If the Shoe Fits (A Meant to Be Novel)
Rating: 5 Stars
"Maybe joy isn't always a choice. Maybe things aren't that simple. But then... maybe they are."
Cindy loves shoes. A well-placed bow or a chic stacked heel is her form of self-expression. As a fashion-obsessed plus-size woman, she can never find designer clothes that work on her body, but a special pair of shoes always fits just right. With a shiny new design degree but no job in sight, Cindy moves back in with her stepmother, Erica Tremaine, the executive producer of the world's biggest dating reality show. When a contestant on Before Midnight bows out at the last minute, Cindy is thrust into the spotlight. Showcasing her killer shoe collection on network TV seems like a great way to jump-start her career. And, while she's at it, why not go on a few lavish dates with an eligible suitor? But being the first and only fat contestant on Before Midnight turns her into a viral sensation--and a body-positivity icon--overnight. Even harder to believe? she can actually see herself falling for this Prince Charming. To make it to the end, despite the fans, the haters, and a house full of fellow contestants she's not sure she can trust, Cindy will have to take a leap of faith and hope her heels--and her heart--don't break in the process.
This book was cute, funny, sweet and adorable. I really thought the dating show aspect was fun and made it really interesting to read. I have to admit that the Cinderella retelling element felt minor and very loosely done. However, I think Cindy was a wonderful character she knew who she was and never tried to change herself. It felt like for a lot of the book she was very much trying to please other people without ever putting herself first, but when she puts herself first she actually succeeds in ways she didn't think possible. The book is incredibly engaging and easy to read. You find yourself pulled into the story pretty early on because of Cindy's personality and the diverse characters that are part of the story.
Like most romantic comedy stories it is pretty obvious what certain plot points will end up being, but they are still done so well! I spent a lot of time laughing at scenes in this book. The reality dating show, Bachelor style, really made for some funny scenes... like the grown women having a legit pillow fight like it was a wrestling match. Things got kind of tense towards the end with the pivotal moment and the big life altering choice Cindy has to make. Honestly, I just loved this book I thought the author did a phenomenal job with the plus size representation. Her writing was engaging and the story was super cute. If you haven't read this one yet, you really should. It's a nice comfort read.
