Tales from the Cafe: The cosy Japanese bestseller, book 2 in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series

What a lovely 2nd instalment of this wonderful series. I would highly recommend both book one and this second one, really looking forward to the third in the series. Great author, great stories and really heart wrenching characters. Would you go back in time?…

In this second installment of the Japanese hit novel, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold,” we revisit the nondescript basement cafe that magically transports its customers back in time.The four tales contained in this little cozy book are separate episodes connected by the waitress who is instrumental to the time travel of its select patrons while keeping to a set of firm rules, the enigmatic Kazu. One gets a closer glimpse of her character and why she is so taciturn and stoic in her supernatural duty.While the tales are not earth-shattering, they are quietly moving, and the simple, unadorned prose conveys acute feelings of longing for reconciliation, understanding and connection with people we hold dear, whether they be lovers, friends, parents, or spouses, some of whom may have shuffled off this mortal coil.For the understated way the stories flow, and the promise of healing that comes with them, I think this book is worth more than 3.5 stars.

I read this book in one day while off sick from work - couldn’t put it down. Incredibly moving, thought-provoking, full of hope. Absolutely beautiful.

It felt comforting to be back in the cafe however some of the stories felt a little too convoluted and it was hard to knit it all together

I honestly didn't think that the first coffee book could be overpowered... was I wrong. This read was exceptional. The author stunned me yet again with his profound and delicate perceptions of different relationships regarding grief.The elements of time travel in the four stories within this read gripped my attention. I honestly couldn't put it down. Each page kept me hooked. Each character, and the reasons they had for returning to the past were so tender and moving.It was intriguing witnessing the different stories overlap, seeing characters from the prequel. What caught me the most, though, was how Kazu changed, and how a conversation changed her treatment of herself - finally allowing herself to move on, and to be happy. It was also heartbreaking to witness the aura of Miki. She is so sweet and hopeful, which was so touching to see.Overall, I have become rather attached to these characters and the cafe itself. I am looking forward for when Before Your Memory Fades is released. This series and place have my heart.

I liked this one more than the first, found it more emotional, however... why must you repeat the rules over and over again? We read them enough in the first book in every story of a different character, why not just put them at the begining of the book and let the reader be reminded of them once instead of every few pages or so.Over all I enjoyed and I can't wait to dive into the third book

Finished 2 out of the 4 books. Quite dfiferent from what I used to reading - suspense/thriller. This book is quite laidback but I have been enjoying reading it.

Amazing read & could not put my book down. Only thing is this book was a bit bent in places & dirty..