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A review by riniya
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
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!