If the Shoe Fits (Meant To Be)

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy comes the first in a brand-new adult series inspired by the classic fairy tale stories we all know and love, perfect for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms.
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.
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.
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Community Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars!
This was a genuinely cute romance! I would say it's geared more towards actual young adults - late teens, early twenties - but still very enjoyable for romance lovers. I liked multiple things in this retelling of Cinderella.
1. She's a size 18 woman who absolutely doesn't apologize for her size. I also liked that she didn't view "fat" as a negative word, just another descriptor.
2. There's an actual good relationship between Cindy and her step family. I really didn't want to see that tired trope again. She and her step family genuinely love and care for each other.
3. The conflict at the end of the book wasn't what I thought it would be. So being surprised in that way was great.
Definitely will recommend this to everyone, but especially those who are looking for a softer romance book with no adult content!!
4.5 stars!
This was a genuinely cute romance! I would say it's geared more towards actual young adults - late teens, early twenties - but still very enjoyable for romance lovers. I liked multiple things in this retelling of Cinderella.
1. She's a size 18 woman who absolutely doesn't apologize for her size. I also liked that she didn't view "fat" as a negative word, just another descriptor.
2. There's an actual good relationship between Cindy and her step family. I really didn't want to see that tired trope again. She and her step family genuinely love and care for each other.
3. The conflict at the end of the book wasn't what I thought it would be. So being surprised in that way was great.
Definitely will recommend this to everyone, but especially those who are looking for a softer romance book with no adult content!!
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