I have to say this book pleasantly surprised me! I have read a lot of Japanese literature especially ones surrounding a cafe/coffee shop of sorts but this one actually blew me away. I love when a book is divided into short stories like this one and follows different characters that somehow find themselves at the same place, this place being The Full Moon Coffee Shop. I especially love how astrology is used and explained in this book, I learned a lot that I didn’t know before. The way cats are utilized in this book as bringing forth this knowledge and guidance to their patrons is also really beautiful (especially when you read through to the epilogue)!

I have to say that my favorite part of this book is the interconnected storylines, I love when we get a glimpse of a previous character living a changed life through someone else’s perspective.

Another part of this book that I enjoyed was how each of these characters had something different going on in their lives and it showed in their astral charts how different they were.

I will say I do wish this book was a touch longer to fully see a fleshed out version of each of the characters after their visit from The Full Moon Coffee Shop but it’s okay! Also I found at the end of one of the epilogue parts, the scene ended a little abruptly and I wished there was more of a resolution to it rather than it just ending in such a way.

If you are a fan of Japanese literature and especially of ones that are set in a magical coffee shop, filled with amazing descriptions of pastries and drinks this book is for you! Not to mention if you love cats and their symbolic nature; as well as astrology; definitely pick this book up!

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Ballantine), for this book.

This book was so cute. I enjoyed it. It is a very quick read. The book centers on astrology magic and. If course, cats.

It is not a book everyone will enjoy, but I found it to be a fun, relaxing one day read.

Recommend.

This is a heartwarming and charming read. This cozy fantasy follows five people in Kyoto. On the night of the full moon each finds themselves in a in a mysterious coffee shop run by cats. Each person is at a point in their life where they need guidance. The story connects in a beautiful way. I loved the illustrations and look forward to getting a physical copy to spend a little more time exploring them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will never stop lamenting the number of books that I can't fully enjoy because I lack knowledge about the culture and so much is lost in language translation. This is a prime example. It was very popular in Japan but I feel like we missed something here.

The premise is solid: a cafe that pops up just when you need it? Yes, please. Who hasn't wished for that at some point or another? I certainly have. However, I found the plot slow-moving and the characters were hard to swallow. I know a lot of people put a lot of stock in astrology but all the characters buying into it at a level that includes choosing their professions along with the rest of their lives based on astrology didn't feel realistic. Every single thing about their lives was linked back to their zodiac signs. Despite being a slow plot, I found myself wishing that it was a bit longer and developed with more detail than it was.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

This story is interesting--I didn't know a lot about the phases of the moon or astrology so this book was a bit outside my comfort zone. I did enjoy the idea of evaluating your life choices and seeing how the decisions we make impact those around us. Great premise for a story.

Ahoy there me mateys! The idea of the Japanese myth of "cats returning favors to those who care for them" and talking cats at a pop-up coffee shop is cool so I had to read this book.  While I can see this being a favorite for readers, it was just okay for me.  I am not a huge astrology fan and the cats give advice in the form of star charts and astrology readings.  Fate seemed involved too.

I did like the interconnectedness of the people in Kyoto and how their lives intertwined.  I also liked the idea of the shop itself and getting a drink specifically designed for you.  The talking cats did not seem to have distinctive personalities.  I would have liked a bit more character development in general.  The solutions to the various characters problems also seemed a bit simplistic.

It is a quick read and had a particularly sweet explanation about why the cats chose to help them.  My curiosity was satisfied and I think this will be a big hit with readers.  The faults of this are because of personal preferences.  Arrr!

DNFed at 55%. I really want to like translated books but I think I’ve read two now and I just don’t like them as much which makes me really sad. This one I just honestly did not think would have to do so much with astrology and if I liked astrology, I think I would really enjoy this book. Because I honestly really like this book when we’re not dealing with the astrology stuff. Since I DNFed this book I will not be giving it a star rating on any reviewing sites. But since I have to give a star rating here, I’m gonna give it a three because I think that’s what it would’ve been if I had finished it.

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.