A romance along the pattern of someone comes back into the heroine's life who ruined it years ago - will they reconcile now? with the addition of a nicely although occasionally a little stereotypically done Japanese setting. I enjoyed the parts with the family our heroine stays with the best, and the descriptions of gardens and scenery. I think this is part of a series and think I'd have been more invested in the character and the glimpses of her friends back home if I'd read others in the series. Romance readers who enjoy a change of scenery will love this.

☆☆☆☆☆
I am a big fan of Julie Caplin and loved getting to visit The little tea shop in Tokyo. A great escape this summer when we couldn't travel due to lockdown.

4.5 stars
If I had to use a book to illustrate what 'armchair travelling' is, then this is surely the one I would brandish. I've never been to Japan, but reading this book, it felt like I was there - I saw the places, smelled the scents, experienced the bustling and also the calm, everything this 'other' world had to offer. I'm late coming to this series, and to Julie Caplin books in general, and if the other books are anything like this one, then I'm sure to be in for a treat.
I also loved the depth and complexity given to the characters. Fiona felt so real and had issues anyone could relate with, I suppose - he fraught relationship with her mother struck a chord with me, adding a further dimension to her. Haruka's family in Japan felt like people I came to know personally, and I would really like to sit down with them for tea one day.
The only reason this isn't getting 5 stars is because of the hero, Gabe. Could that man have been more complicated and torn? I really didn't like what he put Fiona through all through the book; I didn't want him to get the girl...but she would've been happy just with him, though, and the ending rather saved him from being labeled 'jerk alert'.
A beautiful tale - read it for the absolute sheer escapism, and as a sort of women's fiction so as to focus on Fiona's journey and transformation and not just on the romance between her and Gabe.

I volunteered to read this book, through netgalley in exchange, for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. The pacing of this story is good. I enjoyed how it describes Japan and there culture. It makes me want to visit Japan. In this story you feel as though you are in Japan. This is the sixth book in this series. It is set in Japan but they mention London, England as well, it is very enjoyable. I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone. This ebook is stores now for $3.99 (AUD).

I totally enjoyed reading this book. Couldn't put it down. Perfect read at the end of the day. Definitely recommend.

Enjoyable book, I liked finding out about the tea rituals and the scenery in Japan was well explained.

I enjoyed this book and found it a quick and easy read. Will be looking out for more from this writer.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo follows travel blogger Fiona on her all-expenses-paid trip to Japan. As she visits the famous sites, she is charged with creating a photography series to show at a gallery when she returns home. To aid her in this task is a world-famous photographer named Gabe. 

Unfortunately, this isn't Fiona's first time meeting Gabe. Also unfortunately, he acts completely disinterested in helping his charge and doesn't seem to remember Fiona at all... even though he broke her heart while she was in college. Will Fiona get the inspiration and instruction she desperately needs? Will Gabe remember Fiona? You'll just have to read the book to find out!

‘Wabi Sabi,’ murmured Haruka. ‘It is part of Japanese culture. It is an appreciation of things that aren’t perfect or finished, and that is their attraction. It’s accepting the value of things–an old pot, an old person–and understanding that those things have wisdom, that they have seen things.’

This book has a lot going for it - it had me at tea and travel! There is something for everyone - travel, photography and romance - an all up winning combination. With an inviting cover and all set in Japan - a culture with so much to appreciate - I very much enjoyed this armchair travel.

‘It’s a country of contrasts: flash, modern, innovative, ridiculously neon and technological, all of which resides alongside a deep appreciation and respect for art, culture, and tradition. I’ve never lived anywhere quite like it before.’

Firstly, let’s focus on Japan - the writer has certainly done her homework and during these COVID days, provided her readers with some much wished for armchair travel. The sights, sounds and smells are vibrant and leap off the page. It could have read like a travelogue, but no, I found myself soaking up every detail of both the varied modern and traditional sites in this special destination - not to mention staying in a traditional Japanese tea shop!

‘There was a soothing quiet as all three women savoured their tea, and the comforting warmth of the china clasped between her hands made her feel grounded and somehow connected to the other two women.’

Tied in with this is Julie’s writing. I feel she has truly captured the essence of some special traditions in Japanese culture. The philosophy is cleverly weaved throughout and there are some definite pearls of wisdom for both the reader and the characters alike. Speaking of characters, there are many engaging ones to be found in this tale - from the traditional family to the main British female lead with her journey of discovery - both internal and external. The romance is front and centre, however, I am grateful that this was not the sole focus of this read.

“... you face things. No matter how difficult, you try. You do new things. You challenge yourself, even though you don’t think of yourself as bold. You are my kintsugi, the golden glue that healed this jaded, cynical idiot and made him believe in love again.”

A final component of this story worth mentioning is the inclusion of photography as both a passionate hobby and serious business. I appreciated the appraisal of light, focus and natural natural moments captured in time. I was definitely Googling some of the locations to try and gain an awareness of where Fiona was trying to stand to take certain photos.

‘... photography was capturing that one moment in time that might never happen again.’

All up this is a most engaging read on a number of topics. If you find yourself longing for some quality escapism, take the time to spend these couple of weeks in Japan as detailed in The Little Teashop in Tokyo - you won’t be disappointed.

‘I’ve barely scratched the surface. Every time I talk to Setsuko or Haruka they tell me something fascinating about the philosophy or the culture of the country. There’s so much… it’s an amazing place.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Romantic comedy set in picturesque Japan. Tons of fun! Imagine finally taking your dream trip to only run into your ex. What a downer! There is still romance and lots of fun along the way.

There are some authors that just always manage to get it right. Julie Caplin is definitely one of those – every single one of her Romantic Escapes-series? Loved it. And The Little Teashop in Tokyo is no exception!

The story
Grab your passport and escape to the land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams of the Far East are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, neon-drenched Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but it’s not long before the Japanese art of contentment and a special, traditional tea ceremony work their magic…

Amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently.

The opinion
Let’s be real – from the moment you’ve read the first chapter of this book? You kind of already know what’s going to happen. But that’s completely okay. Because it’s not so much what happens, as how Julie Caplin makes it happen that matters in this series.

And how she makes it happen? Well, that’s a combination of gorgeous landscapes, exquisite descriptions, and the kind of (semi-slow burn) love that makes your toes tingle.

Add to that a main character who gains so much confidence, a love interest who realises he’s let himself get led off the right track, and of course: some very supportive side characters? And you end up with a book that basically grabs you from the first letter, and doesn’t let you go until its happy resolution.

To top it all off, the glimpses of Japanese culture which Julie Caplin so expertly weaves into the story on so many levels – from the culture, to the tourist attractions, to the food (oh, the food!)… And I basically wanted to grab the first Japan-bound plane to experience it all myself!

The rating: 4/5
It’s not so much that I’m predictable when it comes to Julie Caplin’s books (although, really, I kind of am), as it is that this author just consistently delivers with each and every single book. The Little Teashop in Tokyo is the perfect read if you’re in need of something that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside… Cravings for tempura might be one of the side effects, though 🙂

-Saar

A lovely story that should be read by fans of this genre. Definitely recommended to those readers who enjoy reading an interesting story showing aspects of life inJapan.

I am not normally a romance reader, but I absolutely adored this! It was heart warming with a lovely second-chance romance. The charm and culture in this book kept me reading, and I loved the atmosphere.

‘The Little Teashop in Tokyo’ is the sixth book in the ‘Romantic Escapes’ series, like all the others you can read this as a stand-alone, however I recommend reading the whole series but watch out.. if your bucket list is anything like mine the list of countries I want to visit gets longer after each book! This book follows Fiona who we have met earlier in the series. Julie Caplin has a wonderful way of capturing beautiful countries and transporting you around the world, and this book is just as amazing.. I loved reading all about Japan, seeing it through Fiona’s eyes especially the cherry blossoms (so beautiful) also learning their traditions. The storyline was good, I tried to guess on a few occasions what may happen but I was actually wrong so I loved that it had me hooked. A feel good read from start to finish!

I enjoyed reading this book despite it being badly edited and full of mistakes and missing words that annoyed me!

I really like the subtle humour in this, it was such a positive, uplifting story too. I have always fancied travelling to Japan, so it was nice to have an insight into the country. I will definitely read more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Ive read a few of Julies books before and this one didn’t fail to deliver. A nice easy to read book, great holiday reading and I finished in 2 days. Thankyou so much to the publishers and netgalley for an early copy.

What's better than finding a 5 star book you love? Finding out there's 5 more in the series!

The 6th and most recent book in Julie Caplin's Romantic Escapes series, this book was perfect as a stand alone novel but i'm so glad there’s more in the series to read.

Travel-blogger and photographer Fiona leaves her helicopter parent mother behind in London to take on a two week all expenses paid trip to Tokyo. Having won a prestigious competition not only does Fiona win the trip but she is also given a photography mentor and the chance to curate an exhibition at the Japan Centre in London. For Fiona this is the trip of a lifetime.

What FIona didn't count on was being picked up at arrivals by Gabe Burnett, a man she hasn't seen in 10 years and definitely did not want to see again. He is still as arrogant and handsome as she remembered, but now he is also her mentor. Despite Gabe’s unwillingness to act as a mentor Fiona tries desperately to take in Japan and take amazing photographs along the way.

Luckily Fiona is staying with gorgeous Haruka and her family, who welcome her into their home, teach her Japanese customs, offer her guidance and advice during her stay and become like a second family for Fiona.

If only Fiona and Gabe could stop butting heads, then maybe they just might be able to create some magic, not only on camera but off camera too.

What I absolutely loved about this book was how much the author's admiration and understanding of Japan and its culture shined through. The atmosphere the author created felt very authentic and I was instantly transported back. The whole book had a calming effect due to the presence of Haruka and her wise words. Her teachings on appreciating nature and the idea of forest bathing, taking in nature to attract calmness for oneself is something we should all practice and makes this novel more than just a stock standard romance.

As well as nature and culture, both the main and minor characters are wonderfully created.

I loved how Fiona grows as a person throughout the book. She overcomes her fears and imaginary boundaries to find confidence in herself more important than any man will ever be. Although he was annoying at first Gabe turned out to be a complex but great character and I loved his and Fiona’s romance. He helps Fiona become more confident in both herself and her photography and in turn she resparks his love of photography and dare i say it life (cliche af i know).

This book was honestly adorable, it was heartwarming and it felt peaceful to read. I devoured it. The author nailed the perfect balance of serenity and crazy that japanese culture holds and the love story was not a stock standard copy of every rom com ever.
It was a shame to finish the novel and realise I was in my own house, not the bamboo tea shop for real. I would highly recommend this novel, especially if in these current times you're in need of a happy ending. I can't wait to read the other novels.

5☆ A Heart Warming, Sweet Second Chance Romance, with a dash of Wit, oodles of culture and plenty of charm!

The Little Teashop in Tokyo is a heart warming Romance set in a gorgeous location. One I am very eager to visit.

This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone book. I slid straight into the story without any issues whatsoever.

Fiona is on her way to Japan after winning an all expense paid trip, a photograph mentor and the chance to display her photographs at the Japan Centre in London, simply a dream come true for Fiona and the trip of a lifetime.

But what she didn't quite bank on, was that the devilishly handsome and arrogant Gabe Burnett, Times Photographer of the Year, turning up to meet her at the airport. She hadn't seen him in 10years and he still made her nervous.
Then he drops another bombshell....he is now her mentor!

Gabe doesn't want to be Fiona's mentor no more than she wants him to be.
You see she knows more about him then he dares to realise.
If only the two of them could stop butting heads, then maybe they just might be able to create some photograph magic, not only on camera but off camera too!

Fiona is staying above the gorgeous Haruka’s teashop with Haruka and her family, who has welcomed her into her home and teaching her Japanese customs. Which was an absolute joy to read and melted my heart.

What I absolutely loved about this book was how much the Authors passion for Japan shined through. All the intricate little touches, the sights, sounds, the atmosphere it felt very authentic and made we want to visit even more.

The characters are wonderfully developed,
Fiona has many insecurities which definitely holds her back and at times I found a lil frustrating, but it was lovely to see her confidence eventually grow.
Gabe was a tad annoying to start with, especially how he toyed with Fiona's feelings and got bogged down with Yumi and her manipulative ways, however I did soon warm to him and quickly willed Fiona and Gabe together.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo is a Heart Warming, Sweet Second Chance Romance, with a dash of Wit, oodles of culture and charm and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
As I said before the setting is superbly written and Caplin transported me into the heart of Tokyo and gave me a lil bit of escapism.

So if you are looking to be whisked away somewhere truly mesmerising, whilst falling in love with not only the setting but the characters, then I highly recommend reading The Little Teashop in Tokyo.


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

What a charming read! I really enjoyed the unique Japanese setting.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own