If It Makes You Happy

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publish date: 18 September 2025
Pages: 512
Language: English

Subjects: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Later in Life, Workplace, Family Life, Marriage & Divorce

Grab your favourite fall candle, cuddle into a comfy blanket, and travel back in time to 1997 in this cozy, slow-burn romance

Perfect for fans Gilmore Girls, autumn and Laurie Gilmore!

'Pure rom-com magic' B.K. Borison, bestselling author of First Time Caller

'This is the perfect fall romance and I couldn't recommend it enough!' 5* Reader Review

'This book truly felt like a cozy, fall movie and i'm being so serious when i say you need to pick it up!' 5* Reader Review

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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 didn't notice them, obviously.

Me? Not so much. Taking over my mom's 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. That's safe.

Except I'm only here for three months before heading back to Seattle for the promotion I've been chasing.

So why am I suddenly imagining what it would be like to kiss my hot neighbor?


TROPES:

• Single Dad Baker
• Friends to Lovers
• Opposites Attract
• Divorcées finding love again
• Autumn 1997
• Cozy Small Town
• Slow Burn

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Praise for IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY:

'For the nostalgic girlies who want a hit of 90's romance comfort, you'll be kicking your feet and giggling. Get ready for Julie Olivia to be your new favorite' B.K. Borison, New York Times bestselling author

'Julie Olivia's If It Makes You Happy made me oh-so-happy! Every page of this brilliant book is filled with tenderness, warmth, and nostalgia that will wrap readers up in a giant, cozy hug... I'll forever read anything Julie Olivia writes' Hannah Bonam-Young, USA Today bestselling author

'Julie Olivia has written the perfect cozy romance. In If It Makes You Happy, Julie has distilled the best parts of the autumn season and paired this with the ultimate small town setting that will have every reader wanting to pack a bag and travel to Copper Run. I adore this book!' Lauren Connolly, author of PS: I Hate You

'If It Makes You Happy is a delicious romance full of yearning, hope, and second chances. Julie's characters will capture your heart from the very first chapter' Thien-Kim Lam, author of Something Cheeky

'If It Makes You Happy is a nostalgic tale of love, friendship, and finding happiness. A sweet, slow burn that's worth every aching momen' Teagan Hunter, author of Empty Net

'Julie Olivia has created a charming small town romance, with perfectly imperfect characters you can't help but root for. An exceptional 5-star read that I couldn't put down until I reached the final, emotional moment!' Jillian Liota, author of Sweet Escape