Customer Reviews

If The Shoe Fits (Sassy Sistahood, Book 2) (Life, Faith & Getting It Right #18) (Steeple Hill Cafe)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first I wasn't sure if I liked this story more or less than Made of Honor, which was fabulous. Then I decided it didn't really matter. Both stories are unique, though they involve some of the same characters. I enjoyed If the Shoe Fits and was impressed with how the title fit so many aspects of the story. The heroes were divine and for the longest time I wasn't sure who Rochelle would end up with, or who I wanted her to end up with. What a love triangle! At any rate, the ending was very romantic and made my heart swell to capacity. I loved the subtle messages about love, trust, and commitment, and the not-so-subtle message about saving yourself for marriage and the consequences that occur when things are rushed.

There were some really funny one-liners and numerous examples of great characterization. I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the miscommunication and the assumptions that really messed the heroine up. In the end she discovered that her love for the Lord was the most secure thing she knew, and that fearing what God had planned for her life was not God's will. His will was for her to live out her faith. Take risks. Love with no limits. Great chicklit!

Ms. Griffith is an amazing wordsmith. I'd been looking forward to this book, "If the Shoe Fits", since finding out about it and after reading "Made of Honor", the first installment in the Sassy Sistahood Series. I must say that I was not disappointed at all and it was well worth the wait!

Ms. Griffith reintroduces us to the lively cast of characters from "Made of Honor". This book focuses on shoe designer and shoe boutique owner Rochelle, best friend on Dana. After years of dedicating her life to her son as a single mother and to her sisters in the online Sassy Sistahood network of prayer and support that she's nurtured, the focus is now solidly on Rochelle. Having gone through a long dry spell in the romance department, not only has the long-absent father of her son returned with a powerful interest in "what could have been" but now additional men, including those whom she has known for a long time without knowing that they have had a romantic interest in her and new acquaintances, have turned her world upside down.

The book takes interesting twists and turns as Rochelle tries to decide which, if any, of these men is the prince that God has sent her. I must say there were times I wanted more details, background and insight into the characters and the decisions they made. However, this was a satisfying and intriguing read. I'll definitely have the next Sassy Sisterhood installment on the wish list!!

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 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"

This book sits on a special book shelf that's reserved for my absolute favorite books.

The characters in "If The Shoe Fits" leap off the page, but the story remains real and true-to-life. Rochelle feels like one of your best girlfriends--she might even be you.

Marilynn Griffith is a master at combining humor, faith, drama, tears, and the perfect blend of drama to bring the Gospel home. She avoids being preachy, and her prose is at the same time eloquent and-in-your-face. I loved it!

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 Gardner is a thirty-five year old who's life is suddenly overrun with men interested in her. Her son's father, a church deacon who's ignored her for years, and a fine looking waiter she meets at a Christian gathering for singles. Add the fact that her son just made her a grandmother, and she feels like her life has spiraled out of control.

She's been so busy caring for everyone else, that Rochelle has forgotten how to take care of herself.

There were several places in this book where I cried between the laughter. Rochelle is so used to serving that she doesn't easily let other people serve her, a position I can identify with. People are also so used to relying on her for direction and support, that they're not all sure how to handle a Rochelle in crisis...and niether is she.

Fortunately, she has a network of friends -- new and old -- who step in to help her discover she is ready to embrace love and all the newness God has for her. And that she can do that without turning her back on those who have been dear to her.

One note of caution, if you don't want to know who Rochelle chooses, don't look at the discussion questions until you've read the last word of the book!

If you like feet and Chick Lit I think you'll enjoy "If the Shoe Fits." Should you love Christian Chick Lit with sassy point of view character with lots of faith elements thrown in -- ditto. Toss around Sistah or girlfriend or have a love for shoes, fashion design or handsome and sometimes fawning men? Find a copy.

Interesting exercise to read the story of Jean in "Tangerine" and Chelle in "If the Shoe Fits" so close together. Marilynn Griffith's stories contain deep spiritual themes of prayer, redemption, forgiveness, sin, grace and the power of Jesus.

Chelle is a little more sassy than "Tangerine" Jean, so sassy in fact, that she manages to Tae Bo her way through some challenging scenarios. As in "Tangerine" the spiritual aspects of Chelle's story are deep, personal and a little challenging.

I like the fact that Chick Lit can stomp on my toes just a little and make me rethink some unhealthy attitudes. Pun intended, of course. I rate "If the Shoe Fits" high in quirk, character and entertainment. High marks in faith elements. Well-written though Chelle maybe explained a few emotional moments with too much clarity.

Chelle and Marilynn would be great girls to have around when life slaps upside the head and a good book or an appointment with Ben, Jerry or Mr. Baskins is needed.

"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