IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY
by Claire Kann
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
Published by Swoon Reads
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher | Xpresso Book Tours
Synopsis
High school finally behind her, Winnie is all set to attend college in the fall. But first she’s spending her summer days working at her granny’s diner and begins spending her midnights with Dallas—the boy she loves to hate and hates that she likes. Winnie lives in Misty Haven, a small town where secrets are impossible to keep—like when Winnie allegedly snaps on Dr. Skinner, which results in everyone feeling compelled to give her weight loss advice for her own good. Because they care that’s she’s “too fat.”
Winnie dreams of someday inheriting the diner—but it’ll go away if they can’t make money, and fast. Winnie has a solution—win a televised cooking competition and make bank. But Granny doesn’t want her to enter—so Winnie has to find a way around her formidable grandmother. Can she come out on top?
Winnie dreams of someday inheriting the diner—but it’ll go away if they can’t make money, and fast. Winnie has a solution—win a televised cooking competition and make bank. But Granny doesn’t want her to enter—so Winnie has to find a way around her formidable grandmother. Can she come out on top?
My Thoughts
I loved Claire Kann's LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE and when her new book IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY was announced, it immediately went on my TBR wishlist. My enthusiasm was high which is why I found it surprising that it took me a while to get into the swing of reading Winnie's story. There wasn't a definitive plot point that kept my interest.
I enjoyed IF MAKES YOU HAPPY well enough, but there were parts of the story that were underdeveloped. The storyline of the Misty Haven crowning and a baking show competition were disconnected. In the book's description, the baking show was the draw, but in the story it seemed like an afterthought.
Winnie's relationships with Kara and Dallas and her brother and her grandmother are what make this book interesting.
I enjoyed IF MAKES YOU HAPPY well enough, but there were parts of the story that were underdeveloped. The storyline of the Misty Haven crowning and a baking show competition were disconnected. In the book's description, the baking show was the draw, but in the story it seemed like an afterthought.
Winnie's relationships with Kara and Dallas and her brother and her grandmother are what make this book interesting.
There are a lot of people in Winnie's life who she gives a big part of herself to. She has the kind of energy and presence that people want to be a part of. She knows who she is and doesn't mess when people want to tell her otherwise. I really like this about her. It doesn't mean that she has it all figured out, but she's definitely on her way and knows how to communicate that.
Memorable Line:
"Trying people’s patience was my unintentional theme song."
I can't claim this book is a must read, but I do want to revisit IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY again because Winnie is a character that deserves more attention. She makes this book.
I can't claim this book is a must read, but I do want to revisit IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY again because Winnie is a character that deserves more attention. She makes this book.
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC as part of the XPresso Book Tours. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can't wait to check this one out. I read Kann's other novel and the drama in it was a bit much for me, but I'm curious to read how she writes family dynamics.
ReplyDeleteYou may like it for the family dynamics. She realizes a lot about herself as her relationship with her grandmother changes. I hope you enjoy it!
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