Quick Synopsis – In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor. And if you are kind to the right cat, you might just find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop under a Christmastime Kyoto moon.

This holiday season, three women stand at a crossroad. With the help of some feline divinations, will they finally have the courage to seek what they most desperately wish for?

Song This Reminds Me Of – All My Love by Noah Kahan

Translation Publication Date – Oct. 28, 2025

Bookshop Link – Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (I receive a small commission if you use my link to order)

Previous Book in The Series – The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

Content Notes – There is a death of a parent off page, homophobia, and death of a dog off page.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

Review – Slight warning there is the death of a dog off page, but the whole storyline with the dog is so sweet that I cried. This book actually made me tear up in a few different spots. The overarching theme throughout the book is different kinds of family and familial relationships. Each woman in the story (Satomi, Koyuki, and Junko) have different journeys they’re on, but their stories tie together so beautifully. I also still love the idea of magical cats that can help you with your problem.

The only reason this isn’t a five-star read for me is that some of the astrology explanations in-between chapters were a little too much for me. I had a hard time following it and flipped back and forth between pages multiple times. I still really enjoyed the book, but I just wasn’t as big of a fan of those parts. I also loved the food and the way it’s described. If this author ever released a companion cookbook, I would purchase it immediately. Am I a good enough cook to replicate these dishes? No. But it’s so pretty I want to try.

I also love that the Master, a giant tabby cat, never seems to use a human form. So, people are like oh it’s just a super realistic costume. When in fact it’s just him as a human sized cat. I don’t know how the resist the urge to pet it. I would have to, and I don’t even like mascots. I do know that I’m excited for the next translation. I love these books.

If you’re looking for a cozy, magical, holiday story this book is for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.