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Pure rom-com magic. - B.K. Borison

We’re in that weird pocket of time where Fall is almost over and Winter is quickly approaching. Thanksgiving is next week and the leaves are almost gone here in Portland but I’m holding on to Fall for as long as I can, because it’s my favorite!

That leads me to shamelessly gush about one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this season; Julie Olivia’s new book If It Makes You Happy is the perfect cozy small-town romance read. If you haven’t heard of it yet, I highly recommend treating yourself to a copy or requesting a copy at your local library. {Check out my review here to read more about why I loved it} Fun fact - almost all of her books are currently available in Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to Julie Olivia for participating in a fun interview for everyone to enjoy!!

Can you share a bit about your writing routine? Do you have any rituals that help you get into the writing mood?

I’m a big morning writer! The day is best if I can wake up early, throw on a sweater, grab coffee, and immediately jump into my story. The only true ritual I have is that I need coffee (or a warm beverage) at my desk, and I absolutely cannot look at my phone. Even glancing at unanswered texts will rip me out of the story! I just have to go full-on hermit mode lol

What are some romance tropes you love, and are there any tropes you dislike or avoid in your writing?

I absolutely adore the friends-to-lovers trope and will fight for it until my dying breath! I also adore some more taboo tropes like ex-boyfriend’s dad and age gaps. There aren’t any I actively avoid or dislike. I used to avoid the ‘accidental pregnancy’ trope, but it’s been written so well over the last few years that I love it now!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?

I love hearing readers say that they felt seen through my writing, whether it be through a character or a setting they’re familiar with. I strive to write realistic characters and very lived-in settings, so anytime someone says something I feel so accomplished!

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Halloween. I loved trick-or-treating and spooky times so much.

How do you cheer yourself up after a difficult day?

Right now, I’m obsessed with two things: Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast and old clips of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. The humor is still hilarious and absolutely holds up.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?

Just keep writing! It’s gonna be bad sometimes, and that’s okay. My first drafts are, to this day, terrible! But you can’t edit words that aren’t written.

I love to ask you for recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams. I’m convinced it’s the perfect book.

If a reader hasn’t read your books yet, which one would you recommend they read first?

If It Makes You Happy! It’s a taste of everything I love writing.

Do you have more writing in the works or any books coming soon that should be on our radar?

Yes, I have two new romances releasing next year, so keep an eye out!

Favorites

• Comfort food: Mac and Cheese

• Coffee shop drink order: Black coffee. I’m very plain haha

• Cocktail or drink: Either a craft beer or a super fruity mocktail

• Season: Autumn

• Holiday: Halloween

• Color: Yellow

• Karaoke song: “Kiss from a Rose” - Seal

• Musician/type of music: I listen to a wide range! Right now, I’m on a 70s kick.

• Place to visit: I’m a theme park girl. I love Universal Studios and Dollywood!

Bookish Favorites

• Book or series as an adult: Six of Crows duology in my 20s, Fallen Men series in my 30s

• Auto-buy authors: Sarah Adams, BK Borison, Hannah Bonam-Young, Teagan Hunter, Giana Darling, Emily Henry, Kennedy Ryan, Leigh Bardugo

• Romance Tropes: Friends to lovers, opposite attract, marriage of convenience

• Indie Bookstores: Eagle Eye, Damsel, Court Street Books, Good Girl Books (Instagram links - check them out!)

Thank you so much for joining us!!

JULIE OLIVIA | AUTHOR

Author Bio: Julie Olivia is a USA Today bestselling author who writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and friendships that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast. Before writing romance novels, Julie moonlighted as an illustrator and worked in human resources. However, she decided writing about office romances where they break all the policies was far more enjoyable than enforcing them. Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.

Instagram: instagram.com/julieoliviaauthor

TikTok: tiktok.com/@julieoliviaauthor

Sign up for the author’s newsletter over on her Website: julieoliviaauthor.com

If you enjoyed reading about this week’s featured author, you can support me by… leaving a comment below, upgrading (or gifting) a paid subscription, sharing a note on Substack, or sharing your favorite bits on Instagram and tag @TheJoyfulBookBlogger

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Thanks so much for joining us for a new issue of Little Shops of Joy. I’m thrilled to have you here. I’m so glad I discovered your candles last year while shopping in Powell’s Books and instantly fell in love with your shop! I had an amazing time being a seasonal rep and want to continue to spread the word about your shop.

For readers who may not know about your shop yet, could you introduce yourself

Hi there! My name is Brittany and I am the owner/creator at Novelly Yours. I run the shop along with my husband, Shane, and we’re just a two-person small business in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Novelly Yours started in my kitchen in 2015 after I decided to make candles inspired by some of my favorite books. I opened an Etsy shop so I could share the candles with my blogging friends and the whole thing took off from there! We’ve now been in business for 10 years and have expanded our bookish candle line and added other scented candle themes, stickers, wooden bookmarks, and reading journals including our best-selling Reading Tracker.

We’ve been lucky to work with so many subscription boxes over the years as well as publishers, authors, and our candles and other items are currently stocked in over 200 indie shops across the United States. Our Reading Tracker is a best seller for us, selling thousands of books last year and even went viral on TikTok!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a small business owner so far? Are there any aspects of the industry that has surprised you?

It’s incredibly rewarding to see your creations in the hands of others and in stores across the country! Being such a small shop, employee-wise, it’s really cool to see how big of a reach your creations have. I’ve definitely grown so much over the years, as a person and as a business owner. There are always challenges and new things that come up every year, every month, every week, so it’s always interesting to see what we’ve done to adapt and change to continue growing with the business.

How do you balance your business with the other demands of life?

It’s kind of hard to balance, to be honest! I wear about 50 hats for the business so I’m pretty much always connected: responding to emails after hours, posting and replying on social media, working on the weekends when rushes demand it. But it is something I truly love, so that’s not a complaint! We also make sure we take time for ourselves. I like to disconnect from my phone when we’re watching movies or TV shows at home. I make sure I’m present for friends & family. The business never sleeps, so when you’re a small shop, sometimes it can be hard to really let yourself disconnect!

Can you share a bit about your creative process or routine? Do you have any rituals that help you get into a creative mood or anything special you do to find inspiration for new scents?

I’m kind of a chaotic creator 😂 Usually new ideas will pop in my head and I go make a note in my Notes app with some general ideas of what I want. It can be a new scent combination that I think might be great, or the overall concept for a candle scent, or inspiration from something I’m watching or reading. Other times I’ll go in with a specific intention, like adding a new fall/winter scent to our line-up and then I’ll browse all of the scents we have and see what I think might fit that name or concept.

Where are some of your favorite places to read, browse for books, or find inspiration?

I’m obsessed with audiobooks, so I read anywhere, anytime! I always have an audiobook in my ears whenever I have a moment alone, whether that’s working in the shop pouring candles, cleaning up at home, getting ready for the day, driving, or any other time I can sneak some reading time in!

What’s a compliment you always enjoy receiving?

It’s always SO neat to receive compliments about a candle or book journal. It never gets old to hear that something I made is someone’s favorite thing, and that’s a pretty amazing thing to hear! I love being able to make someone else’s day just a little bit better, even in a small way.

How do you cheer yourself up after a difficult day?

A combination of little treats and distracting myself with entertainment usually does the trick. I let myself indulge in a coffee or a dessert, or buy myself a new book, and get lost in a TV show or audiobook. Sometimes I just need to let myself forget about it and pick myself up in a different way!

If a reader hasn’t discovered your shop yet, what would you recommend they check out first? Do you have a favorite candle or product that you’ve made?

Also a hard question because I love recommending by scent preferences! But our best sellers are always a great place to start: Plot Twist, Book Club, Currently Reading, Reading Nook. If you like romances, we have Romance Reader, Spicy Romance, and Smutty Books. And of course, I can’t recommend the Reading Tracker enough!

Do you have any upcoming events that you’ll be attending as a vendor? And do you carry your products in any physical shops where we can find your items in person?

We’re really not doing a lot of in-person events anymore, unfortunately. The booth fees + cost of getting candles to vendor events can be really large so it’s not always in our best interests to travel and do shows! We DO have lots of candles in bookstores and other Indies, though, so be sure to check out our Stockist List or send me an email any time to check and see if a store stocks anything near you!

For those shopping for holiday gifts, what’s your recommended cut off date for placing orders in your shop? And are there any discount codes they can use?

The holiday shipping can get a little delayed with all of the holiday rush so I usually recommend getting your order in by early December! I’d say around the 10th-15th if you’re aiming to have things by Christmas. I don’t personally have a cut-off date because we’ll fill orders as quickly and ship as quickly as possible during the holidays, but I just can’t make guarantees how quickly the carriers can deliver them! We will have a Black Friday / holiday sale sometime in November so be sure to keep us mind!

I’d love to ask you for some book recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?

This is always such a hard question because I always like recommending to a person’s specific tastes! If you enjoy romances, Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. Project Hail Mary is a great all-around read (and listen to it as an audiobook!). When I Was You by Amber Garza is an underrated thriller!

Thank you so much for joining us!

Socials: @novellyyours on all platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads)

If you enjoyed reading about this week’s featured shop, you can support me by… leaving a comment below, upgrading (or gifting) a paid subscription, sharing a note on Substack, or sharing your favorite bits on Instagram and tag @TheJoyfulBookBlogger

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“Culinary magic, family secrets, and the fierce drive to forge your own destiny. Churchill has whipped up a crowd-pleasing hit!”

—Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series

Hi Marisa, thanks so much for joining us here on Chapters of Joy. I‘m looking forward to your new book Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate and I’m thrilled to have you here!

Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate by Marisa Churchill | 400 pages Pub Date 12/9/25 by Page Street YA | Book jacket description below | I received a gifted PR box with an Advanced Review Copy and some yummy treats. Opinions shared are always my own!

Can you share a bit about your writing routine? Do you have any rituals that help you get into the writing mood?

My favorite time to write is at 3 or 4 in the morning. It’s horrible for my sleep patterns, but that is when my imagination is at its best. My husband has learned, if he comes downstairs and sees the office light on, do not disturb me. Several times he got into trouble because to him it seemed like a good time to chat or cuddle. Who wants to work at 4am? Me!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?

Getting to connect with other authors whose work I admire, such as Soman Chainani, Dhonielle Clayton, and Don Martin. I will actually be doing my launch event with Soman in St. Louis on 12/09 at Left Bank Books. From there I fly to Chicago and will be at Anderson’s with Don Martin.

Are there any aspects of the writing or publishing process that has surprised you?

I’ve already published two cookbooks, but this is different. For one, I’m trying to reach kids. So I’ve spent a lot of time recently calling schools to try and set up author visits.

How do you balance writing with the other demands of life?

That is definitely a work in progress. Sometimes you have to learn to say no. Give yourself permission not to do it all, or at least not all at once!

Do you have more writing in the works that should be on our radar?

I just finished writing book 2. So, I’m hoping the world will have more of Sylvie, Georgia, Flora, and Maggie soon. Food and the food world is such a ripe subject for fantasy. I really enjoy taking food facts and imparting them into a fantastical setting.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out?

Read a lot and take advice from those whose opinions you respect.

What’s something you’re passionate about?

Good chocolate! There’s a reason chocolate is in the title of my book. It’s such a fascinating ingredient. When I was first thinking about writing the book, I was at the bookstore and picked up a book that had cooking and magic elements in it. I’m sure it was a lovely story, but I was horrified because they were using chocolate chips to whip up magic. Like wine, chocolate has a lot of terroir. The flavors change depending upon the type of cacao used, where it was grown, and how it was harvested. Part of the reason chocolate chips retain their shape is because they remove some of the cocoa butter goodness and replace it with wax or oils. Most chips are the Velveeta cheese of the chocolate world. After that I was determined to write a story from the perspective of a chef. I really wanted to bring people into the world I know intimately and love.

How do you cheer yourself up after a difficult day?

Ummm....good chocolate!

If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?

Ooh...mushrooms. I know that sounds weird but fungi are actually quite fascinating and are so connected to life on earth in ways we don’t even realize.

Where are some of your favorite places? Do you have a favorite bookshop to read, write, browse for books, or find inspiration?

Greece on any beach. I’m Greek on my mom’s side and love the water. So Greece is my happy place. I love The Last Bookstore in LA. It’s quirky and fun. I usually find inspiration when I’m in a cool pastry shop, talking to a chef or farmer.

Are there any organizations that are near and dear to your heart that you’d love to see more support for?

Access Books. They help Bay Area kids from marginalized communities. Everyone should have access to books and a good education regardless of where you come from.

I’d love to ask you for some book recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?

Knives at Dawn: America’s Quest for Culinary Glory at the Bocuse D’Or It’s a non-fiction book by Andrew Friedman and also helped to inspire my book. The Bocuse D’Or is wildly popular in Europe and in Asia but most Americans have never even heard of it, and yet it’s one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world Incas you’re not noticing a theme, I tend to read a lot of non-fiction books with food elements.

What’s a book you love that you think more people should know about?

The Gastronomical Me by MFK Fisher and Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

Thank you so much for joining us!!

Author Bio | Marisa Churchill

Marisa Churchill was a competitor on Top Chef season two, and competed multiple times on Food Network Challenge. She is the author of two cookbooks, and has written about food for national platforms, including Huffington Post and Eater. Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate is her young adult debut. To learn more, visit www.marisachurchill.com or follow her on Instagram @chef_marisachurchill.

If you enjoyed reading about this week’s featured author, you can support me by… leaving a comment below, upgrading (or gifting) a paid subscription, sharing a note on Substack, or sharing your favorite bits on Instagram and tag @TheJoyfulBookBlogger

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Thanks so much for joining us for the very first issue of Little Shops of Joy! I’m a huge fan of your shop and all the fun 3D-printed bookish things. I discovered your shop on Instagram and fell in love with your book trackers, bookish signs, and reading ghost decor and I’m so excited for the adorable gingerbread house bookmark holder that you just launched!

For readers that aren’t familiar with your shop yet, please tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Amber, the owner of Epilogue Book Shop I opened my little shop in August 2024, and it has truly been an absolute dream! Getting to create in a space surrounded by all things bookish has been such a joy. What started with a few handmade bookmarks has now grown into so much more… from 3D-printed designs to hand-painted bookmarks, shelf décor, and beyond. Every piece is made with love for fellow book lovers like me!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a small business owner so far? And are there any aspects of the small business industry that has surprised you?

The most rewarding part of running my small business has always been the people I get to meet. Whether it’s chatting with fellow book lovers at in-person pop-up markets or reading the sweetest messages from customers, I’ve connected with so many incredible humans who never fail to brighten my day with their kindness, great book recs, and the best little conversations.

How do you balance your business with the other demands of life?

Even on the toughest days when it feels like I’m juggling a million things, my husband is my biggest supporter. From running packages to the post office to showing up with lunch when I forget to eat, he’s always there, helping in every way he can and I couldn’t do this without him.

If a reader hasn’t discovered your shop yet, what product would you recommend they check out first; do you have a favorite product or design?

My reading trackers are a shop favorite! They are such a cute item as a bookshelf decoration or as a motivator for readers of all ages. They are so fun!

Are there any small businesses that you enjoy shopping at?

Oh yes! @beckiewiththegoodstuff is my FAVE - she has some of the best Swiftie/bookish items!

I’d love to ask you for some book recommendations. What’s a book you find yourself recommending again and again?

For a romance - Consider Me by Becka Mack is at the top of my list, and for a thriller, The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson has been a long-time favorite!

For those shopping for holiday gifts, is there a discount code they can use?

Use code BOOKMAS to take 20% off your entire order thru 12/15/25!

Thank you so much for joining us for the very first issue of Little Shops of Joy!!

• Website: www.epiloguebookshop.com

• Email: epiloguebookshopco@gmail.com

• Instagram: @epiloguebookco

If you enjoyed reading about this week’s featured shop, you can support me by… leaving a comment below, upgrading (or gifting) a paid subscription, sharing a note on Substack, or sharing your favorite bits on Instagram and tag @TheJoyfulBookBlogger

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“When I feel the need for inspiration and comfort I reach for a book by Shanna Hatfield.”

— Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Thanks so much for joining us for the very first issue of Chapters of Joy. I’m thrilled to have you here. Before we get started, I’d like to say thank you for sending me a gorgeous signed copy of your latest book!

📖 The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield | 357 pages, published October 7, 2025 by Wholesome Hearts Publishing

For readers who may not know you yet, please tell us something about yourself that we might not find in your professional bio.

I grew up on a farm that was a dozen miles from the nearest town, which, at that time, didn’t even have a stoplight. But once a year, for the 4^th of July, the town burst at the seams with a rodeo, race, and parade. I thought it was magical. The experiences I had, both on the farm and in our small town, gave me a wonderful foundation for writing small-town stories. Even though The Bridge is set in a bustling city, the feeling of community and friendship in the story comes from my small-town roots.

Were any of your characters inspired by real-life people or relationships?

The Bridge does not have characters inspired by real-life people, but most of my characters have tidbits of characteristics, personality quirks, memories they share, or even food they like that reflects someone or something personal to me. For example, in this story, Carter, the tow truck driver, recalls how much he liked his first-grade teacher. I adored my first-grade teacher, and that carried over into part of Carter’s story.

What are some romance tropes you love, and are there any you avoid in your writing?

Tropes are so fun and there are some I especially love, like grumpy/sunshine, fish out of water, best friend’s sibling, second chance, arranged marriage, forced proximity, and holiday romance.

One trope I have never enjoyed is a love triangle, so I tend to avoid writing them.

What do you hope readers will take away from your characters’ journey?

That there is always hope. That the kindness of strangers can feel like a miracle. That life can be chaotic and unexpected, and we can still choose to find the good in every day.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?

My readers. I love connecting with readers. When they tell me one of my books has helped them, it makes all the challenges, late nights of writing, and hard work worthwhile. Many readers have become friends, and I’m grateful for each one of them.

I’ve also found such joy in the friendships with fellow authors. It is a community rich in encouragement and support.

What’s a compliment you always enjoy receiving?

When a reader tells me she’s rereading one of my books, it makes me so happy—to know she loved it enough to read it again. It also warms my heart when a reader shares that she learned something from one of my books, or found added value, even if it is just from the recipes I include at the back.

What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you’ve followed?

Well, considering I was a teen in the 1980s … there are probably several! One was the big, poofy, permed hair that was popular then. Oh, and shoulder pads. Enormous shoulder pads that made me look like a misplaced linebacker. I also had an entire collection of corset belts that I dearly loved.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

One of my earliest childhood memories is from when I was three or so, because we moved to a new house when I was four. The memory is from when we lived in what we called the “old house.” Mom was making dinner, and I was in the kitchen, sitting in the rocking chair in the corner with a book, “reading” it to her. I’m sure the story I was telling her had nothing to do with what was written on the pages, but it’s a special memory because it reminds me I’ve always loved books, and my mother was the one who shared that love for them with me.

What’s the most random thing in your bag right now?

Q-tips – because they are just handy to have on hand sometimes.

What’s your favorite way to destress?

I have several things I enjoy doing to destress. Reading is at the top of the list. I also enjoy baking, making flower arrangements, and I love wrapping gifts.

If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?

Marketing and advertising. That would be followed by an expert pianist, and an expert financial investor.

What’s something on your bucket list?

To visit every state in America. I still have many to cross off that list!

One of my favorite things about the bookish community is discovering new authors and books - are there any books you love that you’ll never stop recommending?

✨A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter

✨Little Britches by Ralph Moody

✨Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Thank you so much for joining us for the very first issue of Chapters of Joy!!

Author Bio | Shanna Hatfield

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her contemporary fiction has been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way” and her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanaza and The Virginian.”

Shanna grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever and an ongoing supply of learning experience. Now based in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller, the award-winning author spends her time writing and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

• Official Website: ShannaHatfield.com

• Facebook: /AuthorShannaHatfield

• Pinterest: /shannahatfield

• Instagram: @shannahatfieldf

• Goodreads: ShannaHatfield

  

If you enjoyed reading about this week’s featured author, you can support me by… leaving a comment below, upgrading (or gifting) a paid subscription, sharing a note on Substack, or sharing your favorite bits on Instagram and tag @TheJoyfulBookBlogger

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