'If It Makes You Happy' Book Review - No Spoilers
Yesterday, Marcus tried to convince me that our new toaster was actually a portal to another dimension because it "sounds like a rocket ship" when the toast pops up. My husband Matthew just joined in, explaining the physics of bread-based space travel while I stood there wondering if I'd ever get my actual breakfast. Life in our house is never quiet, but these goofy moments are exactly what keep me grounded. It reminds me that the best things in life—like a good laugh or a perfectly timed slow burn romance—are always worth the wait. That's exactly how I felt while reading If It Makes You Happy.
Plot Summary
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia follows a plus-size baker who escapes her old life for a charming small town, hoping to rediscover herself and her passion for creating beautiful desserts. There, she crosses paths with a local farmer who sees her for exactly who she is, finding her absolutely captivating from the start. As their friendship deepens into something more, she must learn to trust her own worth and believe that she deserves the kind of steadfast love he's offering. Their connection grows with a delicious slowness, rooted in genuine respect and mutual understanding. The story beautifully balances her personal growth with the development of their relationship, making every step forward feel significant.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book made my heart feel completely full in the best possible way. Julie Olivia has such a gift for writing a heroine whose journey toward self-acceptance feels both authentic and deeply empowering. I found myself relating to her insecurities and cheering for her growth on every single page. The hero, meanwhile, is absolutely swoon-worthy; I loved that his unwavering appreciation for her never felt performative or forced. He truly sees her, and that kind of respect is so romantic to read. The slow burn romance develops with such a natural rhythm, built on shared moments and genuine connection rather than just instant sparks. It’s the kind of story that takes its time to build a solid foundation, making the emotional payoff feel incredibly earned. Plus, the atmospheric small-town setting is so cozy, and the descriptions of the desserts were so vivid that I was ready to bake my own batch of cookies immediately. Every interaction between the characters felt meaningful, adding layers to their bond that made the ending so satisfying.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy heartwarming small town romance with wonderful, positive representation, you’re going to adore this book. It’s ideal for readers who love watching a genuine friendship slowly blossom into something much deeper and more meaningful. If you appreciate stories that celebrate the importance of self-love and finding your own voice alongside finding your person, then this is definitely the read for you. It’s essentially a warm hug in book form, perfect for a cozy afternoon under a blanket. The emotional stakes are high but handled with such gentleness that it never feels overwhelming. Fans of stories where the characters truly support each other's dreams will find a lot to love here.
⚠️ Trigger warning: self-doubt, past body shaming mentions, emotional insecurity.
Tagged As
small town, slow burn, self-discovery, friends to lovers, body positivity, emotional journey, contemporary romance, HEA, heartwarming, indie romance, baking
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️ | Mild
The romance focuses heavily on emotional intimacy and building a solid foundation of trust. While there are some steamy moments, they are handled with care and serve the characters' emotional growth rather than just being there for heat. It's the perfect level of spice for a story that's so grounded in emotional connection.
