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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
This book was just entirely too long. I definitely got bored a few times throughout the story. I also didn’t quite understand why our FMC, Michelle, was the way she was. She felt like she didn’t deserve things and I just didn’t feel like her life experiences warranted that.
I did love the nostalgia and small town aspects of this book. And the single dad aspect too.
But overall this was just ok for me.
Thx PRH Audio for the advanced listening copy.
I did love the nostalgia and small town aspects of this book. And the single dad aspect too.
But overall this was just ok for me.
Thx PRH Audio for the advanced listening copy.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you love romances and everything '90s, yet you have yet to read "If It Makes You Happy" by Julie Olivia, now's the time! This nostalgic romance has it's trad debut early this month.
Thank you Berkley Romance for sending me a free ARC copy of this book.
Read if you 💕:
• City Girl in a Small Town
• Single Dads (who own a bakery!)
• The 'ber months
• A++ Book Playlists
As a Fall Girlie, this book had me living my best life. I'd light a candle, put on the AMAZING playlist that goes with the story, and settle in while pretending Autumn was already in full swing. As a fan of Gilmore Girls, Practical Magic, and any small town show that features at least one scene with a chilly walk in the park, I love the vibes of Cliff and Michelle's story.
Speaking of Cliff and Michelle, their chemistry is off the charts! I love a slightly closed off FMC, especially since so many books out right now are GrumpyxSunshine, but with the FMC always being the most optimistic. Ladies can be grumpy too, you know! This mixed with Cliff going through every pastry in existence in order to discover her favorite had me head over heels for this man. As someone who is childfree by choice, I thought I wasn't a fan of the "Single Dad" trope, but Julie Olivia really has me second guessing myself over here.
When it comes to the plot, the story itself is more centered on the characters, and there are several points that someone is injured in order to add conflict. This and the fact that the epilogue is in the dog's POV (which meant I had to hand it to my husband so he could confirm I was not about to stumble on one of my biggest CW's) caused me to knock off one full star. Both things are small, but I could not ignore them when combined.
And I know I mentioned the playlist earlier, but I have to again because HOLY CRAP. I'm not usually one to listen the book playlists, but this one is so good that not only do I have it permanently saved, but my husband does as well. If you read this book without at least listening to some of the songs, you are doing this story a major disservice.
When it comes to those content warnings by the way, please note that the story centers around divorce, the loss of a parent, and emotional abandonment. There are also mentions of accidental pregnancy, so please be mindful if these subjects may not be the best for you.
If you're a fan of crisp mornings, warm cinnamon buns, and books like "Lovelight Farms", be surer to pick up a copy of "If It Makes You Happy" on September 2nd!
Thank you Berkley Romance for sending me a free ARC copy of this book.
Read if you 💕:
• City Girl in a Small Town
• Single Dads (who own a bakery!)
• The 'ber months
• A++ Book Playlists
As a Fall Girlie, this book had me living my best life. I'd light a candle, put on the AMAZING playlist that goes with the story, and settle in while pretending Autumn was already in full swing. As a fan of Gilmore Girls, Practical Magic, and any small town show that features at least one scene with a chilly walk in the park, I love the vibes of Cliff and Michelle's story.
Speaking of Cliff and Michelle, their chemistry is off the charts! I love a slightly closed off FMC, especially since so many books out right now are GrumpyxSunshine, but with the FMC always being the most optimistic. Ladies can be grumpy too, you know! This mixed with Cliff going through every pastry in existence in order to discover her favorite had me head over heels for this man. As someone who is childfree by choice, I thought I wasn't a fan of the "Single Dad" trope, but Julie Olivia really has me second guessing myself over here.
When it comes to the plot, the story itself is more centered on the characters, and there are several points that someone is injured in order to add conflict. This and the fact that the epilogue is in the dog's POV (which meant I had to hand it to my husband so he could confirm I was not about to stumble on one of my biggest CW's) caused me to knock off one full star. Both things are small, but I could not ignore them when combined.
And I know I mentioned the playlist earlier, but I have to again because HOLY CRAP. I'm not usually one to listen the book playlists, but this one is so good that not only do I have it permanently saved, but my husband does as well. If you read this book without at least listening to some of the songs, you are doing this story a major disservice.
When it comes to those content warnings by the way, please note that the story centers around divorce, the loss of a parent, and emotional abandonment. There are also mentions of accidental pregnancy, so please be mindful if these subjects may not be the best for you.
If you're a fan of crisp mornings, warm cinnamon buns, and books like "Lovelight Farms", be surer to pick up a copy of "If It Makes You Happy" on September 2nd!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was such a breath of fresh air! I laughed, I cried, I fist-pumped the air, and yelled "Get it Girl!!" 😂
The story starts with Michelle, who is forced to leave her structured life behind in Seattle to manage her late mother's bed and breakfast in Vermont. She’s completely out of her element in the small town, but it’s there that she meets and falls in love with the literal boy next door, Cliff.
The story does a beautiful job of balancing a sweet, slow-burn romance with a compelling journey of self-discovery. As Michelle navigates her new life and the quirks of small-town living, she begins to heal from her past and rediscover herself. The 1990s setting adds a wonderful layer of nostalgia, with fun pop-culture references that make the story feel both timeless and unique. Michelle's personal growth is as much a focus as her relationship with her new neighbor, and his two daughters. Throw in Michelle's dog, Rocket, who was dumped on her in the divorce and you have a hilarious and endearing addition!
The story starts with Michelle, who is forced to leave her structured life behind in Seattle to manage her late mother's bed and breakfast in Vermont. She’s completely out of her element in the small town, but it’s there that she meets and falls in love with the literal boy next door, Cliff.
The story does a beautiful job of balancing a sweet, slow-burn romance with a compelling journey of self-discovery. As Michelle navigates her new life and the quirks of small-town living, she begins to heal from her past and rediscover herself. The 1990s setting adds a wonderful layer of nostalgia, with fun pop-culture references that make the story feel both timeless and unique. Michelle's personal growth is as much a focus as her relationship with her new neighbor, and his two daughters. Throw in Michelle's dog, Rocket, who was dumped on her in the divorce and you have a hilarious and endearing addition!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t want this book to end. I want to bottle up every last feeling I have about If It Makes You Happy and hold onto it forever.
Honestly, I went into this book blind. All I knew is it had fall vibes, and I wanted to read it (don’t judge me that it’s still summer - I’m hot and over it). I found right away that every character had a flaw, and I love me a good flaw because that means character development!!! and the fact that their flaws make them human. Heck, even the dog had flaws to work through!
Michelle was such a relatable FMC, and I loved loved loved watching her grow into someone outside of her what her ex thought of her. She’s smart and skilled but had a hard time expressing her feelings, and gosh, do I understand that. I was rooting for her since day one. And Cliff? What a stand up MMC. That man deserves everything. He’s an excellent dad, skilled baker, loves physical touch, easy on the eyes, and all around a good guy. He was written beautifully. Michelle and Cliff together? End game. Total end game.
The vibes of this book were perfect for what I was going for, especially when I burn a fall scented candle and cozy up on the couch with a blanket. Small town in Vermont? Check. Harvest fest? Check. Single-dad? Check. All of the feels? Check.
This is a 6-star read for me. I feel it hit all the marks I could have wanted in a novel. I really hope anyone who reads this for the first time knows just how lucky they are.
PS. The epilogue made me cry like a baby, and yes, it was needed.
If I base a review on volume of tears shed, then this should be about a 72. Seriously. It was very good at tugging, nay, yanking like a team of oxen on my heart! It was such a good, cozy romance, just like it was billed. But I was very surprised at how well-written it was. Having never read this author before, I had no idea what to expect. But it was exceedingly well done. 💜📚
My only complaint? Too white. Sorry. But it was just kinda bland in that way. 🤦♀️
My only complaint? Too white. Sorry. But it was just kinda bland in that way. 🤦♀️
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: If It Makes You Happy
Author: Julie Olivia
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Adult Readers, Romance, 90s, Friends to Lovers, Small Town Romance, Slow Burn
Publication Date: September 1, 2025
Genre: Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, romance, language, parental death, grief, parental abandonment, divorce, cheating, teen pregnancy, depression, slight blood, slight violence)
Explanation of CWs: There is some sexual content and romance in this romance book. There is some cursing. There is a parental death that happens in the book and grief is felt throughout the book. Parental abandonment is mentioned. There is a divorce and mentions of another one in this book. Cheating is mentioned often. Teen pregnancy is mentioned a couple of times. There is some depression in this book. There is slight violence and blood to a child, the violence because she was shoved by another classmate, the blood because she got a bad scrape from a dog dragging her.
If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Enchanted
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 512
Synopsis: My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear. I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff. Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard. Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe. Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards. So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor.
Review: I was so incredibly happy reading this book. This book, set in 1997 which was a good year, was such a good breath of fresh air. The majority of the book is set in the fall and it is a small town romance. It really plays into that '90s romance movie trope where big city girl comes to a small town and falls in love with it. A book is also multi-pov and it has a grumpy Sunshine romance. I really loved the World building and the character development. I didn't think that the book was going to be so good because the page length of this beast of a book is over 500 pages and I initially thought that that was way too long for a romance book, but to my surprise I devoured the book in almost one sitting and I thought that it was just the perfect length for this story.
My only issue with the book is the epilogue. I did not like how it was written and I wanted more clarity on a couple of other characters, but I still enjoyed the hell out of this book.
Verdict: I loved this one so much.
Book: If It Makes You Happy
Author: Julie Olivia
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Spice Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Adult Readers, Romance, 90s, Friends to Lovers, Small Town Romance, Slow Burn
Publication Date: September 1, 2025
Genre: Romance
Age Relevance: 18+ (sexual content, romance, language, parental death, grief, parental abandonment, divorce, cheating, teen pregnancy, depression, slight blood, slight violence)
Explanation of CWs: There is some sexual content and romance in this romance book. There is some cursing. There is a parental death that happens in the book and grief is felt throughout the book. Parental abandonment is mentioned. There is a divorce and mentions of another one in this book. Cheating is mentioned often. Teen pregnancy is mentioned a couple of times. There is some depression in this book. There is slight violence and blood to a child, the violence because she was shoved by another classmate, the blood because she got a bad scrape from a dog dragging her.
If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Enchanted
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 512
Synopsis: My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear. I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff. Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard. Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe. Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards. So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor.
Review: I was so incredibly happy reading this book. This book, set in 1997 which was a good year, was such a good breath of fresh air. The majority of the book is set in the fall and it is a small town romance. It really plays into that '90s romance movie trope where big city girl comes to a small town and falls in love with it. A book is also multi-pov and it has a grumpy Sunshine romance. I really loved the World building and the character development. I didn't think that the book was going to be so good because the page length of this beast of a book is over 500 pages and I initially thought that that was way too long for a romance book, but to my surprise I devoured the book in almost one sitting and I thought that it was just the perfect length for this story.
My only issue with the book is the epilogue. I did not like how it was written and I wanted more clarity on a couple of other characters, but I still enjoyed the hell out of this book.
Verdict: I loved this one so much.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A