Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC of this! I'm catching up on my backlog and listened to the audio from the library for part of my reading.

Cats running a magical coffee shop? Sign me up. The atmosphere was lovely, but it was so heavily character driven and relationship focused between the multiple POVs that I struggled. If you like a character study, I think it would be easy to enjoy, it just wasn't right for me. Overall, it was short, so I don't regret reading it.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a short Japanese novel about a mysterious coffee shop with mythical cats. The patrons of the shop are helped with their problems by the cats at the shop. This is a cute book, and I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

A really fun read that will leave you howling for more! I’m looking forward Mochizuki’s next book! And I will definitely recommend this to friends of mine whose TBR’s can stand to be longer than they already are.

a lovely lil collection of interconnected short stories that focus on what you should do when you find yourself at a crossroads in life. I really enjoyed my time with this book but don't feel like it was particularly memorable/is something that will stick with me!

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a short little read about a group of magical, astrology centered cats who help out a group of people who had helped them in the past. It's full of mythology and astrology and cats and ended up being kind of cute but also not for me.

I liked how the book interconnected the characters and their stories, how as you read you discovered that each of the characters knew each other in some way and then you found out exactly how. It was cute that the whole story was that they'd helped out a group of cats and the cats were returning the favor.

But, the astrology aspect was a bit too much. It went into entirely too much detail and almost seemed like more of a guide about star stuff than a novel. I also feel as though some information was lost in translation because there were quite a few passages that didn't flow as well as I would have expected them too.

It was decent but could use some work though I wonder if the novel in the original Japanese flowed better.

This book beautifully portrays humanity and the idea that the energy we put into the world comes back to us. What lacked for me is that I wanted more depth in Mizuki’s story. Overall, this short, fairytale-like novel explores the power of kindness and karma, and while I enjoyed the characters overall, I wanted more development on Mizuki.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love translated novels so much and also.......CATS!!!! If you're a fan of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" and you just want a fun, cozy read, I highly recommend this book.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is an absolute delight: a warm, cozy read that blends magical realism with heartfelt storytelling. This enchanting novel transports readers to a secret café that appears only under a full moon, offering not just exquisite coffee but also wisdom, comfort, and a touch of astrology.

The talking cat baristas add an irresistible charm, guiding lost souls toward self-discovery with their celestial insights. The interconnected stories of the café’s patrons are deeply moving, exploring themes of love, fate, and second chances. Mochizuki’s writing is beautifully atmospheric, making you feel as if you're sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee under the moonlight.

If you love cozy fantasies, books like The Midnight Library, or stories that leave you feeling warm and inspired, The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a must-read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a magical escape with a heartwarming message! ☕🌙✨

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a heartwarming, cozy read that blends magic with everyday life. The characters are lovable, and the atmosphere is enchanting, making it impossible to put down!

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.

Another one for the shelf of cozy magical realism, with brethren like Before the Coffee Gets Cold and We'll Prescribe You a Cat. Somehow, this sort of book doesn't get old for me. There's a nugget of some wider world beyond the human one, yet it remains focused on the growth of the individuals and the connections between them. It also sets up wonderfully for a sequel if the author chooses to, and I hope there will be.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a sweet, heartwarming, and lovely read about second chances, understanding our selves and each other, and hoping for a better and happier future.

It is quirky and full of magical realism with metaphors and astrology - so won't be for everyone but it is short and very sweet, so I enjoyed the read!

Thank You to Ballantine Books and Net Galley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my opinion.

*The Full Moon Coffee Shop* sounds like the ultimate cozy fantasy escape—a heartwarming blend of magical realism, adorable talking cats, and a touch of destiny. Set in the enchanting city of Kyoto, this whimsical story takes the idea of kindness to cats and spins it into a charming tale where the very creatures we adore offer more than just companionship—they offer guidance.

In this mysterious coffee shop, where the menu isn't the only thing that’s special, the cats’ cryptic wisdom provides a surprising twist to the lives of their human customers. Each visitor, whether a struggling screenwriter or a romantically challenged director, finds themselves not just sipping tea but unraveling the hidden threads of their fates.

What’s most delightful is how these endearing cats, with their celestial star charts and quirky personalities, help those who feel a little lost find their way again. The setting itself—magical yet serene, like a moonlit dream—wraps you in a sense of wonder and warmth, making it impossible not to smile.

This book promises to be a comforting, uplifting read for anyone who loves a little bit of magic, a sprinkle of fate, and, of course, a whole lot of cats. Whether you're in need of some life guidance or simply want to get lost in an enchanting world, *The Full Moon Coffee Shop* is bound to leave you with a heart full of joy and hope.

I could not finish The Full Moon Coffee Shop. I got confused by the characters and it wasn't keeping my attention.

there were so many things about this book that i really liked, i really liked and enjoyed the overall cosy vibes that were happening & the overall premise was very interesting. but there were some things that i didn't like or that just personally were not for me which made me not like it as much as i was hoping i would've

*The Full Moon Coffee Shop* by Mai Mochizuki is a gentle, atmospheric novel with a cozy vibe, perfect for readers who enjoy quiet, character-driven stories. The coffee shop setting is beautifully described, and the way the author weaves themes of connection, healing, and the passing of time is touching. The characters are likable, with their individual struggles and growth being central to the plot.

However, while the book offers a soothing reading experience, it lacks a sense of urgency or deeper emotional payoff. At times, the story can feel slow, and the pacing drags in certain parts. The relationships, though sweet, are underdeveloped, and the plot doesn’t bring much new to the table. The ending, while heartwarming, is predictable and doesn’t quite deliver the emotional impact that the setup promises.

Overall, *The Full Moon Coffee Shop* is a pleasant, easy read, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential in terms of depth or storytelling.

Hmmm…

Definitely not my kind of book. It was very odd, not horrible, just odd and way too much astrology.

I liked the premise of a cafe that popped up when you needed it, serving you what you needed and giving advice based on how your life has gone so far but it was just too out there for me. The twist was kind of funny but also - just bizarre.

One group of connected people have similar experiences and chalk it up to a weird dream. The weird dream gives them good advice though and helps direct them to the path that will make them happier. The biggest issue is that although the five of them are connected, only one realizes it but, even his memory isn’t directly connected to the spiritual beings at the pop up cafe. He tells another character about his memory but that’s it. You’d think the five of them would get together for a mini reunion or something. The five people never all realize they’re connected though.

The story doesn’t have any *meat* to it. It’s just:
•the “dream” happens
•let me fix my life
•everything is wonderful
•the end

The other thing that bothered me was that two of the five characters told each other their dreams and we didn’t witness theirs for ourselves. It was completely different from the other three experiences. It’s like the ending was rushed.

Over all I gave it two stars. I expected more and nothing ever happened. It was slightly entertaining but I wouldn’t recommend it.

This was a short and sweet tale of the impact we have on the lives of those around us.

I think I may have liked this better if it didn't feel like it was Astrology for Dummies half the time. Magical realism is one of my favorites, and this could have been really great with cats / planets (?) running a little coffee shop to help people see what it is they are overlooking in life.

It also felt like a food-focused anime at some points, with the way these mystical dishes were described and then the characters eating/drinking and giving another description. I have no better comparison for what that felt like as the reader 🙃

Did this book make me look up my full natal chart for the first time? Yup. But I think the actual moral of the story here is to be kind to yourself and others.

I wish I could say I loved this book, but honestly I was just so bored through most of it. I ended up finishing it on audiobook, but could not even tell you what happened.

Thank you to Net Galley for this Arc.
This book is a beautiful and magical Japanese translation about the invisible strings that tie us all together. The story focuses on one small group of people who are tied together by Primary school and one event that brought them all together. The Full Moon Cafe brings them back together and uses astrology to shift their lives in a way that they may find their joy.
I really enjoyed this, it was heart warming, cozy, and magical.

A sweet and lighthearted read, made more enjoyable by the directness of the prose and the specificities of place.