Julie Murphy’s “If the Shoe Fits” breathes new life into the beloved Cinderella story, transforming glass slippers into reality television gold. As the inaugural novel in Disney’s ambitious “Meant to Be” series, this contemporary romance boldly reimagines fairy tale princesses for modern audiences. Murphy, already celebrated for her New York Times bestselling novel “Dumplin'” (adapted into the Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston), demonstrates her expertise in crafting plus-size heroines who challenge conventional beauty standards while finding love and self-acceptance.
The story follows Cindy, a recent shoe design graduate struggling to launch her career, who volunteers to appear on her stepmother Erica’s reality dating show “Before Midnight” when a spot needs urgent filling. What begins as a career move transforms into something far more significant when Cindy becomes an unexpected body positivity icon while navigating the complexities of televised romance with the charming but mysterious Henry.
Character Development That Sparkles
Cindy: A Heroine for Our Times
Murphy’s greatest strength lies in her authentic portrayal of Cindy, a plus-size protagonist who refuses to apologize for taking up space. Unlike traditional romance heroines who often undergo dramatic transformations, Cindy’s journey centers on recognizing her inherent worth rather than changing herself. Her background in fashion design provides natural depth to her character, and Murphy skillfully weaves Cindy’s professional aspirations into the romantic plot without overshadowing either element.
The author’s writing style mirrors Cindy’s personality—warm, self-aware, and refreshingly honest about the realities of existing in a larger body. Murphy doesn’t shy away from addressing the microaggressions and systemic challenges plus-size individuals face, particularly in the fashion industry. When Cindy modifies designer pieces to fit her body during a fashion challenge, it becomes both a practical solution and a powerful statement about inclusivity in high fashion.
Henry: More Than a Pretty Prince
Henry defies the typical “Prince Charming” archetype by possessing genuine depth and vulnerability. His complicated relationship with his fashion mogul mother, Lucy Mackenzie, and his reluctant participation in the reality show create compelling internal conflict. Murphy avoids the trap of making Henry merely a prize to be won, instead developing him as a fully realized character with his own emotional baggage and growth arc.
The dynamic between Cindy and Henry crackles with authentic chemistry, particularly in their quieter moments away from the cameras. Their initial meeting on a plane—before either knows about their shared reality show destiny—establishes a foundation of genuine connection that sustains the relationship throughout the manufactured drama of televised dating.
The Reality TV Setting: A Brilliant Modern Twist
Murphy’s decision to set her Cinderella retelling within the reality television landscape proves inspired. The format naturally accommodates the competitive elements of the original fairy tale while providing contemporary social commentary. The “Before Midnight” show serves as both a vehicle for romance and a platform for examining issues of representation, body image, and media manipulation.
The author’s acknowledgment of her Bachelor Nation education shows in her authentic portrayal of reality television production. From producer Beck’s strategic manipulations to the careful orchestration of dramatic moments, Murphy demonstrates understanding of how these shows operate behind the scenes. This insider knowledge elevates the story beyond simple romance into sharp social satire.
Exploring the “Meant to Be” Series Context
“If the Shoe Fits” launches Disney’s “Meant to Be” series, which reimagines classic Disney stories as contemporary romances. The subsequent books—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)—each bring unique perspectives to beloved tales.
Murphy sets a high standard for the series by successfully balancing nostalgia with innovation. She retains the essential elements that make Cinderella compelling—the transformative journey, the impossible odds, the magical romance—while grounding them in relatable contemporary challenges. The glass slipper becomes a metaphor for finding where you truly belong, both professionally and personally.
Writing Style and Narrative Voice
Murphy’s prose strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her first-person narrative captures Cindy’s voice authentically, blending humor, vulnerability, and determination. The author’s background in young adult fiction serves her well in crafting dialogue that feels natural and contemporary without sacrificing emotional depth.
The pacing maintains steady momentum throughout, expertly balancing romantic development with the reality show’s structured progression. Murphy skillfully builds tension not just through will-they-won’t-they romance, but through Cindy’s professional struggles and personal growth. The fashion industry backdrop provides rich material for both character development and plot advancement.
Critical Considerations
While “If the Shoe Fits” succeeds admirably in most areas, certain elements feel slightly underdeveloped. The supporting cast of fellow contestants, while entertaining, sometimes blur together without distinct personalities. Additionally, some reality show scenarios strain credibility, even within the heightened world Murphy creates.
The novel occasionally ventures into “issue book” territory, where important messages about body positivity and fashion industry exclusivity feel slightly heavy-handed. However, Murphy’s genuine passion for these topics and her skill in integrating them into the narrative largely overcome these moments of didacticism.
The ending, while satisfying, resolves certain conflicts perhaps too neatly. Henry’s family drama and Cindy’s career prospects find solutions that feel somewhat convenient, though the emotional payoff remains strong.
Cultural Impact and Representation
Murphy’s commitment to representation extends beyond her plus-size protagonist. The novel includes diverse secondary characters and addresses issues of racial and economic inequality within both the fashion industry and reality television. This intersectional approach enriches the story while reflecting contemporary conversations about inclusivity in entertainment.
The author’s portrayal of family dynamics—particularly Cindy’s relationship with her stepmother and stepsisters—subverts traditional fairy tale expectations. Rather than villainous figures, they become complex individuals with their own motivations and growth arcs.
Similar Reads and Author Comparisons
Readers who enjoy “If the Shoe Fits” will likely appreciate other contemporary fairy tale retellings such as Christina Lauren’s romantic comedies, particularly “Love and Other Words,” or Sally Thorne’s “Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match.” Murphy’s previous works, especially “Dumplin'” and “Puddin’,” offer similar themes of body positivity and self-acceptance.
For those interested in reality television romance, Jen Comfort’s “The Romantic Comedy Showdown” provides similar behind-the-scenes entertainment industry insights, while Rachel Lynn Solomon’s “The Ex Talk” explores media manipulation in romantic contexts.
Recommended Similar Books
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne – Contemporary romance with witty banter and character growth
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – Modern romance with humor and heart
- “Dumplin'” by Julie Murphy – Murphy’s breakout novel featuring plus-size representation
- “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert – Diverse contemporary romance with authentic character development
- “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry – Romance with deeper themes and excellent character work
Final Verdict
“If the Shoe Fits” succeeds as both an entertaining romance and meaningful social commentary. Murphy demonstrates maturity in her approach to adapting classic material while addressing contemporary issues. The novel’s greatest achievement lies in creating a plus-size heroine who feels authentic and empowered without falling into stereotypes or wish-fulfillment fantasy.
While certain plot elements could benefit from additional development, the strong character work and genuine chemistry between Cindy and Henry carry the story effectively. Murphy’s understanding of both the fashion industry and reality television adds layers of authenticity that elevate the material beyond simple escapism.
For readers seeking romance that celebrates diversity while delivering satisfying emotional payoffs, “If the Shoe Fits” offers a perfect blend of familiar comfort and fresh perspective. It establishes the “Meant to Be” series as a promising collection that honors Disney’s legacy while creating space for contemporary voices and stories.