If the Shoe Fits

A Meant to Be Novel

By: Julie Murphy

Narrated by: Jen Ponton

"If the Shoe Fits encompasses everything I love about rom-coms. I laughed, I swooned, I smiled. Another hit for Julie Murphy!" (Colleen Hoover, number one New York Times best-selling author of Hopeless)

If the shoe doesn’t fit, maybe it’s time to design your own.

Cindy loves shoes. A well-placed bow or a chic stacked heel is her form of self-expression. As a fashion-obsessed plus-size woman, she can never find designer clothes that work on her body, but a special pair of shoes always fits just right.

With a shiny new design degree but no job in sight, Cindy moves back in with her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, the executive producer of the world’s biggest dating reality show. When a contestant on Before Midnight bows out at the last minute, Cindy is thrust into the spotlight. Showcasing her killer shoe collection on network TV seems like a great way to jump-start her career. And, while she’s at it, why not go on a few lavish dates with an eligible suitor?

But being the first and only fat contestant on Before Midnight turns her into a viral sensation - and a body-positivity icon - overnight. Even harder to believe? She can actually see herself falling for this Prince Charming. To make it to the end, despite the fans, the haters, and a house full of fellow contestants she’s not sure she can trust, Cindy will have to take a leap of faith and hope her heels - and her heart - don’t break in the process.

Best-selling author Julie Murphy’s reimagining of a beloved fairy tale is an enchanting story of self-love and believing in the happy ending each and every one of us deserves.

©2021 Julie Murphy (P)2021 Hyperion Avenue

Sweet and Fun Plus-Sized Read

I knew I was going to like this from Chapter 1 and the quote "Pizza is always fated." It was sweet, drama-filled, and funny. This loose Cinderella retelling was a great read. It was mostly light and fluffy, with humor and some steamier moments. The plus sized lead character is also why I was so hyped for this book. What plus size lady doesn't want a plus sized fairytale? This is more of a nod to the source material and follows it's own path. The book made no bones about making sure that we all know Cindy was Fat and proud. But I did love that the whole romance didn’t revolve completely around her body. There is a very clear message of Body Positivity, and being confident in your own skin. I felt that it was very well done. It was very clear that even in Cindy's more frantic moments of trying to make sure that the show would have something for her to wear in her own size, she always made a point of saying that if it doesn't fit, it's the clothing/designer's fault, not her body's.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette is my guilty pleasure, and this Bachelor-esque reality show plot point was definitely dramatic and almost as crazy as the real deal. So of course when I heard that this book was coming out, it had to go on my most anticipated list for 2021. This was everything I wanted it to be and more! It is funny, a modern take on a classic tale, and feminist. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also appreciated that the "evil" stepmom & stepsisters weren't evil at all. They were loving and supportive, even if their relationships with Cindy were complicated.

Henry

I loved the book! I would recommend for sure! Just get by the first couple of chapters than you are hooked

FINALLY!

Omg. This novel is everything I ever want to read when it comes to romance! A realistic main character, an adorable meet cute, a genuine connection between two people, intriguing back stories, a consistently interesting premise, a fairly believable plot, great supporting characters, a fantastic narrator, and a world I want to read more about. Oh, and a beautiful representation of a normal, plus-size human being that didn’t make me feel badly for relating to her.

So good!

Loved this book! The narrator did a great job too. I loved ecumenical about the story, the drama, and the outcome!

Cute!

I thoroughly loved this book! Is it your typical rom-com? Of course. But who doesn't love cheesy romances?
I found the plot fun and entertaining. Also, a plus size main female character who is confident in her appearance? Yes please! I also appreciate that the male lead took interest in her right away, rather than the tired trope of "her needing to change herself to get the guy" or "him finally seeing she's more than just the fat girl". Gag. Henry likes Cindy BECAUSE of who she WAS and not "in spite" of her size. It was refreshing.
Another thing I enjoyed was the portrayal of the step family. Sure, this is a Cinderella-esqe story, but at the same time, it wasn't. There was no stereotypical masquerade ball where the male lead has no idea who she is and no evil step family who try to prevent Cinderella's happily ever after. I actually really enjoyed that the step mother and sisters weren't the nasty antagonists that they usually protray. Instead, they were humans doing they best they could to be a good family for eachother and do the best they could with the cards they were dealt.
All in all, I loved this book and will definitely have to revisit it again.

Great twist

Great twist. Could not have guessed the ending and love the representation. The protagonist being fat was not ignored, and addressed in one of the most realistic ways possible, and was also not derogatory. Plus, it was steamy without being vulgar.

Best book I’ve listened to in a long time!

I loved this story. It’s so refreshing to listen to something that isn’t all cishet straight-sized people. 10/10 totally recommend!

Jimmy Choos and Prince Charming, too

What a delightful modern fairytale. I missed the hanky panky of my usual fare (I didn't realize this was a Disney imprint until the credits rolled on the audio), I am absolutely here for a plus heroine conquering the cutthroat worlds of fashion and reality dating shows - and finding her perfect Jimmy Choos and Prince Charming, too. Cheers to books celebrating more bodies living their best lives.

Not usually a fan of fairytales and love stories but this one was really good!

I’m usually more of a horror lover and not usually into romance or fairytales but this one is really good!

Love the twist !!

I loved the modernized version of the Cinderella story. Great characters and great happy ending!!