if it makes you happy by julie olivia full review (possible spoilers)xx
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!
our review xx
this book came highly recommended by several book tubers I watch so of course I added it to my autumn tbr! At first, I was little hesitant because of the length of the book, but by the end, I would have read 500 pages more. I flew through it in just two days, I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed being transported into the 90s, the setting and ambiance were cosy, nostalgic, and undeniably inspired by Gilmore Girls, which I love. Overall, the book was warm, funny and delightfully charming.Ā
one of my favourite tropes is the slow burn friends-to-lovers, and this book delivered it beautifully. I really felt connected with both main characters, not just as a couple, but as individuals. The timing/time line was perfect to creating their chemistry that felt so authentic and natural, which I really appreciate, I love when a couple's relationship develops organically and realistically. Of course, the classic romcom storyline of a city girl falling for a small-town boy was definitely present, but it didn't feel overdone or repetitive.Ā
one of my fav parts was definitely the side characters, and the small-town setting. I really enjoyed the description of the town during each festive period/event like Halloween and Christmas. I loved how each side character, felt fully developed with their own distinct personalities that added charm and humour to the story, I honestly wish this was an part of an interconnected series, I would have loved to read about the other characters!!
I enjoyed both main characters. Michelle was a strong, admirable character, I loved watching her growth throughout the book. Her relationship with Cliff and his two daughters was very touching and added a real emotional depth and more substance to the romance. I especially appreciated how mature the communication was between the main characters, I can not stand the miscommunication trope at all!!!
Julie's writing style was absolutely beautiful and immersive. My only very very small critique, and the reason it's a four/four and a half instead of five, is that I would have loveddd to have seen more of Michelle and Cliff as a couple and being actually together. Still the buildup was very good and enjoyable, I just wanted a bit more time with the couple together. Still, this book has every chance of becoming a yearly autumn re-read for me. If you're looking for a romance that is cosy, heartfelt and full of small-town charm, I definitely recommend picking this up before the season ends!!xx
BLURB:
My new next-door neighbor seems to have life completely figured out.
Small-town golden boy? Check.
Single dad extraordinaire? Check.
Hot baker forearms? I didnāt notice them, obviously.
Me? Not so much. Taking over my momās dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run, Vermont was supposed to help me heal after my divorce. Instead, my scones are inedible, my small talk is worse, and Cliff, yes, the golden boy himself, never fails to point it out.
The problem is, Cliff is everywhere. His charm, his flannel, his pastries, and his daughters, make it impossible not to like him. Friends? Sure, I can do friends. Thatās safe. Except Iām only here for three months before heading back to Seattle for the promotion Iāve been chasing. So why am I suddenly imagining what it would be like to kiss my hot neighbor?
TROPES:
š¤Single Dad Baker
šFriends to Lovers
š¤Opposites Attract
šDivorcĆ©es finding love again
š¤Autumn 1997
šCozy Small Town
š¤Slow Burn
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