I've absolutely loved following the characters that work in the cafe throughout the series. It is always comforting coming back to this cafe and these characters. I also enjoy the new ones that we meet and what we learn about them. Even though the stories deal with grief and regret, I appreciate that things are resolved in a heartwarming way by the end of it. I will keep coming back to this book and this series whenever I need a comfort read.

I’ve said before that grief can sometimes feel repetitive and I liked these books because while a little repetitive, they really help with that feeling of being stuck in a grief-filled rut. However, I do feel like this book felt pretty generic in the grand scheme of the series. There was only one story, the last one about the daughter, that really got me. And even though there was a story about someone losing their pet, it just didn’t hit as hard as I thought it would.

With that being said however, I do really like Kawaguchi’s writing style. It’s simple and a little understated, in the style of typical Japanese literature. Because of its unassuming style, it’s easy to be caught off guard by the heavy emotional impact. I didn’t even realize I was crying until I finished the last story in this book.

I think my issue with this book too, and why I didn’t like it as much, is the fact that some of these characters were a little unlikable. It was hard to feel sympathetic when some of these characters treated their loved ones really terribly. But I also see the point in making them unlikable - that everyone deserves a chance at redemption, and to be happy, so long as they change their ways.

i went into this book thinking i would really enjoy it. i like that the book is separated into four parts. however, i had a hard time remembering what character is who because of how many there were. i also found that i didn’t really care for the characters. after completing this book, i came to the conclusion that i won’t be reading another book from this author. thank you to NetGallery and the publishers for sending me an ARC of this book.

I’ve read this author’s entire series with the time traveling cafe, and will continue to read them, hoping they come out with more! These books are about getting a chance to relive a situation in order to say the thing one should have said the first time. The author takes situations we’ve all been in and shows us how we can take charge of those situations and say the right thing so we won’t need a time traveling cafe to live our best lives. These stories bring tears and laughs, and all the feels we experience in life, to life right here in this little series of books. There is always something to learn about life, and that’s why I love this series. Each story touches a whole new part of life and you just can’t wait to get to the next part.

Love this series this is another wonderful story a cozy lovely story.I have recommended these books they are a charming tale.#netgalley #harlequinbooks.

What a cozy read, just like a cup of coffee! Kawaguchi has a brilliant concept of if you could visit someone in the past, knowing it would change nothing, what would you do? Another brilliant installment to the series that explores closure, grief, and overcoming regret. The fact that each story feels pretty quick and explores their journey into the past similar to how fast a cup of coffee cools reinforces how precious time with our loved ones is. At the same time, I still managed to get choked up twice in this book. Kawaguchi exploring grief with pets and the Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011 was a very grounded and welcome expansion to the series. I'm excited to see what Kawaguchi has in store next for readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the galley in return for an honest review.

I love these books. There is just something so refreshing about them being so cozy. They are stories not just grabs at attention.

I'm always excited when another installment of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold is released. This one follows our familiar cafe but it definitely focuses more on the individuals that come in rather than on the staff and their various connections with each other and the people who visit the cafe. Although the stories were interesting, the only criticism I have for this volume was the repetitive nature of the storytelling. We're told in every single story how the time travel works and what the risks are as well as the same descriptions of the staff and ghost. Each story kind of had a predictable ending as well. Not my favorite volume in the series, but I of course will continue reading the series because they are such comfort reads at this point.

I drink coffee all the time and recently learned about the concept of this series. It asks the question who would you visit if you could go back in time but only have enough of it until the coffee gets cold... Love the idea surrounding it but couldn't totally get immersed in the short stories. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5/5

To put it succinctly, my experience with this book was genuinely enjoyable, with each storyline proving to be a captivating journey in its own right. The brevity of the book, a deliberate choice by the author, made it a seamlessly digestible read—a factor I deem significant, particularly given the weightier themes tackled within.

3.5 out of 4 stars.

This is my first book by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, so I went in with an open mind. I was excited to read the book as the premise is really interesting and I have been meaning to read “Before the Coffee Gets Cold.” I really enjoy the message the series has that time is finite, to make the most of every opportunity with the people in your life, and learning to live with your regret. There were some very beautiful aspects of seeing your regret in a new light, obtaining closure, and growing as a person in uncomfortable situations.

At the same time, I wish there was more to the story. Although I appreciate the multiple short stories, I wish there was more included. For example, I would have liked to have the story told from alternating perspectives of the manager, waitress, and customers.

I also wish there was even a slightly longer time period before the coffee cools. I understand the meaning of a brief period to prevent the novelty from wearing off on the characters. Also, I feel the brief period highlights the flaws in our humanity where, while characters know this is still the last moment of time with someone who meant something to them, they still cannot make the most of the moment. Even so, I wish the book gave the readers a bit more of a chance to have a more meaningful conversation, even if by a few more minutes.

At one point the author references the earthquake and tsunamis that occurred in Japan in 2011. The reference to this real life tragedy brings deeper meaning to the storyline and draws the audience back to the eerie reality of life.

In sum, I enjoyed the book and found each storyline interesting. I appreciated how brief the book was as it made it an easy and accessible read which I think is important in regards to the heavier subject matter. At the same time, I think there should be more included to the storyline to build upon the points the author makes about life, love, and time.

This is my 1st of the series. In hindsight maybe I should have read the others first....having said that what a beautiful read. The book's message is such a thought provoking takeaway.

This was my first time reading one of Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s books and it did not disappoint. I’ve heard only good things about the series and that you will be crying by the end, and the rumors were true. I am not an annotator, but I found myself often highlighting just beautifully articulated sentences. Kawaguchi is able to tell several different, heart wrenching stories within one book. Each story had such different characters and themes. I expected the book to be good but it truly exceeded my expectations. It was an easy read and is one of those books you can finish in a night. Would recommend 1000 times over.

4 stars
Another amazing installation to this series. It will make you feel all of the feelings. It is pretty important to read the previous books first though. It’s like visiting an old friend. I love this series.

Didn't realize this couldn't standalone—quite hard to follow. It might be the translation, but I also struggled with the rhythm of the writing.

This is the 4th book in this short, sentimental, and moving series-and I enjoyed reading all 4! I wonder if there will be a 5th book…

Notable lines:

“There are many crossroads in life. All regrets stem from what happened at one moment we never imagined would happen to us. When our own action brings about an unexpected result, how can we not experience huge regret? After all, do we ever get another shot?”

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book for an honest review!

The fourth book in the before the coffee gets cold series. The customers get back with old flames, make amends with estranged family....etc. It's emotional, touching, poignant and sweet. A little magical and a lot of great story-telling. One of the best series!

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Each story goes straight to the heart and warms it with a shiny blanket. I wish the writer would publish at least one a month <3

I had accidentally picked up the third book in this series without knowing it during the Barnes and noble half price book sale. And I fell in love with the story telling and the writing this book was no different.

I fell in love with the characters and the world that was built around them. Another amazing book

Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This book had me in tears and honestly, it had me thinking about life. Sometime in the moment, we lose ourselves and regret everything we said and done. But if I could choose a moment to say goodbye to someone, it would have been my past-self.

Amazing book and when this is released, I'm getting this book. You won't regret this book.