Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Heartfelt Novel Exploring Regret, Redemption and Closure From a Magical Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series, 1)

myself

Lite Hearted Story

"Enjoying this book. Easy read for a bit of down time. Would follow this author for more stories. Enjoy the lite humor. ["

May 2, 2026 Verified Purchase

NB

Nice, heart warming book, but can’t understand the hype

"I ordered this book after reading several reviews of how popular it was. It is a nice book with heart warming stories. It made me cry several times. Despite this, I couldn’t understand the hype about this book. It is OK and a good read, but not exceptional. The author is skillful in slowly developing the characters, but the fact that all is set within the confines of a small cafe takes away from the story for me. It is also culturally specific, which made it difficult for me to relate to it at times. The characters seem very restrained in their interactions. The reader is expected to understand a lot from the subtle cultural intricacies of the interactions between the characters, however, those cultural intricacies are from Japanese culture. Due to this, from a Western perspective some parts of the story appear odd. ["

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July 31, 2024 Verified Purchase

KPT

Slow but touching read

"This book was a slow read and not my typical style, so it may rate higher than three stars for others than it did for me. That being said, it was still a very good and touching story that pulls at your heartstrings, especially at the end. It reminds you to no take people for granted. I would recommend this book. ["

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December 17, 2024 Verified Purchase

PWO

Time travel over a cup of coffee!

"A good book! Everyone has at least one moment where they would like a second chance at a conversation with someone. In "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" the characters can have that opportunity for a few minutes under certain conditions. The future can't be changed but understanding, catharsis or a different perspective can be the result. The "what if" quality of the plot is very appealing. This book is quietly thoughtful and can be read in one sitting. It contains 4 stories with overlapping characters. It's still on my mind a month later and I am reading the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend this bittersweet novel. ["

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October 13, 2025 Verified Purchase

Leida Holguin

Loved it!

"This is a heartwarming, poignant, and somewhat mystical exploration of human relationships, regrets, love, and the concept of time. It is a reminder of both the constraints and the possibilities of time, presented through an unassuming yet magical setting - a small, traditional Japanese café. The story takes place in a Tokyo coffee shop, where patrons are given a unique opportunity: to travel in time. However, this is not your typical time-travel story. The rules are strict and somewhat peculiar: you must sit in one specific seat, you can't change the present, and you must return before the coffee gets cold. These rules add a distinctive charm to the story and provide a unique perspective on the concept of time travel. Kawaguchi writes four interconnected stories, each focusing on a different character who seeks to visit a moment in their past/future. The desires of these characters to rectify a regret, to reconnect, to communicate, are moving and relatable. Their narratives are carefully woven together, creating a tapestry that speaks to the interconnectedness of human lives. The writing style is simple, clear, and direct, allowing the emotions of the characters and the moral implications of their journeys to shine through. Some might find this style a bit too plain, and at times, it might seem that the narrative lacks the depth or complexity that could have made the characters more fully realized. However, it can also be argued that the simplicity of the prose mirrors the mundane yet magical setting of the café and the straightforward yet profound dilemmas the characters face. One aspect where the book could have been better is in its pacing. At times, the story tends to slow down, which might test the patience of some readers. Furthermore, while the book's concept is intriguing, the strict rules of time travel somewhat limit the exploration of its potential. However, it's clear that the author's intention was not to write a sci-fi story about time travel but rather to use it as a device to explore themes of regret, acceptance, and the value of the present. Overall, thought-provoking, touching, and unique read. It explores the human condition through a unique lens, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own lives and the choices they've made. Despite minor flaws, the book's emotional resonance, intriguing premise, and memorable characters make it a worthwhile read. This is a book for anyone who enjoys introspective storytelling, as well as those who appreciate a fresh take on well-worn themes. ["

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August 5, 2023 Verified Purchase