This is a spectacularly cozy story. you might think it's about cats that run a coffee shop. you might think it's about beautifully crafted sweet treats. sure, it's about that, but it's also about the ways strangers can touch one another's lives. it's about the connections we don't know exists. it's about how a kind action from one person, can carry on through the threads of fate. it's about three people, who all have big decisions they have to make, and the ways those decisions can alter their lives, and the lives of those around them as well. a beautiful, heart touching book that can teach you a little bit about yourself, and the people around you. for fans of "A Psalm for the Wild-Built" and "Before the Coffee Gets cold", this is definitely a book to add to your list.

I will say, I wound up being a poor match for this book, because the character development hinged on astrology. And it wound up being a weak point in the novel; it was more interesting when characters bounced off of one another rather than the star chart explanations. The overall premise was good, it was a nice cozy read, but I think you have to buy into astrology to really like it in the end. The book is short too; if it had been 300+ pages I would have been less willing to finish it.

I think the author (and translator) did a great job at describing the settings and characters; I would love to visit Kyoto one day, even the suburbs of the city.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop was a delightful and warm book. It tells the story of a group of people that are all connected in some way and are helped by a group of cats! I mean you can't get more wholesome than that. The coffee shop appears when someone is in need and offers a treat specifically for that person. I liked how the connection between the characters was told and added to the story. I didn't expect how astrology centered the plot was, if you are into that you will enjoy the book. The advise offered by the cats was based around the zodiac signs that ruled the characters natal charts, I found that very interesting. I wish I knew Japanese to read the original edition and really understand more of the feeling that comes through which sometimes is lost in translation. Overall very cute and fast read.

Thank You to NetGalley, Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

An absolute A+
I loved this book, it's a liitle mysterious, whimsical, and sweet.
You can't help but fall in love with each character as they find their way to The Full Moon Coffee Shop and have an experience that will change their lives.

Hey NetGalley, thanks for the arc!

This was an adorable little book. For me, there will never be too many books about cats that come from Japan. The characters were relatable and sweet. My only critique I think comes more from translation than actual storytelling and that is some sentences can be a tad dry.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a delightful and charming tale. Mai Mochizuki respects the readers' time with its short length and direct storytelling. However, there is a subtleness that conveys depth in the lessons it teaches. Astrology and cats play a central role and provide the various protagonists with the direction they need in life, many of which struck home with me, and it kept me devouring each page with eagerness. That said, the prose itself is very basic in its delivery, and I would have liked more flourish throughout. In the end, it teaches a powerful lesson of being true to one's self and provokes thoughts on how we can balance our different aspects or houses. Overall, I recommend this piece to those looking for a heart-warming tale or in need of guidance in their own life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of The Full Moon Coffee Shop.

Last year, I fell in love with The Dallergut Dream Department Store, after which I decided I would try more translated foreign bestsellers, and I'm glad I did! This was a sweet, quirky read with a good message... it's never too late to get back on track for the life you want. My only complaint is that it was a bit too heavy on the astrological information.

I would recommend this book for a quick, light palate cleanser between more serious books!

4 stars

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a book that transports you to a magical coffee shop that is staffed by talking cats. As if from a dream, the cats serve up drinks and sweets while discussing your star chart to give you insight for your life choices. It’s quite clever how the different human characters are connected and how the stories play out. It’s a heartwarming and inspiring book with interesting cat characters with strong personalities.

I recommend this book for readers searching for a feel good read. It’s a quick read that will leave you smiling and wanting a seat at The Full Moon Coffee Shop. Although you are given what you need not what you order, I would love a Celestial Beer and a Lunar Chocolate Fondant with a side of Venus ice cream.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgallery and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for an early release English translation copy of The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, this translated copy will available for purchase on August twentieth of 2024.

I didn’t know what to expect with this one, it’s not something I’d commonly would read but the idea of talking cats and the cafe vibes had me intrigued! I enjoyed the writing and its characters, the dialogue is heart felt, it really makes you feel for each characters situations.

I loved the cafe vibes here with the talking cats, I liked the mystical deserts and the included photos were a nice touch! The only thing that gets me is there’s a lot of talk about horoscopes and astrology and I don’t feel that I truly understand what was being talked about at times however that didn’t stop this from being an enjoyable read.

The Full Moon Cafe is a short read! About 90 pages, even if you don’t commonly read this genre I’d still recommend giving it a try.

This book is so warming and grabbed my attention immediately. It's a sweet story about adults finding joy and fulfillment after their encounter with a coffee shop full of cats lol. I'm really glad I had the chance to read this!

The Full Moon Coffee Shop was not exactly what I was expecting. I think after reading the description I was envisioning a cozy fantasy with a sweet message similar to A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. To me this was more of a motivational/self help book in the form of a charming story (the closest comparison I can think of being Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson). I think I would have enjoyed this story very much if I hadn’t had a different idea of this in my mind. I do think that this would be a great read for people who are currently feeling stuck in life, or a little lost. While this might not have been for me, I think it will be perfect for many others! Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this advance copy!

Let me just say, this book is amazing. It's not my usual type of read but it grab my attention from the very beginning. It was a quick quirky little book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The Full Moon Coffee Shop surrounds a group of adults that aren't fully satisfied with how their lives turned out. When each one encounters a coffee shop full of cats they realize what needs to change to feel the fulfillment and joy life can bring. I'm very glad that I had the privilege of reading this wonderful book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me this ARC