If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
on September 2, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 512
Format: Audiobook
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If you’re in the mood for a feel-good, small-town romance with all the cozy fall vibes, If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia is a perfect pick. Set from September through December of 1997, this story delivers that nostalgic pre-digital charm—think handwritten notes, cassette tapes, and conversations that happen face-to-face instead of through a screen. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to light a candle, bake something (hopefully more edible than Michelle’s scones), and settle in for a slow-burn love story.

After her divorce, Michelle heads to Copper Run, Vermont to take over her mom’s dream bed and breakfast for a few months. It’s meant to be a temporary escape—a way to heal and reset before moving back to Seattle for a promotion. But running a B&B isn’t as simple as it sounds. Her baking skills are… questionable, and her confidence has taken a hit.

Enter Cliff, her new next-door neighbor. He’s the small-town golden boy: a single dad, local baker, and all-around good guy who somehow knows exactly what everyone needs. Michelle’s determined to keep things friendly—after all, she’s leaving in three months—but Cliff’s easy charm, flannel shirts, and thoughtful gestures make it hard not to fall just a little bit in love.

This book truly feels like a hug in story form. I loved watching Michelle and Cliff’s friendship grow into something deeper, filled with quiet moments, vulnerability, and chemistry that builds beautifully over time. Their dynamic is tender and believable—the kind of slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you in the best way.

The late-90s setting adds so much personality. There’s something special about a romance that unfolds without texts or social media—just two people getting to know each other the old-fashioned way. Julie Olivia captures that sense of nostalgia perfectly.

If I had one small critique, it’s that the story felt a little longer than it needed to be. There were moments where the pacing could’ve been tighter. But even with that, I found myself smiling all the way through. It’s warm, charming, and full of heart.

If It Makes You Happy is a cozy, friends-to-lovers romance that blends small-town charm, emotional growth, and 90s nostalgia into a story that’s as comforting as a warm slice of pie. If you love books that make you feel good—and remind you that happiness can sneak up on you when you least expect it—this one belongs on your TBR.