By Tessa @TessaTalksBooks Posted on

If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy #BookReview #RomCom #20booksofsummer21

  • 304 pages
  • Expected publication: August 3rd 2021
  • by Hyperion Avenue
After having just graduated with a degree in shoe design, and trying to get her feet on the ground, Cindy is working for her stepmother, who happens to be the executive producer of America’s favorite reality show, Before Midnight. When a spot on the show needs filling ASAP, Cindy volunteers, hoping it might help jump-start her fashion career, or at least give her something to do while her peers land jobs in the world of high fashion. Turns out being the only plus size woman on a reality dating competition makes a splash, and soon Cindy becomes a body positivity icon for women everywhere. What she doesn’t expect? That she may just find inspiration-and love-in the process. Ultimately, Cindy learns that if the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

In a world where reality tv and news make me want to hide under the covers, If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy is a charmingly funny romantic comedy that gave me a reason to believe that happily ever after’s still do happen.

I loved the modern twist given to the bits of the original Cinderella tale thrown into the story. From the glass slipper to the stepmother and two stepsisters, these little bits from the original Cinderella fairytale connected me to the story in unexpected ways. Bringing up happy memories from childhood stories gives the novel a magical fairytale quality that helped me tap into all that is good and right. When a story has all those positive traits, it surely will touch the heart and put a smile on your face, and If the Shoe Fits did that and more.

The story is entirely predictable, but what makes it nearly a five-star story, that easily held my unwavering attention from page one to the last page, is the characters. Cindy and Henry are completely relatable with complexities and layers that give them that genuine feel I look for in any novel. I wanted them to have their happily ever after more than anything, and I could not put the book down until I knew that they did – however that might look.

I also enjoyed the use of a Bachelor-type reality show the story centers around because, let us face it, that is something that can bring on all the chuckles and smiles. The story never takes the reality series seriously. Instead, satirization is achieved by playing up all the unreality of reality. It is so much fun and hits on many truths that take this story to a whole other deeper level.

The story also has a character lineup that includes much diversity, and it does so in a respectful and completely natural manner. It never feels like it is trying to be diverse for diversity’s sake, but that is truly a microcosm of our world today.

If you are looking for a story that will make you believe in happily-ever-after again, If The Shoe Fits will do that with many chuckles along the way.

Goodreads Link: If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be, #1) by Julie Murphy | Goodreads

33 Replies to “If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy #BookReview #RomCom #20booksofsummer21”

  1. Jenny Mcclinton says:

    These kind of books always help you to believe you can have your happily ever after is possible. I will have to try this book, keep the dream going lol 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  2. kat says:

    This sounds like such a fun read! I’ve been vacillating about this one, but it just sounds so sweet and I do enjoy romances with great characters, so I’ll have to check this one out.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Mischenko says:

    I had a good feeling about this one, and I’m so glad you ended up loving it! I love that it’s totally predictable too. Excellent review, Tessa. I’m looking forward to this retelling! 💗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      Being predictable is fine by me too. As long as it has another aspect that’s exceptional- in this case, the characters. I like knowing I’m getting the story that I think I am ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      Perfect for the beach! I’m glad you enjoyed your second foray into romcom territory. I have to admit, I was a bit worried.

      Like

  8. Teri Polen says:

    You know I don’t read many rom-coms, but this sounds like a light-hearted, feel good book I’d enjoy. Love those comparisons to Cinderella. Great review, Tessa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      When you feel like the magic of a fairy tale with the fun poke at current day dating shows, this is definitely one to keep in mind ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  10. WendyW says:

    I’m so glad you enjoyed this Tessa! I’ve read it also and felt the same as you. It was just so much fun to read!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Kaceey says:

    Fantastic review Tessa! Sounds like my kind of book! I love rom coms that make you believe in a happy ever after🤞🧡. And those reality shows are a guilty pleasure of mine. A win win! Adding!🙋🏻‍♀️💖

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Carla says:

    Great review Tessa. I finished this last night and loved it. I loved the body positivity message along with all the others that sneak in to this story. So much to like.

    Like

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      You are going to love it! It’s a perfect contemporary retelling. Highly engaging and a whole lot of fun 🤩

      Like

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