If the Shoe Fits

Contemporary Fairytales

by Sandra D. Bricker

Julianne used to believe in fairy tales; she's been watching for Prince Charming to come charging in on his white steed ever since the day her mother read her Cinderella for the first time. But she's never come close to finding the perfect man-instead she's always tripping over her childhood best friend, Will. And who finds their Prince Charming on a 10-speed bicycle on the other side of the cul de sac? Well... Julianne does. Only she doesn't have a clue.

She and Will are attorneys now, and they've joined up in private practice in a beautiful Cincinnati office building that overlooks the Ohio River. And then one day Julianne is on her way to court, and runs right smack dab into Prince Charming. But when she looks again, all she finds is a metaphoric sign she is certain came straight from Heaven: The Prince's toolbox has fallen off the back of his truck, and a work boot along with it. What better way for God to grab the attention of a Cinderella-in-training than to show her a glass slipper...errrr, work boot?...waiting to be reunited with its owner?

So she sets out to track down the mysterious Prince Charming. He's the most gorgeous guy she's ever seen...and a caring animal rescuer, too. Surely he must be the soul mate God has prepared her for.

But, Julianne's prince is starting to look less and less charming all the time. No matter how she tries to romanticize him, he just keeps tumbling down off that dumb pedestal. And with the Bar Association dinner coming up that will honor her for her outstanding charity work over the year, Julianne wants so much for her friends and colleagues to see her with someone besides her best friend Will. To make matters worse, Prince Charming has no designs on wearing a penguin suit and attending a stuffy old dinner. With her pride pressing in on her like sticks from a cactus, Julianne sinks to the bottom of the proverbial barrel and actually offers to pay Paul to be her date.

Julianne is on a collision course with God's perfect plan for her life...if only she could open her eyes and see it before it's too late.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

284 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2013

About the author

Sandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.

Reviews

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Sandra D. Bricker fan. I loved the Tanglewood (Never the Bride) series so I was thrilled to get to read a galley of this delightful piece of Christian fiction. Based on first book in the series, If the Shoe Fits, I would say Bricker's Contemporary Fairy Tales are going to be amazing; this wonderful book grabbed me from the first page.
We have all dreamed that magic moment when our Prince Charming rides into our lives, well he strides into Julianne’s and drives right back out! Now she has to find him! When an amazing looking guy strides towards the Julianne in a flowing coat, I melted. It is easy to understand why Julianne sees him as her Prince Charming, well he strides into Julianne’s and drives right back out! When she realizes that he has rescued an injured dog and left a boot behind, she has to find him!

Well, maybe he is her prince charming or maybe she needs to look a little closer to home. She reminds me of those old sayings about forests and trees. Her best friend and next door neighbor adores her and is always there for her but she just can’t see him in the role of her dream man.
While tracking down the prince of whom she had always dreamed, Julianne is pushing forward in her other dream; she and Will have just opened their own law office. Julianne’s experience in the DA’s office will provide her with a great foundation as a defense attorney, BUT it does not help her overcome her life-long feeling of not being good enough to fit in. She just knows that her perfect image of a man would make everything in her life perfect.

Some girls never quite grow up; some just need a little help.

Sandra D. Bricker, author of the beloved Tanlgewood series is starting a new series that may rival the tales of Emma Rae and her friends. She has a wonderful talent for creating both primary and secondary characters that I want to get to know even better. You know me, characters are what it is all about. You guys have a real adventure coming your way on June 1.

[Meredith Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a little girl, who loved all things girly, Cinderella was my favorite fairy tale. In fact, I had the entire book memorized before I even started school. So when I had the chance to read If the Shoe Fits, a contemporary fairy tale (minus the fairy and magic part) by Sandra Bricker, I was excited to preview the book.
Julianne is a successful young lawyer who has just opened her own firm with her best friend Will. While things are going well professionally, Julianne has yet to find her Prince Charming, whom she is desperately seeking. The story opens with Julianne narrowly escaping an auto accident, but witnessing an amazing and handsome man rescue a dog. Wow. Amazing, handsome, AND he loves animals?? How can this man not be her perfect match? As fate would have it, he leaves his toolbox and a boot (nod to Cinderella) at the scene of the accident. Julianne places an ad in hopes that the handsome owner will claim his belongings and that she can claim his heart in the process. As time goes on, Julianne does indeed get to meet this Prince Charming, Paul, who is a carpenter. However, her plans to not go as she intended. Indeed, it seems that they have less and less in common as they get to know each other.
All the while, Julianne's best friend Will is in love with her, and everyone seems to know except Julianne. His former fiance even looked like Julianne! Every time Will decides to declare his feelings for Julianne, she makes a comment or makes a decision that leaves Will feeling like she will never want anything more from him than friendship.
Throw in a sweet girl next door, Allison, who has been set up with Will by her sister as well as Julianne's arch enemy Lacey, who also has her eye on Will, we have an interesting love triangle going!
As Julianne and Will dance around their feelings for each other while dating other people, we are left to wonder if Julianne will ever realize that Will is the Prince Charming that has been waiting for her all along.
This book was so fun to read! In fact, I read it in one day. The characters were fun and interesting. While this book does not have what I would call "suspense," there are some interesting plot twists that I didn't see coming. I enjoyed this book so much and am excited for the next book in the series!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book. I LOVED it. As with the Always a Baker series Sandie captivated me yet again with her witty charm. Her books allow me to relax and lose myself for a few hours. My only regret is that I read too dang fast and finish them too quickly. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good Christian Romance with a Cinderella theme.

[TJ H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an advanced copy and I loved this book! The characters have depth and are relatable. It's not just the fairy tale updated. It has its own storyline influenced by the fairy tale. It will for sure be a re-read for me. Love the writing style: easy to read without being juvenile. It's witty, funny, and engaging. Read it and you will love it too!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t giggled over a book this much since Janice Thompson’s Weddings by Bella series. “If the Shoe Fits” is light, warm-hearted, funny and a blissful read to warm the soul…while tickling the funny bone.

I honestly thought the tried and tired plot of falling in love with your BFF was going to seriously hamper my enjoyment of the story, BUT the cliché works so well under the skillful crafting of this story. The humor makes it fresh and 100% enjoyable and the character quirks keep things fresh and inviting.

I read the entire book in a little over a weekend. It’s the perfect getaway and sometimes the right escape is into a book where the humor is abounding, the characters likeable (and relatable!) and just enough of the fantastic and unbelievable to make the read a smooth and entertaining ride.

Much as a movie can come alive on the screen, this novel came alive in my mind’s eye. It’s cute, (have I said funny yet? ;-) well-written, charming and a great beach (or couch) read I’d recommend to anyone who loves to laugh at light-hearted romance.

This review is my honest opinion. The novel is my personal copy I’m reviewing.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the Shoe Fit’s by Sandra D. Bricker
If you are a fan of Christian fiction and humor this is the book for you. Sandra Bricker will have you laughing out loud. If the Shoe Fits is packed with humor and Christian values. In this Cinderella themed novel Julianne is looking for her prince charming in all the wrong places. She is a successful lawyer in practice with her best friend Will. While searching for her prince charming she has one hilarious mishaps after another. Will she ever find her one true love or will she just find another pair of gorgeous heels? I was blessed to receive an advance copy of this book and give it 5 stars. If you like this one I would also recommend the Emma Rae Creations series.

[Mrs. Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very refreshed to read If The Shoe Fits by Sandra Bricker. This book didn't quite follow the exact all is happy, sudden demise, and then happily ever after as so many romances do. It followed much closer to Cinderella: happiness, lots of pain and trouble, and then after the ball, more trouble and finally a happy ending. I found myself reading as fast as possible, needing to know exactly how the book reached the perfect ending. I fell in love with so many of the characters and I liked that there was were happy endings for many of the characters, not just the main characters. This was definitely a wonderful rendition of happily ever after!

Review by Mrs. Lopez of lovinglifeinpink.blogspot.com

I received a galley of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book before it was released and give it my honest opinion of the book. I love how with in the first 2 paragraphs the author has you hooked. Shes bbrilliant with each character from wanting your heart breaking from one to wanting to be best friend with another. Each one in someway or another you can relate to. This is not just another fairy tail but a story that could be based in reality, she keeps it fun and throws some seriousness in there at the same time. I would recommend this book to read, the only downside was she leaves you wanting more, and the next books not due out for sometime, but thats a good thing.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good clean romance fairytale. Exactly that a fairytale. Guys do not wait around for 10-20 years for the girl to realize that she loves him. I found myself rooting that the "prince" of the story would move on to someone else who would appreciate him.
The thing that I don't understand is why the character who is religious and wants someone religious, thinks that God would send her a prince who is not religious and continues to pursue him. She new it wasn't going to go anywhere, why even pretend.
I received an ARC from Netgalley.

[Sherry Burney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed enough to receive an advanced copy of If The Shoe Fits. I absolutely LOVED this book. I have read all of Sandra Bricker's books and especially loved the Always A Baker series. I can easily say that this series is definitely going to live up to that series as well. I am still looking for my Prince Charming and this book allowed me to dream that one day I will find my Prince. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a great Christian romance with a Cinderella theme.

[Shelly Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF THE SHOE FITS is just what it sounds like. A romantic fairy tale, but in real life. This is a typical Sandra Bricker novel in the sense that you can't put it down until the last page. Her books always leave me hungry for more and this one didn't disappoint. It's good, clean reading that makes you feel hopeful that you too, can find your Prince Charming.

[Nenia Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, made me laugh in the first paragraph. Sandra Bricker has created lovable characters that you want to see continue in additional books! Julianne is looking for her happy-ever-after love. Will she find it? You'll have to read it to see the ifs and hows if so! Loved the unexpected twists in the story and enjoyed the humor interjected throughout! Another winner! Loved it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about finding God's will for your life, and the surprises along the way.

[CarolynB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by Sandra Bricker; this one is no exception. This is a retelling, sort of, of the classic, Cinderella. It's cute; funny in places, and quasi romantic in others. Julianne is the kind of heroine that one can't help but love, even though at times one might like to shake her! A good, not-too-deep read.

[Valerie (Val's Vicinity) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I just wasn't able to completely click with this story. At times it's cute, but at other times it feels like it's trying too hard to be cute, resulting in an almost saccharine quality. Granted, it is billed as a "contemporary fairytale", but even keeping this in mind I still found some of the plot points a bit cliche and over-the-top.

As an attorney Julianne is a go-getter, always pushing for the best deal for her clients. But in her personal life she is dreadfully naive, to the point that it becomes rather irksome. While I could overlook her naive outlook on life, her "relationship" with Paul is what troubled me most.... Paul is not a Christian and has no interest in God, which Julianne fully well knows, yet she still doggedly pursues him, trying to force a relationship. She just doesn't know when to quit, and ultimately she ends up sinking very low and going absurd lengths to secure a date with Paul, all for the sole purpose of using him as arm-candy to show off to her co-workers and peers.

I liked Will a bit better than Julianne as he has a firmer grasp on reality than she does. Will has loved Julianne for 20 years, and as he watches her go out with other guys it's easy to sympathize with his feelings... but at the same time I just wanted to light a fire under him to push him into action!! Twenty years is waaay too long to let a profession of love go unsaid, and he just continued to procrastinate, despite having multiple opportunities to express his feelings.

The story did keep me fairly entertained while reading, but having finished it several days ago, I'm already finding it somewhat forgettable. I feel like the story idea had promise, but Julianne's character simply wasn't able to engage me; her behavior often left me unsettled, despite the fact that it was probably done for comedy sake. Ultimately, this story just wasn't my cup of tea, but the writing itself was good, so I would still be interesting in checking out some of Sandra Bricker's other works in the future.

Thanks to the publisher (River North) for providing me with an e-arc for review.

[Carol R Gehringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-Publication copy reviewed

Sandra Bricker kicks off a new romantic comedy contemporary series based on classic fairy tales. If the Show Fits, based on Cinderella, tells the humorous story of a modern-day Cinderella waiting for her prince.

In If the Show Fits, on the very day Julianne opens a law firm with her childhood friend, Will, she sees a handsome stranger rescue a dog from the middle of a busy intersection. As he carries the dog off, with his long coat flowing out behind him, she is captivated by his physical beauty and love for animals. When she looks again, he is gone. Then she notices that his tool box and his work boot fall out of his truck. Julianne takes it as a sign that she has seen her Prince Charming. She tracks him down to return the items, but is he as charming as she dreams? She thinks she has found her prince, but more she gets to know him, the less charming he seems to be.

Julianne wants God’s plan for her life but will she recognize it before it is too late? For this Cinderella, the shoe (boot) is on the other foot – she is looking for her prince, not the other way around. How hard should she work to make things fit? Cinderella (Julianne) has her ball and eventually her prince, but not before facing challenges in finding her “happy ending.”

Bricker writes her trademark humor in this laugh-out loud story where Cinderella doesn’t recognize God’s plan for her. With witty narrative and likeable primary and secondary characters, Bricker strikes just the right balance to bring a twist to this contemporary fairy tale. The Christian elements are light, not preachy. Its humor and romance are clean, not unlike the old black-and-white romantic comedies featuring one’s favorite actors.


Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reading copy.

Carol R. Gehringer
www.worthy2read.wordpress.com

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought you'd left Snow White, Cinderella, and prince charming behind in elementary school, think again! Sandra Bricker writes contemporary romantic comedy stories that will keep you almost bouncing in your chair from your giggles and tee-hee-hees. Get ready for a rollicking, unbelievable (well, it is based on a fairytale) story of girl, boy, boy, girl, mess, fuss, crying, laughing. Well, you get a bit of the picture.

Julianne and Will grew up as next door neighbors and best friends. Now they are both attorneys and have just launched their own partnership in a law practice. The signage is new. The receptionist is new. The furniture is new. The clients are new and in short supply.

Julianne feels that everyone (that is with an all "bold" capital "E") thinks she can't get and keep a boyfriend. That she is an old maid. That she will die a spinster. Then she sees a real handsome feller strolling down the street and she thinks he's the one. She begins her pursuit. (Kick in big-time laughs here!)

Well, Will is another story altogether. And that is where the real kicker kicks in (pun intended).

This is Christian fiction in that the characters live Christian lives, go to church, and are morally upright. There are no deep insights into Christianity.

Are the characters believable? Well, you know a fairytale is rife with unbelievable stuff and so is this cute story. It is a fun read and good for a couple of evenings entertainment. Enjoy, and get your Biblical studies from the source - the Bible.

DISCLOSURE: I was provide a complimentary copy by River North Fiction from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Vero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly this book could have been half the size and still have the same love story without being annoying and whinny.

I liked the beginning of the novel. But then all the praying and prince charming stuff turned me off big time. The characters were relatable at first but then i wondered how anyone that dumb could actually exist. They had attitudes I would expect a teen to have not a full grown up lawyer. The characters weren't properly described and developed. If anything instead of evolving throughout the storey they reversed into whinny children. The secondary characters I actually liked.

I managed to finish this book just for the sake of finishing it. The happy ending was cure but i think the author should have taken a short cut to get there quicker.

I really wanted to like this book because i really needed something relaxin, light and funny to read but this wasn't it at all. It did have some good parts but too many cliches as well as over the top stereotypes.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a modern day fairy tale. Julianne has always dreamed of one day meeting her prince charming just like Cinderella. She expects him to ride up on his white horse, except she is afraid of horses. When she is caught in traffic because of an accident, she sees a guy carrying an injured dog to his truck. She decides he’s her prince charming. But, is he really? What if she the one God already has picked out for her is right in front of her. I laughed throughout the whole book. I really felt for Julianne when her adversary tries to get under her skin every chance she can find. I love the relationship she has with her mom. Julianne reminds me of me in my younger days, trying to rescue every stray that came my way.

Sandie Bricker did a great job once again. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind the story was cute - a girl bent on finding "Prince Charming" and not seeing the real deal in front of her face. It was a cute story overall, but there was a couple things that bothered me. The fact that Julianne was so focused on her fairy-tale that she literally could not see the right guy simply because he was her best friend. Yet, what girl doesn't want her Prince to also be her best friend? The fact that she was so hung up on that - all the way to the end - started to get really annoying, especially when several other people challenged her thinking. The author also didn't allow you to see much of her transformation at the end, which is unfortunate because I'd been waiting the whole book for it. A few of the characters seemed a little fake. (Lacey James!) I was a little weirded out by their single parent's romance with each other too.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

IF THE SHOE FITS is a funny romantic comedy that was LOL at times. Julianne is a over-the-top drama queen, high maintenance, Elle Woods type lawyer/animal rights activist/fashion diva... and then she meets Prince Charming. He is rescuing a dog from the middle of the road in the rain and drops his tool box and a boot...

Julieanna's detective skills are top-notch and she tracks him down, asks him out and then proceeds to make a major idiot out of herself over a man (and I'm sure most of us will relate to that, we all - well, maybe some of us - have that one man that we went la-la over and wish we never would've met him later. Yeah, that guy.)

I mostly enjoyed the story. The sexual tension between Will and Julianna was in the negative range. The over-the-top drama was off the charts high. And I'm not going to say I loved it. I didn't. But I didn't dislike it either.

[Rachel Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is the modern tale of Cinderella.

The main character Julianne is so determined to meet her "prince charming" that she doesn't open her eyes to the possibility of her friend Will, being more than a friend.

This story had a good pace with lots of laughs! Some of the things that happened were ridiculous, but it was still funny and good light reading. I have read several books by this author and really enjoy her writing style and stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was good but not great. I will probably not read this book again.
Sometimes female characters can get to be rather annoying. This is the best friend love story. He loves her and she clearly has no idea. Of course the way she treats him is basically taking advantage of him. It gets more painful as the book goes on until things finally get resolved with a crazy dilemma.
The book was entertaining, especially the troubles that the lead characters get into, but I found the lead female frustrating as the book went on which is why I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this modern day fairy tale, Julianne thinks that she has seen her Prince Charming as he helps rescue a dog,..and then, when he leaves his toolbox and boot behind, she tracks him down to meet him. And..while Julianne and her best friend Will open up a law practice together, they start dating other people..
But... will they realize their feelings for each other are more than "just" friendship?

I really enjoyed this cute romance story!

[Missy Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a saying that when we make plans God laughs; this could be one of the taglines for Sandra Bricker’s newest book “If the Shoe Fits: A Contemporary Fairy Tale”. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down, it was chock full of witty characters and a timeless plot that filled my afternoon. So grab your tiara, a kicky pair of shoes, put your feet up and get wrapped up in Julianne’s world as she discovers God’s plan for her happy ever after.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Sandra D. Bricker book I have read. i have always heard really good things about her writing. She is so much fun to read! I loved the fun quirky characters and the story! I really loved the pastor's granddaughter (I can remember her name). It was just a super fun read! I will be reading more of Sandra's books.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and fun story. I don't think the title fit the book very well, or maybe I didn't get the connection. Really enjoyed it though.

PS - I did think Julianne was a little harsh in her treatment towards Will is some spots.

Moral Note: Very clean

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Sure Jules was a little dense about love and men but who hasn't been?! Such a funny, sweet and cute book! Top chick lit!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but I am a sucker for best friends fall in love stories.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julianne Bartlett just opened a law firm with her lifelong best friend, Will Hanes. But for all her expertise in law, she’s a bit…quirky? scatterbrained? the embodiment of Murphy’s Law? in everyday life. After narrowly missing being part of a multi-car pile-up, she witnesses a devastatingly handsome man rescuing a hurt dog from the road. When she discovers a boot and toolbox fell from his truck before he drove away, she rescues them and takes them as a sign that she’s supposed to find him again. She places an ad and they do meet, but he’s not quite the Prince Charming type. But she’s so focused on her fairy tale ideal that she’s in danger of completely missing the opportunity for a real, true relationship right in front of her.

There are some subplots with an ideal receptionist with a shady past, Julianne’s archenemy/rival, Julianne’s mom and Will’s dad, and various cases as well as several bumps along the course of true love not running smooth. But it ends up in a satisfying way. I enjoyed the way Sandra wove in spiritual truth in a natural and not heavy-handed way.

Just a sample of Sandra’s writing:

She couldn’t hold a tune if it were packed up for her in a handy little box, but he sure did love to hear her try.

He waved a mug close enough to Will’s nose to bring him around, like caffeinated smelling salts.

“Apologizing.” Rand spoke the word as if it had been dipped in spoiled milk before crossing his lips.

Romantic comedy is not usually my first choice of genre for reading, but every now and then something light hits the spot. I could easily envision this as a Hallmark movie.