Review: If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

To say that I have been 'enchanted' by Disney's Meant To Be series would be a massive understatement. The concept is surprising as it is brilliant. Classic Disney movies reimagined as contemporary romance novels, written by bestselling authors. And it works so well.

If The Shoe Fits is the first release in the series. Penned by Julie Murphy, the author of Dumplin' it retells Cinderella. Except this time, Cinderella is Cindy, she is an aspiring fashion designer who just loves shoes. And she is the first ever plus size contestant on a reality show that just happens to have been created and produced by her stepmother. Her stepsisters, both influencers, are contestants on the same show. The only catch is that Cindy has already met the man that she and the other contestants are competing for ... and there is a very real and very mutual attraction between them.

This was a fun and lightweight romance set against the backdrop of a very well choreographed reality show. Cindy and Henry make for a fun couple, and the reader watches them grow closer against the odds. What I liked about this one was that although it was a reimagining of Cinderella, the author kept away from the idea of the wicked stepmother, making Erica a well-meaning stepmother who didn't always get things right instead. This could have been a bit deeper in places, but the journey was entertaining.

Recommended. 

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