stars!

This is a light, fun read that you would expect from Julie Murphy. The retelling of Cinderella is refreshing. Rather than painting the step-mother and step-sisters as villians they are likable supporters of Cindy. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and their ulterior motives to come to the surface, but they actually evolved positively, which was a great relief! Cindy was lovable and relatable. I loved that her perspective was full of body positivity, and not focused on body negativity toward the other contestants. Overall, this was a sweet romance and a fun take on the classic Cinderella story.

Finally: a Disney re-telling for adults! Our main character, Cindy, is a shoe designer who can’t find a “real” job so, with some pixie dust from her not evil stepmother, winds up on a Bachelor-Esque television show. She is plus sized and not ashamed: she is who she is. (As a fellow plus size lady, I really loved this). I cared about Cindy and the other characters in this novel. It was fun, frothy, and filled with heart! Thanks to netgalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC!

This book is very fun and engaging. Things I liked:
1) Plus size heroine who doesn't really have body issues.
2) Cinderella's step mother and sisters are not evil. They love her and want her to succeed.
3) The Bachelor-vibe is fun and relatable, even if you've never watched the show.
4) Shoes.
5) There are queer characters all over the place and it is just, like, cool whatever, instead of a Big Dramatic Thing.

Go read it!

I was sure what to expect when I started this book. I wondered if it would be a little cheesy or predictable... which it was. But what I didn't expect was to absolutely love it. I read it in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. I HAD to know what to happen. with Cindy and Henry. I loved that I felt like I was watching an episode of the Bachelorette while also falling in love with Cindy. She was a well developed character that really addressed what some of the issues facing plus size girls in the real world. I also really loved how it wasn't a complete "cinderella" retelling. Her family was warm and loveable. I definitely would recommend this book and I can't wait to see what is next from Murphy!

I’m so disappointed!! I LOVE Julie Murphy and I LOVE fairy tales (especially when they’re modernized!) and was so excited to get this ARC,...but so let down! The reason for my admiration of Ms. Murphy is that she’s so great at having non traditional characters populate her novels. My student cheer for an average or plus-sized heroine - especially when she’s strong, confident, and admired. Characters are non-binary, and it’s just there - not deallt with as an “issue” - it’s almost like size, shape, sexual identity or orientation is just another character trait like blond haired. What I love is that the size and shape of these heroines is so much a “not issue” - yes, Dumplin’ is big, but you don’t even think about that until you’re reminded... she’s just NORMAL, and charming, and you root for her. That could have been Cindy, but it wasn’t. I just didn’t buy it. It was like Murphy had to keep reminding us how big she is or how tragic her life has been to make us like her. And, that bled into other characters - why is everyone identified as “white” or not? I could never cheer for Cindy because I just didn’t care - everything was soooo obvious and routine and unoriginal- the complete opposite of what I look to THIS author for. Each character was a caricature. I kept thinking “Julie Murphy could not have written this.”
Also, I’ve read a lot of ARC, but this was the most “raw” and there were too many distracting errors for me - I kept ha big to go back and reread things to figure out what it was saying because of typos or grammar or mechanics/spelling errors.
All that said, it wasn’t horrible, and it’s a quick read. It just makes me sad that this will be some middle school-ish kids first introduction to Murphy because I think her other books are geared a little older .

I was provided an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is not your average Cinderella retelling. I'm always a little hesitant going into retellings because, more often than not, they fall into the same tired tropes and become the same tired story. For example, my biggest pet peeve with Cinderella retellings is the over-the-top stepmom and stepsisters who are vain, shallow, and so obviously awful people that they're simply caricature instead of actual characters.

Julie Murphy makes it clear from the beginning that this story is not the story of an unloved, unwanted Cinderella. Instead, Cindy's relationship with her step-family is quite healthy. Sure, they have the typical stumbles that someone would have when being parented by someone who is not your parent, but there is genuine love and admiration for each other. Cindy's stepmom, Erica, loved Cindy's father; and therefore, she shows love to Cindy as well. Is it overly motherly affectionate love? No, but it's love, and I appreciated that their tension seemed based on real possibilities instead of contrived "You're not my mom!" and "I only wanted your dad for his money" tropes. Cindy also has a lovely relationship with her stepsisters. They're definitely a contrast of Cindy, but they lift each other up instead of berating each other for simply existing. It was the Cinderella stepfamily I didn't know I needed.

Now - onto the other stuff. The love stuff. NetGalley and Julie's website both describe the book as "perfect for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms." If there's one thing you can trust from Julie Murphy, it's this: a stress-free read that leaves a smile on your face, a hope in your heart, and a satisfied glow as you close the book. You'll get that with Meant to Be: If the Show Fits. If you're coming here looking for heart racing plot twists, nail biting cliff-hangers, and gut-wrenching one-liners, then I think we both know that you're in the wrong place. This book gives you what you expect, and that's one of the things I appreciate about contemporary, escapist rom-coms and Julie Murphy. This book is a reliable, friendly hugIt's the hand on your shoulder. It's bubble baths and wine. You know that, and that's why you're here, and you're going to leave happy and satisfied.

I love a story with a plus size heroine, and we definitely get one here! Cindy (for the take on Cinderella!) is a confident and fabulous woman who takes a chance on herself when she decides to appear on a find-love reality show. Some of her outfits that she puts together looked amazing in my head, and I have had the same experiences as her when it comes to finding classy clothes that fit larger sizes. There are supporting characters who use the pronouns they/them, and the author chooses not to explain or, but just lets it happen naturally, which I love. All in all, a wonderful novel! I can't wait for others in the series!

I adored that the MC is plus size, and that throughout the book she has limited wardrobe options and is vocal about that.

This book was cute! A nice spin on "The Bachelor" and Cinderella. Likeable characters, NOT so likeable ones, and a few little plot twists all come together!

Overall this story is wholesome, heartwarming, and also encouraging because Cindy figures out her career path and pursues it. There is love and romance but there is also friendship, found family, and an MC who finds herself as well.

It's not a Cinderella retelling to me in the purest sense, but I appreciated how the author interpreted the story and made her own bits and pieces! If you need a feel-good read that (probably) won't make you cry, go for this! It was just what I needed right now.

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy the first book in Meant to Be series was so cute. This Cinderella retelling is brought current by using a reality show as the backdrop. I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and felt good about al of the self-love. It is great to read a book that embraces self-positivity. I cannot wait for more fairytale retellings in this series. Highly recommend this sweet, fell good novel.

***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****

Cindy's life is not going in the direction she expects, after graduating from Parson's she doesn't have a job and is heading home to live with her stepmother and stepsisters. On the plane she unexpectedly meets a man, well he seems like a prince but doesn't get his name. Fast forward and Cindy and her stepsisters are last minute substitutions on her stepmother's reality show, Beyond Midnight, and the 'prince' is the man from the plane. Is this fate? A fairytale? Cindy, a plus size woman, agreed to be on it to showcase her shoe designs and hopefully jump start her career but is there a real connection? Or is it really all work?

Thanks to Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley for this eARC!

Julie Murphy's books are always adorable and this one is no exception. This is a fun take-off on Cinderella centered around Cindy, an aspiring shoe designer, who goes on a Bachelor-style show. In this Cinderella, thankfully, her step-mom and sisters aren't evil, though some of the other contestants take that spot. The reality show stuff was fun (and slightly gentler than in some depictions of these type of shows and so were the shoes! Funny that this is the second bachelor takeoff with a plus-size protagonist I've read this year. Maybe the actual show should take a hint.

Also interesting that this is being marketed as adult contemporary. I think it is YA friendly for sure.

It seems this will be a series of contemporary fairy tale takes and I'm interested to see who else will be writing them.

This modern day Cinderella retelling is just the right fit for romance lovers.

Cindy has just finished college and has moved back in with her stepmother. Her mother died when she was little, and her father died four years early. Cindy's passion is fashion design, specifically shoes, and she longs to know what her next step is. She has always been fat and also longs to design inclusively in an industry that had never embraced her. Her stepmother, Erica, is the producer of the popular reality dating show, Before Midnight. When they are need of last minute contestants, Cindy and her step sisters Anna and Drew are all drafted to be on the show to help boost their careers. When Cindy finds herself connecting with the suitor, she has to figure out how to put herself first and make herself happy.

This was a very sweet modern fairy tale. Cindy is really a character to root for and is easily related to. The book has also a very diverse cast which is very refreshing for romance novels. The book is also very sweet and touching, as it really delves into Cindy and Henry's lives and backstories. This is a book with a wide appeal and I look forward to reading more in this fairy tale retelling series.