A review by read_withmakenna
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

Grab your pumpkin spice latte, hot chocolate, apple cider, or whatever your favorite fall drink is, your favorite fall throw blanket, and a sweater because you will wish you had them before you started this book. I ADORED this book and couldn't get enough of it. There is some kind of magical pumpkin spice pixie dust in this book because I was thrown into a magical portal that landed me in the magical world of Copper Run. I'm not sure where Julie got this magical pumpkin spice pixie dust but I need it in my hands 24/7.

I felt like I was walking right next to these wonderful characters through this entire book and Julie did such a wonderful job making these characters come alive. I never wanted to leave Copper Run and I finished this book way to quickly because I just wanted more.

Through this entire book all I wanted was a freshly baked homemade cinnamon roll to eat right along with these characters. The relationship that Cliff and Michelle had from start to end had me giggling and kicking my feet with all of the banter, longing, and jokes these two shared. Michelle's relatiosnhips with Cliff's daughter was magical and it healed her soul to no ends. Don't even get me started on Michelle talking and reading her dog Rockets mind and experssions because perfection.

I felt like this book perfectly captioned the late 90s autumn time in a small town perfectly! This was the perfect small town and Julie captured the small town life style perfectly through only words. The nosey neighbors getting into everyones business, all of the different holiday decordtions that went up, the cosy inn with an owner who doesn't like people, works too much, and drinks way so much coffee! I need a vaction in this picture perfect time at this inn!

If you love 90s rom-coms, Gilmore Girls, small towns, single fathers, and a cozy read then this book is for you 🧡.

Thank you, @julieoliviaauthor , and @penpalpr for the opportunity to read this ARC 🧡.