Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - If the Shoe Fits

I listened to the audio book and couldn’t stop. I’ve never been a fan of The Batchelor or Bachelorette shows but I loved this book and that is what it was is about—finding love on a reality TV show. But it’s also so so much more than that!

I loved the characters and loved to hate one in particular. Happy to have a career driven, fat protagonist who was not afraid to exist and speak up for herself; as well as all the LGBTQIA+ and POC characters.

This book ticked so many boxes—sweet, romantic, funny, tearjerking, and heartwarming, with a couple of twists and turns along the way. I absolutely loved it!

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kingrosereads's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This is the first Bachelor-esque romance novel I’ve read since I hate The Bachelor and everything it stands for. But when I saw the blurb about this book and that the protagonist was plus-sized, I had to read it. It’s a cute little PG romcom Cinderella retelling with a sprinkle of instalove between Cindy and Henry. I love that Cindy is this confident plus-sized young woman who knows her worth (I can tell you I did not have the same confidence when I was 23). I appreciate that she loves fashion, shoes, and food, and no one gives her shit about it. She’s a big girl and she’s allowed to eat. Cindy’s so sure of herself and willing to stand up for herself. I think her stepsisters, Drew and Anna, are great and they stick up for their sister. The relationship between Cindy and her stepfamily is great and I really like that as a Cinderella retelling they weren’t just downright ugly towards her. Cindy actually pulls away from them as she’s wrapped up in the grief of losing her father suddenly a few years after her mother dies from cancer. I think Henry and Cindy have great chemistry, though it was icky that he was dating and flirty with other women (even if it was acting). This is advertised as an adult romance but really it’d be appropriate for 16 year olds to read (sorry, no spice just fluff). If you’re looking for just some cute romance with good plus sized representation, this is your book.

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rebecca713's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

The dialogue seemed a little unnatural and I wasn't that attached to the characters, but the premise was fun and it was engaging!

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kimveach's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was delightful. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.

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kaysokaybookclub's review

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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allisonwonderlandreads's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I was charmed by this one from "Once Upon a Time." Our story follows Cindy, a shoe designer in a creative rut, and let me tell you that her profession speaks directly to my shoe-hoarding soul. This twist on Cinderella involves complex family dynamics, including the weight of Cindy's grief for both of her parents, but the stepmother and stepsisters certainly aren't evil. That was a new approach that I took to immediately. There's also a trio of preschool half-siblings (Gus, Mary, and Jack 😉) out to wreak havoc with childlike wonder and general shrieking, hugging, etc. Our Cinderella is fat and fabulous, and she's headed for reality TV à la The Bachelor, seeking the exposure to get her first shoe line off the ground. In terms of romance we have a meet cute gone wrong (or right?) when Cindy's charming airplane seat neighbor turns out to be the Suitor on the show-- Henry's the guy who's about to date Cindy and twenty other women on TV.

Ohmygod this book was so sweet. First, of my several attempts to read a book that brings the joys of reality TV to the page, this is the first to completely nail it. I loved the drama, the behind-the-scenes, and the human elements swept up in TV manipulation. In terms of a retelling, Cindy is a kind and caring Cinderella. I loved that her conflict came from her internal struggle with grief and the external machinations of TV producers, not going toe-to-toe with an evil stepfamily. I also think the way the story champions fat women is heart-warming and badass, especially for calling out inequity in fashion and the passive-aggressive cruelty of women. I hope romance as a genre continues to give opportunities for these voices to be heard and these characters to shine. It shouldn't even be something that requires discussion, but we need more and better representation like this one. Finally, I loved that the romance was adorable and not trying to do it all. It's not about wedding bells or 2.5 kids at the end, just two people taking a chance on each other and choosing joy together. Heart eyes all around.

This fabulous reimagining of a Disney classic kicks off a new series, and I CANNOT WAIT to see where it heads next. This was a perfect read to close out my summer. You can find it on shelves 8/3. Thanks to Disney and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy.

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