If It Makes You Happy is a love letter to the 90s, the second half of the year (particularly the autumnal/fall season), and an homage to all the 90s/early 2000s rom-coms you know and love.

This book consumed my every waking thought (I want to go back 😫). My love for seasonal books and all things 90s was fed; this book provided all the right vibes and then some. I adored the setting and all of the characters (besides Allan, you know what you did 😡). I could NOT stop thinking about this book and I miss them all so much already 🥺

Slow dances in the local bakery, walks through the town square, trips to the video store, and a quirky B&B - What else could a girl ask for? This was a tremendously slow slow burn that hits you in the feels the entire time.

Julie writes characters so well. Cliff and Michelle couldn’t be more opposite, but they complimented each other exceptionally - like two missing puzzle pieces finally reunited at last! Their chemistry was palpable and their interactions had me giddy. 

If you’re craving a new seasonal rom-com, this is my #1 recommendation for you. Julie’s writing is so transformative - it isn’t even Autumn/Fall in Australia, yet I genuinely felt like I was transported to a small town in Vermont in the middle of Autumn. Bravo!

If It Makes You Happy is a perfect blend of the classic Julie Olivia charm I’ve grown to know and love, the Gilmore Girls small town/B&B antics, and all the vibes of a seasonal hallmark romance classic; this had me crying tears of joy and happiness.

This is a warm hug in book form -  Thank you for writing this masterpiece Julie ♡ This book was incredibly sweet and you can mark my words it will 100% be a contender for one of the top reads of the year for me.

Thank you to Jenny at PenPal PR and Julie Olivia for the complimentary e-Arc in exchange for an honest review. I’m so grateful that you let me read this early. All opinions in this review are my own.

♡ Autumn 1997 (all the right 90s vibes 😍)

♡ very slow burn (emphasis on slow)

♡ strangers to friends to lovers

♡ black cat x golden retriever

♡ single dad baker

♡ divorcees finding love again 

♡ small town

Final Rating: 5☆ 

Release Date: September 19, 2024 (this Thursday!!)