I am part of what is probably too many book clubs. One at the local romance bookstore HEA Book Boutique, one with the Reading Smut podcast, and soon one more group lead by Alex at pucksandpaperbacks on his bindery and patreon. That’s not even including the buddy reads I often do with small groups or individual friends. Needless to say, I have a book club problem – and I have no intention of slowing down.
All that aside, the purpose of this post is to talk about If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia which was the November pick for the Hot Takes book club at HEA Book Boutique. First I’ll explain how the book is selected, then I’ll dive into my review.
Hot Takes uses tried and true tiktok method of selecting a book. The group is given a prompt. Every member is has the opportunity to enter a title into a hat, or whatever hat like object is available, and adds their entry. Then Jenn, the owner of HEA, draws slips until one is left and the final slip is chosen for the following month. It’s a bit slap-dash but it has worked so far. Highlights, in my opinion, have included Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, North is the Night by Emily Rath, Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood. and most recently If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia. I’m told Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon was great and had a fun magic system, but I need to finish reading it.
If It Makes You Happy was sold to me as a Gilmore Girls-like novel. While I did not watch Gilmore Girls with regularity or all the way through, I did enjoy what I saw, and so I was tentatively excited for ITMYH (we’re abbreviating going forward for the sake of my fingers). I think the comparison is apt in terms of complicated family relationships being played out across generations, quippy dialogue, walk and talks, and quirky small town vibes.
Michelle, not Shelly, sometimes Shellfish is prickly, sharply funny, and cripplingly insecure. Cliff is a single dad bakery owner and I was immediately sold on him based on the way he interacted with his kids. Michelle and Cliff both have wounds from previous relationships. If only they could find a friend turned romantic partner to help them learn to accept themselves! It is a romance novel folks – who can say what will happen.
The town of Copper Run is charming (local artist Winston decorates the town square and his home for every holiday) and filled with charming, unique characters including Cliff’s family and Michelle’s grouchy, expressive dog Rocket. The characters face everyday obstacles and approach them in everyday rom-com ways. I found myself easily slipping into the charm of the novel and found it a satisfying, comforting read.
Last thought: 1997 as a period setting made me feel decrepit.
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