Book review: The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin (ARC)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Title: The Little Teashop in Tokyo

Author: Julie Caplin

Expected publication: June 19th 2020

Pre-order: Amazon

Description: Grab your passport and escape to the land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams of the Far East are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, neon-drenched Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but it’s not long before the Japanese art of contentment and a special, traditional tea ceremony work their magic…

Amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently.

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Rating: 5 / 5

When I was requesting my Netgalley books this one caught my eye. To be honest I didn’t know anything about it and didn’t even read the description – what sparked my interest was this beautiful cover and the fact that it’s set in Japan. And that’s all I needed to be sold on it!

This book was so amazing, it made me want to pack my bags and immediately travel (to Japan if it’s possible). It captures the country beautifully, describing not only the main attractions, but also people and the culture. I loved that the main theme is tea and tea ceremonies. It gave this book such a different and unique feeling.

I loved all the characters. Fiona is not the usual petite brunette we are used to in books – she describes herself as big, lanky and clumsy and she’s shy and not overly confident, but that’s just what makes her even more likeable (and somewhat relatable). I love how she grows as a person throughout the book. The travel helps her overcome her fears and imaginary boundaries. It’s also interesting reading about a main character who is a blogger.

Although Gabe annoyed me at first, he turned out to be a lovely character and I loved his and Fiona’s romance. I love how he helps Fiona be more confident. Their romance was really cute. Not the perfect love story we’ve all seen numerous times in movies and books, but a realistic one (although that ending was just adorable).

As far as I remember, this was my first time reading a book centered around photography and I must admit it was interesting. It gave a different light to the plot and the descriptions of different places and sights. I think it would be great if there were some photographs or illustrations in the book (for example, of the boy in front of the torii or of Gabe looking at Mount Fuji). But, it’s also good this way because it let’s everyone imagine in those sights in their head.

It’s a beautiful book and it’s a perfect read if you’re longing to escape your normal surroundings or missing travelling (as we all probably do now). It definitely transported my into this beautiful and amazing country that I now want to visit more than ever!