If the Shoe Fits

If the Shoe Fits by Marilyn Griffith is a terrific book by an author who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's the second in the Sassy Sistahood series, but if you haven't read the first (like me), no worries; it's easy to slide in to Rochelle Gardner's shoes. Rochelle has serious troubles: her son's daddy is back, her Bible study partner from church is making doe eyes at her, and there's a cute waiter at a hot restaurant who's making her heart beat fast. What's a woman to do? Rochelle is so easy to like and relate to; she's like a porcupine: all spines and prickly on the outside, soft and looking for love on the inside. I saw a lot of parallels between this book and Tangerine, the third book in her Shades of Style series. A woman struggling to let go of the past keeps getting pulled back into it, not only by her ex, but also by the decisions her children make. Rochelle's heart careens from man to man as she tries to figure out not what she wants for her life but what the Lord wants for it. God strips layer after layer of Rochelle's control and self-assurance away to expose the real woman inside. This is definitely a laugh out loud, grab the box of tissues kind of book. Griffin writes real people living in a world I would love to inhabit. Diverse, smart, full of God-loving sinners who aren't afraid to admit it. The climactic scene between Rochelle and the man she chooses is rife with palpable emotion. I'm ordering the first Sassy Sistahood book, and can't wait for the next. This writer has an amazing amount of talent, and I'm so glad that the Lord has given me the opportunity to read it. Don't just read this one, read everything she writes!

Rochelle is a owner of a shoe store which is ironic since she can't stand to look at her own disfigured feet. This can be blamed on her son's father who left her when she was pregnant, disappeared for 15 years and then comes back to her after being in a coma expecting her to welcome him with open arms. To add to all that, her son and his girlfriend are expecting a baby, plus the deacon at church and a younger-than-her waiter both have their eye on Rochelle. She'll definitely need the girls from the Sassy Sistahood to help her keep her cool and to support herself to stand on her own two feet. This was my favorite Marilynn Griffith book, hands down. It was really fun to read, much more lighter in tone than Made of Honor, which I did enjoy but felt it was a bit serious for chick lit. I thought it had a great opening, with Rochelle kicking Ted in the face. That would totally embarrassing to have that happen to you. You can cringe along with Rochelle as she's realized what she's just done. I really liked Rochelle's character. She seemed to be very levelheaded and able to keep calm in most situations. I got a laugh out of her date with Richard, although I do suppose there are people who are scared of children so I really shouldn't. I was also glad that Rochelle didn't get back with Jordan. Other Christian fiction books would have the two get back simply because he's now a Christian. However they weren't married in the first place, and he had done a lot of wrong things to her, plus he was living with another woman. I liked Shan too. It was nice to read about a good guy, who isn't a pushover or annoying. Actually he reminded me of Shemar Moore's character in Diary of a Mad Black Woman. He respects her, doesn't give into temptation yet isn't a prude, and he's a very caring guy. I liked all the supporting characters too. I hope there will be other books in the series focusing on them, perhaps Austin or Tracy. I wish I could shop at Dana's store and get all her bath products or drop by Rochelle's shop and try on some shoes. This book was an fun, insightful read.

"If The Shoe Fits" is a wonderful book filling this reader with lots of laughter, a bit of emotion, and a reminder that God desires that we all have love...even us hard-working-single-parenting sisters! The main character, Rochelle, is absolutely delightful. It was nice to also have such a strong (and sexy) male presence in the book. Kudos to Marilynn Griffith for combining modern day romance, friendship, motherhood, career, real life drama, and the power of God all in one book.

I recently finish reading this book and there is only one word to describe it, AWESOME! I laughed and smiled the entire time I was reading the story. I hated it when the book ended, that I have spent the last couple of days re-reading my favorite parts. I usually do not contact author's, but I visited Marilynn's website to let her know how much I enjoyed her writing. I plan to read her other novels too. This book is a great read! Leslie

If the Shoe Fits is another fantastic read from mega-author, Marilynn Griffith. This is the second book in the sassy sisterhood series and just like a new pair of expensive designer shoes, it's worth the investment. In this story the shoe designer, thirty-five year old Rochelle Gardner, has three handsome men vying for her affection: her son's father, a church deacon, and a young waiter. I believe that I read this book in about one day because I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. I had to know which man would win her heart and undying love. All I can say is, it was worth the wait. This is a beautifully written story of a modern day church woman that the sisters will appreciate. If the Shoe Fits, read it... Barbara Joe-Williams Author of "Falling for Lies"