A beautiful and dreamy landscape of what ifs.

Oddly enough I found the pawnshop at the center of the story to be the least interesting part of this world, at least from a conceptual standpoint. I tend not to like high concept fantasy like this as well as other subgenres, but this has both an atmospheric aura about it that is wonderfully drawn, and some conceptual thought exercise-driven plot points that are intriguing to ponder.

While the pawn shop itself is a bit too out there and vague for me, the ideas of traveling on a rumor or hiding in a secret were fascinating, and while we didn’t find the central relationship of particular interest, the individual characters are well drawn and compelling.

Have you ever read a book that leaps into your heart and holds it the entire time? This book put a smile on my heart and I enjoyed every moment of it! 5 Stars!
Placed in Tokyo, Hanna is taking over running a special pawnshop after her father retires. A pawnshop that accepts a person's regret. Not everyone can find the pawnshop, but a handsome stranger does, soon after a startling event. Now they must work together to rescue family, time and themselves.
The reader is taken on a wonderful adventure, where time is bent, and not all is what it seems. The writing is very descriptive, and you can't help but visualize the scenes. The scenes are beautiful and magical! The characters are lovable, relatable, and sometimes scary.
The writing is beautiful. Wonderful gems about time, choices, and love.
"People revisit the past to relive pleasant memories, chase away bad ones, or both."
This book is lyrical, and magical, and warms your heart.
A book to re-read!
I am so glad Netgalley granted me an eARC of this book!

Water Moon feels like Alice in Wonderland but make it a J-Drama. This was one trippy quest romance. I didn't see the twists coming, but some of them felt unpleasant. The writing style is devoid of adjectives in a way that makes it feel like a sparse translation of a dream. I wanted more from the language and the characters, who felt as one dimensional as the sentences. A doctor, but not the useful kind, and a pawnbroker, manipulator by trade, both were not especially likeable. Despite that, major points earned for the dreamy, imaginative quality of the prose. The stops along the quest were varied and unique, extremely interesting to read. It would have been even better if I cared more about the characters along the way too.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Del Rey for this ARC!

After seeing Water Moon in many “most anticipated books of 2025” lists, I was intrigued. Okay, the cover *may* have had something to do with it as well. I’m happy to report that the gorgeous cover suits the essence of the story - fantastical, mysterious, and full of possibility.

The whimsical setting was one of my favorite aspects about this book. Yambao creates some vivid imagery through her lush descriptions, bringing this dreamlike world to life. The writing has many profound moments, I found myself highlighting many quotes throughout the book.

Despite this book including many elements that I typically gravitate toward, there was just something off about it for me. I think my biggest issue was that it felt like the characters were constantly on the move, which made the pacing feel too rushed without proper development. Another big point of contention was the instalove situation. A gradual romantic development would have felt more authentic.

While I enjoyed my time reading Water Moon, I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

A pawnshop where clients can exchange their regrets. A missing father. And a visitor from another world. Hana’s world gets turned upside down in a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

I’ve seen this described as Studio Ghibli vibes, which is absolutely true! The ethereal feel of the different places we visit with Hana and Kei felt like I was grasping at smoke while I was reading. I just wish we could have spent more time in the locations, especially the Library of the Lost!

And it’s also a moving story about what happens when we let our fears control us, and how difficult it is to acknowledge the consequences of our choices and the purpose of regret. It’s also got a very sweet love story, although it developed a little too quickly for my taste.

Thanks to both NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this arc.

This was absolutely delightful. For me, cozy fantasy is very hit or miss. It's all about that delicate balance of fluff, over-description, and just enough plot to keep you interested. While this book had a bit of a rocky start, I am happy to report that this book was lovely and had exactly what I wanted.

To start with the good, it just excels in whimsy, fun, and frivolity. Technically, all that happens in this book is that we watch the characters wander from place to place in a magical world, following the breadcrumbs of a mystery Hana's father has left behind. However, I think that exact thing is what I loved so much about this. This book feels no need to establish some elaborate world building to wow the reader with. It just allows itself to display fun and interesting things because it wants to. They travel through rain puddles, the ocean is made of clouds, and there are museums of memories, because why not? It was just very, very fun, and I enjoyed this whimsical journey.

As for complaints, this book did have me a bit underwhelmed, as I found myself constantly confused or uninterested by the plot at first. Thankfully, it's just a bit of a weak start, and I'd say it took me about 100 pages to be fully invested, at which point I could barely put this down. There is also a bit of insta-love in this. It didn't bother me too much as the romance isn't the main focus of the plot, but it is worth noting.

Overall, I had such a fun time with this, and it was a very enjoyable and relaxing read. While it may not be the most expertly written novel I've read, if you like cozy fantasy or cozy mysteries, you should absolutely give this a shot.

100/100 or 5.0 stars

Stunning. I loved everything about this universe that Yambao created.

I love maigical realism, and this was done in such a cool and engaging way. I didn't want the book to be over, which has been a long time since I felt that way while reading. I will absolutely be trying to find a physical copy now that the book is out, as I want this in my physical library.
The writing and atmosphere were impeccable. I will read anything else that Yambao writes going forward!

This book is a slow, slow, slow build... but it is lovely. I struggled through the first 40% of this one in print. It didn't feel like it was really going anywhere. Once I snagged a copy of the audiobook I got it. This book is beautiful, it just takes time which some will, understandably, not want to give. My only complaint is that the love story was a weak link, not unnecessary, just a little insta-love for this type of book.

I loved the idea of this book, but I struggled to stay focused reading with how many jumps in time there were. It was such a beautiful concept and writing, but I would have preferred it to be slightly more linear.

Really whimsical and magical world that focuses on themes such as regret, choices, and free-will. An easy recommendation for all cozy fantasy readers and general readers.

This is a captivating read for fans of magical realism and fantasy, particularly those who appreciate a blend of Japanese culture, adventure, and self-discovery, as it weaves a mystical tale of choice, regret, and transformation.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is a mesmerizing tale that blends whimsical fantasy with deep emotional resonance, all wrapped in the enchanting backdrop of a world separate from our own. The story revolves around Hana Ishikawa, who awakens to find the mysterious pawnshop she inherited from her father ransacked, its most valuable item stolen, and her father missing. The pawnshop, hidden from the ordinary eye, is a place where the lost can trade their life choices and regrets. Hana's journey to recover what was stolen and find her father takes her through a mystical world filled with rain puddles that serve as portals, rides on origami cranes, and night markets floating in the clouds.

The narrative is rich with imaginative visuals, making every page a delight to read. The incorporation of Japanese culture adds depth to the fantastical elements, creating a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. Hana's quest is not just about recovering lost items but also about self-discovery and the courage to face her own secrets, and the romance that blossoms throughout the story is heartwarming.

Water Moon is a beautifully crafted novel with its lyrical prose, inventive world-building, and poignant themes of choice and consequence. It's a book that invites you to lose yourself in its magic and reminds you of the power of hope and love in even the most challenging times.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Water Moon, is truly a dreamy, magical, fantasy -- filled with a whimsical and layered world. Honestly, It has an animated feel to it, as I was reading I felt like the journey in my mind played out as a beautiful film reminiscent of a Ghibli creation.

The plot was unique in a way that felt like I would be whisked away and let me tell you... I was all about the genuine soft and flowing way that Yambao so wonderfully told the story. It felt as if the world enveloped me with a thoughtfulness and a contemplative mood. Water Moon, is perhaps the ultimate rainy day read, one where you curl up with a hot cup of green tea, a soft cloud like blanket and escape to another world.

The intertwining and forbidden story between our FMC Hana and the MMC Keinshin is just beautifully tethered to your heart strings. While I am not entirely sure the romance was necessary I still enjoyed the beauty of it all.
At it's core this is a dreamy, contemplative story; one that asks about the what ifs in life, the regrets, choices and how all of it weighs on us.
If you are looking to completely fall away than Yambao delivers a beautiful story to start 2025 with.

Thank you to NetGally, the Author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC

*will be posted to IG jan 28th

"We trapped ourselves in a myth we forgot we created."

WATER MOON by @samanthasottoyambao is a twisty magical realism ride full of regrets, choices and lots of ramen. Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @delreybooks for the e-ARC.

🌊🌊🌊

Hana has always known she would take over her father's position as the pawn shop attendant serving clients looking for a specific ramen shop but instead stumbling through their door. These clients must make a choice and the attendant acts as a guide and protector of that choice making sure the choices get into the intended hands.

Keishin has always followed the laws of physics as his true north until he jumps through a puddle into a new dimension causing him to question everything he has ever known after walking into the pawnshop on Hana's first day in her new position. The shop is ransacked, her father is missing and something in her eyes makes him want to help her. Together can they solve the puzzle left by Hana's father?

🌕🌕🌕

WATER MOON features worlds within worlds, layered secrets and lies, a scavenger hunt for clues within a larger mystery. There is an intricate magic system where past choices become souls for otherworldly beings in a world built on discarded regrets and you can hitch a ride on a rumour. But my favorite part was the scathing takedown of unfettered duty to culture, family and tradition as well as the lonely feeling of not being made for the world you find yourself in.

The story has mystery, intrigue, romance, family dynamics, magic, fantasy, portal travel, and so much more! The magical realism in this story reminded me of Kazuo Ishiguro and Erin Morgenstern - whimsical yet rooted in reality.

Highly recommend this one to anyone who loves whimsy, mysteries and finding yourself.

I love this book. The writing was so lush and lyrical. This is a story that sweeps you up and gently guides you through the journey, and there really is no better feeling. The world building was beautifully done, it was so easy to get lost in the imagery and imagine that you are there. Every new portal they stepped through and every new place they went was so much fun. There is so much going on in this book, none of which is overwhelming but all of which adds to very well crafted tale. I really liked Hana and thought that she fit the narrative very well. Her character growth in the story was great to watch as she navigated herself through trying to piece together what happened to her parents and save her pawn shop. I also really liked Keishin and found him to be very charming and enduring. I think that the romance between them was well done without distracting from the over all story line or themes of the book. I feel that this book also had some really lovely messages centering around finding ones identity, cherishing the connections we have with those around us, and the idea of fate. I cannot wait to circle back to Some of Yambao's past work and see what she has in store for us!

I have not read anything like 'Water Moon' before, and I say that in the best way possible. I was concerned when I heard others say something similar because I was worried that I wouldn't be able to grasp the writing, but the actual writing and the way words flowed is what I loved most about this book.

This book follows Hana as she is set to prepare her father's pawn shop, that trades in regrets and choices rather than in goods and money. However, she soon finds out that her father is missing and she decides to go looking for him. Before she is able to do so a man wanders into her pawn shop (for no one who enters does so knowingly), and before they know it they are partnered together trying to find her father.

This book is a stand alone book so things do happen very fast. There is the magic of the pawnshop world to explain, the details of Hana's murdered mother that needs to be discussed, and journeying to find Hana's father. I think the book does an amazing job in providing just enough explanation for things for it to make sense, without info dumping or leaving you with more questions than answers. Hana, and the story, is aided through several side characters that help round out the story and provide more context to what's at hand. They both felt developed enough but not distracting of the main plot of the story.

I was caught off guard by the romance in this but not in a bad way. In fact it had me silent screaming and kicking my feet because Yambao really put us through the wringer with this one.

I am so excited to have a physical copy in my hand soon to do a reread.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House (Del Ray) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Hana and her father Toshio Isikawa run a special pawnshop for patrons who happen in to part with regrets. On the first day of her father's retirement, Hana awakes to find Toshio has disappeared with the pawnshop ransacked. Before Hana can start her search in earnest, Kei happens into the shop and insists he wants to help.

"I'm beginning to think that nothing will ever make sense again."
"Things don't have to make what for them to be real."

"What I've experienced here feels like it would overflow from just one lifetime. I feel stretched, struggling every second that I'm here, to for everything into a tiny room that used to be my whole world."

Wow, I was genuinely surprised and delighted by this book. It's totally accurate to attribute major Studio Ghibli vibes and the cozy fantasy connection to Erin Morgenstern's The Starless Sea. They go on a magical quest and Hana's world has so many magical pockets. I don't want to spoil any of the magic and heart wrenching moments.

Thank you to Penguin Random House - Del Ray for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book was published 1/14/25. I'll be posting to Instagram shortly.

Imagine walking through the door of a cozy Tokyo ramen restaurant only to find yourself in a strange little pawn shop where the owner offers you tea and asks if you’d like to sell him your deepest regret in life. Welcome to the Pawnshop of Almosts and Ifs.

Toshio Ishikawa has spent a lifetime collecting these life choices so their owners no longer have to carry them. As things go, there are other powerful beings who come to collect them for their own purposes, and the consequences of any of them going missing is dire - something Toshio has painfully experienced when his wife stole a choice years ago.

On his first day of retirement, when daughter Hana is set to take over the shop, she finds it ransacked and Toshio missing, along with a highly valuable pawned choice. At that moment, young physicist Keishin walks through the door expecting ramen and finds himself in the middle of chaos. Instead of offering Hana a regret, he offers her his help and from here the story takes flight.

These characters took me on one of the most magical, creative, dream-like adventures I’ve experienced in the pages of a book! I was immersed into a fantastical world of beauty and darkness where, as the book often reminds us, “nothing is as it seems”. Hana and Keishin come from two different worlds … literally, but watching Hana’s ethereal world mix with Keishin’s scientific one was fascinating.

I used to watch a lot of anime with my daughter when she was younger and fell in love with stories set in and about Japan, and also with the style of storytelling. There’s an emotional depth and imagination that it taps into that feels unmatched sometimes. I can see why other readers have made comparisons to Studio Ghibli or anime in general, because the highly visual details and emotional storyline would lend itself beautifully to the screen.

I could quote this book all day. For all the visual and emotional beauty, there’s a deeply philosophical quality to it that examines the choices we make, the beliefs and regrets we hold onto and the power of changing our perspective on the past. That aspect reminded me a bit of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library. The story isn’t perfect and gets a little confusing at the end, but its good qualities far outweighed any minor complaints. I would let Samantha Sotto Yambao’s imagination take me anywhere!

If you like speculative fiction, cozy fantasy, adventure, magical realism, a touch of sci-fi and romance - it’s got a mix of them all. I listened to the audiobook for maybe two minutes and didn’t care for the narrator’s style, so I don’t personally recommend the audio, but it may work better for others. I highly recommend this!

Want an escape from your everyday hum-drum world?

Stand in line for the best Ramen restaurant in Tokyo. Then when the door opens you will find yourself in Hana's pawnshop.

Where you can sell your regrets.
Puddles are portals.
Birds are kept in vault for the Shiikuin to collect.
Origami cranes hold pivotal moments from our world.
Grains of sand are redeemed for moments of time.

Kei is a physicist, but once he meets Hana his quest for the Ramen he remembers from childhood is forgotten. They are on a quest to find a missing person and a missing bird. What they find is so much more. This book is a nonstop ride of discovery and wonder with an insidious threat that is always lurking. Two worlds are colliding. Which one will win?

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️. What a magical experience! Hana and Kei’s journey is definitely one for the books! Just when you think they are where they are suppose to be, they aren’t. I absolutely enjoyed this journey!