If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

                                                     

September 1st has arrived, and there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a cozy fall read like this one.

If It Makes You Happy Arc Review

This book just made me so genuinely happy; it gave me such a feel-good vibe while reading. It reminded me so much of my favorite 90s and early 2000s rom-coms, and I absolutely loved the cozy autumn and holiday aesthetic it’s set in.

It has elements from all the best rom-com movies, but still feels like a story all its own. The characters gave off major Gilmore Girls energy—kind of like a reversed Lorelai and Luke dynamic. She’s the introverted, grumpy one, and he’s the sweet, goofy golden retriever type.

I really connected with Michelle; she felt real to me. Even though she described herself as cold and difficult, I still found her super likable. And Cliff? I loved that there was more to him than just the humor—he had genuine depth. Both of them had real, relatable insecurities, but they were such a perfect match.

Cliff was honestly the cutest girl dad ever, and can we please bring back the longer ‘90s hairstyle for men? Because Cliff’s hair was amazing throughout the book—Michelle thought so too.

The pacing was also spot-on. The story unfolds over four months, and it never felt rushed or dragged out. That’s something a lot of authors struggle with, but I thought it was handled perfectly here.

If you're in the mood for a cozy, slow-burn rom-com with all the fall vibes, this book is the perfect seasonal read!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🗸90s rom-com
🗸Hot girl dad
🗸He bakes for her
🗸Reverse Lorelai and Luke vibes
🗸Both divorced
🗸All the fall vibes
🗸Grumpy dog sidekick
🗸Slow-burn

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia is out September 2nd!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!