Reading this was like a warm hug or getting to try the magical drinks or dessp9oí I'm erts served at the Full Moon Cafe. Different people all in a quandary in their daily life are given a chance to be served by the magical cats, learn important life lessons and receive grace for a past kindness that bonded them all. Refreshing and lyrical .

The blurb alone won me over to giving this book a try. With family from Japan, I have always loved the culture and to visit - the little shops, love of cats, and almost mystical beliefs. I love it all. Always makes me feel like the mind is more open to possibilities - both of this world and beyond.

This book has these possibilities (and talking cats), but I think somehow some of the magic of the stories may have been lost between letters, scattered between words, and swept away in the breeze that is 'translation'.

It is still a beautiful story full of mysticism and wonderful, telling the tales that are so rife in the world today - a life that has been created of loneliness through hard work and drive. To seek your dreams we do often get lost among the stars, isolated little specks of light. These little tales are about those people and the magical cafe that sees more than that is there; that serves more than just tea - they may serve a new destiny if you reach out for it.

The stories can be read one at a time or in one sitting. They are enjoyable, but I guess I just imagined more of of the cat characters since they really were at the center or premise of the book. Seemed almost like that cartoon character. But it could be the magic is lost in translation.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion **

4 stars
One word to describe this book: LOVELY.

Truly, what a love book. The Full Moon Coffee Shop focuses on the interconnected lives of three people in Kyoto. It falls into the genre that I call gentle magical realism. It's a cozy read perfect for fall.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the e-arc!
When I first saw this book, I was immediately intrigued! Charming and magical with a cat coffee shop reading astrological charts? Literal perfection in a book. This is a Japanese bestseller that was recently translated, and I hope the rest of the series will be translated as well. In this book, you follow a bunch of different characters as they find this coffee shop and get a bit of much-needed perspective on their lives.
For some reason, this book's formatting with the different characters that all intersect was very nostalgic for me. It reminded me of a similar story I read when I was younger, which contributed to the vibes of whimsy and nostalgia that this book invoked. The book is also a bit different than I initially expected with the shop, and the character is a bit more grounded than I expected. It felt like stepping into a new part of the world as opposed to a brand new world. Overall the book is heartwarming and beautiful with a more slow and tranquil pace. I found myself picking this up when I had a moment of downtime and felt very relaxed so it definitely fits that vibe.

This premise is amazing - a personalized cafe pops up only on full moon nights and is run by beautiful talking cats who help you solve your problems. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. I normally love Japanese translated fiction but I wonder if some of the beauty of the writing was lost when it was changed into English. The sentences felt short and non-descriptive. Nothing in the writing transported me to the cafe despite me desperately wanting to be taken there. I did enjoy the dessert and drink descriptions though!

Astrology is a HUGE focus of this book which I didn’t know prior to starting it. This could be a huge draw to those who are interested in astrology, but I thought this was hard to relate to. I also found it exceedingly repetitive having 5 separate characters go through the shock of meeting talking cats and then having to learn the basics of astrology. I could see what this book was trying to convey, but ultimately it was just not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I was excited to read this book because I love Japanese authors and translated works.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is a magical realism novel set in a whimsical, ever-shifting café run by talking cats. These feline baristas serve more than just coffee-- they offer guidance through astrological readings to a group of troubled individuals. While the premise is intriguing, but the book’s heavy reliance on astrology overshadowed deeper character development and emotional exploration. However, the setting and cats add charm to the story. The book wasn't too memorable for me, but if you like astrology, magic realism, and introspective storytelling, this may be the story for you!

A cafe run by cats who give therapy via astrology is a really fun and interesting premise, but unfortunately I felt like the mark was missed on the execution here. The main issue I had was that the scenes in the cafe read more like info dumps on how astrology works rather than natural, flowing dialogue between characters. The scenes felt oddly paced and the interactions a bit robotic due to this- the cats and the ideas behind who they are was intriguing, but unfortunately that never went anywhere. The story was very sweet, but I personally didn't really like how the conclusion seemed to be that the characters' entire lives ended up hinging on astrology and how everything about their lives- from their careers to their romantic lives- ended up being dictated by their charts. It just felt a bit anticlimactic that the conclusion they reached was that in order to be happy, they had to follow their astrological charts and straying from them is what caused problems for them. That being said- I also feel like I really am not this book's target audience as I will admit that I personally don't really believe in astrology, and while I think it's fun and interesting to look into, I don't really hold any real belief in what it might say. I feel like if you enjoy astrology, and believe in it to some degree then you may very well enjoy these portions of the book and find enjoyment where I couldn't. Although I will add- even if I ignored the adherence to astrology, the characters and the dialogue also played a pretty big hand in why I enjoyed this book so much less than I was hoping too. It was a very interesting premise, and the ending was very sweet, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

Mai Mochizuki has written a charming story full of magic. Written from the point of view of numerous characters who share a common past, the book shows you how the planets may influence your life and how chances may need to be taken. It’s never too late to make a happy ending.

It was a throughly enjoyable read. I loved the concept and how the story wrapped up at the end. I would be happy to read more books written by the author.

The reason for my lower rating was only because I got distracted by what felt like astrology lessons instead of staying involved in the flow of the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

An adorable book set in Kyoto, with an intricately woven cast of characters. The staff of the Full Moon Coffee Shop are a lovely, mixed up bunch, and the realizations that they help their customer come to is so well done. A real page turner!

Cats, astrology, and magical realism - 3 things that I absolutely adore.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop was a beautiful read, albeit a bit too prose-y for me (hence the rating). Set inside of a mysterious pop-up cafe, we follow several characters as they navigate life and all thats comes with it.

This short novel is a great read for someone looking for something light hearted that ties up nicely at the end. Also you MUST enjoy astrology as that is an imperative part of the book and I cannot imagine someone who dislikes it would be able to enjoy this.

What beautiful and sweet story.

I adored it. Magical and whimsical. I love when books truly transport you as this one did.

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy.

This was a quirky book full of magical realism. Told from the perspectives of several characters, that all experience the coffee shop run by cats! They each get the help and advice they are needing.

Translated from the Japanese bestseller, inspired by the myth of cats returning favors to those who care for them, this novel reminds us that it’s never too late to follow our stars. In Japan cats are a symbol of good luck and if you’re kind to them, they’ll return the favor one day. As THIS story goes, if you’re kind to the RIGHT cat, you might find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop in the mystical streets of Kyoto, under a glittering full moon. Unlike other cafés, The Full Moon Coffee Shop has no fixed location, no set hours, and only appears to people truly in need of a break from it all. It’s also run by three foot tall talking cats, each representing parts of astrology. The talking cat “thing” is where the book loses me only slightly. I would’ve accepted the cosmic communication much easier had it been telepathy. With each chapter, we follow four timelines which intertwine sweetly. As the characters’ paths intertwine, the reader is reminded of the interconnectedness of all lives, and the idea that even the most unexpected encounters can lead to profound transformations.

As a person who follows horoscopes and astrology, chapters titled An Aquarius Trifle, Lunar Chocolate Fondant, and A Retrograde Reunion held my attention. Not a fan of Mercury Retrograde season, I prefer to self isolate and avoid people because miscommunication/failed communication runs heavy, and electronics go awry from cell phones (dropped calls, texts not going through) to microwaves suddenly stop working, to cars (car trouble)… I’m a stubborn, impatient Capricorn. I don’t have time for any of that. I was particularly intrigued by A Retrograde Reunion and how things would work out in the end, considering it’s one thing after another, despite everything the character does to stay on top of things, he can’t seem to get ahead. (I felt for that guy because he’s me. And like him, often times feeling so defeated, I accept the situation and my lack of control over it and recognize that the thing I can control is me, so I avert my focus to remaining calm, patient, exude peace, and just let it be. My most prominent profound transformation.) Atmospheric, cozy, and uplifting,The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a celebration of the serendipitous moments that lead us to where we need to be. It’s a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover our purpose, and that sometimes, the most unlikely guides can lead us to the most remarkable revelations. While customers at this unique haven partake in custom orders of cakes, the finest coffees, and the most fragrant teas made specially for them, they also receive a generous helping of life-altering wisdom as the cats consult their star charts, offer cryptic wisdom, and some external perspective on their lives, letting them know where their lives have veered off course. It’s the feline guides intention to set them back on their fated paths.

New to the Japanese cozy fiction genre, I appreciate that this was translated into English as I’ve yet to read anything like it. If you like reflective books with a dash of realsim, this one will amuse! An effortless blend of whimsy with profound life lessons, what makes this book special is its ability to combine the magical with the mundane in a way that feels both uplifting, thought-provoking, and personal to the reader. Sage advice from already seemingly intuitive creatures, these cats are more than just charming companions - they serve as mirrors reflecting the characters’ deepest fears and desires. Strongly recommend if you like getting into character studies and intertwined lives. This story is perfect for the changing of the seasons. For those in need of a little magic, this book offers a comforting escape, ethereal and dreamy, different, like Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library” but not quite. I liked the café and its concept. Thanking NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the #ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Full Moon Coffee shop is a short, charming read. If you loved the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" books, you will like this, there is a similar focus on magical realism, that I will not spoil, but the best thing about this book is the feelings it evokes, from the food, drinks and music, to the people struggling with their own problems that can be solved by the stars. I would love to be served coffee by such a charming and helpful group of cats!

Being owned and loved by several cats, I knew I had to read this novel. Unfortunately, I found the book disappointing. I enjoy books where mystical happenings occur but to me, this one felt like reading a fairy tale. I gave up on it. Thanks to the author Mai Mochizuki, Random House/Ballantine, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This one was on me. I read coffee shop and cats and Japan and didn't read the entire synopsis, it seems. I love fantasy but I'm not big on mass amounts of astrology in a book and this one had it in spades. I can see how if someone enjoyed reading more about those things, they would love this particular novel! So if you love coffee shops and cats and Japan AND astrology, this book is definitely for you!

This is a cozy little book made up of several interconnected stories: a 40-something scriptwriter, a TV producer, an actress, a hairdresser, and a tech entrepreneur are all invited to eat at the Full Moon Coffee Shop where they get a little astrological therapy. I think I'd have liked the book just a little more if the astrology hadn't been such a big part of the narrative (characters' star charts are analyzed on-page). The everyday stories and the final reveal of how they are all connected were quite fun! All in all, I enjoyed my time at the Full Moon Coffee Shop even if I didn't get my stars read.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

I think the description of the novel doesn't necessarily prepare the reader for the journey. Knowing it's magical realism helps, and the premise sounds great, but the cats end up being more cartoon-esque than what would fit the expectations. I think cat lovers will enjoy this, but I didn't as much as I expected.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki is an enchanting escape into a world where magic and everyday life blend seamlessly. This delightful novel is like a warm, cozy hug wrapped in a sprinkle of fantasy. Mochizuki’s portrayal of a coffee shop run by talking cats is both whimsical and heartwarming, creating a space where lost souls find their way with a touch of feline wisdom. Each character’s journey through the magical café feels like a personal, transformative experience, making you wish for a seat at this celestial café yourself. The novel’s gentle charm and sparkling prose invite you to savor each page like a perfect cup of coffee, with a sprinkle of stardust and a dash of hope. If you’re a fan of books that combine magical realism with heartwarming storytelling, this one is a must-read.

Weird and Whimsical, The pages The Full Moon Coffee shop were an absolute delight to get lost inside.

Felling a little lost? In the world readers are introduced to, there's a solution and that is a cafe in Kyoto run by talking cats! They will look into your star charts while you nibble and sip on a magical treats. Readers are introduced to a handful of patrons and get small but impactful glimpse into their lives.

While I don't think this will work for everyone, I do think readers who love evocative atmosphere and slow thoughtful tales will fall in love with this cozy offering.