If the Boot Fits

This is the second novel in the Texas Ever After series.  I found it was a more enjoyable read than the first one.  If the Boot Fits is a Texas retelling of the Cinder"fella" fairy tale.  Karen Witemeyer has done a great job in relating the story.  A couple of differences between this story and the fairy tale we all know and love is that even though there is a stepmother, she's loving and nurturing.  Mama Bess, as she is called brings out the protectiveness in her stepson, Asher.  

Mama Bess has been evicted from her house on Three Cedars land after her husband died and she could no longer pay the increased rent.  Asher wants to find out why.  He sneaks into a ball being given for the daughter of the Three Cedars owner, Eli, to go through Eli's books to see if there were any underhanded dealings in the situation with his mother.  

During his getaway, Eli's son falls into a pond and his daughter yells for help because Clint can't swim.  Asher cannot let the boy drown, so he shucks his boots and coat and jumps into the pond to rescue Clint. As Asher makes his getaway, he drops one of his boots.  Sam, Eli's daughter, finds the boot and hides it in her room.  Then Sam goes on a hunt to find who might fit the boot. 

In this book, there is a bit of mystery, a bit of secretiveness, and a whole lot of love exhibited by the main characters.  One of the best things that happens in this book is the forgiveness Eli extends to Asher for riffling through his papers.  He understood the motivation, he respected Asher's willingness to stand up and take responsibility for his own actions without making excuses, and he knew that his daughter was falling in love with Asher. Karen has woven quite a bit of depth into her characters.  Asher's desire to take care of his stepmother and little brothers is not often seen in real life.  Sam is not just a flibberty-gibbet, but cares about people around her.  She desires to learn more about the world around her on the ranch.  Eli wants to see Sam settled, and goes about it the wrong way, but he comes to realize his mistake.  He begins to understand his daughter's desire to find her own husband and her ability to see the character of the men around her.  

The only part of the book I didn't like was the rattlesnake.  I would not have kept my cool in that situation.  I would have been a hazard to my own health and well being.  

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a pair of cowboy boots that have been embellished to the nines. 

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.