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Rita Hayworth's Shoes
Amy Miller gets dumped on her wedding day and everyone knows it's for the best her relationship with David had eaten away at her for years. Except for Amy... When her best friend, Jane Austen-Rabinowitz, and Jane's sagacious six-year-old daughter, Zoe, convince Amy to treat herself to an extravagantly priced, super-cute pair of shoes, which purportedly once belonged to a siren of the silver screen, she balks at first, but their allure soon wears her down. Once they are hers, her life turns around. She gets refocused on her career and meets a true kindred spirit, the also-jilted English professor, Decklin Thomas. She's not attracted to Deck at first. But when circumstances lead to them spending more time together, they bond, and Amy starts to believe she may have found her soul mate. But when Deck's former wife goes missing, again, the perfect romance may not be what it seems... Sparkly and witty as a 1940s screwball comedy, and filled with quirky characters and lots of delightful surprises, Rita Hayworth's Shoes is a story of bouncing back, a heartwarming and potentially heartbreaking romance, and even a mystery rolled into one fun, hilarious page-turner.
- GenresChick Lit
226 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2010
6 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Francine LaSala
9 books64 followersFRANCINE LASALA has written nonfiction on every topic imaginable, from circus freaks to sex, and edited bestselling authors of all genres through her company, Francine LaSala Productions. She is now actively taking on indie clients for manuscript evaluations, editing services, copywriting (covers, blurbs, taglines, queries, and more), website and blog creation, and developing kickass social media campaigns.
The author of novels Rita Hayworth’s Shoes and The Girl, The Gold Tooth & Everything, and the creator of The “Joy Jar” Project, she lives with her husband and two daughters in New York.
Drop me a note: francine@francinelasala.com.
The author of novels Rita Hayworth’s Shoes and The Girl, The Gold Tooth & Everything, and the creator of The “Joy Jar” Project, she lives with her husband and two daughters in New York.
Drop me a note: francine@francinelasala.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 25, 2013
Hilarious and quirky… those are two words that come to mind when I think about RITA HAYWORTH'S SHOES. I really enjoyed spending time with Amy and her circle of friends and family. (I especially loved Zoë… Almost everything she said made me laugh.) The opening scene made me feel for poor Amy and, from that moment on, I was cheering her on and wanted to see her succeed. Francine LaSala's writing is charming and engaging and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
February 28, 2013
Before I jump into writing about Francine Lasala's absolutely fabulous novel, RITA HAYWORTH'S SHOES (yes I loved it), I have to tell you, I too am a shoe girl/chick/broad! I have more shoes and handbags and LBDs (little black dresses) in every size, because like many, let's face face it, MOST women my weight bounces, forget yo-yo-ing, SO its ALL about ACCESSORIES! Right now we're thin and LOVING it! The reason being, we're walking long distances, eating hearty breakfasts and skipping junk, but back to Francine. I see some darling red shoes on the cover of her book and hello, Rita Hayworth, I have to read this. Thank goodness I did! You have to love, Miss Smarty Lasala not only writes novels, she's quite the promoter. She includes a nice little chunk of her new novel which is also out now, so once you finish this one, you're going to want to buy her newest book. But first here's a little bit about, Francine Lasala's novel, RITA HAYWORTH'S SHOES.
Amy wants a ring on her finger so badly she agrees to get married at the counter of KATZ DELI, while the butcher preps a very lean brisket and schmear. Then the groom calls two hours late to say he's not going to show-up for the "I dos." No one wants to believe it, but then again, they never did like that David, and please, the wedding location was his idea!
Turns out he's run off with another woman, but Amy still has hope that he'll come back to her and they will live a life of marital bliss. Meanwhile her friends and family can't be happier, believing David is the reason for her less than happy state and has held her back from getting her PhD at the University where she works.
Francine Lasala's novel, RITA HAYWORTH'S SHOES is a sassy chick-lit, romance, mystery mixed with magical realism, which I'm finding incorporated into fiction more and more. At a low point in her life, Amy comes across a pair of red shoes supposedly worn by film star, Rita Hayworth at Smitty's second hand shop. After some nudging, well, you know what happens.
"She had never been one of those women who went gaga for shoes, but there was something about these- shiny, red leather pumps with a dramatic high heel and an embellishment on the toe that looked like a happy little daisy."
Keep an eye on that daisy and where Amy travels in those red shoes. Lasala creates a wonderful menagerie of characters but you better pay attention, because it's easy to get lost in the drama of RITA HAYWORTH'S SHOES. There are lots of twists, turns and surprises right up to the very last page, so don't expect to know the ending until you've read the final word. But the best part? Of course, there's a happily ever after!
June 9, 2013
I adored The Girl, the Gold Tooth & Everything, so I was super stoked to read Rita Hayworth's Shoes. Francine LaSala's writing style is so unique, so absolutely singular. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Now, about the book: Amy is a wonderful protagonist, very relatable in a girl-next-door kind of way, anchoring the wild and wacky supporting characters. Well... sort of. Amy's got her quirks too. I just have to mention "the babies" but I'll leave it at that. A thoroughly enjoyable read, it's got magical realism, some unexpected twists, a generous helping of humor, a fabulous cast of characters and (for me) a heart-warming message about family. Amy has such an amazing support system, and it just goes to show that just because you're not related by blood doesn't mean that you can't create a strong family unit.
December 3, 2014
I like happy endings, but this one was just way too happy. Too neat, too easy....and the main character was just too stupid. I'm sorry. Usually I am sympathetic, but man....this girl was dense. Let's talk about the shoes for a second....wait, what shoes? Yeah, they were a piece of the story....but a true miniscule piece. The lady who is selling the shoes in the shop is mysterious...but we never learn why or where she comes from or what happens to her. The shoes symbolize Amy's confidence and doing something for herself and finding her self worth...but does she actually wear them every day? Zoe made up the story about them....what's the real story? Did she [spoiler] get married in them[/spoiler]?! I dunno. It was an easy, feel-good read. I was waiting for the alopecia/Star Trek reference but it never came...oh well.
July 17, 2011
If I had to describe this book in one word, I would choose "magical". I felt almost like I was reading a fairytale - an urban fairytale complete with a princess, prince, a few witches, a fairy God Mother and a happily ever after. But not a syrupy sweet, predictable happily ever after - a perfectly satisfying one. I loved this book!
June 5, 2013
Worst book ever. The Zoe character is so incredibly annoying and unbelievable. The whole book and premise of it is so far removed from real life. This should be labeled fantasy. TERRIBLE WASTE OF TIME.
March 19, 2011
Great characters. A mystery, romance and a little bit of magic all in one book. A fun read!!
August 10, 2011
Witty, magical, and overall a fun ride. The madcap ending had me laughing. I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2011
A fresh and unique story about a woman, her friends, and a possibly magic that overcomes personal adversity despite herself.
January 16, 2017
A fun, quick read that surprises with some more depth beneath the surface, "Rita Hayworth's Shoes" is part mad-cap romantic comedy, part magical realist fantasy, and part homage to Voltaire's Candide. A perfect beach read (only I read it in the winter, so a perfect commuter read), a quirky cast of characters, strange situations, and a fabulous pair of shoes made this a delightful read.
February 26, 2022
I had the feeling that I was supposed to find this funny, but it was so trite, so absolutely impossible that I finished it in a haze of disbelief. Zoe a small child was particularly annoying as an adult genius.
Looking for a review, I found Book Club discussion questions and I learned to my amazement that there were references to fairy tales and it was a take off on Candide. So maybe I just missed the point of this silly chicklit novel.
Looking for a review, I found Book Club discussion questions and I learned to my amazement that there were references to fairy tales and it was a take off on Candide. So maybe I just missed the point of this silly chicklit novel.
Read
April 27, 2020meh.
It was great if you like this kind of read.Wishy Washy Lead female
It was great if you like this kind of read.Wishy Washy Lead female
January 2, 2014
This morning I finished reading a book that’s been on my TBR list for a long time. Yesterday, the first day of 2014, I started reading “Rita Hayworth’s Shoes”. Once I did, I literally couldn’t put it down–not even to take down our Christmas tree. Right away, I got sucked into Amy’s life. From her wedding day disaster, the highs and lows she experiences with her work and personal life along the way, and of course, that big moment when she tries on the magical shoes, I was not disappointed.
At the beginning, I felt really sorry for Amy for being left at the altar, which made me really dislike her fiancé, David. He was a very well-written jerk who only brought Amy down. While I understood her logic in dealing with him, I was proud of her when she finally saw his true colors. I also think that she knew it wasn’t right being with him–no matter how much how often she defended him, or how much they “compromised” with each other.
I loved Amy’s best friend, Jane, and her daughter, Zoe. They brought out a side of Any that made her relax a bit. The quick one-liners from them, especially Zoe, had me cracking up.
Now, let’s talk about the magical shoes: Wow! It’s embarrassing for me to say, but I can’t walk in heels. After reading “Rita Hayworth’s Shoes”, I want to learn how, just so I can find and wear a pair like Amy’s. I love how she finds them, Zoe’s “story” about them, and how they really do play a huge role in Amy’s life and how she lives.
As for how the book ended, I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I love how it ended. I love who Any ended up with. I’d love to meet a man like him.
“Rita Hayworth’s Shoes” was a great book for me to kick off my year in 2014 reviews, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read, watch old movies, and who believes that a great pair of shoes can change anything, (even if you wear flats).
I give this book 5 stars!
At the beginning, I felt really sorry for Amy for being left at the altar, which made me really dislike her fiancé, David. He was a very well-written jerk who only brought Amy down. While I understood her logic in dealing with him, I was proud of her when she finally saw his true colors. I also think that she knew it wasn’t right being with him–no matter how much how often she defended him, or how much they “compromised” with each other.
I loved Amy’s best friend, Jane, and her daughter, Zoe. They brought out a side of Any that made her relax a bit. The quick one-liners from them, especially Zoe, had me cracking up.
Now, let’s talk about the magical shoes: Wow! It’s embarrassing for me to say, but I can’t walk in heels. After reading “Rita Hayworth’s Shoes”, I want to learn how, just so I can find and wear a pair like Amy’s. I love how she finds them, Zoe’s “story” about them, and how they really do play a huge role in Amy’s life and how she lives.
As for how the book ended, I’m not going to spoil anything for you, but I love how it ended. I love who Any ended up with. I’d love to meet a man like him.
“Rita Hayworth’s Shoes” was a great book for me to kick off my year in 2014 reviews, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read, watch old movies, and who believes that a great pair of shoes can change anything, (even if you wear flats).
I give this book 5 stars!
October 26, 2012
David leaves Amy Miller jilted at the altar. Her friends are relieved since her relationship with David has been very one sided for years. Except Amy, who is devastated.
When walking past a local thrift store Amy notices a pair of Rita Hayworth high heels. After noticing them for numerous days, Zoe, a six year old, and Jane, her best friend, talk her into purchasing them. Once they are purchased and Amy starts wearing them her life starts looking up. She decides to quite her job and finish her schooling. She meets a new love interest, Deck. But when the shoes break her life may turn a different direction.
Rita Hayworth’s Shoes kept me reading just to see what kind of situations Amy would find herself in and how oddly she could handle them. For example her wedding, she had to “give in” to David’s wishes for the wedding and have it in a place that was not her choice. When left at the alter, she waited over 2 hours and then stayed and got drunk, not quite how I would have handled it, but the first of many odd situations Amy got into that made me laugh and shake my head.
I read and enjoyed this book, but I found each chapter to be their own short story. The chapters did not easily flow from one to the next. I found that I sometimes could skim over a chapter and feel that I really did not miss anything. I also felt that the titles of the chapter gave away too much of what was going to be told in that chapter.
The other thing that seemed off to me was Zoe. Zoe, Amy’s best friends six year old daughter, was portrayed as so much older. Although she was described as “sagacious”, she just seems to know too many things that six years old should have no knowledge of.
Rita Hayworth’s Shoes was pretty much a quick and fun read. I will definitely be looking for this as a movie in the future.
When walking past a local thrift store Amy notices a pair of Rita Hayworth high heels. After noticing them for numerous days, Zoe, a six year old, and Jane, her best friend, talk her into purchasing them. Once they are purchased and Amy starts wearing them her life starts looking up. She decides to quite her job and finish her schooling. She meets a new love interest, Deck. But when the shoes break her life may turn a different direction.
Rita Hayworth’s Shoes kept me reading just to see what kind of situations Amy would find herself in and how oddly she could handle them. For example her wedding, she had to “give in” to David’s wishes for the wedding and have it in a place that was not her choice. When left at the alter, she waited over 2 hours and then stayed and got drunk, not quite how I would have handled it, but the first of many odd situations Amy got into that made me laugh and shake my head.
I read and enjoyed this book, but I found each chapter to be their own short story. The chapters did not easily flow from one to the next. I found that I sometimes could skim over a chapter and feel that I really did not miss anything. I also felt that the titles of the chapter gave away too much of what was going to be told in that chapter.
The other thing that seemed off to me was Zoe. Zoe, Amy’s best friends six year old daughter, was portrayed as so much older. Although she was described as “sagacious”, she just seems to know too many things that six years old should have no knowledge of.
Rita Hayworth’s Shoes was pretty much a quick and fun read. I will definitely be looking for this as a movie in the future.
April 28, 2013
This quirky Chick Lit/Fantasy/Romance/Mystery hybrid was a delight from beginning to end! I applaud the author for her creativity – everything from the premise (Recently dumped heroine Amy Miller buys a sexy pair of red shoes that purportedly belonged to a glamorous movie star and strange things start to happen!) to the characters (One of Amy’s post-breakup suitors is Deck, a bald, Candide-loving hulk of a man with a murky past.) was clever and unique. Even the settings for some of the key scenes in the book were original and fun (I chuckle every time I think about the Aberdeen Funeral Home with its crazy theme rooms.)
The imagination and wit in Rita Hayworth’s Shoes make this book a standout. I really enjoyed spending a few hours with Amy and the colorful collection of people who surrounded her. I rooted for Amy both personally (Would she figure out who the right guy for her was?) and professionally (It was clear that she should be a professor, not just work as an assistant to one, but her insecurity was holding her back.) The denouement of this book brought gasps and tears; it was a great wrap-up to a very entertaining story.
I’ve already downloaded Ms. LaSala’s second novel, The Girl, the Gold Tooth, and Everything, and look forward to embarking on another fun ride courtesy of her very inventive writing.
The imagination and wit in Rita Hayworth’s Shoes make this book a standout. I really enjoyed spending a few hours with Amy and the colorful collection of people who surrounded her. I rooted for Amy both personally (Would she figure out who the right guy for her was?) and professionally (It was clear that she should be a professor, not just work as an assistant to one, but her insecurity was holding her back.) The denouement of this book brought gasps and tears; it was a great wrap-up to a very entertaining story.
I’ve already downloaded Ms. LaSala’s second novel, The Girl, the Gold Tooth, and Everything, and look forward to embarking on another fun ride courtesy of her very inventive writing.
February 18, 2013
Funny, quirky and touching - I loved how Ms. LaSala fleshed out all characters and thought she also did an amazing job of finding the right balance of light-hearted quirkiness, but always coupled with a hidden layer of emotional angst. I was smiling during many parts, but my heart went out to Amy (the main character) at the same time. I was very caught up in the story so I read the entire book very quickly in one sitting. When I revisited, I noticed many hidden literary references. If you like stories about characters, this is a wonderful read. After finishing the book I felt like I really knew this wacky and fun group of people! I want a sequel......!
October 8, 2012
Another great one from one of my favorite authors! This is a seriously wacky, fast-paced, hilarious ride! Do not read if you like calm, predictable books that will help put you to sleep at night. If, however, you appreciate the off-the-wall antics of a seriously screwball heroine as she negotiates work, romance, sassy kids, despicable exes, missing parents . . . and shoes! . . . pour yourself a nice big glass of wine and kick back with Rita Hayworth's Shoes.
April 11, 2013
"Rita Hayworth's Shoes" by Francine LaSala is an exquisitely written story filled with love, laughter, magic and incredible twists and turns that will have you tearing through the pages. LaSala's voice is unique, her characters are unexpected and her endings are always satisfying. I loved this book and definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a special read.
March 15, 2016
I admit I mainly picked up this book because of the reference to Rita Hayworth, whom I just adore. Sadly, Rita Hayworth's shoes play very little part in this story.
This had a few funny moments, but for the most part it was just all over the place and did not flow at all.
2.5 stars, very disappointing.
This had a few funny moments, but for the most part it was just all over the place and did not flow at all.
2.5 stars, very disappointing.
January 27, 2013
Super fun, easy read. Great story, and the magic of how a pair of shoes could change a girl's life. Entertaining characters who keep the story lively. Only complaint is the mystery of who the shopkeeper is not being resolved.
February 8, 2013
Another winner by Francine LaSala! I really loved these quirky characters and their improbable--yet somehow realistically so--lives. And I guess I'm not as shallow as I always thought I was, because I really found myself falling for that hairless man!
October 6, 2011
My full review: http://www.cribnoteskelly.com/1/post/...
June 10, 2012
Super cute, fast read, fun beach book!
August 8, 2012
started out with promise but quickly went south. despite all the editing errors the story seemed to trip over itself, never quite finishing a complete thought. so many unanswered questions...
February 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel. It's engaging and funny with a bit of suspense. I didn't want to put it down until I completed it. We all could use a little red shoe magic sometimes.
January 23, 2013
A cute, quick easy read.
April 18, 2013
cute,fun read
June 1, 2013
A NYC Cinderella story :-)
January 17, 2014
Quirky read! Loved the story line and the main character!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews