I'm reading this fantasy where dreams come true, wishes are fulfilled, and the past is rectified. Thanks to a magical bookshop with a large blooming cherry tree overhanging it, and a young woman who gives out the right books to the right people who need it, and also thanks to a large calico cat that gives hints to visitors with meows and blinks.

Each chapter has different books to recommend and different people with their own unique regrets and wishes to fulfill. The book begins in spring when the cherry blossom tree is in full bloom and continues through all the seasons of the year

The first chapter is memorable, when a young manga artist gets comfort and inspiration from a visit with her dead mother, whose words of advice help her carry on in spite of her difficulties at work. In the second chapter, a retired railway man battling increasing dementia keeps a promise to his wife, who died before he could show her the magnificent cherry blossom trees near an old disused railway line. He also promised that they would celebrate 100 years together, and managed to do that at the bookshop, their fifty years of marriage totalling 100 for the both of them.

The stories are more than just fantasy. They incorporate wise sayings and ways of looking at life, the past, and coping with the present and the future.

This book follows four different stories that explore themes of grief, friendship, and familial relationships. I really loved our main character Sakura, and her lovely cat Kobako who are the keepers of the cherry blossom book store. I had a great time reading this and learned a lot about Japanese culture. The author does a great job with imagery in their writing and makes this book so cozy and heartwarming to read. This book is great for fans of When the Coffee Gets Cold series, as it follows the similar time travel and closure themes that the series has.

This was such a cosy read. I loved spending time in the little cherry blossom bookshop, and the cat totally stole my heart. Each story had its own mix of grief and hope, and the gentle magic made everything feel warm and comforting.

I also loved the bits of Japanese culture sprinkled throughout. It gave the whole book a really peaceful vibe.
If you like quiet cosy Asian Fiction with a touch of magic, this one is for you

Honestly? I’m convinced this bookshop needs to appear in my life immediately! Preferably in my backyard. Under a cloud of pink petals. With a magical cat included.

From the moment I stepped into the story, I felt like I was walking through drifting cherry blossoms straight into a quiet little shop that smelled like old paper, warm wood, and the kind of coffee that somehow knows your emotional state. Sakura the enigmatic owner with a calm smile and a past she keeps tucked away like a pressed flower completely drew me in. And Kobako? The wise calico cat who may or may not understand every human emotion better than I do? Iconic.

What really got me were the four visitors whose stories unfold across the seasons. Each one carries regrets like heavy luggage, and each one finds a book that gently or not so gently nudges them toward healing. I swear, every time a character cracked open a book, I felt like I was being handed a little piece of wisdom too. There’s something so quietly powerful about watching strangers confront old pain and find soft places to land.

This book is cozy, melancholic, hopeful, and just the right amount of magic like a Studio Ghibli film wrapped in a blanket. I closed the final page feeling lighter, like Sakura had poured me a cup of coffee and told me to let my heart breathe a little.

⚡️Thank you Harper Collins and Takuya Asakura for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc. I am a huge fan of Asian fiction, and this one didn’t disappoint. As usual, the story was beautiful and the author truly crafted something magnificent.

the vanishing cherry blossom bookshop was so cozy and magical, it made me really understand why I love reading so much! it was a simple yet enchanting story that pulled me in from the start. I enjoyed it so so much.

⭐ Contemporary Fiction | Magical Realism | Grief & Healing

Thank you to Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop takes place in a world where each character’s life is interwoven through shared experiences of loss. Every person who steps into the magical bookshop carries the weight of losing a loved one, but each deals with their grief in a different way, mostly wishing they had just a little more clarity or one last moment.

The bookshop itself is beautifully atmospheric, filled with books, coffee, sakura-themed décor, and under a special ritual, it allows visitors to relive their memories in vivid detail. This supernatural element is handled gently, more comforting than eerie, and creates a space where characters gain insights they never had the chance to understand while their loved ones were alive.

Even with its warm, cozy aesthetics, the story is still grounded in themes of death and longing, so it isn’t a purely lighthearted read. Still, the emotional depth is compelling. I even found myself becoming more immersed by listening to the same music the main character listens to during the rituals while reading.

The ending is bittersweet, offering closure without erasing the ache of loss.
A touching and reflective read for fans of magical realism, emotional character journeys, and cozy but haunting atmospheres.

Thank you for the ARC!

I really, truly enjoyed this story from page one. I wouldn't say this is a standard cozy read that has low stakes and you can just skip merrily through. I would say this is a book that you would enjoy sitting under a blanket with a warm beverage and letting it guide you through a beautiful atmosphere while weaving in more of the heavier themes. With that said, the heavier themes did not feel as heavy as they could've been—this is a testament to the world that Asakura has built. The book was life lessons, warm hugs, coziness, and inspiration wrapped into one.

A daughter reconciles with her mother, a husband keeps the promise he can't remember, sisters learn to understand one another, and a family finally moves forward while honoring what they had lost.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura (translated by Yuka Maeno) explores what it is to feel grief for those you love and who you had been. It had me absolutely bawling in the exact way I needed. Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

To be truthful, I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. That isn't to say I thought it would be bad, but this has easily become a top read for me, which I didn't expect. Is it perfect? No, but it hits all the sore spots of my core just right, and that's perfect for me. The fact that all of the emotional beats still hit when it's a translated title I feel is not only a testament to the author, but the care put in by the translator as well. If it interests you, I would suggest taking the time to read her note at the end.

There is a Spotify code for a playlist at the beginning of the book. Normally, I may check out book playlists to see what's on them, but I rarely actually listen to them while I read. However, I really enjoyed this playlist both for reading this book and in general. I like to relax to lofi music, and these songs had a lot of the same feel (though not really lofi). Usually, listening to music with words distracts me while I'm reading, but I think it helped that the songs that did have words were mainly in Japanese and I was able to enjoy the sound of their voice without being too distracted while I was reading. I wouldn't try to say you HAVE to listen while you read, just that I would at the very least give it a try if you like that kind of music.

This is one of the most beautiful stories about grief I have ever read, and I can't wait to add this to my bookshelf upon release.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura is soft, atmospheric, and quietly emotional—the kind of story that feels like stepping into a memory you didn’t know you needed. The bookshop itself feels almost alive, wrapped in fleeting moments, missed chances, and the gentle ache of time passing. Asakura’s writing is understated but deeply intentional, letting silence, small gestures, and unspoken feelings carry the weight. It’s a slow read in the best way, inviting you to pause, breathe, and really sit with each moment.

What makes this a five-star read is its tenderness. This book understands grief, nostalgia, and the beauty of impermanence without ever being heavy-handed. It reminds you that some places—and some people—are meant to change us briefly but profoundly. By the end, it leaves you with that bittersweet feeling of wanting to hold on while knowing you can’t, and somehow finding peace in that. It’s gentle, reflective, and perfect for readers who love stories that linger long after the last page.

This was gentle and comforting in a way that feels meant to be savored. The Cherry Blossom Bookshop and its quiet magic create a soothing space where reflection feels natural rather than heavy, and I enjoyed watching each visitor find a little clarity through stories and small moments of care. Sakura and Kobako add warmth and calm without ever taking over the narrative, letting the focus stay on healing and acceptance. It’s a soft, hopeful read that lingers, perfect if you’re in the mood for something tender and quietly reassuring.

gorgeously lyrical book with a fantastic and quite cozy plotting throughout. would definitely recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop was such an incredible and magical read. It is the story of a bookshop owner, and of course her adorable furry companion.

I was originally drawn into this book by the cover. I lived in Japan for a few years and i absolutely loved cherry blossom season.

What I was not expecting was the tears I would shed from the book. It is about love, loss, and finding your happiness again through it all. It is a good reminder to cherise those small moments with those who matter the most.

If you’re reading the same part of the same book as the host in the Sakura bookshop/cafe at the same time in the spring time, then you will be welcomed to this bookshop/cafe. It’s a magical spot where guests are taken back to a happy time where they can heal and/or feel positivity in the present time.

This book takes you through a few readers who need some sort of healing such as a young adult who is a manga artists, but is having a bit of a problem. There’s an older gentleman who is forgetting his present day settings, but so desperately wants to see his wife and tries to remember the promise he’s made to her. There’s also a set of twins who start growing up differently and living different lives.

This bookshop/cafe is such a special place and I love the concept of it. I also love how the guests are invited. It’s like this spot just appears when you look past the beautiful cherry blossom tree.

What a refreshing entry in the cozy magical realism genre in Japanese translated works that have been a dime a dozen since the popularity of the Before The Coffee Gets Cold books. Most of the books in that series and many like it are often hit or miss and rarely memorable. This one stands out in a couple of different ways. First, there is some real magic in the existence and appearance of the bookshop. Secondly, the books marking each chapter is strategic to the story of the protagonists of that chapter and it's beautiful and quietly profound, without being redundant in its description of the bookshop. Lastly, the author does something impressively meta with the last story that goes into why the shop exists and a fictionalized history of the existence of the book itself. Beautifully done, and that cover is gorgeous. Thanks Netgalley for the ebook ARC of the translation.

I absolutely loved reading this book, it reminded me so much of The Five People You Meet in Heaven because the characters truly learned the significance of how their lives impacted those around them. It was beautifully written, and with exceptional storytelling and detail.

Thank you Harper Collins 360 and NetGalley for the ARC.

"For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, What You Are Looking for Is in the Library, and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop comes an enchanting novel that will linger in your heart long after the last page is turned.

As the last petal falls, the final page is turned...

Welcome to The Cherry Blossom Bookshop, a haven for book lovers that only appears during the fleeting cherry blossom season. Nestled amidst the bloom of delicate petals, you'll find a sanctuary for those burdened by regrets and past sorrows. Here, Sakura, the mysterious young owner, and her wise calico cat, Kobako, patiently await the arrival of souls in need of solace and healing.

Told over four seasons, each visitor to the bookshop holds a book that bridges their past and present, guiding them towards understanding and acceptance. Within the antique charm of the shop and the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Sakura and Kobako help their guests confront their lingering sadness through the power of stories, enabling them to move forward with renewed hope."

I can't help but wonder what would happen if a season was cut short by a storm? It's always so sad when the petals unfurl and then get pulverized.

This book felt quietly magical and deeply comforting. From the start, it radiates warmth and reverence for stories, memory, and human connection. I was completely drawn in by its gentle tone.

The bookshop setting adds such a cozy, almost timeless quality to the story. It feels like a love letter to reading and the way books connect people across moments of loss and change.

I loved how reflective and tender the storytelling is. It doesn’t rush emotional moments, allowing them to unfold naturally and with grace.

This is the kind of book I would recommend when someone wants something soothing but meaningful. Beautiful, calm, and emotionally resonant in a quiet, lasting way.

An example of judging a book by its cover and having it pay off! I loved this. Such a sweet book.

A bookshop owner and her calico cat helping people remember and reconnect by choosing books that bring them all together. The bookshop was so idyllic. I could picture myself wanting to always be there. Woody and cozy and smelling of fresh coffee. Cherry blossoms blowing outside. Records spinning. And shop cat. Burry me there. Perfect.

I loved the different episodes taking place and how they were all brought together in the final. Some stories hit harder than others, but I enjoyed them all. Bringing people together, helping them remember….brought tears to my eyes a few times.

Such a beautiful book that covers the navigation of grief, loss, and love. All with the help of your favorite, or most memorable, book. The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a place for those of us that are lost and need a little guidance. I would bot mind visiting there myself.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars!

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop was my first Japanese translation I've read and it was so cozy and comforting - like a soft blanket and hot coffee in a book!

This book follows the Cherry Blossom Bookshop, a magical shop that appears to the people who need it most only under specific circumstances. The owner Sakura and her suspiciously magical calico cat Kobako assist people with finding memories that answer questions and heal regrets from the past, giving bookshop visitors a sense of closure by the time they leave.

I really liked the stories for the first two visitors, especially Mio. The last story helps explain the origins of the bookshop and tie multiple threads together, which I really enjoyed. The author also described the atmosphere and setting with the most beautiful and vivid details.

I love that the beginning of this book includes a Spotify playlist to listen to while reading. I thought this was very unique and helped get into the feel of the bookshop.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book - especially if you are a lover of cozy stories. This book has a hopeful outlook and helped me slow down for a bit to just enjoy the experience of reading it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Takuya Asakura for this advance readers copy. All opinions are my own. This book will be out for publication on March 24, 2026.

I've chosen to read The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop for its beautiful cover and I also love everything that has to do with Cherry Blossoms.

This is not your usual bookshop: people go to help be reminded of their lost memories, diving into the books they loved. All the stories in the book made me cry and think about my loved ones whom has passed away.

Just because they are gone does not mean you will forget your loved ones.

A bookshop appears only when the cherry blossoms are blooming
Within that bookshop, we meet a cast of characters that are going through so much in their lives
This is an intimate and raw and beautiful lookout humanity.

I asked for this Arc because I wanted to see if this story would encourage me to try more translated work. It in fact has encouraged me to read more translated work in the future.

This book is composed of four chapters having interconnected stories and arranged around individual tales of different characters who undergo various difficulties in life. I would encourage anyone to read this story and be prepared to grab some tissues for those tears.

Even though I really enjoyed the characters and stories I just don't see myself re-reading the story after reading it for the first time and that is why it is a four star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Arc of this book and my honest review.

This book made me cry. It was a story of a bookshop among the cherry blossoms that touched the lives of those who had pain or needed healing. The keeper of the shop and her cat have an integral part in the lives of characters. Each character who enters the hidden shop has to be reading the same book as the shopkeeper at the same time. The concept of multiple places existing without our awareness makes the story unique. The writing is soft, soothing, and hopeful. There are four main sections each based on the reading of a different book--Peter Pan and the Little Prince are two of the books. The stories relate to happenings in the characters' lives. Each character finds peace and healing at the shop. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc. Book discussions at the end as well as notes on the translation.

Takuya Asakura’s The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop (Harper 360) uses its ephemeral, appears-when-needed bookshop not just as cozy décor but as a narrative mechanism for staging controlled returns to grief. Across four seasonal, lightly linked episodes, Sakura and her cat Kobako curate specific books as portals, letting visitors re-enter a single relationship or promise long enough to re-interpret it rather than rewrite it. That constraint—memories revisited but not undone—shifts the novel from wish-fulfillment to ethical mourning, where healing means integrating loss into ongoing life instead of escaping it. Asakura’s quiet magical realism and emphasis on tiny gestures, shared texts, and ritualized coffee make the book feel less like plot-driven fantasy and more like a meditation on how stories can hold what the living can’t quite say aloud.

(Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for an honest review)

thank you to netgalley for an arc copy of this book🥰 to me this was the perfect short read, compared to some books i’ve read before, and it was amazing🥰 I loved everything about it!

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a heartwarming and cozy collection of tales in which several people are transported to a bookshop/cafe where they are guided by a young woman and her cat through moments of their lives that connect with different classic books. This is one of those books that is good for the soul. I smiled, laughed, and cried as I followed the characters as they unraveled mysteries and worked through personal traumas. Like a hug, Takuya Asakura’s story wraps around the reader in a comforting embrace. Employing several interesting literary techniques such as using a frame story and mise en abyme, this clever and charming new novel is a must read for fans of literature, coffee, and cats. If you enjoyed Before the Coffee Gets Cold, What You Are Looking for Is In the Library, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, The Traveling Cat Chronicles, and Lonely Castle in the Mirror, you are sure to fall in love with The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop as I have.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a gentle, atmospheric story full of quiet magic and emotional reflection. The charming concept—a mysterious bookshop that appears only under cherry blossoms to help its visitors heal through stories—creates a cozy, contemplative reading experience. Each character’s journey through loss, hope, and acceptance is touching and heartfelt, and the setting, complete with coffee, petals, and a wise calico cat, makes this a soothing read for fans of cozy magical realism.

A memorable and cozy slice of life novel that made me think after each chapter about what it means to heal after dealing with issues one is afraid to face.

Thank you Netgalley for this e-ARC! I really enjoyed the premise of this cozy but very heartfelt book about an inter-dimensional bookshop that allows people to connect to their past, their memories and those they have lost through passages from books with the help of a mysterious young woman and her cat. The way each chapter explored the stories of different characters on the cusp of a life transition, whether it was coming to grips with the grief of losing a mother to losing ones memories in old age, felt like an opportunity to step into these character's lives. Though some parts of the descriptions of the bookshop and its magic felt a little repetitive, I was still engaged and moved by this book and the thoughtful translator's note.

I loved this book. I read it while being snowed in and I thought it was so warm and cozy. I think the book shows the beauty and magic of everyday life and the hints of magic there. I think the characters are wonderful to read and really welcomed me into the story. I think this book is a great read if you are looking for a nice feel good book to cozy up with.

This was a healing journey story. A cozy warm hug that was wonderful to read. I enjoyed diving into this book and it did not disappoint!

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is one of those stores that makes you stop and think. It is beautifully written and makes you look at relationships a little more closely as well as yourself. Good for lovers of stories like "Before the Coffee Gets Cold." Asakura showcases a type of healing that develops with each person that enters the bookshop. This book is good for lovers of stories that are bittersweet and lovers of comfort in moments of sadness. It is easily worth the read.

Gentle and warm read but also emotional throughout. I have ready many books similar to this , such as Before the Coffee Gets Cold , but this one stood out among many.. I would recommend it to anyone that likes Japanese cozy novels and have the patience to stick with a story to see how it all connects by the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC!

This was a beautiful and emotional story. A shop, peddler of dreams only shows up at a specific time of the year, and only when the same book is being read. The book is broken up into four parts with four different stories, and each part goes in depth on the characters, their backstories, and their resolution. The first one hit me the hardest, perhaps I'm in the time of my life where I am dealing with aging parents. Once I got to the fourth part though, the book felt super meta and the timeline just didn't matter anymore. You could say it doesn't make sense, but once we forget the rules of time, it really makes no difference.

I find these books so comforting, so quiet, and so insightful. It's part fantasy, but the human emotions, interactions, and struggles are all so relatable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I was blown away. This collection of cozy short stories that all weave together by the end had me shedding so many tears. Each story explores a different type of relationship, mother and daughter, husband and wife, and more. This fictional exploration, told through magical realism, into grief and how it shapes us was a beautiful ride. I will admit I requested the book because I am obsessed with cherry blossoms, and I finished it being a little more at peace with all the grief I experience. The book also explores themes of how each book we read is a portal to another world, another life we get to live.

The writing and complexity of this book is simple and straight forward but so profoundly impactful. I do wonder if some of that is due to it being translated from another language and not so much the writing or the stories themselves. Regardless this is worth a read, and I think I will carry the lessons in this one with me for a while.

I received a complimentary digital Advanced Reader copy of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a book meant to be savored. While there was a common thread tying the stories together into one singular plot, I took my time with each chapter. Healing fiction is one of my favorite genres to spend more time with. It can feel a little repetitive if read in one go, but treating each chapter as if it were a separate story truly made this book shine. It was cozy, whimsical, yet deep and not at all fluffy. I did find the translation to be a little too literal at times, which resulted in some of the dialogue sounding a bit dry and abrupt.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was just a cozy book that made me laugh and cry. It was not only incredibly touching and heartbreakingly sad but, in many ways, surprisingly comforting aswell. I would recommend this!

𐔌 . ⋮ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒎 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱
𝒋𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 #20

˚ ༘ 🍵🌿🪷🍙⋆｡˚

—𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ౨ৎ

reading this beautiful little novella so that i can hit my goal of 20 books before january ends

—𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ❦

➸ i like to think that a lady and her cat exist in a little bookshop and provide miracles to those in need

➸ this was touching, sweet, beautifully written, captivating, and emotional all in one artfully-drawn package. i really enjoyed reading it, and it was a lovely experience!

➸ the characters were all likable, and i shed a few tears at shingo's story. i was intrigued by the mystery of kobako, and i could practically imagine the smells and the sights of the shop. it was all quite vivid, and such a cleanser from our world today.

➸ i would recommend this to anybody, from cozy vibes to poignant storytelling. it's enjoyable, mysterious, and strangely nostalgic. i could think up a million words to describe this detailed world, which really goes to show the excellent storytelling!

➸ thank you so much to the author and netgalley for letting me have this arc! so sweet and beautiful, and i would absolutely recommend!

I loved this! This was so fun. The transition between the seasons was so fun. This was so emotion filled and I did not expect it based on the length of the book. I’ve loved Japanese books translated to English and this one really solidified that for me!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for this ARC!

This is a wonderful and gentle story. The single line woven through all of the individual stories was really well done.

It was warm and whimsical, a wonderful combination in magical realism. It also depicted grief really well, which is hard to do.

The last chapter was my favorite part of the book. The moment where you see how everything is woven together convinced me I truly do need more Japanese healing fiction in my life.

At times the translation felt a bit too straightforward, but nonetheless beautiful.

A story about a girl and her cat who run a magical tea shop that also sells books where the visitors appear if they happen to be reading the exact book, on the same page at the same time as the girl. There they find the healing through stories, and a bit of guidance.

The book is told through four stories of people that are dealing grief and regret.

I enjoyed this one. It’s very cozy. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

| 5/5 Stars | ★★★★★

Trigger Warnings for The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop​: Grief, Death, Suicide, Memory Loss, Family Estrangement

The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop is a series of a interconnected short stories written by Takuya Asakura and translated by Yuka Maeno. Each story is connected by Sakura, the shop owner, and Kobako, a calico cat. Particularly, the connection lies in the book Kobako has Sakura pick up which, in turn, is the same book the unwitting patron of the bookshop is also reading.

​This book totally surprised me. I was immediately taken by the beautiful cover and thought the description sounded kind of neat so why not? Now, I don't typically love short stories, but this one really does it for me due to their interconnected nature. Slowly finding out more about Sakura, Kobako, and the folks they bring into their little shop each year during the cherry blossom season was so fun. I particularly loved the interlude chapter where we got to see Sakura and Kobako interact more with one another.

A cute, fun read that really packs a punch. This is an easy one to pick up and put back down without losing the meaning. I did not expect my first 5-star book of the year to be a review copy, but here it is! ​Thank you to Takuya Asakura, Yuka Maeno, Harper360, and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautifully written, powerful novel that stayed with me after I finished. Asakura creates an atmosphere that feels both delicate and emotional, blending themes of memory, loss, and healing with a genuine love for books. The bookshop itself feels magical—less as a setting and more as a living space where characters confront grief, nostalgia, and the parts of themselves they’ve been holding back. I loved how the story unfolds, trusting the reader to sit with the emotions rather than rushing toward the end. This is the kind of book that invites you to slow down and savor it. It’s tender, hopeful, and deeply comforting, especially for readers who believe in the quiet power of books to connect people across time and loss.

This book was a bit of a rollercoaster for me, I was really enjoying the stories and their connections with the books, then in the last chapter <spoiler>we got super meta, and this is the book he was writing, and that threw me for a loop,</spoiler> but over by the end end I was back to enjoying the story.

There was something in the repetition that I felt I was missing, each story contained random elements that I thought would be resolved into something more (the girl's cough, the cat's position*, the fact that this was a coffee shop too but we never really talked about the fact they had coffee?) or could have been fleshed out a little more.

I liked little concepts from all of the stories that I highlighted and thought resonated like this line from Shiho "Using my head from something else, even for a little bit, helps me move forward when I feel like I've hit a dead end."

Or this one that really resonates with the power of our thoughts "Words are already there before you say them out loud. Just because they haven't taken form yet, it doesn't mean they're not there."

As always with these types of books, I felt like I got a lot of book recommendations so I will try a couple out! Very enjoyable, and I spaced out the book over some time taking it one story at a time.

I really recommend translator's note because it was really enlightening about how to translate and the Japanese language!

*This was expounded upon in the great translator's note and so I assume these might be cultural references I am missing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full of wonder and gentle magic. The story is comforting yet exciting, perfect for a cozy escape into fantasy.

What a gentle, magical read that feels like a warm cup of tea.

The Cherry Blossom Bookshop, a haven for book lovers, appears only during the short cherry blossom season. This hidden sanctuary, nestled among those cherry blossoms, is reserved for those burdened by regret and past sorrows. It opens only when certain requirements are met. Inside, the mysterious young owner, Sakura, and her wise calico cat, Kobako, await each visitor with patience and understanding.

Told over four (lengthy) interconnected seasonal stories, the novel follows guests who each arrive holding a book that bridges their past and present. Within the antique charm of the shop, surrounded by the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Sakura and Kobako gently guide them toward understanding, acceptance, and healing. Themes of grief, memory, regret, and second chances are tenderly explored, and while the pacing is quiet and reflective, the emotional impact lingers long after the final page. Fans of cozy Japanese healing fiction will appreciate the comforting atmosphere and the way stories themselves become doorways, both literally and metaphorically, between who we were and who we are becoming.

Soft, bittersweet, and quietly hopeful. It kept me thinking in the best way.

“A book is a door to another unknown world.” Beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Look for this book March 24, 2026!

Thank you NetGalley and author for a copy of this beautiful book. I was already drawn in by the stunning cover art I always loved cherry blossoms so I knew I was gonna love this book and I did.

"The shop named Sakura is tucked away in a place beyond anyone's understanding. In front of it stands a weeping cherry tree that presides over time and miracles, bursting with wondrous flowers.

The door to this world only opens during cherry-blossom season, when the flowers are in full bloom" - The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop

Normally I would not start a review with a quote from the book, but those lines which are the final two lines of the book really encompass what this book is. A store, a cat, and a girl that can bring people together across time and death by simply reading a book. It's a beautiful testament to just how wonderful books truly are and how the right book doesn't just bring people together it heals them. I enjoyed this book immensely; it was simply a calm place that I didn't even know I needed to be in until I started reading it.

As always thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the eArc!

“The Cherry Blossom Bookshop” is a wonderful example of healing fiction at its best. The words bloom on the page like cherry blossoms in the peak season of the magical, but timeless spring the characters visit.

For lovers of books like “The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen” by Yuta Takahashi, “The Cat Who Saved Books” by Sosuke Natsukawa, or “Letters From The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop” by Kenji Ueda, this story is similarly infused with a balance of simplicity and depth.

What set this novel apart were the fun and unique ways the author incorporated other beloved novels and music leading up to what was referred to as the “metafictional twist” in the Book Club Questions.

The story was cozy and memorable, and would be a joyful read for anyone who cherishes the power of imagination and storytelling, allowing characters to live on in their hearts and minds.

It might be the beginning of the year but it think this might end up being one of my favorite reads of the year! This book was so thoughtfully done and I found myself tearing up through out multiple sections of the book. I love how the book was laid out with different stories that all took place in the bookshop. I’m a strong believer that the right book at the right time in your life can make all the difference and this book is written on the entire principle of that.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of works in translation and we love books about books!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!