Julie Murphy’s “If the Shoe Fits” marks a brilliant opening to Disney’s Meant to Be series, transforming the beloved Cinderella fairy tale into a contemporary romance that feels both familiar and revolutionary. As the first installment in this five-book collection of Disney-inspired retellings, Murphy establishes a high bar for the series that includes Jasmine Guillory’s “By the Book” (Beauty and the Beast), Zoraida Córdova’s “Kiss the Girl” (The Little Mermaid), Christina Lauren’s “Tangled Up in You” (Rapunzel), and Jesse Q. Sutanto’s “Worth Fighting For” (Mulan).
Murphy, already acclaimed for her New York Times bestselling novel “Dumplin'” (adapted into a Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston), brings her signature warmth and authenticity to this modern fairy tale. Her previous works have consistently championed body positivity and diverse representation, making her the perfect author to reimagine Cinderella for today’s readers.
A Plus-Size Protagonist Who Breaks the Mold
The heart of this novel lies in its protagonist, Cindy, a recent Parsons graduate with a passion for shoe design who finds herself reluctantly cast on “Before Midnight,” a reality dating show produced by her stepmother Erica. Unlike traditional romance heroines, Cindy is unapologetically plus-size, dealing with the realities of navigating a world that often doesn’t accommodate her body or acknowledge her worth beyond superficial judgments.
Murphy’s characterization of Cindy feels authentic and lived-in. She’s not the typical reality TV contestant seeking fame or the perfect fairy tale ending. Instead, she’s a grieving young woman still processing the loss of her parents, trying to find her place in a blended family, and desperately seeking purpose in her career. Her decision to join the show stems from practical concerns rather than romantic fantasies, making her journey feel grounded in reality despite the fantastical premise.
The author skillfully weaves themes of grief, family dynamics, and self-acceptance throughout Cindy’s character arc. Her relationship with her stepmother Erica is particularly well-developed, showing the complex navigation of boundaries and love in blended families. Murphy doesn’t shy away from showing how well-meaning family members can sometimes perpetuate harmful attitudes about body image, even when coming from a place of protection.
The Prince Charming Problem
Henry, the show’s eligible bachelor, presents an interesting take on the Prince Charming archetype. Rather than being a perfect romantic ideal, he’s a complex character caught between family obligations and personal desires. His backstory as someone raised by emotionally distant parents who used him as a “set piece” adds depth to what could have been a flat romantic interest.
The initial meeting between Cindy and Henry on a plane creates a genuinely engaging meet-cute that feels organic rather than contrived. Their banter demonstrates real chemistry, and Murphy excels at showing how their connection develops through shared vulnerability rather than just physical attraction. Henry’s struggles with his family’s fashion business, LuMac, and his mother’s expectations create genuine conflict that goes beyond typical romance novel obstacles.
However, Henry’s character occasionally feels underdeveloped compared to Cindy’s rich inner life. While his family pressures and business concerns are well-established, his emotional journey sometimes takes a backseat to the reality show drama and Cindy’s more compelling personal growth.
Reality TV as Modern Fairy Tale Setting
Murphy’s choice to set this Cinderella retelling within the world of reality television proves inspired. The “Before Midnight” show serves as a perfect modern equivalent to the royal ball, complete with elaborate costumes, competitive dynamics, and the pressure to perform for an audience. The behind-the-scenes glimpses of reality TV production add authenticity and humor to the narrative.
The supporting cast of contestants provides both entertainment and meaningful commentary on different approaches to love, fame, and self-presentation. Characters like Sara Claire, the genuine Southern belle, and Addison, the calculating stepsister figure, feel like real people rather than cardboard cutouts. The diversity of the cast allows Murphy to explore different perspectives on body image, relationships, and what it means to find love in the public eye.
Beck, the show’s producer, emerges as a standout supporting character. Her pragmatic approach to television production balanced with genuine care for the contestants adds depth to the behind-the-scenes elements. Her discussions about representation in media and her plans for a queer version of the show demonstrate Murphy’s commitment to inclusive storytelling.
Fashion as Character and Theme
Given Murphy’s background and Cindy’s career aspirations, fashion plays a crucial role in the novel beyond mere description. The author uses clothing as a form of character expression and social commentary, particularly through Cindy’s interactions with Henry’s mother’s fashion line, LuMac. The limited size range of luxury fashion becomes a plot point that feels natural rather than heavy-handed, highlighting real-world issues faced by plus-size consumers.
Cindy’s shoe designs, particularly “the Henry” – a shoe inspired by her love interest – serve as symbols of her creativity and emotional journey. The attention to fashion details feels authentic, drawing from Murphy’s clear appreciation for design and style. The fashion industry setting also allows for discussions about inclusivity, accessibility, and the power of clothing to transform not just appearance but confidence.
Body Positivity That Feels Authentic
One of Murphy’s greatest strengths lies in her handling of body positivity themes. Rather than offering simple platitudes about self-love, she presents a nuanced exploration of what it means to be confident in a plus-size body while living in a world that often sends contradictory messages. Cindy’s experiences, from airplane seat belt anxiety to finding formal wear that fits properly, feel grounded in real experience.
“If the Shoe Fits” addresses the complexity of becoming an inadvertent body positivity icon through Cindy’s reality TV exposure. Murphy explores both the empowerment and burden that comes with representation, showing how Cindy grapples with suddenly being seen as a spokesperson for all plus-size women. This feels particularly relevant in our current social media landscape where individual experiences can quickly become broader cultural statements.
Murphy avoids the trap of making Cindy’s size her only defining characteristic while still acknowledging how it affects her daily life and relationships. The romance between Cindy and Henry develops based on genuine compatibility and shared values rather than simple physical attraction, though their physical chemistry is also well-developed and convincing.
Areas for Improvement
While “If the Shoe Fits” succeeds in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the middle sections where reality show drama sometimes overshadows character development. Some of the supporting contestants feel underdeveloped, existing mainly to create conflict rather than serving as fully realized individuals.
The resolution of Henry’s family business problems feels somewhat rushed, and his relationship with his mother could have used more development. While the focus on Cindy’s journey is appropriate, Henry’s emotional arc sometimes feels secondary to the plot mechanics of the reality show format.
Additionally, while Murphy handles most themes with nuance, some of the fashion industry commentary feels slightly on-the-nose. The discussions about size inclusivity, while important, occasionally read more like position statements than natural dialogue.
A Strong Foundation for the Series
Despite these minor critiques, “If the Shoe Fits” establishes the Meant to Be series as a promising venture in contemporary romance. Murphy’s ability to balance humor, heart, and social commentary creates a template that will hopefully inspire equally thoughtful approaches in the subsequent books. Her writing style is accessible and engaging, with enough depth to satisfy readers looking for substance beyond the romance.
The novel’s exploration of modern love, family dynamics, and self-acceptance resonates well beyond its fairy tale framework. Murphy understands that contemporary readers want more than simple wish fulfillment; they want characters who face real challenges and grow through genuine adversity.
Final Verdict
“If the Shoe Fits” succeeds as both an entertaining romance and a thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues. Murphy’s commitment to authentic representation and her skill at crafting engaging characters make this a standout debut for the Meant to Be series. While it may not achieve perfection, it offers enough heart, humor, and genuine emotion to satisfy romance readers while potentially attracting new audiences to the genre.
The novel’s treatment of body positivity, family relationships, and finding purpose in unexpected places creates a reading experience that feels both escapist and grounded. As the foundation for a series reimagining Disney classics for modern audiences, it sets a strong precedent for stories that honor their source material while speaking to contemporary concerns.
For readers seeking romance novels that combine entertainment with meaningful representation, “If the Shoe Fits” delivers exactly what its title promises – a perfect fit for those ready to embrace both love and self-acceptance in all their complicated glory.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- “Dumplin'” by Julie Murphy – Murphy’s breakthrough novel featuring another plus-size protagonist
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – Contemporary romance with humor and heart
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – Romance with depth and character development
- “Flirting Lessons” by Jasmine Guillory – Modern romance with diverse characters
- “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston – LGBTQ+ romance with political elements
