If the Shoe Fits ARC Review

 If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

Pub date: August 3, 2021

Contemporary fiction, romance

Spoiler-free :)

Thanks to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of If the Shoe Fits in exchange for an honest review.

To preface this review, I love a good rom-com. When I heard Julie Murphy, author of the amazing Dumplin’ series, was releasing an adult romance book, I knew I had to read it. When I got the approval for the ARC, I literally jumped for joy. I’m pretty sure knowing I had this book to read at the end of my school semester is the only thing that got me through exam week back in April. 

If the Shoe Fits follows Cindy, a recent fashion school grad who finds herself unable to design any shoes due to the grief of her dad’s death. On the plane back to her childhood home, she meets someone, but never does she expect to see him again, especially not as the newest prince on her step-mother’s The Bachelor-esque reality TV show. Then again, Cindy never expected to be a contestant on the show either…

From the beginning, I was hooked. If the Shoe Fits is the ultimate lighthearted summer read and fits all the requirements of a good romance novel— a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama.

I love the ways that Murphy bends romance tropes and changes the original tale of Cinderella. For example, one of the major changes to If the Shoe Fits is the addition of supportive step-sisters and a loving step-mother. The women in this book genuinely care for each other, and the ones who don’t are questioned. This is far from a “not like other girls” book, and alters Cinderella in a way more relevant to the modern day. It’s truly refreshing to read a romance book that doesn’t build its protagonist by bashing other women.

The main reason this book works so well is because of Cindy, who is a true protagonist to root for. Cindy sees the best in people upon first meeting them, and her first-person perspective is a lot of fun. I found her hilarious and heartfelt. I also loved how she discusses issues within the fashion industry, which her position as a contestant allows her to discuss on a national platform. One of my favorite moments for her character was when she talked about clothing being for everyone. Even though it’s a simple statement, I found it bold for the romance genre, especially since Cindy openly discusses how the fashion industry is often only marketed towards and made for thin women. Considering If the Shoe Fits is part of a genre that is typically led by thin, cis white protagonists, I think this amazing dialogue presents how the romance genre is modernizing.

Rating 5/5: Murphy is a vibrant, heartfelt writer. The emotional depth of her characters brings this story together. I believe If the Shoe Fits is the first of a series of fairytale retellings. If this is the case, I will be eagerly waiting to read what Murphy brings next after If the Shoe Fits! For any romance fans out there who are looking for a light-hearted read with a touch of body positivity, If the Shoe Fits NEEDS to be on your pre-order lists.