Just Add Happiness

A Novel

From the author of Not Quite by the Book comes a deliciously witty novel about second chances, secret identities, and the art of rising above life’s bitter moments.

At forty-six, Sophie Bianco’s life is half baked—trapped in a controlling marriage and estranged from her critical mother. Her only solace? The Invisible Baker, her secret business helping overwhelmed moms create Pinterest-worthy moments.

When her mother’s death coincides with the last straw in her marriage, Sophie grabs her chance. Armed with divorce papers and her savings, she reclaims her childhood home. But freedom comes with complications: hoarder-level chaos, plumbing disasters, and an ex-husband plotting revenge. When her daughter announces an engagement that echoes Sophie’s own mistakes, the past threatens to repeat itself.

Desperate for income, Sophie takes a position as a pastry chef, finding unexpected sweetness in both the work and the charming restaurant owner. But as family drama and professional opportunities collide, Sophie must finally answer the question she’s been avoiding: Who is she when she’s no longer invisible?

©2026 by Julie Hatcher. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

All the different family and friends dynamic

I absolutely loved this feel good book although I had moments of really disliking Robert!!!

Phenomenal written divorce story

This is one of the best portrayals of the realities of divorce. The family dynamics, the restructuring, the psychological abuse and the new beginning. Julie Hatcher is an amazing writer who truly thinks every part of her books through. You can tell the amount of intention she puts into each one. I appreciate she didn’t sugar coat it. I can totally picture one of my clients doing all of this. I’m glad she included her storyline with her mom and her past. This story is inspiring, interesting and heartbreaking.
I’ve worked as a paralegal for a decade. I will say that every state and county works very differently than this. I would hate for a client to read this and expect their case to have hearings set this quickly and be alone at any kind of meeting. Get informed about the process and work out some contingency plans like the protagonist. Asking for help is hard but not impossible.

Amazing Journey!!

I absolutely loved this book. As someone who also restarted her life in her 40s after betrayal, I really connected with the FMC. Her journey to finding her strength, her voice and the path she took to spread her wings was inspirational. I know this is a work of fiction but there are many women around the world in similar situations that have already left or who are still working up the courage to do so. I highly recommend this to anyone who has struggled to be seen and heard or who felt the need to make themselves small to keep the peace of those around them!

Very Enjoyable

This is a light, fun story with strong characters, especially female characters. I enjoyed the story line. A pleasure to read.

Wonderful Read!

What an awesome book!! I really enjoyed listening to this one. The story was wonderful and the ending had me crying in the club. Definitely pick up or listen to this one!