Julie Olivia’s latest offering serves as both a warm embrace and a gentle nudge toward self-discovery, wrapped in the autumnal beauty of small-town Vermont. In “If It Makes You Happy,” readers follow Michelle as she navigates the choppy waters of divorce, loss, and unexpected second chances while temporarily taking over her late mother’s bed-and-breakfast.
“If It Makes You Happy” opens with Michelle at her mother’s wake, carrying the fresh wounds of divorce alongside her grief. Olivia masterfully establishes the emotional landscape early—Michelle is a Seattle advertising executive whose carefully constructed life has crumbled, forcing her to retreat to Copper Run, Vermont, a place that feels foreign despite being her mother’s beloved home. The juxtaposition between Michelle’s corporate polish and the town’s rustic charm creates immediate tension that drives much of the narrative forward.
Character Development That Feels Authentic
Michelle: The Reluctant Small-Town Visitor
Michelle emerges as a refreshingly flawed protagonist who struggles with basic hospitality despite being intelligent and capable in her professional life. Her inability to make decent biscuits or engage warmly with guests provides both comic relief and genuine character growth opportunities. Olivia crafts Michelle’s arc with remarkable nuance—she’s not simply a city woman who needs to learn small-town values, but rather someone who must reconcile her grief, rebuild her confidence, and discover what truly makes her happy.
The author excels at showing Michelle’s internal battles without resorting to heavy-handed exposition. Her awkward interactions with bed-and-breakfast guests ring painfully true, as does her gradual transformation under Cliff’s patient tutelage. The “People Lessons” subplot adds humor while addressing real interpersonal skills that many readers will recognize in themselves.
Cliff: More Than the Perfect Small-Town Dad
Cliff Burke could have easily fallen into the trap of being too perfect—the handsome single father who bakes divine cinnamon rolls and always knows exactly what to say. Instead, Olivia layers in genuine complexity. His struggles with co-parenting, his awkward encounters with his ex-wife Tracy, and his own fears about dogs (despite his daughter’s love for Rocket) make him three-dimensional.
The dynamic between Cliff and his daughters, Emily and Brittany, feels authentic to the late 1990s setting. Emily’s teenage attitude and Brittany’s innocent enthusiasm create realistic family dynamics that enhance rather than detract from the romance.
Romance That Burns Slowly and Satisfyingly
The romantic development between Michelle and Cliff unfolds with delicious restraint. Olivia understands that the best romances simmer rather than explode, allowing readers to savor each meaningful glance, accidental touch, and moment of connection. Their relationship grows organically from mutual assistance—he helps her learn hospitality skills while she helps with childcare—into something deeper and more meaningful.
The haunted maze scene represents a turning point where physical attraction meets emotional vulnerability, but Olivia wisely doesn’t rush into physical intimacy. Instead, she focuses on building the foundation of friendship and mutual respect that makes their eventual romantic connection feel inevitable and earned.
The Seattle Dilemma: Career vs. Heart
One of the strongest elements of “If It Makes You Happy” is how it handles Michelle’s career ambitions without dismissing them as trivial compared to finding love. Her promotion to executive level in Seattle represents years of hard work and dedication. Olivia respects this achievement while exploring whether success in one’s chosen field necessarily equates to personal fulfillment.
Setting as Character: Copper Run’s Autumnal Embrace
The Vermont setting transcends mere backdrop to become an integral part of the story. Olivia’s love letter to autumn radiates through every page—from harvest festivals and Halloween celebrations to the simple pleasure of watching leaves change colors. The seasonal atmosphere enhances the themes of transformation and new beginnings while providing a cozy cocoon for the developing romance.
The bed-and-breakfast itself becomes a metaphor for Michelle’s journey. Initially, she struggles to maintain it properly, but as she grows more connected to the community and confident in herself, the establishment flourishes. The guest book reviews serve as a tangible measure of her progress.
1990s Nostalgia Done Right
The late 1990s setting feels authentic rather than gimmicky. Olivia includes period-appropriate details—from Emily’s Discman and CD collection to the general absence of cell phones and social media—without overwhelming the story with nostalgic references. The era enhances the story’s themes about simpler times and genuine human connections.
Supporting Characters Who Add Depth
The secondary characters avoid one-dimensional stereotypes. Lisa and George, the well-meaning neighbors, provide both comic relief and genuine community support. Emily and Brittany each have distinct personalities and story arcs that complement rather than overshadow the main romance. Even Rocket the dog serves a purpose beyond cuteness—he represents Michelle’s complicated past while eventually becoming a symbol of her ability to care for others.
Writing Style and Pacing
Olivia’s prose strikes an effective balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her dialogue sparkles with natural wit, particularly in the banter between Michelle and Cliff. The pacing allows for both quiet character moments and more dramatic scenes without feeling rushed or sluggish.
The author demonstrates particular skill in handling internal monologue, especially Michelle’s anxious overthinking and Cliff’s observations about his complex family situation. These internal moments feel genuine rather than forced.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel succeeds on most levels, some elements could have been strengthened. The resolution of Michelle’s career dilemma, while emotionally satisfying, feels slightly rushed compared to the careful pacing of the romance development. Additionally, some of the bed-and-breakfast guest interactions blur together, though this may be intentional to show Michelle’s initial struggles with hospitality.
The conflict with Tracy, Cliff’s ex-wife, resolves perhaps too neatly. More exploration of the co-parenting challenges might have added additional depth to Cliff’s character development.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond the romance, “If It Makes You Happy” explores several meaningful themes. The importance of community connection in an increasingly isolated world feels particularly relevant. Michelle’s journey from corporate isolation to small-town integration speaks to many readers questioning whether professional success equals personal fulfillment.
“If It Makes You Happy” also thoughtfully addresses grief and healing. Michelle’s relationship with her mother’s memory evolves throughout the story, culminating in a deeper understanding of what her mother was trying to build in Copper Run.
Final Verdict: A Cozy Romance That Delivers
“If It Makes You Happy” succeeds as both escapist entertainment and meaningful character study. Olivia has crafted a romance that feels both timeless and grounded in its specific time and place. The novel will appeal to readers seeking the comfort of small-town romance while appreciating characters with genuine depth and realistic conflicts.
This isn’t a story about a woman who needs to be rescued by love, but rather about someone learning to rescue herself with the support of an unexpected community. The romance enhances Michelle’s journey toward self-discovery rather than replacing it.
Similar Reads to Explore
Readers who enjoyed this cozy Vermont romance should consider:
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – For another story about writers finding inspiration and love in unexpected places
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – Features similar enemies-to-lovers dynamics with excellent banter
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – Another heartwarming story about finding home and family in unexpected places
- “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang – For readers who enjoyed the slow-burn romance with authentic character development
- Books by Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings – Their small-town romances share similar cozy atmospheres
About Julie Olivia’s Growing Bibliography
This marks Olivia’s second standalone novel following “The Fake Santa Apology Tour.” Her extensive series work includes the Never Harbor series, Honeywood Fun Park series, and Into You series, showcasing her versatility across different romantic settings and scenarios. Each demonstrates her gift for creating authentic characters and communities that readers want to revisit.
Rating Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers seeking character-driven romance with authentic small-town atmosphere and genuine emotional depth.
