- 304 pages
- Expected publication: August 3rd 2021
- by Hyperion Avenue
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 responses to “If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy #BookReview #RomCom #20booksofsummer21”
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 😊
Exactly! 😊🤗😊
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.
You definitely should. It is a lot of fun ❤️
I reckon this is a book that will make you smile from the beginning to the end. It is always helpful to have a happy ending.
Happy endings are my favorite 😍
This sounds lovely retelling and I like reality show concept in stories. Great review!
It’s a lot of fun!
Fab review sounds like a fun book!
Thank you! It really is ❤️
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! 💗
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 ❤️
I read this one too! My second rom-con this year and it was a great beach read.
Perfect for the beach! I’m glad you enjoyed your second foray into romcom territory. I have to admit, I was a bit worried.
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!
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 ❤️
Probably not for me, but great review.
Probably not. But I find romcoms are the perfect pallet cleanser for a many-course meal of thrillers.
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!
I really did ❤️. This is the kind of retelling I can truly enjoy.
I stayed away from this one because of the reality TV element and now you’ve got me re-thinking that decision (I loathe most reality TV shows, especially like The Bachelor). Excellent review, Tessa💜
They totally make fun of it, so you’d probably enjoy it ❤️
Great review! I’ve yet to try Julie Murphy’s books but I always hear the most amazing things about them.
They are a lot of fun but she also keeps it real, so,it’s not too light and fluffy.
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!🙋🏻♀️💖
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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.
It’s a great story! And so timely.
Yes, and so many subtle and not so subtle messages.
I had no idea this was a Cinderella retelling!!!! Ah! Can’t wait to pick it up now, great review!!
You are going to love it! It’s a perfect contemporary retelling. Highly engaging and a whole lot of fun 🤩
Thank you for reccomendation and review. Adding this to my TBR.
It’s a wonderful story. Hope you enjoy it ❤️