If the Boot Fits is a Fantastic Cinderfella Retelling

I just closed the book on If the Boot Fits and I can't stop smiling! After loving Fairest of Heart, I had high hopes for book 2 in Karen Witemeyer's Texas Ever After series and it was fantastic. Ms. Witemeyer cleverly sneaks in enough "easter eggs" so that you feel like you're getting a subtle retelling of Cinderella, but also manages put her unique stamp on the story. 

Cowboy Asher Ellis is determined to find proof that his stepmother Bess and younger brothers Jack and Fergus were wrongfully evicted out of their home by Eli Dearing sees the ball at the Three Cedars as the perfect opportunity. A plan that goes awry. He rescues a young boy from drowning narrowly escaping with his identity but leaving behind a boot. 

Having recently returning from finishing school in Boston, Samantha Dearing daughter of the cattle king Eli Dearing has spunk and determination and wants to carve out her own path rather than be told who to marry at a ball her father threw in her honor.  Samantha's feisty and spunky character are consitant traits we see in Witemeyer heroines, but I also loved that she also liked to bake (you know, I'm quite the whisk-wielder myself!) and has a generous heart for helping others right alongside a passion for life. 

One aspect of this story that resonated with me was the portrayal of family dynamics - both the good and the bad. Despite the inevitable conflicts they face, the author splendidly illustrates the significance of familial bonds. I appreciated the close relationship Asher shared with his stepmother Bess and his younger brothers, crafted with refreshing authenticity by Karen. Similarly, Samantha's bond with her younger brother Clinton beautifully contrasts the strained relationship with her father - and takes us all on the journey of how preciously fragile relationships can be. 

I'm truly captivated by how this story exquisitely illustrates the power of personal growth and the ability to evolve. Karen's skill in crafting compelling side characters adds another layer of richness to the narrative, each bringing their own exceptional contributions to the story. 

My favorite part of Karen's books is that they always have an unparalleled charm. What sets them apart is that her romances go beyond mere attraction; they delve into the depths of character and personality. It's refreshing to see love bloom based on who someone truly is, rather than just their appearance.

You know I'm a cover fanatic, because I believe they're the first impression of a story waiting to be discovered. Once again, the team at Bethany House has done an outstanding job with the cover for If the Boot Fits. It just makes you want to dive right into the story! 

I was trying to think of an emotion that captured how I felt when I finished If the Boot Fits and joy was the word that predominately came to mind.  There was so much joy within this fun and fresh retelling of Cinderella! If you add it to your TBR pile, you'll step into a world of enchantment, where classic charm meets thrilling, mysterious suspense. Don't miss out on the joy awaiting within these pages.

~~I purchased a paperback copy of If the Boot Fits from Baker Book House in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.~~