Julie Olivia’s “If It Makes You Happy” arrives like a warm cup of cider on a crisp autumn morning, wrapping readers in the golden-hued comfort of 1990s nostalgia while delivering a surprisingly nuanced exploration of healing, identity, and what it truly means to find home. Set against the backdrop of Copper Run, Vermont, during the autumn of 1997, this contemporary romance manages to capture both the coziness of small-town life and the complex emotional terrain of starting over.
The story follows Michelle, a recently divorced advertising manager who reluctantly inherits her late mother’s bed and breakfast. What begins as a temporary pit stop before returning to her coveted Seattle job becomes a journey of self-discovery, complicated by her growing attraction to Cliff, the town’s golden boy baker and devoted single father. Olivia crafts a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh, utilizing classic rom-com tropes while infusing them with genuine emotional depth.
Character Development That Resonates
Michelle: The Perfectly Imperfect Protagonist
Michelle emerges as a wonderfully complex heroine who defies the typical romance novel mold. Rather than the polished, confident career woman we might expect, Olivia presents us with someone genuinely struggling to find her footing. Her attempts at hospitality are endearingly disastrous—her scones belong “in the garbage,” as Cliff so bluntly points out—yet these failures make her infinitely more relatable and human.
The author’s decision to make Michelle’s divorce a central part of her character development rather than mere backstory demonstrates sophisticated storytelling. Her journey isn’t just about finding love again; it’s about rediscovering who she is outside the confines of her failed marriage and whether the life she thought she wanted is actually the one that will make her happy.
Cliff: More Than the Typical Male Lead
Cliff Burke could have easily fallen into the trap of being too perfect—the handsome baker with “hot forearms” who seems to have everything figured out. Instead, Olivia layers him with genuine vulnerabilities and struggles. His devotion to his daughters Emily and Brittany feels authentic rather than performative, and his reluctance to pursue Michelle stems from genuine consideration for both their futures rather than manufactured conflict.
The author particularly excels in showing Cliff’s internal conflict about letting people stay versus letting them go, rooted in his own experiences with abandonment. His ex-wife Tracy’s departure left scars that inform his reluctance to ask Michelle to stay, creating a believable obstacle to their happiness.
Supporting Characters with Depth
The supporting cast of Copper Run residents feels lived-in and genuine. From the meddling but well-meaning George and Lisa to Cliff’s teenage daughter Emily navigating first love and family drama, each character serves a purpose beyond merely advancing the plot. Even Rocket, Michelle’s inherited dog, becomes a symbol of change and acceptance throughout the story.
Atmospheric Excellence
Autumn in All Its Glory
Olivia’s love letter to autumn permeates every page, creating an atmosphere so vivid you can practically smell the cinnamon and hear the crunch of leaves underfoot. The harvest festival, Halloween celebrations, and cozy evening scenes on the inn’s porch transport readers directly into this small Vermont town. The author’s attention to seasonal details never feels excessive; instead, it creates the perfect backdrop for a story about change, letting go, and embracing new beginnings.
1990s Nostalgia Done Right
The late-90s setting isn’t just window dressing—it’s integral to the story’s DNA. From the Spice Girls references to the Y2K anxieties, Olivia captures the era without letting nostalgia overwhelm the narrative. The carefully curated playlist that opens the book (featuring gems like “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers and “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow) sets the perfect tone for this autumnal romance.
Narrative Strengths and Minor Criticisms
What Works Brilliantly
The pacing of “If It Makes You Happy” deserves particular praise. Olivia understands the value of slow-burn romance, allowing the relationship between Michelle and Cliff to develop naturally through shared moments and genuine conversation rather than forced dramatic tension. Their friendship forms the foundation of their romantic connection, making their eventual relationship feel earned and sustainable.
The author’s handling of Michelle’s mother’s posthumous presence through letters and memories adds emotional weight without becoming manipulative. These moments provide insight into Michelle’s past while guiding her toward understanding what she truly wants from her future.
Areas for Improvement
While the cozy atmosphere is largely a strength, there are moments where the small-town perfection feels slightly unrealistic. Every neighbor seems perpetually helpful and charming, which, while heartwarming, occasionally strains credibility. A few more rough edges on Copper Run’s residents might have added depth to the community portrait.
Additionally, some of the secondary romantic subplot involving Emily and Josh feels underdeveloped. While their young love story provides a nice parallel to the main romance, it sometimes feels more like a plot device than a fully realized relationship.
Thematic Depth
More Than Romance
What elevates “If It Makes You Happy” above typical contemporary romance is its thoughtful exploration of what constitutes success and happiness. Michelle’s struggle between her Seattle career ambitions and her growing connection to Copper Run reflects broader questions about urban versus rural life, career versus community, and the courage required to change course when life isn’t working.
The book also tackles themes of parenting, divorce, and finding identity after life-altering changes with surprising nuance. Cliff’s relationship with his daughters feels authentic, complete with teenage drama and the complexities of co-parenting with an absent ex-wife.
The Power of Found Family
Perhaps most touching is the book’s exploration of found family. Michelle’s integration into the Burke family unit and the broader Copper Run community demonstrates how family isn’t always about blood relations but about the people who show up consistently in your life.
Writing Style and Voice
Olivia’s Signature Warmth
Julie Olivia’s writing voice is immediately engaging, striking the perfect balance between humorous and heartfelt. Her dialogue feels natural and lived-in, particularly the banter between Michelle and Cliff, which crackles with both romantic tension and genuine friendship. The author has a gift for capturing the rhythms of small-town conversation without falling into caricature.
The dual POV structure allows readers to understand both Michelle and Cliff’s internal struggles, making their eventual union feel like the natural conclusion to two complementary character arcs rather than an arbitrary romantic pairing.
Sensory Writing
Olivia excels at sensory details that make scenes come alive. Readers can practically taste the cinnamon rolls, feel the autumn chill, and smell the woodsmoke that permeates many scenes. This attention to sensory detail contributes significantly to the book’s cozy, immersive atmosphere.
Comparing to Olivia’s Other Works
For readers familiar with Julie Olivia’s previous novels, “If It Makes You Happy” represents a clear evolution in her storytelling abilities. While her earlier works in the Honeywood Fun Park series showed promise, this standalone novel demonstrates increased confidence in character development and thematic depth. The cozy, autumnal setting suits her voice perfectly, suggesting this might be her strongest genre niche.
Fans of her Never Harbor series will recognize her talent for crafting small-town communities, but “If It Makes You Happy” feels more grounded and emotionally mature than her previous efforts.
Similar Reads for Genre Fans
Readers who fall in love with Copper Run and its residents will likely enjoy:
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry – Another story about a writer rediscovering herself in a new place
“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – For the enemies-to-lovers dynamic and small-town charm
“Shipped” by Angie Hockman – Features a career-focused heroine questioning her life choices
“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang – For emotionally complex characters finding love
“The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary – Combines romance with themes of healing and personal growth
Final Verdict
“If It Makes You Happy” succeeds brilliantly as both a standalone romance and a meditation on finding where you belong in the world. While it may not reinvent the contemporary romance wheel, it executes familiar elements with such warmth, authenticity, and attention to detail that it feels fresh and engaging throughout.
Julie Olivia has crafted a book that works on multiple levels: as a cozy autumn read, a small-town romance, and a story about second chances and self-discovery. The minor criticisms pale in comparison to the book’s considerable strengths, particularly its character development, atmospheric setting, and genuine emotional resonance.
This is the kind of book that makes you want to book a trip to Vermont, bake some cinnamon rolls, and perhaps reconsider what really makes you happy in your own life. For readers seeking a romance that offers both escapism and emotional depth, “If It Makes You Happy” delivers exactly what its title promises—a story that will leave you genuinely happy you took the time to visit Copper Run.
Perfect for readers who enjoy: Small-town romance, autumn settings, single-parent romance, second-chance love stories, 1990s nostalgia, and cozy contemporary fiction.
Content considerations: Mild sexual content, themes of divorce and parental abandonment, brief mentions of teen pregnancy concerns.