Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think it addresses very important topics on womanhood and the difficulties and criticism we experience every day, and how these only increase as we get older, since society keeps expecting more and more from us. Key points:

-GENRE EXPECTATIONS FULFILLED. I loved the feminist focus and how it takes very serious issues such as domestic abuse and generational trauma and uses them to make us question if maybe we're being too tough on women in general. It had me reconsidering my own bias on middle-aged women and made me want to improve my way of thinking.

-REALISTIC TONE. Stakes are very personal. Characters act like people in real life act. There's no "miscommunication trope" (at least not without a good reason). I had no problem connecting with the story in general up until I reached the third act; it felt a little like problems simply fizzled out and that there never was a big climax. However, it makes sense given that the story never pretended to be overly-dramatic. It's nice and quiet, almost comforting.

-RECOMMENDED. I think this is a must-read for all women, even if we're younger or haven't experienced an abusive marriage, we can all still find something that we connect with in this story. I would also highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys stories about second chances and about restarting your life even when it seems like it's too late.

A warm, heartfelt story about courage, self-discovery, and the beauty of starting over. I loved watching Sophie step into her own, finding bravery in the face of divorce and loss while rediscovering joy through the simple act of baking.

The relationships truly shine, from Alicia and Sophie’s lifelong friendship, which deepens into a sisterhood strong enough to weather life’s darkest days, to the tender new bond with Lucas, who is such a breath of fresh air and exactly what Sophie needed at this stage in her life. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Sophie and her daughter and how they truly grew together through this season of life. Every connection brought an extra layer of warmth and heart to the story.

Rooting for Sophie felt effortless, and by the end I was genuinely proud of her journey. A lovely reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, happiness can still be found (or created).

I started reading and I loved the story, Sophie's character and the secondary characters.
Soon it was a cryfest of selfpity, repetitiously. Don't get me wrong, the book is a good one, just not my fav from this author.

While feeling stuck in a loveless marriageSophie creates a secret business of baked goods, a how -to Pinterest -esque guide. When finally ready to leave her husband, her mother passes and she’s left with a disaster of a home to deal with on top of it all.
We see Sophie rise through all that is thrown at her and how she navigates through with her support system and her good humor. I was engaged and heart warmed through it all. Sophie has so much growth and was so well written, like spending time with a friend.

I adored this book! Sophie was, refreshingly, an older FMC. She’s a devoted mother, book club organizer, best friend to Alicia (who I LOVED - FMC of the next book perhaps?) and baker extraordinaire. I was invested from the first chapter, cheerleading for Sophie throughout the book. Pacing was fantastic, writing was descriptive, and the relationships were thoughtful. There is no spice, but as a heartfelt and fluffy romance, you won’t miss it.

Thank you for the opportunity!

"Just Add Happiness" was a satisfying read. In this well-written book, the author tells a compelling story about a woman in her mid-forties navigating her way past an emotionally abusive marriage, low self-worth, and a broken relationship with her mother. The story's deliberate pace allows readers to fully learn about the characters and understand the complex dynamics of the main character, Sophie’s, relationships. My one critique is that the author had the main character go down rabbit holes of negative 'what-ifs' a little too frequently, and I often found myself wanting her to "chill out." Additionally, the story could have benefited from a stronger element of personal therapy, which the main character so clearly needed. Despite this, the book was a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments and some truly bad behavior. While I would have liked a bit more romance woven into the plot, the light touch was endearing. I would highly recommend this book, especially for all the 40-somethings out there who are still finding their way.

This was a very enjoyable read once I got a handful chapters in. Sophie's character was very easy to root for, and unfortunately relatable in many ways too. I loved reading her journey and character arc as the story progresses, her blossoming from having certain misbeliefs being disillusioned after a long unhappy marriage. I think all side characters added value to the story, and Alicia in particular stood out to me. There is something so truly beautiful and unique about female friendships.

This book hits different for me maybe because I'm closer to Sophie's daughters age than hers. I do think this book would make for a great experience for reader irrespective of age and experience. I loved seeing Sophie understand her mother after her passing, living in her house, realising all the secrets she kept and why. Her relationship with her husband and all the very realistic tension while working out the divorce was very interesting and enlightening. Goes a long way to highlight the impending need of financial literacy and independence for women. Seeing that struggle, it also became clear why she wanted what she did for her young daughter.

I felt towards the end of the book, the pacing really changed, and the story dragged out as it did in the very beginning so it's a four-star read for me. However, I am impressed by the author's about me and will be reading more books by her.

At 46, Sophie finally decides to leave her husband after years of mental abuse and a loveless marriage. As an empty nester, she realizes it’s time to set an example for her daughter—and herself—by breaking the cycle she saw in her own mother’s life.

With secret savings from her side hustle baking treats for busy moms, Sophie hires a lawyer and takes the leap. After her mother passes, she moves into her mom’s neglected, clutter-filled home and begins piecing her life back together. But with her funds running low, she needs stability—and fast. A job opportunity at a local restaurant opens the door to a new chapter. Training under Luca, a kind widower and restaurant owner, Sophie rediscovers her talent and passion for baking.

Of course, her ex doesn’t make things easy, using every trick in the book to drag her down. But Sophie’s resilience shines through. This is a heartfelt story about reinvention, perseverance, and the courage it takes to rebuild when life feels like it’s falling apart.

I loved watching Sophie’s strength grow with every setback she overcame. It’s an empowering, uplifting read about finding independence and creating a life on your own terms.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy—I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

I really enjoyed this one! Sophie's story was real and heartfelt. I love that baking was more than just a job and it was a part of who she was deep inside, The way the story progressed felt well deserved for Sophie, it didn't feel rushed, although some parts were predictable, other parts were not, and I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters journey.

2.5/3 Stars
I felt the premise of the book was moving, but the writing often didn’t really reel me in. I didn’t feel a connection between the main character and kind love interest. I felt the characters could be fleshed out more. Overall cute read, just wasn’t for me.

I brought this book away with me on vacation and it was a perfect, light, easy read for me. I think many readers may be able to relate to the main character who is stuck in a controlling, love less marriage. It was refreshing to see her take her life back, pursue her dreams and be successful on her own. It was heartwarming to also see her mend her relationship with her own daughter while at the same time accepting and forgiving her own mother.

Sophie is a 46 year old stuck in a marriage that she is planning to get out of. She not only is having to deal with her husband but also her alcoholic mother. She starts selling homemade desserts to try to save money to get away from her husband. As she navigates being single and having to start all over again the story really all comes together perfectly. I loved the book from start to finish.

There is nothing going right in Sophie's life at the moment apart from her secret business that no one knows about. Then a death in the family brings Sophie back to reality and makes her realise she needs to do something about her life. A big change is coming for her and Sophie finds herself as a pastry chef, is this the way forward for Sophie? can she finally find her happiness? It was such a brilliant read to get lost in. You feel for Sophie with everything she has to go through but I like how Julie the author has written relatable issues that the reader may be able to connect with. I did not want to put this book down, I had high hopes that Sophie would find happiness, and it came in an unexpected way. It is about pushing your self to the limits and getting a second chance. I really enjoyed it.

An amazing story of a woman changing her story. I loved how she followed her dreams. This was a story I could not put down. I loved the ending.

Just Add Happiness is a heartfelt blend of women’s fiction and romance that had me rooting for the main character, Sophie, from the very beginning. At 46, she’s navigating an emotionally abusive marriage, caring for her aging mom, and worrying about her college-age daughter while secretly saving up to leave her husband. Her anonymous baking business and job at the French restaurant become a stepping stone toward the life she’s always dreamed of.

I loved watching Sophie’s growth as she found her strength and rebuilt her world piece by piece. She’s the kind of character you want as a best friend…resilient, relatable, and full of heart. An inspiring and uplifting read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #netgalley #justaddhappiness

This was a beautifully done novel about second chances in romance and how it was used in this universe. I was engaged with Sophie and going on this journey with the plot of the book, it was everything that I was looking for and glad I got to read this. Julie Hatcher was able to weave a strong storyline and characters that I cared about and am excited for more.

Just Add Happiness by Julie Hatcher is a wonderful book I really enjoyed, very empowering.

I thought a lot about invisibility when reading this and how women have been invisible for so long but let's not do that anymore.

Sophie is in a very bad marriage. Her husband is controlling. She does everything for them and their daughter. She wants out of her marriage.

Sophie has been running a side business trying to save money so she can file for divorce since her daughter is in college now. I love that her business is called the Invisible Baker.

The characters in this story are well written and I really enjoyed Sophie's mom's story.
Her friends and her love interest make for a well-rounded story.

This is one not to miss!

The story starts off a little slow and the ending feels rushed. However, it is overall an enjoyable story, and I particularly liked the ending. I also liked how the author utilized the “The Invisible Baker” business as a source of empowerment and inspiration. Lucas is too good to be true but also just what Sophie needs to restore her faith in men and relationships.

I’m giving this book five shining stars

What touched me most was how beautifully it shows the healing power of a healthy relationship after leaving an abusive one. Watching Sophie grow and flourish honestly made me so happy, almost like I was cheering her on from the sidelines.

Her ex-husband though… I hated him so much that at one point I actually wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall. Then I realised he wasn’t worth damaging my most prized possession over—that’s how strongly the writing made me feel!

There’s so much wonderful character development in this story, and Sophie especially is written in a way that made me wish she was my best friend in real life. She’s strong, warm, and someone you can’t help but root for.

I also connected with this story on such a personal level. I saw parts of my own life reflected in Sophie’s journey, which made the book even more powerful for me. One big takeaway is that I want everything Sophie has for myself—proof that good things still happen to kind people, and that the right people will stick by you through the hardest moments and celebrate with you in the good ones.

This book gave me hope, joy, and comfort all at once.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing & Julie Hatcher for allowing me to read an ARC Copy of Just Add Happiness in return for an honest review.

Let's not be invisible anymore

Sophie has been in an unhappy, unhealthy, controlling marriage for too many years. She's taken care of the home and her daughter and her husband all these years with no appreciation from her husband. Instead, bitterness and unhappiness.

She's been running a business called the Invisible Baker for months now, saving the money, so she can finally file for divorce now that her daughter is in college.

I loved this story and how it fit together. Sophie, her friends, her circumstances, everything about this book I loved. I appreciated the love interest in the story, Sophie's mother's story, all of it.

I received this book from Lake Union Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would write an unbiased review.