This book really didn't work me, unfortunately. I didn't like the way Julie Caplin went about describing Tokyo and the people who lived there-- there were times that it made me uncomfortable. It made it hard to enjoy the rest of the story with that pulling me out of it so much.

Out of seven of Julie Caplin's Romantic Escapades books, this was my fourth one (I've read Copenhagen, Northern Lights Lodge and Croatia before Tokyo). Unfortunately, it was also the one I liked the least.
⠀⠀
Don't know it was all the romances I've read this month, but I have just had enough of all the predictivness, grand gestures and a-ha moments. Maybe its not entirely the books fault, maybe it was just my strange state of mind. Or maybe it was about the book. I don't know. I know only that it didn't do anything for me. The chemistry was weird, the characters not really interesting and reading about Japan was strangely boring. Which is pretty unusual. ⠀

Honestly, I would wish more laughing moments and more depth when talking about the culture. The first one in series (the Copenhagen one) blended all of that so nicely that it set the bar really high. I have three more to read, and I really hope that they will be better than this one. ⠀

The Little Teashop in Tokyo
By Julie Caplin (Romantic Escapes #6)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.5

Pack your bags because you're now flighting to Japan through this book. I went to Japan in 2019 and while reading it I was able to revive all the things I got to experience there in this beautiful written book. It talks about all the tourist spots, some traditional Japanese rituals like the tea ceremony and onsen, it showed the contrast between the old and the modern Japan and it gives you some tips in how to behave in Japan so you don't look rude. With all that said, the romance was just ok. I didn't love the couple and their "issue" that happened ten years ago was such a silly thing to change someone's life and it took so long for them to talk about it like if it was gonna be a big twist or something. I like the Japanese ladies, they were my favorite characters. It's a cute book with a beautiful cover and I love the romantic escapes idea and specially this one about Japan that has a place in my heart. I did enjoy reading it and the ending was very cute and clever. I do recommend this book because it's a sweet way to read about the Japanese culture. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

This story is a sweet rom-com featuring travel blogger Fiona. Fiona gets the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Japan after winning all-expense paid trip. Immediately upon arrival she meets up with a former teacher, a man who broke her heart years ago.

I adore rom-coms and typically my favorite thing about them is the adorable meet cute and how they end up together when the story is done. But I have to say for this novel, while I liked Fiona and Gabe okay (I never could get past the part where he was a former teacher and she felt jilted), it was the well-written description of Japan, it's beauty, it's people, it's culture that stole my heart - and has put Japan on my own personal bucket list!

I rated this one 3.5 stars, but am rounding down to 4 for Goodreads simply for the beauty of Japan!

The Little Tea Shop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin

Fiona is a travel blogger who wins a photographic competition to go to Japan and while she is there she meets Gabe. A world famous photographer, who is to be, her mentor for the trip as her previous one has been cancelled. This leaves Fiona in such a quandary as she knew Gabe at 18 when she was left broken hearted by him and he doesn’t even remember her.

What a beautiful well written book!

An absolutely fabulous read the characters, the culture and description in the book are phenomenal.

You laugh, cry and go through every emotion possible reading this book and it is a real page turner you don’t want to end.

Thank you for the chance to read this book. Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. I didn't end up finishing it because after trying on multiple occasions, I just couldn't get into it. The beginning of the story was a bit scattered, but I enjoyed the scenery and cultural descriptions.

I am a big Julie Caplin fan, after I read the prequel to this book, so I have very high expectations. While I LOVED Fiona's character, I found Gabe to be such a jerk, and I didn't want Fiona to be with him. While the book ended like a neatly wrapped present, I ultimately will keep thinking about Fiona and Gabe, hoping the best for them and that Gabe has truly changed his ways. I look forward to reading Caplin's other books.

I loved this book I was transported to Japan. A wonderful book that has left me wanting to go to Japan.

The title of this book is somewhat misleading. I was expecting more, but the novel itself was somewhat disappointing. I did not finish the book as it was quite boring. Not a usual occurrence for me.

This is a really sweet second chance romance novel! Fiona is a travel blogger who is sent on assignment to Tokyo, To her surprise, Gabe, the handsome photographer from her past, has to step in and be her tour-guide in Tokyo. Fiona stays with a local family, who own and run a teashop, and are a big part of the local community, The descriptions and imagery of the places, the food, the sites in Japan are very beautiful and detailed. I loved the interpersonal relationships between the family and Fiona. After being forced to spend time together, Gabe and Fiona face their past, being to openly communicate, and connect while exploring Japan.

A lovely story about Tokyo and very well descripted. I can't say this makes me want to visit, but I found the book to be enjoyable. Julie nailed it!

Oh My Gosh, I really want to visit Tokyo and see Mount Fuji!
Fiona, a travel blogger/photographer, wins an all expenses paid trip to Tokyo, a dream come true!
Gabe, her mentor, happens to be the man that broke her heart 10 years prior.
Chemistry sparks, Fiona resists his charms as she is still hurting from the past but is being drawn to him.
Her travels around Japan are awe inspiring from quaint tea shops to cherry blossoms, robot cafes , Shibuya Crossing, Mount Fuji and learning about the Japanese cultures and delicious food, all visually fascinating.
Has a brilliant well thought out ending.
Loved this book!

Lovely story. Wonderful descriptions of Tokyo and surrounding locations. Anyone will want to visit. Oh, food sound scrumptious. A big fan of Julie Caplin. I can visit the world from my sofa.

This is the perfect book for those times when you need something fast and light-hearted.

I had been reading a lot of non-fiction and thrillers, so this was the perfect book to disperse the gloom.

I loved the writing style and the story. I loved the way the author made you feel like you were there yourself. Great book!

Sometimes when reading a book, you experience more than just words on a page. The Little Teashop in Tokyo is one of those books. Julie Caplin does an incredible job at transporting you away from your cosy nook and completely enveloping you in the surrounds of Tokyo. I've never been to Japan but I honestly felt like I had been totally transported reading this.

Character wise, there is just something so raw and authentic about everybody we meet through these pages. Fiona has such a complexity and depth, it is easy to fall in love with her - flaws and all - and connect with her on her journey. & Gabe is torn, complex and at times difficult to root for.

This is not just a simple romantic comedy, there are layers, emotions and real life issues brought to the surface that will take you on a beautiful journey. A perfect little read!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams of the Far East are coming true.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for offering an arc for review. I thought this cover was so cute and the premise was interesting so I was quite excited to read it. However, I just couldnt get into it. It was a little slow and I lost interest quickly. It is a cute, easy read overall, so I would recommend it for someone who perhaps wants a cozy read.

The Little Teashop In Tokyo by Julie Caplin

For travel blogger, Fiona, Japan has always been at the top of her bucket list. It looks like her dream is coming true since she just won an all-expenses paid trip to Japan.

I enjoyed this book even though it didn’t include a murder. The telling of Japan’s traditions and ceremonies was delightful. How a young, courageous woman made this trip by herself.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

This was genuinely my favourite book I have read this year.
It was such
A romantic but not twee or cliche love story.
Please read it and be swept away by its pure genuine loveliness.

This is the story of a sad girl who doesn’t know that she is beautiful on the inside and the outside.
She has had he sparkle taken from her by life, caring for her mum emotionally.

Gabe is a talented and on demand photographer who also has lost his sparkle and his ingenue.
They take each other on a ride and it’s break taking and beautiful.

This arc was provided by netgalley free of charge for an honest review.

This gave a wonderful feel of Japan from the traditional ceremonies, food and travel leaving you feeling that you have visited the country.
The story was easy to read with good characters and although predictable I could not put it down.
Only slightly let down by poor editing.