This book is perfect for fans of Before The Coffee Gets Cold and What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. The book is split into three short stories centering three different characters who have a shared past with each other. Each character is at a crossroads in their life when they stumble across The Full Moon Coffee Shop, a magical mobile cafe run by talking life-sized cats. The cats impart their wisdom through astrology and a personalized menu of sweet celestial treats.

A heartwarming read that shows how a change in perspective and some self-reflection can affect your life, hopefully for the better.

This book is a fast read and fairly pleasant. For me though, the heavy astrology was a big turn off. Someone more into that would probably like this a lot more.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A pretty fun read. Interesting astrology information served up in an easy to digest manner. Didn’t expect the story to get so dark at times but I suppose it helped the overall theme.

**Thank you to Penguin Random House for this free digital review copy**

This was a short and sweet book of interconnected people in Kyoto, all of whom knew each other years ago and are reconnecting through a magical coffee shop run by cats. Yes, seems bizarre, and the short book is chock full of astrology talk that I know nothing about, nor particularly care to, but in the end I found it to be a hopeful story about everyday people pursuing their dreams and making the most of their lives, and that's really beautiful to me. It was a very quick read, and although I skimmed some of the astrology talk, I never felt bored or wanted to put this aside, because I was interested in the characters and how they would all come together.

If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, “The Full Moon Coffee Shop” is exactly that—and so much more. This enchanting novel, translated from a Japanese bestseller, draws inspiration from the myth that cats return favors to those who care for them, creating a whimsical and heartwarming tale that’s sure to stay with you.

The story centers around a mysterious café that appears under a glittering Kyoto moon, run by a group of talking cats. These aren’t just any cats, though; they’re wise, insightful, and a bit magical, guiding a group of lost souls who find themselves at crucial crossroads in their lives. As each character—a screenwriter, a movie director, a hairstylist, and a website designer—enters the café, they receive more than just a cup of coffee. They get a glimpse into their own lives, with the help of astrology and star charts, offering them guidance on how to navigate the obstacles they face.

One of the most delightful aspects of this book is how it weaves together these seemingly random encounters and connections, all of which unfold with a sense of serendipity and fate. By the end, everything ties together so beautifully that you can’t help but smile, feeling the warmth and joy that comes from seeing people find their way.

While the astrology element is a significant part of the story, it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it adds a unique depth, allowing both the characters and readers to gain insights into how the stars influence our lives. I did wonder why the book focused on Western astrology rather than a form more traditionally associated with Japan, but this curiosity only added to my enjoyment.

Beyond the astrology, “The Full Moon Coffee Shop” is rich with other delightful elements—references to classical music, descriptions of mouth-watering foods and drinks, and of course, the charming personalities of the cats themselves. All these aspects come together to create a reading experience that’s not only emotionally resonant but also intellectually engaging.

At its core, this book is a celebration of humanity—our connections, our compassion, and the little acts of kindness that can change lives. It’s a quick read, but one that leaves a lasting impression, filled with warmth, charm, and a touch of magic. If you’re a fan of “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” or “Kamogawa Food Detectives,” you’ll find “The Full Moon Coffee Shop” to be an absolute treat.

In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor. And if you are kind to the right cat, you might just find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop under a glittering Kyoto moon. This particular coffee shop is like no other. It has no fixed location, no fixed hours, and it seemingly appears at random. It’s also run by talking cats. While customers at the Full Moon Coffee Shop partake in cakes and coffees and teas, the cats also consult their star charts, offering cryptic wisdom, and letting them know where their lives veered off course. Every person who visits the shop has been feeling more than a little lost. For a down-on-her-luck screenwriter, a romantically stuck movie director, a hopeful hairstylist, and a technologically challenged website designer, the coffee shop’s feline guides will set them back on their fated paths. For there is a very special reason the shop appeared to each of them .

This is a fairly quick read, that not only gives you pause, but is also very entertaining. I really enjoyed reading about the interpretations of the natal charts of all four patrons, as well as the specialty drinks that the cafe served each customer tailored specifically to each of them. I really liked how all of four of the customers knew each other from years ago, and the story about helping the man & his cats, and how it all came full circle. This is perfect for fans of the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a great book! loved the writing in it a lot, great enjoyable read

This is the perfect next read for folks who loved books like The Hyunam Dong Bookshop and also live astrology. This is a tru slice of life story with just a bit of magical realism incorporated. If that's you're kind of read, this is goingt o feel like a warm hug. I anticipate that readers who don't know what they're getting or don't enjoy the style may find it to be dry.

This was cute, but definitely wouldn't be for everyone. If you have an interest and knowledge of astrology, you would likely find it enjoyable. I had a hard time staying focused and struggled to be engaged. This one just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House publishing- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for a review

In Japanese mythology, it is said that if you are kind to a cat one day the cat may return the favor.

Under the light of the Kyoto full moon there sits a coffee shop unlike any other. Under the guise of a mobile pop up cafe, it exists out of space and time, and can only be found by those who need it. You will never order anything while you visit. Instead, talking cats will bring to you a tailored menu meant to nourish the body and soul. While you enjoy your treat, these astrology inclined kitties will read to you your natal chart and set you down a path of self discovery and acceptance.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a truly charming novella full of wonder and magic. It follows the lives of five individuals, like you or me, who have lost their way and are at a crossroads. They must make a decision, with the help of some magical cats. It was a perfect cozy read - lighthearted but still profound in the way unique to Japanese literature. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine who provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story takes place in Japan, and in Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. So it only makes sense that the Full Moon Coffee Shop was run by cats. Yes, you read that right. Cats. That talk and tell you ALL about your Astrological sign.

The first part of this story follows a screen writer who used to be extremely popular, but has been down on her luck after not having any deals in years, being kicked out of her house, and not having any luck when it came to relationships. The second part of this story, follows a movie director and a recently fired actress, who are also not having the best luck when it comes to romance. In the third part, it revolves around a website designer and a hair dresser. All of these people are connected in one way or another. In each of their stories, they discover the Full Moon Coffee Shop, and learning more about themselves, why things may have gone wrong for them, and to think about what they could do to improve their lives and make their luck better. The only complaint that I have with this is that the Astrological sign talk was a bit dragged out, but I'm also not a person that knows too much about astrology, and what all of that entails so I was not able to connect with this part as much. But I can't fault it too much, because of the explanations that were given for the coffee shop, the workers (cats), etc. and how it all related to each individual persons lives

I absolutely ADORED this story. It was so short, yet so sweet and mystical. It was like a comforting hug when you are feeling down on your luck.

Thank you to Mai Mochizuki, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Magical realism with coffee, cats, a dash of astrology, and a Brigadoon-like café? When I saw the description of this book on Netgalley, I was in! I appreciate the free copy, in exchange for my honest review:

There were things that I liked, a lot. I love the idea of a café that pops up just when someone needs it and provides excellent conversation, amazing personalized drinks, and insight that helps guide the customer to better life choices. This is a feel-good, wonderfully charming story, or set of connected stories, that celebrates connections and the positive ripple effects that small kindnesses can have. I haven't read a lot of Japanese fiction, and I enjoyed the cultural elements that I understood (though I know I missed many more).

There were things I didn't like, which made me glad that this was a short book. I went through a period of interest in astrology, but even so lacked the deep understanding of it that would have been required to connect with the detailed charts that were featured here. At the same time, the astrological bits also felt too simple. Overall, there was too much of it for my taste and that element took me out of the flow. I would have liked a little more character development of most of the characters as well.

I started this review intending to give the book 2 stars, but the overall sweetness of the book and the lasting impressions of the café and the drinks (I want to try them all!) are staying with me, and for those pieces that make me smile, I added another star.

I loved this book. It was the cozy hug/read I was looking for to put me in the fall spirit. Although I'm not quite ready to give up summer just yet I figured I can read books to prepare me for the soon to be cold again. What drew me to the book is I love the cover. And of course the title. Anything with a moon I am in.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is such a clever story any cat lover will it! Imagine a world where cats can give back to people who are kind to them…my cats would owe me big time. In Japan cats are a sign of good luck so I think all the cat ladies of the world need to move there. I’m not usually a reader of fantasy but I do love cats and coffee so I have it a try, and I liked it!
The story is about a magical coffee shop run by cats that appears during the Kyoto moon. When a selected few arrive they are treated to a beautiful meal created just for them and some guidance from the wise cats who work there. The customers will enter lost but will leave with a full belly and even fuller heart.

I absolutely love Japanese slice of life books with a little bit of magical realism in them. The Full Moon Coffee Shop definitely fit the bill. I loved how each of the characters were connected and you got to see each one in the other’s points of view. The coffee shop itself was so whimsical and the cats were written so well! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll enjoy this part of the story! Also, I thought the way astrology was used in this book was so interesting! I’ve never been big into astrology apart from knowing I’m a Pisces, but I found myself wanting to learn more after reading this book. The whole thing ties together even more at the end and it was such a sweet surprise. This book was just so charming and I enjoyed it so much.
Mini spoiler: nothing bad happens to any of the cats!
CW: death, infidelity

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Full Moon Coffee Shop is a delightful story that weaves together interconnected points of view with a sprinkle of magic. While some moments felt a bit dry, possibly due to the Japanese to English translation, the charming magic café setting and the talking cat characters kept the story engaging. The discussions on astrology, though not personally captivating, were informative and added an interesting layer to the narrative. The heartwarming ending ties everything together beautifully, making this book a satisfying and enchanting read.

The full moon cafe doesn’t have set hours or locations but it will certainly pop up when you need it. The cafe is run by cats who serve you the type of coffee, meal and or dessert that you will need while they tell you about your Natal chart. That’s right the cats talk and they’re very blunt and honest and give you advice. I certainly need a cafe like this in the city. It was very cute whimsical definitely think of you love astrology this will be the book for you.

I really didn't know what to expect with this book. The synopsis sounding enchanting and totally whimsy with a bit of culture tied in.

This was such a fast, easy sweet read.

This is broken into parts, and each story intertwines with one another....all circling around this mystical coffee shop with cats! But not just any cat. These cats are talking cats who also are sometimes human. (That's how they lure them to the coffee shop) The way the cats interact with the humans and how they know how the things and the ties with astrology is just all so good.

The deliverance of the (magic) food is so fun! The cats know exactly what each customer needs and how it will help them with their current situation they are going through.

I love that the pop-up cafe only takes place during the full moon. It is just all such magic.

This book is for anyone who is looking to escape a little, loves magical moments and quaint, cozy vibes.

This is a 3 star review from me because I did struggle a little with connecting to the characters but also wanted to be them with the enchanting foods!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!! :)

I was drawn to this book because the premise was so darn cute. Who could resist a transient coffee shop staffed by human sized cats?

The Full Moon Coffee Shop appears for people who are on the cusp of change in their lives or in need of change. The cats who staff the cafe don't take orders but rather know what you need and bring you something unique to help inspire you in the ways you may need to go to find the right path towards a better future.

The cats also have another secret; they have a hidden tie to the people who wander into their cafe. However you'll have to find that out for yourself.

I wish we had more story developing the lives of the people the cats help. I think it would have made the story feel a bit more complete. I do feel as though I was missing some pieces by the end but it was really I just wanted more. I also wish the story hadn't focused so heavily on building out the star charts and natal charts of the various people. It took me out of the magical whimsy and into a realm of trying to understand star charts. I was a bit confused and kind of wish it hadn't focused so heavily on it in the middle of the stories.

Overall, I thought it was really cute and I would love to see it translated into an anime or the like. I love slice of life like this.

I really enjoyed this book & the multiple stories that it tells. Highly recommend this book.
I rated it 4 stars as there were a few slow spots but overall a very enjoyable story!