paytonovels 's review for:

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

4.5

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This literally felt like being transported back into the autumns of my youth. I could smell the leaves and feel the crispness of the air and taste the delicious fall flavors. And I also could feel the YEARNING.

Michelle is more kind and loving and earnest than her guardedness gives her credit for. She (and others) mistake the way she prioritizes duty over flash for coldness - but she compartmentalizes the way she does because it allows her to be the person she thinks those around her need the most - everything is rooted in care. 

And Cliff is a phenomenal father wrapped in baked goods and flannels. He’s open and unflinchingly honest and expressive in a way that draws the same out of his girls - Michelle included - and allows them the security to be vulnerable too. 

Now I want to go make a pumpkin pie and listen to the crinkle of leaves blowing down the street in the wind, ttyl.