paradicsomleves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death of parent, Terminal illness, Abandonment, Grief, and Death
dhiyanah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
While we don't find out much else about the cafe, the story is propelled by the characters' personal grapples and the decisions they make influenced by this magical prospect. The writing begins in a voice that feels too rigid for the emotional quality of what we're being invited into - this might be an aftereffect of the translation. And I agree with other readers that the character names get confusing as they sound/look very similar to each other (in their transliterated English forms). However, the narrative flow does get better and we get to know each character for the distinctive voice they have - so that it becomes easier to identify them just from the style of dialogue, which I thought was quite impressive.
Overall a poignant and playfully reflective read that touches on big relational themes without getting too heavy. A great accompaninent for quiet time with tea, coffee, or your choice of warm drink - perhaps in between journaling or to unwind after a long day. This book is the first in a series which I'm very much looking forward to dipping into ☕
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Pregnancy, Dementia, and Grief
erisouls's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Grief and Dementia
Moderate: Death of parent, Medical content, Pregnancy, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Death, and Terminal illness
Minor: Abortion, Abandonment, and Fire/Fire injury
gabriella_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I like the plot points throughout and felt the world building intriguing. The magical realism elements had a way of grounding the reader while still giving you a bit of whimsy and imagination. I would’ve liked more characterization, but maybe the sequels develop the characters more?
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Terminal illness, Abandonment, Car accident, Dementia, Medical content, and Pregnancy
bronzeageholly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death, Grief, Car accident, Abandonment, and Chronic illness
Minor: Alcohol
hayleyvem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Terminal illness, Grief, Car accident, and Death
Moderate: Pregnancy and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, and Alcohol
lenkusia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
however. i loved the last story. and the one before also wasn’t bad. and i did end up crying by the end. so for now i’m not sure what to say. it’s not a five star. not even four, i don’t think so. its not terrible but it was a bit disappointing after i expected it to be my next favourite.
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Death, and Terminal illness
nojerama's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Dementia, Self harm, Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Abortion, Death, Miscarriage, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Grief
cutepatzie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Abandonment, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Death, Death of parent, and Dementia
thesecretsapphic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
Moderate: Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, and Abortion