What a cute read! I went in blind with zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The premise was interesting and the characters were absolutely memorable. I wont tell you which one was my favorite but there was one I felt oddly connected to.

It might just be the translation, but I found this book to be a bit disjointed, especially at the beginning. I didn’t understand the opening prologue and introduction and just wanted to get right into what was happening at the coffee shop. I was not able to feel emotionally connected to the characters in the first part of the story so I stopped halfway through. I give the author points for creativity and imagination, however!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Christmastime and a magical coffee shop run by talking cats? Yes please. Mai Mochizuki's Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop is a lovely follow-up to her bestseller The Full Moon Coffee Shop. I particularly liked the character of Ayu. This was a quick (and quirky) read.

Cute and cozy book. It was worth the read and would reconnect as a relaxing read after a heavier book.

Cute, and mostly understandable if you haven't read the first installment. Still unclear if the coffee shop folks are cats, planets, or magical girls, but it doesn't seem to matter.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a special book series - it's magical, charming, emotional, joyous and full of wonder. Especially this particular book in the series since The Full Moon Coffee Shop is making an unusual appearance at Christmastime! Perfect for anyone who's searching for the magical in everyday life, and maybe a little forgiveness.

Satomi is struggling to figure out what she really wants in life. She has always been career driven in the big city of Tokyo and while she does have a boyfriend, she hasn’t given much thought about settling down with him. She’s knows the relationship is getting serious and marriage is the next step, but is she really ready for it?

Then there is Satomi’s intern, Koyuki who does her best to play the good girl role, especially with her stepfather. She struggles loving her stepfather as no one could ever replace her father.

Satomi’s sister-in-law, Junko, has a very rough relationship with her father as he is verbally abusive and they just do not see eye to eye. Junko feels like she is never good enough for her father. It’s not just her, Junko’s brother feels the same way. In fact, he doesn’t even live close to Junko and their father. When their father is sick, the two of them come and start to learn what their father’s harsh words really meant. It wasn’t out of hate, but out of love and guiding them the best that he could for real life.

It is Christmastime and the Full Moon Cafe is open even though there is no full moon. The cafe helps these characters find their paths in life and helps them discover what they truly wish for in life.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters, but I don’t have the greatest understanding about astrology, so when the book talked about how the constellations connect with your signs, I was pretty lost.

This is a great read for those who:
* Love cats
* Love dogs (there’s a dog!)
* Read Japanese literature translated to English
* Appreciates when life unfolds
* Enjoys astrology

Mai Mochizuki's Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop is a mesmerizing and magical novel that offers a truly healing reading experience. This story unfolds through a unique pop-up coffee shop and restaurant, which mysteriously appears to those in need. Its enchanting premise is that it serves its patrons not what they desire, but what their hearts and souls truly require. The food and drinks are imbued with a gentle, magical healing quality that helps the characters navigate their personal journeys.

The heart of the book lies in the central question it poses to each character, and by extension, to the reader: "What is your true-life wish?" This isn't a superficial question about winning the lottery or acquiring a new car, but a profound inquiry into the deepest desires of one's soul. Answering this question along with the characters felt both introspective and incredibly rewarding.

I absolutely loved the magical, surreal nature of this story. Reading it felt like being in a dream—a truly ethereal experience that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. The narrative is both gentle and powerful, offering a deep sense of peace and healing.

This novel is a beautiful exploration of life's full-circle moments and the quiet magic that can be found in everyday life. I would highly recommend Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop to anyone who appreciates magical tales and to those who have a fondness for Japanese literature. It's a perfect read for anyone seeking a story that is as comforting as it is thought-provoking.

Thank you for NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!!

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is making an exception and appearing at Christmastime, regardless of the moon phase. Cats that transform into humans, they serve what each customer needs, not wants, and the shop pops up when they sense someone needs them, helping them find their heart’s desire with pointed questions, astrology, and of course the special dishes they serve. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this unique, feel-good fantasy ably translated from Japanese by Jordan Taylor.

I'm not sure I understood anything about this novella. Three main characters who are facing some major decisions in their lives, a magical cafe that seems to materialize wherever needed, said cafe is run by magical cats. The zodiac and astrological signs plays a large part in this story. The setting was beautiful, Christmas lights and shopping and a child who is wise beyond her years. Oh, yes, there is the delayed pet adoption (why the delay?).
Is this novella on its way to become anime, or a new computer game, or a movie? It was hard to tell.

I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read an early ARC of Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop thanks to @netgalley and @ballantinebooks | @penguinrandomhouse . I hadn’t read the first Full Moon Coffee Shop book yet, so I was a little worried this one might be confusing. But I was relieved to see, in the editor’s note, that it can be read as a standalone.

As a huge fan of cozy translated fiction, I found myself instantly intrigued by the plot: a magical coffee shop that appears where it’s needed, serving enchanted food and drinks (like Sparkler Ice Tea!) tailored to each visitor—all wrapped up in an astrological bow? Yes, please!

Oh, and did I mention there are magical cats too?

I’d give this book a solid 3.75 stars. It’s an easy, heartwarming read filled with interconnected stories about people who are all searching for something in their lives—something that might just tie back to their moon signs. I also really appreciated the added illustrations, which helped explain some of the more complex astrology terms and gave the story even more depth.

Overall, an enjoyable and charming read!
Make sure to check it out October 28!

I loved this book. It is a great follow up to the 1st book. It is interesting to learn about the different astrology aspects but also great character stories. I highly recommend.

This book was exactly what I needed! It was warm, magical, and surprisingly emotional. It follows three women, each dealing with something big: career vs. love, grief, family issues…and somehow it all connects back to this mysterious little coffee shop in Kyoto that’s run by cats lmao

Yes, actual cats. And honestly it works.

The vibe is super cozy, like a Studio Ghibli scene mixed with holiday magic and just the right touch of fantasy. I loved how the story doesn’t rush; it takes its time letting you sit with the characters and really feel what they’re going through. Whether it’s Satomi figuring out what she really wants, Koyuki dealing with the loss of her dad, or Junko reconnecting with her past, each arc feels honest and heartfelt. The café only appears to those who need it, and the cats? They’re not talking or anything, but they somehow know what you need. It’s whimsical without being cheesy, and it made me want to believe there’s a magical spot like that waiting for all of us.

If you’re into quiet, thoughtful reads with a dash of wonder especially around the holidays–this one is such a gem. It made me tear up in parts, smile in others, and finish the last page feeling a little lighter.

Highly recommend if you liked Before the Coffee Gets Cold or The Cat Who Saved Books. Or if you just need something soft and lovely this season.

A perfect read for December for sure! 🎄

Thank you so much Ballantine Books for gifting me a copy of this book! 💓
Pub date: October 28, 2025

I did not realize this was a sequel so I will have to read the first book before I can give a proper review. I love cozy mysteries and this seems to be that. I loved it from my perspective as someone who did not read the first book..

If you enjoyed the Full Moon Coffee Shop you will want to read this sequel. The magical atmosphere of kindness permeates as we drop into the lives, hopes and fears of the customers.

I didn't know what to expect while reading this sequel, but it did not disappoint. It kicks off with the same formula as the first and it just works really well. Thanks so much to Ballantine for the ARC.

The book starts off with a couple page conversation regarding astrology that kind of confused me but since I'm use to the astrology talk from the first novel, I could get through it. Once we get the brief intro into astrology and get to know individuals involved in the coffee shop, we're thrown into our first individuals story.

Throughout the book, we get to explore three different women that are connected and watch something simple like a conversation and dinner lead to big changes in their life. My favorite story was the last one with Junko and Ayu. Children truly bring the best out in some individuals and it was heartwarming to see the dad from the mother's perspective, which is sometimes difficult when you're the one in the thick of it.

I really enjoyed this sequel and hope there are more to come. It's such a quick and heartwarming read that you almost know is always going to turn out well.

Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop is very similar to Mai Mochizuki’s previous book, the Full Moon Coffee Shop. The plot is similar, too - a series of character are undecided about the next step in their life or caught in a rut - and a visit to this magically coffee shop helps them figure out their path.

The book is translation from Japanese and likewise set in Japan. And like the previous book, I loved it - a lovely, gentle book, more like poetry than a heavily plotted book with lots of action like I typical read. It did have a bit of Astrology in it, but I didn’t find it to be too much.

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

Thank you, Ballantine, for providing the copy of Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki. This is the second book in the series and it is as fun as the first book. I loved learning more about astrology, and the stories are cute and sweet. If you want a fun and fast read, check out this book!
4 stars

This was such a touching and sweet read. There were some sad bits, but overall a very quick, fun and easy read.

I absolutely loved The Full Moon Coffee Shop, so I was beyond excited to dive into this second installment. What I adore about these books is how life lessons are gently woven through each story, how people’s paths unexpectedly connect, and how the characters begin to realize that what they believed when they were younger might not be the full truth. However, I’ll admit I probably need to brush up on my astrology a bit 😂 but I loved how the star charts and mystical cats gently guided each character.

This book follows three women whose lives intertwine in beautiful, surprising ways:

☕ Satomi – a devoted Tokyo workaholic torn between her career and a quieter life as a Christmas proposal looms.

☕ Koyuki – A temp that works with Satomi, quietly struggling to feel like part of her mother’s new family while still grieving the past.

☕ Junko – Satomi’s sister‑in‑law, travels back home with her daughter Ayu, and together they uncover long-buried truths and healing.

Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop, and its uncanny feline residents quietly nudges each woman toward understanding what they truly want for their futures. I love how these stories explore how our childhood perceptions can change with time, and how a little bit of magic (and some wise cats 🐱✨) can help us see things more clearly.

If you enjoy cozy, heartwarming reads with a touch of mysticism, this series is a must‑read. It’s full of tenderness, self-discovery, and those little life lessons that stick with you long after the last page.