Welcome to the Short N’ Sweet Book Review! For the nine years that I’ve been reviewing books on this blog, I’ve written long, wordy reviews that, let’s be honest, not a lot of people are probably reading. This year I decided to shorten those reviews and get straight to the point – what is this book about, who wrote it, where you can find and a short review on what I loved, liked and maybe thought could be better.
Today’s review is the newest in fun, flirty romance, perfect for fans of fairy tales that have a modern twist – If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
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.
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Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 304
Part of a Series?: Presumed to be a part of an upcoming series
Release Date: August 3rd, 2021
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Source: Owned Physical Copy
Find the Author: Website / Instagram / Twitter
FIND THE BOOK:
GoodReads / BookShop (support your local indie!) / IndieBound / Barnes and Noble / Amazon / Audible / Book Depository / Apple Books / Kobo / Google Play
SHORT N’SWEET REVIEW
Pretty much since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve been almost exclusively reading romance novels – and not deep, dramatic ones but light, fun, happily ever after romances. I’ve needed happy in my life, the way I think a lot of people have for the past year and a half. When I heard of Julie Murphy making the jump from young adult to adult, I was so excited for it. She writes incredible YA novels and I knew she’d write great romance. Then I learned it was through Disney’s own publishing company – Hyperion – and that the novel itself was a retelling of Cinderella with a plus size heroine. I was so excited when it released and I am so lucky to have a fiancé who treated me to the book.
It was EXACTLY what I needed. The main character, Cindy, was so relatable to me. I struggled and still struggle with similar things to Cindy and she was so real, so funny and it was easy to root for her, not just as character but also as a contestant on the dating show. I loved that she was plus sized – it felt both like an important distinction to make but also it just felt like a natural part of her personality that didn’t need to be a big deal. I liked that her stepmother and stepsisters were genuinely loving people and important to Cindy. I loved Henry, Mr Prince Charming himself, and I was so entertained by the reality show premise. From the beginning to end, I was so caught up. I laughed, I swooned, I fell in love with both Cindy and Henry. I can’t wait to see if there are more books and more retelling because I am absolutely sold. We don’t often get adult retelling of fairy tales and if this is what we get, then I’m ready for it, 1000%.
RATING:
5 out of 5 Stars
