With her upbeat and witty novel If the Shoe Fits, Julie Murphy starts off Disney's Meant to Be series, a collection of modern adult romantic comedies based on beloved Disney princesses.
If the Shoe Fits hits some of the beats readers expect from a Cinderella retelling, but subverts others. Rather than featuring a downtrodden and unwanted family member, Cindy's step-family is kind and Cindy herself is an aspiring shoe designer waiting for her chance to break out.
When her stepmother's reality dating show, Before Midnight, is short a few contestants, Cindy and her two step-sisters join the cast. But it turns out that Cindy has already met The Suitor on a flight, and he's a real-life Prince Charming. As Cindy progresses through the elimination rounds in the competition--not without more than her fair share of adversity--she becomes a reluctant media sensation and navigates fame, love and the impact of both on her career in footwear fashion.
Those familiar with Murphy's young adult work, including Dumplin' and Puddin', will cheer for the plus-size protagonist, who is self-confident but still fully realized, vulnerable and flawed. Murphy excels at writing fictional humans that feel like real people and Cindy, her family and her friends are no exception. Crisp banter, a sweet love story and a thoroughly heartwarming character arc make this Disney-for-adults novel a winner.
Readers looking for a closed-door rom-com with writing that sparkles and a refreshingly updated fairytale theme will be absolutely charmed. --Suzanne Krohn, editor, Love in Panels