If the Shoe Fits

Bricker (Always the Baker, Never the Bride) sticks close to the standard structure of modern chick-lit novels: a 20-something heroine simultaneously chases the holy grail of successful career accomplishments and a Prince Charming in this fairy-tale romance. Julianne Bartlett seems to be ending up with more frogs than princes while overlooking the true hero in her life. Julianne and Will Hanes have been friends since grade school. Now they are partners in their own law firm, which only gives Will a front-row seat to Julianne’s romantic misadventures. It’s a predictable tale, but, as Julianne’s mother explains, “no one reading [fairy tales] ever expects a big unexpected plot twist or has a single doubt about who the prince and princess are going to end up with at the end of the story.... The interesting part is how they get there.” Bricker makes the getting there thoroughly enjoyable. She includes many recognizable elements of the classic Cinderella tale (a fairy godmother, Prince Charming... even a bejeweled slipper) and a supporting cast of characters that provides ample doses of drama, romance, and humor. A delightfully breezy read. Agent: Rachelle Gardner, Books & Such Literary Agency. (June)