Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be, Bk 1)

If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be, Bk 1)
VolunteerVal avatar reviewed on + 598 more book reviews


{Review written in January 2022)

I've wanted to read a Julie Murphy novel for years, so when I heard her speak about If the Shoe Fits, her first novel written for adults, I was excited to be given access to a review copy - thanks Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley.

This is the first Meant To Be novel, a series featuring updated and contemporary takes on classic Disney princesses.

From the title and cover, it's obvious this story reimagines Cinderella. In this delightful book, she is a plus-size shoe designer named Cindy who's exploring the next chapter of life after graduating from the Parsons School of Design in NYC. She unexpectedly finds herself competing on a Bachelor-like reality show, and her body positivity generates lots of interest among viewers.

I have zero interest in (or respect for) the Bachelor franchise so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. I appreciated the smart humor, witty banter, strong writing, and clever nods to the source material.

I related so much to the challenges Cindy experiences as a plus-size women, like buying only for accessories and shoes while shopping with friends because most clothing stores don't carry your size or the embarrassment of requesting a seat belt extender while flying.

I look forward to reading By the Book by Jasmine Guillory, the second Meant to Be novel.