Review by lilalhreads - If It Makes You Happy

lilalhreads 's review for:

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

5.0

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

WOW WOW WOW!!!

If It Makes You Happy is the perfect fall read. Taking place in 90s Vermont, Julie Olivia's writing made me feel as though I was right there with them in Copper Run (a town that gives me major Stars Hollow vibes btw). I want nothing more than to attend one of their many small town festivals.

A few of the things I really enjoyed were Michelle's friendship with Cliff's daughters, all the townspeople, Rocket a.k.a. the best boy ever, THE EPILOGUE (which I'm still crying over), and honestly, just the vibes. The author was able to nestle difficult subjects such as grief (in regards to the loss of a parents and the loss of a relationship) and the complicated relationship between children and their parents among swoon worthy scenes and moments that made you laugh out loud

There was just something so special about Cliff & Michelle and their slow burn. Their relationship felt so raw and real. These divorcees really warmed my heart. I could not put this book down because I just had to see when they would FINALLY admit their feelings. Seriously. I was reading this in between seating tables at work lol.

I can definitely see this becoming an Autumn reread for me each year.

Thank you to PenPalPR & Julie Olivia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to see everyone else fall in love with Cliff & Michelle just as much as I did

Content Warnings