⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars — could easily be 5 depending on my mood)

If It Makes You Happy is what you’d get if Gilmore Girls moved to late-’90s Vermont, brought When Harry Met Sally banter with it, and emotionally side-eyed you like Stepmom with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, romantic, and brimming with small-town charm.

Michelle is a successful but emotionally guarded woman who temporarily takes over her family’s B&B after her mother’s passing. Cue the broodingly sweet next-door baker, Cliff — a single dad trying to rebuild after heartbreak. What starts as resistance blooms into friendship, slow-burn romance, and eventually deep connection. The emotional build-up? Immaculate. The pastry flirting? Iconic.

Cliff’s daughters are standout characters who bring so much emotional richness to the story. Emily, his teen daughter, is sarcastic, angsty, and secretly tenderhearted. Her scenes had me laughing one moment and tearing up the next. Brittany, age six, is pure chaotic sunshine, obsessed with Rocket (the world’s sassiest border collie) and ready to throw down with any kid who disrespects her fave wrestler, Steve Austin. Watching Michelle earn their trust and step into a loving, complex role in their lives was one of the most rewarding arcs in the book.

Set in a charming Vermont town across a crisp, cozy fall (with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas included), the setting was so vivid it felt like I lived there. Bonus: it’s set in the late ’90s, with an actual playlist that made my elder millennial heart sing. I made a Spotify version and listened to it the whole time I was reading — a perfect pairing.

There’s also a standout cast of side characters (hello sunshine-y sister and Rocket the border collie, who gets his own adorable epilogue POV), warm community vibes, and complex family dynamics. Found family, grief, love, healing — it’s all here, and handled with sincerity and care.

My only small critiques: the book is long (500+ pages), and while it reads fast, some plot threads (like Michelle’s relationship with her mom or a skipped-over Thanksgiving subplot) could’ve used more resolution. But overall, this book absolutely worked for me — emotionally, atmospherically, and romantically.

Huge thanks to Berkley for the ARC. This is an unforgettable read I’ll be recommending to anyone who loves character-driven romance, found family, and a side of cinnamon rolls. Releases September 2 — don’t miss it!

A cute late 90s romance story. That's what sparked my interest. Overall a cute and cozy read that reminds you a smalltown feel like Gilmore Girls setting, It was a bit slow for my liking. Great epilogue!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book as an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

ARC Review: If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Pub Date: September 2, 2025

Thank you @berkleyromance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. A huge thank you to @bookswithnopictures and @Just_talking_to_myshelf for including me on the traveling ARC.

WHAT A BOOK!!! This was exactly what I was hoping for - it had all the 90's nostalgia, a swoony love interest, and the best found family/town you could ask for.

When Michelle temporarily takes over running her deceased mother's small town Bed and Breakfast, the last thing she's hoping to do is put down roots. Michelle isn't great at meeting new people and it turns out she could learn a lot about customer service and running a B&B. Her next door neighbor, Cliff, comes to her begrudging rescue. Cliff is from Copper Run and is a single dad to two young girls - all he knows is deep roots in this town. But soon Michelle finds herself friends with Cliff and fantasizing about something more, despite that she also wants to return to her old life ASAP.

This book just screams fall vibes and we all know that I'm a fall girlie! I loved the slow burn relationship between Michelle and Cliff and how well it fit both of their characters. I adored the secondary characters so much - I don't always love kids in books but I thought these kids were really well written. I also just squealed at basically every 90's reference - from boom boxes, to pay phones, to faxes. Just utterly delightful honestly.

Highly highly recommend this one at all times but especially in the fall!

"Grab your favorite fall candle, cuddle into a comfy blanket, and travel back in time to 1997 in this cozy, slow-burn romance set in the autumn glow of small-town Vermont.

Now with exclusive bonus content!

My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn't notice them, I swear.

I, on the other hand, don't - at all - have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn't think taking over my mom's dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff.

Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need - always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard.

Friends? I can make friends. That's safe. Except I'm leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I've been working towards. So ask me why I'm thinking about kissing my hot neighbor."

If you're not singing Sheryl Crow in your head right now who are you?

A 90s romcom! Loved this. Super sweet, cozy, and atmospheric. I was smiling all the way through! Though "tropey" (in a good way), this still feels real. And the epilogue is the sweetest addition that had me in tears. 5 Stars.

This book, this perfect cozy Fall romance! Julia Olivia’s If It Makes You Happy kept me up all night smiling and wishing there was more as I closed the book (because I loved it, not because it needed more—the ending is perfect as is!). Michelle has taken over her late mother’s B&B after her divorce, but her people skills could use a little help, good thing her attractive, single dad neighbor is there with baked good from him bakery to help her. But Michelle is only there for three months, but even knowing she’s set to leave, she can’t seem to help from thinking about Cliff and from falling from this small town of Copper Run. Set in 1997, this is a quintessential 90s rom com from start to finish, and I loved every second. I’m sad I read this 500-page book on a day because I want to live in its pages longer. It is wholesome and heartwarming. A slow burn, I adored Cliff and Michelle and their friendship to romance. And Cliff’s daughters and Michelle’s dog were just wonderful. Copper Run is so vivid with wonderful fall festivals and loving characters all over. It’s funny and emotional and wonderful. I could not put this down, and it’s just absolutely adorable and endearing! Couldn’t recommend this book more! It is the perfect Fall romance!

This book was pure Gilmore Girls meets ‘90s rom-com perfection! It’s the kind of feel-good, cozy read that wraps you up like your favorite sweater. Lighthearted and fun, yet full of heart, it strikes the perfect balance.

The character development was especially well done—you truly get to see each person grow in a meaningful and authentic way.

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall read, look no further. This one’s an absolute must! 🍂📚💛

This was honestly the cutest autumnal read I’ve ever picked up. Michelle is such a strong, lovable character, and Cliff—don’t even get me started. His kindness, his girls… ugh, my heart! Every single character in this story pulled at my emotions in the best way possible. It totally gave off Gilmore Girls vibes—cozy, sweet, and full of fall charm. I’m seriously so sad it’s over.

And can we please get a story about Lars, Carol, and Sarah next? I would eat that up. Oh—and Rocket! That dog made this book a 10/10 for me. What a star.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Julie Olivia for the amazing eARC!

“There are lots of beautiful women in Copper Run, but I can’t remember the last time I saw someone as breathtaking as her.“

This book was such a cozy, feel-good read! From the moment Michelle arrived in Copper Run, I was hooked. Watching her navigate life after divorce, take on the challenge of running the B&B, and slowly fall for the charm of small-town life was both heartwarming and fun.

The chemistry between Michelle and Cliff was sweet and slow-burning in the best way and his two daughters absolutely stole the show 🥹

I loved how real and relatable Michelle felt as a character, especially as she figured out what she truly wanted for herself. And Cliff?! I legit need a Cliff Burke in my life. That man was down BAD for Michelle even before he had even spoken to her.

If you are a true fan of rom-coms, this book is the perfect read for you. Julie Olivia did such an amazing job with creating the perfect small town vibes on this book.

This book was so fun! I loved Cooper Run and all the people there. I loved the 90s references to movies and music, its the era I grew up in and I loved reading all of it and feeling like I was there again.
Michelle and Cliff, their relationship is so sweet as it builds. I liked that they became friends first and really relied on each other. He really helps Michelle come out of her shell and relax and be happier.
I liked the relationship she develops with his kids too. It makes your heart sing to see them getting along and see how much that means to Cliff that she cares about his girls too.
The holidays were so fun too. Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas. I loved them all. The cozy town feel and how they made a big deal for each holiday. It really made me remember back to those years and the ways I spent those holidays and what music or movies were popular.
Such a fun read. I would totally read more books set in Cooper Run if anymore home out in the future.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

It Makes You Happy was pure sunshine. Charming, cozy, and full of heart—it gave me all the small-town romance feels. The chemistry was adorable, the setting was dreamy, and I closed the book smiling.

This book is autumn reading perfection. Between the 90's references, hilarious banter, touching moments, and fall vibes I couldn't put it down. I went into this not entirely knowing if it was going to something I'd love, but by the 3rd chapter I knew I was sucked in completely. In 1997 I was like a little older than Brittany (the youngest daughter) and so many things in this book took me back and made me feel so much nostalgia (I'm looking at you, tamagotchi's)

Cliff is the perfect example of Golden Retriever energy while still remaining emotionally intelligent and mature. He is a divorced, single dad that owns/runs a bakery in a small Vermont town. He's the type of dad I honestly wished I had and seeing how he treats, respects, and communicates with his daughters made me love him even more. He tries to co-parent as best as he can with his ex, who left to live out her dreams in the city. He handles hard conversations, teenage sass, little girl tears with charm, respect, laughter and so much love.

Michelle had me rooting for her from the very beginning. She is newly divorced and has to navigate this new phase in her life while also grieving the loss of her mom. She is an older sister that takes care of everyone else, extremely successful in her career, but she remains closed off and quiet while still being strong and confident. Seeing her walls come down brick by brick for Cliff was so special and sweet. She temporarily takes over running the Inn her mother owned in the idyllic small town. A town that is full of kind (but nosy) neighbors, holiday festivals, and so much charm. She has to learn to let her guard down and let people in, and that it's okay to need help. Getting the front row seat to the growing relationship between Michelle and Cliff's daughters made me so teary-eyed. The way she's there for both of them, supports and protects them (but especially Emily) is just so special.

And I can't forget to mention the absolute star of this book, Rocket. That dog owns me. I love him and he's the bestest boy.

TROPES:
Small Town
Slow Burn (🌶️🌶️)
Golden Retriever x black cat
Perfect fall vibes
Single dad
Set in 1997
Banter

This book was so cute - I love that it got a fresh up and is getting rereleased in sept because it is literally the perfect cozy fall book. As a 90’s baby this really brought me back, especially knowing I was britbrits age roughly through it all. Throw on your coziest music, maybe start a fire, and sink down in some fluffy blankets for this sweet little romance. Btw the epilogue being rocket was everything! Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley for this arc in exchange for my honest review

OH MY GOSH ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well this was the cutest autumnal book I’ve ever read, Michelle is such a strong character and Cliff and his kindness and his girls ughhh, Honestly every character in this book just hit me right in the feels! It’s so Gilmore girls coded such a cozy sweet fall book, I’m so sad this is over! I wouldn’t be mad if there was another story about maybe Lars and Carol and Sarah! And Rocket oh Rocket he made this book a 10/10!!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Berkeley publishing group, and Julie Olivia for the amazing eARC!!

I enjoyed this 90s romcom for the most part! Single dad and uptight inn owner are a match made in heaven.

There were certain aspects of the teen pregnancy storyline that I didn’t particularly love, and I also found the pacing a bit slow.

I think this is a fun cozy romance for fall!

This book is just perfect for the upcoming seasons!

A cozy little wholesome romance with great characters who have banter that is out of this world and the fact that our MMC goes out of his way to bake a new pastry every. single. day. just figure out FMC favorite had me swooning! This had a very decent plot that flows and stays on a pace that makes sense.

When I saw the single dad trope i was sold hook line and sinker, it always gets me and it’s done very well in this read.

My only complaint is the third act breakup.

I enjoyed this a lot.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.



Review links to be posted closer to publication date

3.5 ⭐
This was a cute feel-good cozy and nostalgic read.
When Michelle moves to a small town to help run her mother’s inn, she needs the outgoing hilarious baker who lives next-door. At first glance, she wouldn’t think that they would be perfect for each other, but through all of their absent downs, they truly are. The only problem is she is moving back at the end of the year when her sister comes to take over.
I loved both of the characters and Cliff’s kids were absolutely adorable and a huge part of the story too. you will definitely be rooting for them to be together and work everything out. I also love how this story really pushed Michelle outside of her comfort zone and showed her what truly mattered.
If you are looking for a cozy fall romance, this book is exactly what you’re looking for.

Book Review: If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars

This book is like a warm, cozy hug—and I loved every second of it. If It Makes You Happy brings all the Gilmore Girls and '90s nostalgia vibes, set in a small town so alive it feels like its own character.
Cliff and Michelle? Pure magic. Their chemistry sparks from the very beginning and only intensifies as the story unfolds. Their friendship-turned-romance is the perfect blend of sweet, slow, and swoony—like the best kind of slow burn that simmers with real heart. And let’s be honest… there’s just something about a single dad—especially when he’s a girl dad. I instantly melted. 💕
Julie Olivia perfectly balances cozy vibes with tension and heat-filled moments, creating a romance that feels both comforting and electric. This book reminded me of all the best ‘90s rom-com movies—fun, flirty, full of charm, but with heart and substance that lingers. With lovable side characters, heartfelt scenes, and a romance that feels both comforting and electric, this one is an absolute must-read. Rocket the dog is …❤️❤️ His epilogue is the sweetest, most wholesome thing!!

This is the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with and never leave!

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the E-ARC in exhange for my honest thoughts!

this was such a beautiful story. I love the quiet comfort of the narrative, and the atmospheric cosiness of the writing style and the setting. What a beautiful romance story.

This book feels like a warm hug. I adored all the 90’s nostalgia mixed with the fall & winter scenery. This story was the definition of a cozy romance. It’s pretty impossible to not fall in love with Michelle and Cliff’s story, but the found family aspects truly warmed my heart. I loved how seamlessly Michelle was able to connect with Brittany and Em. And who can complain when there’s a pet that’s actually part of the main cast? This story also tackles harder topics such as death of a loved one, divorce, and complicated relationships with such grace. Basically, If It Makes You Happy will be living in my head rent free for the foreseeable future. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone seeking out a cozy rom-com to cuddle up with. Thank you to Berkley for the advanced reader copy!