Daily Archives: May 4, 2021

If the Shoe Fits (Meant To Be #1), By Julie Murphy ~ 5.0 Stars

04 Tuesday May 2021

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Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: August 3rd, 2021

304 Pages

Synopsis: After just having 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 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. (Goodreads)

If the Shoe Fits is the first book in the Meant To Be series, and what a spectacular kick-off it is! This is the Cinderella retelling I didn’t know I needed. Brimming with diversity including the enchanting plus size Cindy, this gives plenty of nods to the original while giving it a perfect modernization.

Cindy is a wonderful role model for positive body image. While acknowledging the shortcomings of society and the fashion industry in regards to the way plus size women are viewed and treated, Cindy is completely comfortable in her own skin. She’s smart, funny, and is officially my new favorite fictional heroine of 2021. The romance between her and Henry is sweet and charming. Cindy’s relationship with her family is equally wonderful and I especially loved the friendship between her and her stepsisters. I can’t stand reality dating shows, but because of the interesting characters which included a librarian, I actually enjoyed the fictitious Before Midnight. The ending was a satisfying happily-ever-after, even though Cindy and Henry had to go the extra mile for it.

From what I’ve heard, each book in the Meant To Be series will be written by a different author. I don’t know who they’ll be, but after Julie Murphy’s offering, they have some pretty big shoes to fill. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for a clever, unique, imaginative rom-com, filled with likable, diverse characters and a fabulous twist on a fairytale classic!