Cups & Curiosity

Libby Hubscher’s If You Ask Me is one of those delightful, warm-hearted reads that leaves you cheering for its heroine while also tugging at your heartstrings. At first glance, it might seem like a light romantic comedy—and yes, it delivers on that front—but it’s also a thoughtful look at public image, personal healing, and learning to trust yourself again after life throws you off course.

The story follows Violet Covington, a beloved advice columnist known for her thoughtful and polished persona in her “Dear Sweetie” column. Readers turn to her for wise, kind words—but behind the scenes, Violet’s own life is falling apart. After discovering her husband’s affair, Violet is faced with a humiliating and very public breakup, thanks in part to her celebrity status in the community. The scandal forces her to rethink not just her marriage, but her image, her career, and her future.

As Violet navigates the aftermath—grappling with her own feelings of betrayal, loneliness, and frustration—she also begins to let down her carefully curated walls. One of the joys of this book is seeing Violet gradually rediscover who she is, apart from the expectations of others. Along the way, she meets Dez, a compassionate firefighter, whose steady presence offers both humor and support. Their relationship develops naturally, with plenty of sparks, but it never overshadows Violet’s journey of self-reclamation.

One thing I really appreciated about this book is that while the romance is sweet and satisfying, it’s not the ultimate “fix” for Violet’s problems. Instead, the novel focuses just as much on her personal growth—her professional decisions, her friendships, and her effort to reclaim her voice, both in her column and in her life. It’s a refreshing take on the rom-com genre, where the main character’s identity isn’t reduced to simply finding new love.

Hubscher also does an excellent job portraying the emotional complexity of Violet’s situation. The book captures the anxiety of living under public scrutiny, the sting of betrayal, and the small, quiet victories that come with starting over. There’s a clear message about the pressure to maintain a “perfect” image, especially for women in the public eye—and how healing often requires embracing vulnerability instead of perfection.

Of course, there are plenty of moments of levity as well. The writing is witty, the dialogue sparkles, and Violet’s inner monologue often had me smiling. Hubscher balances humor and heart so well that you’ll find yourself flipping pages quickly, invested in Violet’s ups and downs.

Overall, If You Ask Me is a charming and empowering novel about love, loss, and the sometimes-messy process of moving on. If you enjoy stories about strong, complex women navigating life’s curveballs with humor and grit, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.