If the Shoe Fits
Meant to Be
Fiction
Hyperion Avenue
August 3, 2021
Hardcover
304
Purchased
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 book was a Disney princess dream come true! I had read a couple of this author's young adult titles, and while they were good, that genre just isn't really for me. What I did love about them though was that the protagonist was a plus size girl, and they radiated plus size positivity, SO important especially in the YA community. I loved the premise of this new adult series based on fairy tales, in this case Cinderella. It was so fun to interpret the different nods to the original story, I won't spoil them all here in case you want to find them yourself. The fact that this story is once again based on a facsimile of The Bachelor makes it the perfect fit for finding Prince Charming. Side note that this is the third book I've read loosely based on the popular tv reality show, and I've given them all five stars! I watched the show way back when it first aired, but haven't seen it for years, yet here I am gravitating and giving all the stars to books with this theme. I'm wondering if it's because the book follows a really linear timeline as each week is planned out and the timelines don't skip around? I honestly don't know, but I can tell you I was all in for Cindy and whatever outcome she had, I just wanted her to be successful and happy. I absolutely adored Cindy, and there are a couple other characters who also had standout roles. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Cindy ends up at a designer clothing studio, where there is (of course) nothing in her size. I loved this quote:
Yes, clothes can be art, but they're also a necessity. So many people in this industry act like clothing is for everyone, but fashion is only for a select few. The truth, though, is that clothing is fashion and fashion should be for everyone because clothing should be for everyone. And clothing for everyone is a first, small step to equality for everyone.
As a plus size woman, I say AMEN to that!
This is such a heartwarming story, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying it. With a heroine to root for, little nods to Cinderella, and plus size positivity throughout, I highly recommend you pick up this lighthearted read.
