I always think it’s rather a masterstroke to make a book’s main character a photographer – it offers the opportunity to linger on images, to see them from different angles, to sometimes step back from the action and observe. The author uses that opportunity to wonderful effect in this book: I might not have visited Japan, but I certainly feel I have now, and I might just take this book along with me as a guidebook when I finally get to travel there myself.

I liked the way it included the traditional and the tourist meccas – the cherry blossom, the tea ceremony, the traditional dress, the temples and Mount Fuji, but also modern Japan with its virtual reality, fast (and silent) trains, robots and karaoke. Should romance not be entirely be your cup of jasmine tea, you could very easily enjoy this book for the travel alone – and the way it introduces you to Japanese culture and the daily lives of its people. And the food… friends who have visited have told me it’s the thing they liked least about their experience, but they plainly didn’t have a Gabe to take them to the best places.

I will admit that the romance maybe didn’t entirely work for me at first, although I did warm to it as the book unfolded. Fiona and Gabe (her substitute mentor on her Tokyo trip) have history – a small incident, a misunderstanding when she was his student a number of years ago, has had a disproportionate impact on her life. It’s so disproportionate that he neither recognises her nor remembers the incident until he’s spent quite a long time in her company.

And my goodness, he is a miserable sod – to start with his every interaction with poor Fiona is tinged with boredom and rudeness, and it’s rather difficult to see how he’s become so beloved by the Japanese family that she lives with. But I did like the way that things developed – her warmth and enthusiasm rubs off, he sees her as a woman rather than a nuisance, and what begins as a relationship with very little promise warms up to become a romance against the odds that I really believed in.

Fiona herself? She’s a really intriguing character – lacking in confidence, feeling over-large and awkward, her hair tightly tethered, her emotions kept strictly in check, but with a palpable excitement about having been offered this trip of a lifetime. She blossoms quite wonderfully over the course of the book – braver, stronger, funny and warm – and I grew to really like her once she was able to put the events of the past to rest.

One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book was the family Fiona lived with – three generations of women beautifully drawn, with love, three fascinating characters, gently showing the cultural shift from traditional to modern through the dynamic of the family. Fiona’s experience of family is rather different – a needy and dependent mother who she’s allowed to stifle her for far too long, and I liked the way that story worked itself through too. And the story’s ending – that’s the point at which the romance really worked for me, thoroughly lovely and beautifully handled.

I really enjoyed this book – travel and romance, a fairly uncomplicated story, and it really doesn’t pretend to be anything more than that. And it’s more than enough – I loved it.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

This book was a slow start for me. I was often annoyed by Fiona's constant self-deprecating thoughts and comments. They were too repetitive and it got old fast. What saved this book was the detailed descriptions of Japan and Japanese culture. I never had any desire to visit Japan before I read this book. Now it's a must-see for me. I want to experience all of the sights that Fiona described. I was satisfied with the ending as well. I love it when things work out the way that I had hoped for while reading a book.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo is a travel romance novel that definitely falls into the quick beach read category. Fiona Hanning wins a trip to Tokyo to spend two weeks learning from a great photographer but when she arrives it turns out that the mentor will be an old teacher of hers that she kissed ten years ago, Gabe Burnett. Over the course of the two weeks Gabe helps Fiona become a better photographer and helps him become a better man.

This book works for the romance fan as well as the travel fan. If you need something this summer that is not heavy and will be an escape give this one a try.

The sixth book in the Romantic Escapes series, this can certainly be read as a standalone. I loved the setting in Tokyo during cherry blossom season. There are some beautiful descriptions of various places in Tokyo but none are more evocative than the garden behind the Teashop. This is a book where you get to savour the sights, sounds and smells of the country.

Both Fiona and Gabe turn out to have interesting back stories and you get to see things through both perspectives. Fiona is certainly out of her comfort zone but you see her slowly find her feet and begin to get some self- belief. As for Gabe, he is a jaded professional at the beginning. Somehow, he needs to rediscover his creative spark. The Japanese family who Fiona stays with add depth to the story. The three generations all have a different approach to life in Japan but nevertheless, traditions and family are paramount. How lovely it would be to be at one of their tea ceremonies.

In short: Japan's culture comes alive in this contemporary romance.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Everything about this book, from its cover to the descriptions of Japan’s culture, food, and iconic landmarks to the romance between Gabe and Fiona, is so beautiful.

I have plenty of quotes highlighted in the book, especially the bits where traditional Japanese words are used to describe abstract concepts inherent in the culture of the country.

I felt that quote this summed up the essence of Japan perfectly!

"The Japanese are very good at keeping their traditions alive while at the same time being one of the most innovative and technologically advanced societies."

Reading this book felt like taking a culture trip to Japan.

You experience a solemn tea ceremony, wear a kimono, tour the major landmarks of Japan, travel on the bullet train, and sample some of the best of the country’s cuisine.

You learn about concepts like “wabi sabi,” “shibui,” and “kintsugi.”

Apart from that, you get quite an education on photography because Gabe is a world-renowned photographer and Fiona is an instagrammer and blogger who has won a free trip to Japan to be mentored by an experienced photographer. She hopes to display her photos in an exhibition in London.

You will not be prepared for the way Gabe and Fiona finally find their purpose in life. Gabe is too cynical and moody most of the time and Fiona is floundering in self-doubt, a feeling perpetuated by her hypochondriac mother.

The story ends on a satisfying note and left me with a warm and good feeling inside.

(Thank you to the author and Rachel for my review copy!)

Fiona Haning, travel blogger and photographer was about to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. She’d won a photography competion. This was the opportunity of a lifetime and one that she’d never believed would happen to her. Winning the prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts at the Tokyo University Polytechnic was brilliant enough but the chance to exhibit her photographes at the Japan Centre in London was the icing on the cake. It was a fantastic opportunity to gain some recognition ans perpaps sell some work.

When she arrives at Tokyos airport, she’s supposed to be mentored by a famous Japanese photographer, but instead meets Gabe Burnett, successful photographer and in some ways a minor celebrity in his own way right. He was used to mixing in the rich, famous and super glamorous and however, broke Fionas heart ten years earlier. If she went in prepared, he was hardly going to break her heart again, was he?

The Little Tea Shop in Tokyo is the sixth installment in a series of romance novels, but you don’t need to know any of the previous books to read this novel and find fulfilment. I read part 1, 2 and 3 and now book number 6.

Anyone that knows me knows that I love travel and photography (follow me on Instagram) So in that respect The Little Teashop in Tokyo could have been made for me.

The book gives a perfect insights into the Japanese cultur, which is a fantastic mixture of tradition and modernity. I loved the description of Tokyo – bright, vibrant and throbbing with life, colour and neon. This is a nice bit of escapism with witty remarks and some decent sightseeing tips if you ever plan to travel to Japan.

For Fiona everthing in Japan felt alien and uncomfortable. The unfamiliar buildings, the strange road signs, the huge multitude of overhead cables that you didn’t see at home, and the lamp posts wich looked more like ornate bird boxs. It was like nowhere she’d ever been before. Maybe underneath it all, when you thought about what really mattered, Japan, wasn’t so very different. People still loved, laughed and cared for each other and those were values that were shared all over the world. As someone who’s traveled a bit (not in Asia though), some of the issues Fiona, came across were familiar and I could relate to those.

Julie Caplins’ writing style is great; there’s just the right amount of detail, dialogue, setting descriptions, and it’s really well-paced. Next to Fiona, there is a fascinating group of secondary characters; a lot of them just make small appearances but still really add their own touch to the story.

Fiona will easily warm your heart and make you want to continue reading until the end. She really is a great and admirable protagonist; a bit too naive at times, but that makes her real and flawed, just like all of us. I loved joining her on her adventure to Japan and the storyline held my interest throughout the entire novel. However, I would have liked to read more about Fiona’s travel blogging and Instagram activities.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo’ is a feel-good, well-written and enthralling novel which I enjoyed from start to finish; the perfect escape in these kind of times! I’m really looking forward to read about Julie’s next adventure.

My favourite quote: "You are my kintsugi, the golden glue that healed this jaded, cynical idiot and made him belive in love again."

The Little Teashop in Tokyo is a romance novel about two photographers set in Japan.

Once upon a time, Gabe was Fiona’s photography instructor and she planted one on him. A classmate caught them in the act and bullied Fiona over it so badly that she ended up dropping out of school.

Ten years later, Fiona wins a two-week trip to Japan courtesy of a photography contest—and her planned mentor is unavailable so Gabe steps in. At first he doesn’t remember her and she thinks she’s dodged an embarrassing bullet. Later, it hits him and he’s very nice about it, taking a huge weight off her shoulders. Fiona is an influencer now and she’s able to learn about Japan while creating content on her streams.

The book was a bit iffy in parts; mainly in Fiona’s seeming immaturity despite being well into adulthood. Even so, it was an enjoyable read especially given the obscenely romantic final pages.

The setting of the book, Japan, is one close to my heart. I’m not into books that talk about food every other page, yet the mouth-watering descriptions of the food the characters ate made me want to order Coronavirus-safe takeout from a local Japanese restaurant.

The two themes in the book—finding the spark in your work (assuming you have a job that provides you with one) again and moving on from past heartbreak—were an odd combination but that also makes this novel somewhat unique in the romance genre.

If you’re looking for a light romance novel that will leave you hankering for some Japanese cuisine, this is your book.

I really enjoyed this! It was a lovely, delightful book, and I want to go back and read Caplin's other novels in the series now!

Fiona had everything from a budding photography career to opportunities to make all her dreams come true, until one fateful meeting and a group of mean girls helped to destroy her confidence and make her retreat from interactions. But years later, she’s developed a loyal following for her travel blog, and gained a few friends who won’t let her stagnate. Now she’s won a trip to Japan to study under a photographic master, and live with a family, all of which will culminate in a grand exhibition for her work back in London.

Far from a traditional romance, Fiona is the story and the lynchpin on which the story revolves. And it didn’t take more than a few pages in before I was hooked! Sure, she’s a bit immature and sulky, and her mother is taking major advantage of Fiona’s ‘reluctance’ to join the world in any meaningful way, but Tokyo and the teashop, with the quiet influence of Harumi, her daughter and the more ‘exuberant’ granddaughter. The lessons in Japanese traditions and attitudes, as well as their acceptance of, if not wholehearted approval of Gabe, the photographer Fiona once had a crush on who is now serving as her mentor, albeit reluctant one as he also has a ‘minder’ much like Fiona’s mother who won’t let go.

From travel to the ‘usual sites’, to participation in a tea ceremony, to Fiona finding her joy and a new ‘eye’ in photographs, the story is engaging and takes place over a short time, leaving plenty of moments for reflection, discussion and the romance to bloom between Fiona and Gabe. From the real affection shown her by her host family, as well as their gentle encouragement to move out and discover all that one can find in a short time, the story has plenty to recommend it and gives readers a real itch to hop out and discover their own purpose and potential in a new to them world.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aJy /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I dream of Japan one day so this instantly attracted me to the book. Who wouldn't dream of winning two weeks photographing the land of the rising sun?

It is a throughly joyful read, the charactors are relatable and there is nothing that seems "too good to be true". The relationship developes at the right pace and builds into crescendo at the right point. There's enough twists to keep entertained but nothing I feel takes away from the ending.

You will shout, cheer and sigh like you should do with all good Rom Com books. Perfect Summer Read.

Oh Julie Caplin you have done it again!
I loved this book.
As usual, Julie had my mouth watering with the delectable sounding food.
I am in love with the city of Tokyo, it sounded absolutely amazing, with the modern and incredibly ancient in the same city. The cultures of the Japanese all sound perfect.
Julie has got them all down to the minute detail and completely enthralled me.
With a romance to boot, which tugged at the heart strings.
Just perfect for an escape.

I love Japan and I love photography so the premise had me hooked pretty much immediately. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author did a decent job of showing Japan through a tourist's eyes-I felt like Fiona's reactions were believable. The descriptions of the photography shots were great, I could picture them in my head and wished I could actually see them.

I thought the ending was a little rushed, and it was pretty predictable but I feel that's not necessarily a bad thing in contemporary romance. I was a little worried that the execution of the ending was going to make me mad but I was worried for no reason.

I didn't know this was part of a series so I will be looking for the rest soon.

The Little Teashop of Tokyo

This was the first book from Julie Caplin that I have read (despite having a number of them on my TBR pile) and what a book to start with..... I loved it!

Julie’s writing is effortlessly descriptive and I loved the way she managed to transport me across the globe and make me feel as though I was right there discovering Japan alongside Fiona.

I loved the historical and cultural Japanese references through the book. There were dual timelines, as you looked back in parts to when Fiona and Gabe first met in school when she was 18. I loved watching their relationship develop as they travelled to various iconic areas in Japan. I also really enjoyed the relationship that Fiona had with her Japanese host family and the details and history of the tea ceremony’s that the ‘Master of Tea’ Haruka performed.

I have wanted to visit Japan for many years and this has only made me even more desperate to visit this beautiful country..... maybe next year. But until then, this was the perfect lockdown read that transported me across the globe to Japan through the pages of this book!

This book was a delightful, heartwarming romance that I utterly adored. The perfect read for any Julie Caplin or romance fan!

Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Japan as always been on my list of countries I hope I can visit before I die. I want to learn more about Japanese culture and history, maybe learn Japanese, but I want to learn it from the "source". Meanwhile, I have been looking for all kinds of books to add to my list that are set or talk about Japan. When I saw this book and it's blog tour, I knew it could be a good way to travel - in my mind - to this beautiful place.

In this story we follow Fiona, and I could relate to her in many ways, and since she is a blogger and she always wanted to visit Japan, I kind of connected to that, mainly. As the story unfolds and Gabe comes into scene, I felt myself falling in love with the characters.

As we met the every character and learn more about the community, the relationships, the characters' stories... It all made me a part of the book, of that moment, of that group, and that was brilliant because I absolutely love when a story is about people and society, and everything in between: relationships, emotions, goals. Getting connected with the people in a story is very important to me, and that was what happened with this book.

The scenery was another things that I loved. The fact that it transported me to a place I have never visited, a culture that I am looking forward to learn more about, was a fantastic thing. We are seeing things from a foreigner woman, so it's a different experience, but still it may be the experience we would have if we were really there. The descriptions and the narrative helped with maintain that realism.

Overall, it was a brilliant story. Romance, friendship, culture, learning and exploring. That's how I would describe the book. And I can't wait to read more novels by this author, because I loved how she took us to those places, and made the reading of this story an escape for me.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. The cover and the title sound so cute and I was really excited to read it. I ended up really enjoying this book and would like to read more by this author

I've long been fascinated by Japan but sadly, I've never had the opportunity to visit. Julie Caplin's book proved the next best thing. I loved the little details that went into the story, giving the reader a glimpse into Japanese culture. By the end of the book, I felt as if I'd actually been there and was rather surprised to look round and find myself at home!
The dynamics between Fiona and Gabe are spot on and I loved the feuding that went on. If you want a book that offers a lot more than an enemies-to-friend- romance then this book delivers.

A great read, I especially enjoyed it as it is set in Japan, a country I would love to visit.

Fiona is in Japan after winning a photography competition, but when she arrives there has been a change of mentor, and she is forced to spend time with Gabe, a man who had a negative effect on her in the past, even if he doesn't seem to remember her!

As her time in Tokyo progresses, she starts to fall for him again, but he still seems to be in love with his ex, even though she is married to someone else. Do they have a chance at being together, and what will happen when it is time for her to leave Japan and go back home to the UK?

I liked how the book is told from both of their points of view, and the japanese family Fiona stayed with were a great bunch of characters.

3.5 stars

As someone who majored in Japanese and studied abroad in Japan, I was really looking forward to picking this book up! With all of the mentions of Japanese culture, food, and language, Julie had me wishing I could head back to Japan and stay with my host family once again. Sometimes I felt like the writing got a little too much (can someone really love every single food that they try in a foreign country?) but overall I think that the detailed descriptions helped me feel like I was experiencing Japan alongside Fiona.

I had a hard time connecting to any of the main characters possibly because I would have liked more character background but the overall character development in the book was on point and by far my favorite part. It’s rare for a book to have as much character growth as this one did and I am extremely grateful for it.

I admit that it took me a while to get into the plot but things picked up around the half-way point and the last 20% of the book was pretty darn great.

This book was exactly what I needed right now for many reasons. I've been having a hard time focusing on reading lately so I had a bit of a hard time getting into it at first but soon fell in love with the well-developed characters. I haven't read many books set in Japan and loved hearing about the cultural differences. The food and scenery descriptions were amazing.. I also enjoyed the reminders about the importance of letting go of our past and slowing down and appreciating the beautiful parts of life.

Thank you to Harper Collins and #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

The cover of this book is stunning!
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Review: The Little Tea shop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Well this book fell a bit flat for me. I loved the premise, Fiona, a blogger has won a trip to Japan to study photography and have her pictures shown in an exhibition. Wow! So cool! When she arrives she sees that a former teacher of hers is actually going to be her mentor for the trip...also she may have kissed this teacher when she was 18 which was not allowed. Gabe, the teacher, does not recognize Fiona at first and is dealing with his own relationship issues. I enjoyed the buildup to their romance and I really liked the mentions of places in Tokyo and aspects of Japanese culture. The ending was also really cute and romantic.
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What I didn’t like: Fiona identifies herself as ‘super clumsy’, ‘big-boned’, ‘giraffe’, ‘ordinary’. And does not believe anyone could possible like women with those qualities. However she stops believing all of that ONLY when Gabe tells her he thinks she’s a warrior-princess and a Valkyrie...I had to look that up. Fiona does not live ‘dangerously’ but decides to take a risk and try a caramel Kit Kat bar. I just wish she overcame her insecurities on her own and tried a bit harder to step out of her comfort zone.