The Happiness Project, Kirstie Pelling

Garabrandt Reviews

Nov 29

Title: The Happiness Project

Author: Kirstie Pelling

Pages: 288

Genre: Women's lit, Romance

Is this book part of a series? No

I discovered this book via... Netgalley working with Embla Books

Publish Date: December 1st, 2022

Summary courtesy of Goodreads:

Daisy Blane is a self-certified Happiness Expert - but does she have all the answers when it comes to her own love life?

Daisy is determined to bring happiness into the lives of others, and as a happiness guru she has the skills to brighten everyone's day. Well, she would if her fledgling business would take off. Instead she's stuck cleaning hotel rooms for minimum wage with her best friend, Eva.

But after a chance encounter with superstar celebrity, Vince Marino, Daisy's client list starts taking shape. With her career on the up, and her lodgers settled in - including Doodle, the scruffiest dog in the world - it's time for Daisy to tackle the final piece of the puzzle. Her love life.

Local barista Joe has been flashing his gorgeous blue eyes at her for months now, but he doesn't seem to feel the same spark. Can Daisy turn her happiness tactics on herself to put her heart on the line? Or does she risk having it broken in the process?

I loved this book! It was a cute, fast paced book that still hit all the feels. Daisy was incredibly charming, if neurotic. I loved her, over-the-top superstitions and all. Honestly, it's hard not to be charmed by her warm and energetic attitude, along with her honest desire to help others find joy. There's the other side of Daisy, though, that runs from her childhood pain. The one that wants to store up all the good luck and can't step on cracks in the street.... the one that can hold a grudge and be terribly judgemental. This just made her more multifauceted to me, though. I enjoyed watching her work through these issues and come to terms with what it would take to find her own happiness. Having a soft spot for books that highlight personal growth, this one really spoke to me.

As far as side characters go, I enjoyed Eva and Doodle the most. I mean, who wouldn't? The dog is an amazing companion and good for comic relief, and Eva is your basic ride-or-die bestie (who will still call you out on your bull). I loved her side hustles, her acceptance of Daisy, the fact that she's always got her back. Vince was, at times, too extra... but I loved him anyway and actually think he had the most character development of all. Joe is kind and charming. I liked the interactions between him and Daisy.

All in all this was a great read. It was fast paced, while still hitting all the feels for me. There were times I cried for Daisy, laughed with her, and wanted to strangle her (this happens with fictional characters more often than I'd like to admit). I'd give it four stars.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

On the adult content scale, there is drinking, language and sexual content. The latter isn't terribly over the top, but it's important to know. I would say this book is geared towards adults but would be acceptable for older teens (16+).

I was lucky enough to recieve and eARC from Netgalley and Embla publishing in exchange for an honest review. My thanks! I have actually pre-ordered the ebook from Amazon (a steal at $2.99) and may do another small post on release day.