The Shoe Fits on This Romance

"If the Shoe Fits" by Julie Murphy was revolutionary for me to read. This book took a classic fairy tale story, changed the whole thing and added a huge section of diversity. Written by a plus size author, we are introduced to the first ever plus sized Cinderella, who doesn't need a fairy godmother.

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.

This was a very interesting turn on the fairy tale. The step mother and sisters were very kind and Cindy already knew her prince. Also the fact that it all took place on a dating television show was even better to add to the drama. I thought this was a very cute adaptation because when you think about the ball that Cinderella goes to, isn't that pretty much just a dating game?

I enjoyed that Cindy was very independent and did not need saving from any of the other girls or anyone else in the book. She was a fashion designer who knew what she loved and even in the end did it even if it meant she would have to move across the world. It felt like the perfect ending for someone who had learned that if the shoe doesn’t fit, you have every right to design your own.