Literary Leftover Review: If the Shoe Fits a Romance Novel by July Murphy

Cindy is the last contestant chosen for a dating show, similar to The Bachelorette. When filming begins, she realizes that the man is the same nice guy she met on her flight to L.A. Will he be as genuine on this dating show as he seemed to be in person?

You don’t have to be a Disney adult to enjoy this contemporary romance. If you are a modern woman who believes that love of shoes can somehow lead you to find mister right, then this novel is for you. With just a small hint of Cinderella’s story, this novel stands up for any romantic reader.

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

Literary Leftovers are book reviews and recommendations that do not contain recipes, but are books that I highly recommend.

If the Shoe Fits

by July Murphy

Outline and Tone:

This romance novel sets Cindy (a modern day version of Cinderella) on a reality TV dating show like The Bachelorette. The only things Cindy has in common with Cinderella are her fancy shoes and that she lives with her stepmom after her father passed away. I am delighted to tell you that her stepmom is kind, caring, and generous, a total 180 from the Disney movie. Cindy’s 2 step sisters are also supportive. The novel seems to have taken a Disney character and remade her to be a strong, self-confidant woman who loves shoes.

No need to be a Disney adult to love this novel. Even a romance skeptic like myself was hooked into this story. Cindy is no one’s victim in this story. Her prince Charming, Henry, becomes at once likable and suspicious. The backdrop of the reality tv dating show was an ingenious way to show Cindy as a real person connecting with not just Henry, but with other ladies on the show.

While I don’t usually read romances, because I am far too suspicious of people’s motives, it has made me turn page after page and I even pick up the next books in this series.

The Best Quote:

“‘Is it that obvious?’ I ask. ‘That I like him?’ It’s the first time I’m really admitting it, even to myself. Drew rolls her eyes. ‘You were the last to get a scroll and you strutted yourself up there, gave him a long hug, a kill on the cheek, and whispered in his ear. You basically marked your territory. It was super hot, but trust me–if you didn’t have a target on your back, you do now.’”

Point of View:

The novel is told in first person from Cindy’s perspective.

The author: July Murphy

Author Julie Murphy is the writer of Dumplin’, a New York Times best seller and movie that included Jennifer Aniston. She is a former librarian and now spends her time writing in Texas or Kansas with her husband and cats. She claims to always be on the lookout for the next great slice of pizza. With all of the books she writes, she probably doesn’t have much time to search out the perfect slice. If you have a recommendation for pizza, she is active on Instagram and Facebook. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website as well as find book guides and questions for her book.

The Meant To Be series has an active website as well. Not only can you preview other books in the series, but there are outstanding resources available too. The discussion guide for this novel contains questions, bingo, Disney bounding ideas, a recipe for pizza, and a recipe for a cocktail.

What is not to like?:

My only complaint was the resolution was a bit too short for me. I wanted more information on exactly what happened next.

The verdict:

Whether you like reality tv or Disney, this is a great novel for you to pick up and enjoy!

Book Statistics

If the Shoe Fits

By Julie Murphy

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genres: Contemporary romance
Series: A Meant to Be Novel
Setting: California and New York
Pages: 292 pages
Format: Hardcover, Kindle, Paperback, Audio Book
Get Your Copy at: Amazon
Published by: Hyperion Avenue (August 3, 2021)
Information Sources: Amazon, Goodreads, and Author’s website

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