Quiet sweet, and I can see fans of BEFORE THE COFFEE GETS COLD enjoying this, but it felt a little twee to me.

3.5 stars.

Under a glittering full moon, a Kyoto coffee shop with no fixed location or opening hours appears only where and when it's needed. Serving fragrant teas, the finest coffees and delicious desserts, it is entirely run by talking cats. In the middle of the night, the coffee shop's feline guides take the guests on an astrological journey which forces the characters to face up to the past, in order to discover their destiny.

This was a fun short story which immediately reminded me of mangas. It was cosy, lighthearted and fluffy (pun intended). I did expect a bit more depth going in, but it turned out to not be that kind of story.

I chuckled a few times as the ‘advices’ truly reminded me of the monthly horoscopes in magazines 😄, including the multiple mentions of ‘mercury in retrograde’.

I would recommend this if you’re in the mood for an easy-listening, easy-read book you could just escape into.

Though the book itself got bogged down in places, the narrators were emotive and distinct, bringing their respective sections and characters to life in a very grounded way.

Another book from Japan with it's quirky story of a coffee shop run by cats who are heavily into astrology. The people that find their way here will receive a delicious snack or drink and an astrological reading that will help them find what is missing in their lives. Each of the stories is quite different, however they all are connected. It's a lovely read, however does get a little bogged down in some in depth astrology theory. Otherwise the characters are charming, the story is gentle and uplifting, and I really want to try one of their desserts!

It was a cute, heartwarming and insightful book. It's a short book with characters with everyday problems, who find themselves in a magical café where they end up finding the answers to their existential crises, making their lives a little better.
I really enjoyed the ending and seeing what the characters had in common and how it relates to astrology.
The setting is wonderful for autumn and I really enjoyed the calm and pleasant narrative.
Recommended for lovers of coffee, cats and stories of self-improvement with an emotional and sweet touch.
Really enjoyed the different narrators on the audiobook, and the reading of the japanase words.

This was such a sweet little book and one I think is gonna stay with me for a while. I loved the coffee shop and the cats and how after listening to a lot of it you could sometimes recognise the cats from their descriptions.

This book is heavy on astrology so if you don’t like astrology don’t read it. I’m not particularly into it, though I did find it interesting. Most of the book wasn’t too hard to read, but the first time the cats started to explain the astrology, I found there was a bit too much explanation. After you’ve got the rundown though, it’s easier to follow and doesn’t feel like so much of an info dump.

I loved the fact that two of the narrators on this had heavy Japanese accents. Though it took a moment to adjust to them (and if you struggle with strong accents, maybe read this book in print form), it just added so much authenticity to the book that you don’t get when the narrator has an American accent. I would love more books with strong accents like this in the future.

Overall, I really did enjoy this book. It was just what I wanted from it.

To me, this book can easily be divided into two main components: Plot and Vibes. As far as Vibes are concerned, it absolutely delivered! The mysterious cafe, the magical cats, the zodiac symbolism – it was like a Pinterest board come to life. The author was inspired by artwork to write the book, and that’s really reflected in the atmosphere. Everything is so vividly imagined, and feels very visual and tangible.

The actual plot was… fine. I liked the main characters and their intertwined lives, but I would have liked them to come back together a bit more at the end. Their starting points were all interlinked, it just would have been nice to have that be more significant as their stories went on.

The audiobook has three different narrators, which I really liked – it gave each character a distinct voice, and all the narrators did an excellent job. It did really highlight, though, how separate their storylines were, and made them feel slightly more detached from each other.

Overall this was an enjoyable listen for whimsical fantasy fans, but didn’t quite deliver on the plot for me.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

A coffee shop that appears out of nowhere, attracting people who need just a push to get their life back on track. But the catch is, the cafe takes no orders! With a mix of astrological approaches & magical realism, guiding people to help them discover their lost charm it a sweet story.

The book has a calm narrative, despite the troubles of life it speaks of & it makes a really good cozy book to read when you feel low on a gloomy day. It's surely not a reread type, but the aspects of magic amalgamated so well into the story that you will enjoy the journey.

This gave me many parallels to ‘Before the Coffee gets Cold’ in that we have a host of various characters who seem to stumble upon a mysterious and magical coffee shop just when they need them. The people are all connected from childhood or through various degrees of separation which we discover as the book progresses.
If you’ve been stung by the Japanese cat book “scam” (cats on the cover but not in the book!) don’t worry, they are a big feature of this read!
What’s very different here is the focus on astrology and the influence of the planets on our lives and personalities. I learnt a lot although couldn’t always remember the information as I let this book gently wash over me.

I found it a little repetitive to be honest, as we hear a lot of stories and memories twice just from the different characters’ perspectives, which often I found redundant and didn’t add anything much of interest.
Overall it’s a cosy, reflective read that makes you think about decisions made in life, human connection and the way the stars might be watching out for us.

I liked listening to it as an audiobook and enjoyed the different narrators who I believe are Japanese native speakers, which gave it a really authentic feel!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for access to this book.

"The Full Moon Coffee Shop," by Mai Mochizuki and narrated by Sadao Ueda; Tomoko Komura; and Yuriri Naka is a heartwarming tale that effortlessly blends magical realism and self-discovery. From the moment I pressed play on the audiobook, I was enchanted by the unique premise: a transient coffee shop in Kyoto that opens only under the full moon, run entirely by talking cats. It’s not just a narrative; it's an experience that wraps you in its warm embrace, much like a cosy cup of tea on a chilly night.
The story revolves around a cast of characters who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives—a screenwriter struggling to find her voice, a lovesick director yearning for clarity, a stylist seeking validation, and a video game developer grappling with failure. As they found their way to the enigmatic coffee shop, I felt as though I was joining them on a journey of reflection and insight. The cats, each with their distinct personalities and wise advice, served as both guides and companions, gently nudging the characters to confront their pasts and discover their destinies.
Listening to the audiobook was a delightful experience! The trio of narrators—Sadao Ueda, Tomoko Komura, and Yuriri Naka—brought the characters and their stories to life with such vividness. Each narrator’s unique voice added a layer of depth to the narrative, creating a wonderful dynamic that kept me engaged from start to finish. I felt as if I were sitting in the café, sipping aromatic coffee and soaking in the wisdom dispensed by these charming feline baristas.
What truly resonated with me was the underlying theme of kindness, particularly towards animals. The interactions between the characters and the cats reminded me of the bond I share with my pet—one that is filled with unconditional love and an unspoken understanding. It made me reflect on how enriching our connections with animals can be in our journeys of self-discovery.
The wisdom imparted by the café’s staff, combined with the heartwarming stories of its patrons, offered me insights that I didn’t anticipate. Some of the advice hit home so strongly that I found myself pondering it long after the audiobook concluded. It’s a testament to Mai Mochizuki’s skill in weaving life lessons into her storytelling in a way that feels both magical and grounded.
This story explores themes of destiny, choices, and the delicate balance between dreams and reality. However, the unique twist of talking cats and a mystical coffee shop set this tale apart, making it a refreshing addition to the genre.
I finished the audiobook in one day—it was nearly impossible to pause! The combination of a captivating plot, rich character development, and a touch of ethereal magic left me wanting more.
I truly enjoyed this experience and am looking forward to discovering more from Mai Mochizuki in the future.

On the night of the full moon, an unwary Kyoto resident may well find themselves stopping to patronise a rather unusual coffee shop - one that has appeared in that spot just for the purpose of that encounter, and is run on the principles of the zodiac, with service and life wisdom being dispensed by cats!

I enjoyed this book, particularly the way that the various human characters are able to absorb the life lessons provided, and also how their lives intertwine with each other. The narrator also did an excellent job.

I sometimes find with translated Japanese stories that the use of language is a little too spare and can sometimes feels stilted, even when I like the ideas. This book was different in that (while I am not the greatest fan of the zodiac itself), the language feels more contemporary and flows more easily. If you like the other stories in this genre, you will certainly like this one!

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a cozy and beautifully written short story collection. It's also the first book in a series, so if you enjoy this book, more stories are on the way. The book is about a cafe run by cats who give advice to people. All the stories are lovely and emotional. There were several narrators who fit perfectly with the stories. I really enjoyed listening to them. It was a really short book, and I enjoyed it a lot. If you like cats, astrology, and food, you should definitely pick up this book. I hope the other books in this series will also be translated. Thanks to Netgalley and Octopus Audio for the audio arc.

This audiobook is really well read but I didn't take to the narrative style or main character and ultimately, didn't finish it because I'm not the correct audience for the book. I can absolutely understand why many people will love it.

very lovely. a fun take on the genre of 'unassuming places to learn life lessons', akin to toshikazu kawaguchi. definitely one to recommend for anyone after a warm, easy, but meaningful read.

Nice little stories told from two angles however the narration was hard to follow. Authentic and sweet would be better as written word. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

'The Full Moon Coffee Shop' is the latest offering in the popular 'feel good' genre, where unhappy/unsatisfied people undergo transformative events that enable them to sort out their problems. It's wish fulfilment of course - everyone wants to believe that life can get better - so it's no wonder lots of readers love this type of story. What's more unusual with this novel is the emphasis on astrology as the way to achieve a better life, something I don't personally believe in but many millions do.

The story is rather bizarre and magical realist. The characters - five linked middle aged people living or working in Kyoto - stumble across a pop-up cafe run by giant talking cats. The cats hand out beverages and cod psychology along with astrological advice that enables each of the characters to make positive changes in their lives. I never understood why there needed to be talking cats involved, or even a mystical element. If the author wants to encourage readers to take astrology seriously, this isn't the way to do it. I suppose it's quirky and some people like that, but to me it just seemed pointless and gimmicky.

The writing style is readable and I enjoyed the parts set in the 'real world' where we learn about the characters' histories and see their interactions in normal situations. But I didn't appreciate the magical realist elements and the lengthy treatises on astrology. I didn't find those enlightening and it hasn't made me feel any more interested in my horoscope than I was before. I kept waiting for the real story to take off, and eventually realised the story was no more than these people being given fairly obvious advice by talking felines, dressed up in a lot of astrological trimmings. I did like how the different threads came together, and I imagine Mochizuki is able to write a good plot if she isn't diverted by magical realistic strangeness.

It works reasonably well as an audiobook in that it is easy to follow, and saves stumbling over Japanese pronunciations. I didn't like the first narrator very much, as I found her delivery stilted and the rhythm didn't flow right, making it hard to listen to. But the second two narrators were both fine. I was pleased that all three narrators were Japanese or of Japanese heritage, as is right for a work with Japanese characters set in Japan.

Personally this book wasn't really for me although as I say it does have some redeeming features. The fact the writing style is decent and the characters interesting means it may well go down a lot better with readers who like magical realism or those who believe in astrology or are keen to learn more about it.

This is a beautiful book.

It’s not what I expected, especially the astrology, but it’s so well written and joyous I wanted to keep going back to it.

The characters are flawed but interesting and the cats are brilliant! I’d love to go to the cafe!

Would recommend to anyone who is not sure where they are going in life and needs a reminder of the mysteries of the universe.

Like a big hug!

The Full Moon Cafe appears in Kyoto just where it is needed. And on this full moon, five people in different phases of their lives are drawn there: A down-on-her-luck screenwriter, an actress with a scandalous affair, a TV director in the middle of the heartbreak, a failed video game developer, and an unhappy stylist. There they are served fantastic tea, snacks, and coffee - by talking cats. Guided by the cats, the guests embark on a spiritual journey, using the cats' astrological knowledge to recognize the way to put their lives back on the right track. Paths that intertwine as if guided by the stars.

It's a nice feel-good story, with good characters, and a sweet positive message. Charming, but a little too esoteric for me. It is a sweet story that intertwines the lives of five characters. I love that the book has magical cats, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if the characters' therapeutic conversations had a less astrological, esoteric explanation. On the other hand: magical cats serve pancakes and tea!

To the Audiobook: All the readers did an amazing job. They captured the characters, set the ambiance of the scenes well, and were a joy to listen to.

I love the fact that this book has cats in it, honestly makes it so much better compared to if it was all humans. As someone who loves cats it was a real nice experience to listen to this story.

“The Full Moon Coffee Shop” by Mai Mochizuki is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that effortlessly blends whimsy with profound life lessons. Set under a glittering full moon in the mystical streets of Kyoto, this magical coffee shop is no ordinary café. It has no fixed location or opening hours and appears only when someone truly needs it. Run entirely by wise and talkative cats, this unique haven serves up not just the finest coffees and fragrant teas, but also a generous helping of life-altering wisdom.

The story centers around a diverse cast of characters, each struggling with their own personal dilemmas. From a down-on-her-luck screenwriter to a lovesick TV director, a misunderstood stylist, and a failed video game developer, the patrons of the Full Moon Coffee Shop are as varied as they are relatable. Through their encounters with the shop’s feline guides, these lost souls embark on astrological journeys that force them to confront their pasts, and ultimately discover their true purpose in life.

What makes this book truly special is its ability to blend together the magical and the mundane in a way that feels both uplifting and deeply personal to the reader/listener. The talking cats, with their sage advice and intuitive understanding, are more than just charming companions—they serve as mirrors reflecting the characters’ deepest fears and desires. As the characters’ paths intertwine, the audience is reminded of the interconnectedness of all lives, and the idea that even the most unexpected encounters can lead to profound transformations. The experience is greatly enriched by the splendid narration provided by Sadao Ueda, Tomoko Komura, and Yuriri Naka who deliver a great listening experinece to the ears of audiobook fans.

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.

For those who have ever felt lost or in need of a little magic, this book offers a comforting escape. Much like Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library” or John Strelecky’s “The Café on The Edge of The World” book series , it is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Octopus Audio | Brazen, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #TheFullMoonCoffeeShop #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

<i> Note: This review is based on an ARC copy </i>