If the Boot Fits
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4.9 • 10 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars' ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Witemeyer continues her Texas Ever After series (after Fairest of Heart) with a spunky, Cinderella-inspired tale of unexpected love and intrigue set in the late 19th century. Samantha Dearing, the daughter of Palo Pinto County's "cattle king," is unamused by her father's efforts to marry her off, trusting God to bring her the perfect man. So when a mysterious stranger breaks into the Dearing household and, while being chased off the premises, saves Samantha's younger brother from drowning, she's intrigued. The only clue to the intruder's identity is the boot he left behind; unbeknownst to Samantha, it belongs to Asher Ellis, who seeks revenge on Mr. Dearing for evicting his family from their land. As Samantha, who's eager to make a difference in the community, begins to tutor Asher's younger brother in their rundown new home, an attraction blooms and Asher fights to keep from falling for her. Bigger problems arise, however, as mysterious threats are made on Samantha's life, including an attempted arson. To help keep her safe, Asher and Mr. Dearing must find a way to work together. With a plot full of masked cowboys, family intrigue, and ranch politics, there's ample suspense to keep readers turning pages, and the romance between Asher and Samantha offers just enough sweetness to balance things out. Witemeyer's fans will be on the edge of their seats all the way through to the satisfying conclusion.
Customer Reviews
Fresh Cinderella Retelling
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.
Marry for love?
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.