If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

 If the Shoe Fits (Meant To Be #1) by Julie Murphy 

Publisher: Hyperion Avenue

Publication date: 03 Aug 2021

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Publisher's description:

After having just 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 help 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. 

My review:

I received a free copy of the ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

I just love Julie Murphy’s books. Her protagonists are funny, charming, vulnerable, and oh so real. Cindy does not disappoint. This delightful twist on the classic fairytale is just too perfect. I was pleasantly surprised by the “twist”... you all know there has to be one and I was legitimately dreading what I thought it would be. I was wrong! And it all worked so well for the story. I really loved that “Cinderella” was very close to her step-sisters and step-mother. There is some great LGBTQ representation in the book, including modeling good pronoun use. It’s (naturally) full of body positivity and authentic discussions of size and size discrimination (because, hello? - JULIE MURPHY!).  I love this author and this book did not disappoint. There were definite tears - of several varieties - throughout my reading. I want to see this movie! And I don’t even really watch movies. Henry Cavill as Henry?  I mean… he already has the right first name and everything. (Is that a coincidence or on purpose, Ms. Murphy?).

This is a delightful rom-com with a fun look into the behind-the-scenes nonsense of reality television. I don’t watch reality TV either but still enjoyed the book very much. It features good representation, addresses very real societal issues in very honest ways, and is just fun to read. 

About the author:

Julie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. 

When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure. 

She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Dear Sweet Pea is her debut middle-grade novel.