Michelle’s mother died, leaving behind a charming Bed & Breakfast in Vermont.  The B&B will go to Michelle’s sister Sara, who doesn’t graduate from college for a few months. In the meantime, Michelle takes a leave of absence from her job and travels to Vermont to run the inn with her ex-boyfriend’s dog. It doesn’t go smoothly. She has a hard time opening up to strangers and guests can feel the energy is different.

The townspeople are excited to meet her and get to know her, but Michelle isn’t interested in forming attachments. Her dog loves the little girl next door; they become quite attached. Before she knows it, Michelle becomes acquainted with Cliff, the single dad from next door and his two daughters. Cliff knows everyone in town.

After the first few guests at the B&B do not enjoy their stay, Michelle reluctantly asks for help. She realizes that she needs to be more personable with the guests, but also that her baked goods are terrible. Cliff is the best person to ask. Before long, she becomes intertwined in Cliff and his daughters’ lives. Michelle starts to enjoy life in a small town.

She knows it’s going to be hard to return to Seattle and leave everything and everyone behind – especially since she and Cliff are no longer fighting their feelings for each other.

IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY takes place over the course of four months in a charming (fake) Vermont town in 1997. This slow-burning romance with a grumpy heroine and a sunshine hero is perfect. I didn’t want this book to end and I couldn’t put it down. Michelle and Cliff were supportive partners long before they gave in to their feelings.  The secondary characters were fantastic. His kids were cute, sweet, and a little bit mischievous. I loved Cliff’s relationship with his kids. Cliff’s best friend added humor. I felt like there could be a spin-off between him and Cliff’s sister. This book felt like a cup of hot chocolate and the perfect baked good; it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling.