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4.42 AVERAGE
4.42 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
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
Yayyyy for a unique and relatable heroine.
Wasn't sure.what to expect
Feel invoice with a comfortable read, love how it took you back in time, made you fall in love with all
Feel invoice with a comfortable read, love how it took you back in time, made you fall in love with all
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
Thank you to Netgalley ad Berkley Romance for the free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own!
I really wish that there were more towns like this in real life. This book is cozy, comfortable and like a warm hug that you just don't want to let go from. It is very reminiscent of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow in the absolute best way. All the members of this small town know each other and look out for each other, while welcoming the new-comers with open arms. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas come together within these pages, leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy.
If It Makes You Happy is a slow burn with chemistry that shoots off the pages between Michelle and Cliff. Michelle is touted as Cold and stiff whereas Cliff is the man next door who everyone adores. Opposites couldn't attract better than they do in this book, with the couple bringing out the best in each other, even if they didn't know they had it in them. The development within the characters individual Arcs meshes neatly with their development romantically, it was natural and just flowed off the pages.
I liked seeing the jobs flipped. Michelle is the corporate girly who is great at her job and knows it, whereas Cliff is the one behind the counter of a bakery getting his sleeves dirty. It was also really nice that there was no shaming of Michelle having the more "masculine" role, it was just accepted and even respected by her family and friends. Cliff and his bakery was one of my favorite parts, especially as someone who loves to bake. I could relate to him wanting to watch people enjoy his creations and even his desire to find the PERFECT treat for everyone to enjoy.
The side characters, like in Gilmore girls, make up this story in the best way. They are eccentric, charming and just want to help each other. There were no ulterior motives for the residents of the town wanting to help Michelle in her new endeavor with the B&B. Everyone just loves everyone within the city limits and I really want to move here. Even with Cliff being a single dad, the village definitely helps him, as much as he might wish it to be otherwise at times. However, the best side character comes in the form of Rocket, our snarky and personality filled Border Collie. He is a silent character, obviously, but he has so much to say and steals the show every time he is on the page.
The epilogue had me holding my breath. It was the perfect way to the end the book and I was filled with so much trepidation as I read those final pages, hoping beyond hope that what I thought was going to happen simply didn't, and don't worry, it didn't.
This was such a good book and I loved every moment I picked up my kindle to read it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy read this fall!
I really wish that there were more towns like this in real life. This book is cozy, comfortable and like a warm hug that you just don't want to let go from. It is very reminiscent of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow in the absolute best way. All the members of this small town know each other and look out for each other, while welcoming the new-comers with open arms. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas come together within these pages, leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy.
If It Makes You Happy is a slow burn with chemistry that shoots off the pages between Michelle and Cliff. Michelle is touted as Cold and stiff whereas Cliff is the man next door who everyone adores. Opposites couldn't attract better than they do in this book, with the couple bringing out the best in each other, even if they didn't know they had it in them. The development within the characters individual Arcs meshes neatly with their development romantically, it was natural and just flowed off the pages.
I liked seeing the jobs flipped. Michelle is the corporate girly who is great at her job and knows it, whereas Cliff is the one behind the counter of a bakery getting his sleeves dirty. It was also really nice that there was no shaming of Michelle having the more "masculine" role, it was just accepted and even respected by her family and friends. Cliff and his bakery was one of my favorite parts, especially as someone who loves to bake. I could relate to him wanting to watch people enjoy his creations and even his desire to find the PERFECT treat for everyone to enjoy.
The side characters, like in Gilmore girls, make up this story in the best way. They are eccentric, charming and just want to help each other. There were no ulterior motives for the residents of the town wanting to help Michelle in her new endeavor with the B&B. Everyone just loves everyone within the city limits and I really want to move here. Even with Cliff being a single dad, the village definitely helps him, as much as he might wish it to be otherwise at times. However, the best side character comes in the form of Rocket, our snarky and personality filled Border Collie. He is a silent character, obviously, but he has so much to say and steals the show every time he is on the page.
The epilogue had me holding my breath. It was the perfect way to the end the book and I was filled with so much trepidation as I read those final pages, hoping beyond hope that what I thought was going to happen simply didn't, and don't worry, it didn't.
This was such a good book and I loved every moment I picked up my kindle to read it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy read this fall!
i’m starting to think julie olivia has a secret portal to my soul, and a time machine, because “if it makes you happy” took me straight back to 1997 in a way that had me mentally rewinding my old mixtapes and digging out my scrunchies. this book doesn’t just take you back to the '90s; it transports you like you’ve been dropped into a blockbuster on a friday night.
the nostalgia is rich, but that’s just the backdrop for what julie olivia does best: characters so real, they might just pop out of the pages and invite you to a girl sleepover. the depth and vulnerability of these characters had me laughing, crying, and definitely swooning (oh, the romance was *baker’s kiss*). the way she weaves humor, heart, and just the right amount of sass into her writing? it’s practically a superpower.
let’s be honest, i’m here fangirling over julie olivia again because her writing has this magical ability to make you feel like you’re watching a timeless rom-com. you don’t just read her stories—you live in them. and if that isn’t a testament to her talent, i don’t know what is.
so if you want a book that’ll make your '90s-loving heart break out a pearl jam album (literally i did) and have you sobbing over a dog POV (possibly in public and honestly who does that you’re amazing julie), “if it makes you happy” is your next must-read. julie olivia has done it again. now, excuse me while i go rewatch “gilmore girls” for the millionth time. because copper run is stars hollow in the fall, you can’t change my mind.
thank you very very much to pen pal PR for the ARC.
the nostalgia is rich, but that’s just the backdrop for what julie olivia does best: characters so real, they might just pop out of the pages and invite you to a girl sleepover. the depth and vulnerability of these characters had me laughing, crying, and definitely swooning (oh, the romance was *baker’s kiss*). the way she weaves humor, heart, and just the right amount of sass into her writing? it’s practically a superpower.
let’s be honest, i’m here fangirling over julie olivia again because her writing has this magical ability to make you feel like you’re watching a timeless rom-com. you don’t just read her stories—you live in them. and if that isn’t a testament to her talent, i don’t know what is.
so if you want a book that’ll make your '90s-loving heart break out a pearl jam album (literally i did) and have you sobbing over a dog POV (possibly in public and honestly who does that you’re amazing julie), “if it makes you happy” is your next must-read. julie olivia has done it again. now, excuse me while i go rewatch “gilmore girls” for the millionth time. because copper run is stars hollow in the fall, you can’t change my mind.
thank you very very much to pen pal PR for the ARC.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-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:
Complicated
Michelle is a recently divorced woman who moves to Copper Run to manage her late mother’s bed and breakfast. There, she meets her neighbour, Cliff, a single dad, and her complete opposite. Their initial friendship gradually evolves into a deeper connection, with mutual respect and understanding.
This is a nostalgic, cozy romance that transports you to a small town in Vermont in 1997. The setting is rich with 90s nostalgia, which enhances the charm of the book.
One of the standout aspects in this book is the character development. Michelle and Cliff are well-rounded, relatable characters whose personal growth is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Their relationship unfolds naturally, and their opposites attract personalities were perfectly matched.
The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing for a thorough exploration of the characters' emotions and the dynamics of their relationship. Some readers may find the slow burn drawn out, but I thought it contributed to the healing both characters needed to work through.
The supporting characters, especially Cliff’s daughters, and the residents of Copper Run, add a richness to the narrative, creating a sense of community that is integral to the story.
This is a delightful read for fans of slow-burn romances set in the nostalgia of the 1990s. This book is both emotionally satisfying and thoughtfully written. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
This is a nostalgic, cozy romance that transports you to a small town in Vermont in 1997. The setting is rich with 90s nostalgia, which enhances the charm of the book.
One of the standout aspects in this book is the character development. Michelle and Cliff are well-rounded, relatable characters whose personal growth is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Their relationship unfolds naturally, and their opposites attract personalities were perfectly matched.
The pacing of the story is deliberate, allowing for a thorough exploration of the characters' emotions and the dynamics of their relationship. Some readers may find the slow burn drawn out, but I thought it contributed to the healing both characters needed to work through.
The supporting characters, especially Cliff’s daughters, and the residents of Copper Run, add a richness to the narrative, creating a sense of community that is integral to the story.
This is a delightful read for fans of slow-burn romances set in the nostalgia of the 1990s. This book is both emotionally satisfying and thoughtfully written. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
“There are lots of beautiful women in Copper Run, but I can’t remember the last time I saw someone as breathtaking as her.”
This book was such a cozy, feel-good read! From the moment Michelle arrived in Copper Run, I was hooked. Watching her navigate life after divorce, take on the challenge of running the B&B, and slowly fall for the charm of small-town life was both heartwarming and fun.
The chemistry between Michelle and Cliff was sweet and slow-burning in the best way and his two daughters absolutely stole the show 🥹
I loved how real and relatable Michelle felt as a character, especially as she figured out what she truly wanted for herself. And Cliff?! I legit need a Cliff Burke in my life. That man was down BAD for Michelle even before he had even spoken to her.
If you are a true fan of rom-coms, this book is the perfect read for you. Julie Olivia did such an amazing job with creating the perfect small town vibes on this book.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Dreamily written, but functionally plotless. (Two “major” plot points in the first half of the book are a child falling and scraping her knee) That being said, it’s a cozy, warm, autumnal hug of a book.