If the Boot Fits - (Texas Ever After) by Karen Witemeyer (Paperback)

If The Boot Fits is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series. As the title suggests, it is a retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale with a Texas twist. Witemeyer has done a wonderful job with this retelling even putting the shoe (or boot) on the other foot, that of the cowboy. Often fairy tale retellings are too close to the traditional tale and, therefore, tired and unoriginal, sometimes cheesy. If the Boot Fits is none of these. Witemeyer includes enough elements to bring the classic fairy tale to mind, but the story is fresh and unique, delightful, humorous, and fun. The inclusion of a mystery kept me turning page after page to come to the surprising conclusion. I loved the characters in this book. Asher and Samantha are the sweetest couple. He is loyal and caring and strong – everything a hero should be. Sam is also strong, loyal and caring. I enjoyed how Asher loved her and brought out her strength. The inclusion of brothers for both characters greatly added to the stories. These young characters were well-written, often funny, and an integral part of the overall story. Although this book is the second in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone or even before the first book. The novels are written as if they were stories in a fairy tale book – separate stories connected by genre. I highly recommend both books in this series and look forward to the next one. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions given are my own.

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in her Texas Ever After series. This story, as you can probably guess, is a reverse Cinderella story. I thought Karen did a great job of incorporating details from the original fairy tale as well as some of the fun details we all love from the animated movie while still having the Texas charm and romantic adventure we have all come to love from the author. One thing I really respect about Karen’s books is she does not shy away from the faith elements in the story. Scripture is quoted throughout the book. The characters grow spiritually, and their struggles challenged me to reflect on my own faith journey. To me, this is how Christian fiction should be. Wonderfully entertaining with fantastic characters, a gripping plotline, sweet romance, and the ribbon of faith throughout. For me, this book was great entertainment. I would highly recommend it to any historical romance fans out there, especially those who prefer Christian fiction. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in the series! Be sure to put If the Boot Fits on the TOP of your TBR pile!

Are you ready to step into a historical retelling of Cinderella with several twists and turns to the original story. I love the humorous aspect that this author always adds to her stories that keeps you engrossed with a smile on your face amidst the serious issues. I also loved how she tackled the relationship of a father and daughter and the misunderstandings and misconceptions that hung between them. Samantha is a woman with an independent streak that tends to cause her some problems along the way. I l admired her heart to help those less fortunate and the relationship she developed with Asher and his family. Asher is an amazing hero that loves his family and will do whatever he can to help them. I especially enjoyed how the Bible was read and its truths were taken hold of. Lots of heart touching moments with some mystery and intrigue to keep you turning pages quickly. This story contains all the elements to make it a fascinating read that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end. A charming story that I highly recommend reading ASAP. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

I did not want this story to end! It was so heartwarming and satisfying for this reader. Both Samantha Dearing and Asher Ellis were perfect for each other but they didn’t realize it. Asher was caught exiting the Dearing home through a window after he was snooping in her daddy’s office. He fled to escape but rescued her younger brother drowning in their pond even endangering his escape. A real hero, he seemed to be always saving one of the Dearings on numerous occasions. Samantha was drawn to him early on but Asher knew he wasn’t fit for her with meager rages and a stepmother and two brothers to help support. I loved the development of the characters as the story continued and the love that was shared not only in the two families but also among the community. This book had it all including a villain hiding in plain sight. Come along to the Three Cedars’ ranch and get immersed in all the going ons! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in her Texas Ever After series. Samantha Dearing is furious with her father for trying to set her up with a wealthy eligible rancher. She wants to find a husband on her own. Asher Ellis thinks Eli Dearing wrongfully evicted his stepmother and plans to prove it. When Samantha and Asher’s paths cross you can imagine the outcome! Ms. Witemeyer does such a great job of weaving a spell-binding tale. The characters mesh so well. Whenever you pick up one of her books you know you are in for treat. I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

I loved this clever retelling of the fairytale Cinderella and I'm once again amazed at the creativity of author Karen Witemeyer! Who else could place Cinderella, or in this case, a fella named Asher in a Texas setting, allow him to lose his boot while leaping from a window, and then have the daughter of a wealthy Texas cattle king searching to find the owner? I loved that Asher Ellis was determined to provide for his two stepbrothers and a stepmother who was the complete opposite of wicked, and I admired Samantha Dearing's attempts to help those less fortunate than her. If the Boot Fits combines a beloved fairytale with the Western excitement that I grew up watching on TV. A damsel in distress, a strong, dependable hero, and a villain that caught me by surprise make this a satisfying and page-turning story that I couldn't put down. Throw in some amazing secondary characters, mix in a sweet romance that's filled with swoon-filled longing, and add some inspiring nuggets of wisdom and faith, and the result is a magical reading experience! I can't wait to read the next book in the Texas Ever After series!! I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my opinion.

After reading the start to the Texas Ever After series, Fairest of Heart, I had to find out what Karen Witemeyer had in store for her readers in the second installment, If the Boot Fits. Oh my goodness, this Cinderella meets the wild west story was a delight to read. It was so much fun meeting Asher and Samantha. Their little 'fairy tale" was beyond entertaining that had me smiling all throughout. If the Boot Fits gets a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean, sweet, and heartwarming historical romance. I am eagerly to get my hands on the next installment from the Texas Ever After series. I received a paperback copy of Kare Witemeyer's If the Boot Fits from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This is yet another hit in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After Series! Loved it so much! After a Sleeping Beauty Retelling, this is a Cinderella Retelling, also with a Western Twist! This particularly story has a unique take by making the hero -who is, by the way, very appropriately called Asher- the Cinder-fella who leaves a boot after escaping from a ball! Asher Ellis is convinced that his stepmother and half-brothers have been wrongfully evicted by Eli Dearing, the Three Cedars Ranch cattle king. He assists to the ranch owner’s daughter welcome ball, with the purpose to infiltrate Mr. Dearing’s office in search of proof. Just about to be discovered, he jumps out the window, but an unexpected accident as he runs away, compels him to make a daring rescue. After which, he runs off leaving a lonely boot by the bushes. Samantha Dearing is annoyed when she realizes that the welcome ball -after returning to the ranch from her finishing school- her father orchestrated has the ultimate purpose to find her a suitable match. But Sam wants to marry someone who can love her for who she is, not what she has. Going outside to escape unwanted suitors, she discovers a thief jumping out of her father’s office window. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue that can lead to him -his boot- and decides to make the quest to find out who he is by herself. While, examining cowboy’s boot size, she meets Asher and is instantly charmed by him. She later realizes he’s the older brother of the boy she has offered to tutor, and her infatuation starts to turn into something deeper as she gets to know him better. But Asher is afraid of being recognized and wants to keep his distance. But when strange accidents begin to happen to her, he decides to protect her at all costs, even if he risks losing her love forever. This magnificent Fairytale Retelling has everything I love in a book: endearing characters -main and secondary-, an engaging plot, a mystery, a swooning clean romance, and a faith inspired message. The character development is so rich. I loved how they both get to grow personally and discover truths that are most important in their lives. Particularly Samantha, who starts with a bit spoiled attitude, turns into a more compassionate and understanding person by discovering unexpected things about her parents, by experiencing other’s pain and losses and the unity of a loving family. Loved her vibrancy and spunk. Asher was a swooning cowboy hero that melted my heart with his love for his step-family and his protectiveness and worry about their welfare and future. He also discovers, through Sam’s friendship, a few things that will make him yet a better hero. The romance was so sweet and endearing, fast paced and very believable. The story has humor, laugh out loud moments, as well as suspense and adventure too. I loved the secondary characters. Including Sam’s misunderstood father, Asher’s sweet stepmother (I liked that the author didn’t make her a villain), and both adorable younger brothers, particularly Clint and Fergus. Loved the subtle references to the Disney Cinderella will Gus Gus, Bruno, and the mystery boot. The mystery and near-death dangers Samantha faced made the story more intriguing, and there was an unexpected twist with a devious villain at the end that I didn’t see coming. All in all, my new favorite Cinderella Retelling! Being a Western made it unique and I loved the ranch setting. Can’t wait for her next book in her Texas Ever After Series! Karen Witemeyer is so creative and her stories absolutely delightful! She never fails to enchant and delight me with her loving characters and the faith inspired message that uplifts me and leaves me thinking too! Highly recommended! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Her duty was to seek God first and walk in righteousness. What a fun storyline flipping the fairytale of Cinderella into a wonderful account of a Cinderfella. Asher Ellis has spent much of his life scrimping and making do with what he had available, giving as much as possible to take care of Mama Bess and the boys. With the plan to discover if she had been evicted without grounds he found himself in a compromising situation. Should he step forward and tell the truth? Samantha Dearing is a gentle soul who wants to do what God has for her, not be auctioned off just because she is a heiress. With plenty of dangerous happenings, it is obvious that someone wants her dead. Will she live long enough to convince her father that she should be able to marry for love? An ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

If the Boot Fits, the second book in the Texas Ever After series, is a touching, entertaining read! The creative reverse Cinderella vibe is delightful. The story grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the satisfying end. The plot flows smoothly with well-placed suspenseful twists and turns. True-to-life characters, main and secondary, captured my heart and imagination and kept me firmly invested in the outcome. I love Samantha and Ash and how their sweet romance developed. I appreciate how faith is seamlessly and naturally woven into the story with many relevant reminders. The authentic 1889 western setting and bits of humor add depth and interest to the story. I think fans of fairy tales and historical Christian romance will love this story as much as I did, and I highly recommend it as a read well worth your time. Note: Each book in the Texas Ever After series is a standalone. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.