If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia Book Review

4 Stars

This turned out to be a surprisingly comforting and engaging read, the kind that feels simple on the surface but works its way under your skin as you go. Honestly, with how overhyped this book was, I was prepared to roll my eyes and move on, but that didn’t happen. Once I figured out the characters and the setting, it just clicked for me, and I genuinely liked it.

So What is “If It Makes You Happy” actually about?
The story follows Michelle, who has just gone through a brutal one-two punch: her mother passes away, and then her husband announces he wants a divorce. She’s a workaholic who doesn’t show emotions easily, so all of these changes hit her fast and hard. She ends up taking over her late mother’s inn for a few months, which brings her from the city into a small, close-knit town where everyone seems to know everyone.

That’s where she meets Cliff, a single dad who runs the local bakery. He’s beloved in town, cheerful, dependable, the type of person everyone gravitates towards.

Michelle and Cliff start off as neighbors who keep bumping into each other, then slowly grow into friends, and eventually something more, but nothing rushed or dramatic. It’s a slow burn with room to breathe, the kind of romance that builds on everyday moments, shared responsibilities, and quiet conversations. The town plays a big role too, with all its small traditions and familiar faces shaping the story around them.

Now back to my thoughts.
The town was one of my favorite parts, honestly. It felt warm and grounded, the type of place you can picture clearly without the book trying too hard. Emily, being a parallel to Michelle, added so much perspective, seeing the ways they reflect and differ from each other. That part gave the whole story more weight and made me appreciate Michelle’s growth even more.

The grief here is handled in a way I liked; it’s present and thick in the air, but not dramatized. It’s just there, shaping Michelle quietly, which makes her reactions feel real. And the pacing worked so well for me. I picked it up around 11 pm, thinking I’d read a few chapters. The next thing I knew it was 2 am, and I had to force myself to stop so I could get some sleep. There was just never a clean place to pause; every chapter rolled smoothly into the next.

Cliff’s character surprised me. He’s the type everyone in town loves, but the book gives you glimpses of his self-doubt too, and that made him feel layered instead of perfect. Michelle was relatable in her own way, not the standard bubbly FMC. She’s quiet, direct, bad with social stuff, and obsessed with her work. I understood her reactions deeply because they made sense for someone who has been holding herself together for so long.

The first chapter wasn’t the easiest to push through, but once I got a handle on who was who and what was going on, everything else read smoothly. Overall, this book was pleasant and cozy, way better than I expected. It kept my attention, made me care about the characters, and honestly was just a nice experience. I’m glad I didn’t let the hype turn me away because it was genuinely worth the read.

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia Blurb

Grab your favourite fall candle, cuddle into a comfy blanket, and travel back in time to 1997 in this cozy, slow-burn romance
Perfect for fans Gilmore Girls, autumn and Laurie Gilmore!

‘Pure rom-com magic‘ B.K. Borison, bestselling author of First Time Caller

‘This is the perfect fall romance and I couldn’t recommend it enough!’ 5* Reader Review

‘This book truly felt like a cozy, fall movie and i’m being so serious when i say you need to pick it up!’ 5* Reader Review

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My new next-door neighbor seems to have life completely figured out.

Small-town golden boy? Check.
Single dad extraordinaire? Check.
Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, obviously.

Me? Not so much. Taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run, Vermont was supposed to help me heal after my divorce. Instead, my scones are inedible, my small talk is worse, and Cliff, yes, the golden boy himself, never fails to point it out.

The problem is, Cliff is everywhere. His charm, his flannel, his pastries, and his daughters, make it impossible not to like him.

Friends? Sure, I can do friends. That’s safe.

Except I’m only here for three months before heading back to Seattle for the promotion I’ve been chasing.

So why am I suddenly imagining what it would be like to kiss my hot neighbor?

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia Book Tropes