What do you think?
Rate this book
What If? What If?
Jasmine’s mind can’t stop the ‘what-if’ questions that keep her and her friends safe.
She’s mastered the art of avoiding her intrusive thoughts, but it’s a way of life that she can’t sustain. She needs to stand up to the uninvited bully that lives in her brain.
When a long-forgotten diary lands in her hands, Jasmine and her friends are drawn into a life lived decades earlier – one marked by resilience, mental health, and courage. As they unravel its story, the past offers answers for the present – plus a spark of unexpected romance.
What If? What If? is an uplifting and deeply human story inspired by real experiences. It touches on friendship, fear and love in its many forms.
It’s perfect for readers who want to better understand anxiety, OCD and the courage it takes to keep going.
The book is set in New Zealand
It
The hidden reality of OCD and intrusive thoughts beyond the stereotypesThe beauty of friendship and found familyThe power of intergenerational stories to offer healingHow love shows up in surprising, everyday ways
She’s mastered the art of avoiding her intrusive thoughts, but it’s a way of life that she can’t sustain. She needs to stand up to the uninvited bully that lives in her brain.
When a long-forgotten diary lands in her hands, Jasmine and her friends are drawn into a life lived decades earlier – one marked by resilience, mental health, and courage. As they unravel its story, the past offers answers for the present – plus a spark of unexpected romance.
What If? What If? is an uplifting and deeply human story inspired by real experiences. It touches on friendship, fear and love in its many forms.
It’s perfect for readers who want to better understand anxiety, OCD and the courage it takes to keep going.
The book is set in New Zealand
It
The hidden reality of OCD and intrusive thoughts beyond the stereotypesThe beauty of friendship and found familyThe power of intergenerational stories to offer healingHow love shows up in surprising, everyday ways
- GenresMental Health
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 19, 2025
What if? What if? is a gripping and beautifully written novel that offers an insightful window into the mind of someone living with OCD. The protagonist’s inner battles are portrayed with such clarity and compassion that readers, whether familiar with mental health struggles or not, are drawn deeply into their world.
As a New Zealander, I found the references to the Waikato region added a layer of familiarity that made it even more special.
As a New Zealander, I found the references to the Waikato region added a layer of familiarity that made it even more special.
May 29, 2025
This is a such a wholesome book and a great way to understand what people with OCD deal with daily. Definitely worth the read if you know someone who has OCD. And love the characters too!
August 30, 2025
Every now and then, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you. When I was approached to read What If? What If? by Suzanne B. Miller and saw it was set in New Zealand—specifically Hamilton—I knew I had to say yes. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this story would resonate with me, not just as a reader, but as someone who’s lived through many of the same moments.
The story follows Jasmine, a council archivist whose life is shaped by her OCD—nicknamed “Medusa.” Her condition is portrayed with such honesty and compassion, and I found myself relating to her work life more than I expected. Before I was made redundant from Tauranga City Council, I held a similar role, scanning and profiling old council documents. Reading about Jasmine’s day-to-day felt like revisiting a chapter of my own life.
The setting was another highlight. Having visited Hamilton, I could vividly picture the Garden Square by the Library and Hamilton City Council—places I’ve wandered myself. It added a layer of warmth and familiarity that made the story feel even more personal.
But this book isn’t just about one woman’s journey. It spans decades, weaving in historical threads from 1930s to 1960s Hamilton through a series of discovered diaries. Jasmine and her friends embark on a mission to trace the lives behind those pages, and in doing so, uncover stories that echo across generations.
Set between 2018 and 2020, the novel also touches on real events like the Christchurch Mosque Shooting and the COVID pandemic. As someone who lived through those times here in New Zealand, those moments hit hard. And when Paige, one of the characters, learns of a student murdered by a parent, it stirred memories of a tragedy close to my own family—friends of my sister who were taken far too soon. That part of the book brought tears to my eyes.
What If? What If? is more than just women’s fiction—it’s a tapestry of Kiwi life, stitched with grief, friendship, resilience, and hope. If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and reflect the real, raw beauty of New Zealand living, this one’s a must-read.
The story follows Jasmine, a council archivist whose life is shaped by her OCD—nicknamed “Medusa.” Her condition is portrayed with such honesty and compassion, and I found myself relating to her work life more than I expected. Before I was made redundant from Tauranga City Council, I held a similar role, scanning and profiling old council documents. Reading about Jasmine’s day-to-day felt like revisiting a chapter of my own life.
The setting was another highlight. Having visited Hamilton, I could vividly picture the Garden Square by the Library and Hamilton City Council—places I’ve wandered myself. It added a layer of warmth and familiarity that made the story feel even more personal.
But this book isn’t just about one woman’s journey. It spans decades, weaving in historical threads from 1930s to 1960s Hamilton through a series of discovered diaries. Jasmine and her friends embark on a mission to trace the lives behind those pages, and in doing so, uncover stories that echo across generations.
Set between 2018 and 2020, the novel also touches on real events like the Christchurch Mosque Shooting and the COVID pandemic. As someone who lived through those times here in New Zealand, those moments hit hard. And when Paige, one of the characters, learns of a student murdered by a parent, it stirred memories of a tragedy close to my own family—friends of my sister who were taken far too soon. That part of the book brought tears to my eyes.
What If? What If? is more than just women’s fiction—it’s a tapestry of Kiwi life, stitched with grief, friendship, resilience, and hope. If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and reflect the real, raw beauty of New Zealand living, this one’s a must-read.
June 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! As a busy mum, I usually find it tricky to carve out time for reading, but once I picked up What If What If, I couldn’t put it down. The family just had to fend for themselves while I was completely engrossed! From the very first chapter, I was hooked.
The story is heartfelt and engaging, offering a genuine and compassionate glimpse into what it’s like living with OCD. I felt deeply connected to the main character and the challenges she faced. The friendships and supporting characters were beautifully written - warm, quirky, and real, all adding so much colour and charm to the story.
It was an absolute delight to read, full of heart, humour, and a meaningful message that gave me insight into something I hadn’t known much about before. A five-star read from me. Highly recommend!
The story is heartfelt and engaging, offering a genuine and compassionate glimpse into what it’s like living with OCD. I felt deeply connected to the main character and the challenges she faced. The friendships and supporting characters were beautifully written - warm, quirky, and real, all adding so much colour and charm to the story.
It was an absolute delight to read, full of heart, humour, and a meaningful message that gave me insight into something I hadn’t known much about before. A five-star read from me. Highly recommend!
July 18, 2025
I absolutely loved What If, What If by Suzanne Miller. As a local to where the story is set, I adored the vivid descriptions of places I know so well — it felt like a beautiful fresh perspective.
Suzanne captures life with OCD in such a raw, honest, and heartfelt way. I laughed, I cried, and the characters reminded me of people in my own life — so real and relatable. The friendships and love are intertwined through the story which made it all the more moving.
I learned so much about OCD through this story, and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to better understand what it’s like living day to day with it.
I’m so proud of Suzanne — this book is something really special. Highly recommend!
Suzanne captures life with OCD in such a raw, honest, and heartfelt way. I laughed, I cried, and the characters reminded me of people in my own life — so real and relatable. The friendships and love are intertwined through the story which made it all the more moving.
I learned so much about OCD through this story, and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to better understand what it’s like living day to day with it.
I’m so proud of Suzanne — this book is something really special. Highly recommend!
August 23, 2025
4.75⭐️ such a cool unique story with a sprinkling of romance,historical fiction with a happy ending story. Touching on real experiences through OCD.
Set in 2018 in New Zealand, Main character Jasmine has OCD and works at the council and discovers a diary from the 1930’s.Together with her co worker Joel and flatmate Paige they read each entry and get to know the writer more and decide to try and reunite the diary to its rightful owner.
I was kindly sent a copy of this book from Suzanne to read and review.
Set in 2018 in New Zealand, Main character Jasmine has OCD and works at the council and discovers a diary from the 1930’s.Together with her co worker Joel and flatmate Paige they read each entry and get to know the writer more and decide to try and reunite the diary to its rightful owner.
I was kindly sent a copy of this book from Suzanne to read and review.
October 30, 2025
I was gifted this book and put it aside for a rainy day. I literally did pick it up on a rainy day and got so involved in it right from the start, I actually read it in a few days as I enjoyed it so much. You get involved with the characters right from the first chapter and get drawn into their lives. I was stayed involved right until the end. Great first book Suzanne, very well written and I loved that it was about Hamilton and surrounding areas, my home town when I lived in New Zealand. A great read that I would highly recommend.
July 12, 2025
I went into this book knowing very little about OCD, and came out with so much more understanding and appreciation for what it can really look and feel like.
It’s set in the town I live in, which made it feel even more personal. There’s something special about reading a story that unfolds on streets you’ve actually walked.
The writing pulled me in straight away. I found myself nodding, smiling, even tearing up in places. I really enjoyed it.
It’s set in the town I live in, which made it feel even more personal. There’s something special about reading a story that unfolds on streets you’ve actually walked.
The writing pulled me in straight away. I found myself nodding, smiling, even tearing up in places. I really enjoyed it.
February 9, 2026
It’s an interesting story I may have liked it more if I had read the book instead of listening to the audiobook.
The author reads the audiobook herself and it’s not great. You can hear the clicking of the mouse as she turns the pages, occasionally the microphone gets bumped, and you can even hear her cat meowing. The narration is slow even on fast speed and she often starts to read the wrong word and switches to the right one. It really could have benefited from a good editor.
The author reads the audiobook herself and it’s not great. You can hear the clicking of the mouse as she turns the pages, occasionally the microphone gets bumped, and you can even hear her cat meowing. The narration is slow even on fast speed and she often starts to read the wrong word and switches to the right one. It really could have benefited from a good editor.
August 16, 2025
Loved this book - such a great perspective on the true OCD and the impact on lives. Loved seeing the kiwi culture shining through in this story & would recommend this book to everyone. ✨
Surely another soon? 👀🩷
Surely another soon? 👀🩷
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews