thank you for netgallery for this ARC

i really enjoyed this!!
i’ve read the previous one but i doing think it’s necessary to read them all to understand the premise of this book. it is so wholesome and teaches such important deep life lessons.
to know there is a place where you can go back in time, just to exist in that time, and not change anything - & to see how people use it to visit loved ones, is so sad

i love the premise of these
i love the characters, new and old

In the fifth installment of the time jumping coffee shop, Toshikazu Kawaguchi has done it again. We are immersed in the lives of a diverse group of individuals who wish to go back in time- even though they know this will not change a thing. This thought-provoking book centers on four new characters that you will be thinking about long after your coffee is cold. If you have not dug into these slim novels, they are the perfect way to lift your spirit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

I have read and enjoyed every book in this cafe series thus far. The deep emotional lives of the characters and their amount of growth within their short story frankly always leaves me in tears. In this addition to the series, I feel like it may have lost a tiny bit of its shine. The premises were still great and interesting, but I feel that the actual stories were written very differently. They felt less emotion based and very procedural almost. Still a great read, just not my favorite out of the 5!

I love these books and they just keep getting better. The stories are are heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The 5th of the series felt like it had a different vibe than the other ones.

Overall, the book turned out to be much sadder than I anticipated. It explores the illusions we create about family and the unchangeable moments from the past that we believe could alter the course of our future. While there were four different stories, and as heartbreaking as they were, I struggled to connect with the narrative or the characters. The premise remains the same: visiting the café and returning before the coffee gets cold. However, considering this is the fifth book, a shift in the café’s rules or a fresh twist in the plot could add some variety.

4.25 stars

Before We Forget Kindness is the 5th book of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This is the second book I've read in the "special food establishment in Japan" genre this year, and I must say, I am quite impressed with this series.

The premise is that customers can travel back in time at this cafe if they follow a very specific set of rules, the most important being, you guessed it, to drink the coffee before it gets cold. Like other similar series, this book is comprised of short stories of different patrons visiting the cafe, so there are a few recurring characters, but the main character of each story changes.

Without giving away too much (which is especially hard to do with a collection of short stories), I did not anticipate getting emotional when reading this. (Now I wasn't all out bawling, but there were definitely times where I was surprised to think, "Is this going to make me cry?") The stories for each character are so universal, and it's hard not to be impressed by the depth of Kawaguchi's emotional intelligence to tell such different stories in such a realistic and relatable way.

I know some people's hang up on books like these are the parts where the author can get potentially didactic about issues that go beyond the characters' narrative (i.e. tangent about divorce in the first story), but I'd say it's not bad in this book. Yes, those parts exist, but it actually gives a fascinating insight into the author's belief system when it comes to these issues, and see how it informs their stories.

The only aspects I don't care very much for are the specifics on exactly how the characters go back in time. There are just so many rules, and while some understandably contribute to the plot, some others just seem unnecessarily complicated.

Regardless, if you have ever ruminated over the things you've left unsaid, then this book is the form of catharsis you need.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is available everywhere now.

Before We Forget Kindness was a gentle, heartwarming book that made me think about the people I love and how our choices of how we treat each other today has ripple effects for our futures. This book is part of the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, but the first one I have read- so far. It tells four short stories of people who come to a mysterious cafe for the opportunity to travel back in time to a point in time of deep regret with someone they love. There are many rules, most notable their visit to the past can’t undo what happened and their visit only lasts until their cup of coffee gets cold.
This story is so different from the types of books I typically read. I was really touched by the impact these visits to the past had on the characters, despite the strict rules. Highly recommend this book!

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

This is book five in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series and it was just as amazing as the other ones. These collections of stories never fail to have me crying, laughing and smiling. The audiobook narrator was really good and I highly suggest giving these a listen.

good mystery about a couple and staying in a house and the other couple there. kept me on my toes . good mystery and figuring stuff out.

This book is a compelling story that draws readers into a vivid and captivating world. The protagonist faces challenges that test their strength, resilience, and humanity, creating a narrative filled with emotional depth and complexity. As the plot unfolds, surprising twists and profound revelations keep the audience engaged from start to finish. The themes explored in the book resonate universally, making it both thought-provoking and relatable. Ultimately, the story leaves a lasting impression, inviting readers to reflect on its deeper meanings long after turning the final page.

3.5 stars

This. was a little hard to get into at first but it was a beautifully written cozy little book. This one was a little sad though. I can't say that if you are dealing with grief if this would be hard to read of uplifting. I guess it depends on your outlook and where you are in your stage of grief. If you enjoyed the others in the series you will enjoy this one as well.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Before We Forget Kindness is such a needed book right now. Full of short stoes about how kindness changes people and can change the world, this book is heartwarming, sweet, will make you cry and laugh.

Thank you @thehive for my gifted copy!

This is my fifth book in the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series, and it's always a tearjerker!

I have to say, I loved the second story the best, about the husband and wife.

Notable lines:

"Regret comes in two flavors: actions taken and opportunities missed."

I'm always reflecting on who I'd visit after I read each book btw. I have to say, I'd choose seeing my kids as adults!

PS-Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!

Another heartwarming tale from Kawaguchi's literary pocket. We have new characters in this fifth book of the series,

It's simple narrative makes the book an easy read, and it's needless to mention, the cover design is beautiful. The book follows it's predecessors' formula throughout its narrative. It has undertones of regret, willingness to let go, and let go of regrets. The book also handles the idea of Closure beautifully, which I liked the most. It can be read over the weekend, and is totally worth your attention.

I was not expecting such an emotional book, but even despite the tears this book had me shedding, I loved it. I liked how the book handled grief, regret, kindness and compassion. Each of the four stories in this book was impactful in its own way, and it was refreshing to see the characters get what they needed to move forward in life after traveling through time thanks to the magical cafe.

Only issues were how repetitive it became and how expository the writing was. I expected more of a storytelling, fictional tone and got a lot of extensive explanations about topics that did not think added to the story.

By far a great read and highly recommend!

Thank you netgalley for giving me an electronic ARC copy in exchange for my review!

cosy and formulaic, we know (and love) exactly what to expect! Yes the themes are repetitive but I feel we can use frequent reminders of the core messages that life is short and to be a little kinder when able.

Kawaguchi does it again! I have been a huge fan of this cozy series since reading the first book in this installment. What I love about this book and series is how each short story while independent, weaves characters past and present. Kawaguchi has a way of revealing human truths and the internal, emotional struggle one feels when dealing with those situations. It’s relatable, even if the characters and storylines don’t mirror the experiences we may independently have.

When I finished this book, I took a deep breath, and found myself feeling gratitude towards the people in my life - friends, family, and loved ones. Because the stakes aren’t terribly high, it gives you permission to read the book in small increments and reflect on the parallels in your own life - how telling someone you love them while they’re around is so important, how appreciating your parents love can look different, but ultimately how it’s okay to be human.

I can’t give this series anything but 4 stars at a minimum. With the winter around the corner, I can’t help but recommend this series to those who are looking for a book that can tug at the heart and leave you feeling more hopeful and reminded to appreciate who you have in your life now.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this E-ARC.


This book is devastating. I understand that it’s beautiful and comforting and lovely that for a small amount of time you could get to see someone you’ve lost. But it’s so sad. And I would like to think that that is the whole point of these books. To not wait until you don’t have time anymore but to make better and kinder choices now. Things that you might not regret in the future. Taking a little more time to consider your thoughts and actions. I love that. It’s still so heartbreaking.

A special magical cafe where you can get one chance to go back (or forwards) in time. One more chance to right a wrong. One more chance to fix something you regret. What a glorious opportunity. It comes with some rules. But still, who wouldn’t want to go back for whatever reason?
A beautifully written book.

Thank you for this arc!!

Although I find the same themes repetitive i absolutely love the stories. Definitely recommend!

4.5 stars
How lucky was I to get an arc of this latest installment of Before the Coffee Gets Cold! It's been over two years since I discovered book one and I still enjoy these stories so much. The stories are always touching and insightful into the kinds of things that regular people experience. There are so many things we wish we could change in some way and in a very small way a few people can at least go backward or forward and have a short conversation that makes a difference to them without effecting or changing the history itself. Beautiful story telling.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for my ARC of this book