Julie Murphy, bestselling author of the Young Adult novel, Dumplin‘, takes on reality TV, the Cinderella trope, and the image of plus-size women in a magical romantic comedy for adults, If the Shoe Fits. She also manages to write about a stepmother and stepsisters who are not evil. And, as a fan of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, because Belle saves her father and herself, I loved Cindy Woods. Cindy makes choices that are best for her, not for social media or reality TV.

Cindy’s mother died when she was young. She was ten when her father told her he met someone with daughters who were just about Cindy’s age. Of course, there were growing pains in the new family, but Cindy’s two older sisters, Anna and Drew, the most popular girls in the high school, grew to love their younger sister, even though she wasn’t thin like them. And Erica Tremaine, Cindy’s stepmother, is queen of reality dating shows. She’s also mother of three young beloved triplets, born after their father, and Cindy’s, was killed in a car accident. After Cindy graduates from Parsons School of Design, this is the life she returns to – babysitting the triplets while she decides what she wants to do with her life.

She never intended to appear on Before Midnight, Erica’s hottest dating show. But, after Anna and Drew agree to step in when several contestants bow out, Cindy tells Erica they’ve never had a fat woman on the show, and it’s time. She has an idea that, even if she leaves the show early, she’ll have a chance to promote the gorgeous shoes she designs.

Although Cindy spent years knowing what Erica was doing as producer of reality shows, she never really was behind the scenes to see the lack of reality. The chateau where the women stay is smaller and dingier than she expected. The dates are more scripted. And, the bachelor, the “Prince Charming” for the women? Why, he’s that gorgeous Henry that was so kind to Cindy on the plane to LA from New York. But, Cindy and Henry both know they can’t tell anyone that they met before.

There’s so much to love about If the Shoe Fits, beginning with the characters. Although they’re all in their twenties, they appear more mature than their ages suggest. I’m not often fond of books featuring characters in their twenties, still dealing with all their drama. Granted, Cindy does have a reason for drama. After several years in college, the grief over her father’s death finally hits her. But, she has a wonderful best friend, a family that loves her, and she can rely on that support. She’ll find her way back to her dream of design.

But, there’s much to admire about Murphy’s book. She takes on the image of plus-size women, and how they appear in the media. One of the women in the book is a librarian, a makeup artist, and participates in roller derby. Cindy admits the competition for one man’s affection goes against everything she believes about empowering other women and lifting them up. Cindy tries to do that anyways. She also takes on the fashion industry that doesn’t create clothes for all body types. She believes that’s part of equality. And, Murphy’s characters are straight and lesbian and trans, fat and thin, and come from all walks of life.

Julie Murphy made me, and a number of characters in the book, fall in love with Cindy Woods. I hope the rest of the books in her Meant to Be series, inspired by fairy tales, are as delightful as If the Shoe Fits, while staying grounded in the real world.

Julie Murphy’s website is http://www.imjuliemurphy.com/

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy. Disney/Hyperion Avenue, 2021. ISBN 9781368050388 (hardcover), 304p.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent an ARC, hoping I would review it.