I LOVE Julie Caplin's romantic escapes series. This is the second one I read and it was just as great as the Croatia one I read last. What I love the most about her series is her ability to describe sooooo much of the country you're visiting including its customs and food without feeling like a monologue drone or boring the reader. Her descriptive style is strong enough to convince you to buy a ticket to go visit these places yourself. In fact, her Croatia installment did make me buy a trip to Croatia. Covid is stopping me from buying a ticket to Tokyo.

This is such a great super romantic, a bit sexy shmexy time story set in such a fabulous country the Caplin has so vividly brought to life.

I knew that this was a book that I was going to love, when I discovered that our leading lady, Fiona, was a travel blogger. Bloggers just love reading about other bloggers, am I right? Fiona is given the opportunity of a lifetime to be mentored by one of the best photographers in the world, Yutaka Araki. It’s clear as day that Fiona could not be more over the moon with this adventure to becoming inspired and the best she can possibly be – nothing can take this moment away from her, not even her hypochondriac, anxiety-ridden mother begging her to stay home. Glowing with confidence, inspiration ready to strike, Fiona is set to capture every stunning moment in sight and around every corner, however, life has other plans and she is abruptly reunited with a man who broke her heart ten years ago. Yutaka is unable to mentor at the last minute, leaving Gabe Burnett to put his mentoring skills to use – or not.

Fiona was such a gorgeous character to read about, from following her on her journey to capturing photographs for her upcoming show, to putting her heart and soul in to exploring the cultures Toyko has to offer, with the help of Haruka and her family. I absolutely adored the friendships Fiona created amongst Haruka, her daughter and grand-daughter. They grew fond of each other rather quickly and from the get-go, they got on like a house on fire. If anything, I believe these three ladies inspired Fiona during her stay in Tokyo more than anybody. They created a true friendship for life and I think when travelling, there’s nothing more wonderful than that. Her journey was filled with the most gorgeous of sights including; The Sky Tree, the Digital Art Museum, Ueno Park and Mount Fuji. Not only was this an eye-opening, educational trip for Fiona, but I, as the reader, also really benefited from all of the knowledge that Julie captured in this story. I have never visited, nor read about Toyko before, so I dived in to this book, with little expectations of what was going to be offered. Julie’s descriptions of every location visited was absolutely divine and had me entranced until the very end. I haven’t ever had an interest in visiting Tokyo, however, Julie has unleashed my fascination towards what sounds like such a gorgeous city and that most likely wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for her words sparking an interest in me.

Gabe was a stubborn man indeed, and his lack of enthusiasm towards supporting Fiona with her photography had me irritated more than enough times. With every location they visited, he left Fiona to her own devices and never offered his knowledge when Fiona would have appreciated and benefited from it. As the story progresses, we find out why Gabe has turned into a massive grump and it was an interesting backstory indeed. You go from being irritated by Gabe to wishing him the best. Yumi is an influential character on our leading man indeed and it’s safe to say she most certainly knows how to keep a man at her feet, no matter how much she is hurting them. I’m really glad Fiona stepped back in to Gabe’s life, despite the remorse she felt every time she was near him at first, as she allowed him to open up his eyes to a world where he could have full control of his own life and that if he was willing to also open his heart, he could find happiness for himself, instead of using it all on a woman who didn’t deserve a single second of his time. The enchantment Gabe had towards Fiona, as their friendship began once more was heart-warming to witness – he had been stuck on Yumi as his muse for so long, causing him to neglect a career he once loved, until Fiona and her luscious red hair and tall legs came and stole the spotlight. She was just the refreshing change he needed and their chance of reuniting could most definitely be described as luck with fate.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo was a stunning, uplifting and inspiring book, filled with adventure, friendships, culture and all the romance you could possibly want. Thank you, Julie, for opening my eyes to a world I had never had the pleasure of knowing until now, through your beautiful descriptions and an even more beautiful story.

The rituals, the visual painting with words, the characters... this book had it all. Such a good quick read.

Loved this book!

Brought back a lot of memories from my own travels around Japan and my mouth watered at the descriptions of the food.

Really enjoyed that the love story wasn't the domineering component, yes it's there and we all know how these books end but I was eager to keep reading, almost disappointed at the end as I wanted to know more!

The characters are likeable and relatable and the relationship between them really carries the story forward.

Have placed holds on her previous books from the library I enjoyed this book so much.


**Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me advanced access to this book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, the rituals of tea making in Japan and the people in the tea shop are interesting and the characters are heart warming. Fiona kissed her teacher then years later after winning a photography competition bumps into him again. He is still gorgeous if not annoying but isn't that how all live stories start? Brilliant ending definitely recommend.

Having read a number of Julie Caplin's books before, I had a fair idea of what to expect going into it,
Her books tend to follow a similar formula, usually a woman leaving her current circumstances, travelling somewhere new, having a few adventures and meeting new friends and a love interest along the way.

While formulaic, it is an easy and comforting read. The Little Teashop in Tokyo gives lovely glimpses into the imagery of Tokyo, heartwarming moments and a really pleasant story and set of characters to follow along with.

This is one of those books that's best read on a rainy day, under a blanket, with a cup of tea.

Ah, where to I start with this book. I knew I had to read it when I saw that it was about a travel blogger and she was going to Japan (Tokyo) and she was going there to take pictures so it could be later displayed on a exhibit. It sounded amazing and I wanted, no, I needed and once I started reading it? It was more than I expected, it was beyond was I was expecting and I never wanted to leave this little paradise that I discovered. I want all of Julie Caplin's books and why did I start on book number six of this series, where have I been? Under a rock? Yes, for sure. Okay, okay, let's talk more about this book.

Fiona, is the travel blogger who has won the contest to travel to Tokyo and to work with a professional photographer while there. She couldn't be more happy, this is something she has dreamed forever but she has the worst surprised ever when she arrives in Tokyo, right at the airport. There, waiting for her is a professional photographer, but no the one she was expecting, but no the less one that she knows well, it's the one that ruined the last ten years of her life, Gabe. But, it looks like Gabe doesn't remember her and she is just going to go along with it and enjoy her stay in Tokyo, she is there to work and enjoy this beautiful country. What's the worst that can happen? Fall in love again, Gabe recognize her and fall in love with her? Ah, yeah right? Right? Japan is magical place and lots of things can happen.

I loved the romance in this book, it was slow and magical and funny, it was everything you want in a romance. And Japan? Ah, the way things were described, I want to go there, I want a tea ceremony more than anything. I want to go live with a local family than stay at a hotel. I want to visit all the local points that were mention in the book. The cherry blossoms has been something in my bucket list and now more than ever.

Maybe is the quarantine talking, but I felt more connected with this traveling more than ever and makes me want to travel more. I loved Julie Caplin's writing and I'm so picking up all the previous books in this series.

5 out of 5 stars for sure.

Let’s visit a tea shop, a robot restaurant and Mount Fuji. We can indulge in sushi, tempura and a steamship restaurant. The Japanese way of life will calm you as you read The Little Teashop in Tokyo. This charming book is book 6 in the Romantic Escapes series by author Julie Caplin. Other books in the series include The Little Café in Copenhagen and The Little Bakery in Brooklyn. Romance is all over the world!

The best part of this book for me was the descriptions. The way of life in Japan, the sites and philosophy was presented in a clear and enticing way. The main character is Fiona, and much of the book describes her photography work- the technicalities and the photos themselves were brought to life by the vivid and interesting descriptions. I know many readers will be dreaming of visiting Japan after reading this book. Oh and I want a kotatsu table!

Alas, the the romance of Gabe and Fiona was a slow-burn, a well-written and passionate slow burn, but hampered by the lack of connection I had with the characters. I couldn’t relate to how upset Fiona had become with Gabe and herself when she was 18. Still, this is a readable and engaging story.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for a digital advance review copy. This is my honest review.

Lovely, cosy read, a great instalment in the series. Fascinating setting for the story. The story and characters are engaging and very likeable. The book is easy to read and I was desperate to find out the ending. Well worth picking up this summer.

Thank you Netgalley

I usually read holiday books set in the europeans mediterean climate so when i seen this for reading i thought why not, lets go to Asia and find out what Japan is all about. Grab your passport and lets read.
Gabe is the leading lady and man. They know each other from years before and that adds to the background for the characters.
I liked Fiona but the amount of times I wanted to shake her and tell her she's worth more than she thinks she is. Its capulating how you can relate to certain authors and even though you want her to pay attentiomn, you know yourself has been in her shoes before. I wish she had more confidence for herself instead of constantly needing told what she is worth. Gabe has made mistakes in the past and that adds to the likeability for me, he seems like the most lovely on guy when the pair meet ten years later. A picture is worth more than words and that is often the case.
I do like the way this author writes, its fast pacing and you dont want to opt it down, ive found reading difficult during lockdown but i was catapulted to Tokyo and never looked bad.
Thank you to netgalley for an early read for an honest review.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for a free copy of The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin in exchange for an honest review. This published June 11, 2020.
This was my first read in this series and I thought it was great fun! Romance, (but not too cheesy), with travel, food, photography and self discovery! What more could you ask for?
I feel like Caplin must have had a lot of fun researching about Japan and I am quite impressed with how she described the food, people and culture. My favorite parts were probably the scenes that took place in the tea shop, it made me want to go and make tea, immediately!
If you’re looking for a sweet book, this would be a fun one!
Trigger Warning; Some cussing here and there. One sex scene.

This story is such a heartwarming read that I read it in one day while on vacation. We are introduced to Fiona, a travel blogger, who has won a fabulous trip to Japan. This trip is for her to be mentored on photography and through her journey, we meet Gabe....who broke her heart ten years ago and she has never really recovered the humiliation of this event. Gabe is that man from her past that she never resolved and upon encountering him again, Fiona sees that he is quite different. Despite this hurdle, Fiona is determined that she will not have her once in a lifetime trip ruined by this so she immerses herself into Japanese culture and the learning that will take place. Fiona struggles with questions along the way such as letting the past haunt her existence and letting go as well as the potential to experience more heartbreak. The trip turns out to be one that neither Fiona or Gabe can ever forget.

The way that this book is written is brilliant, delightful and entertaining. With the setting of fabulous Tokyo, there are beautiful examples of the way life takes place in the city. I loved learning about Fiona and her adventures of seeing Japan from her perspective. Her interactions with Gabe are excellent and they are two very interesting, very well developed characters. Their chemistry is off the charts! This read is not to be missed. It is sure to offer an escapist read for anyone to be transported into a beautiful story. I am recommending it to the very fullest extent and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read it via Netgalley. Thank you so much!

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Julie Chaplin for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
My Kindle was out of commission for a hot minute and I was stuck 75% through this book for the last week! I finally finished this tonight and I was not disappointed!
If you’re stuck at home desperate to travel, take a trip to Tokyo with Fiona. This isn’t just a romantic love story where a world traveler finds her HAE. It’s about family traditions, Japanese culture and learning to trust yourself and those around you.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t a fan of Gabe throughout the majority of this book. I think he had A LOT of baggage that he wouldn’t even admit existed half the time. His relationship with Yumi and the emotional trauma that came with was so frustrating. I know it's a very common situation, one I've been in myself, but I think Fiona deserved better.
I also expected the big thing that happened between Fiona and Gabe to be, well, a bigger thing. I understand it was an embarrassing moment and caused issues for Fiona but really I expected much worse! The build up was a little bit of a let down in that department.
The real stand out in this book, though, was the Japanese family that Fiona stayed with while in Japan. The dynamic between the three generations of women running their family owned tea shop was so refreshing and enduring. I would read a book about the teenage daughter in a heartbeat!
This book had me telling my boyfriend that I wanted to plan a trip to japan ASAP!

When I saw the evocative cover on this book and then read the blurb I just couldn’t resist reading it and I’m so glad! It is a second chance romance a decade after they first met and she kissed the teacher he then was. To put it mildly Fiona never anticipated meeting Gabe again and certainly didn’t expect him to be her mentor after she won an all expenses trip to Japan. She’s a travel blogger and, as part of the prize, her photographs of her visit to the country will be exhibited soon after her return.

The story gives insights into various aspects of life in Japan, has beautiful, mouthwatering descriptions of tasty food and drink and some sage advice, too. Gabe is somewhat cynical and jaded, he’s lost his muse and lacks motivation to get out of his tedious, disheartened mindset. Fiona has been something of a wallflower, no longer as daring as she was at eighteen – and her mother’s hypochondria and constant texts really don’t help. However, on this visit she’s determined to be bolder and braver – and she’s somewhat forthright in expressing her opinions to Gabe! As the two visit iconic landmarks, their relationship develops, helping them see themselves in another light and maybe helping them find love en route?

It is a lovely story to escape into. The stars of the story for me were the three generations of Japanese women with whom Fiona stays for most of her holiday in Japan. Their insightful comments and some crafty manipulations are fantastic. How the main characters develop through the story, learning about themselves and each other is superbly portrayed. It is a delightful read and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys contemporary second chance romances!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so.

The gorgeous cover drew me in and I'm so glad it did! I loved the story, the characters, the setting and am very glad to have discovered a new author to me! Time now to devour her other books!!

Fiona is the centre of this story as she wins a trip to Tokyo to learn from a top photographer, ahead of her exhibition in London. She's is totally out of her comfort zone so this is a big step for her, but she knows how important this could be for her photography so she sets off and stays with a lovely family who run a teashop in Tokyo, which gives her the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture and indulge her love of tea!!

There is a switch in her mentor though, and it's someone from her past so that brings new pressures to her trip. Will he remember her? Luckily for her, Gabe seems a little pre-occupied with his own personal issues - not so good for her being mentored to the best of his ability though!

What I loved about Fiona and Gabe, is how they work so well off one another, especially when they're out and about taking photos. They seem to inspire one another to look at things from a different perspective! This starts to rub off into their own lives as well and allows them to change old routines and take control of their own lives, instead of being dictated to by others. There's also a little edge to their 'banter'

This is a book that teaches you about 'being you' and the setting of Tokyo was just perfect to help explore the ways of the Japanese and how they find beauty in the simplest of things. It is the perfect escapism read and I loved it!

Typical Me! I have a tendency to find brilliant series but a long way down the line!
This is the sixth book in the romantic escapes series and the first one I have read. This means I now need to read books 1-5 as I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle and charming love story set against the cultural backdrop of Japan.
Meet Fiona. Hung up on one single adolescent mistake which has dented her self esteem, further hampered by a needy mother who has unwittingly made Fiona feel gangly and gauche, she travels to Tokyo having won a photographic competition.
Instead of being mentored by a top photographer she is mentored by another top photographer who just happens to be that adolescent mistake, arrogant, cynical and jaded Gabe Burnett.
I won't give any further details of the plot line as it would spoil the story but suffice to say this is one trip Fiona is not going to forget.
Thank you to Julie Caplin for such a tender romantic read. I hardly ever give a romantic read 5 stars, hence the 4, which actually translates as 'I love it, the style of writing, the happiness, and the ease with which the book makes me glow inside. Love at its best'.
Read and fall in love. I have 5 more books to now enjoy and remind myself that romance can and does exist!

Japan has always been a dream destination for travel photographer and blogger Fiona. So when the opportunity arises for a fully funded trip leading to a photography exhibition she jumps at the chance. It is difficult for her to leave her needy mother behind, but it is time for her to focus on her dreams.

Yet, upon arriving at the airport her mentor turns out to be the man who was the cause of so much distress and broke her heart for when she was eighteen.

Can Japan repair all those years of insecurity?

This was the perfect book to take you away during these Covid days. After reading this Japan is definitely on my list of places I’d like to visit when we can.

Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

I have seen more books by the author and they are all set in wonderful locations, so this is a great summer read while you’re not really allowed to travel, but you’re traveling through the words of Julie Caplin. I am very eager to go to Japan now! The characters were engaging, the story was interesting and I am happy that I was able to read this one! And also the cover is so pretty! What a wonderful addition to your bookshelves this one would be!

This is a pleasant read, if underwhelming. Its strength lies in the descriptions of various locations in Japan. I felt as though I had been transported there. I'd love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan one day, so it was lovely to read about them in the book, as was learning about some of the customs. I loved Haruka and her family, I think even more so than the main characters, Fiona and Gabe.

Fiona was okay, but her lack of confidence and hang-ups about her height/looks became tiresome (there seemed to be no real reason behind it). She was immature. Also, I found it hard to believe that something which happened ten years ago (a stolen kiss) affected her life the way it did. It wasn't a strong enough reason. Contrary to one of the reviews, Gabe was never her boyfriend back then. He was her teacher (for a short course) and Fiona had a crush on him.

This book is a romance but I have to say that I skim read some of the sections where Fiona and Gabe went to Mount Fuji. They just didn't hold my attention (and there were too many Princess Warrior references).

I didn't feel moved at the end. In fact, I had a few questions. Was Gabe at Fiona's exhibition? If so, why didn't he stay? Apparently he had a flight to catch, and yet two days later he was back in London??? Also, he said he knew she'd come to his exhibition, but how? Fiona was given a crumpled flyer, but it was quite by chance.

I also think the author missed some opportunities: there could have been more about Fiona's blogging - maybe even some blog entries. And I was expecting Fiona to have a showdown with her mother. Instead, her mother had seen the light all by herself and mother and daughter did not have a meaningful conversation, when I think one was well overdue.

All of this may sound as though I didn't like the book, but I did, I just didn't love it. If you're looking for a light romance and to be transported to another country, this is the book for you. Another of the its strengths is the photography. I very much enjoyed the thought processes behind both Fiona and Gabe's photographs.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.