“If the Shoe Fits” by Julie Murphy

Title: If the Shoe Fits
Author: Julie Murphy
Publisher:  Hyperion Avenue    
Year: 2021   
Genre(s):  romantic comedy   
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: Cindy Woods loves fashion – especially shoes. However, she’s found that her creativity has fled her as she graduates fashion school. Unsure of her next step, she agrees to be on the dating reality show her stepmother produces called Before Midnight. Cindy hopes to get some exposure and kickstart her career. But when she meets Prince Charming, everything changes. Will she managed to get the prince? Or is she primed for heartbreak?

Review: I certainly read a lot of heavy books this year and it was nice to have something light and fun for a change.

So if you want something fun to read, I definitely recommend this!

The only reason it didn’t get five stars is that I think the reality show angle wasn’t used to the author’s full advantage. Normally reality shows like the Bachelor are filmed ahead of time and then aired. In the book, it was filmed and then aired a few days later. I think Murphy could’ve used the lag time to really build the relationship with Cindy and Henry but this was just a little quibble when compared to the rest of the book.

So onto the rest!

Cindy is a good protagonist. The story is told from her perspective as it is first person so we get to know her the best. She feels relatable and like an Everywoman character. I think most reads could identify with her in some way.

Henry was a good romantic interest as well and had good chemistry with Cindy. I do wish we go to know him a bit sooner but what we got was very good.

When Murphy wrote them together, they really meshed well and it was magical. Their romance really makes the book even better and they had several cute scenes together – as well as some steamy ones as well.

I am glad that she didn’t make the stepmother and stepsisters mean to Cindy. They care about her in their own ways and she has a good relationship with them for the most part. So that was very sweet.

Murphy did a good job with some descriptions – you could tell she really likes fashion and knows New York – but I think she could’ve done a little more. Especially with the house where the show filmed. It was important to the plot and often felt like a vague beige backdrop in my mind.

But overall, it was a great book.

Bottom: A fun and romantic read.

Sex: Some steamy scenes and some implications but nothing too elaborate.

Moonlight Musing

What fairy tale do you wish would get a modern adaptation?