Absolutely adorable! This book is the perfect cozy read for fall, especially for anyone who loves Gilmore Girls. It’s definitely a ‘mood read’—warm, charming, and filled with autumn vibes. If you’re in the overlapping part of the Venn diagram between Gilmore Girls fans and fall enthusiasts, you’re going to love this.

This book comes out September 2nd, 2025!

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

4.5/5 ⭐️

This book! I loved soo much about it and I can’t believe it’s my first Julie Olivia book! The chemistry between Michelle and Cliff formed naturally and I loved their friendship too. I truly loved the scenes with Cliffs daughters and how they went through some real life circumstances. There are slow and steady moments in the book that I could picture the porch at the Inn or the town festivals. I would love more with these characters!

And lastly, this cover 🥰🍁🥹🍂 all the cozy vibes!


Read this book if you like:
•forced proximity
•single dad
•small town vibes
•slow burn
•1990’s era
•cozy romance books

I loved this story. Michelle and Cliff were both interesting, along with the various side characters. There was humor and heart. Gilmore Girls town vibe. 90s nostalgia. What more could a girl ask for?
My only complaint is that sometimes the dialogue was odd and didn’t make sense to me, but other than that excellent read.

3.5 /5 ★
↳ I'm only rounding down to 3 on here because I enjoyed On Midnight Shores more and rated that one a 4. This book is still a very cute read though!

Date Finished ~ 05.05.2025
★ 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖊 - 𝖒𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝖒𝖆𝖞 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖕𝖔𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖘 ★

"𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚊 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍."

"𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜."

"𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝'𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑."

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 + 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑬 ~
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ City Girl meets Single Dad
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Grumpy x Sunshine
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Friends to Lovers
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ 🌶️

𝑴𝒀 𝑩𝑰𝑮𝑮𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑨𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 ~
╰┈➤ I really enjoyed that the subtly of Michelle's perfectionism is due to her subconsciously always trying to be enough for her Mom. Learning that in her most formative years her Mom was absent, really shows that Michelle isn't just a type A - but still a hurt child in a lot of ways who compares her relationship to her Mom with the relationship her sister had. She had to be perfect to be noticed by her Mom.
╰┈➤ Michelle simultaneously made me uncomfortable and I loved her a lot too. I found a lot of similarities in her character: the perfectionism, the messy parental relationship, the pride in yourself when you feel like you've accomplished enough to feel valid in those feelings vs knowing you also need to overcompensate in effort just to be satisfied with yourself. A younger sibling who seems like life just comes to so much easier. A messy ex who just decided they didn't love you anymore.
╰┈➤ I will say, this book dragged a bit for me and I wasn't able to consume it like I typically would for a romance novel. Don't get me wrong, I love a slow burn, but this book felt slow because there was nothing else at happening to counteract it. It made it harder to feel invested in these characters because there wasn't much at stake for them, like they didn't really have anything to lose.
╰┈➤ Cliff was too kind in my opinion to Tracy the entire book. She did a LOT of inexcusable things, not only to Cliff, but to her daughters and he ALWAYS made excuses for her. I understand that he is the "good guy" who never lets others flaws bother him, but by Christmas he was really pissing me off always making excuses for her.
╰┈➤ I liked how Julie did the Epilogue from Rocket's POV, it was very original and very cute. It definitely has the reader smiling at the end of the story (although I can't lie I was scared for a quick minute because I thought he was dying LOL).

𝑰𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑬𝑵𝑫 ~
After reading two of her books. I think Julie writes very cute romance novels, however I'm not sure her writing style is for me/my favourite. She uses a lot of the same repetition and character descriptors that gets a bit old. I definitely think I would be open to reading her other books in the future, but would just have to be in the mood! I think MANY people will enjoy this, especially if you pick it up when it releases as it will be the perfect fall season.

Thank you to Net Galley and Julie Olivia for this eArc in exchange for an honest review ~!

4.25/5 stars! This is a small town romance by author Julie Olivia. This story has a healthy dose of angst, but was also very cozy. This had some grumpy sunshine energy that I really enjoyed. Did I wish we could get to some spice a bit quicker? Yes; but I'm a spice sl*t so...

Can't wait to read more by this author.

You know what? I’m very happy to give this 4 stars, the anticipation of this book is well planned. The yearning is overwhelming with longing stares and touches. *chefs kiss*

Julie Olivia fits into the Nora Ephron feel good romance movies from the 90's. I also have to admit it very much reminds me of B.K. Borison's First Time Caller. There’s charm, growth, and in this case very much leaning into good old fashioned romance. The autumnal tones are nostalgic, cozy, introspective, and overall 'If It Makes You Happy' delivers an uplifting story.

Some fave moments? Cliff trying to bake the perfect pastry for Michelle. That just was perfection and felt fresh in a sea of romance novels. The subtle observational notes in this book punch. But I have to say that the epilogue from Rocket's perspective was a bit odd for me and let's just say a choice I didn't really understand.

I’m so happy that I got to read this book and knowing there’s more to come from Julie makes me excited.

Thank you so much Berkley Publishing Group and Berkley Romance for the digital arc!

If It Makes You Happy is the kind of book that feels like walking into a warmly lit kitchen on a chilly fall evening—comforting, nostalgic, and exactly what your heart needs. Set against the dreamy backdrop of 1997 small-town Vermont, this story delivers all the best parts of a slow-burn romance: lingering glances, delicious emotional tension, and just the right amount of mutual pining wrapped in flannel and cinnamon rolls.

Cliff is the ultimate soft-hearted single dad with a grumpy streak that only makes him more lovable, while the narrator’s journey of post-divorce healing is tender and relatable without ever feeling too heavy. Their chemistry crackles quietly beneath every page, and the cozy, autumnal vibe made me want to throw on a cable-knit sweater and light a candle immediately. It’s equal parts swoon-worthy and soul-soothing—perfect for anyone craving a romance that takes its time and hits you right in the feels.

It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book in one sitting. This has definitely made it to my top fav reads for this year omg. This book is perfect for FALL! Best believe I’ll be picking it up once it hits stores and will be rereading.

I adore these characters soooo much.

Cliff has my heart. He’s literally a sweetheart. We love a reassuring king!!
I felt like I could relate to Michelle in so many ways.
Brittany and Emily have my heart. I loved the bond between Brittany and Rocket.

I did not expect to tear up with the epilogue.

If you want a cute cozy read this is the one for you!

Thank you Netgalley for this arc.

I have officially found a new favorite romance/comfort/all season book. Copper Run, Michelle, Cliff, Rocket, Emily, and Brittany are all characters I can feel myself carrying for a long time. Growing up Gilmore Girls was a comfort show of mine and somehow this book took that and made it better.

If it Makes You Happy isn't some epic love story that involves hero's or world altering stakes, but it does involve a woman who doesn't think she's worthy of love and a man who jokes to keep everyone comfortable. Michelle and Cliff's friendship was incredibly tender and warm. It felt like apple cider on a fall day, truly. The way their relationship fell into place was so natural it felt like no time had passed when I was reading.

I could ramble on all day about how much I loved this book but the relationship that stood out to me the most was Rocket & Michelle's. The relationship between 'man's best friend' and their owner is one of a kind and watching them grow together was enough to make a grown woman weep. That epilogue did make me tear up- it was the most wholesome thing I've ever read.

I loved this book so much that I bought the physical copy promptly after reading the arc because I wanted a copy on my shelf that bad- I couldn't just have it on my kindle.

Thank you Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. Thanks to you I have found my new comfort read.

This book made me so happy!!! I was looking for something cozy to distract myself with but I wasn't expecting to fall so drastically in love with Cliff and Michelle's. This book was a warm hug and I won't shut up about how much I loved it. It was cozy and lighthearted but at the same time it was emotional at parts and sexy in others. The chemistry was undeniable and Cliff being a single father definetly did a number for me. I'll be waiting until fall to get my grabby hands into a physical copy of this one.

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia is an absolute delight—a swoony, sunshine-drenched romance that perfectly balances small-town charm, emotional depth, and irresistible chemistry.

Set in the whimsical world of Honeywood, Olivia once again proves her mastery of crafting feel-good love stories with just the right touch of real-world messiness. The characters are warm and authentic, with the female lead radiating strength and vulnerability in equal measure. The male lead? Pure cinnamon roll with just enough spice. Their dynamic is playful, heartfelt, and beautifully paced.

What really makes this book shine is how Olivia tackles the theme of happiness—not as some perfect destination, but as a winding, sometimes uncertain journey. There are moments of laughter, a few tears, and plenty of sweet, tender scenes that had me hugging the book by the end.

If you’re a fan of cozy romances with rich character development and a setting that feels like a hug, If It Makes You Happy is the book for you.

Perfect for fans of:
• Small-town romance
• Found family vibes
• Low angst but high heart
• Characters learning to choose joy—even when it’s complicated

Julie Olivia, once again, you’ve made happy!

I just know for a fact that this is the kind of book that is going to get everyone having it on hold when the time comes to check out from the library.

It’s quite a privilege I got to read this fantastic book early. “If it Makes You Happy” is a cozy, fall read with a single dad, and a small town that screams “Gilmore Girls”. A complete nostalgic story for anyone looking to snuggle up by the fire place as they watch the leaves fall down. And although it’s not fall at this very moment, I imagine this is the exact book that would get someone to crave that time of the year even more.

I swooned, I laughed, and often through my kindle across the room. This book was to die for, and will be that way for any hopeless romantic looking to just relax and watch two charcaters who go form dislike to like, fall in love. 5/5 for all the vibes and feels.

This book told me to grab a fall candle and a blanket, and I absolutely did exactly that. I absolutely will be rereading this book ‘If it makes you happy’ when fall comes because I just know that the vibes will be top notch. Just think Gilmore Girls. It feels like a warm blanket wrapping around you🫶

Our heroine just got divorced, inherited a B&B with more creaky floorboards than guests, and is one bad scone away from a full meltdown. Enter Cliff: small-town dad, cinnamon roll in a flannel, bakes like Mary Berry possessed by Ryan Gosling (He was so hot my pants accidentally felk to the ground)

Tension that will make you blush like crazy, chemistry that will make you melt, and a story that will absolutely have you giggling and kicking your feet. This isn't just a romance, it's cozy emotional damage wrapped in knitwear.

Read this if you love:
- Gilmore Girls fall energy
- Gruff softies who bake
- “We can only be friends” lies
- Small town healing with a side of pastry-induced attraction
-Single dad

By the end, I was aggressively Googling Vermont inns I cannot afford and contemplating my life choices, because I fear now it’s my turn to live my love story.

Love love love love! I loved everything about this sweet Fall-themed romance. The crisp air, the cozy vibes, the 90s nostalgia. All of it were perfect in my book. Our romance book club is going to absolutely flip for this one, so we are buying several copies.

YALLLLL THIS BOOK OH MY GOD!!!

so i had been eyeballing this book for quite awhile seeing all of my friends love it but i was a little hesitant to start due to the size of it, when i found out that it was getting republished i thought “oh what good timing” in the sense of there would probably be minor edits/revamping so better to just wait and man oh man im left with wanting to kick myself for ever waiting but so happy because this book found me at the absolute perfect time. i (unfortunately) reside in florida and i am a cold weather, fall/winter loving, hates living in a big city girl to my core and with summer starting to ramp up this felt like such a wonderful escape into all the cozy vibes i couldve dreamed of 🥰

let me start with this is a MAJOR slow burn, like they dont get together till 70% agonizing (lovingly) slow burn BUT THE BUILD UP IS SOOOO WONDERFUL 😭

there are way too many good things about this book to sit and try to convey to you just how wonderful it felt to read it, usually with larger romance books such as this there are always points where it starts to fall off through out. especially when the romance isnt at the forefront almost the entire time, but dare i say that aspect was what made this book absolutely perfect?

you get to watch cliff & shell through out all of their stages. her reluctance to let him in and help her, the way he slowly but surely chips at those high walls shell surrounded herself by, the way they fall into like with each other and then love, the way shell falls in love with cliffs two girls. the cutest/sassiest dog!!! all of it was pure perfection. theres just enough angst through out but not too much that it gets annoying. the nostalgia factor is done brilliantly, its there and you feel it the entire time but not in a cliche way whatsoever.

lastly, the epilogue of this book 🥹 tears WILL be shed.

This literally felt like drinking a warm cup of tea on a crisp fall day. Julie captured all the cozy, small town vibes and feelings! I absolutely loved this.

This was literally one of my favorite reads of the year and I will be recommending this to absolutely everyone I know. If you love Gilmore Girls, this is the book for you. This takes place in a cozy little town called Coopers Run. After the death of her mother, Michelle comes to this town to run her mother’s pride and joy, Bird & Breakfast. Michelle was never that close to her mother but would do absolutely anything for her sister including putting her life on hold to run this bed and breakfast until her sister graduates. Michelle is fresh off a break up and a death so she is starting over temporarily in this small town. Immediately once she steps into this town she meets her next door neighbors: Cliff and his daughters. Cliff is a single dad who owns the bakery in town. He is a jokester, golden retriever and would do absolutely anything for his kids. Throughout this book Cliff and Michelle develop a friendship like they’ve never had before. They are confiding in each other and telling them things no one else knows. This is the perfect strangers to friends to lovers. This is such a wholesome and different romance book to the ones I’ve normally read and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

You know how we all read our sweet and cute romance books and then we talk about the tropes and the components of the book we really loved. This book feels bigger than that. I can sit here and say it gave Gilmore Girls vibes and the grumpy/sunshine, single parent, slowburn made me feral and all of these things would be true, but If It Makes You Happy felt like a hell of a lot more.

I saw this book on TikTok somewhere, while I was doom scrolling and someone had said it was literal perfection. Those are big words so immediately I had to request it on Netgalley (bless their souls for approving me). After finishing it, I am now firmly on the side of it was immaculate and I have NO NOTES. I am ranking this as one of my favourite books of 2025 so far.

I wish I knew how to capture in writing how this book made me feel; but alas thats why I'm reader and not a writer. Following Michelle & Cliff's relationship made me giddy, at one point I was literally SO mad at both Allen and Tracy, how dare they make these sweet perfect angels feel inadequate.
Julie Olivia made all of her characters so flawed and real, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to stumble into a small town and meet them all. She outlined the complexity of human relationships so well it had me hyper-analyzing my own feelings about certain people.

So like I said, I can try to sell you on the usual things I would say about a book, because most of the time books are just an good time and thats not a bad thing; just that this book was more than that and I will be screaming about it from the rooftops from here on out.

I love how the author captures the essence of fall, with its crisp air, cozy vibes, and the feeling of starting anew. The emotional depth, the small-town charm, and the blossoming connection between these two characters make this an absolute must-read if you’re looking for something tender and uplifting. This book made me believe in the magic of second chances and the unexpected paths to happiness.

I previously read this story when it was indie-published, and was more than happy to read it again! This is SUCH a fantastic romance. As someone born in 1991, this gave me allllll the nostalgic vibes, and I was so here for it. The setting and imagery were done so perfectly and had me feeling like I was essentially in Stars Hollow or another cozy small town. Cliff and Michelle were so perfect for each other, and I was so happy his sweet girls had another strong female to love them as they deserved all of the love (they were so fun). Julie really knows how to make you feel like you are the one in the story with the way the small moments are focused on (such as the description of the baked goods and the smells, the descriptions of the atmosphere, etc.) As a single parent myself, this story truly resonated with me and I can only hope to find a love like this for myself and my daughter one day.